Came into stock: Available from RL Music from January 2025
Servicing Status:
KSR had undertaken an extensive cosmetic and operational restoration, with the project spanning several years but mostly completed by the end of 2024, thanks to the fine efforts of Kent Spong.
Remarks:
We have decided to sell our complete system Korg PS-3200. This instrument forms a part of the RL Music Vintage Synthesizer Collection. We have managed to keep some of the very best examples of Vintage Synthesizers that come through our business over the last 22 years which we kept for our pleasure and interest. Whilst having a privileged position as a specialist dealer in this genre of equipment, we managed to hang on to particular instruments that were interesting and inspiring to us. This Korg PS-3200 is among 40 instruments we own, and it has been the subject of a full and very detailed cosmetic and operational restoration by our trusted vintage synth tech, Kent Spong of KSR.
It’s generally accepted that Korg only produced around 200 of the PS-3200, a number that is difficult to verify with any accuracy, but regardless of it being 100 or 500 units made, such limited quantities make this model a very rare hand-made instrument by any definition.
Due to the nature of limited production run instruments like this Korg PS-3200, certain aspects to the sale will be unique, so we have tried our best here to fully represent the instrument with all the information we have available and honestly and acutely describe it. We encourage any prospective buyer to ensure you have all you need to make an informed decision to purchase it, so we are available to field any enquiry you may have, but we hope the following information covers all the pertinent details on this very special instrument.
Provenance:
We purchased this PS-3200 from a UK seller (an expert user) in 2015, and we collected it in person from their studio in the South of England. At the time of the sale, the Korg was fully working but had not been professionally serviced so we decided to add it to our Korg ‘PS’ collection as this completed the full lineup and then decide later on what we wanted to do with it. We do not have any prior history about this PS-3200, but like most examples of this model we have seen over the years, they are generally well looked after, robust and reliable hand-made instruments by Korg.
The overall condition of the PS-3200 was all original and very good but it was showing signs of wear to all the cosmetic surfaces and the faux wooden cabinet, wear that was indicative of a 35+-year-old (at the time) synthesizer, so after some consideration, we decided to go for a full operational and cosmetic restoration. This kind of very high-level restoration was something we used to do quite a lot in the past but demand for highly restored vintage synths has declined in recent times due to the accelerating prices for vintage gear in any condition, so we found that prices have dominated people’s decisions rather than the added value (and cost) that comes with restoration work. However, as we owned this PS-3200 for our private collection then the huge restoration effort and costs were a personal choice, and it most certainly added value to this particular example.
System Configuration:
PS-3200 – Main frame
PS-3010 – Keyboard Controller
PS-3030 – Remote
PS-3001 – Cable
Kenton MIDI Retrofit Kit Fitted
This particular PS-3200 comes with the extremely rare PS-3030 Remote, which was a unique solution for live-playing musicians to have access to the PS-3200 patch memories. It’s rather a quirky device through modern eyes but in the context of a synth player in 1978, this was a remarkable high-tech, ground-breaking facility for a polyphonic synthesiser for its time.
We purchased a brand new MIDI retrofit kit from Kenton Electronics UK for this PS-3200, so KSR installed this into the Korg at the time the operational restoration work was being carried out.
Historical Context:
The Korg PS-3200 is a historically significant synthesizer that emerged during a transformative period in electronic music. Here’s a detailed historical context for its development and impact:
- The Synthesizer Revolution of the 1970s
The 1970s were a golden age for synthesizer innovation. As electronic music gained popularity, musicians and producers sought more expressive and versatile instruments. Early synthesizers, like the Moog Modular systems and ARP 2600, were groundbreaking but often monophonic (capable of playing only one note at a time). The demand for polyphonic synthesizers—capable of playing multiple notes simultaneously—grew, leading to the development of instruments like the Korg PS-3200.
2. Korg’s Entry into the Synthesizer Market
Korg, founded in 1962 by Tsutomu Katoh and Tadashi Osanai, initially focused on producing rhythm machines and electronic keyboards. By the mid-1970s, Korg had established itself as a serious competitor in the synthesizer market with instruments like the Korg MiniKorg 700 and the Korg MaxiKorg. The PS-3200, released in 1978, was part of Korg’s PS (Polyphonic Synthesizer) series, which also included the PS-3100 and PS-3300. These instruments were designed to meet the growing demand for polyphonic capabilities in a professional studio and live performance context.
3. Technological Advancements in the PS-3200
The PS-3200 was a technological marvel for its time. Key features included:
48-note polyphony: Unprecedented for an analogue synthesizer, allowing for rich, layered sounds.
Programmable presets: Unlike many analogue synthesizers of the era, the PS-3200 allowed users to save and recall sounds, a feature that was highly innovative.
Unison detuning: This feature allowed for thick, chorused sounds that became a hallmark of the PS-3200’s sonic character.
These advancements made the PS-3200 one of the most advanced synthesizers of its time, competing with other high-end polyphonic synthesizers like the Yamaha GX-1 and the Oberheim Polyphonic Synthesizer.
4. Limited Production and Exclusivity
The PS-3200 was a hand-built instrument, requiring significant labor and expertise to assemble. This, combined with its high cost limited its production would have had a niche appeal to buyers in the late 1970’s. As a result, it was primarily used by professional musicians, studios, and wealthy enthusiasts. Its exclusivity and advanced features contributed to its legendary status.
