Korg Rhythm KR-55

One our favourite preset drum machines – the Korg KR machines just have a sound of their own.

NOTE: This drum machine is awaiting service and will ship within 10 working days of purchase. It is possible to modify this machine during service with separate outputs – this listing is for it as it is, however if the buyer wants the mod adding we can let you know the costs and time involved.

CONDITION: In very good cosmetic condition with minor scrapes and dings scattered across the face, including some wear above the Bass and Snare Drum controls. The case is clean with some scuffing. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition. 

240v unit.

More about the KR-55:

These are great drum machines – 48 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).

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.