MusicRadar

The SV-1 is availble in 73- and 88-note versions.

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• Review

The SV-1 is Korg's first foray into vintage keyboard territory. Though samples of Rhodes pianos, Wurlitzer EP200s, Hammond B3s and Hohner Clavinets can be found in Korg's workstation keyboards, the SV-1 packages these sounds (newly sampled and optimised for the SV-1) in a completely new way.

Available in two sizes (73 and 88-note) both models utilise Korg's RH3 graded-hammer action keybed (found in the M50 and M3-88). It feels positive, expressive and nicely balanced (though a little too spongy on the bounce-back for our liking) and it's very controllable for pianos and Rhodes/Wurlis. Plus, the onboard velocity curves broaden the scope.

When it comes to playing Clavs and organs, the RH3 action isn't quite fast/ responsive enough, though experimenting with the velocity response improves the playability. It would be nice, though, if Korg offered a semi-weighted waterfall keyboard option (like the Nord Electro 3/Stage Compact) as we dare say many players would rather play pianos, Rhodes and Wurlis via a semi-weighted keyboard than Clavs, Hammonds and strings on a weighted board.

Also, bear in mind that the SV-1 73 is pretty heavy to transport (and weighs even more in a flight case) while the 88 is a definitely two-man carry job.

We commend Korg for making a fantastic looking keyboard that will certainly turn heads, though it's a real shame you can't stack other keyboards on top of it.

In detail

The front panel is very simple to use and selecting from the 36 onboard sounds is a doddle using the rotary selectors. The effects, EQ and amp model selections (and pretty much everything else) are child's play with no menu diving at all, though the software editor can go deeper into tailoring the amp modelling, effects, tuning scales and more.

There are six banks (Electric Piano 1 and 2, Clav, Piano, Organ and Other) with six variations available within each category. Plus, you can store your favourite eight sounds to the large favourite buttons for quick recall.

"The front panel is very simple to use and selecting from the 36 onboard sounds is a doddle using the rotary selectors."

Now onto the sounds and, specifically, the Rhodes (Electric Piano 1). We have to say that the SV-1 has probably the most authentic emulation of a real Rhodes that you could find in a current keyboard. We wouldn't hesitate to use it for both comping and solo work and it's very playable indeed.

The RX (real experience) technology onboard really captures the nuances of a real Rhodes (including mechanical and electric noise) and this adds greatly to its authenticity. All the Rhodes samples are very dynamic (from soft/bell-like to hard/ barking) and in general the transitions between soft/hard samples are smooth enough. I also love that there's the option to choose preset or user stretch-tuning curves.