Korg RK-100S Keytar Keyboard

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Go back to 1984 with the Korg RK-100! This keytar boasts an onboard analog-modeling synth engine, two ribbon controllers, and 37 keys in a glossy wood body.

It's the keyboard synth that looks and plays like a classic guitar -- thanks to a lustrous wooden body and ultra-slim keyboard with 37 mini keys, the Korg RK-100S keytar is set apart from other keytar-style synths in its class. The RK-100S keytar's lightweight, stylishly curvy design is a play on the original Korg RK-100 remote keyboard originally released back in 1984. With this modern update, you get the same awesome sounds and playability of the original instrument, with the added bonus of a built-in analog modeling sound generator (the original's was external) and a more compact, lightweight build, so you can roam the stage for hours sans shoulder aches.

Super Synth Sounds at Your Fingertips

Good looks aside, Korg's RK-100S is what it is because of its sounds. Perform with 200 analog-modeled synth programs and 17 effects powered by the built-in MMT sound engine. Covering just about any musical genre, the sound engine supplies everything from standard analog synthesizer waveforms such as sawtooth and square to other oscillator algorithms such as formant waveforms, noise, and PCM. It's the same synth engine found on the MicroKORG XL -- one of Korg's most popular virtual-analog synths.

Play all those sounds with 37 velocity-sensitive mini keys, 2 ribbon controllers, an arpeggiator, a vocoder, convenient "favorite" buttons, and other fun performance tools. The favorite buttons help you keep track of frequently-used sounds, so you can recall them on the fly with one-touch read more selection.

Get Expressive with Two Ribbon Controllers

A pair of ribbon controllers -- one short and one long -- add to the fun of playing this keytar. Take a break from the keyboard and play a free range of pitches and scales on the long ribbon located on the front of the keyboard; or, let your left hand explore the short ribbon on the neck, mid-performance, in order to accentuate your right-hand keyboard skills with pitch bends and filter sweeps.

The RK-100S's dual-purpose mic/audio input jack lets you get freaky with either the onboard vocoder function or the monaural mini-input jack. Plug in a headset microphone to rock out with the vocoder, or connect your audio player and jam with your favorite tunes.

Want to use the RK-100S to control an external sound module? No problem. The keytar sports a MIDI output jack, so you're not limited to playing with onboard sounds, awesome as they are. When you're done performing, connect your RK-100S to a computer via USB either to control a PC sound module or use the PC editor to get into the nitty gritty of MIDI settings and parameters of the internal sound engine.

Play Anywhere

Mobility is key for keytarists. As a keyboard player, do you really have to stand at your dedicated spot on stage? Heck no! Powered by either AC adapter or six AA batteries, the RK-100S gives you the freedom to perform wherever's convenient to you.

Features:

- Keytar-style synthesizer keyboard
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys
- 2 ribbon controllers for expressive performance
- Includes 200 analog-modeled synth programs and 17 effects
- Easily edit synth presets with software editor
- Onboard arpeggiator
- 8-voice polyphony
- 1/8" (mic/line) audio input
- TRS (line/headphone) audio output
- Put the Mic/audio input jack to work with the vocoder function
- USB MIDI equipped
- Powered by AC adapter or 6 AA batteries
- Wooden construction
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-390-6800
Web: https://www.korgusa.com/support

Korg RK-100S Keytar Keyboard

It grabbed your attention on stage and never let go. A Keyboardist's performance tool that was both smart and sleek. Music may change with the times, but style and performance endure. Introducing the re-imagined KORG RK-100S.

A Keyboard that Sets You Free to Perform

Appearing in 1984, the RK-100 remote keyboard broke the chains of keyboardists, setting them free to perform as they liked. With a stylish body available in four colors, it allowed the keyboard player to challenge the vocalist or guitarist for the main role on stage.

Now, thirty years later, the RK has been resurrected. Although beautiful curved surfaces have been added, the essence of the original and very popular design is unchanged. What had been a somewhat large and heavy body has been made more compact and lightweight thanks to modern components such as a slim keyboard. While the original required an external sound module, the RK-100S contains a built-in analog modeling sound generator.

Features and functions include two ribbon controllers, an arpeggiator, and a vocoder, and there are also "favorite" buttons that allow you to register frequently-used sounds for one-touch selection. The RK-100S is your choice for smarter, more active, and more enjoyable performance.

