Korg miniKORG 700 (1973)

A compact, single-oscillator monophonic analog synthesizer that marked Korg’s debut in the synth market.

Overview

The Korg miniKORG 700 was Korg’s first mass-produced monophonic synthesizer, released in 1973 as the company’s entry into the synthesizer world. Designed as a modest but capable instrument, it featured an unorthodox control layout and a compact form factor that reflected the limitations of early 1970s electronic components. Priced at under £350, it cost less than half the asking price of many contemporary synths, making analog synthesis more accessible to musicians at a time when such instruments were often prohibitively expensive. The miniKORG 700 used a Volts/Hz tuning system and was based on a single oscillator design, producing a distinctive monophonic sound described as unique and characterful. It served as the foundation for later models like the 700S and influenced the Univox Mini-Korg K1, which was built on the same platform but retained Univox branding. The synth preceded the launch of Korg’s MS-series, including the MS-10 and MS-20, which debuted in 1978.

Specifications

Product type	monophonic analog synthesizer
Polyphony	Monophonic
Timbrality	1 part
Oscillator count	1
Tuning system	Volts/Hz
Production year	1973

Design

The miniKORG 700 was Korg’s first synthesizer, designed with a compact layout that accommodated the larger electronic components of the early 1970s. Its small internal space limited functionality, resulting in a simplified architecture centered around a single oscillator. The control panel featured an unconventional layout that distinguished it from other synths of the era, contributing to its unique operational character.

Context

Released in 1973, the miniKORG 700 entered the market at a time when synthesizers were largely expensive and complex instruments. By pricing the synth at under £350—less than half the cost of many contemporaries—Korg positioned the miniKORG 700 as an affordable entry point into analog synthesis. It preceded the more widely known MS-series synths and established Korg’s presence in the electronic instrument market. The platform was later used by Univox for their Mini-Korg K1, which retained the original design under a different brand.

Market

A fully serviced Korg miniKORG 700 was listed for US $1,409 in early 2025, reflecting its collectible status among vintage synth enthusiasts. While some users describe the original 700-series as having reliability issues and requiring maintenance, others note stable performance when properly serviced.