Designed for all musicians – from the piano purist to the occasional keyboardist – the SV-1 recreates the look, feel and satisfaction of performing on a vintage instrument. Absent are the crowded displays and parameter menus that are so common on today’s keyboards. In their place, the SV-1 provides a streamlined front panel where each knob serves a single function and LED indicators cue the performer to each knob’s current setting. Pressing any knob recalls its original saved setting. Eight FAVORITES buttons operate much like car radio buttons, bringing needed sounds within fingertip access.

Crafted using Korg’s RX (Real eXperience) Technology, each of the 36 onboard sounds is a detailed and authentic re-creation (complete list below). The RX engine accurately captures the full range of expression and dynamics of the original instruments, including the snap of the tine, release of the hammer, click of the contacts and other definitive sonic elements.

The SV-1 also re-creates the effect pedals and studio processing that gave these sounds their original character. In addition, the proven, tube-driven (12AX7) Valve Reactor circuit combines with period-accurate amplifier modeling to deliver the warmth, bite and snarl that brings these sounds to life. Each of the tone modifying sections features its own dedicated On/Off switch and controls for easy editing.

The SV-1 can be transposed into any key, and the tuning can be adjusted to match another instrument or existing track. Eight velocity curves match the keyboard response to any playing style. Unlike the original instruments, the SV-1 is virtually maintenance-free and always in tune.

Korg’s free Editing Software provides an extra level of programming, with access to additional parameters for the technically savvy player. The software can also be used to organize sounds into gig-ready setlists, and for sharing and downloading new sounds that will be made available in the near future. Standard MIDI jacks (In, Out) as well as a USB MIDI connection are provided. An optional stand and rolling soft case are available.

The SV-1 features balanced XLR and ¼" outputs, eliminating the need for noisy or costly direct boxes. Convenient audio inputs are also provided, along with a front-mounted headphone jack.

A half-damping sustain pedal is included. Two aux pedal inputs can accommodate an additional switch pedal and an additional sweep pedal (to control the Wah effect and Rotary speed, for example). Both inputs can accept switch pedals, providing the Soft and Sostenuto pedals for the piano performer.

Korg introduced the SG-1 and the SG-1D – the world’s first sample-based digital pianos – in 1986. The SG-1D was popular for its great sound, simple controls and solid feel. The SV-1 carries on that tradition of excellent sound, accurate feel and extreme ease of use.

Your cure for vintage keys addiction
By Laura B. Whitmore

Did you ever dream you could have all the classic, timeless keyboards you ever wished for, together in one instrument? With the Korg SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano, your wish is granted. More than just a collection of killer sounds, the SV-1 is an intimate, hands-on instrument that recreates the visceral experience of performing on a classic. In addition to curing your nostalgic yearnings, the SV-1 Stage Piano includes a few super-cool extras that will put that silly grin back on your face.

The SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano offers the most rewarding compendium of electro-mechanical, transistorized, tape-driven, analog, and early digital keyboards ever available in a single instrument. Crafted using Korg’s RX (Real eXperience) Technology, each sound is a detailed and authentic re-creation, accurately capturing the full range of expression and dynamics of the original. But we didn’t stop there! The on-board effects provide spot-on re-creations of the stomp-box pedals, studio techniques, amp chassis, and speaker cabinets that transformed these sounds into coveted classics. Add this all up and what do you have? Your fantasy vintage keyboard rig available at your fingertips, any time.

To prove our point, we put the SV-1 in front of some of the choosiest players at a sneak peak event. Neal Evans of funk/jazz trio Soulive and Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Eldar were both kind enough to share some of their thoughts with us. Neal sums up his first impression nicely, “Playing vintage keys my entire life, this is what I always hoped would happen. Korg did it. They produced a NEW vintage keyboard. I think a lot of people have been waiting for this.”

Neal goes on to talk about the great feel of the SV-1. “The first thing that I noticed when I played it is that the keys, along with the incredible sound, make you feel like this is something that you’ve played before. The touch of this lends itself to the classic sounds. It makes you funky! Really! I think there’s a soulfulness when you play this instrument.” You might have guessed that it’s not an accident that the SV-1 feels so great. Once you try it, you’ll understand what all the excitement is about. The RH3 Real Weighted Hammer Action is the finest keybed Korg offers, with a solid, responsive feel. The authentic hammer weighting gets progressively lighter as you go up the keyboard, just as on real piano.

But enough about the feel, what about the sound?! That’s what you really want to know, right? The 36 sounds in the SV-1 span electric pianos, acoustic pianos, clavs, organs, strings, and even a couple of synths for good measure. But these are not just ordinary sounds, they are supercharged with detail – the snap of the tine, the release of the hammer, the click of the contacts – every element has been preserved. Eldar shares, “The way it sounds is perfect. You can hear the real mechanics of all the instruments behind the way the sound comes out. It’s an amazing instrument.” Each category of instrument starts with the essential classics – the 7-way velocity switched “tine” electric piano, the soft and snarly “reed” based models – and then moves beyond what other products offer, going into some rare and unique instruments!

What’s a stage piano without an amazing acoustic piano? The SV-1 boasts two of the best. “The acoustic piano sound is very intuitive, and that is a very hard thing to model on many keyboards. If I were going to choose to play an acoustic piano patch on a keyboard, I would definitely choose this keyboard,” Eldar confirms. Neal chimes in, “The acoustic pianos are amazing – I love the fact that it reminds me of a piano you’ve heard recorded going through some incredible board into tube gear. And that’s essentially what you have!” Along with two of the finest grand pianos, the SV-1 also provides an upright piano with a vibe all its own, as well as pad/string piano layers.

The SV-1 serves up the effect pedals and studio processing that gave these sounds their original flavor. The proven, tube-driven (12AX7) Valve Reactor circuit adds warmth and realism to period-accurate amplifier modeling – a feature that both Eldar and Neal rave about. “The tube is what raises the quality of the sound and raises the bar,” Eldar explains. “The tube provides warmth and punch at the same time. That’s why I think the signal is so clean and strong without distortion, with the right amount of punch and clarity.” Neal confirms, “The warmth of the tube adds a very distinct and classic sound.” And don’t forget the SV-1’s onboard three-band EQ, Pre-FX, Modulation FX, and Reverb/Delay. All of these effects and sounds are super-easy to access using the knobs and buttons on the front panel.

The groovy, retro-styled SV-1 comes in two sizes, a metallic red 73-key model fitted with charcoal ends, and the carbon grey 88-key version highlighted with metallic copper ends. An optional chromed leg stand is available, as well as a gig-ready rolling soft case. Neal shares, “The look reminds me of a classic keyboard. The shape of it, the weight of it ... It just feels like a real classic keyboard. When I first saw it, I couldn’t believe it!” You’ll believe it when you check out even more of its cool features.

View our exclusive video of Eldar and Neal talking about the SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano!