KORG POLY-800 | Synth Quest Episode 5

[@edgardvera3132]

This is the BEST video on the Poly800 ever made, period! Pure 80s glory, so underrated.

[@madFame]

Couldn't agree more! This poor synth gets a lot of criticism, but for the price at the time it came out, and the number of features, it's an absolute marvel.

[@butcharmstrong9645]

I bought a Poly 800 right when they came out and being friends with the salesman, I paid a little over $600 for it! at the time all I wanted was just a decent string machine but my musician-salesman steered me onto the Poly...and I am so glad he did. Not only did the Poly 800 have some of the lushest strings I had ever heard from a synth but it had a lot of other great programmable sounds too. Granted, the best string sounds were in 4-voice mode with the chorus on, but STILL they sounded great!

[@madFame]

Always good to have friends in the right places! Yes, although getting the fullest sound out of the Poly800 requires reducing voices and using the chorus, for the price this synth is full of capabilities. Amazing for a synth from this time.

[@eliaspagnani2827]

@@madFame I second the reducing voices part. Im just getting used to mine right now. Still suuuuuper harsh for me though. Im wondering how you found so much success! Subscribed- Cheers mate

[@simonbell209]

Seems we have similar taste in synths. I have the DX-7 and the Poly-800. Best synth demo/tutorials on the Internet. You're knowledge of these machines is super impressive and you explain everything so clearly and precisely. Not to mention, you have great taste in the sounds you craft. 10/10! Of course it's a kiwi producing such quality vids. Would love some tutorials on creating string/pad sounds on this bad boy?

[@inkajoo]

Mine should be arriving tomorrow. I'm dying I can't wait.

[@dreamstaticsounds]

Very nice. I have my eye on one of these at a local store that someone has already modded with all of the upgrades you mentioned. I need to go in and give it a good thorough test before I pull the trigger. Thanks for sharing this very thorough video on it!

[@Humba7]

That two knobs up left didn´t exited in 86....makes the instrument even more interesting...

[@lunewon2357]

Didn't see the video to the end yet but I guess it's a cut off / Res. mod

[@davetbassbos]

Man, I remember wanting one of these so bad but was broke, a year later I was able to use a friends and was amazed, lol, thanks for trip down memory lane!

[@madFame]

Some friends have it all right! I remember there were a bunch of kids on my street that had cool shit like Castle Grayskull or Super Nintendo... back then I didn't know anything about synths though. There were probably some gems I didn't even notice in their houses back then.

[@SynthsandSounds]

What a great review! And what a great synth too! There's really a lot of cool forgotten vintage gear that has gone under the radar until today. While I have quite some vintage cheapies by now, I unfortunately didn't yet manage to get my hands on one of those. But your message is a very important one - you can get a cool vintage synth for little money that might even exceed modern synths in that price category. It's a point I also often make in my videos. I'm glad to find out that I'm not the only one doing so!

[@madFame]

Thank you I appreciate that! I was never able to afford the legendary synths so I committed myself to figuring out how to get the most out of the less popular ones. They're all great, and their quirks give you access to new uncharted sounds! Love your channel too - subbed!

[@R---66---R]

My first KORG ever, round '84 or '85...it was a killer, it was lovely, warm, tender...I was in love with it

[@madFame]

Lament!! Memories of a good synth will always endure, I appreciate and understand your deep sentiments my friend. I'm also a Korg fan and feel they've given us synthesizers with personality and expression, not just overloaded technology. Thanks for watching!

[@R---66---R]

@madFame On the same level, that's great...so, I probably won't be needing special treatment in order to be sat free for loving KORG so dearly and deeply? Not the only one, yeahhh! Thanks, pale... Has something to do with the filters, KORG-engineers put in all their machines? There's something addictive magical goin on and still, some 35+ years further, I can't seem to get a grip on this...it's personal, I know, but maybe loads of others share the same ;-}

[@nightboattrax3125]

Some people may look down on the poly 800 but it can get sounds and richness that go a little bit beyond many VSTs even- It depends on what type of music you do of course, its especially good if your into 80s retro sounds. - I have a Korg DW 6000 and this poly 800 has sounds that the DW 6000 does not quite have- so I may get one.

[@madFame]

Many people don't like the Poly800 but that's because they want it to be what it isn't trying to be. Same for FM synths, always compared to completely different synths that make sounds differently. I respect the Poly800 for what it is and I'm glad to hear from others, like yourself, who feel the same way.

