Serial Number | Korg M1

Author: AI Research Unit Date: [Current Date] Subject: Vintage Synthesizer Analysis 1. Introduction The Korg M1 (released 1988) is one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time, with over 250,000 units produced. For collectors, restorers, and historians, the serial number is the primary key to determining a unit's production date, origin, and potential hardware revision. However, Korg used multiple, inconsistent serial number formats during the M1’s lifecycle (1988–1995), making interpretation non-linear.

| Serial Number Example | Approx. Year | Notes | |----------------------|--------------|-------| | 1,000 – 50,000 | 1988 | First run; often have “Rev 1” mainboard. | | 50,001 – 120,000 | 1989 | Common. Most are 1989-1990 models. | | 120,001 – 200,000 | 1990-1991 | Late Japanese production. | | A200001 – A260000 | 1991-1992 | Transition to prefix system. | | KA260001 – KA300000 | 1992 | Export to USA. | | 3000001 – 4000000 (7-digit) | 1993-1995 | Italian assembly. | Korg M1 Serial Number

This paper examines the three main serial number formats found on Korg M1 keyboards, cross-references them with known manufacturing periods, and discusses their utility and limitations. Based on empirical data from existing units, service manuals, and owner reports, three distinct formats appear: Author: AI Research Unit Date: [Current Date] Subject:

KORG INC. MODEL M1 SERIAL 078234 MADE IN JAPAN Typical Format C sticker: | | 50,001 – 120,000 | 1989 | Common

S/N 3512876 Assembled in Italy