Kebu - To the unknown woman (Korg M-500 & PE-2000 demo)

Here is a song I composed to demonstrate a few sounds from the Korg Micro-Preset (M-500) and Polyphonic Ensemble Orchestra (PE-2000) analog synthesizers, both from the 1970's.

After the song was composed, I noticed that it bears some similarities to Vangelis' song "To the unknown man" (most of the chord changes and the key - C sharp). While "To the unknown man" grows into a quite bombastic tune from its humble beginnings, this tune stays rigid, but still airy and modest until the end, kind of complementing each other. Hence the song title.

Each part was recorded separately to a reel-to-reel recorder (Tascam 38) and mixed using an analog mixer. An analog drum machine (Roland TR-808) was used for providing the rhythm track. A tape delay (Roland RE-201) was the only effect used in addition to a phaser (EHX small stone) for the noise. Mild EQ and limiting was used in the final digital mastering stage.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• kebu
• korg
• micro-preset
• m-500
• sp
• pe-2000
• polyphonic
• ensemble
• orchestra
• roland
• tr-808
• space
• echo
• re-201
• electro
• harmonix
• small
• stone
• phaser
• allen
• heath
• gs1
• tascam
• 38
• synthesizer
• synth
• instrumental
• music
• analog
• analogue
• vintage
• jarre
• vangelis
• tape
• delay
• reel
• sebastian
• teir
• hd
• video
• Poly
• Ensemble

[kellyssa3]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yes I would compare it to the other vintage string machine from the 70's. (I'm a vintage synth addict like you ;) . I can buy it for 540 USD. Do you think it's a good price. Thanks

[kebunator]

@kellyssa3 Ok! I'm not so familiar with the U.S. second hand market, but from what I've seen, it is usually a bit more cheaper (about 20 %) than the EU market. So if it is completely in working condition, 540 USD is probably OK. But still, it depends on what you're after. If you want "that" string machine sound from the 70's, I wouldn't buy the PE2000. But the choir sound is unique and famous from Jarre's Equinoxe album. It was used on that album.

[kellyssa3]

Hello kebunator. I like your music and I want to know what do you think about the korg PE 2000. Is this synth flexible? Thanks for advance and keep up your good work. 

[kebunator]

@kellyssa3 Hi! No, it is definitely not flexible. Well, if you compare it to other string machines from the 70's, I suppose you could say that it is quite flexible. But if you compare it with a modern synth it really isn't. But the few basic sounds that it can produce are quite good. The basic string sound is not anything special, but both the choir sound and the "brass" sounds are IMHO quite unique and usable.

[hoxxin]

nice Kebu! Retro all the way! Ja e nu it så inne på synthar men kom över en Yamaha cs 15d som ja nångång *plonkar* på :)

[kebunator]

@hoxxin Tackar! CS15d lär va ganska kool...

[opendoorletmein]

You are an inspiration, I've (over the last 25 years) acquired Korg, Roland analog synths and all sorts of rack mounted bits & pieces such as the U220, 330. and so on. Got to a point where I simply lost interest. Well,.... after viewing this video I an going to get up stairs, unpack them all, dust them down and start all over again. Thank you.

[bobborries]

You are Vangelis, or a reincarnation, except he's not dead, ah We'll Vangelis could make giant songs out of very little, as you can do, you genius. Very good stuff, I can't wait to see what you could do with a Univox MiniKorg.

[pornswordtobacco]

lovely! so nice

[peter160266]

GREAT analogue sound

Really love IT!!!!

[sounddoctorin]

Love it! Really nice job. I am just updating my website after getting finally a PE1000 to complete the set with the PE2000 and M500. I just need some MS and PS stuff now to finish the Korg collection pretty much from DSS-1 back. (well no 700S either but unnecessary w/maxi :-) ) Need to get some vids up now instead of just working on junk.

[satanicmom]

thankyou for your music !!! hail !!xx

[kellyssa3]

@kebunator Thanks for your help. I'm going to take time to think about this. Greetings ;)