Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,918

High-end/Boutique

$400

$2001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Kurzweil Forte Synthesizer is a powerhouse digital piano that harmoniously blends performance, technology, and artistry. Perfect for both the stage and studio, this synth offers a 16GB sound library brimming with authentic, expressive tones, including meticulously sampled German and Japanese concert grand pianos. Whether you're channeling the timeless vibes of vintage electric pianos or exploring the vast possibilities of the acclaimed PC3 and KORE64 soundsets, the Forte delivers an unmatched auditory experience.

At its core, the Forte is designed for ease of use and seamless performance. Its Flash-Play technology ensures that your sound palette is available at your fingertips without the drag of loading times. The intuitive 4.3" color LCD screen and a comprehensive set of physical controls make navigation and sound manipulation straightforward, allowing you to focus on crafting your next great soundscape.

Whether you're layering complex textures or performing nuanced solos, the dynamically-allocated polyphony ensures that every note resonates with clarity, without the worry of notes dropping off. With its fully weighted, hammer-action keys, the Forte not only sounds incredible but feels just right, delivering a tactile experience that any pianist will appreciate.

Key Features:

  • 88 fully weighted, hammer-action keys with velocity and aftertouch
  • 16GB sound library featuring new Japanese and German grand pianos
  • Flash-Play technology for instant sound loading
  • 4.3" color LCD screen for intuitive navigation
  • Includes sounds from Kurzweil's PC3 and KORE64 libraries
  • 16-part multi-timbral capabilities for complex performances

Product specs

Brand Kurzweil
Model Forte 88 Weighted Hammer Action Stage Piano
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Digital Stage Pianos
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Kurzweil Forte have?

The Kurzweil Forte features a weighted hammer action keyboard, providing a realistic piano feel suitable for both practice and performance.

How many keys does the Kurzweil Forte 88-key Stage Piano have?

The Kurzweil Forte comes with 88 full-sized keys, offering a complete range for professional playing.

What kind of polyphony does the Kurzweil Forte offer?

The Kurzweil Forte provides 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex performances without note dropouts.

Does the Kurzweil Forte support MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Kurzweil Forte includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, and USB MIDI, ensuring versatile connectivity with other devices.

Is the Kurzweil Forte suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the Kurzweil Forte is designed as a stage piano with high-quality sounds and robust features ideal for live settings.

MusicStoreTV

MusicStoreTV

KURZWEIL Forte Stage Piano der Spitzenklasse

Video thumbnail for KURZWEIL Forte Stage Piano der Spitzenklasse by MusicStoreTV

KURZWEIL Forte Stage Piano der Spitzenklasse

MusicStoreTV

MusicStoreTV

Video thumbnail for Kurzweil Forte Review (ENGLISH) by Kytary.cz

Kurzweil Forte Review (ENGLISH)

Kytary.cz

Kytary.cz

Video thumbnail for Kurzweil Forte demo with bass pedals by Jim Alfredson

Kurzweil Forte demo with bass pedals

Jim Alfredson

Jim Alfredson

Reviews

PROS

  • Intuitive layout with 9 sliders and memory feature for voice adjustments

  • Beautiful big screen provides clear views and easy navigation

  • High-quality, resonant voices and beautiful pianos

  • Excellent Tonewheel organ presets and tweaking options

  • Global EQ and compressor enhance performance flexibility

  • Seamless splits and set creation for live shows

  • Easy loading of sounds from other Kurzweil models

  • Well-tuned aftertouch improves playability

  • Highly playable keyboard action suitable for various genres

  • Backward compatibility with older Kurzweil models

CONS

  • Stiff key action limits effortless glissandos

  • Mono 1/4” port reliability issues during performance

  • String patches sound outdated and synthetic

  • Heavier and wider design compared to some competitors

  • Fatar keybed may not suit all finger muscle memories

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kurzweil Forte Synthesizer.

Build quality

  • The Forte uses a Fatar TP/40L keybed, while the Forte SE uses a TP/100LR keybed, with the TP/40L preferred for its stage piano quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Forte SE has significantly less memory than the Forte, which could impact sample storage and performance capabilities.

    Source
  • Users find the Nord Stage 3's physical interface more intuitive, with most controls accessible without menu navigation, unlike the Kurzweil Forte.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Forte SE, the Kurzweil PC4 is considered better by some due to additional features, despite lacking MIDI Thru.

    Source
  • Kurzweil Forte's synth engine is considered superior to Nord Stage 3, offering better support for complex patches and high-quality orchestral sounds.

    Source
  • Nord Stage 3 is praised for its superior piano and organ sounds, though its timbrality and sound variety are limited compared to Kurzweil Forte.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite lacking MIDI Thru, many users suggest the Kurzweil PC4's features outweigh this omission for most setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Kurzweil Forte is favored for live performances requiring complex patches, while Nord Stage 3 is noted for its ease of use in simpler setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kurzweil Forte

soundonsound.com

Kurzweil's Forte synthesizer impresses with its rich features, combining stage-piano immediacy with deep programmability. The inclusion of the VAST synthesis engine, extensive piano library, and improved display sets it apart, while the enhanced effects and increased user objects add significant value. However, some piano samples show abrupt transitions, and early software bugs suggest rushed testing. Despite these, the responsive support from Kurzweil and the promise of updates make the Forte a compelling choice for musicians seeking a powerful stage piano with vast creative potential. Its high price might deter some, but its capabilities justify the investment.

positive

Review: Kurzweil Forte

ask.video

Kurzweil's Forte makes a bold entrance into the stage piano arena, showcasing well-designed sounds and a user-friendly interface. The large controllers and clear operating system enhance the playing experience, while the color LCD screen aids in sound identification. However, its high price and the lack of sound continuity during patch changes might deter some buyers. Overall, the Forte is a solid contender for those seeking innovative features in a stage piano.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
M

Myron McKinley

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video, you can see Myron McKinley playing the Kurzweil Forte on the NAMM 2016 Kurzweil booth and talking about touring with it. Confirmed by his Kurzweil artist page as well: https://kurzweil.com/2019/11/19/myron-mckinley/

Genre Usage

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

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