Korg Kronos (THE TRUTH) Pros & Cons

[@FranciscoDiazMusic]

I own 3 Korg Kronos. To me, it’s the best board ever made. The Cons said are actually the pros for me: -For all the things this board does, I’m surprised it only takes 3 minutes to load! -It was ahead of its time and it still goes head to head today with any keyboard workstation or DAW. -Built like a Tank! it was well built. Just by seeing it, carrying it, and using it, you knew this was a powerful board. This keyboard is the culmination of all of Korg’s flagship workstations. I don’t understand how people can complain that it was “too well built”. As a consumer that’s what you want: The most bang for your buck. -menu diving: the option to get meticulous with your sound was there. That doesn’t mean you had to menu dive for every little thing. I use the sound presets as they are. I’ve only done small tweaking to some sounds. I love The fact that there is more I can do with this board if I really wanted to get more picky. I gig and record with this keyboard. To each his own, but I don’t see myself ever getting rid of it. To me, It’s a keeper.

[@KellBailey]

@@FranciscoDiazMusic much respect ✊🏽!! I see exactly what you mean.

[@warrenroberts1912]

@@FranciscoDiazMusic why 3?

[@FranciscoDiazMusic]

@@warrenroberts1912 That’s how much I love it! lol. the first one (Kronos 1)I got it used. When I first got it I was impressed at what I was able to do with it. So I decided to buy one brand new (Kronos titanium). But then when I started gigging with it i didn’t want to get it damaged or scratched. So Then I bought the standard Kronos 2 black. But then when they were discontinued I decided to keep the titanium and the black at home (no gigs). Currently I use the nautilus (which is essentially a simplified Kronos) and the first used Kronos for gigs. I’m telling you man, I can see myself an old man retired 30 years from now and still playing this keyboard. It’s a complete keyboard. It delivers the sound I’ve always wanted. It just works for me

[@h3studio]

Absolutely love mine

[@FranciscoDiazMusic]

@@warrenroberts1912 the first one I bought was used Kronos 1. The second one I got is a Kronos 2 titanium. Did not want to risk damaging on the road gigging. The 3rd was the standard black Kronos 2. I only use the Kronos 1 for gigs. The other 2 just for home studio use.

[@aquaevitae]

I bought mine 2012, and still have it. I can say that the Korg Kronos is possibly the best synthesizer/workstation in the world of all time, sounds are just simply awesome, and high quality. But on the negative side I would say that it is unnecessarily difficult and complicated to use, complicated menu diving, and the touch screen's touch areas are too small, and sometimes react poorly. There is perhaps enough sample memory but in any case not too much. But at its best it works as a complete standalone unit, with which you can make a finished song worthy of publication, in which case the only accessory you need is a microphone, if it is not an instrumental song. And because it contains several synths, you can always find some new sounds, and at its best it can be the only keyboard instrument you ever need.

[@just908blaze1]

Korg Kronos literally is the best when it comes to polyphony, sound design, and control. I plug a keytar controller right into via usb it works great for things like that aside from the ability to load and create ksc files which allowed me to load some of my Roland favs like J pop brass. If we’re being unbiased it’s not even close between the Kronos and its comp. Especially to have come out how long ago now?? Lol

[@kerbybenjamin2793]

Kronos isn't bad at all, but that damn start up time. I came to my gig late. Praise and Worship started, that board said," hold on bruh," never been so mad. 🤣🤣

[@KellBailey]

@@kerbybenjamin2793 the keyboard probably still trying to load to this day 😂😂

[@docsax7769]

😂😂😂😂😂 4:41 ​@@KellBailey

[@DevinShoulders]

@@kerbybenjamin2793 but the sounds when it’s done tho 🔥

[@marksmusicplace3627]

I can respect your thoughts and opinions. I also Own more than most. I own 20 synths and 7 midi controllers. The korg kronos X is one of many that I own and love it. Its my favorite of all I own. But I Also have 2 fantom Gs, the new fantom 6 and about to get the EX upgrade. I also own a lot of other boards such as Kurzweils, Ensonigs, Rolands, and Yamahas. I am more inspired to create with my korg over my fantom 6. The fantom 6 is a great board but its something about the sounds from the kronos. But just like you said. every musician has a personal taste in what the want to play and which instrument inspires them to play. VIctor Wooten is a fordera bass player, while Marcus Miller is a Fender Player. Both bass players are level one but play entirely different gear. Keyboardist are the same. I am not inspired with nord keyboards. They are just way to expensive and overpriced when I believe I get the same quality from my yamahas,, korgs, Kurzweils, and Rolands. But thats just my opinion.

