Seeking Advise: buying a used Korg Studio

Discussion relating to the Korg Triton Studio.

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rocknpop
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:45 pm

Seeking Advise: buying a used Korg Studio

Post by rocknpop »

hi all, new member here! :D

I'm looking at buying a used Korg locally. I wanted to ask a few noob questions if you will (please be gentle!).

1- What should I check for when buying this synth?
2- Is $600 a fair price for a used Korg Triton Studio 88 in what seems to be good condition (screen already replaced)?
3- Does the Korg Triton have the same sounds as the M1 and 01w/fd synths? I'm specifically interested in the ubiquitous dyna piano that is in almost every pop song of the 80s/90s.
rocknpop
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:45 pm

Post by rocknpop »

anyone?
voip
Platinum Member
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Joined: Thu Nov 27, 2014 2:07 pm

Post by voip »

Welcome to the forum.

1. I'm not aware of specific issues with the Triton Studio. Things to look for are pretty standard across all synths. Take along a good pair of headphones with a 1/4" jack stereo connection or suitable adapter, and your favourite sustain pedal. Look at the general physical condition, scratches, evidence of being gigged, spilt liquids, that sort of thing. Check all of the keys work, and the key action is smooth, with no dropped or broken keys, and that the sound quality is good, without hum, crackles or pops. Check all of the controls work as expected. Some of the buttons may need to be pressed a little harder on a synth of this age, but that's normal.

2. $600 seems a fair price these days if all of the above test results are good-excellent. If anything, used synth prices seem to have risen over recent years, so it might even be considered an investment. Sticky keys, and not very responsive buttons can normally be fixed and, in any case, regular servicing is something that should be considered.

3. The more popular "bread and butter" sounds tend to be carried over from synth to synth, though they tend to evolve slightly along the evolutionary tree. Listen to the sound demos on e.g. YouTube e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYrM_HGayOA
and look at the voice name list:
https://www.korg.com/us/support/downloa ... /219/1668/
There were a number of expansions available for the Triton Studio, each bringing new sounds to the synth. Check the start-up screen for info on any of these being fitted. Expansions would tend to increase the price, unsuprisingly.

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rocknpop
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:45 pm

Post by rocknpop »

Thanks for the thorough response, voip! Everything you said makes sense. I’m second guessing the purchase now given it’s a 20 year old synth and it’s available as a vst. I was also looking at a rack version of the board, but I go back to the cheaper option of having a vst.

That said, I do want something I can just turn on and play for inspiration. I heard the keybed of the triton 88 was very good. Might be worth the money if it’s in good condition and everything checks out.
Bri
Posts: 2
Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2020 6:05 pm

Post by Bri »

Hi, not offering advice on buying one, but to say that I just have, and love it! As you mentioned, I too wanted something that would just 'turn on', and to do away with using a pc/mac all together.
As much as I do love soft synths and the wealth of possibilities now open to everyone, I find trawling through endless files, laptops that become stubborn, and everything else a headache that drains any creative notion before its even started.
So yes, more than happy with the Triton and a digital multitrack.

Bri
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