Wooden body with a beautifully lustrous finish

The attraction of the RK lies in its beautiful body. The carefully made wooden body consciously reflects the design of a guitar, projecting a timeless coolness that creates varying impressions depending on your angle of view, and featuring an elegantly curvaceous design. Each color is painted with a gorgeous glossy finish that will draw all eyes on stage.

Two hundred built-in programs powered by analog modeling

The RK-100S provides a built-in sound engine that was not found on the original RK, meaning that you can perform simply by connecting an audio cable.

Its MMT sound engine provides not only the standard analog synthesizer waveforms such as sawtooth and square, but also additional oscillator algorithms such as formant waveforms, noise, and PCM, which power two hundred programs for a broad range of sounds that will cover any musical genre. These sounds can also be played using the arpeggiator. 37-note slim keyboard that's lightweight and easy to play The keyboard of the RK-100S uses the 37-note slim keyboard also featured on the MS-20 mini. This allows the overall unit to be more compact and lightweight. MS-20 mini-style keys provide the perfect balance between size and playability.

Two ribbon controllers, short and long

RK-100S RD Image Since the RK-100S is designed for active playing styles, it features two ribbon controllers: a short ribbon on the neck that can be manipulated with the left hand, and a long ribbon located in front of the keyboard that gives you a wide range of performance possibilities. The long ribbon controller can be used instead of the keyboard to play a freely specified range of pitches and scales, and can also be used to control the pitch or filter in dramatic ways.

Operates on six AA alkaline batteries

RK-100S BK Image Since the RK-100S will operate on easily obtainable alkaline AA batteries or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride AA batteries, you can enjoy performing anywhere simply by plugging in a set of headphones or by connecting it to your amp with a standard cable. By using an AC adapter, you can play at home for as long as you like without being concerned with battery life, and use the PC editor to create your own sounds.

Mic/audio (dual-purpose) input jack, also usable with the vocoder function

The RK-100S provides a monaural mini-input jack that can also work with mic input. You can use a headset mic to enjoy vocoder performance, or connect your audio player and perform along with your favorite music.

Perform with an external sound module, and use the PC editor for detailed editing

Since the RK-100S is equipped with a MIDI output jack, it can be used to control an external sound module. There's also a USB port for connecting it to your computer, allowing you to control a PC sound module or use the PC editor to edit detailed MIDI settings and parameters of the internal sound engine.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted February 4, 2017 by Charles Dangerman in Bedford, TX

"An Outstanding Keytar"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Lightweight wooden body, solid design, tactical & maneuverable, two ribbon controllers for immense modulation and not to mention the ability to import entirely different libraries into the internal memory via USB/MIDI computer connectivity... There's just a few examples of features that set this instrument apart from others out there. Korg did an incredulous job at re-inventing the original RK-100 from 30 years ago. You quickly get used to the slim keys in the keybed. They're 3/4 size, I believe; but it really makes this keytar versatile. Trust me, it compliments the instrument. There's also a library editor program you can download from Korg's website which allows you to fine-tune & modify the onboard sounds to your liking. Not only that, there are other sound libraries you can find and import onto the keytar's internal memory. Also, people create their own custom sounds and patches - just check around online for RK-100S forums; people often share their creations.

Sound
The onboard sounds are really cool. Great range of voices for just about any genre.

Features
The two ribbon controllers are definitely this instrument's most unique feature. It's just something you have to personally play before you truly grasp the concept of it. It's a blast!

Ease of Use
Super easy to use. Literally strap on and plug in. You're jamming before you even know it.

Quality
The read more craftsmanship is legendary. The wooden body is solid and extremely well-built. All the hardware comes together perfectly; nothing feels loose or cheap about it.

Value
Sure, $699.00 seems pretty steep for an instrument like this at first. But if a quality keytar is what you want - you won't find a better deal than this. You'll have years of enjoyment from this purchase.

Manufacturer Support
As long as you have your instrument's serial number Korg will keep in touch if you need them to.

The Wow Factor
Well, it's a keytar. Most people are blown away simply by that. People occasionally look at me in awe when I tell them I'm a "keytarist", as if it's a mythical instrument from æons past. But hey, eyes go wide and jaws drop when the RK-100S is brandished. It truly is a very nice looking instrument. Just wait 'til you see one in person.

Musical Background:
I profess in keys and samples. The keytar is my signature instrument.

Musical Style:
Underground Metal; namely Industrial Metal.
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