Product: Korg KPR-77
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
09/24/2007
at
06:45pm
by
Sa??o Podobnik
Email: spamalot<at>volja dot net
Ease of Use
:
3
When people say that the KPR-77 is "cryptic" or "arcane", you better believe it. It's practically impossible to use it without the manual except for banging on the pads and even with the instructions right in front of you, it's still really easy to get confused.
Features
:
6
If only Korg had chosen to take after the TR-808 instead of the LinnDrum when designing their Korg Programmable Rhythmer (sic!)... While it probably wouldn't have done any better commercially - digital samples was the only thing that really counted back in 1982, and the KPR-77 had none - it would've certainly been a considered a classic today. Lacking the plug-and-play immediacy and the ballsy sound of the TR-606, the machine it was competing against, it quickly and undeservedly fell by the wayside - which only goes to show how otherwise impressive features, such as a comprehensive sequencer with a backlit LCD, a separate output for snare/clap, and cassette memory storage (but no MIDI), don't count for much if the interface proves as uninviting as it does on the KPR-77.
Its sequencer is very powerful, however, and when I still used to programme it - e-mail me to hear it in action - I really appreciated how economical it was with the internal memory (not expandable) by allowing you to make complex chains out of miniature phrases instead of having to input them each time in linear fashion. I also liked the fact that the individual output for the snare allowed for some much-needed individual external processing, though without the possibility of panning, you pretty much had to sample it anyway.
Expressiveness/Sounds
:
6
The analogue drums are unique if nothing else - they're probably closest to the TR-606 but the KPR-77 does have its own recognisable character. The sounds are pretty static straigh out of the box (and a bit too delicate for their own good) but fortunately, the KPR-77 is very moddable. The individual drum pots are supposedly easy to get to and there's enough space on the front panel for the knobs. Almost all instruments can be improved upon in this way, and since you can change the sounds on the fly as the sequence is playing, the KPR-77 suddenly becomes a much more interactive instrument.
Reliability
:
8
It seemed reasonably well built for studio use, even the backlight was still working after twenty years, but I'd carry a spare for live performances, its case looks like it could break or even shatter if dropped. Mine didn't look like it had ever been opened, which means that the buttons are well made and protected aganist dust and the like. I can't comment on the interior construction and electronics but I never had any problems with it whatsoever, so that must count for something.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
There is no Korg office in Slovenia, only sales representatives, and even if there was, I doubt they'd provide any support for it. Not that I blame them, the KPR is heading steadily for its 25th anniversary.
Overall Rating
:
5
The KPR-77 never was a central part of my set-up - I didn't like the sounds well enough and I found it too cumbersome to programme to really get into it. I was glad to have seen it go into good hands, however, as it is a funky machine in its own way and I can see somebody else really liking it. For the money they're going for nowadays (under 100??? - if you can find one, that is), you might find it an inspirational musical toy but definitely try before you buy if you have the chance.