[@intheblink]

Great video, man! This synth was famously (at least among fans) used to make the main synth loop in Clouds by Gigi Masin. I bought a Poly 800 just to try and recreate that sound. I’ve come very close, but I’ve never been able to nail it. It is a really special sound and it was really surprising to me that such a “cheap” synth was used to make it. I hope to figure it out one day and then translate it into a soft synth like Omnisphere or Serum.

[@madFame]

Very cool track! I've never heard it before but it's amazing. I may try to program that sometime. If I nail it I'll let you know :)

[@intheblink]

madFame that would be awesome! I’d love to hear what you come up with. I’ve dreamt of replicating that patch for a while now.

[@champ1114]

$795 in 1983 equals about $2100 adjusted with inflation. So, much cheaper then other synths of the time but still a chunk of cash. It’s not just a toy as some would regale it.

[@SynthOSphere]

Ahhhh Dude! That 2069 filter sounds AAAAAWESOME!

[@milaco2559]

Are there several versions of this synth. I have one without the potis on the left corner :(

[@metokyo4960]

what you do with sound design is brilliant, glad to have discovered your channel. This is a very nice synth.

[@madFame]

Thank you for your kind words, please subscribe and welcome to the channel!

[@notsofunnynowisit]

The luscious coolness of this will never fade away. Great viddy!

[@madFame]

@Lance Emil I totally agree. So many people can't stand this synth, which I understand, but at the same time it is so unique and capable it deserves some respect. The sounds it can make are beautiful, definitely worth a proper go.

[@notsofunnynowisit]

Oh man, you don't even know - like, this and a DX7 and I'm pretty much done collecting keyboards. Well, I say that NOW. :)

[@madFame]

Nice! If you have a DX7 or intend to get one, check out my FM synthesis and custom patch playlists on my channel.

[@williamking7420]

I used to have one of these. I bought one when it was first introduced. I composed a two track improvised session through a Roland rack mount digital delay. I must dig out the old cassette recording and transfer it to cd.....Maybe release it as an official music release! ;-)

[@claudeimanuel]

Ok I was wondering if you had the filter knob mods and clearly I see you have them. I’m sold on this one mates

[@Dolores5000]

So cool wish I still had mine

[@blankfrancine]

The 2nd synth I bought around 1984!

[@fremax6946]

Very informative and instructing,as always, thanks Ra !

[@e-conrecords4665]

It was my first synth back in the 80’s. It’s all I could afford. The guy I bought it off was selling it to buy a Juno 6. I still have the thing. It still works but I’m thinking it’s about time to wave farewell to it.

[@maximilliansilver1443]

Are you interested in selling it? And If so I'd want you to know it'd be my first synth as well!

[@Atomicsuplex]

I still have mine. Somebody borrowed it and lost the tape and manual. So annoying. I assume there is an MP3 for it somewhere?

[@АлексйУваровъ]

Me too. I keep buying them.

[@dannydaniel8975]

Sounds better than my korg minilog

[@brandon.4451]

I bought one of these for $9.99 at a thrift store 😎

[@botbot3698]

bruh what

[@RyansnevetS]

😮😮

[@abergsten]

Nice informative video- I was the rep for these from 1977-79. Sold them to many bands like the Cars. I've got a bunch on them- pads, CM's , 178 plus brochures . Contact me as I'm selling lots of stuff off.

[@isaac.anthony]

I need to buy a second EX800 for parts, or figure out some way to 3d print some missing buttons.

[@lundsweden]

Fact: you could buy a new $5,000+ synth or workstation and it could not sound exactly the same as the Poly 800. As limited as it is, it has character, in fact these limitations help define its character!

[@madFame]

I agree! The Poly-800 had a unique approach to creating waveforms using multiple squarewaves stacked on top of each other. This along with the other built-in modifying features make it a very unique and capable instrument. I think a lot of people get confused that a synthesizer should function and sound one way only. This and many other classic synths fall outside of the norm in a good way.

[@dustincassidy]

Very cool explanation. I love mine but never really dug into using those 6 stage envelopes to their fullest potential.

[@madFame]

@ Dustin Cassidy The 6 stage envelopes really give the Poly800 a point of difference against other synths. Its way more capable than people give it credit for.

[@〆564]

It's cool and exciting, and the design is amazing even now!

[@VIDDTHEDESIGNER]

thanks your visuals and editing was very helpful. Still deciding on the EX800 or the Ju-6A

[@madFame]

Although I don't like the Boutiques due to their size, I'd say you'd get better sound and programming experience with the JU-6A. The Poly-800 and EX800 are difficult to program and don't have a true sawtooth waveform to program with. I like my Poly-800 for what it is, but I very rarely program with it or use it for music.

