61 or 73?

NormC · Post by **NormC** » Tue Jun 09, 2015 10:29 pm

New to workstations. Have owned a few synths. First one was the Korg DW6000. Now have an Alesis QS6.1. All of my keys have been 61 but was thinking if I am going to shell out the money for the Kronos I have a choice to make. 61 or 73? I am used to the synth style keys but used to have a real piano as well. Unfortunately none of my local shops have any Kronos to play with. This is a big step for me and do not want to regret my decision. I am currently leading towards the 73 as it will not be gigged much and the extra 15 pounds is not an issue. I guess playability is my real question. Opinions?

pedro5 · Post by **pedro5** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 12:21 am

Go for the 73 key version so you can also enjoy the hammer action for the pianos……
It won't be exactly the same as a real piano,but the response and feel is good enough.

Always better to try before purchase,of course,if possible…..which isn't in your case,unfortunately.

However,I took a "risk" with my Kronos,without a trial,but it immediately felt right….even during a quick few key presses as it was being unpacked…. and not regretted the choice.
I would have preferred the 88 key,but haven't got the space,plus the fact it would so darned heavy.

The only drawback is the clatter/thumping noises it makes,apparently typical for most hammer action keyboards,which can be distracting at low volume levels,but the music soon takes over and diminishes the effect,for the player,(others may find it annoying though).

Good Luck with your choice,I'm sure you will be happy with either type of Kronos.

Best Wishes.

kevinh_12345us · Post by **kevinh_12345us** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 4:26 am

I went for the full 88. Wanted to play the piano.
If your mainly playing synth then 61 or 73 works well, but it it's you main kb, then nothing like the 88.

NuSkoolTone · Post by **NuSkoolTone** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 6:37 pm

Since you have a real piano and are comfortable with that, the 73 is a good compromise. I cut my teeth on synth style keys, so the 73 was a teeny bit heavy by comparison at first and a touch harder for fast playing, but really not bad at all. That said it is undoubtedly one of the LIGHTER "weighted key" actions out there and far more forgiving!

The only buzzkill (like ALL weighted keys) is when doing Organ stuff.
The converse is it's a treat when playing Piano and EP sounds!

danmusician · Post by **danmusician** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:06 pm

NuSkoolTone wrote:...the 73 was a teeny bit heavy by comparison at first and a touch harder for fast playing, but really not bad at all. That said it is undoubtedly one of the LIGHTER "weighted key" actions out there...

This has not been my experience. I played many digital pianos before buying the Kronos. I find the 73/88 keybed to be an excellent piano imitation. Not on the lighter side at all.

YMMV

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 9:37 pm

Much lighter than the Yamaha alternatives I've tried, but heavier than my Roland RD170 (which is like medium quality anyway).

Ottawa58 · Post by **Ottawa58** » Wed Jun 10, 2015 11:49 pm

I'm primarily a piano player, and brand new to the Kronos. I am extremely happy with my K88 and haven't regretted it for one second.

- the action is not quite as piano-like as a Kawai MP stage piano, but 95% and close enough for me. I was used to the difference in one day.
- there is a very very slight key clunk, but nowhere near the sound made by a Nord Piano. I wouldn't worry on this account.
- I was happily surprised by the keyboard build quality and firmness - although one or two folks on here have had defects.
- My Kronos is never gigged - and it sits in my music room. Therefore an 88 was a no brainer - I can play Chopin without transposing, and also can build combis with more splits and layers.
- The karma modules have already improved my improv only after a few weeks. Maybe just because improv is now more fun.

NuSkoolTone · Post by **NuSkoolTone** » Thu Jun 11, 2015 2:35 pm

danmusician wrote:
NuSkoolTone wrote:...the 73 was a teeny bit heavy by comparison at first and a touch harder for fast playing, but really not bad at all. That said it is undoubtedly one of the LIGHTER "weighted key" actions out there...
This has not been my experience. I played many digital pianos before buying the Kronos. I find the 73/88 keybed to be an excellent piano imitation. Not on the lighter side at all.

YMMV

Oh I agree! When I say a "tad heavy" I meant in comparison to the synth action I was used to, which should be expected. As a "Lighter board", kind of a comparison to say a Motif 8. For me THAT thing hurts to play after awhile!

jbeliz · Post by **jbeliz** » Thu Jun 11, 2015 3:40 pm

I like my k2 61 key more portability but really would like to upgrade to a k2 73 i know the weighted keys are a little tuffer on the fast action songs but you can always use a midi controller for that. Its an extra $400 more so its all good i will eventually just get me a kronosx 73 for the prices are better.

NormC · Post by **NormC** » Thu Jun 11, 2015 4:55 pm

Thanks. I am going to order the 73. Can't wait to play with it! It is my 50th birthday present to myself. Time to retire the Alesis.

SDDP · Post by **SDDP** » Thu Jun 11, 2015 5:29 pm

I was debating to get the Kronos when it came out because of the RH3. Not a fan of it. I started off with the M1 76, then upgraded to the Triton 76. And was upgrading every to years when the newest and greatest came out from Korg, until.... Kronos. they cheated me out of 3 keys on the mid size going from 76 to 73 (those keys must cost a LOT to make I guess.. a whopping 20 cents each lol). Anyways, then they took out the soft keys and made the made the mid size and large all RH3 and it wasn't my style of playing. But after months of debate and listening and demo'ing the Kronos I decided to get it anyways. And figured if I am getting a mid-size, mine as well get the 88 since the price difference is minor when your dropping 3K'ish and kept the Triton and use that midi-wise for the soft keys if needed. Best decision ever.

HOWEVER. If you are new to Kronos. you will need a PhD in Kronosology to understand how to do anything in it. It's a very complicated keyboard. Read the manual a few times over.. Then read it again lol.

The sounds this has and going into the editor and manipulating the 9 ENGINES this comes with is mind boggling and endless. I want to say this is a forever keyboard because of its endless abilities. But I am sure Korg will come out with some 11" 3D 4K screen with HDMI out and 5.1 surround sound with 32 engines and WIFI.