A few question before buying a korg Kronos

npcmeister · Post by **npcmeister** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 9:41 am

HI,
i currently own a Roland RD 700SX (88 digital Piano) and would like to buy a Kronos.

the main question is whether to buy one instead of the RD, in this case the 88 keys model, or to buy one in addition to..., in this case the 61 keys (and by that enjoying both a "synth action" in addition to the "piano action" from the Roland.

My concern is about the interaction between the Roland and korg in terms of being able to fully control the Kronos from the RD700, after touch, or any other caveat of this approach...

Also, I was wondering regarding the keyboard quality of the Kronos 88 vs the RD700 in the sense of the "Key action" quality.

Thanks.

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 9:49 am

I've been playing an 88 key Kronos as sole gigging board for two and a half years now. I play a lot of commercial stuff and was used to a Nord Stage 88 with a Triton Extreme 61 on top, before. For the most part, it works well - most gigs I do are pretty well thought out beforehand so I can prepare splits, etc.
For the more "jamming" type gigs I do sometimes bring an old clonewheel or a KingKorg, just to have a little more flexibility when quickly changing sounds or if I don't know what's coming and such.

The splits work well for the most part, there are only a very few songs that are really uncomfortable to play this way (Dancing Queen is one, haha). I enjoy having the large screen in front of me and the simplicity in setup and sound managing with one board. I do miss a synth/organ keybed sometimes.

If you put a 61 on top though you wouldn't have the issue with the screen that I'd have with the 88...

Basically, as long as your solution involves a Kronos, there are no truly bad decisions

adamburgess · Post by **adamburgess** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 11:12 am

Like Sander, I usually play a Kronos 61 with a Stage 2 underneath. I can't see the Nord's screen but the Kronos takes care of everything in set list mode. Can still get to the odd knobs that I need. Keep your Roland and grab the synth action Kronos is my take.

GregC · Post by **GregC** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 2:53 pm

npcmeister wrote:HI,
i

Also, I was wondering regarding the keyboard quality of the Kronos 88 vs the RD700 in the sense of the "Key action" quality.

Thanks.

I use to own that roland. Have always preferred the RD keybed for piano type stuff.

This preferences on 88 key beds is highly subjective.

Even so, I had no problem adapting to the Kronos 88. If you are inclined to simplify you really should try that.

black953mj · Post by **black953mj** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 2:54 pm

Right now my primary gigging setup is the Kronos X 61 and my Prophet 12. I do take my RD700gx out on occasion in place of the P12 when the set list (and space) allows.

I use the Kronos X 61 as the master for set lists - as far as full control goes. Which one I play during parts of the song depend on what I need to do. Obviously if I need aftertouch for a part I'm up on the Kronos, nuanced articulation and I'm on the RD700. There is enough flexibility in the zones for these two boards where you should be able to do anything you need to.

Having a full on piano action keybed AND synth action is a great setup in my opinion.

vstkeys · Post by **vstkeys** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 4:52 pm

In my opinion it all comes down to your gig(s) situation aspects.
For instance if you play a few gigs weekly at different venues and often bump into loading gear hassles such as finding parking, small stage, clumsy band mates and weird function rooms with difficult assess. Parading around with two keyboards is a big no no in my opinion and experience. I would suggest get the kronos 73 or 88 instead and sell the Roland.

Now if you play for fun at home and do hassle free gigs or even don't minding carrying all the extra stuff. You could use the Rd as main board for pianos via Midi with the Kronos 61 and jump on the kronos for sliding organ and synths stuff.

So in the end think about what is going suit your gig and getting around situation best.

danmusician · Post by **danmusician** » Fri Dec 26, 2014 6:32 pm

My first question for you is: how do you feel about the Roland piano timbre? To my ear, Roland digital pianos have a very unique flavor in the sound. I've never connected with it personally, but many, many others like it. The Korg has a very different sound. It's more natural sounding to me, but may not be to you. If you really like the Roland, be sure you play the Kronos first.

Secondly, are you sure you want to gig with two boards? I'd like to gig with my Casio PX-5S and a Kronos 61. But most of my gigs don't justify the hauling and setting up of two keyboards and the time taken before the gig for set up. Even the hassle of a two-keyboard stand is more than I want to deal with.

A Kronos 73 was the best compromise for me. I love that everything I need is in one keyboard. My one complaint is that I wish the board was C-C instead of E-E.

Also, I rarely play organ sounds, so I don't need a non-weighted board.

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 3:46 am

Like Danmusician I also use a 73 key Kronos. However since a lot of my bands' songs are in E. I'm glad the keyboard is E to E. Personnel preference.
I have a bunch of keyboards but I prefer to do it all with 1 if I can. I also play a ton of organ stuff but I've gotten used to using the heavier keyboard for it but I did find it took a long time to get used to doing this.

As other people have asked it does also depend on how fussy you are when it comes down to the piano sound. I've used Roland and had no trouble with the sound but I do admit I prefer the Korg sound.

Once again, personal taste,

npcmeister · Post by **npcmeister** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 5:29 am

Thank you all for your input.
You've given me a lot of useful info to process...

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 5:51 am

I have an rp301 roland for my kids and I have the X61 Kronos. My thought process is the same as yours synth action keep the 88 key roland. Sadly I was underwhelmed. I love the roland hammer piano action but using it with the Kronos pianos was a let down. I believe it has something to do with the roland not sending release velocity. I didn't think that would be that big of deal but the difference to my ears was unacceptable. I have never hooked the roland up to my Kornos again.

geoelectro · Post by **geoelectro** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 1:55 pm

I had two Triton pro's and two Yamaha P-80's. I left one pair at church and the other at home. Worked this way for years. Also used VST's.

When buying the Kronos, I decided on the 61. It sits above the P-80 and works perfectly. I leave my second P-80 at church and just have to move the K61 back and forth.

I probably spend more time on the P-80 playing piano etc. I love the Yamaha Graded Hammer Effect action and the P-80 is the smallest instrument with that action. Same action for example as the Motif series. I bought both P-80's used for around $350~$400 ea.

Geo

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 4:09 pm

I have been considering the casio PX5s because it has release note velocity, do the yamaha boards have it?

Derek Cook · Post by **Derek Cook** » Sat Dec 27, 2014 7:34 pm

Bertotti wrote:I have been considering the casio PX5s because it has release note velocity, do the yamaha boards have it?

Nome of the Yamaha boards I have (or have had) - EX5, SY77, SY99, DX7II, AN1x have had it, and I don't think the Motif range does, but my Novation Remote61 does (a surprise find), and it will also hold the notes you play when changing channel until you release them.

joe in VA · Post by **joe in VA** » Sun Dec 28, 2014 12:00 am

My Yamaha CP33 does not support note off velocity.

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A few question before buying a korg Kronos

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