Traynor K4 Keymaster 112 Combo

Play accordion (+ synth and sampler). The accordion have stereo out. I send the treble side through the tube-amp and the bass side goes through solid state. That is just excellent! I would have liked an effect-loop to add effects after the tube-amp...

Have tried several bass-amps, keyboard amps guitar tube amps and PA. For both synth and accordion, the K4 gives me the best sound. Maybe I will change the tubes, but thats just me.

I play very loud. Havent had problems yet - so far so good! It feels strong.

Mailed the support that I would like to use a stereo Leslie simulator after the tube preamp. Therefore I would like to know, if there is any possibility to install an effect send-return loop after the preamp-section.
They send me a pdf with a technical drawing of how to do this! So now I going to mod the amp. I love that!

LOVE IT!

made 2008 Everyone has posted the overview of this amp, so no need repeating.

Great sound! Best I've heard especially designed for keyboards. Great variety of sounds and settings, crunch to warm and pure tone. I really like the preset EQs for live or recording.

Here is the thing. The box it came in was a bit beat up. But the amp seemed OK. The amp head was loose so I tightened it up. The front grill was bent in and I easily fixed that.

Within two weeks the left side of the stereo field went out. The tube needed reset. Which I did, but it still didn't work. (Tube was burned out after 2 weeks of use).

Then it started to made a low crackling noise once in a while (every 45 sec. or so). Called Traynor to get it to a repair shop. The one in Boise, Rush Electronics, sucked! They couldn't do the simplest job, even having the amp for three weeks.

Sent the amp to Traynor. They've had it for 3 weeks!

Customer support has been a bit better than fair. I talk to the same rep every time and he has been very helpful. The amp is now at NY getting fixed at Traynor. But it has been over 3 weeks there.

So I had the amp for 2 weeks then problems arose. Tried to fix it locally with no luck. Sent it back to Traynor, they've had it for 3 weeks and still not fixed. They want to fix it rather than send me a new one.

So right now I'm pissed. 2 months without the amp, not good for a working musician.

Hard to say. I love the sound of the amp. But the packaging is very poor. Others have had similar problems. It broke in 2 weeks. 2 months later it's still getting fixed at the factory. I want my amp back. OR send me a new one!

I think the amp is great. The warranty sounds great, but I have had my issues resolved (2 months later)...so maybe it's not so great of a warranty.

I'm really only writing to thank the contributor who said Lecover makes a cover for this amp. No one else does as far as I know. I ordered one and highly recommend it. Well made, a great price and quick service. www.lecover.com gets a 10! I'll follow up with a post about the amp but there is absolutely nothing the least bit bad to say about this amp. You could not possible be sorry as long as you know it's an extended range/full range amp. Loud, extremely versatile and a tank.

Made in early-mid 2007
Versatility is the musician's most basic request. This amp is flexible to adapt to the ever-changing set lists and varying repertoire that I perform. (I play in a wedding band and I also do solo work for ethnic festicvals, cocktail hours, coporate events and pub-nights. We/I cover everything from classic rock, polka, country, classical, jazz and other genres)

This amp provides 300w (200w 12' mono woofer, two 50w stereo 5" mids and horns) in 4 channels, 2 stereo 1/4" inputs on Channel 1 (w/3-band EQ and optional switching [via footpedal or manual switching] from dual 12AX7 Tube to Solid State, and OD trim and lead level controls, Channel 2 has another stereo pair and a single XLR connection (w/3-band EQ as well), Channel 3 has stereo RCA ins and another 1/4" stereo pair ins, but no EQ. Channel 4 is a monitor mix channel with an independent volume control that takes a stereo feed from the board but is bypassed on the stereo XLR direct outs, allowing the amp to double as a monitor wedge ( a little redundant, but comes in handy occasionally). The amp also has a headphone jack, but I've never used it. It also has a ground lift which comes in handy when playing venues with crappy grounds.

