The desert island synth

[jtern]

I have around a hundred synthesizers, including most of the ”classics” (VCS3, Jupiter 4/6/8, Arp 2600, PPG Wave, Matrix 12, OB-8, Minimoog, Memorymoog, Moog One etc), but still:

-If I had to pick one single synth to bring to a desert island (with ac outlets), it would be the Kronos (which I have owned since 2013).

There are of course some features that I miss (such as a proper per program/combi track step sequencer, an improved and pattern-based sequencer etc) but I can live without them.
Its user interface may be a bit ”arcane” here and there, but this workstation is so feature-packed and versatile that it’s unbelievable. And in my experience, compared with other modern, software-based synthesizers, it is very reliable and stable.

I enjoy spending hours with all my other synths (not the least for sound design and fiddling with knobs), but I always keep coming back to (and often sampling or controlling them from) the Kronos.

Even if there’s never a successor to the Kronos, I just wanted to say:
-Thanks, Korg! What an amazing instrument it is.

[KK]

To the Kronos, I just wanted to say:
-Thanks, Korg! What an amazing instrument it is.

Totally agree !

I also owned quite a few machines including a 450 lbs Hammond C3, 150 lbs Mellotron M400S, several analog and digital synths and so on. Before buying my Kronos in 2016, I had to sell instruments to have enough $ but I made sure to sample all my favorite sounds before departing with them.

My Kronos now includes all those sampled sounds and so much more, so I don't miss any of the gone gear. Last week I just completed another custom sample library, this time a mezzo-soprano soloist. The nine sound engines offer unlimited possibilities, from scary modular Moog sounds which can move furniture when played loud to expressive pianos, delicate pads, etc. So indeed, IMHO the Kronos is the most powerful and versatile digital keyboard instrument ever.

Hopefully, the desert island has resources to create a solar AC power source.

[Mike Conway]

By a long mile, it is the Kronos.


While I enjoy doing projects with a several synths, very often, I use just the Kronos. Last week, I scored a Batman themed lawyer commercial. The director/producer were floored by the result. I told them that I used the Kronos, and they said to not reveal my secrets. Text from yesterday, quoting a Hollywood guy, who comes out to work on our shoots. He who used to work at Amblin, etc.

[Mr_SamDoogie]

This is a bit off-topic , New Kronos are practically impossible to find, However, first-generation Kronos get sold faster like cupcakes in near good or
mint condition once they have been set for sale. 2015 version is a sought one but those versions of Kronos are rarely up for sale.
I've been observing for eight weeks and am now seeking for a first-generation 61 key because of the brushed color that would be my island keyboard or the 2015 version if the latter isn't up for sale.