Traveler: A Korg Retrospective

In 1963 two young men stepped into a factory next to the Keio railway line in Shinjuku, Japan. Their ambition was to make a new autorhythm machine, but over the next six decades their company would become one of the biggest players in music technology and would help define the sound of music around the world.

A huge thank you to all at Korg and to all the people who gave up their time and expertise to make this film film happen. A full list of credits is at the end of the film.

0:00 INTRO
1:34 FORMATION
6:19 SEVENTIES
19:34 EIGHTIES
32:38 NINETIES
40:21 NOUGHTIES
47:12 TENS
51:09 SO TO NOW
52:25 OUTRO / CREDITS

[XavierRadix]

So, when is BBC going to hire you as a full-time documentary maker? Seriously, stunning piece of work as always, Mr. Ball.
Glad to play my tiny little role in this, can't thank you enough!

[adamjackpartington]

Yet another banger video. You're pretty much the top documentary maker for the synth community Alex!

[synthsandstuff]

What a beautiful tribute to Korg. It is unbelievable how many products they have made and they still manage to amaze you. Hats off to Korg and to you Alex, again beautifully captured!

[EspenKraft]

Excellent work Alex. Korg should be well pleased. Congrats!

[villebooks]

I spent my childhood with a KORG MS-20 and a Crumar organ in the basement. So, it was a good chidlhood.

[AndersEngerJensen]

Great documentary, impressive work as usual! And honored to be able to contribute! Hope I gave those little gems a proper demonstration.
What's next, Yamaha? Got several goodies in my arsenal! *snickers* :D

(Full versions of these demos on my channel for those interested.)

[middle_pickup]

Miku stomp is the greatest guitar effect pedal ever created. The world has never seen anything so lovely.

[abelramirez]

As a guitar player who loves both guitars and synths, it's amazing to see how closely some of the most important parts of their history crossed paths.

[EannaButler]

Ah yes!
There is a pattern. Alex goes quiet for a few weeks, surfaces again with a work of art, a contribution to the collective intelligence of the hive mind of the web.
Thanks for what you do Mr. Ball 🙏

[silversulu]

These docs are where your creative star shines insanely bright, Alex

[russellszabadosaka-pindin]

I've owned a DW-8000 since 1986 and an M-1 since 1992. And many other Korg products have come and gone through my home studio. Korg has been a huge part of my life.

[HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

The gold standard 🎉 These long form deep history pieces are total gems. Thank you Alex

[finimokieribo]

God bless you Alex. I’ve been scouring the net for a good Korg documentary for ages. Well done and keep up the amazing work. 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[bendrrmusic]

I look forward to these Synthesizer documentaries more than I do actual theatrical releases. The amount of effort and creativity that goes into these videos is completely unmatched. Thank you Alex!!

[issiewizzie]

ahhh the universe patch on the m1 still gets me years later it reminded of how patches were supposed to captivate you

[wphmusic]

I'm only a third in, and am captivated. Your musical interludes are so good, as usual!

[lucadipaolo]

32:39 now that's an A+ synth demo right there, wow. Thanks for yet another retrospective, it's always a blast to see all these amazing synths in action.

[CHRIS]

I’m amazed how good this documentary is.
I’ve watched both, Roland and KORG in one go.
Excellent work.

I had poly-61 and about 15 years ago I gave it to someone to do some fixes and we completely forgot about that and now I don’t even know who was it
😢

[magicspiral]

When I was about 16, my best friend received a Korg Electribe ES-1 for his birthday. It was our first piece of “pro gear, ” and to us a revelation. I cut my teeth on that machine. To this day the ESX-1 remains my favorite dedicated drum machine.

[mr_floydst]

I can't imagine how much work this must have been! Great video, and so many cameos. _squints at highly suspicious looking polysix at __21:49_