Kronos 2 88 SE or wait new "Kronos 3"

[Makara]

Hi, this is my first topic!

I have a dilemma, buy Kronos 2 88 SE or wait for a new "Kronos 3"?

I need keyboard for recording my own stuff in studio and performing the same songs a live. I already have Korg Trinity and I like Korg sounds, so I think Korg is the best choice for me, but I wonder if now is the right time to buy Kronos.

I don't suffer from having the best keyboard, but when I buy I want to spend money wisely. Kronos has been on the market since 2011 and I think it is only a matter of time when will appear his successor. When the new "Kronos" comes out, price of Kronos 2 will drop, literally tomorrow price can almost halve.

So, what do you think, in generally, is it wiser to buy a new keyboard as soon as it comes out on market (considering that the first models often have bugs and manufacturer often need time to correct it... like Fantom) or to buy a proven keyboard, such as Kronos 2 88 SE.

PS.
Sorry for bad English and I apologize if my question has already been asked on forum

[GregC]

I don't know of anyone able to predict the future. we are not Korg employees.

Assuming a new keyboard will have bugs is also a flawed premise.

I bought my 9 year old Kronos, sight unseen and it was not 1 bit buggy.

I believe this is not unusual but was the norm.

I think a $3000-$4000 is a serious long term purchase.

There is some justification for a new $4000 keyboard if your gigging will more than support it.

And you are assuming there is going to be a Kronos 3. There are several points that argue against it. Google this forum. There are typically 3 or more 'speculation topics per month here.

Do you believe you will achieve excellent long term satisfaction for your music production ? I have. Thus the Kronos purchase right now is solved.

But I can't accurately speak for you. I think everyone should understand their music production requirements, short term and long term.

[SKung]

I would buy right now, nobody outside Korg knows if or when a successor arrives.

[MichaelJK]

Every time Korg has introduced new Kronos software updates, or a new version of the Kronos itself, any new features have been backward compatible to older versions of the Kronos. Don't worry about the resale value of the Kronos (or any item) if you plan to use it for a long time. I've had my Kronos for 5 years, and have zero regrets. I am still learning how to use its many different features. Even when I run out of things to learn, It will continue to have a vast array of sounds, controls, and features, and a solid keyboard for me to use.

Ask yourself this: "Does the Kronos offer features that I really want/need that no other keyboard currently offers?" if the answer is yes, why wait?

[GregC]

good post.

I think there is merit to a discussion of almost timeless usefulness of Kronos:

1) Kronos , as a keyboard controller, is highly capable and flexible.

2) Sampling capability seems very strong and high quality.

3) SSD streaming practically future proofs Kronos

4) Sound engines , esp the SGX-2 Premium Piano has a timeless quality.
Acoustic piano is a timeless instrument. Same with Hammond/Leslie.

5) The RH3 , 1 of the most expensive components, is holding up very well.
How a keyboard 'feels' is highly subjective. But objectively, RH3 is a good choice in ints peer group.

6) Native Karma. Karma has a unique brilliance that cannot be matched. And it will not be duplicated again. [ apologies to wishful thinkers].

7) Kronos ' sum of its many parts '. every musician is different. Thus a large degree of utilizing Kronos. The flexibility and 'sum of all features ' makes it a desirable production keyboard.

Korg Fx. Fx are strong on Kronos. It would be nice to have more. But the Fx on Kronos are ' good enough '. some experience needed on utilizing Fx on Kronos.

9) The variety of 3rd party sample Libs at the Korg shop might be over whelming.

I might be missing a few 'objective ' features that are timeless. After that, it becomes subjective.

Trying to separate objective from subjective[timeless] here.

[Jan1]

I’m patiently waiting for KORG’s next generation workstation, not a KRONOS 3.
Today’s KRONOS is still the best featured workstation available, but it could benefit from an updated GUI, 64-bit compatibility, an upgraded sequencer, more powerful hardware among a couple of other things.
My bet is on KORG to come up with a worthy successor, but I would advise KORG Japan to take the advice of KORG USA to heart.

[GregC]

I’m patiently waiting for KORG’s next generation workstation, not a KRONOS 3.
Today’s KRONOS is still the best featured workstation available, but it could benefit from an updated GUI, 64-bit compatibility, an upgraded sequencer, more powerful hardware among a couple of other things.

My bet is on KORG to come up with a worthy successor, but I would advise KORG Japan to take the advice of KORG USA to heart.

That is exactly my pref for a 'worthy successor '. IOW, I want Korg to knock it out of the park, not merely hit a safe single thru the infield.