The amp also has a subwoofer 1/4" out for connecting a powered sub to give the system more thump, but I have not set it up as such yet. I hope to find the right combo of amp/sub to really make the rig versatile but not lacking in the low end. Currently, the options are Roland KCW1 (10," 200w), Motion Sound SW15 (15" 200 w), but I feel that the wattages are too low for solo work, but enough for stage monitoring purposes. Perhaps pairing it with a powered PA sub would do the job, but that's kinda bulky to haul around. Or maybe the Bose subs of the PS1 line? Any ideas from people who have experimented?

The variety of tones is available only on Channel 1, with its 4 swtichable presents on tube sounds. I like it, but I have usually stuck to one or two settings.
I have not encountered distortion whatsoever at any volume on any channel.
I play a Roland V-accordion FR7, occasionally with a Yamaha QY100 MIDI sound module/sequencer for backing tracks and an increased sound selection. No complaints thus far.

100% confidence in Traynor/Yorkville. They build solid road-worthy gear. I've used the amp throughout the summer on gigs varying from 50 people to several hundred people and the amp performed solidly.

Haven't had to deal with HQ yet, but I'm sure things will go smoothly.

Overall, this amp kicks ass! I've been gigging for over 10 years, and it defintely pays to buy quality. You learn that early and then it becomes your credo when buying gear. I'd definitely replace it if it were lost or stolen.

I love the kick-back design, the rubber feet on one end and the flexibility of positioning offered to the gigging musician who finds himself dealing with a variety of venues and associated issues.

Before I settled on the K4, I was looking at the Barbetta 41c, the Carvin 1000 and Hartke 200KB. I chose the K4 for its reliability, its flexibilty, its size and its power.

For features, etc, see the Traynor website and/or other reviews. I will only highlight key parts of my own experience/opinion.

This is nearly the perfect stage monitor/combo amp for me. Normally, I use it practising with my band. My two different stereo keyboards go into channels 1 and 2, my (stereo) POD XT Live guitar amp simulator into channel 3, and a monitor feed of vocals and other instruments goes in to the 4th channel in the rear. It is loud enough to be heard for a (rock) band practise, and just dandy for solo/small acoustic combo gigs in smaller venues.

I would probably use the tube preamp more if I stuck to a single keyboard sound over a set (like electric piano or organ). As it is, I tend to use many different keyboard sounds during a set (or a song), most of which do not benefit from the tube preamp (e.g. piano), so I leave it in solid state mode, which is fine.

The overdrive channel, while great in theorey, is not implemented quite how I would like it. It certainly produces a lot of gain. However, it is very difficult to tweak the gain to a lower level than "full" using only the "OD trim" and "Lead level" controls (i.e. level controls at the input and output of the tube stage). These controls simply do not have enough range to back down the gain to a useable level, especially when you have a decently hot level going in to the amp. I found myself having to severely turn down the input "gain" control on channel 1 in order to get a moderate, tasty level of distortion that did not overwhelm the sound I was using. While this workaround seems to be effective, it means you have to turn up the Master Level to maintain the same level for your channel 1 output. In other words, if you want to change the amount of gain on channel 1, instead of just twiddling "OD trim" and "level," you have to adjust the channel 1 Gain, then the Master Level to maintain the same volume, then all of the other channel Gains to compensate for the altered Master Level. Pain in the butt.

Having said that, the ability to footswitch the channel 1 "lead" channel is genius; like a "turbo boost" button for your raging organ solo. (Or, it would be, if the lead channel controls had more of an effect.)

I don't normally play around with EQ voicings (again, I'm switching sounds often). However, the "piano" option can help piano sounds seem a bit more natural, instead of the usual "tinny-ness" that results if you're not playing through nice studio monitors.

The amp is relatively light for its size, and the wedge shape is incredibly useful. As a result, I don't mind the lack of extendable handle and wheels - especially since I don't know where they'd put them. One can purchase a folding dolly if the weight becomes an issue.

