Bizzare Keyboard Issue - Advice Appreciated

[degaffman]

Just purchased a used Kronos 61 from eBay - advertised as a Kronos-X (it wasn't - it was original Kronos) with 2 chipped keys underneath side only (G4 and A4) but perfectly functioning. Well - it's not perfect - keys C3,D3,F3 and G3 exhibit an odd behavior - when I sustain the keypress a second of two, they won't retrigger right away. The G3 key is by far the worst. The sound sustains longer than it should after I lift my finger than other keys - like it thinks it's still pressed down. The retriggering issue with the other 3 keys is much worse when the G3 is played with them.

Any advice? Is this a keybed problem or a software problem? Would you keep it or return it? I want to keep it - it's in great shape other than this issue and the fan is a little noisy). Seller said he'd reimburse me somewhat to upgrade memory/hard drive to Kronos-X.

Thanks!

[bobmusic]

From what you describe, it seems to be obvious that the rubber contact strips in the keyed of your Kronos must be completely renewed. If your dealer will take over the costs for repair you're fine. Otherwise I would return the instrument.

[StephenKay]

The seller lied. Who knows what else is wrong with it? Return it and look for an honest sale.

[GregC]

Just purchased a used Kronos 61 from eBay - advertised as a Kronos-X (it wasn't - it was original Kronos) with 2 chipped keys underneath side only (G4 and A4) but perfectly functioning. Well - it's not perfect - keys C3,D3,F3 and G3 exhibit an odd behavior - when I sustain the keypress a second of two, they won't retrigger right away. The G3 key is by far the worst. The sound sustains longer than it should after I lift my finger than other keys - like it thinks it's still pressed down. The retriggering issue with the other 3 keys is much worse when the G3 is played with them.

Any advice? Is this a keybed problem or a software problem? Would you keep it or return it? I want to keep it - it's in great shape other than this issue and the fan is a little noisy). Seller said he'd reimburse me somewhat to upgrade memory/hard drive to Kronos-X.

Thanks!

Its not in great shape. All keys should function and behave properly. Return it to your slippery seller who exaggerated the Kronos by calling it the "X" .

Or you could make a dispute , lets say , a $500 claim/refund to get it fully reviewed and repaired by an authorized Korg service center.

Kronos is a complex keyboard. If you are lucky, the key-bed or contact replacement might be the only issue.

Its your call, how much time you have to solve the defect puzzle with your Kronos.

[degaffman]

Thanks all for the advice. I don’t think the seller is crooked ... maybe misinformed ... said he never noticed the note problem when he gigged with it .. I could believe that if he wasn’t sustaining those notes. I’m leaning toward returning it but I’m waiting to hear back from Korg support and for a repair cost estimate from a location 3 hours away. The seller seems to be working with me and is cordial. I don’t think he wants it back ... he’s responsible for return ship cost and would be out the PayPal fee also. I wish they had some measurement for total time played on a Kronos ... I worry a bit that like a PC, the components are on the verge of wearing out. This one could be almost 10 years old, right? are there known issues of the Kronos associated with age?

[GregC]

Its a disadvantage to not be familiar with a used Kronos. It is a complex keyboard.

Now that we know its been gigged, and 9 years old, my advice above stands.

Its a crap shoot when a component will fail at this point. There is no conclusive data, that "A" component will fail next month and/or "B " part will fail next year.


Consider. 9 years old. Seller misled you. Thats a fact. An experienced Kronos owner knows an X from the original. A gigging keyboardist knows when select keys are faulty. The buggy key thing has been discussed and documented here for 9 years. Korg addressed the problem in 2011-2012.

Of course, the seller doesn't want to see it again.

Given the details, I would up the claim to $1000 minimum.

If it was me, its a return/refund.

[KK]

...said he never noticed the note problem when he gigged with it ...

The only possibility that this could be true is that the problem started to exist after the unit was shipped to you. Did you note any sign of rough handling or damage on the box upon reception ?

In any case, it's not up to you to deal with problems on a Kronos advertised as "perfectly functioning". This alone will be in your favor if you decide to not accept what was shipped.