Korg Rhythm 55 (KR-55 & KR-55B)

Korg KR-55 Image

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.

22 Visitor comments
Frank Moreno
November 29, 2011 @ 1:17 am
Hey guys I own a Korg rythm KR-55 Like new in its original box with the serial number clearly posted and the original 1979 wire still in tact. This machine is awesome and I love Depache Mode and you can hear this machine clearly in some of my favorite songs. write me at singersongwriter4@gmail.com
adam
November 17, 2011 @ 12:08 pm
hi
my husband has a korg 55 rhythm unit and he now has decided he needs foot pdel(on/off switch) can any one sell or tell us where we can buy this
youknowjuno
November 5, 2011 @ 4:16 pm
Depeche Mode used this on their debut album (Just Can't Get Enough etc.) and Fad Gadget used it a lot so I'm guessing Dan Miller owned one!
smingnoi
June 16, 2011 @ 9:33 am
this old school calculator alike is impressive, i just got it from local second hand web board a week ago. it costs me $260 when converted o USD. Mine doesnt look new, with out foot switch but works as smooth as sitka spruce wood. I'd say it is equivalent to Roland cr5000, cashier machine type, but CR 5000 doesnt contend the 3/4 quantize rotary knob.
Joe
January 31, 2011 @ 8:04 pm
I loved this machine back when I was a performer. I see one out on ebay right now. Great machine. I still use Korg today - great products!
 
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Humdrum

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Rated 3.97 (196 Votes)

  • Demos & Media

  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1     - Korg KR-55 Demonstrated By Anjelicas Baby

  • 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
  • Date Produced - 1979 - mid-eighties

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