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
Jake Watkins
September 26, 2012 @ 1:43 pm
Hey guys! I snagged one of these guys from a dude trying to sell his old keyboard. Its been fun, but I'm ready to part with it. Email if interested! jajhab@gmail.com
Michael
August 30, 2012 @ 3:03 pm
Hallo, ich hab eine KR 55b, wieviel ist die wert ?
canadianaidan
July 7, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
Managed to snag a Rhythm 77 today during my work shift for $100! I think I got a good deal? lean and all buttons work! :)
godslave
March 8, 2012 @ 10:09 am
I just got one today ( the 1979 model ), and it cost me 4 euro ( yes "4" euro !!!) the guy clearly didn't knew what he was selling ! this machine is realy awesome !
blue
January 23, 2012 @ 12:27 pm
I bought one new in 1981 and as well as being in a band went out as a duo and earned good money with what then was a damn good drum machine with start/stop as well as fills, all controlled with footpedals. Some of the beats and sounds were cheesy but i never regret buying mine. It also had intros to start a song. Have just bought a Alesis sr18, should be fun.
 
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  • 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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