Korg SV-1BK 73 Review

We rated the Korg 8.5/10 because it serves its target audience (performing keyboardists) really well. From tonewheels to synths in the soundbank, and an easy-to-use interface, this keyboard is a great option for gigging professionals. The included editing software and vintage voices are certainly two other really great selling points for this Korg SV. But because the sounds are a little limited genre-wise, and only one effect may be used at once, this instrument didn’t quite make the 9/10 mark. That being said, there are a lot of musicians that this Korg SV would be suitable for!

Hey there! Today was are taking a look at the Korg SV 1BK 73. So, come join me in another review here with BestPianoKeyboards. 

Overview

The Korg SV1 is a sleek, vintage piano with a modern body. It also offers an elegant appearance for the home. In addition, this instrument is known for its retro-style controls and matte black finish. But does it sound as pretty as it looks? You’re about to find out. 

Another hallmark of this piano is that it has been crafted using Korg’s Real Experience (RX) technology. For instance, it has multiple voices, and touch sensitivity for better dynamic control. If you want to check out this piano for yourself, go ahead and search the following keyword: “Korg SV 1BK 73 Key Stage Vintage Piano Black”. But lucky for you, a did a bit of research for you. Keep reading! Let’s find out a little bit more about this Korg. 

Features

Here’s the description that Amazon has provided us:

 “The SV-1 has been captivating audiences since 2009. Now, the acclaimed Korg SV-1 Stage Vintage Piano has been given an elegant matte black stage finish: the SV-1BK Black.

• Two phenomenal grand piano sounds – 1 European, 1 Japanese

• Korg’s finest 73-key piano keyboard with Graded Hammer Action

• Intuitive “LIVE” front panel with single-function knobs

• 8 Easy-to-set car-radio style Favorites buttons

• 36 coveted and in-demand piano & vintage keyboard sounds: o Grand Pianos: Smooth European; Lively Japanese; Mono Grand (for live); etc. o Electric Pianos: Tine styles; Reed Types; Plucked Type; Clavs; etc. o Electronic Pianos: Korg SG-1D; Transistor; ‘80s synth; VPM styles; etc. o Organs: Tonewheels; USA Tube Console; Italian Combo; VOX o Keyboards: String Machine, Tape Strings, Synth Brass; etc. o Other: Piano + Layers; Real Strings; Real Choir, etc.

• Valve Reactor 12AX7 tube-driven amp modeling (6 Models)

• 6 Pre-FX; 6 Modulation FX; 6 Reverb Delays; 3-Band EQ

• Stereo inputs / Stereo outputs ( all 1/4″)

• XLR Stereo balanced stage/recording outputs

• Headphone output

• Includes damper pedal & music rack

• Options: assignable footswitch; assignable footpedal; Housed in a sleek, curvaceous body, the SV-1BK offers an elegant on-stage appearance. Coupled with retro-style controls and a smooth black finish, the SV-1BK oozes desirability – and playability! Also, an optional collapsible black stand is available, along with a gig-ready rolling soft case.”

That sure is a big block of text. So let’s break down the most notable features: 

Its Intuitive interface

The Korg SV 1BK 37 was designed with the performer in mind. In addition, this piano has a simple and intuitive interface. It also comes with a number of front-panel essential controls that are easy to access, even for someone who has never touched a piano before.

It is also easy to call up sounds, with its eight buttons. In case you want to store your favorite sounds, you can do so in the keyboard settings.  

Keyboard Tuning Feature

This piano offers tuning, fine-tuning, transposition, as well as tuning curves. In particular, tuning can be done through the function button. You can also adjust tuning using the treble control on the keyboard.

Sound Generation

This instrument also has sound generation. It has the following options:

1. a) Equalizer– This option can be controlled from the front panel. It also makes it easy to shape the tone and quality of the sound that the piano produces.
2. b) PRE FX– This option provides all the essentials for adding vintage quality to any sound.
3. c) Modulation FX– This sound processing option gives the piano its signature sounds.
4. d) AMP Model– The model is used for the sole purpose of adding color, edge, and drive to the sound.
5. e) Limiter– It makes it possible to balance your sounds, especially when looking for distinct melodies.
6. f) Reverb/Delay– The vintage piano provides four reverbs. They include; Room, Tape Echo, Stereo Delay, and Plate.

