via
this auction
"The Korg 770 has a place in synthesizer history. Released in 1976 this vintage analogue synth looks like a baby Minimoog, sports the famous Korg traveler filter sliders, twin oscillators, two flavours of ring modulation, and produces the classic analogue sounds beloved by Simple Minds and The Human League. The sound is warm, rounded, and very controllable.
The thing about this particular specimen is its condition - take a look at the photos - I doubt you'd find a finer original anywhere! The only thing that gives away her age is the surface rust on the nameplate screws - but then as a collector of vintage gear you wouldn't want it any other way!
Others testify to the 770's rarity and value: Before describing the Korg 770, Richard's 'not-so-usual synth page' states: "But then there are a number of machines that are just a bit more uncommon..." (
link)
Aliens-Project 2005/12 Toy of the Month describes the unique character of the 770 and provides sample sounds in MP3. (
link)
Dance Tech states the 770 is an "old and quite rare unit" and 10 years ago put the second-hand price at £500 (
link)
Gordon Reid regretted selling his original and bemoans the fact that it took him "eighteen years to find another 770" (
link). Hey, you don't have to wait that long :)
Some Background:
Two weeks ago I was enjoying a glass of wine with some friends when a familar sound drifted from an adjoining room - echoes of synthpop from 30 years ago. On investigation I discovered the source - an immaculate Korg 770 being pumped through a poor guitar amp that never deserved such treatment. At the controls was my mate James who'd managed to regulate the oscillators to produce some classic tones. He'd been gifted the synth by his uncle after rediscovering it in his loft, apparently ununsed for decades. On learning what he'd got - and visualizing the new gear he could buy in its place - James asked me to sell it for him on ebay. I told him it might be a tad short sighted, but that was like trying to convince Pooh Bear to save a pot of honey for winter. Anyway, that's why the 770 is for sale. I'd buy it myself if I had somewhere to show it off!"
"The classic sought-after EMS multi-effects module in very nice cosmetic condition and fully serviced by EMS experts Lucid Sound. As used famously by Dave Gilmour, Steve Hackett, etc..; designed by the brilliant David Cockerell. The main panel is in very good condition, now with all slider tops, thanks to Robin Wood of EMS, and some slight remains of marker pen where a previous owner marked their favourite settings - probably not difficult to remove completely. The underside has some remains of gaffer tape which could be removed; but overall the whole instrument, pedals included, would be a really nice thing to own. Unlike some versions, has the VCS3 style knobs with silver tops. It also has the rails for fitting to a stand - but no stand as usual. It works exactly as it should. Particularly effective on sounds with a good attack on them - such as guitar. See hi-fli.pdf for the two-page product leaflet."
