Korg X-911 Guitar Synth

The Korg X-911 Guitar Synth, released in 1980, is a unique monophonic synthesizer designed to work directly with a standard guitar signal, eliminating the need for special pickups or MIDI integration. Part of Korg's MS series, the X-911 offered features like voltage-controlled filters (VCF), ADSR envelope generation, and portamento, making it a versatile tool for creating synth-like tones from a guitar. Unlike traditional guitar synths that relied on pitch-to-voltage conversion, the X-911 processed the guitar signal directly, creating a range of analog synth sounds. Though its tracking was imperfect and it was marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to more advanced systems like Roland's GR series, the X-911 became a cult favorite for its quirky character and experimental potential.

Historical Development

• Release (1980): The X-911 was introduced as part of Korg's push into accessible synthesizer technology, offering guitarists real synth controls in a compact unit.
• Design: It featured multiple preset sounds (like trumpet, tuba, and violin), alongside manual synth controls for shaping custom tones using VCFs and envelopes.
• Legacy: While it was discontinued after only a few years due to limited commercial success, the X-911 has gained renewed interest among collectors and experimental musicians for its analog charm and creative possibilities.

Notable Players

• Andy Summers (The Police): Known for experimenting with guitar synths, Summers reportedly used the X-911 to craft unique textures during his work with The Police.
• Experimental Musicians: The X-911 has been adopted by artists seeking unconventional sounds, especially in electronic and avant-garde music.

Popular Settings

The X-911's presets and manual controls allow for diverse sound design:

• Synth Bass: Use the tuba or trumpet preset with low filter cutoff and high resonance for fat bass tones.
• Lead Synth: Engage portamento with violin or flute presets for smooth, gliding lead lines.
• Custom Analog Tones: Combine manual VCF settings with ADSR adjustments to create unique synth textures.

Legacy

The Korg X-911 Guitar Synth remains a fascinating piece of music technology history. Its ability to transform a standard guitar signal into analog synth sounds without additional hardware set it apart from contemporaries like the Roland GR series. Though its tracking quirks limited its mainstream appeal, its raw analog sound and hands-on controls have made it a cult classic among experimental musicians and collectors. Today, it is celebrated as an innovative yet underappreciated milestone in the evolution of guitar synthesizers.