Many Vintage Voices

While 36 sounds isn’t a ton, it is quite a few when it comes to vintage sounds. In addition, it has 6 banks with 6 variations. So, here are the banks:

• Bank 1: E. Piano 1 Tine EP/Amp, Tine EP/Phaser, Tremolo EP, Dyno EP, VPM Piano, VPM Tine
• Bank 2: E.Piano 2 Reed EP 1, Reed EP 2, Electric Grand, SG-1D Piano, 80’s Synth Piano, MIDI Grand
• Bank 3: Clav Clav AC, Clav BC, Clav BD, Clav AD, ElectroPno, ElectraPno
• Bank 4: Piano Grand Piano1, Grand Piano2, Mono Grand, Upright, Piano/Strings, Piano/Pad
• Bank 5: Organ Click Tonewheel, Jazz Tonewheel, Full Tonewheel, Console Organ, Italian Combo, VoxCombo
• Bank 6: Other Full Strings, Tape Strings, 70s Strings, Choir, Synth Brass, Sharp Brass

Korg Editor software

This feature certainly provides incredible graphics-based programming. It also makes it possible for favorite sounds to be saved individually.

Specifications

• Keys: 73 
• Dimensions: 50.6 x 21.7 x 12.5 inches
• Weight: 38.5 pounds

Who Is It Suitable For?

The Korg SV 1BK 73 is great for intermediates or professionals. Certainly, given all of the high-quality sounds and the weighted, graded keys, this keyboard is a really great choice. However, the biggest drawback is the slightly smaller keyboard (it is not full-sized). Other than that, this piano keyboard is great for just about anyone, especially those who have a knack for playing older-style music on vintage keys. 

Korg SV 1BK 73 In Action

Certainly, you can hear this gem of a keyboard being introduced and played here. In particular, at about a minute and a half in, you can start to hear the Korg in action, along with more product details. I learned that the Korg SV 1BK actually can come in either 73 or 88 keys, which is great news for those who are looking for a full-sized keyboard! 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• This is a unique-looking vintage piano with a black matte finish
• This keyboard has many diverse sounds
• The panel of those vintage sounds that make the piano one of a kind
• Includes a reliable front panel for live, in-time adjustments
• Allows you to save custom sounds, easily 
• Super portable
• Highly responsive 
• It has touch-sensitive keys
• This piano is easy to use, even for beginners
• Comes with pre-programmed music
• It is fairly durable
• It also has an intuitive panel 
• The headphone output function is great for performers

Cons

• Unfortunately, this piano does not come with speakers. Also, depending on how you are planning on using it, it may not be the best option for an on-the-go, gigging musician who wants to travel light.
• You can only use one effect at once. That means no split or dual mode.
• Ultimately, it has a limited sound selection
• Also, it is not currently being made

Korg SV 1BK 73 Quick View 

Conclusion

Finally, if you can find one, the Korg SV 1BK 73 is a really great professional piano keyboard to get your hands on. You can also get the Korg SV 1BK in the 88 key version as well if you’re looking for less gigging and more home playing. In addition, with its high-quality vintage sounds, and graded, weighted keys, I think that a lot of people will find themselves enthralled with this product. It’s portable and high-quality. So, what’s not to love? Be sure to come back to BestPianoKeyboards again soon for more piano tips and reviews! 

8.5Expert Score

We rated the Korg 8.5/10 because it serves its target audience (performing keyboardists) really well. From tonewheels to synths in the soundbank, and an easy-to-use interface, this keyboard is a great option for gigging professionals. The included editing software and vintage voices are two other really great selling points for this Korg SV. But because the sounds are a little limited genre-wise, and only one effect may be used at once, this instrument didn’t quite make the 9/10 mark. That being said, there are a lot of musicians that this Korg SV would be suitable for!

PROS

• This is a unique-looking vintage piano with a black matte finish
• This keyboard has many diverse sounds
• The panel of those vintage sounds that make the piano one of a kind
• It includes a reliable front panel for live, in-time adjustments
• It allows you to save custom sounds, easily
• It is super portable
• It is highly responsive
• It has touch-sensitive keys
• This piano is easy to use, even for beginners
• It comes with pre-programmed music
• It is fairly durable
• It has an intuitive panel
• The headphone output function is great for performers

CONS

• Unfortunately, this piano does not come with speakers. Depending on how you are planning on using it, it may not be the best option for an on-the-go, gigging musician who wants to travel light.
• You can only use one effect at once. That means no split or dual mode.
• Ultimately, it has a limited sound selection
• It is not currently being made