[kronoSphere]

Most of the core/motor of the Kronos models are 9 years old already. (Not even talking about the Oasys)
It's a long time...
When I have bought my Kronos 9 years ago it was just a new baby born.
Today, as I have done nine years ago, I would not buy a ten years old machine.

[GregC]

Mo
When I have bought my Kronos 9 years ago it was just a new baby born.
Today, as I have done nine years ago, I would not buy a ten years old machine.

Yes.

Yet folks still buy the Kronos. It is subjective.

[ITguy54]

Hi, this is my first topic!

I have a dilemma, buy Kronos 2 88 SE or wait for a new "Kronos 3"?

I need keyboard for recording my own stuff in studio and performing the same songs a live. I already have Korg Trinity and I like Korg sounds, so I think Korg is the best choice for me, but I wonder if now is the right time to buy Kronos.

I don't suffer from having the best keyboard, but when I buy I want to spend money wisely. Kronos has been on the market since 2011 and I think it is only a matter of time when will appear his successor. When the new "Kronos" comes out, price of Kronos 2 will drop, literally tomorrow price can almost halve.

So, what do you think, in generally, is it wiser to buy a new keyboard as soon as it comes out on market (considering that the first models often have bugs and manufacturer often need time to correct it... like Fantom) or to buy a proven keyboard, such as Kronos 2 88 SE.

PS.
Sorry for bad English and I apologize if my question has already been asked on forum

Am I missing something? Kronos SE 88? Isn't that the limited edition red model with the Italian Grand? Is that still available?

[Dniss]

I read a similar post 5 years ago. Five years without the joy of owning a Kronos is a loooong time.

[GregC]

[quotum

Am I missing something? Kronos SE 88? Isn't that the limited edition red model with the Italian Grand? Is that still available?[/quote]

long gone

if someone wants the SE, there is a silly high price on eBay.

[whelafam]

This issue of buy now or wait for the newest thing will haunt us all forever. If the current product fits your needs don't wait. I have a friend who has been waiting for the solar panels to be built into the roof shingles (supposedly any time now) for the last 5 years while I have enjoyed powering my home on existing technology and saving money the whole time. Remember there will always be something new right around the corner. But why waste your time waiting if there is something proven available now. I say buy now! It could be next week, 1 year or never for the Korg 3.

[MrRobertKrimson]

What are you waiting for? Just do it. Buy it. You won't regret it.

Even if Korg rolls out a new flagship workstation, I doubt the price for the Kronos: 1, X, 2, will drop considerably. Look at the N264/N364. The used price for that model is still between $800 and $1600 USD. It's older than the Trinity line too. Cost for an N264 back in '98, was around that price, if I'm not mistaken. The price on the Trinity line...well, it keeps dropping.

You may want to invest in a good keyboard stand for the 2 88. I personally use the Griffin Double Keyboard Stand - Studio Stage Mixer Turntable DJ Coffin 2 Tier at home, and use the On-Stage KS7350 Pro Heavy-Duty Folding-Z Keyboard Stand when performing live. It has a smaller footprint from the Griffin above, and to transport the Kronos, I use a SafeCase coffin with caster wheels. Both stands are sturdy as Hell and support the weight of the keyboard, and you definitely don't get the wobbling you get with the other less expensive stands out there.

[GregC]

What are you waiting for? Just do it. Buy it. You won't regret it.

Even if Korg rolls out a new flagship workstation, I doubt the price for the Kronos: 1, X, 2, will drop considerably. Look at the N264/N364. The used price for that model is stil between $800 and $1600 USD. It's older than the Trinity line too. Cost for an N264 back in '98, was around that price, if I'm not mistaken. The price on the Trinity line...well, it keeps dropping.

You may want to invest in a good keyboard stand for the 2 88. I personally use the Griffin Double Keyboard Stand - Studio Stage Mixer Turntable DJ Coffin 2 Tier at home, and use the On-Stage KS7350 Pro Heavy-Duty Folding-Z Keyboard Stand when performing live. It has a smaller footprint from the Griffin above, and to transport it, I use a SafeCase coffin with caster wheels. Both stands are sturdy as Hell and support the weight of the keyboard, and you definitely don't get the wobbling you get with the other less expensive stands out there.

It would be interesting if the o/p circles back given all the good/reasonable info
provided.

And his [ o/p] is a burning question for many, I suspect.
Its an expensive purchase, an investment to be carefully considered.

Kronos gets the job done with lots of function to spare. Home studio or gigging.

Without a doubt there are numerous alternatives, and/or platforms.

Above I posted 9 bullet points or reasons why I think Kronos is practically timeless. Its IMO, of course.

I immensely enjoy creating music on my 9 yr old Kronos.