The Korg Trident (released in 1980, is a legendary but somewhat underrated 8-voice analog polyphonic multi-section synthesizer. It combines three completely independent synthesis engines in one massive instrument — a true “triple-threat” hybrid that was Korg’s ambitious flagship before the Polysix / Poly-61 era.

Here are its most important features and characteristics:

Core Architecture

• 8-voice polyphony across the whole instrument

• Three separate sections that can be layered or split across the keyboard:

1. Polysynth Section — the most powerful part (dual VCO per voice)

2. Brass Section — bright, punchy ensemble brass / synth hybrid

3. String Section — classic warm string machine style

• 61-note keyboard with split and layer capability (upper/lower/both assignment for each section)

Polysynth Section (the real “synth” heart)

• 2 VCOs per voice:

• VCO-1: Sawtooth, Square, Pulse, PWM

• VCO-2: Sawtooth only + detune

• 24dB/oct Low-pass filter (SSM2044 based, very warm & musical, capable of self-oscillation)

• ADSR envelope(s) → single shared ADSR

• PWM, cross-modulation feel, very characteristic early-80s Korg tone

Brass Section

• Single VCO (saw-based)

• Very similar filter + envelope architecture to the Polysynth section

• Fast attack, bright & aggressive — great for synth brass, horns, or extra aggressive leads

• Often used as a second synth layer because of the similarity

String Section

• Single oscillator with paraphonic ensemble/chorus character

• Simple Attack/Release envelope

• Dedicated EQ (low/high)

• Bowing effect (initial volume accent on new notes — very characteristic!)

• Classic rich, washy analog string sound (think Solina / ARP String Ensemble vibe but darker)

Signature Effects

• Global analog flanger — one of the Trident’s most loved features!

• Can self-oscillate dramatically

• Controls: Speed, Feedback, Intensity, Manual

• Can be routed to any combination of the three sections

• Joystick controller: left/right = pitch bend, up/down = vibrato / trill intensity

Memory & Practicality

• 16 user programs + 3 presets (Piano 1/2, Clavi)

I/O & Connectivity

• Separate outputs for Synth / Brass / Strings + mix out + headphone

• CV/Gate inputs per section (filter, trigger, expression) — very patchable

• No native MIDI (needs retrofit)

Here are some photos of the beautiful (and huge!) Korg Trident panels:

• Extremely versatile “one-box orchestra” for 1980–82 standards

• That self-oscillating flanger is pure magic on pads/strings/brass

• Very warm, organic Korg SSM-chip sound (many prefer for dreamier 70s vibe,

• Underrated classic — never became as famous as Prophet-5 or Jupiter-8, but has a very devoted following today

If you’re hunting for the classic analog layered string/brass/synth sound of early 80s prog / new wave / film scores — the Trident is a very special (and still relatively affordable compared to other flagships) vintage beast! 😎

100v Version

We accommodate different regions by supplying the correct power transformer according to your local voltage (e.g., 110-120V or 220-240V).