Vintage Synth Explorer

Korg • Rhythm 55 (KR-55 & KR-55b)

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.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Hall & Oates

Posted 10 days ago

Tony, are you sure it wasn't "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)"?

Rossini

Posted 10 days ago

Guten Tag, suche für mein Korg Rhythm 55 das Betriebshandbuch. Können Sie mir dabei bhilflich sein. Besten Dank. Wünsche eine tolle Woche. Con cordiale saluti. A.Rossini

tony cromie

Posted 10 days ago

also used by hall & oats..on private eyes.

Jake Five

Posted 24 days ago

Some other groups that used this fantastic machine:

Tara Cross
Absolute Body Control
DO-PO
Steve Fisk
Three To Forgotten
Burlesque
Psychic Youth
Sauveur Mallia
Systematics
Metal Y Ca
Petticoats
Lunapark

Analogue Crazy

Posted 168 days ago

Depeche Mode used a KR-55 for the drums on the 'Some Bizzare' version of 'Photographic'. Very distinctive sounding drum machine, with its mettalic sounding hi-hats.

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