"The MS-20 Kit is a true-analog, 1:1 scale reissue of the MS-20, with both filters built in (the more aggressive early production filter and more mellow late production one). Every details has been replicated, right down to the packaging, which includes a letter from the original MS-20 engineers and the President of Korg, Inc.Just like the MS-20 mini, development of the MS-20 Kit was led by the original engineers themselves, who spared no effort to perfectly replicate the circuitry of the original unit. When it was necessary to substitute a part, the engineers made the decision based on their own ears, ensuring that the exact sound of the original unit has been reproduced. According to Korg, the sound of the MS-20 kit has a ‘somewhat bright and extreme quality’ to it, because its sound is that of an original MS-20 in mint condition at the time it went on sale, before any of the components aged.
The MS-20 Kit comes dissembled, and can be put together with simple tools (some included), providing the user with a bit of the experience that often went hand-in-hand with ownership of vintage modular analog gear.
No soldering or understanding of circuit diagrams required. The updated MS-20 also features the same modern connectivity (MIDI and USB MIDI) as the mini.
The MS-20 Kit is a being released as a limited edition product.
Features:
A full-size, true analog MS-20
Build yourself with simple tools
Early and late filters at the flip of an internal switch
¼” patch cables
Limited edition
The Korg MS-20 kit is expected to have a street price of about $1,400 and to be available in March."
via Synthtopia. Not seeing this one in KORG news section, or via any press release emails yet, so we'll see. Synthtopia does not give a source.
Update: it is legit.
Korg MS-20 Kit -- Build Your Own Analog Legend!
Published on Jan 23, 2014 Korg·423 videos
"Introducing MS-20 Kit - a true-analog, 1:1 scale reissue of the original MS-20, with both filters built in (the more aggressive early production filter and the mellower late production one). Every detail has been replicated, right down to the packaging!
MS-20 Kit comes disassembled, providing you, the owner, the excitement of putting together your very own MS-20 (no solder required!). Just like MS-20 mini, MS-20 Kit includes MIDI In and USB-MIDI functionality.
Learn more about MS-20 Kit at http://www.korg.com.
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Update2: And the press release:
"WINTER NAMM SHOW, ANAHEIM, CA, January 23rd, 2014 - As a follow-up to the in-demand MS-20 Mini, and with musical do-it-yourselfers in mind, Korg has debuted the MS-20 Kit, a limited-edition kit that allows anyone-from musicians to the musically curious-to easily and safely build a working reproduction of Korg's original, iconic MS-20 analog synth. Only 1,000 units will be available worldwide.
The MS-20 version in the kit contains all the original MS-20 product specifications and features. New updates found only in this version include MIDI IN and a USB connector for receiving external MIDI notes. This kit version is also still true analog, with the same circuit path as the original. Also like the original, the MS-20 kit features a complete patch bay with 1/4" connections.
Owners can assemble the kit with no soldering or electrical know-how, using just a few simple tools and picture diagrams. An owner's manual and settings chart from the original MS-20 are also included.
The original MS-20 used different VCF circuits depending on the date of production. Units produced in the earlier period used a filter noted for its distinctive distortion and self-oscillation, while the filter used in later units was a low-noise design with a more mellow character. The new MS-20 Kit provides both filters and easy switching between the two.
The Korg MS-20 Kit will be available in March 2014 for a US Street price of $1399.99. For more information, visit Korg.com'
Update3: NAMM floor pics via Russ:
Update4:
NAMM 2014: Build Your Own Korg MS-20
Published on Jan 23, 2014 sonicstate·614 videos
"NAMM 2014: Build Your Own Korg MS-20 Full size, limited edition DIY kit announced"
One more via Future Music
NAMM 2014: Korg MS-20 Kit
Published on Jan 23, 2014 Future Music Magazine·345 videos
"FM see a new, like-for-like version of the Korg MS-20 analogue synth classic. This time in a limited edition DIY kit format to build yourself!"