The metal grille is a nice touch, and helps to make the amp look more serious, which we keyboard players appreciate. The handles are huge and strong, though the amp is a bit wide to call it "comfortable" to carry with both handles. However, it is light enough that one can fairly easily carry it by one handle - and one of the ends of the amp even has big rubber feet, so you can put it down on end without affecting the finish.

The amp has no problem kicking out loud, distorted guitar sounds at adequate levels. It could also double as a perfectly decent bass amp for small acoustic gigs, as long as you aren't expecting that low B string to shake the rafters.

One final drawback - the inputs to the amp can only handle levels of medium strength before they clip. I can run my 10-year-old keyboard into one of the first to channels at max volume, with no problems. But more modern equipment, like the Line6 POD XT Live, can put out a lot of voltage. I have to trim the POD's output level back to about 1/2 way before it stops lighting the clip LED on either of the first 2 channels. Also note that channel 3 can only handle 1/2 the maximum voltage of channels 1 and 2.

This is an unbelievably quiet amp. I have never heard (or not heard) anything like it. With no inputs attached, one can crank the channel gains and master volume to 10, and there is the faintest hint of static noise - but you have to get your ears close to the speakers to hear it. And I don't recommend that unlee you're sure no one is going to play something through the amp!

The sound is great - fairly flat for a combo amp, and I didn't notice nearly as much mid-range "honkiness" as one would expect from most amps of this type. There is plenty of bass for normal purposes, though I suppose if you wanted to knock glassware off a shelf you'd have to add a subwoofer. The highs are very clear.

My guitar sounds wonderful through the amp. The monitor feeds (vocals, other guitar, bass) sound fine as well.

While I haven't run the amp flat-out, I've been to 3/4 of max and beyond, and it has shown no signs of flagging. It truly delivers nearly its maximum level with good sound quality and no poor behaviour.

In other words, I'm perfectly happy with the sound quality, considering the purpose of this amp.

I have owned Yorkville gear before (same company), and it has always been extremely good. After using the K4 a few times, however, I noticed that the right-hand tweeter was crackling/distorting/crapping out, even at moderate volumes. I took the amp back to the store (Long & McQuade), who swapped it with one they had in stock, and it has been fine so far. I trust the amp completely, and other than the plastic knobs, I believe it is perfectly reliable.

I have not had any experience with Traynor's customer support.

I have been playing for almost 30 years, and worked as an engineer designing electronic musical instruments and recording gear for several years. The value this amp represents is fantastic. I would definitely buy another if it were stolen. I'm a big fan of Yorkville and their build quality & features vs. price.

If I were to redesign the amp, I would:
- give the OD Trim and Lead Level controls much more range
- make the inputs handle hotter signals
- perhaps make the knobs metal and/or mount them more sturdily

Manufactured early 2007.

I bought this on special order to use with my Boss GT-8. The K4 has tons of clean power and is well-suited for use with modeling processors.

The K4 features a shared woofer pushed by a 200-watt class A/B solid-state amp and a stereo pair of midrange and HF speakers, each side of which is pushed by a 50-watt class A/B solid-state amp for a total of 300 watts of full-range power in a rugged 50-pound package.

There are four distinct input channels.

* Channel 1 has two pair of stereo 1/4" inputs, an active (boost/cut) treble/middle/bass tone stack and a five position switch which can add one of four fixed EQ contours. Channel 1 also has a switchable tube warming preamp and a footswitchable tube distortion stage. The distortion is presumable voiced for keyboard use; it doesn't sound good with a guitar.

* Channel 2 has an XLR input which is fed to the left and right amps, plus a pair of stereo 1/4" inputs. Channel 2 has an active treble/middle/bass tone stack.

* Channel 3 has stereo RCA inputs and stereo 1/4" inputs. There is no EQ on channel 3.

