How Long Should You Wait Before Buying a Newly Released Synth?

[astandet]

Hi everyone. Could you please advise how long it’s generally wise to wait before purchasing a newly released synthesizer, in order to avoid early firmware or even hardware bugs and buy it only once it’s proven reliable? Would around a year typically be enough time for issues to surface and get ironed out? I’m specifically thinking about the Kurzweil K2061, which only became available around late August. Thanks in advance for any insights!

[Wonks]

Dave B hasn't had any problems with his K2061 and he's had it about a month and uses it regularly. You have to remember that it's been ready for quite a while, but simply hasn't been released for various reasons, (Trump's tariffs haven't helped there), but as a result they've had time to do a lot of testing, a lot more than normal.

[Hugh Robjohns]

I'd suggest finding a dedicated user forum for it. There's bound to be one on Facebook or one of the popular music tech forums. Kurzweil might well run one themselves.

Any reliability issues or bugs will certainly be flagged up there very promptly.

But I'd be surprised if there are any serious issue from a new Kurzweil keyboard. They tend to be pretty thorough with their pre-release beta testing in my (limited) experience.

[Dave B]

As Wonks said, I've had mine for a month and it's done 4 or 5 gigs so far as the main board (with a dumb weighted controller beneath it connected by a single usb cable for both midi and power) whilst also controlling an external module. It's been rock solid so far and any head scratching was double checked against my K2700 (which is in the studio) and the behaviour was identical, so was me not understanding something. I did update the OS almost straight away just to make sure I was on the latest.

The biggest problem with the K2061 is getting hold of one!

In terms of resources, there is indeed a Facebook group for Kurzweil owners and (the mighty) Dave Weiser is a mod there, so all comments are genuinely useful. There is also the (quiet but handy) Ksetlist forum you can join and I hear that the Mastering VAST user forum is great, but haven't looked at that myself. Ksetlist is interesting as it is hosted by an actual Kurzweil employee - but is strictly unofficial - so, despite it being quiet, any comments there will eventual feed back to _someone_ in the actual company.

[Eddy Deegan]

As Wonks said, I've had mine for a month and it's done 4 or 5 gigs so far as the main board (with a dumb weighted controller beneath it connected by a single usb cable for both midi and power) whilst also controlling an external module. It's been rock solid so far and any head scratching was double checked against my K2700 (which is in the studio) and the behaviour was identical, so was me not understanding something. I did update the OS almost straight away just to make sure I was on the latest.

The biggest problem with the K2061 is getting hold of one!

In terms of resources, there is indeed a Facebook group for Kurzweil owners and (the mighty) Dave Weiser is a mod there, so all comments are genuinely useful. There is also the (quiet but handy) Ksetlist forum you can join and I hear that the Mastering VAST user forum is great, but haven't looked at that myself. Ksetlist is interesting as it is hosted by an actual Kurzweil employee - but is strictly unofficial - so, despite it being quiet, any comments there will eventual feed back to _someone_ in the actual company.

Dave, it's so good to see you here again mate

[astandet]

Thanks very much, everyone - that’s really helpful and reassuring to hear. It’s great to know the K2061 has already been well tested before release and that early users like Dave B are having such a solid experience with it in real gigging conditions. I’ll definitely check out the Facebook group and Ksetlist forum you mentioned. If anyone else here has been using the K2061 for a while (either live or in the studio), I’d love to hear how it’s been holding up for you in day-to-day use. "The biggest problem with the K2061 is getting hold of one!": here getting hold of one fortunately is as straightforward as just ordering it from Thomann. Thanks again.

[astandet]

As Wonks said, I've had mine for a month and it's done 4 or 5 gigs so far as the main board (with a dumb weighted controller beneath it connected by a single usb cable for both midi and power) whilst also controlling an external module. It's been rock solid so far and any head scratching was double checked against my K2700 (which is in the studio) and the behaviour was identical, so was me not understanding something. I did update the OS almost straight away just to make sure I was on the latest.

The biggest problem with the K2061 is getting hold of one!

