Is Kronos the best option for a pianist ?

[Trouble042]

Hi everyone. First of all, sorry for my english .
I have a M50 88 and i am thinking on selling it mainly to keep my gear up to date (i think that the more time passes, the harder it is to find a buyer). Also it would be nice to have better piano sounds.
First i was thinking on getting the Krome 88, but for what i read on the forum, the keybed (NH) it's no as good as the one on my M50, wich is the same on Kronos (RH3).

I like the versatility of a workstation, i play prog rock (Dream Theater, King Krimson, etc.) so i need great synth sounds. That being said, i am essentially a pianist, both classical and jazz.

My question then: Is Kronos 88 the best (or only) choice ?

I also considered the option of getting a good digital/stage piano, since the piano is my main instrument, and later on buy a kronos 61, but what i'm finding is that a good digital/stage piano cost as much as a kronos 88, so i don't know.

Any suggestion is welcome. Thanks a lot !

[SanderXpander]

The Kronos has, in my personal opinion, some of the best piano sounds currently available in any piece of hardware. That's part of the reason I got it but only part. I like the keyboard but that's highly personal. I've heard it go both ways on this forum.
In any case, I would highly recommend checking out the top model synths and digital pianos from the major brands (Yamaha, Roland, Nord, maybe Kawai and Kurzweil) in addition to the Kronos before spending this kind of money.

Also, as a full time pianist, I have to say that for me no digital reproduction is a true substitute. If complete authenticity is important to you, you could always consider a Yamaha upright with their silent piano system. That is of course if you can house an upright and don't need to bring it anywhere.

[holdsg]

I had an m50, then went Kurzweil, and came back to Kronos for my stage piano needs. Every stage piano is a compromise in a black and white box. So get the one that represents the least compromises, and in MHO, that's a Kronos. Roland RD800 is probably a close second, and I've heard good things about the Kawai, but the Kronos offers so much more than just being a stage piano, that it wins every time, for me.

[jeremykeys]

Myself, I recommend the Kronos as well. I'm classically trained on piano and I really like the feel of the keyboard. The fact that it does so much more than any other keyboard out there is just a bonus to me.

Also, if it's good enough for Jordan Rudess. Well, it's good enough for me!

[Ottawa58]

That kind of question is based on personal choice. Everyone will have an opinion based on how they use their keyboard.

I love the Nord piano sounds but hate their keyboards. I love the Kawai VPC keyboard, but the sounds come from the computer, which may be limited by cheap sound cards.

If you are not using the Kronos as a true workstation, I'd be tempted to say get a Kawai VPC, a good Mac computer with SSD, a Zoom Tac 2 audio interface, and your choice of piano and synth software. I like Pianoteq and
Ravenscroft.

Having said all that I love my Kronos, and it has a passable keyboard for piano. (At least at my level). And passable piano sounds - especially the German.

[benny ray]

It all comes down to what your needs are. If you like the features of a workstation and the Kronos is a wonderful instrument with good Piano sounds and has endless features. However i love the Kronos but i like Nord pianos also and recently purchased a Nord Electro 5D. But if i was looking for one keyboard it would be the KRONOS no doubt.

[lonelagranger]

I have the Kronos X88 and like it very much for the piano. I play classical and jazz. I would also recommend the Roland RD700NX. It is a very good digital piano and can be had for a reasonable price now that the Rd800 has come out. You might also want to consider the Kronos and Pianoteq. I love the Pianoteq pianos and find them to be the most expressive of all pianos I have played, other than an acoustic, of course. Good luck in your hunt for the best piano for you.

[Hal2001]

Hi T42. After playing well known brands, and choosing Kronos for the last five years, I can wholeheartedly recommend it for piano, however I use the full spectrum of synth programs as well. Smooth sound transition was essential for me as I layer many programs and order them in my setlist for forward advancing via my left foot pedal. I considered Nord, Roland, or Yamaha at the time, but Karma and 9 sound engines gave a lot of value added, particularly lots of interesting and diverse synth sounds and effects. Admittedly the guitar and VOX (choral) selections, are not outstanding (but usable) compared to Yamaha for example, however (personal opinion of course in all of this), I love the Kronos pianos and there is so much opportunity for tweaking via the incredible user interface. I tend to use the German Grand most and build my program/sound variations for piano off that. The German Grand preset is excellent and natural as is but I also like to customize and spice up alternate piano versions with reverb, delays, layered EPs, strings or pads etc. Before you buy, you must sit down and listen to each keyboard with speakers and also with headphones because you'll hear or not hear things from the keyboard depending on the audio equipment. You should also try the Montage to see how that stacks up to your ears since it's the latest thing from Yamaha. However, I have come to the conclusion that, if my Korg died today, I would go for the latest model of the Kronos (plus it looks even better now than the old Kronos). Keep in mind, if you post your question on a Yamaha, Roland, Nord or Kurzweil Forum you'll get other perspectives in your research. But nothing anyone can say is likely to make you like a keyboard's performance and playability if it doesn't mesh with your actual hands on and real-time listening experience. There's no substitute for that. Good luck. Hal

[Trouble042]

Thank you all very much, i really appreciate your help. I'm considering everything suggested here, but i have to say that the kronos is winning so far. It cost less than the other options (at least today in Argentina) and it seems a little more easy to move (i know, 23 kg, but still less than the other options).
It also features harmonic resonance which is the main thing that i miss from an acoustic piano, and i saw no other brands talking about it on their keyboards.
One of my dreams is having someday an Steinway Grand, so getting an upright piano now is of course tempting, but (although i haven't dismissed the chance), it's complicated since i also need something for live use.
And you are right, when I'm close to reaching the money i'll play all the keyboards that i can for myself on the local shops.(Did i say that right ?)
Thanks again !

[Hal2001]

Yes T, all well said. Good luck.

[JONLIBRA]

Hi. If you like the RH3 keybed then Kronos is your best option. The Sounds are much better than the M50. Good luck!