[@artymusicchap]

Fair enough. I love my Kronos. The sounds are spectacular to this day imo. It would be very hard to part with it as there's so much to delve into and enjoy.

[@Bigricky06]

I was blessed to get an almost new condition korg kronos x for 500$. The church people did not know how to really use it and it was too complicated for them.

[@warrenroberts1912]

@Bigricky06 for 500 I would definitely just deal with the set backs lol

[@Bigricky06]

@warrenroberts1912 it was in the storage of a predominantly white church and no one knew how to use it. They said it was too complicated and went out to buy a 6,000$ Nord stage 4. They said they want to get rid of it a soon as possible and all I had was 500. The keyboard is such in good condition, the keys are still a little stiff because it has not been broken in. I am now playing it daily to break it in.

[@warrenroberts1912]

@@Bigricky06 that's a blessing!!!

[@michaeltrenier]

Let me hold dat for $750 bruh 🤣🤣

[@anthonycraig5918]

I am a Kronos lover,bought it when it 1st came out, the fact you say it is more than you need and the board came out in 2012 shows how goat this board was and still actually is.

[@KellBailey]

@@anthonycraig5918 listen let’s be clear the board is super powerful and still a great keyboard!!

[@DevinShoulders]

@@anthonycraig5918 tbh even the KORG Oasys is unmatched

[@thoris59]

I agree somewhat with some points that you describe as cons. I actually see the abilities that it has as a plus. I like having all the options possible as a programmer. I think that a future iteration will take the cons into consideration. Even with all the cons mentioned I believe that the korg kronos is still the best all around workstation.

[@divalight2996]

yes u r right bro.

[@DrawAndErase]

I love the Kronos, yes the load time is ridiculously long and it's annoying and it's heavy but I love it. For me as a progressive musician and jazz fusion player, the live setlist has been a godsend, sometimes I'm changing patch 16-20 times a song and to have everything organised for me that I don't need a laptop or anything externally is so good. I can control the EQ I want, I can switch patches with a footswitch, it's all colour coded and seamlessly transitions, I couldn't play live without it. Of course I can do similar with the fantom and montage, but the chain mode in fantom isn't as nice to use and I don't have experience with the montage to know. I also love the Kronos joystick and vector controls, the keys are full sized and with enough depth that in the dark on stage its very hard to make mistakes. In the studio I tend not to use it, because vsts are just as good but for live and practise I think it's great and can't wait to see what they do next because we're in need of an upgrade.

[@radekbaranowski8047]

I love how personal you digest into the equipment/sound feel-likes! That's a great reference for me personally. Thank you for that. And a pinch of salt taken, ofkz! Currently weighing between getting Fantom x8 or more modern JunoDS61. I have same feeling I might sink into myriads of Fantom options instead of just jamming wild with pretty same choice of sounds on DS. I know you got rid of Fantom, and I guess the reasons were similar to what you felt about Kronos, ain't that right ?

[@amy6465]

Im a Korg Kronos2 LS user. yes some sad issue about the recording sound. but the main problem is Screen calibration. how ever, i realy love the kronos lead sound.. dam nice

[@DevinShoulders]

I get it bro. As a Kronos lover, the Rhodes & Pad will always be my favorite. I use set list mode to make it work in live performance/a lot of list organizing. It’s complex but I love it becuase the SSD 60 gb allows to put anything I want in it 🔥 I got a Motif & Kronos can see ever needing anything else

[@KellBailey]

@@DevinShoulders yes the keyboard is more power than I need at the moment 🔥🔥

[@DevinShoulders]

@@KellBailey Yeah 😅 I still have like 40gb left and 90% of the sounds Ill need are in it already 😂

[@MarianoPerez]

I love the kronos synth, it has some nice pianos, but the quality is just not there. They keybed starts to rattle and make weird noises after awhile. This is my second kronos, my first one died. I also had a korg m3, and that had a screen issue I had to fix. Truth be told, I'm done with Korg. I've had my motif xs8 since about 2007. I also have a roland fantom 8 that is super fun. Both the Fantom and Yamahas have not let me down. The Kronos on the other hand, I’m always thinking about when it will give out on me lol. I need to sell the kronos, hopefully I can get rid of it. I'm planning to buy a montage m8x. And I'll probably still keep my motif xs8.