[@ntrsnofficial8328]

Still using my poly 800 a lot . a very nice synthi the Suzuki / Siel ones also

[@matthewcody1757]

I had a korg poly 61 , wish i still had her .

[@chrisoduro2214]

i was not expecting that chorus.

[@ferenclucas2842]

my first ever new synth was ex800 and a black rk100 keytar

[@lownrgy]

Extremely underrated

[@2cough]

I regret selling mine, will probably buy another one here soon.

[@eliaspagnani2827]

LMK i have one on reverb .com right now

[@simonbell209]

Another excellent video. Thank you sir!

[@madFame]

@Simon bell My pleasure Simon! Thanks for tuning in :)

[@helio1055]

How would you compare the sounds you can make from this and the MS-20?

[@madFame]

@helio1055 - The MS-20 can be fat, bassy or sharp and incredibly aggressive. Depending on the filter version it can be incredibly smooth as well as having a huge capacity for programming. The MS-20 goes in really different directions for sound creation than the Poly800 simply because of the oscillators and the patch-bay. The Poly800's oscillators are completely different to the MS-20 and most other synths in general. It only produces square waves and doesn't produce a pure sawtooth. It emulates a sawtooth by combining the multiple squarewave pitches each oscillator can produce. The tonal range is quite limited with the digital edit parameters but definitely improves with the MoogSlayer mod. It can be harsh and very brassy or dense and fluffy. If that makes sense. Watch my MS20 video before or after the Poly800 one and you'll get an idea.

[@helio1055]

madFame Awesome, thank you very much for your reply 🙏

[@K.Psomiadis]

My first Synth in 1986 !! Ι was a little sad as i have sold it 2 years later !!🎼🎹🎹 😁 💛

[@MasterControl90original]

ok thi is a nice little synth

[@apislapis]

In 1985 I had the choice between the mkII and the Casio CZ1000. I heard the Poly800 at a friend of a friend's house and it sounded so thin & weedy compared to the audio demo I had heard of the Casio, so I chose the latter. It is clear to me now that he didn't know how to program the synth properly. Had I heard this demo at the time, I would have chosen the Korg instead. Great demo madFame.

[@madFame]

@apislapis The CZ1000 is still a good choice! The Poly800 has a bad rep when it comes to its sound. Like the DX7 and the Darkstar they can all sound great but you have to work for it. Once you find their strengths you can make them do things none of the classics can do. Totally worth it.

[@RegebroRepairs]

@@madFame Oh, one of my band mates had a Poly 800 and a CZ101, and the CZ blew the 800 out of the water. You do a good job with the Poly 800 but it really isn't very good and has a limited sound range. I had a Polysix, which had a similar limited sound, but the Polysix was warm and smooth and the 800 was tinny and boring, and the paraphonic filter was annoying. It was budget for a reason.

[@madFame]

@Lennart Regebro Agreed, it's common knowledge that the Poly-800 is not a good sounding synth (by comparison). I think peoples expectations of this synth are ridiculous sometimes. You said it right, it was budget for a reason but then people go and compare it to everything else and forget the "budget" and "reason". Having said that, I don't know of any synth that offered 8-voice polyphony, chorus, 6-stage ADSR, sequencer, chord memory, patch memory, battery operation and basic MIDI for $800 in 1983. If you know of a synth that did that and sounded better then let us know.

[@jonathanzohany1454]

I love my poly 800 it can hold it's own against my Jx3p Everytime I pair then up. Id recc it to anyone who wants a classic 80s poly but can't get there hands on a Juno. Great channel man. You seem actually interested in these awseome tools and not just circlejerking over every old synth online with Reddit for youtube money/sponsored products. Keep up the good work! You should do a Roland tr-66 or Boss DR-55! Not much on those drum boxes on KZbin. Yamaha CS-01 is my favorite sleeper synth! Hope to see a video on one soon!

[@madFame]

@ Jonathan Zohany Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I'm a genuine synth-fan indeed and Synth Quest is made to give viewers an unfiltered experience of these machines. Lucky for you episode one is on the Boss DR55, check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6SWc4mco7pqp9E I agree about the CS-01 it's a gem. I don't own one at the moment though but if one comes my way I'll be sure to make a video about it. Feel free to share these videos online thanks for viewing :)

[@joshualuukkonen3198]

So we found one of these at my school. I’ve been playing around with it learning how it works. Mine doesn’t have the two knobs above the joystick, or that little metal toggle switch. Is the one in the video a later version of the synth?

