Advice/Feedback: I'm Thinking of Buying a Kronos

[NuSkoolTone]

I'm hoping for more responses to this question, but I wanted to say thanks very much to every one who has kindly responded to my query already--and so quickly (Vlad, Iaandodeman, FirstLovedan, Xp50player, and NuSkooltone). A couple of you mentioned how outstanding this forum is, and these responses, plus the other threads I've seen make this board one of the friendliest and most helpful music forums I've seen.

*snip*

VLAD and NUSSKOOL, your comments about the functionality of the board are well taken. In the hour I got to play with the board, I found the small fonts to be frustrating to actually click on, especially since I'm a bass player and have calluses on the tips of all my fingers. Finally, I figured that I can lean up so my nail does activate whatever you're trying to access, but I wondered about that small font in terms of a live setting. I also wonder whether a stylus, like those used on an Ipad or E-Reader would be helpful? As for grabbing the knobs - what kinds of knobs did you replace yours with NUSKOOL?

*snip*

Flemmings, I got these: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/M ... -/28-11822

They're basically Rean p670 knockoffs (Rean is no longer around). They feel pretty good. Could fit a hair better (Skirt lessens amount of shaft used), but still a good fit IMO. Regardless, it's worlds better than stock to me.

The last thing I would add for a "dislike" is the Vocoder. While the Kronos "has a Vocoder", it's a one trick pony that is REALLY limited as I found out trying to emulate a daft punk sound last night (*Sigh* back to the Motif. Still not great, but at least it's 10 band). So it's cool that it's got one, but if you're "into vocoding" you most likely won't be satisifed. Upside? If I decide to get a Neo Ventilator for my Organs later I won't be concerned about losing an input for the Vocoder should I run stereo!

[lotty1]

Hey Kronos-ers!

I'm a multi-instrumentalist songwriter who hasn't owned/touched a set of keys since I owned a Korg DW6000 brandy new outta the box. I'm thinking of adding a workstation that's also easy to use in a live playing setting to my musical toy box. I'm looking/looked at/listened to Kurzweil PC3, Yamaha MOXs, and a few other of the main name brands in that category. My eye is currently on the Kronos. I've watched some videos on line, played around on a Kronos for about an hour in a store, read the quick start guide, scanned the sounds pdf, and am about to dig into the operating guide. I'd appreciate any input on the following questions from Kronos owners:

1. Your favorite thing/characteristic/sound, etc about the Kronos

2. Ease of breaking the learning curve on getting around on the board, tweaking sounds, and writing songs

3. Your biggest dislike on the board (or anything you find frustrating/have had trouble with.

4. What do you think are the strongest sounds/patches in the Kronos? Which are the weakest?

Don't think about it. It a bit like getting married if your thought to long you would not do it. Just buy one your never regret it.
They are the most creative piece of equipment in one box your ever find.

[MarPabl]

1. Do I want a massively powerful workstation that has great presets and is also easy (at least upon first approach) to program and is more modern in terms of touch screen, etc.

For sure Kronos is more friendly for the color touchscreen. However, Kurzweil is logically laid out. So really both are deep and once you understand the workflow, everything will easily come.

2. Do I want a board that, at least in terms of the PC3LE, has some limitations, but whose presets I find to be fantastic sounding, but will have a much higher learning curve in terms of deeper programming

The major limitation I find on the PC3Le is the polyphony. I love some presets, specially the Orchestal expansion which is better than Kronos. Regarding acoustic piano, I really prefer Kronos. VAST is not that hard to grasp once you understand it, and it's really powerful for programming exactly what you need.

3. If I plan to use the board live, which keyboard is easier/better to use, etc.

Both are effective to be used live. Kronos has the nice Set List which is also implemented on Kurzweil, and SST which is also implemented on Kurzweil. If you're looking for complete flexibility to control other boards (not your case if I'm not mistaken), Kurzweil is better. Kurzweil will give you better realtime control, but you have to program harder. Therefore, maybe I would prefer Kurzweil considering it will be running in seconds, compared with minutes required to turn Kronos on.

4. Given 1-3 above, which board (Kurz PC3LE or Kronos), will really be the best board if I only plan to have 1 keyboard and which is most likely to bet the one horse that can do many jobs board. I'm not a keyboard player by trade (and intend this mostly for writing purposes, but do not want to rule out live playing purposes), so it's unlikely that I will necessarily be driven to buy different keyboards by the same discerning ears and/or programming desires as those of you who play keyboard regularly.

By understanding your needs, I think both workstations can fulfill them. Therefore, if money is important, then Kurzweil is a perfectly fine decision.