Korg Forums

[dregsor]

Many like myself have not recieved their Kronos yet. So for them, and others who are on the fence or have decided against buying a Kronos for all the wrong reasons, I humbly submit another review ...

I finally got my hands on one yesterday. A lot of this stuff is subjective and personal preference, but I really don't see much wrong with the Kronos. The local GC had this 61 out for a few weeks, and you could tell. I had the factory settings restored before I sat down, then pounded on it for a few hours ...

Screen : This was one of my worries, but I had absolutely no trouble reading the screen at all. After a minute I completely forgot it was an issue. Two hours of intense use later and no fatigue whatsoever.

Keybed : This was a synth action and I found it to be above my expectations. I'm getting a 73, but I'm not sure you could ask for better here. I could easily live with the 61's action. But I need weighted keys, and more of them.

Knobs and stuff : A non issue. For me at least. The data wheel didn't fly off and the clerk said it hasn't come off since they got it in. It's not a quality knob by any means but it seemed to work fine. However IMO Korg really should have sprung for a better knob, especially THIS knob, on their 3k flagship workstation. The joysticks where not top quality either but were still in one piece when I finished. The sliders and other controls seemed solid.

Overall build quality : I didn't think the end pieces were that bad. I guess they saved a lot there, but that's a good trade off considering what you get for the price. It's a beautiful keyboard otherwise and seemed solidly built. It's a shame about that control wheel but I guess perfection is unattainable.

Pianos : I've seen where some aren't that thrilled by the Kronos pianos. I knew immediately that a few adjustments were in order to get the sound I wanted. In 60 seconds I had the Japanese grand singing. Perhaps the best synth piano I've ever heard.

Orchestral : This was another worry. Once again I was pleasantly surprised. Some beautiful strings, woodwinds and other instruments, with a few adjustments here and there all quite usable IMO. The only real disappointment was the brass which I didn't really get a chance to tweak. But I've heard some customized horns (Busch) that sound great, so we'll see about those.

Combi and other engines : I browsed through each and was TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY! An incredible machine. I kept finding one magical sound or combi after another. I still think I was dreaming!

So to wrap up, the set list feature is great! I didn't get to use the sequencer, disk stuff, USB etc, but I'll get to those when my 73 arrives. (2 Weeks and counting.) Drums, Karma, you could go on and on. I barely scratched the surface in the time I had, but most of my concerns about the Kronos are gone. I do hope I like the RH3 weighted keybed, and I pray everything works on the unit I get.

It's hard to put into words how impressed I am with this workstation. For all those who are still waiting just remember, good things come to those who wait.

[Hanon_CTS]

Excellent review dregsor!
Very well written.
Thanks
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I used to play Korg instruments, then I took an arrow to the knee.

[Randelph]

Nice review- be sure to post your, "I've-had-it-a-week-now--no-sleep--here's my-full-review!"

Randy
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Keyboards: Kawai ES920 / Casio CT-X5000
Instruments: Keys / Alto Recorder and Melodica

[michelkeijzers]

Thanks for the review
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Developer of the free PCG file managing application for most Korg workstations: PCG Tools, see https://www.kronoshaven.com/pcgtools/

[jamsire]

I've had mine since Monday, this weekend will be the test(s). I look forward to referring back to your post as well as others.