via this auction
via the seller:
"1979 Korg Lambda - fully working, no issues except missing joystick knob. THREE oscillator ranks, 48 VCAs, ensemble, PS 3300 strings in a box! This is THE string synthesizer to own! Accept no substitutes!
The Korg Lambda is part of the Korg Greek letter series of the late 1970's along with the Delta (strings and a paraphonic polysynth) and the Sigma (preset monosynth). It has a great string section with many options, 3 detunable oscillator sections, and a multiple VCA architecture borrowed from the modular PS 3100/3200/3300 series and the earlier PE 1000/2000 Polyphonic Ensembles. It has a Strings section and a Piano section, each with mixable tabs for multiple settings.
Cosmetically this unit is a 7 or 8... a red paint stain on the back panel (I've washed as much of it off as I can without trying a solvent) and some scuffing and damage to the veneer. The controls and logos are all clean and original except for the missing joystick knob (these are really hard to find!) and work. This is a really nice looking piece which is lighter than it looks... great for a band with that retro feel, even in a nice case it is luggable, around 35 lbs on its own. EVERYTHING WORKS, the two chorus buttons on the left take a moment to engage but they stay on. All LEDs work!
Stereo ensemble on both sounds controlled by the left most buttons, when engaged you get a true stereo sound for both sounds. You can also split them out, use a volume pedal to control one or both, and a sustain pedal for the piano. There's a trigger out to control a filter, run this through a Moogerfooger filter and just DROOL. The variable attack and release can be really long, and building up layers of chords is nice when you never get note stealing like on a polysynth! Octave switching affects both sides.The strings are great, of course, and one of the best features is using the joystick to modulate the chorus as it stays in position once you find your setting. The pitchbend is pretty sweet, too. Settings are Strings I/II, Chorus and Brass and Organ. These last two don't have variable attack and decay... the brass is pretty weak but the organ isn't bad with Harmonics from the Piano section. Remember, 3 detunable oscillators... the chorusing is truly shimmering and you get beat oscillators to show your detuning. Tone controls.
The piano/ep/clav is OK, pretty Casio as opposed to DX7 although you do have a nice Harmonics tab which is like a celeste. You are not buying this unit for the piano sounds, although they do complement the strings and sound nice with the stereo settings. Tremelo affects only this side, and tone controls and a decay knob...
Serial number 230308, uses US voltage, 110 V 60 Hz."
