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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Tony Flagg

Posted 89 days ago

Ya'll missed the most prominent appearance. Joe Jackson recorded an entire album, "Night and Day", with this box. It can be heard unmistakenly on his biggest hit ever, "Stepping out".

Hall & Oates

Posted 435 days ago

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

tony cromie

Posted 435 days ago

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

Jake Five

Posted 449 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 593 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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