Kurzweil PC2X

Jonathan wrote,
"My PC2x has had NO problems in 11 months of use and transport, minus an unrelated sticky key. This is due to the way the internal
components are laid out inside and the way the casing is fitted together. Additionaly, the
PC2 keyboard action, controls, and sounds are much better than the SP88X, so
opinions of the PC2x based on the SP88x are without basis."

This is why Kurz products lack reliability. A sticky key already? I've abused various Roland & Yamaha synths for over 10 years and never had a problem. No sticky keys, no weird sound, no nothing. Also, Jonathan is comparing the PC2x with a poorer product, the SP88 to evaluate its reliability. What's the point? I'm not criticizing the sound of the PC2x - it's awesome. But the reliability is not up to par with Roland & Yamaha gear. Period.

I posted the earlier review "Anonymous at 01/31/2001 23:19".
It is 11 months later and I am posting an update.
I upgraded to 2.10 which adds twice as many sound patches.
I find the keyboard easy to use and program.

I am still exceptionally pleased with the features on the this keyboard. There is more configuration options available than I ever begin to use, yet it remains simple to program and tweak.
I began to miss not having a sequencer onboard, so I bought a Yamaha QY70 (new) for $225 (guitar center). This is a great combo. So for $2050 + $225 I have an awesome keyboard/sequencer setup.

I recently went store to store to check out all the new keyboards and sound modules. The 2600 Kurzweil and the Yamaha S80 doesn't hold a candle to the PC2X piano sounds. The PC2 and PC2x use newer sound modeling and actually sound and play like a piano. Everything else, including the S80 (nice product), was a total dissapointment in the piano comparison. The additional sounds included in the 2.10 upgrade are wonderful and expressive. The new basses are quite usable. I like the new piano patches that combine other sounds without taking up any addtional polyphony (64 notes available).
This is an extrodinarily expressive keyboard with an awesome sense of touch. The aftertouch is pressure sensitive and is a natural extension of the instrument. It engages only when you want it, no matter how hard you pound the piano during normal playing.

I can depend on this keyboard fully. I have used it between 2-6 times per week (2+ hours per session) every week since January 2001.
I'm a hardware/software guy and have opened up the PC2x to examine all the inner workings. The internal layout and mechanisms are clean and solid. I cannot imagine how this keyboard would fail other than extreme abuse/accident or improper electrical voltage (use a surge protector).
The odd metal against plastic sound I described earlier was due to screws that had come loose during transit. Turning it upside down on a FLAT, soft surface, I tightened all the screws and the noise dissapeared.
Because of the weight of the PC2x, 55lbs., I usually transport it without the hardshell travel case I bought for it (22lbs). In my car, it rests supported at both ends with no support in the middle (yes, this is bad). My PC2x has had NO problems in 11 months of use and transport, minus an unrelated sticky key. This is due to the way the internal components are laid out inside and the way the casing is fitted together. Additionaly, the PC2 keyboard action, controls, and sounds are much better than the SP88X, so opinions of the PC2x based on the SP88x are without basis.

I'm waiting for the announcement of the new ROM GM sound module. I've heard that it will be soon.
Check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KurzList/message/3744
from Kurzweil Support.

I definitely would get the PC2x controller/keyboard again. I would recommend it as primary controller for any application. K2600 users should buy the PC2R or purchase the newly released ROM that includes the triple strike piano patches found on the PC2/PC2x.
I've seen the PC2x at Guitar Center for $1899.00

I have not yet found a keyboard that sounds as good as this one. The S80, my choice for second, does not come close to the sounds on this unit. The software version is upgradable over the internet. The Keyboard is quite easy to use live. Personally I use only the presets that are built in. I would like to see some additional sounds like pan flute, steel drums, and additional synths. The manual is good.