In terms of resources, there is indeed a Facebook group for Kurzweil owners and (the mighty) Dave Weiser is a mod there, so all comments are genuinely useful. There is also the (quiet but handy) Ksetlist forum you can join and I hear that the Mastering VAST user forum is great, but haven't looked at that myself. Ksetlist is interesting as it is hosted by an actual Kurzweil employee - but is strictly unofficial - so, despite it being quiet, any comments there will eventual feed back to _someone_ in the actual company.

Hi Dave. So you're using the K2700 in your studio? Since it's only €300 more expensive, the price difference doesn't really matter, but I’m not a fan of fully weighted keybeds + it's slightly too bulky for my tiny "studio". May I ask what kind of music you make and why a fully weighted keyboard is important to you? Does realistic piano response play a big role in your compositions? Would you say that, in a studio setting, a semi-weighted (or synth-action) keybed might actually be better suited for typical electronic or synth-based music that doesn’t rely much on piano playing? Finally, does the K2700 offer any additional advantage to you? (apart from the extra keys, the fully weighted action, the drum pads and the audio-interface feature, that I don't need) Thanks again for sharing your insights - much appreciated!

[James Perrett]

May I ask what kind of music you make and why a fully weighted keyboard is important to you?

I'm not Dave, and I'm not an expert keyboard player, but in my opinion it is handy to have both types of keyboard available. When I'm playing piano or electric piano I find it much more satisfying to play a weighted keyboard while for synth or bass parts I'm happier playing an unweighted keyboard. However my opinion my be coloured by the fact that I grew up with a real piano in the house (as did many people in the mid 20th century) and I have a Wurlitzer in the living room (which is a delight to play) so I expect to feel the weight when I'm playing that kind of instrument.

[astandet]

Thanks for sharing your opinion, non-Daves are just as welcome!

[RichardT]

I think it's a question of what you are comfortable with, there's no right or wrong answer.

[Nazard]

The synth you're looking at uses a TP/9S keyboard, I think. You wouldn't want a weighted, piano-like action, on a synth.

But it doesn't mean you can't play 'piano' on a synth without a weighted, or hammer, action.

[astandet]

OK, at this point I’m leaning strongly towards the K2061. Unless any convincing arguments to the contrary appear by the end of today, that’s the one I’ll go for.

[Wonks]

I know Dave has the weighted keyboard for playing piano-style sounds, and uses the Kurzweil's synth keyboard for the synth and organ sounds.

[astandet]

I know Dave has the weighted keyboard for playing piano-style sounds, and uses the Kurzweil's synth keyboard for the synth and organ sounds.

Thanks, that is helpful to know.

[The Elf]

Good to see you here, Dave!

If it were a case of one or the other...

For myself I would take the lovely weighted action of the K2700 and later add a non-weighted keyboard - maybe even something with poly aftertouch to which the K2700 will respond.

[astandet]

Thanks, Elf - that’s a good point. I can definitely see the appeal of having the weighted K2700 as a master board and adding a lighter one later. In my case though, space is tight and I don’t play much piano, so the K2061 still makes the most sense. With only 5 minutes left, it’s leading by a hefty margin.

[astandet]

Going once… going twice… SOLD! The K2061 is officially on its way! Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences - the range of perspectives was really helpful. In the end, space, weight, and the semi-weighted feel tipped it for me. The K2700’s still a fantastic instrument, but for my setup and the kind of music I make, the K2061 just fits better. Appreciate all the advice!

[The Elf]

[Arpangel]

6 operator FM, nice.

[The Elf]

...and compatible with DX patch sys-ex data. I have all my old TX7/TX802 patches in my K2700.

[Arpangel]

...and compatible with DX patch sys-ex data. I have all my old TX7/TX802 patches in my K2700.

Struth, that is good.

[MarkOne]

I don't intentionally hold out for a synth to become stable. But by the time I've finally made my mind up, saved up the funds, etc, my problem is it goes end-of-life the week after I bought it.

In fact, it's almost a curse!

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