Korg NAUTILUS 73 Workstation Keyboard

Quick Product Summary

The Korg NAUTILUS 73 is a professional music workstation designed for players who want an enormous range of premium acoustic, electric and synthesised sounds together with serious sequencing, sampling and performance capabilities in one instrument.

Its 73-note Natural Touch semi-weighted keyboard provides considerably more playing range than a conventional 61-key synth while remaining lighter and more portable than the 88-key hammer-action version. With nine independent sound engines, extensive effects, powerful splits and layers, sampling, MIDI and audio recording and a 7-inch TouchView display, the NAUTILUS 73 is equally at home on stage, in the studio or at the centre of a sophisticated keyboard setup.

At A Glance

Brand	Korg
Model	NAUTILUS 73
Type	Music Workstation Keyboard
Keyboard	73-note Natural Touch Semi-Weighted
Condition	New
Main Appeal	Nine sound engines with advanced workstation, sampling and sequencing capabilities
Best For	Live performance, studio production, songwriting and professional keyboard setups
Skill Level	Intermediate to Professional

What Makes the Korg NAUTILUS 73 Special?

At the heart of the NAUTILUS are nine dedicated sound engines, allowing Korg to use different forms of synthesis and modelling for different instruments rather than relying on one general-purpose sound system. Detailed acoustic pianos, electric pianos, tonewheel organs, analogue-style synths, physical modelling and PCM sounds can therefore each draw on technology designed specifically for that type of sound.

The 73-key version is particularly attractive for performing musicians. It gives you a wider playing range for piano parts, splits and layered sounds than the NAUTILUS 61, while its semi-weighted action and 14.6kg weight make it substantially easier to transport than a full hammer-action workstation.

Why Choose the Korg NAUTILUS 73?

Nine Powerful Sound Engines

NAUTILUS combines SGX-2 Premium Piano, EP-1 Electric Piano, HD-1 PCM, AL-1 analogue modelling, CX-3 tonewheel organ, STR-1 physical modelling, MOD-7 VPM/waveshaping, MS-20EX and PolysixEX engines. From detailed concert pianos and vintage electric keys to evolving textures, aggressive analogue-style leads and complex sound design, one instrument can cover an exceptionally wide musical range.

The Versatility of 73 Keys

For players who find 61 keys restrictive but do not require a fully weighted 88-note piano action, the NAUTILUS 73 offers an excellent middle ground. Its velocity-sensitive Natural Touch semi-weighted keyboard works particularly well for synths, organs, electric pianos, orchestral sounds and multi-zone performance setups.

Deep Splits and Layers

Combination mode supports up to 16 timbres, allowing complex layers, keyboard splits, velocity switching and crossfades to be created from internal Programs or external MIDI instruments. This makes the NAUTILUS particularly capable when one keyboard needs to handle an entire live performance setup.

Serious Recording Capabilities

The workstation includes a 16-track MIDI sequencer and 16-track hard disk recorder, allowing arrangements to be developed without immediately moving to a computer. Audio recording supports four simultaneous tracks, making NAUTILUS a genuine production workstation rather than simply a keyboard with a large sound library.

Powerful Sampling

Korg's Open Sampling System supports sampling, resampling and in-track sampling alongside compatibility with several established sample formats. This allows musicians and sound designers to incorporate their own recordings and samples into the NAUTILUS environment.

Built for Live Performance

Set List mode provides fast access to sounds for performances, while Smooth Sound Transition technology helps preserve held notes and effects when changing between compatible sounds. This can make complex live keyboard rigs considerably easier to organise and operate.

Why Choose a Music Workstation Keyboard?

A workstation is designed to bring together the roles normally handled by several separate pieces of equipment. Rather than providing only preset keyboard sounds, a workstation combines synthesis, sound editing, effects, sequencing, performance control and recording tools in one instrument.

For a live musician, this can mean creating complete song-specific splits and layers without relying on several keyboards. For producers and songwriters, it provides an environment in which ideas can be developed, arranged and recorded without a computer dominating the creative process.

The NAUTILUS sits firmly at the professional end of this category, offering far greater sound-design and production depth than a conventional stage piano or performance keyboard.

Who Is the Korg NAUTILUS 73 For?

Live Keyboard Players

The combination of 73 keys, extensive splits and layers, Set List functionality and a large professional sound library makes the NAUTILUS particularly well suited to musicians covering multiple styles or sounds during a performance.

Producers and Songwriters

Integrated MIDI sequencing, multitrack audio recording, sampling and deep synthesis provide a powerful environment for building arrangements and developing new ideas.

Synth Players and Sound Designers

Nine synthesis engines provide considerably more scope than a conventional sample-based workstation, particularly for musicians interested in analogue modelling, physical modelling, VPM synthesis and detailed modulation.

Multi-Keyboard and Studio Setups

Comprehensive MIDI connectivity and master-keyboard functionality allow the NAUTILUS to control external instruments while becoming the central performance interface for a larger studio or stage system.

Story & Context

The NAUTILUS was developed from Korg's long-running professional workstation lineage and followed the highly regarded KRONOS as Korg's flagship workstation platform. Much of its appeal comes from bringing together multiple specialised synthesis technologies within one integrated instrument rather than approaching every sound through the same synthesis architecture.

The 73-key model occupies a particularly useful position within the NAUTILUS range. It retains the responsive semi-weighted feel associated with the 61-key version but extends the keyboard range, making larger splits, piano parts and two-handed performances more comfortable without moving to the heavier RH3 hammer-action system used by the NAUTILUS 88.

