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Description

Classic look and feel, modern performance.

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 new RK-100S contains a built-in analog modeling sound generator.

New 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.

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
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
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.

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model RK-100S RD 37-Key Keytar with Built-In MMT Digital Synth
Finish Red
Year 2010s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keytar MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Slim
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 37 Keys

FAQs

Is the Korg RK-100S Keytar suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg RK-100S Keytar is designed for live performances, offering a lightweight and portable design with a built-in MMT digital synth for versatile sound creation on stage.

Does the Korg RK-100S support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Korg RK-100S features MIDI output and USB MIDI, allowing it to connect easily with other MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs for expanded performance and recording options.

What type of keyboard action does the Korg RK-100S have?

The Korg RK-100S has a synth action keyboard with slim keys, providing a responsive and fast-playing experience suitable for dynamic performance styles.

Can the Korg RK-100S be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Korg RK-100S functions as a MIDI controller, enabling you to control software instruments and other MIDI-compatible hardware with its keys and controls.

What are the standout features of the Korg RK-100S's sound engine?

The Korg RK-100S features a built-in MMT digital synth engine, offering a wide range of sounds and effects, making it versatile for various music genres and performance needs.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg RK100S Keytar Demo with Rich Formidoni

Video thumbnail for Kraft Music - Korg RK100S Keytar Demo with Rich Formidoni by Kraft Music

Kraft Music - Korg RK100S Keytar Demo with Rich Formidoni

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for KORG RK-100S with AYANO (Cyntia) by KORG INC.

KORG RK-100S with AYANO (Cyntia)

KORG INC.

KORG INC.

Video thumbnail for Korg RK100S Synthesizer Keytar - Korg RK100S by American Musical Supply

Korg RK100S Synthesizer Keytar - Korg RK100S

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Korg RK-100S Performance Synthesizer Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014 by Sweetwater

Korg RK-100S Performance Synthesizer Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Korg RK-100S2 Keytar Demo - Winter NAMM 2020 by Musician's Friend

Korg RK-100S2 Keytar Demo - Winter NAMM 2020

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2020 - Korg RK100S 2 Keytar by Kraft Music

NAMM 2020 - Korg RK100S 2 Keytar

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg RK-100S Keytar.

Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the RK-100S2 lacks a mod wheel or knob, offering only a short ribbon for modulation control.

    Source
  • Users find the long ribbon controller cumbersome during performance, preferring traditional controls like a sustain button.

    Source
  • The RK-100S 2's overdrive effect is considered tame and not suitable for achieving powerful distorted lead sounds.

    Source

Build quality

  • While the wood body is praised, some owners find the keybed lacking in quality, describing it as cheap-feeling.

    Source
  • The selector lever feels fragile and could potentially break over time, suggesting a preference for buttons instead.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The RK-100S2 is compared to the Roland Lucina for having better synth patches but notably worse piano sounds.

    Source
  • The Roland AX-Edge is recommended for its ability to produce realistic guitar tones and strong distorted leads, unlike the RK-100S 2.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners mention difficulty in importing Microkorg XL patches, limiting sound customization without using the editor.

    Source
  • The RK-100S2 lacks online resources for sound bank files, requiring manual patch recreation from MicroKORG XL packs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RK-100S2's default sounds are mainly suitable for 80s pop and disco, limiting its use for other genres.

    Source
  • The RK-100S2 is praised for its portability and size, making it ideal for stage use compared to larger keytars like the Roland AX-Synth.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users find the RK-100S2 overpriced unless discounted, with used units being more appealing around $500.

    Source

User experience

  • The mini keys on the RK-100S 2 are found too small for comfortable chord playing by some users.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Damon use the keytar in "Let Me Out", starting from 43:45. He has been playing it on the Humanz Tour since it began in 2017.

See how Savant uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Savant

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Image-line

In an interview with Image-line, Savant (Aleksander Vinter) mentions using the Korg RK-100S Keytar.

See how Legowelt uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video from the Intergalactic FM Festival 2021, Legowelt can be seen using the Korg RK-100S Keytar at 0:00

See how Howard Jones uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via YouTube

Howard Jones plays the RK-100S Keytar live at one of his concerts in California.

See how Vadim Pruzhanov uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Vadim Pruzhanov

Keyboardist

DragonForce

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is an awesome product. I fully recommend it. It's amazing. It looks great, plays well, good quality," Vadim says, about his Korg RK-100s, at 5:45 in this video.

See how Jonah Nilsson uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Jonah Nilsson

Singer, Keyboardist

Dirty Loops

...
Verified via YouTube

Jonah can be seen playing the Korg RK-100S at 0:10 in the attached video for proof.

See how Luke Million uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram Video, Luke Million is seen playing the main riff of Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses with a Korg RK-100S Keytar.

See how Kanon Shizaki uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Kanon Shizaki

Keyboardist

Roselia

...
Verified via Photo

Kanon is seen holding Korg RK-100S Keytar during live (picture taken)

See how Elysia Crampton uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Elysia Crampton

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

She's seen using Korg RK-100S Keytar in this post on Instagram

See how Laura Mvula uses Korg RK-100S Keytar

Laura Mvula

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Twitter

Featured in this November 29, 2015 Twitter post.

Dear @KorgUK thank you for my new #keytar 👍🏾 #newalbum #comingsoon #thedreamingroom

Album Usage

The Korg RK-100S Keytar has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg RK-100S Keytar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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