Product: Roland KR-55
Price Paid: USD 1,000
Submitted
02/23/2008
at
07:48pm
by
2cents
General Features
:
9
I use it to write and playback music, and professional recording. Metal and plastic construction. Looks 'solid'. LED 3 digit display only. Buttons are orderly and subdued, giving it a very neat appearance.
Additional Controls
:
8
Modulation/bends are done with the bottom 2 or 3 keys. I never use it because it's a little awkward, so it's always turned off. 1/4 inch input for breath/pedal control. Sustain pedal is included. Also, you can hook a microphone or other audio source for playback through the speakers.
Connectivity
:
No Opinion
Midi in/out & thru.
Additional features
:
9
Octave up/down, transposition, tuning, split keyboard function, vibrato control for individual instruments, chorus, and stereo. 2-sound function for playing, but standard 7 channel midi input. I purchased the sax/trombone sound card (about $80 in '91). Well worth the money. But it was expensive.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've owned the KR-55 since 1991. I've done several recording projects with it. Some sounds sound very authentic, especially the upright bass sound. Crash cymbal fade is excellent. Great clarinet, flute and violin sounds. Piano sounds are very good. Brass sounds are not as good. Mine is just like new, and I love it. (I'm still recording with it, and most people can't tell it's a machine.) Paid about a thousand for it back in the day. No preset rhythms. The music is all 'you'. It came with a 'stand' structure. If you were to buy it used, in excellent to new condition, $300-$400.
Product: Roland KR-55
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted
01/11/2008
at
10:48am
by
ketman
General Features
:
9
this board has 76 keys with semi weighted action. They are velocity-sensitive, and have a certain 'professional' feel. The kr55 has a multi-timbral sound source, capable of seven parts at once. you can change any setting at least three times. has a onboard led display, and is powerd by ac wall current. housing is metal, composite and wood, with four speakers inside. I have been using it to write on because the sounds are very inspiring.
Additional Controls
:
7
its got 39 controls on the top deck, and uses the bottom four keys as assignable pitch benders. also on the back theres midi in/out/thru, aux in, main in /out (variable), foot pedal in up/dn.
Connectivity
:
No Opinion
out mono/stereo, in mono/stereo, pedal up/dn, midi in/out/thru
Additional features
:
9
has whole,dual,or split keys, contains HQ PCM sound source. onboard chorus,reverb effects also pitch bend and vibrato. 30 voice polyphonic, 23 groups of preset sounds, 64 tones, local switch, 10 w output wihout amp, hairline finish, wt 35 lbs. this was built in japan at least ten years ago, and has that supreme japanese quality.
Overall Rating
:
10
ive had the keyboard for seven years with no problems, its what you would expect from a roland. it has a certain glassy feel that i cant find on other boards. and is very reliable. the sound is of a certain atmospheric quality that i love. maybe its the pcm, i dont know, but it has that magic. if you have a chance to get one , grab it!
