Vintage Korg EX-800 synthesizer module in great condition, with manuals and PSU

This is the EX-800 desktop module version of the Korg Poly-800 keyboard, in fabulous condition. The original user manual and service manual are included, also both in great condition. I don’t want to part with this synth, as it has a great and distinctive sound, but some other purchases are squeezing it out. You can obviously look up the specs online, and find a variety of opinions, from hate to love. The hate is usually aimed at the parameter access system but, as several users point out, you can get to know this pretty quickly – everything is neatly printed on the top of the case. The love is usually aimed at the sound – nice pads, basses, sweeps and leads, all with a lovely vintage tone.

The key factors affecting the sound are the DCOs, effectively a kind of additive saw/square wave, where 16’, 8’, 4’, and 2’ can be independently added to the mix (x2). Like a drawbar organ, this makes for an interesting variety of timbres (each Osc with its own multi-stage envelope) before the filter. The filter itself is a single 24db lowpass analogue with a sweet character, through to a whistling resonance (but not self-resonance). The 8 (or 4 in dual mode) oscillators go through the single filter (paraphonic), which should be limiting, but if you play this synth to its strengths, it really isn’t. If it were the only synth you owned, the single filter would be limiting, but because it is not the only synth, it is quite a unique, endearing effect – it actually gives a particular sound you can’t get with most poly’s. Finally, the sound is topped off with the analogue chorus (on/off!) which adds a lovely thickening to any patches.

If you like to hack, there is the appallingly-named Moog Slayer mod (cutoff and res knobs), or the much more involved Atom/Hawk mods which add greatly to MIDI control and parameter options… but I kind of like it as it is. There are enough other synths with filter knobs…

These units don’t often come up for sale, and I haven’t seen one in as good condition as this. The switches have all been cleaned and all aspects of the unit work beautifully. Three of the numeric buttons look grey and five are more yellow. Not sure why this is, but looking at images online, it seems to be a common effect.

I have not used the tape interface, but a) no reason to think it won’t work (although they are notoriously finicky about levels) and b) there is no need as, unlike the Poly-800 mk1, this unit plays nicely with sysex, so you can dump sounds to and from it that way.

If you would like high-resolution photos just drop me line. Payment by PayPal (+ their % covered) or bank transfer. Postage £10 via Pharos/DHL courier, or you are welcome to come to East Yorkshire to try it, and pay cash. It will be well-packed and boxed, as befits its great condition. Price non-negotiable, but having seen some of the silly prices on the bay (£350 for parts / not working!) and including the original user and service manuals, this is a very reasonable asking price.

If that early Korg Poly DCO/filter sound is what you are after, come and get it – you won’t be disappointed with this module.