The keyboard action is typical of most high-end weighted keyboards. It is very good. There are plenty of built in effects and they are very good. I like the rotating speakers on the organs, it is very good. Many good reverbs also. The unit is expandable via a plug-in on the back side. Kurzweil says the plug-ins should be available soon. I rate it a 7 in this catagory only because the plug-in is not yet available. No build in sequencer. Very powerful MIDI capabilities. The keys also feature after touch, works really good on brass sounds.

All of the sounds are extremely good, very realistic there are just not enought of them. The pianos, organs, strings, guitars, vocals are IMHO the best avalialbe. Most musicians will find this keyboard excellent for any type of gig, it is however quite heavy. It is very responsive with excellent velocity and aftertouch.

I only gig on weekends now but that has been nearly every weekend for the past year that I have owned this keyboard. So far I have not had any trouble with the unit but I do transport in a hard case. The plug from the power supply (the plug that actually plugs into the back of the keyboard) is not a very good design. It is round and hard to determine the proper orientation when plugging in, especially in dim light. It would be easy to break I think. I am very cautious about this. For this reason I have reduced my rating from 10 to 8. I have confidence in the Keyboard but would never go to a gig with only one keyboard.

I have never called customer support but I did send email from their web site and they have always responded to my email questions.

If it were lost I would definately buy another one. I *MIGHT* skip the weighted keys however since it adds a lot of weight (Am I getting OLD!), I would check the PC2 (non-weighted keys). It was expensive but most good keyboards are. I love the sounds but hate the weight. I compared this keyboard with many other units. Nothing comes close to the sounds. I wish it had more sounds. It definately helps me make music. If you compare this unit with another unit be sure to use the same sound system on every instrument you audition.

better then the yamaha s80(only close one!)

not enough for the money, yamaha s80 blows it away!, but good if price was cheaper than s80

was at the guitar center for 6 hours and studied the roland 88, yamaha s80, kurzweil pc2x88 and 2600 and nothing came close to the beatiful sounds of the yamaha s80,even at 64p, NOTHING!

who knows without beating it up for a couple years

I know my friend has had a nightmare with the clanking keys of the pcx88 and says they are a pass the buck company! he wishes he would have spent more for the 2600 or bought the yamaha s80 and saved.

I am using v1.50. I've had this keyboard for 4 weeks and find it easy to navigate and use. I haven't gotten around to reading the manual yet as the controls are rather intuitive.

The action on this keyboard is a true delight. I have been wanting a baby grand for my living room for a long time. This keyboard has completely satisfied my desire. I chose this keyboard for the sounds, playabilty, and midi options (which are exceptional). Additionally, there is room for 3 foot pedals switches and 2 continuous foot controllers (expression pedals).

The piano is very realistic. I have listened to each sound and know that most are usable professionally and for recording. The exception are the basses. I found them to be lacking in both usefulness and realism. Back to the Piano sound... This is why I bought this keyboard. I tried Yamaha, Roland, Kurzweil 2500, Korg Triton, (the list goes on). This is by far the best stock piano available out of any box. Its playability and expression has truly inspired me. It is also the best Piano sample I've heard short of the GigaPiano disked based sample. I haven't bothered with the KB3 sound yet. I tried the strings and they are good. But the Piano sample is so good, I prefer to play it with no other samples. As a sound engineer and musician, I can tell the difference between this and a grand piano. In ensemble use, that difference completely disappears. For solo and personal use, the reverbs that come built into the keyboard mask the subtle differences. Only the dry piano patch (seldom used anyway) doesn't compare to a real grand. Note: you must use high quality speakers and amp (stereo) to truly enjoy this keyboard to its fullest. I don't care if you send a mono signal to the house mix, just make sure that your personal monitor is in stereo. It makes all the difference in the world. (The quality speaker and amp suggestion is true for all keyboards)

In the past 4 weeks, I have hauled this keyboard both with and without a travel case to 9 gigs. I haven't had the fainted hint of any problem. Nor have I experienced the black key noise that other posters have noted. My purchase was in the 1st week of January 2001. The only thing that has been disturbing is then sound that is made when I place the keyboard in its case or into the back of my car. An odd metal against pastic sound is made as the keyboard casing flexes as the first edge to touch the floor start to bear some weight. Again, I haven't had any trouble with the keyboard, but the flexing of casing and the strange sound makes me a little uneasy.

