Keybed paranoia

[Goughy]

I am in the process of choosing a new keyboard for use in my home "studio" and the Kronos X 88 is high on the list (competing with a Kurz PC3K8). I am a great fan of KARMA (still own and play an original Korg Karma workstation -serial number 41xx) and the scope and complexity of the Kronos appeals to me.

However, I am really concerned about the build quality of the RH3 keybed in the Kronos. I have heard comments about the keys being attached to the wooden base and not the metal frame and since I live in the desert I'm worried that this will be a disaster waiting to happen. I guess the pictures from Saxifraga have scared me.

None of my current keyboards show any sign of being affected by the dryness although our 1896-vintage iron-framed Bluthner upright is showing its age.

Does anyone have any experience of keeping a Kronos in a dry climate (e.g. Arizona, New Mexico, Israel...)?

[runningman67]

I guess the pictures from Saxifraga have scared me.

Saxifraga, bless him, would scare Chuck Norris.

[Ojustaboo]

Hi

The base is MDF (Medium Density Fibre board).

Many Synths have used this as a base for many years, I have built workshop cabinets out of the stuff for my own shed and have never ever had a problem with it.

All the keybed problems reported are with the original Kronos and not the X version

I have had two originals and the shop gave me an X as a replacement. the quality and look of the X keybed was on a completely different level and I think you will love it.

I've had my X for 4 months now and the keybed has perfect spacing between every key whatever angle you look at it.

best

Joe

[Bertotti]

MDF is very stable. I do not believe it would be a problem for you. Keep in mind that although it is a wood byproduct it has a lot of additives so it doesn't grow and shrink the same way a piece of wood will.

[shaneblyth]

Just got my Kronos 73 X a few days ago was paronoid like you too. So I spent alot of time testing each key playing fast slow soft hard and listening and feeling everything. I found it perfect. I found it could play synth lines really well even though it's a weighted board and I really like the feel. I was going to use a synth controller in conjunction but feel i should be fine. I found generally the quality seems fine. Just treat you board well it's an expensive piece of equipment. I do the same with my iPhone. It cost alot so I am very careful with it and expect the KronosX should last many many years. Only thing I felt a bit hmmm about is the jog wheel. It looks and feels a little cheap. So I am treating ti well. It's not up to par with the Jupiter 80 jog wheel feel or quality.

[Goughy]

Thanks all, that's reassuring. Good point about MDF vs. wood.

I don't plan to gig with it so it won't get moved around too much.

Richard

[Saxifraga]

I guess the pictures from Saxifraga have scared me.

Saxifraga, bless him, would scare Chuck Norris.

lol! I even scared myself.

My two cents: If you are into playing piano: Buy a Physis Piano. It's great!
If you want a workstation: Buy a computer, external controler (Novation) and
DAW. If you want a very good sounding sampler with many integrated synths and simulations: Buy a Kronos 61.

I can say nothing about the X version. My dealer has only the old ones.

[michelkeijzers]

I guess the pictures from Saxifraga have scared me.

Saxifraga, bless him, would scare Chuck Norris.

lol! I even scared myself.

My two cents: If you are into playing piano: Buy a Physis Piano. It's great!
If you want a workstation: Buy a computer, external controler (Novation) and
DAW. If you want a very good sounding sampler with many integrated synths and simulations: Buy a Kronos 61.

I can say nothing about the X version. My dealer has only the old ones.

You are on a Korg Forum saying never buy a Kronos (X) 73 or 88?
I really think that is a strange conclusion since so many people are happy with those versions.

Also the old ones will be fixed for free IF they show a problem. Most already have been changed (unless they are in your dealer's shop for a long time and your dealer did not bother to take initiative himself).