Korg DW8000 are they that good ? (4.7/5 rated) ?

[theundertakermc]

Korg DW8000 are they that good ? I could get one for 125 $ .... is it a good synth ? what can it be compared to ?

[Johnny Lenin]

For $125, it's a great synth. Actually, it's quite good. It uses sampled waveforms but has an analog filter and a really cool onboard delay. It also has six-stage envelopes, which can be a lot of fun. It can produce some very nice percussive tones and bright pads. In unison mode, the leads are just huge. Having said all this, it kind of lacks subtlety. It isn't as aggro as my AX60, and it can't do the sweet, warm, feathery strings and pads that I can get on my JX8P, but it's definitely fun.

I'm actually thinking of selling mine to make space for something else, though I wouldn't sell it for $125.

[theundertakermc]

well the guy is selling it 125 $ just because one of the 2 output jacks is loose a bit .. i'm pretty sure i can repair it myself tought

[nathanscribe]

For that money, buy it. Bargain. The DW-8000 is a nice synth, and has the kind of sound that absolutely smacks of mid-80s - bright and smooth, with a good line in (80s-style) ethereal and percussive tones. The digital waves and analogue filters make a great combination. The delay can be set short enough to provide chorus/flange and echo. It's farily easy to program, the keys are a bit clunky, and the aftertouch will probably be dead by now, but it'll still respond over MIDI. I'm not a fan of Korg's combined pitch/mod stick though.

[Tardis]

I wish my DW-8000 worked...

[rhino]

the Korg DW-8000 is the GREATEST SYNTH EVER MADE! the apex of human endevour ! the crown jewel of electronic music gear !!!

I have two great ones for sale..... two lucky buyers can own the HOLY GRAIL of keyboards.

but NOOOOOO ........i wouln't sell either for $125.00. try $200+shipping.

being smarmy. had these listed in "gear for sale" for a month.....not even one nibble.

[Christopher Winkels]

Sorry, mate. I would've bought one off you (or a DW-6000) but the wife is looking askance at any new purchases that don't follow the "one in, one out" rule.

To the original poster: they're great synths, especially if you can score one for a reasonable price. $125 is very reasonable.

[theundertakermc]

never heard about that synth before this week ... is it that popular ? i mean compare to a juno 60-106 jupiter series etc etc ?

[Pighood]

I had one for 6 years...used on nearly every track. It's that useful. Had the Angel City upgrade and the MEX-8000. Not very deep at all synthesis wise, but a porterhouse and baked potato aren't haute cuisine, either. Doesn't stop 'em from being absolutely delicious.

[Ian S]

I'll add my voice to the chorus. While I agree with nathanscribe that the keys are clunky (more than "a bit", at least on mine!), other than that it's a great synth. A darker sound than most other synths from that time, but that's not necessarily a bad thing because it means it doesn't sound like every other 80s synth. The aftertouch still works on mine, so they obviously can last a long time, though mine's pretty well looked-after (got it from Mr Rich but not sure how long he'd had it). I know Keith Emerson used one for a while, & it's all over early Dream Theater (solos on the first two albums certainly). The digital delay was a first, which again sets it apart from the competition. For that price you can't go wrong!

[Sir Ruff]

never heard about that synth before this week ... is it that popular ? i mean compare to a juno 60-106 jupiter series etc etc ?

get readin:
DW-8000 google search

[Clavier]

I like the DW-6000 more, but I can attest to the fantastic sonic character of both.

@ rhino: I got your message and just replied to it... finally.

[gs]

The aftertouch on Korgs like the DW8000 and DSS1 seem to last forever, and it's also a very good implementation: lots of resolution and depth in the 'down-press' -- compared to a lot of modern synths where AT is practically like an on/off switch. The AT on Korgs was built into the rubber domes, not on a separate graphite strip.

The AT on Roland synths from that era (JX10, D50, JD800), on the other hand, seem to vanish after about 5 to 6 years and need the graphite strip replaced.

[iProg]

I'll add my voice to the chorus. While I agree with nathanscribe that the keys are clunky (more than "a bit", at least on mine!), other than that it's a great synth. A darker sound than most other synths from that time, but that's not necessarily a bad thing because it means it doesn't sound like every other 80s synth. The aftertouch still works on mine, so they obviously can last a long time, though mine's pretty well looked-after (got it from Mr Rich but not sure how long he'd had it). I know Keith Emerson used one for a while, & it's all over early Dream Theater (solos on the first two albums certainly). The digital delay was a first, which again sets it apart from the competition. For that price you can't go wrong!

I have a video of Kevin Moore playing the solo in "Only a matter of time" @ the ritz in NYC '89....that's the DW8000!

[Syn303]

Korg DW8000 are they that good ? I could get one for 125 $ .... is it a good synth ? what can it be compared to ?

I think your having a laugh, you've asked similar questions about other synths on VSE.
Using the same line as above.