Without hestitation, I would certainly buy this keyboard again. It is worth twice what I paid for it. I have been playing 20+ years and own many midi devices, controllers, sound modules, and numerous other acoustical instruments. I play sax, bass, piano, flute, recorder, harmonica, and others. My point is that I know the acoustic signature and nuance of each of these real instruments and appreciate their qualities. Once again, this keyboard has the finest matched keyboard action and piano sample I have ever played. The sound signatures are all there from "pp" to "ff". Chords that only sound beautiful on a real piano actually sound beautiful on this keyboard. (ie LH: G - G, RH: D G A B D)
This keyboard has definitely inspired several songs since I've had it.
I only wish it had useful bass patches and more woodwinds.

I owned a PC88MX since they were first introduced last century. The ease of use was right on for a neophyte keyboard-programer like me. I traded that board in for the PC2X (especially after hearing the KB3 sounds) The saleman looked like he wanted to buy the PC88.

The preset sounds are excellent, even compared to the PC 88. I do miss the GM voices; I used a lot of them in set-ups, especially the brass and woodwinds.

I had version 1.5 and uploaded version 2.1 with relative ease. (I think my midi in and midi out ports are mis-marked) The upadated manual was a blessing. The factory manual was good, but had no info on the factory midi-setups. They are included in the upgraded manual.

Working with new set-ups is even easier with the PC2X. Very intuative with a short learning curve. Kurzweil has a supplemental manual for the PC88 on its web site. Get that for learning basic setting up. It is easier to follow and relates to the PC2X also

Excellent feel. I have compared it to other brands and I like it the best.

Plenty of buttons to assign stuff to. I really love using the sliders as drawbars for the organ. Very cool. very realistic B3, though I wish the ramp speed was easier to control.

There are tons of effects, including flanges and halls. I have just scratched the surface of these.

Why the proprietary semi wall wart, I do not know. I think adding the extra couple of pounds on the keyboard would be worth the ability to use a standard cord, like a computer cord, which would be easier to replace. The midi-cable-like plug interface seems very delicate to me. I won't let any of the other band members plug it in for fear soming might get forced and broken.

Beautiful piano sounds. Easy to mix sounds. I can't imagine that creating a set up with piano, bass and percussion could be any easier.
I miss the GM sounds for simple brass, woodwinds and strings. How about an upgrade, Kurzweil?

I gig with this keyboard every week end. The KB3 is the coolest thing we added to our band since lights. It has added a great dimension to the songs, and is very realistic and easy to tweak during a song.

My PC 88 had a problem with some curcuit boards coming loose after years of road work. G#4 came loose from its weighting; it still worked but it was very floppy. I think that with all the hard playing I do, all the travel, all the fluctuating New England temps, I good not ask for more from any instrument.

Never had to deal w/ Kurzweil, except to get repair location.

Music Mart in Massachusetts fixed my above problems for $200. The Boston shop screwed up a ribbon cable putting the keyboard back together, but when this was discovered, the Lowell store gave me a free loaner for 2.5 weeks, even though I did not buy the board there originally. Kurzweil:? Music Mart: 8

I'd buy another. Wished I had kept my PC88 for the kids, maybe in a few years. Buy eather one. 67 year old acoustic piano snob I know liked the feel and sounds through my Peavey KB/A 300 amp. (Think I have a problem being heard over the two guitars???)

It is everything a garage band keyboardist could want in a piano/organ/midi set up.

