Buying Again Kronos ?

Discussion relating to the Korg Kronos Workstation.

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7keys
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Buying Again Kronos ?

Post by 7keys »

Hi, I want to buy new Kronos I have been really looking into the Kronos for quite a while I previously bought Kronos (brand new) but after having it only a month the screen faded out I had it repaired and then sold it on it was a hassle for me and I was disheartened by the whole experience.
Actually I love Kronos sound which is why I want it again but as you know there have been a number of people who have been unsatisfied with software or hardware either way what I want to say is that can someone tell me what actual changes have been made in the New Kronos because I have to take my Kronos overseas where it's difficult to have it repaired if anything goes wrong. I need computer integration because I connect all Keyboards with Cubase into PC. Thanks.
Windows 10pro/64 bit, Korg pa3x, Roland MC808.
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Re: Buying Again Kronos ?

Post by GregC »

7keys wrote:.
Actually I love Kronos sound which is why I want it again but as you know there have been a number of people who have been unsatisfied with software or hardware either way what I want to say is that can someone tell me what "actual changes" have been made in the New Kronos because I have to take my Kronos overseas where it's difficult to have it repaired if anything goes wrong. I need computer integration because I connect all Keyboards with Cubase into PC. Thanks.
it sounds like you had some bad luck initially.

guessing here. I don't think we are going to hear/read about all the "actual changes" until January NAMM or when a few are in the hands of owners.

If I gigged overseas,and my livelihood depended on it, I would carry 2 Kronos'.
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Shambler
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Post by Shambler »

I'm in the same boat, I ordered and received a Kronos X 61 which was allegedly brand new.

In hind-sight I believe it was a returned unit...the case was so poorly put together I think someone had taken it apart or at least dropped it from a great height so I sent it back and went for a Jupiter-80.

But I really miss the sound and also the Karma features, I want an inspirational instrument and the Kronos with Karma is pretty much the only stand-alone answer to my needs.

So I would say order one, you can always return it within a few days if you are not satisfied.
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Post by GregC »

Shambler wrote:I'm in the same boat, I ordered and received a Kronos X 61 which was allegedly brand new.

In hind-sight I believe it was a returned unit...the case was so poorly put together I think someone had taken it apart or at least dropped it from a great height so I sent it back and went for a Jupiter-80.

But I really miss the sound and also the Karma features, I want an inspirational instrument and the Kronos with Karma is pretty much the only stand-alone answer to my needs.

So I would say order one, you can always return it within a few days if you are not satisfied.
these are such expensive instruments i only buy this kind of gear from a totally trusted source.
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Shambler
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Post by Shambler »

GregC wrote:
Shambler wrote:I'm in the same boat, I ordered and received a Kronos X 61 which was allegedly brand new.

In hind-sight I believe it was a returned unit...the case was so poorly put together I think someone had taken it apart or at least dropped it from a great height so I sent it back and went for a Jupiter-80.

But I really miss the sound and also the Karma features, I want an inspirational instrument and the Kronos with Karma is pretty much the only stand-alone answer to my needs.

So I would say order one, you can always return it within a few days if you are not satisfied.
these are such expensive instruments i only buy this kind of gear from a totally trusted source.
I bought it from the same place I've spent £1000's at before with no problem,the box looked factory fresh which is why I was pretty shocked to see the instrument in such a state...at the time I then assumed this was representative of the Kronos build quality.

But as I say in hind-sight there must have been another reason for this.
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Post by GregC »

Shambler wrote:
GregC wrote:
Shambler wrote:I'm in the same boat, I ordered and received a Kronos X 61 which was allegedly brand new.

In hind-sight I believe it was a returned unit...the case was so poorly put together I think someone had taken it apart or at least dropped it from a great height so I sent it back and went for a Jupiter-80.

But I really miss the sound and also the Karma features, I want an inspirational instrument and the Kronos with Karma is pretty much the only stand-alone answer to my needs.

