Kurzweil K2000R and K2500R Overview, Upgrades, and Repair - Part 1

Introduction video of a multi part series on the awesome Kurzweil K2000R and K2500R rack modules. In this video I discuss history, features, hardware, software, upgrades, and common problems. Future videos will follow up with repair and restoration of these modules.

[@10314347]

This will be a GREAT series! I own a K2600R fully maxed out and use it regularly!

[@ernieyoungblood6673]

I own a K2500 keyboard which is having a p.o.s.t. issue that I really need your help with. I'll have to open it up and take it apart to see where the problem might be. I'm wondering if you would have the power supply board if I just wanted to replace it. I'll reach out once I pull it and see if I see the problem or could I ship to you and have it repaired, upgraded whatever to get it working? You're obviously a wizard with this stuff! Really inspired and made me remember how great a keyboard it is. I should've never let an irresponsible person use it and drop it from a vertical standing position. UUGGGHHH. NEVER LENDING IT OUT AGAIN! Big mistake, HUGE! Hopeful we can get it to stop shutting off in the middle of performance. Thanks for your video series. I thought all was lost till now. :-)

[@lucasbond8874]

Amazing and thorough video! Thanks for making synth videos from the technician perspective. Too many youtubers just repeat what i can already read in a SOS article.

[@nilsdanielson9254]

Fantastic series! Love the K2000 to death and have just replaced the main filter caps, display and will soon have all upgrades installed. All ok except that i get 10.5v on TP17 instead of the 8 it says in the manual. Anyone encountered the same issue?

[@Italo_Brutalo]

Thank you for this video. Thank you for sharing your whole knowledge about these machines. 😍

[@phoenixsub7072]

Ohh BoiY this makes me so enthusiastic right here. I think Waldorf & Kurzweil should join & release a cool sampler it would be awsome--.

[@ryanbates362]

Incredible how much certain synths go up in value, or in this case.. devalue. Makes you think someday they might come around full circle and become sought after again.

[@bradthx]

Agreed Ryan, right now these are still a fantastic deal on the used market. No idea how long that will last though, thanks for watching!

[@Synthfidel]

I have been searching for one, so I am definitely following this series. Thanks!

[@StephenSpears-th3wj]

Brad, how can I find you. My K2000RS V3 has started acting up. After a minute of being turned on, all buttons freeze. PSU??? It was in MINT condition.

[@anonymous_friend]

So these make a fan noise when turned on? Similar to a computer power supply?

[@DonSolaris]

Excellent video!!!! Spotted an SSM 2122. That thing uses analogue VCA?

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bello.💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@gasparpini]

Hey I jus bought a K2000rs and the display its exactly like this ones, and no battery... Is the screen like that? because I can only see what is written when I shine a light at it. the screen... maybe I have to change it right?

[@RoyMaya]

Have you ever replaced the volume pot on the K2500R? Mine is really scratchy and I would like to replace it. Do you know if there's an equivalent part that it can be replaced with?

[@TheModelrailroad]

Amazing video! Do you repair or may repair an unit of k2500rs that doesn't start?

[@Arsalan-Pervez]

Hi, I have got a K2000 which was run on 240v while the setting were still on 120v. If possible can you please help me understand how the wires configurations are for 120v and 240v. I cant figure it out on mine, and I want to test the transformer in order to make it is delivering the right amount of volts. I am also not sure if the damage has been transferred to the main board as well.

[@Yupppi]

Is it Janus? Like the ancient roman two-faced person. Or from Goldeneye. Maybe something to do with duality of things?

[@procta2343]

i am looking at getting the keyboard version of the K2500or the K2600 but i am still researching before i make the jump

[@mahut0]

Hi! Great vids. Can you please help me with my quest? I want to connect my k2000r to my PC. What's my best option?

[@B5nny]

Just picked up a K2000R, but its missing the SMP-R board, do you have a lead on any or possibly have any you'd feel like selling? Thanks for these videos, super helpful!

[@100ThingsIDo]

Another good video! I've never explored the Kurzsweil 2000 series, I really must pic one up at some point :D

[@bradthx]

You should get one, they are dirt cheap right now. :D

[@carlospuentes66]

Great video! I just bought a Maschine MK3. Can I export my K2000R samples (loaded via Zip Drive) into it?

[@ugo9989]

Where can I find the upgrade for sampling for the k2000R???

[@alerub3893]

hey, can you tell me which part is for the effects? my k2000r makes noise when i select effects. but the problem is only with isolated effects and when the device boots up and initializes the effects. thanks alex.

[@ResonantBytes]

Check the SRAM chips on the analog/FX board. My K2000R had this issue with all modulation effects like chorus, flanger etc. and I replaced one of the SRAM chips which made it work fine again. Hope that helps you as well!

[@phoenixsub7072]

These Bois have this shimmering "Legend"/mythical status. I mean im thinkin do they have samples that are usefull Or perhaps you should ask yourself,, what kind of sounds are you able to make. Have heard it takes some serious skills to edit these maschines.

[@sapainca]

hi, do you have eprom image for the k2/k2r audio v.4 chip. its on the audio board 27c512. mine is blank

[@sapainca]

It’s ok. Parsed more lines and I found the code. It relates to the digitech effects chip

[@kesanskia]

I have a problem with k2000R. When I turn it on, everything works for a few seconds or it doesn't start properly at all. After a few seconds everything freezes. When I take out the flat cable of the LCD everything still works, there is sound. I replaced the display but the situation has not changed. I replaced a bunch of capacitors, the voltage is stable but the problem remained. Does anyone have an idea?

[@saren6538]

Did you get it sorted ?

[@papepcool]

Are you selling?

[@Mike-tg7db]

i paid 4k for mine in 1996

[@genx1144]

🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@VictorGazalMusic]

I have one Hardly used K2000R Bought it new But rarely used it

[@sagamusix]

Nice video, and I'm looking forward to the other parts! As you were talking about PRAM options: We have created an open-source recreation of the K2500 PRAM which you can build yourself: github.com/dop3j0e/K2500-PRAM

[@bradthx]

This is great, thank you for linking. I have ordered everything and will definitely get this in for the K2500R upgrades.

[@sagamusix]

@@bradthx Cool! We'd be very honored if you assembled in on video. :D

[@DF-eg8vl]

Buy the 2000, the 2500 sounds horrible, is brightish, sound like a pizzeria piano.