Korg Rhythm 55 KR-55 - Boxed

Korg Rhythm 55 drum machine in excellent working order. Comes complete with the original double footswitch, the box and even the Korg jack-to-phono lead in its branded bag.

For sales in UK/EU the price will include VAT. VAT-free sales are possible to businesses and individuals in the EU (outside the UK) with a valid VAT Number – please get in touch if you wish to buy this way.

These are great drum machines – 96 rhythm patterns (plus intros and fills) which can also be tweaked by the swing parameter, opening up a huge variety of different rhythms. It features a trig out for analogue synths/sequncers. Sonically all-analogue and good and meaty: see YouTube demo below (not this exact machine, same model – with thanks to the uploader):

It is in perfect working order – all pots move smoothly and noiselessly and all pots, switches and knobs function exactly as they should. (It is always possible with vintage equipment that crackly pots/sliders may develop over time when equipment has not been used – even during shipping – this can usually be easily rectified either by a few turns or in extreme cases, with suitable switch-cleaning spray).

Condition is very good overall; there is discolouration on the cream casing and some minor scuffs and signs of wear.

• It is a 100v Japanese model and will run fine on North American mains 115/120v without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use.
• A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU.
• We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.

From the Vintage Synth Explorer KR-55 page:

The KR55 was, for its time (1979), an advanced preset rhythm drum machine with up to 96 preset rhythm patterns! These patterns cover the whole gamut of presets (Waltz, Samba, Rhumba, Bossa Nova, Tango, Slow Rock, Swing, Rock, etc.). The KR55 also featured a “swing beat” control to add a variation to the groove. Each drum sound’s level can be individually adjusted for each pattern. It can also be externally controlled via footswitch jack for the Start/Stop and Intro/Fill switches. The KR55B was a black-chassis version released a few years later in 1982 with twice as many rhythm patterns. It has been used by Jean-Michel Jarre, Trio and Depeche Mode.