Korg X911 Monophonic Guitar Synth

Korg X911 Guitar Synthesizer (1979–1983) — Rare Analogue Classic

I'm offering this rare and genuinely impressive analogue synth from the early 1980s. The Korg X911 is a monophonic guitar synthesizer, but it's far more versatile than that label suggests — it works brilliantly as a processor for almost any sound source, not just guitar.

Feed it a drum machine, a toy keyboard, a cheap microphone, even a radio, and it produces intriguing, distinctive results. I'd love to hear it fed with a tin whistle or harmonica. It tracks guitar reasonably well — on par with some modern units — but really comes alive with higher-pitched instruments like mandolin, viola, or fiddle. Via CV input, response is completely instantaneous. It's built for single notes rather than chords, but sonically it can get properly wild.

Sound & build;
Robust construction, excellent bass tones, and a thick, full sound that a lot of players find genuinely exceptional. The filter and portamento are superb, the front end/preamp is quiet and high quality, and the oscillator sounds remarkably close to an MS-20 to my ear — almost indistinguishable.

Features;
Chassis-mounted 1/4" sockets
CV control in/out
Foot-switchable hold function — great for droning tones or building chords with a looper.

Mains powered - 240v
Built in Japan to a high standard for the era

Condition;
8/10. All original knobs and switches present and working. Comes with both the original user manual and the service manual, ring-bound and covered. It's started to misbehave a bit — it still functions, but not quite as crisply as when it left the factory, and it would benefit from a recap. Sold as seen so ask any questions first before committing to purchase

See it in action:
https://youtu.be/DT5oCeHVCAc
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PcQnBOzh3XY
These were always rarer in Europe than in the US, and many US units ended up sold on or scrapped once polyphonic synths took over — so finding one in this condition is unusual. It's a genuinely sought-after piece among sound designers and musicians who like something with real character.

Don't miss out on this one. Check out my other listings too — thanks for looking!

Price is reasonably firm (PLEASE, don't offer me low ball/stupid money) so included is posting to anywhere in the 32 counties (registered - you get a tracking number) It will be very well packed.