5. Influence on Music and Culture
The PS-3200 was used by prominent artists and producers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its lush, analogue sound made it ideal for creating pads, strings, and atmospheric textures. While it was not as widely adopted as some other synthesizers of the era (like the Minimoog or Prophet-5), it had a significant impact on the development of electronic music and synthesizer design.
6. Legacy and Historical Significance
The Korg PS-3200 represents a pivotal moment in the history of synthesizers. It showcased the potential of polyphonic analogue synthesis and programmable presets, paving the way for future innovations in electronic music technology. Today, the PS-3200 is a highly sought-after collector’s item, valued for its rarity, historical importance, and unique sound.
Conclusion
The Korg PS-3200 is a symbol of the creativity and ambition of the late 1970s synthesizer industry. Its advanced features and limited production have cemented its place as a classic in the history of electronic music, influencing both the technology and the artistry of sound synthesis.
About Restoration & Servicing:
This Korg PS-3200 has been subjected to what we used to term as ‘Total Restoration,’ so a complete operational and cosmetic overhaul plus brand new cabinets were produced by Ross Lamond in solid Walnut for the mainframe, PS-3010 Keyboard Controller and the end-cheeks for the PS-3030 Remote device. The original faux chipboard and synthetic veneer cabinets were donated to Ross Lamond at the time of manufacture so he could correctly replicate the cabinets, these are no longer available, but the beautiful solid Walnut cabinets are stunning.
Our good friend and highly regarded vintage synth tech – Kent Spong at KSR, was commissioned to undertake the restoration work, but there were several specialist suppliers involved in the restoration, so here are the highlights of what has been done to this PS-3200.
- Complete disassembly of all control surfaces, so all potentiometers and jack socks are removed from all panels by KSR.
- mainframe control surface, PS-3010 Keyboard and PS-3030 Remote panels sent to a professional powder coating business in the UK.
- Post-powder-coating, the panels were hand-delivered to our printing specialist in the UK to have all the screen printing carried out. All the artwork for this was custom produced and paid for by us and our printer carried out all the work.
- Walnut Wood Cabinets collected by hand from Lamond Design (no longer trading) and delivered to KSR for preparation – staining and waxing etc.
- A MIDI Retrofit Kit was purchased from Kenton Electronics.
- Brand new 1/4 inch Switchcraft jack sockets for both the mainframe and PS-3010 Controller
- Brand new power socket on the mainframe control panel.
- Once all the various parts were ready from our restoration partners (above) then everything was delivered to KSR for assembly:
– Re-capped the entire PS-3200 with new capacitors, inc PSU
– Replace all 1/4 inch jack sockets with new Switchcraft sockets
– Cleaned all PCB edge-connections
– Reassembly of all control surface components
– Install Kenton MIDI Kit-Finalising – system-wide testing and calibrations
-The card-edge connectors on this PS-3200 were all in excellent condition so the decision was taken not to replace these during the restoration.
KSR do not produce restoration reports but the above works carried out are extensive and the final product is more akin to a brand new instrument. We don’t know how much labour was involved in this restoration project as a whole but with all the parties involved, it’s likely hundreds of hours and (we know) thousands of £-pounds.
For many discerning buyers, the investment we have made into this PS-3200 is highly valued, and at the time of producing this document, we are not aware of any comparable PS-3200 being offered for sale in the world.
This Korg PS-3200 came from the factory with a manually switchable power supply, so this can operate on JPN 100v, US 110V or EU 220V. In the UK, we have this set to 220V.
We do not have any original user or service manuals but will provide a PDF copy of the user manual.
Packing & Shipping:
We can ship this PS-3200 worldwide, although the packing, shipping & insurance costs are not included in the sale price below, so are subject to quotation. We intend to have the Korg professionally packaged by us to ensure maximum safety during transport. This would require custom-sized export-grade boxes and associated packing materials, which would be ordered from our packaging partner, specifically tailored to the unique physical dimensions of the components that make up this system, so the consignment would be for 2 boxes minimum. We don’t think it would need to be palletised, but it will be fully insured for the sale price below, and a customer insurance policy will be required for the consignment (subject to quotation).
Unless specified by the buyer, we would not remove all the PCBs and ship these separately, but this can be accommodated if required but this will add additional packaging materials and labour costs, plus that option will impact the post-sale warranty terms.
The packaging solution will be tailored to the buyers’ needs, so please speak to us about your preferences at the time of ordering and we will provide a solution and quotation that meets your requirements.
Alternatively, UK buyers can collect the PS-3200 from us in Reading, Berkshire, or we might be able to arrange a dedicated delivery in person, subject to the destination address & quotation. We are happy to discuss your requirements so please email us if you have any questions on the logistics and/or need a quote.
Sales Price:
£25,000 GBP
As this Korg PS-3200 is owned by RL Music, VAT is applicable on the sale of this to UK buyers. Packing & shipping are also subject to VAT @ 20% should you need the goods shipped to you.
Payment:
Due to the values involved, we can only accept payment by bank transfer, details of which will be supplied in our invoice. International Bank Wire Transfer is therefore accepted.
Availability:
This Korg PS-3200 System is available for sale now.
Pictures coming shortly!
We are planning on collecting the PS-3200 from KSR shortly, so once we have the instrument we will then get some nice high-resolution images sorted out. If you have any specific photos taken of the Korg then please contact us and let us know what you need.
BUY THIS KORG PS-3200