* Channel 4 has stereo 1/4" inputs and no EQ. Unlike the first three channels which feed the power amp and the XLR line-level outputs, channel four feeds only the power amp. This can be used if you have a click/cue track that you want to hear on stage but not through the house system.

One thing I did notice is that the gain is different from channel to channel. This should not be a big deal in practice, as each channel has its own "clip" indicator to help you set the input level, and there's plenty of range both on the channel gain controls and the master volume to help accomodate any situation.

The K4 is a real powerhouse. Although the published specs don't say, an inquiry to the manufacturer revealed that the power rating is specified in RMS watts.

The use of RMS power specifications is sadly rare in the MI industry, where manufacturers have a tendency to inflate their power ratings through various fanciful devices. Kudos to Traynor for using the more conservative rating. It's not unusual for published wattage ratings to be two or four times the continuous RMS power output. The practice of specifying "program" or "peak" or "instantaneous" power was banned by the FTC in the 1970s after broad abuse by hi-fi manufacturers, but the practice seems to have returned with a vengeance. Perhaps MI vendors fell through some loophole in the law, or the FTC just doesn't care any more - I don't know...

There is a headphone jack. Plugging in phones disables the speaker.

There is a stereo pair of XLR outputs that you can use to send a feed to the house PA in situations where you need more coverage than you can get from the K4 alone.

A summed mono line-level output is available to drive an active subwoofer or a DI for a monaural feed to the house.

The K4 does not come with a cover, nor is one available through Traynor. LeCover offers a custom-fitted cover. The K4 seems pretty darned rugged and should survive regular transport to and from gigs if you don't mind accumulating a few scuffs. Once we get back into rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest I may think seriously about ordering a cover, since moisture on the speaker cones could be detrimental to their health.

The K4 doesn't really have its own sound, per se. You get out what you put into it. It has a fairly neutral sound comparable to a set of studio monitors without undue emphasis of treble or bass. Stereo separation is mediocre given that the left and right speakers are only about sixteen inches apart.

How does the K4 sound? Really good. I run my GT-8 into channel 3, which has no EQ adjustments. I didn't notice any significant difference in sound, other than increased volume and low-end extension, when compared to my portable PA or my studio monitors.

I've also run several different bass guitars through the K4, and it handles them well at moderate volumes. Think of the K4 as a small PA: you can actually run bass, guitar and vocals through the K4. With a small outboard mixer you could run the entire band through this unit. This is great for gigs in small rooms as it saves space and setup time.

I experimented briefly with the EQ on channels 1 and 2. The active boost/cut treble/middle/bass controls work as you'd expect, and the voicing switch on channel 1 offered some useful tone-shaping options. Since my GT-8 already has a plethora of EQ options, I reserve the K4's EQ's channels for sources that actually need a bit of additional tone shaping.

I experimented with using the (switchable) tube preamp on channel 1 to "warm up" the sound of my GT-8. I didn't like the results. I felt that the tube preamp "blurred" what I already considered a well-crafted guitar sound, and preferred the way channel 1 sounded when using its solid-state preamp. Your results will probably differ depending upon the program source.

I have used the K4 as a powered monitor and it works fine. In addition to the GT-8, I play synths and CDs through the K4. It sounds great, and the variety of inputs and channels make the connections easy.

I've only had this for a few months. There's no way to tell how well it'll hold up over the long term.

Interestingly, the K4 has no external fuses. If this was a tube amp I'd be very concerned. However, a solid-state amp plays by different rules. Looking at the schematic (Traynor, to their credit, makes the service manual available online) it's obvious that Traynor has gone to great lengths to protect the K4 against user-induced faults. They have a built-in limiter to protect against overpowering the drivers and the afforementioned thermal management system to cool the unit when used at sustained high power levels. The unit is fused internally, but if the fuse blows you probably have a problem that isn't going to be fixed with a new fuse.