Korg NAUTILUS 73 vs Other NAUTILUS Models

NAUTILUS 73 vs NAUTILUS 61

Both standard models use Natural Touch semi-weighted keyboards, but the NAUTILUS 73 provides an additional octave of playing space. This can be particularly useful for live splits, extended piano parts and players who frequently perform with both hands.

NAUTILUS 73 vs NAUTILUS 88

The NAUTILUS 88 uses Korg's RH3 Real Weighted Hammer Action and is the stronger choice when authentic acoustic-piano key weighting is the priority. The NAUTILUS 73 uses a lighter semi-weighted action and weighs 14.6kg, making it more practical for musicians who regularly transport their workstation.

NAUTILUS 73 and Aftertouch

The standard NAUTILUS 73 does not support aftertouch. Korg's NAUTILUS AT range is available in 61 and 88-key configurations rather than as a 73-key model.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Korg NAUTILUS 73
Keyboard	73-note Natural Touch Semi-Weighted
Velocity Sensitive	Yes
Aftertouch	No
Sound Engines	9
SGX-2	Premium Piano
EP-1	MDS Electric Piano
HD-1	High Definition PCM Synthesizer
AL-1	Analogue Modelling Synthesizer
CX-3	Tonewheel Organ Modelling
STR-1	Physical Modelling Plucked String
MOD-7	Waveshaping VPM Synthesizer
MS-20EX	Analogue Modelling
PolysixEX	CMT Analogue Modelling
Maximum Polyphony	Varies by sound engine, up to 200 voices
User Program Memory	2,560 Programs
User Combination Memory	1,792 Combinations
User Drum Kit Memory	264 Drum Kits
Combination Timbres	Up to 16
Set Lists	128
Slots Per Set List	128
Insert Effects	12
Master Effects	2
Total Effects	2
Effect Types	197
MIDI Sequencer	16 tracks + master track
Audio Recorder	16-track playback / up to 4-track simultaneous recording
Songs	Up to 200
Sampling	Open Sampling System
RAM Sampling	16-bit / 48kHz stereo or mono
Disk Sampling	16 or 24-bit / 48kHz
Display	7-inch colour TouchView TFT
Display Resolution	800 × 480
Storage	60GB SSD
Audio Outputs	Main L/Mono & R plus Individual Outputs 1–4
Headphone Output	1/4-inch stereo
Audio Inputs	2 × 1/4-inch TRS balanced
MIDI	In, Out, Thru
USB	USB Type A and USB Type B
USB Audio	2-channel input / 2-channel output, 24-bit / 48kHz
Pedal Connections	Damper, Assignable Switch, Assignable Pedal
Dimensions	1,227 × 386 × 116mm
Weight	14.6kg
Power Consumption	40W

Power Requirements

The Korg NAUTILUS 73 operates from an AC mains power connection and has a rated power consumption of 40W.

What's Included?

• Korg NAUTILUS 73 Music Workstation Keyboard

• AC power cord

• Quick Start Guide

Not included as standard:

✘ Damper / sustain pedal
✘ Expression pedal
✘ Keyboard stand
✘ Keyboard bench

Compatible optional Korg controllers include the DS-1H Damper Pedal, XVP-20 Expression/Volume Pedal, EXP-2 Foot Controller and PS-1/PS-3 Pedal Switches.

Condition Overview

New

This is a brand-new Korg NAUTILUS 73 Music Workstation Keyboard, supplied as new retail stock.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Korg NAUTILUS 73 have weighted keys?

The NAUTILUS 73 uses Korg's Natural Touch semi-weighted action rather than a fully weighted hammer-action keyboard. This provides a responsive feel that works particularly well across synth, organ, electric piano and workstation sounds.

Does the Korg NAUTILUS 73 have aftertouch?

No. The standard NAUTILUS 73 is velocity sensitive but does not feature aftertouch. Korg's NAUTILUS AT models are offered in different keyboard configurations.

Can the NAUTILUS 73 record complete songs?

Yes. It includes both a 16-track MIDI sequencer and 16-track audio recorder, allowing sophisticated arrangements to be created directly within the workstation.

Can I connect the NAUTILUS to a computer?

Yes. USB connectivity supports MIDI as well as 2-channel, 24-bit/48kHz USB audio, allowing the NAUTILUS to integrate with computer-based music-production systems.

Is the NAUTILUS 73 suitable for live performance?

Yes. Its 73-key format, extensive split and layering capabilities, Set List mode, multiple audio outputs and Smooth Sound Transition functionality make it particularly well equipped for professional stage use.

Does the Korg NAUTILUS 73 include a sustain pedal?

A sustain/damper pedal is not included as standard. Korg's optional DS-1H half-damper pedal is compatible.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Korg NAUTILUS 73 is an exceptionally capable choice for musicians who want flagship workstation power without committing to the size and hammer action of an 88-key instrument.

Its biggest strength is versatility. Nine synthesis engines provide everything from detailed acoustic and electric pianos to tonewheel organs, analogue-style synthesis and advanced sound design, while sampling, multitrack sequencing and extensive performance tools make it capable of handling far more than preset playback.

For gigging musicians in particular, the 73-key semi-weighted format is arguably one of the most practical versions of NAUTILUS: enough keyboard range for demanding splits and layered performances while remaining manageable at 14.6kg.