[@madFame]

The two knobs and the switch are not part of the Poly800 but are modifications installed by myself. The mods are mentioned in the video but consist of Atom Smasher's 'Moog Slayer' filter mod (two knobs) and also the FM and 12/24 dB switch mods. Google will reveal more about these with a simple search :)

[@joshualuukkonen3198]

@@madFame awesome! Thank you!

[@craigb7965]

love this video series, would you happen to know what drum machine has that clap at 0:20 ? awesome channel btw

[@madFame]

Thanks Craig! I used a LinnDrum, the drums were tuned and recorded separately. In fact, I used the LinnDrum from Synth Quest episode 6! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqnWcpSrj6aDh6M

[@geoffk777]

Also check the joystick carefully as these can easily break. The Poly-800 is rather thin sounding in "single mode" (8 voices) and is best used as a 4-voice instrument in "Double mode". Even so, it has a slightly digital quality compared to a full-on analog unit. On the plus side, the tuning is rock-solid.

[@NiamorH]

6:06 nice!

[@mournblade1066]

I had one of these for years, and I was able to get some amazing sounds out of it. That said, two things about the absolutely drove me up the wall: 1. The pitch bend only goes up/down a fifth, not a whole octave--WHY??? 2. There is no portamento

[@vincentbellamy]

j'ai eu ce clavier dans les années 1994 quel pied mon sons préféré était le (galiop)

[@reginaldbowls7180]

just bought an ex800 in box for $15cnd

[@julianchristopher147]

Bought one in 1984. You can push it to come up with good percussion sounds. I believe Vernon Reid used it on an album...Smash and Scatteration?

[@slammingsamples8855]

Wow that mod sounds sexy 😎 it’s nice to watch someone who knows that they are doing. I usually just play the presets like a lazy ass 🙄

[@shayneoneill1506]

The Polys had a bit of a bad rep as a kind of thin sounding cheap keyboard. The problem wasn't the device imho, it was just the crappy patches. I spent a *lot* of time reprograming mine, and had a bunch of seriously fat sounding things that I used *extensively* in my band. I'd also couple it with some guitar pedals , a chorus (its own chorus was terrible) and an overdrive pedal for some gritty bite. If i'm brutally honest, it wasnt a great synth, but with a bit of creativity , it was more than capable of being a useful rock and roll synth. Apparently these are popular targets for circuit benders and modders due to the cheapness you can find them second hand, and some of the mods turn them into actually great synths. I think I might even have mine sitting in my dads shed somewhere. I should ask the old boy if he could find it for me next time I visit.

[@leonshomevideos1123]

YOU'RE A GOD

[@tylernicolo7654]

If you had to choose: DW 6000 or Poly 800 mki

[@madFame]

Hey Tyler! I would go with the DW6000, I started with the MS2000 which has standard waveforms but also the DW wavetables. They're great!

[@Treardet]

"patch 13" sounds so good

[@thegloriouspotato6223]

I agree. I have the Poly 800 II and I love it!

[@gbyramos]

Thank you for sharing this. Can you give information about the modifications in your poly 800?

[@madFame]

@magikpoloman borracho You can visit this website which I used to follow when I installed the mod on my Poly800. It's hosted by AtomSmasher the creator of the mods. synthmod.net/korg/moog_slayer/

[@bobbarcus8310]

how much do you charge to mod the P-800 I have

[@eliaspagnani2827]

Preset 25 wow man, beautiful. Any tips on getting to that point? All of my patches are so noisey/ clustered. Im thinking limiting voices in the DCO sections. LMK what you did because your patches kick ass

[@eliaspagnani2827]

allright keep your secrets Wizard man!! hahah ill stay posted for your newest stuff!

[@madFame]

Haha, dude! I typed a response and it made no sense so I deleted it :P. I'll have to have a look at my patch settings cause I seriously can't remember what I did. The Poly800 is a weird synth, I thought it was a typical subtractive but the way the oscillator is used is weird. Its all square waves, theres no pure sawtooth like you think. So getting crisp tones is tricky, plus the chips are noisy. I used the detune slightly on a bunch of these patches to open up the sound without using the chorus. The filters played a huge part too but I've got the MoogSlayer mod which actually gives you more filter range. Definitely helps! I'll post a video of me working the oscillators soon, might be helpful :)

[@moondog297]

Does anyone make a patch editor for the poly 800 or the ex 800

[@moondog297]

How much did all 3 mods cost

[@madFame]

It's a really simple mod, 3 pots, a switch, some wire, a resistor and heat shrink tubing. Cost around $5 and a couple of hours if you're an experienced with soldering.

