Uploaded December 2022 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is episode two in the Polysix restoration series. In this episode, I take the Polysix apart into tiny pieces, remove all the circuit boards, configure a new power supply board, and begin building the new Polysix in its brand new solid walnut case.
The very first synthesizer I ever bought, back in 1987, was a Korg Polysix. These venerable synths have a monster sound, but time is not kind to their inner electronics. In this video series, I will take a nonfunctional Polysix with severe internal damage and make it better than new, bringing modern capabilities, MIDI, and better quality sound while retaining what makes the PolySix so special! Join me on this restoration journey.
Polysix Restoration Episode 1: youtube.com/watch?v=w7xSVRn_ptc
Polysix Restoration Episode 2: youtube.com/watch?v=fZUm2OaaAPg
Polysix Restoration Episode 3: youtube.com/watch?v=zkCY7ygsWek
Polysix Restoration Episode 4: youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-BbjQvr4s
Polysix Restoration Episode 5: youtube.com/watch?v=yvufr7siFRs
Polysix Restoration Episode 6: youtube.com/watch?v=eKCCYIqS5KQ
JD-800 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=23T7WGZgzJk
SH-101 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=23T7WGZgzJk
Poly-800 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=FXJFF97_sDc
Polysix Replacement Case: reverb.grsm.io/Polysix-Chassis
Polysix Rubber Contacts: reverb.grsm.io/Polysix-Contacts
Transformer: mouser.com/ProductDetail/553-VPT36-2780
Kiwisix Upgrades: kiwitechnics.com/kiwisix.htm
Tools:
Anhydrous Isopropyl Alcohol: amzn.to/3FYcfag
Pro Honda Spray Cleaner: amzn.to/3YN7Ak5
3M Spray Adhesive: amzn.to/3mg87wF
Vessel JIS Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3hN1RKE
Desoldering Pump: amzn.to/40bh8Vu
Soldering Station: amzn.to/3ofPgCz
DeOxit D5 Contact Cleaner: amzn.to/3mIihpT
DeOxit F5 Fader Cleaner: amzn.to/3KGZ8Nj
Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3VghKIw
Thermal (infrared) camera: amzn.to/3XbEIRk
0:00 Intro
0:36 Preparation
2:41 Opening the Polysix
4:03 Inside the Polysix
6:13 Removing the Keybed
8:13 Disconnecting Connectors
10:13 Removing the Pitch/Mod Wheels
11:42 Removing the FX Board
12:38 Removing the CPU and Voice Boards
14:54 Testing the Power Supply
19:43 Removing the Power Supply
22:42 Setting Up the Kiwisix Power Supply
30:51 Removing the Transformer
32:17 Retiring the Old Case
33:22 The New Case
34:29 Fixing the Ground Plane
38:52 Installing the Circuit Boards
41:04 Kiwisix Circuit Board
43:45 What's Next
#Korg #Polysix #Kiwisix
This is episode two in the Polysix restoration series. In this episode, I take the Polysix apart into tiny pieces, remove all the circuit boards, configure a new power supply board, and begin building the new Polysix in its brand new solid walnut case.
The very first synthesizer I ever bought, back in 1987, was a Korg Polysix. These venerable synths have a monster sound, but time is not kind to their inner electronics. In this video series, I will take a nonfunctional Polysix with severe internal damage and make it better than new, bringing modern capabilities, MIDI, and better quality sound while retaining what makes the PolySix so special! Join me on this restoration journey.
Polysix Restoration Episode 1: youtube.com/watch?v=w7xSVRn_ptc
Polysix Restoration Episode 2: youtube.com/watch?v=fZUm2OaaAPg
Polysix Restoration Episode 3: youtube.com/watch?v=zkCY7ygsWek
Polysix Restoration Episode 4: youtube.com/watch?v=Hb-BbjQvr4s
Polysix Restoration Episode 5: youtube.com/watch?v=yvufr7siFRs
Polysix Restoration Episode 6: youtube.com/watch?v=eKCCYIqS5KQ
JD-800 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=23T7WGZgzJk
SH-101 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=23T7WGZgzJk
Poly-800 Restoration Video: youtube.com/watch?v=FXJFF97_sDc
Polysix Replacement Case: reverb.grsm.io/Polysix-Chassis
Polysix Rubber Contacts: reverb.grsm.io/Polysix-Contacts
Transformer: mouser.com/ProductDetail/553-VPT36-2780
Kiwisix Upgrades: kiwitechnics.com/kiwisix.htm
Tools:
Anhydrous Isopropyl Alcohol: amzn.to/3FYcfag
Pro Honda Spray Cleaner: amzn.to/3YN7Ak5
3M Spray Adhesive: amzn.to/3mg87wF
Vessel JIS Screwdrivers: amzn.to/3hN1RKE
Desoldering Pump: amzn.to/40bh8Vu
Soldering Station: amzn.to/3ofPgCz
DeOxit D5 Contact Cleaner: amzn.to/3mIihpT
DeOxit F5 Fader Cleaner: amzn.to/3KGZ8Nj
Rigol DS1054Z Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3VghKIw
Thermal (infrared) camera: amzn.to/3XbEIRk
0:00 Intro
0:36 Preparation
2:41 Opening the Polysix
4:03 Inside the Polysix
6:13 Removing the Keybed
8:13 Disconnecting Connectors
10:13 Removing the Pitch/Mod Wheels
11:42 Removing the FX Board
12:38 Removing the CPU and Voice Boards
14:54 Testing the Power Supply
19:43 Removing the Power Supply
22:42 Setting Up the Kiwisix Power Supply
30:51 Removing the Transformer
32:17 Retiring the Old Case
33:22 The New Case
34:29 Fixing the Ground Plane
38:52 Installing the Circuit Boards
41:04 Kiwisix Circuit Board
43:45 What's Next
#Korg #Polysix #Kiwisix
