Korg Monologue (2017)

At 1.7 kg and just $299, this pocket-sized monosynth punches far above its weight, though not without quirks.

Overview

The Korg Monologue is a tightly focused monosynth that arrived in January 2017. The goal was real analog character and deep programmability in a compact, battery-powered chassis. It sold at a street price of $299 (or $299.99 USD) and targeted newcomers and tinkerers. It quickly earned a reputation as a "gateway synth" for people stepping into hands-on synthesis. The footprint is small at 350 x 276 x 76 mm, but it feels substantial. It is built from metal, plastic, and an unexpected piece of wood on the back panel. The 25 mini-keys won't satisfy piano purists, but they're responsive and laid out for performance.

The voice architecture is what sets the Monologue apart, more than the price or the size. Two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) provide the foundation. Oscillator 1 offers saw, triangle, and square waves. Oscillator 2 swaps the square wave for white noise, which adds immediate texture for percussion, wind, or grit. That choice sacrifices some harmonic symmetry but opens up territory where noise integration is key. The VCOs naturally drift, which gives the synth a living, slightly unstable character that many find appealing, especially compared to the clinical precision of digitals. Automatic tuning kicks in when no sound is active and keeps things in check without manual intervention.

Korg put a knob or switch on every parameter, and according to user reports they all feel solid underhand. The OLED screen is small. It displays patch parameters and, since firmware 2.00, doubles as an oscilloscope for visualizing waveforms and output. That feature can be deactivated. A dedicated Drive circuit adds harmonic richness and distortion, so basslines or leads can be pushed into overdriven territory without external gear.

Not everyone is convinced. One user on Gearspace called it the "worst $300 I've ever spent," a minority but real frustration, possibly tied to the instrument's limitations or build quirks. Others praise its "very solid" knobs and switches, its "ARP-like" oscillators, and a filter that "sounds very impressive for a synth in this price range." The motion sequencer, with its 4-lane capability, is frequently cited as one of the Monologue's strongest features. It allows complex, evolving sequences that feel more advanced than the synth's entry-level positioning suggests.

Specifications

Key Features

2-Pole Analog Filter with MS-20 DNA

The filter is the Monologue's best part. It is described as reminiscent of the Korg35 chip found in the MS-20, and it delivers a raw, characterful tone that remains present even at high resonance. According to user discussion on Reddit, the filter was specifically designed not to lose low end when resonance is cranked, which avoids the thinning common in many analog filters. That makes it very effective for aggressive basslines and screaming leads that keep their body and weight, even in self-oscillation.

VCOs with Natural Drift and Automatic Tuning

The Monologue uses voltage-controlled oscillators that exhibit natural pitch drift. This adds warmth and unpredictability, and it can also lead to tuning instability. Korg addressed this with an automatic tuning function that engages when no sound is active. It helps maintain tuning between sessions without manual calibration.

4-Lane Motion Sequencer

The Monologue's 4-lane motion sequencer is well beyond a basic step sequencer. It records parameter changes across four separate automation lanes. Filter sweeps, pitch bends, and modulation shifts can unfold over time, which turns static notes into dynamic performances. Combined with the 16-step framework, it is a powerful tool for live jamming and sound design, and it is often cited as one of the synth's most compelling features.

Dedicated Drive Circuit for Harmonic Distortion

The Drive circuit has a dedicated knob that introduces harmonic saturation and distortion directly into the signal path. Unlike simple overdrive effects, this circuit is tightly integrated into the synth's voice architecture. It works for fattening up weak signals or adding grit to drum machines.

Customizable Mod Slider

The mod slider was initially described as "a bit strange" by some users, but it is fully customizable. It can be assigned to control any parameter, which makes it a real-time performance tool for pitch bends, filter sweeps, LFO depth, or any other modulatable destination. That makes it a functional expression controller rather than a gimmick, especially in live settings.

OLED Oscilloscope Display

Since firmware version 2.00, the OLED screen can function as an oscilloscope, showing the waveform of the oscillators or the final output. This gives immediate visual feedback on wave shaping, phase relationships, and distortion characteristics. It isn't essential, but it's a rare inclusion at this price point and tinkerers appreciate it. It can be deactivated for users who prefer a cleaner interface.

Collectibility & Value

Original pricing settled around $299 - $299.99 USD at launch, with one user reporting a $300 purchase in 2018, which is consistent with street pricing. No current market data is available, but the Monologue has developed a cult following, particularly among synth newcomers and DIY modifiers. A known issue is sticky knobs, reported in user groups, which may affect long-term usability if they aren't cleaned or replaced. A full service manual is publicly available, including schematic diagrams, block diagrams, and parts lists, so repairs and modifications are feasible for technically inclined owners.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ KORG MONOLOGUE                                                  Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $358                                    Latest            $254 │
│ Median    $250                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $196                                    Volume          ~10/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        │     .                                                           │
│        │                                                                 │
│   $271 ┤                      .                                          │
│        │     .     .    .                                         .     .│
│        │.      .   .                                                     │
│        │                                                                 │
│   $100 ┤                                                                 │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▄    █ ▄   █    ▄     ▄                                   ▄     ▄│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-07                      2026-08                      2026-08│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay Listings

Recently sold on eBay: $212–$280 (median $250, based on 10 completed sales, past 12 months)

Korg monologue-SV Analog 25-Key Synth Keyboard w/ Sequencer,

$185

Korg Monologue Monophonic Analogue Synthesizer Keyboard

$249

KORG monologue Silver Analog Synthesizer Tested Boxed w/ ada

$300

KORG Monologue 25-Key Analog Synthesizer with Step Sequencer

$294

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.

Related Models

• Korg 700 (1974-1978)
• Korg DS-8
• Korg DW-6000 (1985)
• Korg DW-8000 (1985–1987)
• Korg EX-800
• Akai Ax73 (1986)
• E-mu Vintage Keys
• E-mu Vintage Pro
• Gates Kurzweil K2000
• Gates Kurzweil K2500