Software V2.10 (installed by the dealer for me, free of charge).
Presets are outstanding, much cleaner than my PC88MX.
Haven't gotten into editing patches yet, but there's not much to edit anyway (LFO, Envelope).
Manual is outstanding. Very easy to understand and walks you through all the paces with this keyboard.

It's everything I need in one keyboard: Pianos, amazing EPs (Rhodes and Wurlitzers),
and a KILLER B3 emulator Kurzweil calls KB3 Mode. The sliders and mod wheel
act as drawbars. Put through my Korg G4, only seasoned pros would be fooled.

I had experience with the PC88MX and many of the features are the same on this board.

It is an extremely easy board to use. The only problem I had initally was the clacking
of the black keys (as reported by many other reviewers). But by shifting around the PC2X
on my keyboard stand (QuikLok double-braced X) the clacking went away.

You will soon be able to install new sound banks via MIDI-SysEx, or so they say on their site.
Their site has said that since this board came out last year. I've been patient but, c'mon guys!
Hurry up with the new banks!

Oh, and they finally got around to putting a REAL Power adaptor together.
Sure it's still got the "lump in the middle" cord, but now the end that attaches
to the keyboard isn't a wimpy 9V plug. It's a good solid plug that won't
go anywhere. Kudos to Kurzweil for that improvement.

I use this for a classic rock band and it fits the bill to a T.

Pianos are outstanding. I couple this with a Roland MKS-20 for my piano sounds.
The MKS takes care of the "cutting through the mix" piano (Piano 3-7), and the PC2X pianos add
warmness to the overall piano tone. Electric Pianos are great, with a nice
selection of Rhodes and Wurlitzers. KB3 organs are amazing. I'm currently using
a Roland VK7 for my B3 sounds, but am seriously considering selling it as this
board does everything!

I bought it on a Wednesday, and was fearful after reading all the
bad experience people had with theirs. I used it at a gig that Saturday (bringing
no backup, mind you) and it performed like a champ!

My PC88 never let me down and I doubt this will.

I was having problems with Slider number 1 controlling the volume
for both Zone 1 & Zone 4 when I only wanted it to control the volume
for Zone 1.

I sent an e-mail to Kurzweil Support and David Fox e-mailed me back within
2 hours giving me the solution to my problem.

Other than that, I haven't had to deal with them. I'd rate them a 8
just for benefit of the doubt, though.

I would buy this again in a heartbeat. I've been playing piano for
over 20 years. I've been using digital pianos for about 9 of those years
and this is definitely the cream of the crop, in my opinion. The only
other boards I looked at were the Yamaha S80, but I'm not into programming
my own sounds, and the Roland A90EX, but I didn't like the action (too stiff for me)
So the Kurzweil won out. I like almost everything about this board.

The only thing I wish is that they actually had 9 sliders for the KB3 mode
as on a real B3. You have to hit a button to access the other 4 drawbars. The
highest drawbar is controlled by the mod wheel in KB3 mode.

Other than that little compalint, it's a fantastic board.

Easier to use now that Im running v2.1 of the OS. That smoothed up the midi slave issues a bit. Selecting sounds is easy - but I dont find that the second sound bank of programs contributes very much - perhaps the "flute" is almost usefull. Editing patches in easy enough once you get the hang of the layout. The manual is Good.

64 note poly as far as I know - which is enough. Keyboard action is the best that Ive felt compared to the Rolands, Yamahas, Alesis, General Music, etc. A pity there is the occasional "clack" sound that has been described by other people due to the tight chassis. THere is room for expansion cards, but Kurzweil didnt end up making the music stand attachment - I doubt that they will make the expansion boards.
Midi - a little hidden, but acts as a 16 channel slave. The effects are a little confusing to use - I dont understand how to adjust each one for each slave instrument, with no help in the manual (got most of what I know from a KEYBOARD mag). Is easily controlled brom an iMac with a USB MIDI interface.

