Save Some Money!

PatrickD · Post by **PatrickD** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 6:46 am

I'm looking for opinions and help from someone who may have already thought to try this.
I have a TEX with MOSS and looking at the price of the KX 88 at 3999.00 I was wondering if I could purchase a 61 KX and trigger it with the Extreme to have the 88 keys I would like to keep. Is there any technical problems inherent with doing this that you are aware of.
My selling of the Extreme is a painful consideration as it is pristine condition and it would be nice to keep it. I will be playing live once in a while so moving two boards would be an issue. But??????? Do you think its worth the 1000 I would save. Weigh in! I want to hear someone else besides my own indecisiveness. Also do you feel we are past the QC issues with the Kronos X
Thank you for your time!

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:37 am

I can say of I had it to do again I would buy a K88 not because of any problem with the 61 but be ause I miss the extra keys. I looked hard at running the K from and external board, in my case a Roland rp301, and I don't think you would have any problems doing the same from your triton. I am sure others more knowledgeable will chime in but from my experiments it should work fine. I wish I had a TEX to use as my external board!

awyatt1 · Post by **awyatt1** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:42 am

I can't answer your question per se, but I can tell you that I got my KX 88 for $3199, which is what the KX 61 lists for. Some retailers have a "Submit a Deal Request" option. I went to the ProAudioStar website and submitted a request for $3199, which was accepted. However, I wasn't familiar with that company so I called Sam Ash and asked them to match the price, which they did after a couple of phone calls. So if you are planning on spending $3199 for a KX 61, chances are you could get a KX 88 for the same price. Then again, you could probably submit a lower bid for the KX 61 and get a better price on it as well. Whatever you decide, it's definitely worth sending a few emails and making a few phone calls to get a better price. To answer part of your question, I've only had my Kronos for a few months but so far I haven't had any keybed issues, my fan is not too noisy, and none of the buttons, knobs, or sliders have broken off.

Low Class · Post by **Low Class** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:23 pm

I bought one of the later built Kronos 88's before the X and it has been trouble free. Paid $2500 from ProaudioStar and then got a $200 rebate from Korg. I've considered buying another Kronos in the 61 key version and using a 88 key external to trigger it to have a more portable 2 keybed setup. I've tried using a couple of other 88 keybeds MIDI'd to my Kronos 88 to test it out(Kurzweil PC3K8 and a Casioi PX-5S) and while it works just fine, it is not the same as playing the Kronos 88 itself. The RH3 in the Kronos 88 plays like a Cadillac compared to using an external keybed. Although I must say that the Casio is a close second.

If you want the best 88 key experience with the Kronos I highly recommend getting the Kronos 88. That being said, if you do get the Kronos 61 I highly recommend taking the $1000 saved and getting a Casio PX-5S. It sounds incredible on its own, and the action is heaven. And it only weighs 24 lbs!! A great 88 key controller for the Kronos.

And if you want the best deal I highly recommend ProaudioStar. I have bought many high end items from them and their customer service is top notch.

PatrickD · Post by **PatrickD** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 6:41 pm

Thank You all
You made up my mind for me! I knew it after I had it all written out and looked at what I was doing!
KRONOS X 88 Here I come. Ye Ha

Hal2001 · Post by **Hal2001** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 12:48 am

I always prefer dedicated direct action set up when possible I.e. K88 works for me. And you got some good purchasing strategy advice from OPs. This is the way to go for sure. Congrats on a great choice and you won't look back.

PatrickD · Post by **PatrickD** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 1:49 am

Low class
Got a hold of Prostar. You were right I emailed my requests and they were back to me in a flash with a 3400 number. SweetWater is the other outfit who i have spent some 20 grand with so we will see if they can do any better. BTW thanks to all who gave there help. Its why I love this forum most people are really humble and love the music they make. Sharp, Korg owes you a pile.

marcdeben · Post by **marcdeben** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 3:37 am

I have the K61 and just bought the Casio Px-5s. The casio sounds ok alone but no match for the Kronos in any way. IMO. It does have a nice keybed and is light as a feather. I use it just as a second keybed with 88 keys. I set MIDI to local off on the Casio. If wieght is not an issue, I would get the K88 and a 61 light controller for organ and synth soloing. The organs and brass are not useable in the PX. If I had it to do over again I would buy the K88. Can't do it now, would lose to much on the 61.
My 2 cents!

Cheers

The Casio is a great keyboard for the money, the pianos and EL pianos are pretty good and will pass live no problem. The action is nice and responsive and did I mention it is very very light. I walk in to a gig with the casio in one hand and the K61 in the other hand. Very nice!

SeedyLee · Post by **SeedyLee** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:56 am

One big downside of using an external 88 Key controller, including the Triton Extreme, with the K61 is the fact that most controllers do not transmit key off velocity, which the SGX1 engine uses to control key-off noises. I think you're making the right choice going with the K88.

fodendeyo · Post by **fodendeyo** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:24 am

[quote="PatrickD"]Thank You all
You made up my mind for me! I knew it after I had it all written out and looked at what I was doing!

Even though you have decided others may be interested - I have a K61 and drive it from a Yamaha CP300 and it is a pleasure to play from it - key off sounds and all. Great to have the 61 for orgs etc and K piano from the CP.

As a side note - interesting to compare the CP Yamaha grand to the Kronos Yamaha grand. Much prefer the CP.

lonelagranger · Post by **lonelagranger** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:56 pm

PatrickD, you made the right decision. I have the Kronos X 88 note and love it. You will have a lot of fun and make great music with it. Good luck to you.

6String · Post by **6String** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:24 pm

Unfortunately, Sweetwater does not price match - and I've never gotten them to give me a better price.

YMMV

Comrad_Durandal · Post by **Comrad_Durandal** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:35 pm

6String wrote:Unfortunately, Sweetwater does not price match - and I've never gotten them to give me a better price.

YMMV

They might not price match, but they have some of the best customer service I've seen in a while - a refreshing change, for sure. Too many places forget to treat their customers well when they start competing only on the price point, sadly enough.

PatrickD · Post by **PatrickD** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 11:29 pm

Sweetwater has had my business for the last 10 years and I know how good they are but I have had some bad things go on as well and I am going to ask them for some consideration in terms of price which may or may not be forthcoming. I have the price down to 3200 for an X so we will see what happens
In any event thanks for all the input. All of you and your willingness to help make KORG a smart choice for anyone. I don't care about dealers near as much as I value the people on this forum.
Thanks Again