[@alanshewitt]

I’ve still got mine, but the output is just too noisy to use for anything serious.

[@madFame]

Yes, I agree. Unless you use it like that on purpose and maybe process it with effects. Not the best keyboard either but still this synth impresses me.

[@synthartist69]

What is that drum machine I am hearing in the beginning? I love it whatever it is....

[@madFame]

@synthartist69 I used a LinnDrum in the Synth Quest intro song. So great to record with

[@synthartist69]

@@madFame AHH.. I thought it may be a Linn Drum... yes.. my favorite drum machine!

[@markushutto4017]

I used patch 42 mostly for writing my rock songs. Its almost exactly the same sound as the one used for "separate ways" by Journey. There's a patch also in the 80s section that sound like the one on the intro to "send her my love". I think its number 82 or 83. The helicopter sound is a good intro sound too

[@christofferainek]

Very cool. You have that “moog slayer”-mod on your 800, right?

[@madFame]

@Christoffer Ainek I sure do, the Poly800 is sooo much better with it. It's not just a real time control thing, it actually extends the range of cutoff and resonance quite far. Easily self-resonates and easily blows speakers when push to its maximum resonance. I had the pleasure of buying Atom Smasher lunch as part of his "lunchware" conditions for using the mod. Super nice guy. I recommend installing the mod.

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

It looks/sounds like you have the Moog-Slayer mod installed on yours. How do you like it?

[@madFame]

Hey Michael, the MoogSlayer is THE BEST. I wasn't sure if I wanted to mod my mint Poly800 but its waaaay better with it. You're still tied to the internal settings but having manual controls for real-time controls restores the fun of adjusting the sound as you play. I sat down and had lunch with AtomSmasher, the inventor of this mod and he's a great guy. Super clever and really passionate about good synths, he deserves a shout out!

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

@@madFame That's very reassuring, because I've heard nothing but good things about that mod. I'm also thinking about getting the AtomaHawk mod installed.

[@madFame]

yeah I've thought about the AtomHawk too but I always end up getting new/old synths. It looks great though

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

@@madFame There is just so much that it adds, that it's very persuasive, right now.

[@boimesa8190]

Awesommmeeee

[@anoopsahal1202]

I have never been able to upload memories from a digital recorder I have tried many

[@milansimic5740]

I managed from my phone after many attempts. You have to keep adjusting the output volume.

[@Standardtreeees]

is it analogue

[@kristofaxelson5088]

Yes

[@americanmetalproductionsco271]

Great Explaining that ! One Quistion ! l.o.l HOW DO YOU INSTALL THEM THEIR SWITCHES ? l.o.l. OR DO YOU HAVE TO GET PERMISSION AND BUY SOME GUY A LUNCH ? SOMEBODY LET ME KNOW, REALLY ! tHANKS , IF ANY BODY CAN HELP ME /CAUSE I DON'T WANT TO BLOW THIS THING UP. l.o.l. tHANKS! ( I'M KIND OF OLD) AND GREW UP WITH THAT SOUND BACK IN THE 70'S ARP. SOUNDS GREAT ! BUT COULD'NT AFFORD THEN ? (AND STILL CAN'T) NOW> (Like something changed) ? "AND i THINK" THIS IS PROBABLY THE CLOSEST CHANCE OF COMING CLOSE TO WHAT i CANT HAVE. But with THEM THEIR SWITCHES, l.o.l, THANKS ANYBODY? ( B.T.W.) love your presentation , KOOL !

[@madFame]

So, there is a website that explains the process of adding the Moog Slayer Mod. I did my modification when I was really new to soldering and electronics. Somehow I made it through the process with success. synthmod.net/korg/moog_slayer/ Anyone is allowed to do the mod, the only condition is to share photos and audio of your finished result and buy him lunch if you happen to be in the same city. I'm not sure where he is now. It's more of a friendly courtesy than a law I'd say.

[@americanmetalproductionsco271]

@@madFame Madfame Thank You so much for getting this message to me and sending me link ! (yha,) I'm not to good at soidering, or spelling as you can tell !!!! David Scott,

[@petecole8091]

I’m amazed if boards of canada don’t use this synth

[@michelisignor9009]

Foi meu primeiro sintetizador em 86 depois comprei dw 8000 um pouco melhor 61 teclas

[@anoopsahal1202]

My Poly 800 has midi OMNI on only , making the midi useless