Kurzweil K2600XS

Software version is 3.10. The presets run the gamut of unusable to incredible. This is a high end keyboard and very, very deep so there's a lot to the OS and to programming but as someone experienced with a lot of different keyboard and computer OS's I find it very intuititive, extremely well laid out, and fairly easy to use. A beginner would be asking for trouble, however. The manuals are actually written in english as a first language and are also well laid out and informative. The hour long video tutorial with Jordan Rudess of Dream Theatre is excellent and a great quick start especially if you download it to your computer from Kurzweil's FTP site and follow it on your K2600.

The big knocks that I see in other reviews are the polyphony, 48 voices, and the action, a Fatar 88 key weighted action. Did any of the people who knock it actually live with it for a while or did they just read the product literature or bang on it in a music store? 48 voices may not sound like a lot by current standards and if you're laying down symphonic arrangements that makes sense. But for any sort of pop music I think it's fine. I don't know why folks trash Fatar actions. They're on a lot of keybaords and many people probably don't even know they're playing them. Personally I find the action very responsive and well built. I think high end Yamaha actions such as the ones in the Motif 8, S90, and especially the P200 (I owned one for a while) feel a little better from a piano players perspective (I started life out on piano) but I think the Fatar is a close no.2. Aside from that this keyboard does everything a keyboard can possibly do. It is more programmable than any other keyboard currently in existence so sounds can be be as stupid or incredible as you can make them. It has world class sampling, the best effects of any keyboard, excellent and (to me) very intuitive sequencing, intuitive Quick Access lists of patches that you mix by programs (single patches) or setups (multis). This is a great live performance tool. It's also got an extensive MIDI controller feature list but I can't comment on that since so far I've primarily used this as a stand alone keyboard. The KB3 mode that emulates a Hammond organ is fantastic. The sliders mimic drawbars so you can do all sorts of Hammond organ tricks in real time. I've cut my live rig down from three keyboards (Triton, QS-8, XK-2) to just the one and don't miss a thing although it took a while to program all the splits I need.

The sound quality of this instrment is better than anything I've ever heard on any other keyboard and I've owned a lot of them over the years, ranging back to the Minimoog, Prophet 5 and OBX-A (when they were current! I'm an old fart.) and including current favorites like the Triton. The Stereo Dynamic Piano ROM just sounds staggering. The upper end of the piano is incredibly realistic and the sympathetic vibration model is fabulous. This is the first time I've played a piano patch on an electronic keyboard that really sounded real to me and I've played them all. The orchestral sounds, especially strings, orchestral percussion, and woodwinds are just gorgeous. Horns, guitars, bass, and drums are great too but it's more how you play those instruments that makes them sound real. The V.A.S.T. synth architecture is the deepest and most extensive of any keyboard on the market so sound creation is limited only by your imagination. Yes, there aren't a whole bunch of dedicated knobs like on the virtual analogs but if you spend the time you can get everything and much more than any of those machines will do. The KDFX effects processor is ungodly. It's just the best there is right now. But one of the nice things about the K2600 is that the samples and patches sound great dry. It's hard to avoid noticing that on many current high end keyboards and modules the effects contribute an inordinate amount to the sound. Not the K2600. Sampling options are extremely extensive and rival any stand alone sampler with RAM expandable to 128mb. It's also got a cool live mode so you can process other instruments through the K2600 effects, not to mention vocoder. It's got 10 balanced analog outs, digital in/out, optical in/out, and SCSI. Overall it's simply inspiring just to sit down and play this instrument and maybe lay down a quick sequence. Often I never get beyond the piano.

It appears to be built very solidly. Though slighly smaller than a Motif 8 or Triton Studio it is actually heavier, 72 lbs. which is disappointingly heavy but since it's the most powerful keyboard on the market right now I guess there are tradoffs. I'm actully giging with it and the first thing I did once I got it was buy an SKB ATA style case but it's only been a few months. Give me a year and I'll tell you how reliable it is. I bought this as a demo unit (see Overall Rating) so it probably had been pounded on at a music store for at least a year or longer. No problems so far.