[@h3studio]

I love the ability to sound design and make the board my own . I love the weighted keys and use it to control my other keyboards. It’s a studio keyboard for me not something to lug around and get damaged. I never noticed long loading time , you can set how much gets loaded in the preload .. I tweak all of my boards to not sound like everyone else, so the ability to customize is a win for me. For gigs I’ll use my akai 61 or Nord 6D .. lighter to carry . I have the Fantom EX and SV but to me the Kronos still the king keyboard. Akai 61 key however is replacing my MPC as a more modern approach to workflow. I doubt I’ll ever give my Kronos away but that’s my 2 cents .

[@A106]

Man that startup time was NOT what I was expecting from the Kronos.

[@munkeepilot]

I’ve been a [mostly very] happy Kronos 2 owner for many years. I’m a pianist first, so my #1 reason for purchasing the Kronos (besides being a Jordan Rudess fanboy 😂) is the action. Closest I’ve found to my Baldwin Baby Grand. The sounds are fantastic, as is the build quality. However, two significant cons keep me casually looking around: the complexity and the boot time. As a 20+ year airline captain, I can literally program the Airbus flight computer for a flight to Bogotá quicker than this thing boots up. While I’ve gotten used to it years ago, it’s still an annoyance. The most aggravating part is the complexity. Sure, it’s incredible that you can change the most trivial of parameters, but it comes at a cost! Again, I’m primarily a pianist, so I switch from keyboard (typically when playing late at night or with church) or baby grand. Woe is me if I take more than a few weeks off from the Kronos, as the learning curve starts anew…and believe me, as an airline pilot I’m very good at pushing buttons 😂. The best comparison I can make is being with a lady for the very first time. Absolutely beautiful and worth the effort, but at the same time mind-numbingly complex! My summary of Kronos is this: excellent action and build quality (especially if you’re a pianist first) and beautiful sounds, but needlessly complex. Sometimes you just want to press a single button and play some music!

[@camblackofficial]

Still waiting for a gospel head to try that Kurzweil K2700 out!

[@KellBailey]

@@camblackofficial I have to find one lol !

[@jordanking7711]

Shame it's discontinued and Korg decided to ditch it for the Nautilus. Would absolutely LOVE a keyboard from Korg in the future that is like the Kronos and not a stripped down version like the Nautilus (I have an old Korg Pa3X at the moment). For me I'm all about hands on control Also with the point you made about the 'menu diving', it depends on what ecosystem (so to speak) you were with previously, like Roland or Nord. Or even Yamaha. If you have had those keyboards before and jump to a new keyboard (in this case the Kronos), of course you're going to be overwhelmed, which is why (and this goes for everyone in general) it's always a good idea to read the manuals that come with it. Don't just assume it's going to be like every other keyboard, because majority of the time it's not going to be. My advice to everyone also is, watch as many tutorials on said keyboard on KZbin as you can too. I can see though why the long startup time could be a pain too, depending on the situation at the time.

[@warrenroberts1912]

Worst thing about Kronos is the amount of time it takes to turn on. Freaking turning on a space ship 😂😂😂

[@KellBailey]

Brah literally 😂

[@mwesigwadaudi5718]

I was waiting for this comment😂😂😂

[@MrPsarp]

Truth

[@DevinShoulders]

@@warrenroberts1912 you can get it down to 1 minute if you load just what you need but 1 minute but 60 seconds should be the ceiling not the floor 😂

[@jeffreyreid6981]

Well, you do have nine sound engine, and it takes time to boot up

[@JamaelJarrett]

I’ve still got the Kronos 1. Built to last.

[@KellBailey]

For sure built to last !

[@Ishnala717]

I feel the same and where I did not get rid of it, it is a great production instrument, I have decided to gig with a Motif and sometimes a Kurzweil pc3k8.

[@michaele09me]

100% true. Love Kronos but everything u said is beyond valid and I appreciate your opinion on it. Now question I have when u get time how would u compare Kronos vs Montage M for live use standalone versus hybrid ( Laptop/ VST) or any board that you want. Like pro’s and con’s of integration with controls, sounds, and stability.

