Korg Rhythm KR-55

Korg Rhythm 55 drum machine for sale serviced and in good working order. It’s fairly scruffy but that is reflected in the price – a chance to get a fully functioning machine without paying collector’s prices.

Converted to 240v operation.

Price includes VAT at 20% (for sales in UK/EU) 

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 scruffy with discolouration of the cream case and wear and tear to the case. See the detailed photos.

It is set up for 240v operation. 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.