Considering buying Kronos Missing MOBO/RAM and SSD...

[tedluk]

There is a very cheap Kronos 73 available but it is missing the above items. Seems to be in good condition otherwise. Looks like the parts can be replaced for around $200 tops. All together the cost would be around $1500.

I'm pretty good with computers and it looks simple enough to replace the components. Would this be worth the the risk or a huge mistake?

Thanks for your input!

Ted

[GregC]

There is a very cheap Kronos 73 available but it is missing the above items. Seems to be in good condition otherwise. Looks like the parts can be replaced for around $200 tops. All together the cost would be around $1500.

I'm pretty good with computers and it looks simple enough to replace the components. Would this be worth the the risk or a huge mistake?

Thanks for your input!

Ted

search the forum

spare parts do not seem to be easily available. Not much clarity on substitution. Plus some variation on your country location

[kid_nepro_2002]

How do you know that something else is not wrong, since you can’t even boot it up? Buyer beware!

[StephenKay]

There is a very cheap Kronos 73 available but it is missing the above items. Seems to be in good condition otherwise. Looks like the parts can be replaced for around $200 tops. All together the cost would be around $1500.

I'm pretty good with computers and it looks simple enough to replace the components. Would this be worth the the risk or a huge mistake?

Thanks for your input!

Ted

I wouldn't try it, myself. As Kid Nepro said...

And why is it missing those parts to begin with? It sounds like somebody cannibalized it to fix another one. If they couldn't get spare parts, how will you?

[tedluk]

With two of the most respected people here telling me to stay away, it's pretty hard to argue.

I truly appreciate both of you taking the time to respond and offering your advice.

Perhaps this belongs in its own thread, but while I've got your attention, let me ask a different question.

I'm a '70s guy. I love old prog rock and the project I'm working on involves taking a lot of music I wrote back in the day and updating it to reflect both new sounds and my (I like to think), maturation as an artist.

I well past my "gear lust" days (for the most part) and I originally began looking for an M3 because I've played it a couple of times and was extremely impressed with it's sound and, in particular, the upgraded KARMA function.

My dilemma? Do I look for a used M3 which seem somewhat hard to find and still pretty pricey or try to upgrade to the KRONOS? Recommendations?

[GregC]

With two of the most respected people here telling me to stay away, it's pretty hard to argue.

I truly appreciate both of you taking the time to respond and offering your advice.

Perhaps this belongs in its own thread, but while I've got your attention, let me ask a different question.

I'm a '70s guy. I love old prog rock and the project I'm working on involves taking a lot of music I wrote back in the day and updating it to reflect both new sounds and my (I like to think), maturation as an artist.

I well past my "gear lust" days (for the most part) and I originally began looking for an M3 because I've played it a couple of times and was extremely impressed with it's sound and, in particular, the upgraded KARMA function.

My dilemma? Do I look for a used M3 which seem somewhat hard to find and still pretty pricey or try to upgrade to the KRONOS? Recommendations?

there are 17 M3's on ebay in the US

do you not need or not require excellent acoustic pianos, the very best EP's and not need the capability to load outstanding 3rd party/Korg samples ?

[slowtrain]

I was looking at M3s too, but I went for the Kronos X 61 because the price difference isn't that much for what you get. I got a blemished Kronos for $2k, and it didn't have a scratch on it. Just shipping damage to the box. I think it has the same keybed as the M3 (the synth action ones). There were problems with the piano action Kronos', so that's something to watch out for if you're buying used. I think the newer hammer action keybeds are better, but someone else here would know about that. The Kronos might be cheaper in February if Korg announces a new workstation at Winter NAMM. There have been rumors to that effect on here, but nothing from Korg about it. People have been reporting that they're having a hard time finding new Kronos' though, so there's speculation that they're not making any more. If you're looking for synth action, and can wait a bit, there might be some good deals on used boards when some people upgrade; or good clearance deals. Maybe someone here has a serial number of when they upgraded the hammer action keybeds if you're a piano player.

[StephenKay]

My dilemma? Do I look for a used M3 which seem somewhat hard to find and still pretty pricey or try to upgrade to the KRONOS? Recommendations?

I'd go for the Kronos if at all possible, even used if necessary (but with all functional parts) - it blows the doors off of the M3, in my personal opinion. If you're not in a position to keep changing boards and want something that's going to last you for quite awhile, the Kronos would position you nicely.

[jeremykeys]

I'd say go for a Kronos as well. Used ones come up all the time if you can't get a new one.

[BillW]

In its present state, it might be worth $200. You can get a fully functioning one used for $1500-$1700 so why screw around with that one? That auction has been up for a long time and if you look in the completed/sold auctions, a lot of people appear to have "bought" that keyboard already...looks fishy to me.

[tedluk]

Greg C- Yes, I do want an excellent piano!

One thing I'm confused about- The M3 module which appears to be availble for around $600-$700. Can it be used standalone as a MIDI module or do you need the M3 keyboard?

Also, are the actions on the 88 key versions different between the M3 and Kronos?

I have my trusty old Yamaha KX88 master keyboard which I love, but would consider parting with if I got a new 88 key with good action.

Thanks!

[GregC]

Greg C- Yes, I do want an excellent piano!

One thing I'm confused about- The M3 module which appears to be availble for around $600-$700. Can it be used standalone as a MIDI module or do you need the M3 keyboard?

Also, are the actions on the 88 key versions different between the M3 and Kronos?

I have my trusty old Yamaha KX88 master keyboard which I love, but would consider parting with if I got a new 88 key with good action.

Thanks!

I had the M3M w/Radias for a few years and really liked it. That touch screen morph feature was cool. Yes, you can midi your KX88 to the M3M.

I sold that ( and other boards) to make way for the Kronos. no regrets.

maybe someone can talk to the 88 key diffs, M3 vs Kronos. That can be subjective territory

[tedluk]

GregC- I know it's really hard to compare actions without playing the actual boards. Unfortunately, it's hard to find an M3 to play. I know I won't like the 73 or 61 note Kronos as I prefer a hammer action.

With the cost of a Kronos x88 as high as it is, I don't see one in my future unless I stumble on a killer deal. Even if I sell just about everything else, I don't have the cash for it right now.

Stephen- The KARMA functions on the M3 and Kronos are the same, correct?

[dfahrner]

GregC- I know it's really hard to compare actions without playing the actual boards. Unfortunately, it's hard to find an M3 to play. I know I won't like the 73 or 61 note Kronos as I prefer a hammer action.

The KRONOS 73 has the same hammer action as the 88, just fewer keys...the 61 has the same unweighted action as the M3-73 and -61, which (to me) is one of the best unweighted keybeds made - I don't have any problem playing piano parts on it...

I'd look for a non-X KRONOS 73...as has been noted, you can find them for under $1500 these days...and to upgrade it to an X, adding RAM is easy, as is adding another SSD if you really need it...

df

[tedluk]

df- Thanks for the information. I didn't realize that the keyboard was the same action as the 88. Still not sure if I'd be happy with it, but it's a possibility.

Everyone keeps saying they can get the Kronos for $1500. I'm sure not seeing it. The lowest priced Kronos on e-bay is over $2000 for the 61

Ted