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Hi Guys

Apologies if this type of query has been done to death. Googled and searched and not found an answer.

I have the opportunity to buy either a Kronos X 88, or a Kronos 2 61. Both for about the same price, in the same condition and with similar warranties. I'm a beginner and intending to learn to play classical, rock etc etc

Visited a local music shop to compare keyboards and work station manufacturers, but all they had in the showroom was a Roland FA 06 and 08, lots of Nord, but only a Krome from Korg.

I thought the Roland FA 08 key action felt good and the FA 06 velocity sensitive action okay too. Didn't like the Krome key action at all. Nords with fully weighted keys felt okay and their smaller boards with the waterfall action felt okay too.

To date, I've not got my hands on a Kronos of any flavour and won't before I buy. Closest was an SV-1 and that action felt okay.

I have serious back issues, which is making me consider the Kronos 61. But, if it's key action was similar to the semi weighted Krome, I'd hate it.

Can anyone tell me if the key action of the Kronos 61 is THAT different from the Kronos 88.

Apologies for going around the houses!

Max001 wrote:Hi Guys

Apologies if this type of query has been done to death. Googled and searched and not found an answer.

I have the opportunity to buy either a Kronos X 88, or a Kronos 2 61. Both for about the same price, in the same condition and with similar warranties. I'm a beginner and intending to learn to play classical, rock etc etc

Visited a local music shop to compare keyboards and work station manufacturers, but all they had in the showroom was a Roland FA 06 and 08, lots of Nord, but only a Krome from Korg.

I thought the Roland FA 08 key action felt good and the FA 06 velocity sensitive action okay too. Didn't like the Krome key action at all. Nords with fully weighted keys felt okay and their smaller boards with the waterfall action felt okay too.

To date, I've not got my hands on a Kronos of any flavour and won't before I buy. Closest was an SV-1 and that action felt okay.

I have serious back issues, which is making me consider the Kronos 61. But, if it's key action was similar to the semi weighted Krome, I'd hate it.

Can anyone tell me if the key action of the Kronos 61 is THAT different from the Kronos 88.

Apologies for going around the houses!

Its THAT different if you like piano (AP's, EP's)

The action between the 61 and 88 are a huge difference. I bought the 61 and I MIDI an 88 key keyboard to it. That way, I may only need to take the 61 to some gigs making it real easy. Otherwise, I have a couple of Yamaha P-80's that have a very nice Graded Hammer Effect action that I like. I bought those both for around $350 ea. The P-80 happens to be about the smallest keyboard Yamaha made with the GHE action.

Currently, I leave one P-80 at church and the other at home. That way I only have to take the K61 back and forth.

I understand Casio has a nice 88-note weighted keyboard with it's own sounds that is even lighter than the P-80. (37 lbs) The Casio PX-5S is 25 lbs.

Geo

The KRONOS 61 key semi-weighted action is MUCH better than the Krome's - in fact I don't have any problem playing piano parts on it, I think it's one of the best lightweight synth actions around...but to really play piano, you need more keys with more heft, and that's why big weighted keyboards weigh so much (more keys, more weight per key)...the KRONOS 88 is a great instrument, but forget about moving it around, mine stays parked in the music room, and I use a slightly lighter and smaller KRONOS 73 for gigging...I tried out a Krome 73, and like you, didn't like the key action...I have to try the Casio PX-5S, though: its action and piano / electric piano sounds get great reviews (although I'm sure it's not as good as a KRONOS) and it's 25 lbs (!)...

df

I have an X 88. I wouldn't change it for a 61 even though it is heavy. But, if your concern is you're back then it might be prudent for you to get the 61. I love the RH3 and ace never looked back. But all in all, whatever you choose you'll come up a winner with the Kronos.

I have both the X88 and 2-61, and they are both excellent keybeds. It's just a matter of your decision given your back and application.
The 2-61 keybed is nothing like the Krome, and is also one of of the best synth actions I have had for a long time...very solid feeling.
I bought my 2-61 first, when I already had a Roland FA-08, which worked very well at the time as my 88 weighted action, it even had release velocity.
Once I got my X88, I found the RH3 to be even better than the FA-08, and it's the best weighted I've owned for a long time. I've had Yamaha's in the past, and I like my RH3 more than them too.
The X88 never leaves its stand at home though, as I never intended it to travel. I found playing piano on the 61 key a little strange at first. Even though I've played many pianos on synth keys, I think the realism and expressiveness on the Kronos pianos coupled with the synth action confused my brain, but I got used to it eventually, and as far as I can tell, the 61 also has release velocity, which is put to good use on the SGX pianos.
My biggest bugbear was the limited octave range on piano, and I've found using the footswitch to change octaves works ok, but it just doesn't cut it vs a full 88. I go back to the X88, and it's like I returned home, and I revel in it!

As a portable compromise for the 61, I bought an 88 semi weighted controller board (Nektar Impact LX88). I figured, if I'm going to play the piano on synth action with the 61, why not just have 88 synth action keys. So if I travel with the 61, I add another 8kg in a lightweight 88 controller, and it works well. I actually bought the LX88 as controller for NI Komplete pianos when travelling, but ii works well with the Kronos too.

Chris

Personally I like to play with a weighted Piano and a synth action keyboard, so I use an RD700nx with the Kronos2-61 on top for brass and organ lines. It's a nice combination, although the Roland is rather heavy at 25kg/55lbs.

Why not go for a weighted controller keyboard and a Kronos2-61? You can get a much lighter weighted controller board and use it to play the Kronos Piano, while getting a really nice action semi-weighted keyboard for those synth lines?

Sincere thanks for all your views and suggestions guys. They've been hugely helpful.

I'll likely be moving around a fair bit with work, over the next several years, so the 61 key version, with 88 key controller, would seem to be a good solution.

Now for the painful bit, of paying the money!

Thanks again!