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M83 | Anthony Gonzalez Owned & Studio-Used Korg Poly-61M Polyphonic Synthesizer (c. early 2010s)

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:1,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
M83 | Anthony Gonzalez Owned & Studio-Used Korg Poly-61M Polyphonic Synthesizer (c. early 2010s)
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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Jun 06 @ 10:00 (UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST)
A Korg Poly-61M programmable polyphonic synthesizer (serial #002106) from the personal studio inventory of Anthony Gonzalez of M83. The unit runs on 220V European mains voltage with a European power plug — a specification consistent with use during Gonzalez's period in France and relocating to Los Angeles circa recording Hurry Up, We're Dreaming.

Historical Context

M83 is a French electronic music project founded and led by Anthony Gonzalez, formed in Antibes, France in 1999. Gonzalez is known for his densely layered, synthesizer-driven sound combining elements of shoegaze, electronic, and cinematic music. His 2011 double album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming — produced after his relocation from France to Los Angeles — is widely regarded as his masterwork, achieving significant international commercial success and critical acclaim. The album's production is characterized by extensive use of analog and vintage synthesizers layered into expansive, atmospheric arrangements.

The Korg Poly-61M is a programmable polyphonic analog synthesizer produced from 1982 to 1986, featuring digitally controlled oscillators, 32 patch memory locations, and MIDI capability — one of the earlier MIDI-equipped analog synthesizers and a staple of 1980s electronic music production. Gonzalez obtained this unit as a vintage instrument, acquiring it specifically for the character of its analog sound rather than as contemporary equipment. Its warm analog character and programmable memory made it well suited to the kind of layered synthesizer arrangements central to Gonzalez's studio practice.

Studio Use

This synthesizer was part of Anthony Gonzalez's personal studio equipment, sourced by Techno Empire from a storage locker associated with Gonzalez's property. The unit operates on 220V European mains voltage with a European plug, which is consistent with use in France prior to Gonzalez's relocation to Los Angeles around 2010 — the period immediately preceding the recording of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (2011). Whether this specific instrument was used in the recording of that album or other M83 projects is not confirmed; the 220V specification and European plug are consistent with the instrument having been brought from France and are noted here as contextual information rather than a definitive attribution. The current owner believes the instrument is most likely associated with this era based on the above circumstances.

Specifications

· Manufacturer: Korg
· Model: Poly-61M
· Type: Programmable polyphonic synthesizer
· Serial Number: 002106
· Power: 220V / 30 watts (European mains voltage; European power plug)
· Keys: 61 keys

Condition

Poor/As-Is, consistent with the original Techno Empire listing description. All 61 keys are in great shape and the unit outputs sound. The top panel originally had all knobs missing — the current owner has replaced the knobs. The top of the control panel has a few light scratches. The edges of the wood side panels have small nicks and some laminate peeling. Many of the edit buttons are not working and their respective LED indicators are non-functional; the unit has random issues with buttons and parameters.

History of repairs: Techno Empire sold the unit in late 2019 to a Reverb buyer who reported issues. The buyer agreed to have the unit serviced at DFX in Salt Lake City, then changed their mind and requested a refund, leaving the unit with DFX. After several years with no progress, DFX informed Techno Empire the unit required a full overhaul. The unit was eventually returned with all knobs missing. The current owner replaced the knobs following reacquisition.

Included Items

Contemporary vinyl album sleeve (used) for Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (M83, 2011).

Provenance

Acquired from Techno Empire (North Hollywood, CA) via Reverb. Techno Empire sourced this unit directly from M83's storage locker, as confirmed in direct written correspondence from Techno Empire owner Sleven following the sale: "Yeah, we picked this up directly from M83's locker years back and as you read, it got lost in a repair cycle that went way too long." No Letter of Authenticity or formal documentation accompanies the piece beyond this correspondence; attribution is based on Techno Empire's direct acquisition from M83's property.

Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance

This lot will be accompanied by a Nostalgia Bandit Letter of Provenance — a document printed on official Nostalgia Bandit letterhead, signed by Nostalgia Bandit's principal, and affixed with the official Nostalgia Bandit embossed seal. The Letter of Provenance reproduces the complete final auction description for this lot in full, memorializing all provenance documentation, attribution, supporting evidence, and condition details as presented herein. It is designed to travel with the lot through all future ownership transfers as a permanent, platform-independent physical record of the item's documented history.

Shipping & Measurements

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» Item: 39 x 14 x 5.5" · 23.70 lbs.