I've only downloaded stuff from the FTP site and cruised other web sites of which there are a lot. I've bought a few add-ons and accessories from Sweetwater and they've been great.

I got an incredible demo/close out deal from Guitar Center. I never thought I would own a K2600XS since they're so expensive and I think somewhat overpriced and really I had no ambition to own one. Actually I went in to look at the S-90. I had pretty much settled on the Motif 8 as my next keyboard but thought the S-90 might be an alternative but when I saw the price on the demo K2600XS they had sitting there and played it for a bit I could not walk away from the deal. Overall I'm still surprised to find myself a K2600XS owner and think it's the best keyboard currently manufactured for sales to consumers on this planet. One can argue the validity of a keyboard instrument having this kind of capability as opposed to soft synths and other computer based options (and I use Logic, B4, Reason and other computer stuff)and I had been undecided what direction to go in myself. But snce I'm primarily a live player and considering the deal I got and the overall incredibleness of this instrument, well, I'm very pleased.

This ain't your daddy's moog. Using the Kurz 2.0 OS, I was astounded at the sheer thoroughness of this monster made me think that maybe somebody knew what they were doing when they made the 2600. The menus aren't intuitive, but generally with patience and close inspection, the option you need (even if you didn't know it was available) is present.
The manual was dauntingly large, and paradoxily, lacking in so much detail that more often than not, I didn't find my questions answered. However, I'm not an expert keyboardist, but am very experienced with the windows os, so maybe a keyboardist would find it easier with the terminology and insight.
Loading from floppy disk was a pain at first, as I realized that there are several different 'memory' systems at work here, and still trying to discover why my midi songs won't fully load. Problem is most likely an id10t error on my part.
Summery: This isn't a novice keyboard, but if the price tag didn't tell you that, yours is truly a journey of self discovery!

My first keyboard was a Kork dw series. Loved it to death, literally. The Kurz 2600, while seemingly much more digital, is a work of art, and any feature availible, live or programmed, is a finger touch away. It seems that literally ALL the buttons, sliders, pressure strips, and keys are completely and infinitely configurable.
I was disapointed that I didn't have an option to network my keyboard to my computer, nor install an internal hard-drive. Now days, scsi 2gig hard drives are very rare, and putting this kind of storage on there is like installing a 5.25" floppy on my file server. However, I understand that there are zip drives availible for the unit that can replace the floppy drive.
I've never used a sequencer before, only loop-based pc software, but the sequencer was easy to figure out with the extensive video included.
Producing sound came in 3 flavors: Out-of-box Juicy, Oh-Jesus!-What-have-I-done? Berry, & Sampling-made-easy Chip. Placing the routable, assignable, and very powerful effects to each sound or all at once is straight forward, and just as much part of creation as is putting a waveform to it. Nothing that I wanted to do, could I not do. VAST is amazing.
This keyboard, if stood upright, would make anyone mimic the classic quote from '2001', "My god, it's full of stars!"

Ya know, everyone has an opinion, and dang it, I'm gonna state mine here. Korg makes their keyboards sound like they got tubes plugged into their mobo's. But honestly, the crisp, robust noise put out by the seemingly endless outputs (in the video, the speaker complained, I think, about there ONLY being so many outputs...) is clean and filling. It even makes my scrappy .wav files from my computer sound excellent.
The weighted keys are indeed very difficult for a novice like me who likes to bang the heck out of a sound and expects it to sound good. Obviously the keyboard was made for pianists and organists who really know how to play classical music and jazz. (that was a putdown for me, not the former.) I look forward to learning the board inside and out, but my poor poor fingers... Fortunately the sensitivity is just as programable as everything else. My self-programmed oboe easily mimicked the real thing. With time, my 2600 and I will be fitted together like a depressed dorito junkie to his nintendo couch.

