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[danmusician]

<<<>>> Original Post is Below <<<>>>

After playing for several hours today, I decided that the LS is going back. I really want to like it, but I just find it too difficult to get a consistent touch on it. I blame my own technique more than the action. But without the weighted resistance, I just find that some notes explode out on me without much effort. I also noticed that when playing patterns on black keys, I had trouble getting a consistent sound if my hands are further back on the keys.

If it were my only keyboard, I'd probably put in the effort to get used to it. But, I went back to my K73 tonight and it just felt so much better to me.

I gigged part time in the 90's with an 01/Wpro (76 unweighted keys.) I did well with that instrument, but this one isn't working for me. I still give it a recommendation, especially if you like a synth action. Just not for me...


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I just took delivery of a new Kronos LS. I own a K73 (original) and a K2-61. Until now, I play out with either the 73 or the 61 w/ Casio PX-5S depending on the gig. On the rarest of occasions, including last weekend, I've performed on just the 61.

The 5S and the K61 are a great combination, but I really like the simplicity of a one board set up. The K88 is just too heavy and the K73 is only marginally better. I find myself missing the extra keys on the 73. The reduced weight of the LS is a big plus, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

After calling around, none of my regional dealers had one on display and I have to drive a couple of hours to get to one anyway, so I ordered one knowing that I'll need to eat the shipping fees if I change my mind. Till I spend the time driving and gas, it'll be worth it to have an extended demo time at home.

So, after playing for a while, my initial reaction is mixed but overall favorable. The keybed feels study and even. Action resistance is little to none. It feels a lot like the action on the 61 to me. Keep in mind, that I am not an aficionado of synth action keyboards, so I'm not the best to compare the 61 to the LS in that regard.

What I will say is this: I had an M3-73 and I could never play well on it or the K61. On both instruments, the width of the keys always seems just a little bit on the narrow side to me. Enough that I would often split notes or catch my fingers on the black keys when playing big chords. The LS feels like regular sized keys to me. In that regard, I like it.

The key throw on the LS seems just a bit shallow to me. I rejected the Roland V-Piano several years ago for that very reason (also never a fan of Roland piano timbres). The LS is not as shallow as I remember the V-P.

I need to play with the velocity curves on the LS, but my initial reaction is that it's a keeper. If you're looking for a piano feel, it's not your instrument. If you're looking for a portable Kronos with 88 key range and a playable action, it just might be your thing.
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Kronos 2 88, Kronos Classic 73, PX-5S, Kronos 2 61, Roli Seaboard Rise 49

[drama1]

Hey Dan, thanks for the review. I'm sort of in the same boat you are -- or were. If you could give a little more detail on the action compared to the K61. I could live with the K61 action, especially with regular piano size keys, but anything lighter in action and I'm starting to play slop. Really wish Korg would've made a 76 key version of the LS. Might have a hard time fitting the 88 in my car. Thanks.

[aron]

The Kronos LS seems like such an awesome gigging keyboard, until I remember why I bought the PX-5S - to retain finger strength on gigs. It seems the the natural answer to most people that want a lighter Kronos with all the keys.

If my K61 ever breaks, I may go for the LS. I love the action on the K61 - to me, it is very good.
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Korg Kronos, RD-88, Yamaha VL1, Deep Mind 6, Korg Kross, author of unrealBook for iPad.

[danmusician]

[karmathanever]

Thanks for this feedback - I am waiting for the LS to arrive here in Oz.

Can you please confirm the conflicting comments regarding aftertouch please?
Does it really have it or not?

Many thanks

Pete
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PA4X-76, Karma, WaveDrum GE, Fantom 8 EX
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[narf]

Hi Pete...The LS has no onboard aftertouch. It will receive aftertouch from an external source via midi though. They are available now in Australia and there are a few units available. Like Dan says, the key throw is shallow and I guess the closest action to it would be the Studiologic Numa Compact or a Nord Electro 5D, but even lighter to the touch. The keyboard itself is lighter than a Kronos 73 and its really manageable to carry around. As far as putting it in your cars backseat, its exactly as wide as a Kronos2 88 so its still too big for most cars.
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[danmusician]

[drama1]

Mind if I ask what you paid for the LS? If that's a no/no to ask, just ignore. The only price I've seen is $3,499. Waaayyy to friggin much for a keybed with no aftertouch IMHO. Thanks.

[danmusician]

[Scott]