The K4 is cooled by a pair of fans in the top of the cabinet. The fans turn slowly when the electronics is cool and faster as the amp heats up. The fans are inaudible when the amp is cool.

All of my pre-purchase questions were asked and answered through my local Traynor dealer. Questions were answered quickly. I have had no reason to contact Traynor since purchasing the K4.

Traynor publishes the service manual online, so I (or another qualified tech) won't have to jump through hoops in the event that my K4 does require maintenance. All components are readily available from multiple sources with the obvious exceptions like the power transformer and drivers.

Traynor provides a two year unconditional transferrable warranty.

I first started playing in the mid-1960s. I started getting serious about playing in 1999.

My current rig - a Boss GT-8 into the Traynor K4 - displaced a couple of nice Fender tube amps (a Vibro-King and a 40th Anniversary Twin Reverb reissue) plus a couple of small pedal boards.

I play a Koll Custom DL Thinline guitar.

The combination of the GT-8 and the K4 works well. The rig has held its own in comparison with a varied collection of vintage, custom and boutique amps. I'm quite happy with this rig. I'm not ready to sell my tube amps yet, but they've been in storage since I switched to the modeler. If they're still in storage a few year from now I'll start to think seriously about making this a permanent change.

The K4 does not come with a cover, nor is one available through Traynor. LeCover offers a custom-fitted cover. The K4 seems pretty darned rugged and should survive regular transport to and from gigs if you don't mind accumulating a few scuffs. Once we get back into rainy season here in the Pacific Northwest I may think seriously about ordering a cover, since moisture on the speaker cones could be detrimental to their health.

In Production since late 2005.

Some interesting features on this amp;

Channel 1:

TWO PAIRS (parallel) of 1/4" ins, a choice of Solid state or Tube preamp, a Lead feature adding overdrive (can be controlled via footswitch). 4 options of pre-set EQ's which can be very helpful to the type of sound you are trying to achieve. Clip LED.

Channel 2:

1 Pair 1/4" ins and ballanced XLR, 3 band EQ. Clip LED

Channel 3:

1 pair 1/4" ins, RCA ins, gain controll only. Clip LED.

Channel 4:

(on rear), stero 1/4" line level monitor ins with gain controll...this is by far one of the top features of this amp - use it as your own amplifier AND PA monitor.

1x Master Volume
Headphone out
Ground switch
Subwoofer out
Stero XLR line out (built in D.I.!!)

Yorkville has 2 main Keyboard amps right now, the K2/4 and the 50/100/200KB. The KB's are nice but are intended to be LOUD. The K series is also loud but does not sacrifice sound quality in the process. I was originally intending to buy a 200KB to replace my Bloc100K, however the sound quality in the K series simply blew me away. Also, the price difference between the K2 and K4 is so minimal...No question about upgrading to the K4 (unless you aren't playing with a band or in a large venue).

As mentioned in previous reviews, the CH1 tube-preamp and lead switches are excuisite for use with an Organ clone - my VK7 never sounded so good. I use CH2 for my piano (RD-600) which sounds crystal clear.

No Opinion - Haven't owned this amp long enough, however I still have my Yorkville Bloc100K which has been in service for almost 20 years. Yorkville doesn't mess around, their amps are built like tanks. Plus a two year -even if you break it- warrenty is awesome. I have no worries about this amp failing any time soon.

Very easy to contact, no hastle support. TWO year warrenty, even if you break it.

All these reviews are right on the money. Yorkville/Traynor is a highly under-rated company. i.e. - look up traynor on eBay and you have lots of 70's Bass/Guitar heads and cabinets...For CHEAP! Some people in the states have no idea what they've got simply because Traynor is an obscure name. Southern Ontario all the way! Pete Traynor started the company in the 60's, producing Marshall and Fender clones...using Hammond transformers and Marshall speakers. Traynor was purchased by Yorkville Sound and in 2000 the brand "traynor" was re-instated for Yorkville's line of instrument amps.

