Almost identical to the Korg KR-55, released a couple of years earlier, except it has twice the amount of patterns. It’s arguably one of the greatest preset drum machines ever produced, with individual volume controls and a wide variety of preset rhythms, all of which can be tweaked with the “swing” setting.
It suffers, like most other preset drum machines of the era, from a lack of individual outputs. Also, the “fill-in” end of bar variation doesn’t have an automatic setting (say, every 4, 8 or 16 bars), instead needing to be triggered manually via the front-panel button or the foot switch. Same thing for the two variations of each beat, which need to be switched manually. Automatic controls for both of these, such as in the older Korg Mini Pops 120, would have made these features much more useful I think.
This drum machine can be heard on the ESTECHO tracks “Arpeggio Down” and “Fast Forward”
Technical Info / Service Notes
I’m planning to modify this unit for individual outputs in the near future. More info on this later….
Owner’s Manual. Click to download
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Keio Giken (Tokyo, Japan) |
| Date | Around 1982 |
| List price | |
| Sounds | 12 (bass drum, snare, hi-hat 1, hi-hat 2, cymbal, rim shot, low conga, high conga, claves, tom 1, tom 2, cowbell) |
| Presets | 96 |
| Programmable | No |
| Features | - 6 volume controls for individual voices - Swing setting for all beats - Intro/fill in (manual trigger only) |
| Outputs | High out, low out (both mono) |
| Trigger out | Yes, with various note lengths (1/16,1/8,1/4,1,BD) |
| Footswitch | Start/stop, intro/fill in |
| Accessories | Footswitch S-2 (pictured above), carrying bag |
| Related models | Korg Rhythm 55, Korg Rhythm 33 |
Gallery
Please tell me where I can purchase a Korg KR-55B Drum Machine, with its footswitch and for how much. Thank you. Mike cell: 0836776971
Mike,
I recommend checking online auction sites and classifieds. That’s where most of these units can be found nowadays.
I have a Korg Rhythm 55b for sale, if anyone is interested, please contact estudio_som@hotmail.com
i need shematic of clock-in or sync-in modification.
thank you…..
I have a korg rythum 55B wiht foot pedal, if interested contact me at thepolkamaestreband.com, thanks
Hi Tony. I’m assuming you sold that drum unit already. I never followed up on my request. I actually forgot to. Where can I get a KORG 55B unit now and for how much?
I want a 55b if you have one you should email me at erincameronallen@gmail.com and tell me what you want for it.
I have a Korg 55b but do not know what to ask for it. I want to sell it.
Hi John. Do you still habe it?
Hi, I would like to buy the Korg 55 footswitch. Please can you contact me via email to:
rob.lailvaux@googlemail.com
Just got one and I fell in love immediately. But, there’s something like constant release on tom. Any advice, service manual on line? Thanks!