Product

Korg Rhythm KR-55

Exceptional near mint example of one of our favourite preset beat boxes.

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Exceptional near mint example of one of our favourite preset beat boxes.

Working well but will be serviced before shipping. Price includes the fitting of a new 120 or 240v transformer (currently 100v). Various mods can also be done – see below. Shipping in approx 20 working days of purchase.

Description

Covid-19 Update: We remain open but are currently operating at reduced staffing levels to comply with distancing regulations. While most shipments are being delivered swiftly, some services could be impacted and delivery times may be extended. We appreciate your understanding and will endeavour to minimise any delays. Read more…

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Korg KR-55 for sale.

We can also modify these with six separate outputs which are brilliant for using as triggers or to externally process individual sounds, plus we can add a switchable kick drum mod that adds two controls to warp the sound into wild, monstrous territories. Clock in mod may also be an option. Please ask for more information about all of these.

Will be supplied serviced and in excellent working order – all pots moving smoothly and noiselessly and all pots, switches and knobs working well. (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).

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.

From the Vintage Synth Explorer KR-55 pageThe 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

Condition

Exceptional clean condition with only the most minor signs of age. See photos for more information on cosmetic condition.

Voltage Information

100v Japanese model. For customers on 220/240v supplies we will supply a high quality step-down transformer free of charge with your purchase - let us know if this is not required. On North American mains (115/120v supplies) this unit will run without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use. We do not recommend using cheap, generic Chinese mains transformers - please ask if you have any questions about powering this unit.

Tax

For sales in UK/EU the price will include 20% VAT. If you have an EU VAT number (outside the UK) you can enter it at check out to have VAT removed.

Video Demos

Demos of previous units sold.

TESTIMONIALS

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Tom Rowlands - Chemical Brothers

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Stephen Voinea

Grabbed a Roland RE-201 (early edition killer pre-amp) and Roland DC-50. Absolutely STUNNING. These guys truly live up to the hype. They are meticulous in caring for the gear. Also, I have a few guitar pedal and plug-in emulations of tape-echo sounds and after plugging in the real unit I can't tell you how insane the difference is. It is incredible. Especially that tone from the early pre-amp! I am totally amazed. I am in heaven :) They made it safely to Nashville from the UK and were packed really really well! Thank you so much!! Worth every penny.

Chance Allen

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Josh Lloyd-Watson & Tom McFarland - Jungle

“The perfect place to hear, learn about and then buy your most wanted piece of vintage music gear! I've not only managed to buy a rare piece of equipment I really wanted, but I have the guarantee it's been serviced, and I got it from people who are clearly passionate and knowledgeable about what they do, as well as super friendly and responsive by email. Thoroughly recommended!”

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Purchased a Juno-60 and it works beautifully. Having gotten one teched before, I knew it was worth paying a premium to get it future proofed and Soundgas does just that. Shipped professionally from the UK to USA. Appreciate their expertise and professional demeanor!

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Rhett Daily

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Tucker Martine - Flora Recording

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Dong Yun Seok

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Dupille Luc

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Thomas Tedesco

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Brett R

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Tom Johnston

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Ben Van Vlissingen

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Ben Parm

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J Yates

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