Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is episode four in the Polysix restoration series. In this episode, I build, install and calibrate the new power supply, then power up the synth for the first time...and things do not go well.
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
Thermal Transfer Grease: amzn.to/3jJhBir
CaiKote 44: amzn.to/3Q0S3cv
Spark Arresting Capacitor: mouser.com/ProductDetail/80-R474I233050A1KV57
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
0:41 Plans for the Power
2:16 Refitting the Power Input
5:54 Replacing the Spark Killer
9:40 Connecting ICE Plug
10:27 Remove Old Transformer
10:59 Connecting New Transformer
14:54 Testing New Transformer
16:46 Joining Panel to Case
17:45 Installing Kiwisix PSU
19:58 Installing Power Input
21:20 Installing New Transformer
23:12 Testing the Power Supply
25:11 Reconnecting All Connectors
26:49 Power Up the Synth!
30:12 Diagnosing Fuse Blow Issue
40:19 Adjusting Kiwisix PSU
41:17 Oh No - No Sound!
#Korg #Polysix #Kiwisix
This is episode four in the Polysix restoration series. In this episode, I build, install and calibrate the new power supply, then power up the synth for the first time...and things do not go well.
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
Thermal Transfer Grease: amzn.to/3jJhBir
CaiKote 44: amzn.to/3Q0S3cv
Spark Arresting Capacitor: mouser.com/ProductDetail/80-R474I233050A1KV57
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
0:41 Plans for the Power
2:16 Refitting the Power Input
5:54 Replacing the Spark Killer
9:40 Connecting ICE Plug
10:27 Remove Old Transformer
10:59 Connecting New Transformer
14:54 Testing New Transformer
16:46 Joining Panel to Case
17:45 Installing Kiwisix PSU
19:58 Installing Power Input
21:20 Installing New Transformer
23:12 Testing the Power Supply
25:11 Reconnecting All Connectors
26:49 Power Up the Synth!
30:12 Diagnosing Fuse Blow Issue
40:19 Adjusting Kiwisix PSU
41:17 Oh No - No Sound!
#Korg #Polysix #Kiwisix
