What's your Lower Tier if your Kronos is an Upper Tier?

[Derek Cook]

Just curious to know what other people use?

I purchased a Kronos X 61 as an upper tier keyboard in August, as I was quite happy with my EX5 as my main controller.

However I started having some reliability issues (possibly PSU on the way out) with the EX5, so started to think about replacing it.

After looking about, I came to the conclusion that another EX5 was the answer for me, at least in the short term.

Why?

• Great feeling 76 note keyboard.
• I could of course just load my current EX5 vocies/performances into the second hand one that I managed to get
• Whilst I don't use many EX5 sounds on stage, there are a few signature sounds that I would have had to reporgram into the Kronos
• A MIDI controller would have been cheaper, but not being able to make any sounds on the lower tier would be an issue for me if the Kronos failed on stage. On both the EX5 and Kronos, I have some "Emergency Patches" (Basic organ, piano, EP and synth) that would get me through a gig on either
• The EX5 has MIDI ECHO, a feature I have requested on the Kronos so I don't have to faff about with splitters and mergers for controlling both boards from my FC300 foot controller.
• I managed to get a decent looking one for a good price!

So, that's sorted me for the short term, but I'd be interested in what other people use, if I am looking for a more permanent solution that is not EX5 shaped, because, as much as it is a fantastic synth, they are getting long in the tooth now.

I'll cover the most obvious combination: I've been quite happy with the Kronos, so that one option is to look for a second hand Kronos 73

[psionic311]

At home, I still use my Alesis Fusion 8 as my piano action controller, just because I bought it back in 2009 when I wanted a workstation with several synth engines. At practice, I leave my Fusion 6 there as a standby, and only bring my Kronos 61 occasionally.

But like you, Derek, I'm looking for suggestions for a 2nd controller, but with piano action keys. Looking at pics on e-bay, I'm guessing the 76-key EX5 has synth action keys. Too bad. I would have loved the MIDI merge ability, as well as the EX5's FDSP and VL engines.

[SanderXpander]

I would personally use a Kronos
But I think most people really like a Casio PX5 in that spot. It's 88 piano keys though.

[Derek Cook]

But like you, Derek, I'm looking for suggestions for a 2nd controller, but with piano action keys. Looking at pics on e-bay, I'm guessing the 76-key EX5 has synth action keys. Too bad. I would have loved the MIDI merge ability, as well as the EX5's FDSP and VL engines.

It's a semi weighted action, so quite nice, and a good compromise.

[Derek Cook]

I would personally use a Kronos
But I think most people really like a Casio PX5 in that spot. It's 88 piano keys though.

Thanks. Might look into the Casio. Haven't had Casios since the days of VL-Tones, MT-40s and MT-61s when I was poor.....

[GregC]

J

I'll cover the most obvious combination: I've been quite happy with the Kronos, so that one option is to look for a second hand Kronos 73

not qualified since I don't gig, but if I was forced to haul around 2 boards, I like the 2 Kronos' solution. This gives you a perfect backup if 1 does a fail.

I have heard the latest Casios and read rave reports. Owners are very pleased and the synth sounds are excellent. They have a lively FB group, if u decide to go that way

[holdsg]

My Kronos is my "main" board now, and one of the reasons I bought it was to get to a single board solution.

Until I can get my bandmates to accept the Kronos organs, I may still have to use my Hammond SK1 to get "that sound" for 60s-70s classic rock organ, on top.

[ferchis]

My Kronos is my "main" board now, and one of the reasons I bought it was to get to a single board solution.

Until I can get my bandmates to accept the Kronos organs, I may still have to use my Hammond SK1 to get "that sound" for 60s-70s classic rock organ, on top.

haha, I can't believe the part of your bandmates not accepting a particular organ sound!

[danatkorg]

my lower tier
is also
a KRONOS

[Ottawa58]

My Kronos is on order.

In the meantime my 'other tier' is a Kawai MP10. Not because it has great sound (it doesn't - Pianoteq is better), but because it has an action that is very, very close to that of an acoustic piano. When it's too early in the morning to play the acoustic, the Kawai still gives pretty good practice. Especially for classical stuff, scales, etc. However it is hefty - over 70 lbs. It doesn't get moved much, and it's internal sounds are few and weak.

I can't wait for the K88 - the Berlin Grand, good action, and the ability to switch to organ for Bach. Then a complete flip to Pink Floyd!! And guitars!!

[holdsg]

My Kronos is my "main" board now, and one of the reasons I bought it was to get to a single board solution.

Until I can get my bandmates to accept the Kronos organs, I may still have to use my Hammond SK1 to get "that sound" for 60s-70s classic rock organ, on top.

haha, I can't believe the part of your bandmates not accepting a particular organ sound!

It was a stretch to get them to accept the SK1 in the first place, in lieu of a 400 lb real thing.

[ferchis]

My Kronos is my "main" board now, and one of the reasons I bought it was to get to a single board solution.

Until I can get my bandmates to accept the Kronos organs, I may still have to use my Hammond SK1 to get "that sound" for 60s-70s classic rock organ, on top.

haha, I can't believe the part of your bandmates not accepting a particular organ sound!

It was a stretch to get them to accept the SK1 in the first place, in lieu of a 400 lb real thing.

man, don't let them trample over you haha. stick up for yourself!

[jazlover]

M3 88 keys on bottom...Kronos 88 on top...M3 modules on top of that. I like the keys close together. It is heavy to haul but I like the full keys.

[geoelectro]

An older Yamaha P-80. Used as a controller only. Love the Graded Hammer Effect action. Also, about the smallest version Yamaha made with that action.
(Have two)

Geo

[xp50player]

RD-800. Ebony & ivory feel, escapement, quick repetition response. Wake up Korg.