Korg Poly-800

The Korg Poly-800, released in 1983, was a groundbreaking synthesizer for its time, being one of the first affordable polyphonic synthesizers on the market. It featured a distinctive design with a flat, compact chassis and a unique button-based interface. The Poly-800 offered 8-note polyphony and a versatile sound engine, combining digital oscillators with analog filters, which allowed for a wide range of tonal possibilities. Its portability and affordability made it popular among musicians seeking a polyphonic synth without the high cost of competitors. Despite its limitations, such as a single filter shared across all voices, the Poly-800 became a staple in the 1980s synth scene and remains a nostalgic favorite for its unique character and historical significance.