So I would say order one, you can always return it within a few days if you are not satisfied.
these are such expensive instruments i only buy this kind of gear from a totally trusted source.
I bought it from the same place I've spent £1000's at before with no problem,the box looked factory fresh which is why I was pretty shocked to see the instrument in such a state...at the time I then assumed this was representative of the Kronos build quality.

But as I say in hind-sight there must have been another reason for this.
that place is not worthy of your business since they mis represented the Kronos. Here in the US , we have many choices . For example, I have some skepticism of Kronos offered on eBay. its too easy to exaggerate or misrepresent the actual condition and/or not disclose actual history of the instrument.

Fortunately, there are numerous quality places to choose from.
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7keys
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Post by 7keys »

Hi, guys thanks for replying but I still don't have a definitive answer I am still confused and am unable to decide whether or not to get the Kronos I can't just get it based on how awesome the sounds are, there are the other factors to consider as the investment is so huge. I am also getting the Integra, MoxF and the third keyboard is indecisive as I am not 100% clear on Kronos.
I am confident about the other Keyboards because I have seen hardly any complaints or issues about them on their forums or had any bad experience with them in the past! However I have looked across the forum and have analyzed that there are people complaining about mother board, hardware or soft ware in some way or another, so that’s why I am looking for someone to kindly give me a more clear answer, help or guidance please.
Windows 10pro/64 bit, Korg pa3x, Roland MC808.
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karmathanever
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Post by karmathanever »

Hi 7keys

In fairness, I think you will always find complaints and problems with products like this whether it be Yamaha, Roland Korg or whatever.
Also, people are more likely to complain about problems vs. commend and praise.

There are many KK owners who are very satisfied.
You have been very unlucky and I can empathise with that.

I agree with some above comments regarding sources - second-hand is always "buyer-beware" unless you know the seller.
Anyhow, I hope you find a peaceful decision.
As you already know, there's nothing else out there quite like the KK.

Best of luck

Pete :D
PA4X-76, Karma, WaveDrum GE, Fantom 8 EX
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Post by McLaren »

Hi, 7Keys

I am in the same boat – and just cancelled my purchase today after considerable research, and visiting a prominent dealership (UK).

The Kronos keyboard issues are (incredibly!!!!) well documented (including a 2013 post where a Dutch dealer actually recommended against buying one, although many will try to say these problems are in the past/ don’t affect the X).

However, according to the UK dealer (who shall remain anonymous, but remarkably frank – so he will get my business for other, major, purchases) the problems are most certainly current.

Trying to give Korg a chance, I visited this dealer, seeking reassurance through their other products (the Kronos 2 is on order, so none in stock).

They did have a Krome – but guess what? After briefly tapping all keys, five were obviously faulty, acknowledged by the sales assistant. And this from a model which apparently doesn’t have a keyboard problem.

One could argue that that the Krome is a display model, subject to much use, and cheaper, but surely these things should be workhorses?

It’s blindingly clear that Korg have a major problem, and have been far from transparent (check online, and admitted by the dealer) – a polite way of saying “they have covered this up”.

My own feeling as an outsider (but used to working with many brands and their reputations for several decades) is they are relying too much on the fact that they are “way out there” in performance, and there is nothing to compare. So their many fans (who use this site) are prepared to forgive (put up with) a lot.

Yes, I am sure that some have had great experiences. But the fact is that many, many have not. And they have reported that after they have bought one and checked it out, even then, it has gone wrong. And it has remained wrong after repair.

So, a £3000 for a product which can lead to weeks, or months, in repair (and sometimes re-repair, if there is such a word)?

It’s not for me.

Cheers,
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Post by GregC »

karmathanever wrote:Hi 7keys

In fairness, I think you will always find complaints and problems with products like this whether it be Yamaha, Roland Korg or whatever.
Also, people are more likely to complain about problems vs. commend and praise.

There are many KK owners who are very satisfied.
You have been very unlucky and I can empathise with that.

I agree with some above comments regarding sources - second-hand is always "buyer-beware" unless you know the seller.
Anyhow, I hope you find a peaceful decision.
As you already know, there's nothing else out there quite like the KK.

