Kurzweil PC2X 88-Note Weighted Performance Controller
64 polyphony. 128 user programmable MIDI setups. 144 internal voice programs. 128 regular programs.
Overall User Ratings (based on 52 ratings)
Submitted January 25, 2019 by Don G in Seattle, WA
"Still Great"
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I have used my Kurzweil PC2X for several years now. I got it in mint condition, as it had never really left the original owner's home and was used very little. (It's the black version and has one expansion card in it.) First, I primarily use this as a controller as my main sounds come from my MacBook Pro (Mainstage 3) and an iPad (multiple synth apps). The keyboard itself has an excellent feel. I was classically trained through college, and have played professionally for many years, owning many different pianos/controllers. This one is just stellar, I love the feel. With a great piano sample like Keyscape, it is the closest I've found to the real deal. It isn't super light for hauling around, but not oppressively heavy either. (Heavy enough to provide good stability on a good keyboard stand.) The sounds themselves are getting a bit dated now, but many are still very usable on gigs in a pinch. I enjoy the assurance that if for some reason the Mac or iPad (or God forbid both!) go down, I won't be stranded in silence. Pianos and EP's function in a utility capacity, strings and B3 (KB-3) still very good. Once my B3 sound wouldn't fire from the computer, so I pulled this up. Band members were commenting on the great B3 sound. So all that to say, the meat and potatoes stuff is quite usable, and there are also some real gems still in there! Used, they are priced around $600. It is an extremely good value for the money. (Btw, I did have to replace the power conditioner. It was around $100., but still available. Also the battery, but that is just a cheap watch battery you can get anywhere and is very simple to change. Just get the manual online.)
Musical Background:
Professional keyboardist for 30+ years.
Musical Style:
Rock, pop, country, jazz, commercial, classical
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Submitted May 16, 2013 by T S in Ft Wayne, IN
"PC2x performance controller still like new, no problems yet with this keyboard"
The Kurzweil PC2x still offers a lot of value for the money. It is still better than many other brands I have played for the user that wants a good library of quality sound samples, 88 weighted key action, and can not afford over three grand for the latest and greatest. For a computer connection, It uses a cable midi connection rather than usb connection used on the newest models. You control the quality of sound output by the speakers you choose to use with this performance controller-keyboard. Still a good option for the noncommitted or beginner musician with no room for an acoustic piano or budget for the most recent model. To play classical, you should have 88 keys, a realistic keyboard action, and a rewarding sound.
Musical Background:
many years not professional
Musical Style:
classical-new age lots of action
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Submitted July 29, 2007 by a customer from roadrunner.com
"The PC2x is the best keyboard I've had so far."
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When it dies and can't be repaired, then I'll think about it but another PC2x would be at the top of the list.
Sound
The sound is overall very good. I do about 70% jazz and the rest classic rock/r&b/country. The main reason I bought it was for the pianos and the KB3 organ. I hauled around a real B3 with 2 leslies for over 25 years so I know what a B3 should sound like and this is decent, certainly not real but still decent. One of the reasons for the sound I get is I know how to set it up and what amps to use with it. The Take 6 vocals are awesome and I use those a lot on my jazz gigs.
Features
This is a standard do it all keyboard plus the big feature of the KB3 setup.
Ease of Use
No problem, hit the button and play.
Quality
The negative reviews here is the reason I decided to put mine in. I bought my PC2x used 6 years ago. It's the original purple model and I gig a lot and have had no problems whatsoever with it including the infamous power supply. I live in LA and you see them all over the place so how bad can it be? Of course, I'm very careful with my stuff so I don't know about the problems others have had. As for me, it's been perfect, just turn it on and play.
Value
Absolutely.
Manufacturer Support
Don't know, no need for it.
The Wow Factor
Don't care too much about this. A keyboard is a tool to do the job and the sound is all I really care about.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz, Rock, R & B, country
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Submitted December 27, 2006 by a customer from rochester.rr.com
"Unreliable"
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The prices of performance workstations is the only thing preventing me from replacing it. A Korg or Yamaha would do just fine, but the prices for 88 key keyboards are insane. The mark-up on these boards is ridiculous. I just have to make do with this board until prices on others drop. Don't buy it if you plan on using it for live performance.
Sound
Most sounds are excellent. I don't care for the Hammond sounds, though...too synthetic. Plus the overdrive is horrible and useless. The pianos, strings, and brass are great
Ease of Use
Its factory settings are easy to use. Forget setting up programs. The keyboard seems to have a mind of its own regarding this.
Quality
I have to agree with the reviewer from Milwaukee. I have owned this keyboard for 4 years now and it is the most unreliable piece of garbage. I use it to perform live and it has cut out on me on numerous ocassions during songs. Turn it off then back on to get sound again. The mechanics of the action are horrible. I think the keyboard actually warps a little while on a stand, affecting the action in the middle range of the keyboard. Yes, the keys click in the middle register (broken action) and the touch sensitive sticks on certain presets (vibrato on synths especially). I was told by a repair shop the broken action is a common problem with these keyboards and ($75 per hour)it would cost around $400 to $500 to fix as the action is difficult and time consuming to repair and would be very hard to do on your own. The power supply lasted three years and had to be replaced for $60. I could go on and on but I'm just getting pissed off while typing these problems.
Value
I don't care what the cost is. What good is it if it's unreliable to perform live
Manufacturer Support
They're pretty much useless. That's all I can say.
Musical Background:
Active
Musical Style:
Classic rock, Pop, Top 40, Funk
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Submitted December 27, 2006 by a customer from charter.net
Kurzweil PC2X Customer Review
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Sound
Kurzweil has taken it upon themselves to determine just how long a string sound (i.e.) sound sustain befor it decays. In my work, I want to have sounds sustain until I determine that should fade. My biggest complaint, however, is one that could be easily addressed. When you switch patches, yes the system waits for you t o lift you fingers off (or the pedal, depending on what you choose), but no matter what, the effects switch over right in the middle of what you are doing. Th solution? Save all your patches in the "user bank" and set them all to the same effects. What a squirelly, stupid solution! This problem should have been addressed long ago by a system update. But Kurzweil these days is almost inpenetrable and by-and-large useless
Ease of Use
This keyboard has some major faults. I mostly use synths as "one-man-bands" and this keyboard dissapoints on many levels.
Musical Background:
preofessional
Musical Style:
classical/theater
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Submitted April 29, 2008 by a customer from md.metrocast.net
"PC88 REBOOTS CONSTANTLY (but only when you use it)."
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I've said enough
Sound
Pretty good WHEN IT WORKS.............
Features
Pretty good WHEN IT WORKS........
Ease of Use
Fair, WHEN IT WORKS...........
Quality
Apparently NOT GOOD, because it would work RELIABLY
Value
I paid WAY to much for this POS, I just hope I have better luck with the replacement board (either a Yamaha or Roland)
Manufacturer Support
I can't seem to find any help
The Wow Factor
Well, this may be a bad reading if you want some musical "decor" in your living room, basement, etc. But if you plan to USE it, you don't want it.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist (retired Active Musicion, 40+yrs)
Musical Style:
Rock, country
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