The story behind the K4:

Traynor/Yorkville goes hand in hand with Canada's main music equipment store, Long&McQuade. Stated simply, Yorkville was looking to create a brand new Keyboard amplifier that would stay on the shelves for a good long while - they wanted to avoid having to release a new model to replace the K-series a few years down the line. Once a prototype was created, it was sent to Long&McQuade's tech department for testing. This happened quite a few times, as there was always a problem or lacking feature that the tech crew would point out. When all was said and done...they had the K4 that we know today. A brilliant piece of work that sounds awesome. If you check out the back of the amp you can see a note "In memory or Newton Garwood", a veteran Long&McQuade tech who recently past away. It is due mostly to his extensive test work and suggestions that this speaker is here today, carrying such high standards.

I have no affiliation with Yorkville, Traynor or L&M...just a satisfied customer using Yorkville products for the past 20 years.

Purchased new in March 2007
4 channel stereo mixing keyboard amp
Channel 1 has a choice of solid state or tube preamps and an overdrive setting controlled by a footswitch. This overdrive sounds better with the preamp in solid state. If any one thing on this amp I would change, it would be to lessen the overdrive so that it would be just a level boost until you turned the drive knob up above half way. It's a nice addtion, non the less.
There's also some voicing control, which are preset eq's that sound very distinctive from each other. I have found them useful also.

I play a Roland GR-33 for my keyboard sounds and a Yamaha or Korg pedal board for my guitar sounds. The Traynor's job is to faithfully reproduce the wide range of tones coming from my Roland, which it does.
I own two Behringer KX1200s, which for the money, have been a steal. They are plently loud and the three way speaker setup is the key to their good sound.
When I chose to move up, it was the three-way speaker combination versus the woofer-tweeter setup that convinced me to go Traynor.
The K2 model seems like a nice box, but for a few extras dollars, the issue of stereo is now a no-brainer.
I have hooked this amp up to my Yamaha digital drums and the sound is excellent.

Reliability is a test of time. I have used my new amp on two gigs so far, and I am lovin it. But time will tell. The quality of workmanship is there. They publish the service manual and owners manual online, something many others don't do.

Too soon to tell

I wrote this review with the intention that others reading it will use it to help them decide on their next amplifier purchase.
I am not a salesman, and have nothing to gain, so I am not stuffing the ballot box here..this is one sweet amp!

Like the tube warmth and the Low impedence feed outs to main board.
Like the 3 way speaker system to bring out clarity in digital samples sounds

Sounds can be modidifed many ways. I find piano aounds are less colored an more true on channel 2 and organ patches are better in channel on ewith tube pre amp

So far so good

I have called a few times just for info and got to talk to real humans are helpful.

Only problem is it needs wheels and a telescopic handle. The keyboard is low to the ground and weighs in at 50 Lbs. I made some mods which I can send picturs if someone is interested.

Well this is pre-emptive. I ordered my k4 from east village and it arrived not working as I would expect a 330 Watt amp to work. Yorkville has drop shipped me a brand new one which arrives today, so I'll fully review the amp when I get a new one.

The fact that I can use the amp as a wedge, or stand up is great. The stereo XLR outputs are great for onstage, the PA guy can just take a feed right from the back of the amp. I like the look of the thing too, gruff.

I'm going to post a review once I hear a working one. Hopefully what I heard from the one I got originally is not what the amp actually works like, because that would be crap.

Yorkville are taking good care of me. East Village Music company are being slow. I think they sent me a floor model and I'm not impressed with that at all. I AM impressed with Yorkville's support though. A new amp and a return label is on it's way to me.

This is the category I was looking for.

Any company that ships me out a brand new amp is great in my book.

Yorkville's have a two year "even if you broke it" warranty. That is awesome in my book.

Again, I'll post another review once I've played a show with it this weekend.