Best of luck

Pete :D
Here in the US , we have this site/business called Yelp
http://www.yelp.com/about

Its well known for reviews of retail businesses, hotels, restaurants, etc.

And like you state, people are more likely to post their complaints vs the happy customers who are predominately quiet.

Anyway, I like to support my local businesses. There is a chinese restaurant in town. It has 4 of the most scathing reviews on Yelp.

we went there anyway, and the food was outstanding. Possibly, the best chinese food we had in some years. It was obvious they have a thriving business.

AFAIAC, Korg ( here in the US) took care of any keybed problems years ago. But if you read a few old posts on this forum, its OMG, etc, etc.
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Post by mikeyd »

If I can't make up my mind whether to buy a product I wouldn't ask people ask people that are most happy with it. Asking specific questions would yield much better results. And for the guy with the "anonymous dealer" and "it's not for me" why are you commenting on this forum? If you can't be specific and say who your source is so that Korg has a chance to at least answer the criticism, don't comment. I wouldn't go to your forum and comment on your brand whatever it is just to bash the product. It's unproductive to everyone if you can't give details.
This keyboard has been excellent from day one for me. No problems. None

So there's your answer.
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7keys
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Post by 7keys »

Please guys forget everything what I just want from Kronos is that it works

well with Cubase8 and it's stand alone editor works perfectly and have no

problems with the hardware than it perfect for me!

Kindly tell what the proper way is to install midi drivers and what are the

internal & external settings with PC editor?

As you know the Kronos has beautiful sounds quality, if Korg pays more

attention in kronos software and hardware problematic issues then kronos

would be awesome and cannot be compared to any other keyboard.

McLaren, I would like to thank you for your reply I also bought my Kronos from London it was a brand new Kronos which was faulty! Anyhow could you tell me which dealer you go to because they seem to be very honest about their product and give good guidance so it would be very helpful for my future purchases. please send P.M.
As you have cancelled your Kronos can you tell me what you consider to be the next best Keyboard you are going for ?
and in your opinion which other keyboard comes closest to the Kronos? In the past I have used Motif XS,XF,tyros, Korg M3,M50 and Roland Juno-G,Fontom-X etc .
Windows 10pro/64 bit, Korg pa3x, Roland MC808.
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Post by SanderXpander »

Nobody can predict whether your new Kronos will have issues or not. I don't believe Korg could be successful if there was an issue with a really large number of them so I'm gonna say most are fine. You were unlucky before. And hardware issues will be covered by warranty in any case.

As for Cubase, if you're using 64 bit Cubase you can't use the VST editor. You can only use the standalone one. I'm sure we'll be able to help you get it up and running. Personally I don't really see how it's so important since you can do practically everything from the Kronos itself.

In any case, you will not find a truly significant answer here.
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Post by 7keys »

I have window 7/64bit and Cubase/64bit Ok I won't use the VST-Editor/64B, BUT is it guaranteed that the Kronos 64/B Standalone editor will work perfectly with window 7/64B? because last time I had problems with standalone editor/64B.
Please can you give me details on how to install midi driver's and the internal\ external setting for kronos & PC stand alone 64bit editor? Because last time this gave me a big problem the Kronos kept on auto syncing repeatedly with my PC and interrupting the Kronos sounds.
Actually I am getting the Kronos, Tyros 5,integra 7, MOXF and KeyLab 49 which is a huge investment that's why I am thinking very carefully about Kronos2. Thanks.
Windows 10pro/64 bit, Korg pa3x, Roland MC808.
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Post by SanderXpander »

I can't personally guarantee at all. Korg offers a 64-bit Windows compatible standalone editor (currently not compatible with Kronos OS 3!). There is no reason why this shouldn't work on your system. I don't mind helping you troubleshoot but other than installing the midi driver there isn't much you should do. If there is something not working there may be something wrong on your system specifically but there is little sense in discussing that while you don't even have a Kronos.

Again, I don't think you're going to find what you want here. You want guarantees. Nobody can give them to you. This goes for any keyboard or any product at all for that matter.
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