It seems that I have a hard time with keyboards, I've cracked one in half, and the other lost it's keys... (Gee, hope the Kurz warrenty dudes ain't reading this...) Honestly, right out of the box and my first try at 'chopsticks' and I heard a rattle. Just a little one, but noticable. Upon investigation, it was actually my keyboard stand. Oopsie.
One word: Heavy & Solid. Okay, that is two words. This baby ain't gonna break anytime soon, or my name is Jerry Lee Lewis. Frankly, I'm getting older, and I think my fingers are gonna break first.
I am planning on doing a few gigs with it, but it is so heavy, I'm glad I lift weights. The 2600 is built to last, too. I looked at all the ports and dials, and everything is very secure and professional. No corner cut here. So far, I give it a 10.

I haven't contacted the company yet for support, though I have a few questions I'm trying to figure out. I'm more a figure-it-out-on-my-own-type-of-guy. I *did* visit the website and not only did all the pointers lead to a valid page, but the site was intuitive and direct. I wonder why they didn't have the web designer work on the manual too. All the document are availible online (in fact, before you buy this baby, I'd d/l them so ya know what you are getting into. Not that I'd want to discourage ya, but I was looking for a challange when I got this...)
I have faith in Kurzweil, they've produce the keyboard that I've always wanted for over 10 years.

With great keyboard, comes great responsability. If my house burned down today (ya all better knock on wood with me, okay?)I don't think I could afford to buy another one. I was greatly tempted to buy the Korg Triton (smaller, light keys, touch screen, quadrant vectoring...)but I've truly looked forward to a keyboard that wasn't a toy.
I'm challanged, though I'm sure to someone who knows what they heck they are doing it is easy, to combine my pc software (ACID Pro 3.0, if you are asking...) with the 2600, but I know it can be done. I'm not crippled yet by the floppy and midi-dump sound swapping. I'll be looking around yet for a good pc manager for the unit, but really, it's got everything.
I guess the only thing I wonder is if Vincent Clarke were to get one, how many of his synth collection would start collecting dust.
It ain't easy, it's my keyboard.

Thank you, Len. I don't know how to repay you.

Soft version 3.0 Most of the presets are good, and with the optional roms, they sound even better. Making patches is not perfectly easy, but with a little reading of the manual, (which is extensive,) I was able to get stuff programmed.
The manual (there are two) is good and large. Phonebook size. Reads better than a phonebook, but I read the same chapters several times to undertand certain stuff.

Polyphony 48. Keys are weighted, and feel ok.
KDFX is very flexible. It takes time to learn how to route and program but great stuff can be made with it.
Expansion capabilities are 4 roms, 128megs of ram and dmti interface to get all digital sound out. 2 roms are out, the other 2 are still in the works. We are all still waiting!
The midi on this thing is as good as it gets. very flexible.
Sequencer is good, but not perfect.

Kurzweil sounds and stock programs are very realistic and some are great. Mostly, this is a board that can do anything if enough time is spent with it.
Aftertouch is very good.

So far so good. No issues.

They have been good. Answered questions when I had them.

Lost, stolen, I dont know. I would probably take the money and spend it on many smaller pieces of equipment. More flexibility.
I have been a hobbyist for a few years, and only recently started buying pro-equipment.

This is by far the most awesome keyboard I ever owned! What makes it even better is the new CD ROM Manuals that SYNTH-TEK is making for it. My K2600XS came with the beginning CD ROM instead of the owners manuals. This CD ROM series includes Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, and V.A.S.T. If you want to master the K2600, this CD ROM series will take you there. I guess without this CD ROM series the K2600 would be kinda scarey, cause it's such an awesome keyboard. But the bottom line is this; "If you want the best money can buy, Get the POWER HOUSE Kurzweil calls the K2600XS." Regards, Eddie Legg

This board has 48 polyphony, and the keyboard action is so there. It has KDFX which is like having your own studio built right in. As far as expansion capabilities, Kurzweil is well known for keeping their keyboards upgraded not outdated. You can upgrade the K2600 for free off their web site. It has an on-board 32 track sequencer that is top of the line! Question is; What does this keyboard NOT do?

