"New Other" Kronos 61 on ebay for < $1,800?

[BBFG#]

Generally, it means it has been classified as 'B' stock.
This could mean a store's floor demo repackaged or simply stock returned to the factory that has been either opened or not.

Technically by law the manufacturer cannot sell it without a disclaimer that it wasn't sold before (to the dealer) and resold to another dealer at a discounted price. They do this when the dealers 'flooring' comes into question and to reduce their old stock to make way for new instruments. This is different from 'refurbished' though, as that means it might show other minor forms of wear (but not always). Furthermore, there's another difference in whether it is 'manufacturer refurbished' or 'dealer/seller refurbished'.
The important things to checkout when buying the first Kronos is the serial number/run and to get any information on whether known issues of that run have been addressed.

The only problem I've had to date with buying 'B' Stock or MFG Refurbished was one Novation XStation49 that was delivered and factory sealed but had completely fallen apart (keys everywhere) somehow in shipping. The store I bought it from sent me a new stock to replace it immediately.

[GregC]

as pointed out several times, the Kronos tends to be more fragile

B stock buyers should be aware

[BBFG#]

Don't beware. Be informed. They don't seem any more fragile than any other keyboard I've owned.

[GregC]

Don't beware. Be informed. They don't seem any more fragile than any other keyboard I've owned.

do you think the Kronos is more complex ?

[BBFG#]

Only in in its software architecture. Mechanically, not really. And the only keyboards I've seen that don't hold up well to constant road use have been Rolands.

[BillW]

Don't beware. Be informed. They don't seem any more fragile than any other keyboard I've owned.

But they are more fragile than almost *every* keyboard I've ever owned. I and many others have had numerous issues with the Kronos. I am on my 3rd Kronos 61 and this has a loose screw flying around in it. It also creeks constantly when playing it. Korg cut a lot of corners to bring this keyboard to market. When compared to my pair of 5 year old Fantom G6s, the difference is night and day. Those Fantoms have been gigged heavily for years with zero problems. I can't say that from my experience with the Kronos. I love the machine, but it is fragile.