PS-3300 - Register your interest

The PS series revolutionized synthesis in the late ’70s with fully polyphonic analogue designs, each with its own keyboard. The PS-3300 emerged as the crown jewel - a monumental synth combining three PS-3100 units into a single, towering cabinet in 1977. Its vast sonic palette captivated pioneering artists such as Keith Emerson, Kraftwerk, Jean-Michel Jarre, and Aphex Twin.

With only around 50 units ever produced, the PS-3300 became one of the most coveted and elusive synths in history, renowned for its huge, lush and unmistakable sound.

Half a century later, the legend returns.

Reviving the PS-3300 has been a monumental undertaking. Korg’s expert engineering team - renowned for acclaimed revivals such as the ARP 2600 FS and miniKORG 700FS - worked closely with the instrument’s original creator, Fumio Mieda, whose insights and guidance ensured that every aspect of the recreation stayed true to the spirit of the original.

Rebuilding such a complex synthesizer came with significant challenges. Many of the original components are no longer available, requiring the team’s technical expertise to select modern alternatives while preserving the PS-3300’s signature sound. Mechanical elements, from the iconic knobs to the finely crafted wooden panels, were meticulously replicated. Where sourcing wasn’t possible, parts were faithfully recreated from scratch.

Through countless hours of collaboration, rigorous testing, and careful refinement - always with Mieda’s input - the team ensured that no detail was overlooked. The result is more than just a simple revival of a classic instrument, it’s a masterpiece that captures the spirit of the original while inspiring a new generation of creators.

The new PS-3300 delivers an astonishingly rich sound - equivalent to 144 MS-20 units - while remaining true to the architecture that defined the original. At its core are three PSU-3301 sound generator units, just like the PS-3100. Each unit includes a VCO, VCF, VCA, and EG, plus powerful modulation tools: two LFOs (modulation generators), three voltage-controllable bandpass filters (resonators), and 12 independent tuning knobs for microtuning - an expressive capability only possible with fully polyphonic synthesizers.

The three PSU-3301 modules operate as independent layers, with overall balance controlled by the PSU-3302 module on the right. This versatile section includes a sample & hold for stepped control signals, a global EG (GEG) for shaping overall dynamics, a voltage processor for fine-tuning control signal width and phase, and junction jacks for distributing signals. Despite its deep modular flexibility, the PS-3300 is semi-modular, with internal connections that eliminate the need for patch cables to produce sound.

The interface preserves the exploratory spirit of the original, complete with unconventional controls and parameters whose naming reflects the era of its design. Abundant patch points offer creative routing possibilities for control signals, inviting users into the same trial-and-error process that inspired early electronic musicians.

One standout feature is the ability to shape sound using the three-band resonator - applying LFO modulation to achieve phaser, wah, and other dynamic effects. Long before dedicated effects units became standard, this innovative design allowed for vibrant, evolving textures. With these tools, the PS-3300 invites users to rediscover the joy of sonic experimentation and experience the forward-thinking philosophy that helped define a new era of synthesis.

Fumio Mieda envisioned polyphony as more than just playing chords - it was about enabling musicians to explore any scale, including and to experiment with clusters of notes for unique sonic textures. This philosophy led to the inclusion of temperament adjustment knobs in the PS series, allowing players to independently tune each of the 12 notes from C to B.

Rooted in the same principles as modern microtuning, this feature empowers musicians to craft custom tunings and explore scales beyond conventional standards, expanding creative possibilities.

Like other analogue synthesizers, the original PS-3300 required time for its tuning to stabilize after power-up, with factors like temperature and humidity affecting pitch. Honouring this aspect of the instrument’s character, the new PS-3300 includes a dedicated tuning mode*. With this feature, users can connect an external tuner and fine-tune the instrument before playing - embracing the deliberate, hands-on process that Mieda considered an essential part of the PS-3300 experience.

This "ritual of tuning" not only preserves the authenticity of the original but also invites players to engage more deeply with their sound.

The new PS-3300 is a marvel of complexity, featuring nearly ten times the number of components found in the KRONOS. While its electronics benefit from modern parts, the instrument stays remarkably faithful to the original. Every detail - from the case, panel, and knobs, to the wooden side panels - has been meticulously recreated, with manufacturing methods closely mirroring those used in the original production. Each unit is handcrafted to ensure exceptional quality and authenticity.

Due to the intricate hand-crafted nature of PS-3300, production capacity is extremely limited. The PS-3300 is therefore offered as a limited-edition instrument, ensuring it remains as rare and coveted as its predecessor.

Conceived as a groundbreaking tool for creating uncharted sounds, the PS-3300’s true potential is unlocked by the artist. Its purpose is fulfilled when you bring it to life - pushing creative boundaries and shaping the future of sound.

Made-to-fit hard case included
This instrument (both the main unit and the keyboard unit) comes complete with a custom-designed hard case with castors, ensuring safe storage and transport.