KORG RHYTHM KR 55

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 good – it has scuffs and dings to the casing especially the corners and a few scratches on the face but overall it presents very well for its age – see the detailed photos.

It is a UK 240v model. It will require a step-up transformer for use in 110/120v countries. We can supply high quality UK-made transformers and do not recommend using cheap Chinese transformers with vintage gear.

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.

Specifications:

Sounds – 12 Tones: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, HiHat x 2, Cymbal, Low Conga, High Conga, Rim Shot, Claves, Cowbell, Tom Tom x 2

Patterns – KR55 – 48 Rhythm patterns: Waltz, Jazz Waltz, Rock, Ballad x 3, 5/4 Beat x 3, Mambo, Rumba, Beguine, Pops x 3, Rock x 12, Disco x 6, Foxtrot, Shuffle, March, Swing x3, Bossanova x3, Chacha, Samba, Afro, Enka, Tango, Habanera

16 Intro Rhythms

16 Fill-In Rhythms

KR-55B – 96 Rhythm patterns

Controls – Level for each Drum Sound, Tempo, Swing Beat, Start/Stop, Intro/Fill

Keyboard – None

Effects – None

Control – Start/Stop and Intro/Fill functions triggered by external footswitch