Korg M1 Serial Number Jun 2026

Unlike modern electronics that often feature clear year-of-manufacturing codes (like YY for the year), early Korg products, including the M1 (1988–1995), often used a sequential numbering system, according to ZASM's analysis of Korg serials . Early vs. Late Production

Early M1s use the Yamaha FS keybed , which is highly durable but may develop "sticky" keys over several decades. Korg Serial Numbers (later type) - ZASM Korg M1 Serial Number

: Deciphering the Legacy through the Serial Number , launched in 1988, is widely celebrated as the best-selling digital synthesizer in history, with over 250,000 units Korg Serial Numbers (later type) - ZASM :

It is the only way to uniquely identify your specific machine. All original Korg M1 units were manufactured in Japan

The sequence generally rises with the production year, meaning a 6-digit number beginning with "0" likely indicates a late-80s model (1988/1989), while higher numbers are from the early 90s.

In 1989, Korg released the (an expanded version with 8MB of PCM ROM instead of the original 4MB, adding acoustic instruments like pianos and drums).

All original Korg M1 units were manufactured in Japan. If you encounter a serial number sticker claiming manufacturing in another country, it is likely a counterfeit label or a modified chassis. Known Hardware Revisions by Era