[@KellBailey]

@@michaele09me Montage wins for the simple fact it has current updates and it’s way more user friendly compared to the korg Kronos. There is also a community here on KZbin and Yamaha forums that can help you if you ever run into trouble. I hope that helps.

[@michaele09me]

@@KellBailey appreciate it will check it out soon as possible thanks

[@timotheemusic7634]

Hi kell, give me us reviews of your keyboard rack. I’m curious about it I’m wanna make investment decisions in the future. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@HK-4545]

Thank you for some info looking at some keyboards always used Mpc Tried using the native instruments mklll akai 2500 4000, & 5000 looking to find some other sounds love all types of music. Mobb deep wu , but also led zeppelin, shabbat ranks all types any ideas on keyboard would be great for some info and what you think thank you have a wonderful if anyone please leave message thank you.

[@brandong6922]

I still own my Kronos gold limited edition, and I must say you were spot on about everything 😂 what you said about the build quality is correct.. my girlfriend who know nothing about Instruments always say that keyboard looks expensive 😂😂I only use it in my home studio rig what you said about the piano is right I midi into my electro 6..about time the thing load up I don’t even want to practice anymore 😂😂..I feel like every flagship keyboard has something it can do better than others ..that’s why I try to keep one of each …just gotta get my hands on another montage hate I sold mine …great video

[@KellBailey]

😂😂

[@samuelawuku7584]

Thus great sir, Please I just bought a new roland fantom,i want you to do a tutorial on how to find the tones and creat patches and save tones on it.

[@Doc-149]

Korg screwed up big time releasing this workstation to the public - it damaged sales because the people using it professionally had discovered there was now no need for additional or new flagship keyboards unless they were buying more Kronos’s to increase polyphony or available ram. For the first time ever the Korg released a product that actually did about 95% of what people wanted from a keyboard, and that’s really bad for future sales because it negated the need to keep up with new flagship models - so they killed it and replaced it with a keyboard that boasted maybe half of the features of a Kronos as their new post-Kronos Flagship - that doesn’t even make logical sense because Kronos owners still don’t need the new flagship - and why would they?

[@subi-561]

Seen that video you did on the modx, im spend my savings on the modx8 and get ur pack💪🏾

[@KellBailey]

@@subi-561 let’s go!! I highly recommend that keyboard. TBH it surprised me how good it was.

[@onCEWreviews]

I have one that’s in mint condition. Any ideas where I can sell mine?

[@KellBailey]

You’ll have to sell local ! Trying to ship it out is a pain unless you have a plug lol

[@MichaelFClef]

Where are you? Is it still available?

[@onCEWreviews]

@ yes it’s still available. I live near Atlanta, GA. I also have it on FB and Sweetwater.

[@MichaelFClef]

@@onCEWreviews Thanks. I'll look for it.

[@tonylancer7367]

I was counting the days until you’d get rid of the Kronos, given the fact that you have quite a bit of overlap with the keyboards (and software) you own, the Kronos wouldn’t add much to your arsenal. One thing you didn’t talk about was action, how was it, did you like it?

[@KellBailey]

Yes man!!! Also the action was great I would consider that a pro for sure! I would say it’s slightly heavier than Yamaha and lighter than Roland.

[@WesleyJones1986]

Is that Roland X6 still viable? Possible review of that one next...?

[@KellBailey]

@@WesleyJones1986 say no more!!

[@luthandoheshu984]

​@@KellBaileythat's a board( Fantom X)

[@WesleyJones1986]

@@KellBailey My guy! 🤙🏾

[@madaboutretro]

it simply is still the 8:25 most powerful editable workstation with a full 16 track sequencer, it boots faster than a Nautilus. Its probably too complicated for some users and I would usher those users to montage/ phantom with their work flows but if you are looking for the abis of depth then Kronos will take you there...kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3OWdoyKZ92VjpYsi=76CYQmoWuSHrp5MR

[@Andy-lm2zp]

16 track midi PLUS 16 track audio 24 bit stereo with virtual tracks!!