Very realistic sounds!

The reliability is second to none!

Customer Support is AWESOME! If you have any problems, they will go out of their way to help you!

I'm 37 years old, and I've been playing since I was 9. I've always played Yamaha keyboards up till now, and I must say the K2600XS blows them all away!

Purchased this from Sweetwater Sound to replace my K2500X which was stolen (from my church!). K2600XS was logical upgrade. While K2600 is essentially an incremental upgrade from the 2500, some notable improvements.

There is a distinct increase in dynamics and output. KB3 (B-3 emulation) has functions labeled on front panel. KDFX (upgraded & expanded on-board effects) now standard, so lots of more inputs and outputs (analog/digital/lightpipe/etc).

Right out of box, programs and setups are plentiful and useable. Most all sound great without tweaking or adjustment. Controller routings thoughtfully and logically set up.

As normal for Kurzweil, manuals are enormous (can you say "War and Peace"?) but easy reading and very straightforward.

Those who like computer based sequencing will never warm to the on-board sequencer, but I always found it intuitive and flexible. Maybe that's because my only alternative is Logic 3.0 (ha ha ha)

Only 48 voice polyphony. That's probably its most significant weakness...was hoping they would have added more in 2600. Action is weighted and firm. Some pianists who prefer light actions (like an upright piano) find it hard to play fast on Kurzweil's Fatar action. It just takes chops. Go listen to Jordan Rudess (who records and tours exclusively w/ Kurzweil) and dust off the Hanon.

Also wish this flagship axe would support polyphonic aftertouch...I still yearn for the old CS80 and poly-AT on strings.

KDFX is now standard on K2600, very significant improvement over 2500's effects. Finally KB3 Hammond emulation has a realistic Leslie effect.

I purchased all the ROM boards, 64MB mem for sampler, have yet to play w/ built in vocoder function.

But having around 600+ sounds on board out of the box, thousands more on disc, 32 track sequencer, exemplary digital effects, vocoder, sampler and 88 weighted keys all in one machine? Yeah, I think it's stuffed to the gills.

Sound quality (presence, depth, imaging, detail) are the primary reason anyone should consider Kurzweil. All the other machines I own or have used (M1, Quadrasynth, JV1080, Trinity, EV5, ad naseum) just don't have the sheer sound quality of Kurzweil. Just my subjective opinion, your mileage may vary.

Specifically, with Piano daughterboard, Orchestral and Contemporary ROM, KB3 and most of the Stratus Sound library on CD ROM from Sweetwater, I've never had a problem with inventory of sounds. Generally, sounds are as realistic as you're going to get from non-physical modeled synthesis. Yamaha's VL770M does better solo wind emulation due to the physical model's expressiveness, but I've always used a BC3A breath controller with a good flute sample, and usually get a few folks looking around for the invisible flute player.

No, none of the piano patches will never hold its own side by side with a Steinway M. But I don't think any of us really believe anything ever will.

Long and short of it is I think the sounds (and dynamic control over them) are as good as I've ever played. Or I wouldn't have bought another one.

I've heard bad stories about K2500's, but I never had a single problem with mine after 3 years. But I don't travel much with it (just to my church, then back home) so it may be an unfair assessment. Biggest problem is weight...I think it's a little heavier than my K2500X was.

I called Kurzweil to inquire about a tutorial video I saw at a local retailer, and they were dogged in persistence to get me an answer, details, etc. I'm very impressed.

I've never had to get repairs or upgrades (software OS upgrades have always been free off their web site) so can't address that.

"If it were lost or stolen, would you buy it again?"....I just did.

I've been playing 29 years, classically trained. Played and/or owned too many machines. From Rhodes, Moog Prodigy, Moog Source, Arp Solina, Polysix, CP70, Prophet 10, DX7, D50, CS80, M1, Quadrasynth, B3, PC88 to K2500X.

IMHO, this is the best beast I've owned or played. But I'm only giving it an 8 because it's so darned expensive.