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Most of my gigs are 90% piano gigs, and I've always had 88 weighted keys (S90 for the past several years), but I did try the K61 and I liked the feel of the keys. I think I could get used to that keybed, but not so sure about 61 keys. Being that I usually play with a bass player, I could probably get used to that as well. I like the K61 for it's smaller size and weight (I'm 64 years old, but I plan on gigging 'till I'm sucking my dinner through a straw). Anyone out there gigging with a 61 even though you mostly play piano and e.p.? Also, does the 61 react differently to the velocity curves than the 88?

I can't imagine that I would enjoy myself playing a piano gig on a 61 key synth action board - regardless of how good the synth's piano sounds were. If the Kronos piano sound floats your boat - I'd find a way of dealing with the additional 25 lbs that a Kronos 88 would add so that I could play a full sized, weighted action board and enjoy my night of performing. I'm 56 and truly appreciate the wear and tear that a heavyweight schlepp puts on my fat, old ass - I'm just not at the point that I'd let 25 pounds (the weight equivalent of a heavy laptop bag) keep me from playing what I'd prefer to play. That's just my two cents ... YMMV.

The 73 version may be a good compromise between size and balanced weighted action. I played with semiweighted action several years and after changing to weighted action, I have never looked back.

I agree that if you want to play Piano sounds the most, it's mandatory to get a weighted action.

Anyway, there are the same velocity curves. Both keybeds are having the issue of not being able to get the full velocity range (velocity curve doesn't reach 127): even striking hard, there seems to be a limit on velocity about 115

If you like to play some classical music on your free time, even 73 keys won't be enough. Therefore, besides of the weight, take into consideration what kind of music you plan to play and if the number of keys will be enough for you.

Hi elprimito,
I´ve been gigging in several locations with unweighted keys. Formerly with a Korg PA2x pro and after that with a Nord Stage EX compact. Next week I´ll be playing the first gig with the Kronos61.
The lineup is always very unplugged-like: a singer/guitarist and me (singer/keyboardist) with Voicelive touch for "handmade" loops/rhythms (sorry, no karma or drumtracks...)
If you adjust the velocity-curve a little bit (harder) your playing will also change a bit, so yes: the 61 keys react a bit different (o.k. not the keys, the velocity programming of the sounds...).
I only can encourage you to try it out - you will get your way.

And indeed, 88 weightd keys would be better... (I´m planning to bought a Studiologic/Fatar Numa nano - only USB-powered - any experience about that?)

Regards
Tim

as a piano player myself, i require that you should took the kronos 88 (as i did). one of the reasons that i bought korg kronos is that i'd need 88 key board as my main axe.. if i'm comfortable with 61 (which i have already), i would not need to buy kronos.. i'd be using my psr with a good virtual instrument.. but sadly, kronos has a pretty considerable piano sound too..

Many of the gigs I play are 80% or more piano. I use a 61-note keyboard, because, like the OP, if I'm going to move it myself these days, I'm not going to carry anything heavier.

And also, I like to use organ and synth sounds whenever possible. So, over many years, I've got used to using a lighter keyboard. It's fine, basically what you get used to.

The keyboard feel of the Kronos 61 is good, it's much better than "cheap" portable keyboards designed for home use. You can get used to using the Kronos 61 and achieve professional results, imho.

I've got used to using the sw1 and sw2 buttons to quickly change the keyboard range +/- 1 octave, so I can get low bass or high treble quickly. I can usually set this up before the song starts, and I'm good for the whole song, but if I need to change on the fly, I've got used to doing it.

I have an 88-note keyboard (or two) in my studio, but really, I've become so used to non-weighted keyboards that if there was such a thing as an 88 non-weighted, I would buy it!

So my advice: go ahead, get the Kronos 61.

jg::

elprimito wrote:I'm 64 years old, but I plan on gigging 'till I'm sucking my dinner through a straw)

I heard that!!

I bought a Kronos specifically to replace my GEM Promega 2 because it was just too heavy to carry round but I need the weighted keys.

I gigged with a non-weighted 76 note Fantom FA76 for 5 years and you just CANNOT get the feel with a synth keyboard.
It affects how you play and you cannot emulate piano sounds effectively without weighting.

Anyone who thinks the 73 is too heavy is a WIMP!
I was lugging the Promega round in a full Gator flightcase and the Kronos 73 is a dream in comparison.

It must be rare that you need all 88 keys - buy a 73.

R
Alan

Thanks to all for chiming in, especially jg. I was hoping that someone out there might be of that opinion. I would like to hear more opinions, so keep 'em coming.

buy a Kronos 61 and also buy a cheap 88 keyboard controller with weighted keys and action you find acceptable for about $300-$400 and midi it into the kronos to play its piano sounds. You might find the 88 key controller is very light also.

elprimito, don't be put off by "purists" who insist that a weighted keyboard is essential. There are plenty of people getting good results with a non-weighted keyboard.

And Alan, I'd like to see you repeat those words when you're still gigging in 2040!

jg::

I don't consider myself a real pianist but I'm glad I am used to 61 only (saves a lot of heavy transporting and expensive keyboards).

If 90% of your gigs are piano gigs , I don't see a reason for going with semi -weighted action (k 61 ). At some point , sooner or later down the road, you will start feeling that something is "missing " with the way you're connecting with semi - weighted keys. Not to mention the extra keys on top ( on the 88 ) which I believe are a must for any piano player purist.

Or you can go my road , which is getting a lightweight 88 controller. But my case is different , because I also play leads and electric jazz-fusion , and k61 has been serving me perfectly for that.

In your case ? 90% ? No brainer , get weighted keys .

R