[@joshuagardner894]

I have a Motif XF8, I am looking at purchasing a Kronos 2 Titanium. I dont feel like I need anything other than these two boards, Ive been pretty impressed with the Motif XF8, great sound out of this board but the lack of a touchscreen, as gimicky as it might seem, makes it a bit more frustrating than it should be. My only concern with the Kronos, and it is my only real concern, is how small everything is on the screen. My eyes arent what they used to be, and my fingers seem to get fatter every year.

[@JusBlaze29]

Any new gospel loops u got coming?

[@KellBailey]

Yessir ! Finishing up some other products but soon :)

[@JR01015]

What’s the best keyboard for layering but simultaneously sounds the best, in your opinion? Especially for church situation (you know we need that piano, strings, pad, ep, bell/brass combo as a minimum).

[@KellBailey]

@@JR01015 montage Mx or Nord stage 3 or motif series

[@JR01015]

@@KellBailey all those Knobs on the Nord though. Puts me off big time.

[@JR01015]

@@KellBailey thoughts on Roland Fantom-8 as a contender?

[@JR01015]

@@KellBailey thoughts on Roland Fantom-8 as a contender?

[@A106]

⁠@@JR01015The knobs aren’t that bad on the Nord honestly. Its just mainly the synth session that you had to tackle. I’ve never learned synths and stuff until I got the Nord, but I got used to it pretty fast. I like the analog feel compared to digital, but thats all up to you.

[@jrmusic8010]

Personally I’m a Yamaha guy, My pops bought me korg Kronos workstation2 88key and it wasn’t bad but the keys sunk over time, and the sounds wasn’t my personal preference. It just didn’t make me want to play it.

[@melodymusic5818]

These boards are quite expensive in Nigeria😂

[@DevinShoulders]

The piano thing, yeah it “too full” already instead of brought back. They tried to fix that, but it was too engrained in the modeling of the sound. I had to install some of my own for church ⛪️

[@9danmatt]

It is safe to say that the KK is the best for Aux than main.

[@infinixhot6110]

Please we need a tutorial for beginners on Logic pro x the basics for gospel

[@KellBailey]

@@infinixhot6110 coming soon

[@Vangelismusic1]

LOL! just say you are a YAMMIE lover that's all buddy, I had almost every keyboard out there from my over 40 year music career, Kronos 61 is 31.53 lbs, Montage 61 is 33.1 lbs you are complaining about startup time is like saying take the toast out before it's done from the toaster, it's a linux sampler that has to load all the samples more samples more time, big deal, now the only reason you would get rid of it is your PIANO sound but you can find a better piano with bought libraries which is the least important sound for me and YES! Kronos is the most flexible synth and way ahead of it's time and for the price no other company can beat it, even today. Same goes for their arrangers which are the most flexible of any brand out there.

[@Rickpr8nu7px8v]

LoL Bring Back the infamous Gospel Christian Music Churchy Keyboard Sound Staple, the🎹 Yamaha Motif Series!! 😅😇🎹🎹

[@KellBailey]

Yes lol !

[@bugaljackson494]

Wow, 2 minute boot time? I would never lol

[@jord_ibe]

…wow. I guess my MD was right about it 😅

[@KellBailey]

Perhaps he was lol !!

[@jarrettbakersr]

Mine would randomly freeze. Happened at church and at a gig. I immediately sold it.

[@TonysMusic1974]

I have had one for 11 years. Hasn't froze once.

[@JohnnyADi]

I've had mine for like 6 years? Never froze once!

[@Bruce.-Wayne]

I wouldn't give a 20yr old Korg Triton for this Kronos....😊

[@KellBailey]

@@Bruce.-Wayne Lolol

[@guidografe8339]

Du magst den Sound der Rhodes und beklagst das Gewicht des Kronos - Du weißt schon, wie schwer ein echtes Rhodes ist 😅

[@brian6556]

Korg have just used the same old sounds in their products over and over. I’d go with the Yamaha montage now.

[@akibe7608]

EVERYONE does that, which is why I am tired of hardware boards.

[@luutsii]

Taking too much time to turn on...probably why they named it "chronos"

[@olaidemogaji3464]

Korg Kronos 🙄

[@igorcina066]

This video is full of misinformation.

[@KellBailey]

@@igorcina066 you must didn’t see the opening line when I said “these are my opinions and my experience ” lol how dare you tell me my experience isn’t real. It’s 2024 you can’t do that 😂