Korg Forums

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Can the Kronos do all I need?

I already have a Roland KF90 [about 10 years old] that reproduces the acoustic grand really well -- You can't tell the difference in a recording from an acoustic grand. It reproduces "pure" tones well, but not many layering options.

What I need is a keyboard that still reproduces the grand really well, but can add pads and textures under the solo piano -- thus layering the piano with subtle sounds -- editing and controlling how much each layer is in the mix.

I'd like to be able to switch sounds smoothly, on the fly as well.

I also need the keyboard to reproduce a B3 really well, and replicate a Leslie well, and be able to change the occillation speed, on the fly -- for my band work.

A bit of a chore to do all that. it seems like the Kronos can do that -- am I right? Are there other options I should look into?
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[Zeroesque]

The Kronos will do all of that arguably better than any synth currently on the market. You might also try a Kurzweil PC3, which would do what you are talking about very well. I must admit, though, I sold my PC3x a while back and have had a Kronos on pre-order since its announcement.

The only hangup, of course, is playing authentic organ licks on a weighted-action keybed or playing a great piano sound on a synth-action keybed. This would be the case regardless of which instrument you choose.
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Kronos 61, Kronos2-88, Hammond B3, Baldwin SD-10

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Thanks, Zeroesque:

I appreciate your input. Do you think the Kronos' acoustic piano is rich and authentic?
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[EnjoyRC]

[Shakil]

Jim Robbins,

IMHO, all of this is subjective. It could sound like a real Piano to me, but to you, it could be same plastic sound you hear from other keyboards.

So, I suggest that you wait and demo the sounds yourself before making the final decision.
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Roland Fantom-G6 ARX1, Korg M3-m exb-Radias, Korg Z1-18v, Roland MC-808, Roland MC-909, Korg microKontrol.

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Thanks EnjoyRC,

I'd love to test-drive one, but can't locate one. I live in southern New Hampshire, and no one seems to carry it in stock yet. Any suggestions?
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Thanks, Shakil. I'm still trying to locate a dealer that actually stocks one.
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[billbaker]

Jim,

Refer to the Korg Release Party thread. Most of the posters there report that live the piano sounds even better than the online demos, which to my ear border on awesome for realism. Given the 8 other engines that could provide you with layered sounds, using it just for pianos might seem like ignoring (or at least downplaying) massive sound potential.

The drawbar control emulation for the organs is terrific and much more realistic than switching / mixing between 2 or 4 partials or organ tones. The Chuck Levin's Kronos Release Party video had a short but impressive demo of this. This level of control is usually not found on anything but a dedicated module @ $1K or more.

--------

Of course, what you use for amplification makes a big contribution to the sound, particularly in a live use situation. But all other things being equal, it looks as if the Kronos is going to leave much of the competition in the dust.


BB
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billbaker

Triton Extreme 88, Triton Classic Pro, Trinity V3 Pro
+E-mu, Alesis, Korg, Kawai, Yamaha, Line-6, TC Elecronics, Behringer, Lexicon...

[Shakil]

Jim,

They haven't shipped yet. So, we will just have to wait............

There are a lot of demos online though.
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Roland Fantom-G6 ARX1, Korg M3-m exb-Radias, Korg Z1-18v, Roland MC-808, Roland MC-909, Korg microKontrol.

[johnnydr]

Jim, you could also go to YouTube,type in "Kronos", there are plenty of demos out. There are also some one the Korg site.

[Mystic38]

well, for seamless patch switching you only have two choices i think, fantom G8 and Kronos 88

Now, the stock fantom pianos are not that great, but there are some excellent sampled grands now that will do just nicely.. i dont play much organ but navarin.de and sinevibes has other organs if the stock ones dont do it for you.

if you opt for the kronos your best bet will be to buy from somewhere with a good return policy..though it will likely cost >$100 to return a kronos 88..but u can drive to Boston tho no?
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Korg PA4X, Nord Stage 3, Virus Ti Polar, Novation Nova II, Yamaha S70XS, MPC-X, TC Helicon Voicelive Rack, KRK VXT8 monitors, 2012 LP Standard, 1999 Am. hardtail Strat, Fender DRRI, Orange AD30HTC, Marshall Vintage Modern, 2 cans and a piece of string...

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Hey bill -- Thanks for pointing me the other threads. I'll check them out.

I'm hoping to use the Kronos for more than the piano sounds, layering subtle pads, and soundscapes into them as well.

I also think it will be a great board for live band work, in a variety of styles that I play.
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Thanks, Jonny -- I've checked out several of the videos and was impressed. I especially like who they consulted to shape the piano sounds -- but of course, I'll be using it for more than that.
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

Thanks, Mystic. I'm certainly willing to drive to Boston. I may have also found somewhere else in Mass.. that's willing to order it for me so I can test drive it first.
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Jim Robbins
- keyboards, solo piano, music scoring
[Facebook: Jim Robbins/SOLO PIANO]

[Zeroesque]