Beautiful, Beatiful pianos. Lovely, lovely feel. Good for classical, jazz, rock, blues, some great electric piano's rhodes, and a great Hammond which I play via a midi controller (unweighted). The best piano Ive played in a keyboard. Really feels like a beautifull grand under my hads, responsive, accoustic. The effects are high quality but simple.

Seems sturds and reliable.

Kurzweil in Australia is SLACK. But I managed to address some problems (with the OS0 over the web at the Kurzweil website. They emailed me back too, which was good.

I would but another. Its the only board I own at the moment. Im into Desktop audio workstation recording using a powerbook laptop, and this provides me with high quality sounds (digital out) and enough instruments (16 at once) and polyphony to be controlled by a sequencer. Its YUM.
Recently owned a Korg triton, but its definitely not a piano players keyboard - with heaps of dance oriented sounds, shocking keys, and no scope for recording audio tracks despite its good midi sequencer. The General Music PRO2 i had for years just doesnt match to this keyboard.

I wish for multiple outs, and a slightly more intuitive OS.

The presests sound very good. Editing is simple though requires some scrolling thru the menus. The manual is fair.

The ACTION:
The knocking black keys:
I found that loosening or tightening the under screws under the keyboard beneath the knocking area can decrease the knocking of some black keys. I could see the bottom actualy flexing outward when I took some tension off the screws.

Piano is better than other brands and boards. E PIanos are fair but not nearly as good as the Rhodes on the Yamaha S 80. The Roland RD 600 is a little better too for Rhodes. ORGAN with Leslie simulation is very good on the PC2X.

Email will get a reply from david Fox at Kurzweil.

CAUSE OF THE COMMON PROBLEM OF KNOCKING BLACK KEYS DISCOVERED:
I found the easiest solution for the occasional knocking black keys on the PC2X.

Conclusion:
Cause of the problem:
The action fits so snugly in the housing of the PC2X that when the keyboard rests upon a stand, the weight of the keyboard and the stress points of contact against the stand cause the housing to bow slightly causing some black keys to knock (clack) inside against the housing when fully stroked.

I reached this conclusion thus:
I experimented by placing a 1/4" cork table place mat as a wedge between the keyboard and the metal keyboard table stand. As I tried this cork "shim" in different locations between the stand and the keyboard I noticed different groups of black keys clacked. The shim was bowing the housing to different degrees. I then removed the cork shim altogether and pushed the keyboard back on the table stand, so 1/2" of keyboard hangs off the back of the table stand. This seems to stress the front of the underside of the keyboard. THIS position bows the body in a subtle way such that NONE OF THE BLACK KEYS KNOCK!

I have proven to myself that the PC2x housing bows slightly and that changing the stress points upon which it rests on the stand cause black keys to clack against the inside of the housing.

I am wondering if opening the housing and placing some internal shim will prevent the black keys from ever knocking against the inside of the housing.

New version 1.50 Operating System and version 1.03 of the Setups for the PC2.

This version adds a few new editing menus, as well as fixing various bugs. Upgrading to this version involves updating both the Engine (Operating System) and Setups (Preset Objects) files.

The following bugs have been fixed:

1. Previous to this version, you might encounter a "Low Battery" message when powering up the instrument. In fact, the battery was fine but the battery voltage was misread on power up. This has been fixed, and you should no longer see a Low Battery message unless the battery is actually low.

2. Treble EQ. The old values of +11dB and +12dB values were not correct and have been fixed.

3. Compare mode is no longer allowed if there is not enough memory available. Also fixed a problem with the wet/dry mix display for Setups when using compare.

3. Fixed a problem in which sysex dumps were not allowed due to the reserved memory being used. Now sysex dumps are never disabled.

4. Fixed a bug where the cancel button would not work properly while in numeric entry on some menus.

5. Fixed a mono mode problem in the "Vox Lead" program, when layer 4 was enabled.

Sounds the best of all digital pianos on the market. Nice action.