Korg miniKORG 700Sm

For synthesizer enthusiasts, the name “miniKORG” evokes images of early electronic music laboratories and 1970s rock stages. The original Korg miniKORG 700, released in 1973, was Korg’s first mass-produced monophonic synthesizer—an affordable, user-friendly instrument that helped introduce a generation of musicians to the world of synths. Soon after, Korg improved on the design by releasing the enhanced miniKORG 700S (1974), adding dual oscillators and other features.

While it’s not as widely discussed as classic Moogs or ARPs, the miniKORG line has a devoted following thanks to its unique sound character, distinctive filter (the “Traveler”), and quirky interface. Over the decades, Korg has paid homage to these pioneering instruments with special editions and reissues—most notably the miniKORG 700FS in 2021.

However, you may have come across the name miniKORG 700Sm, which appears far less frequently in official Korg literature. In some circles, “700Sm” is used colloquially or unofficially to refer to a modified, specialized, or region-specific version of the miniKORG 700S. In other cases, people simply mix up the name when talking about the 700S or its modern reissue (700FS). Regardless, the underlying heart and soul trace back to the classic miniKORG 700/700S design—a charming, deceptively powerful analog synth that remains relevant.

Below, we’ll explore the key qualities that define the miniKORG 700 series, including the lesser-known 700Sm variants or modifications, and why these instruments still capture musicians’ imaginations today.

Historical Context & Design

The original miniKORG 700 was marketed as a consumer-friendly synthesizer at a time when most synths were bulky, expensive, and aimed at professional studios. It sported:

Single Oscillator with a variety of waveforms
Fixed Keyboard with 37 keys
“Traveler” Filter section, featuring two sliders under the keybed (one for high-pass, one for low-pass), giving it a distinctive tonal shaping capacity
Compact Wooden Chassis, which added to its vintage appeal

The subsequent miniKORG 700S (and by extension, any 700Sm modification) introduced:

Dual Oscillators – Letting you layer two waveforms for thicker, richer tones.
Ring Modulation – Opening the door to more metallic or bell-like sounds.
Expanded Modulation Control – More comprehensive vibrato, portamento, and envelope options.
Improved Traveler Filter – Maintaining the signature filter sliders, but offering finer control and more dramatic sweeps.

Visually, the 700S retained much of the wooden end cheeks and distinctive under-keybed control design but was easily identifiable by the second set of oscillator controls and some additional panel labeling.

Sound & Character

Anyone who has played a vintage miniKORG comments on its warm, punchy, and decidedly “Japanese” analog timbre. While not as overtly thick as a Moog Mini or as brassy as a Roland SH-series, it possesses a unique midrange presence with a slightly “nasal” resonance from the Traveler filter. Notable sound characteristics include:

Powerful Resonance: The two sliders for the Traveler (HPF and LPF) can be manipulated for screaming leads, squelchy filter sweeps, or gentle harmonic sculpting.
Dual-Oscillator Fatness (on the 700S/700Sm): When both oscillators are detuned slightly, the resulting chorusing effect is richly vintage, ideal for classic ’70s progressive rock lines or fat basses.
Expressive Modulation: LFO and ring mod can add everything from subtle movement to atonal clangs.

Even in a modern context, these tones hold up well for genres spanning progressive rock, synth-pop, ambient, and electronica. The idiosyncratic filter system can yield timbres that are hard to replicate on more standardized synths, preserving the miniKORG’s niche place in the analog pantheon.

Layout & Interface

One of the most notable quirks of the miniKORG 700S (and likely any 700Sm variant) is that many controls are positioned beneath the keyboard, rather than above it. This design choice helped keep the top panel clear and made the synth more compact, but it can initially feel unusual if you’re accustomed to modern layouts.

Traveler Sliders: Located front and center under the keys, offering immediate tactile control for real-time filter tweaks.
Oscillator & Envelope Controls: Typically found in the lower panel to the left, requiring a bit of muscle memory to reach swiftly during performance.
Performance Features: Portamento, vibrato rate, and ring modulation controls may also lie under the keys, encouraging on-the-fly experimentation.

While some may find the underslung interface an acquired taste, fans say it encourages a “hands-on” approach—especially for those filter sweeps, which are right at your fingertips.

Modern Relevance & Possible Mods

In the last few years, Korg has revisited its legacy by releasing the miniKORG 700FS—a modern reissue of the 700S with updated features like aftertouch, an arpeggiator, and MIDI/USB connectivity. Though not officially called “700Sm,” this reissue addresses some limitations of the original unit while preserving its sonic character. For vintage purists, upgrading an original 700S with third-party mods—sometimes referred to collectively (though unofficially) as “700Sm”—could include:

MIDI In/Out retrofits, allowing integration with modern DAWs and sequencers.
CV/Gate I/O improvements, for hooking into modular gear or external control sources.
Power Supply Upgrades to stabilize tuning and reduce noise.
Filter or Oscillator Mods to expand the tonal range beyond factory specs.

Because these modifications can vary widely depending on the technician or kit used, references to a “700Sm” can point to a custom job or specialized build that’s not officially standardized by Korg themselves.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Timeless Analog Tones: Warm, distinctive, and uniquely Korg—excellent for leads, basslines, or experimental textures.
Traveler Filter: The dual-slider high-pass/low-pass design is intuitive and capable of dramatic sweeps.
Dual Oscillator (S Models): Richer, more versatile sound than the single-oscillator 700.
Vintage Appeal: The wooden chassis, under-keybed controls, and historic significance make it a collector’s item and conversation piece.

Cons

Limited Connectivity (Vintage Units): Original models lack MIDI or CV/gate standards commonly needed in modern studios.
Under-Keyboard Controls: May feel awkward for players used to top-panel layouts.
Potential Maintenance: As with many vintage synths, aging electronics and proprietary parts can require specialized (and sometimes costly) servicing.
Rarity & Price: The originals are increasingly rare, and reissues or well-maintained units can command high prices on the used market.

Who Should Consider a miniKORG 700Sm?

Analog Synth Collectors: If you have a passion for 1970s analog gear, the miniKORG 700 family remains an underdog classic worth owning.
Vintage Tone Enthusiasts: Its distinctive filter and oscillator architecture yield timbres you won’t quite capture on standard subtractive synthesizers.
Performers & Sound Designers: For live gigs or sound design projects that crave an unusual “old-school” flavor, the 700Sm can be a secret weapon.
DIY/Mid-Fi Modders: If you like to customize vintage gear, a 700S or 700Sm variant can be a rewarding project. Just be ready for vintage electronics troubleshooting.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re referencing a genuine, modded 700S or the new reissue (700FS), any iteration of the miniKORG 700 series resonates with a storied legacy: one of Korg’s earliest forays into mass-market synthesis, a unique filter design, and a playful approach that helped shape the synthesizer landscape for decades. Despite its idiosyncratic interface, limited polyphony (it’s monophonic), and vintage quirks, the miniKORG 700 line remains a beloved piece of synth history.

If you stumble upon a miniKORG 700Sm (or an original 700S that’s been lovingly upgraded), you’ll discover a rare gem that bridges the gap between modern connectivity and timeless analog charm. For those who crave unusual, organic, and unapologetically retro sound textures, the 700Sm stands apart—both as a playable piece of synth history and a source of sonic inspiration in today’s electronic music world.