KORG RK-100 Remote Keyboard Retrofit
by Chris Kann
The KORG RK-100 is possibly one of the best of the classic keytars made popular in the 1980s, trumped only by Rolands offerings. However desipite superior ergonomics and a solid lightwood body construction (probably alder) Roland was able to outperform the RK-100's very basic MIDI featureset.
This project attempts to rejuvinate this classic keyboard controller with modern MIDI controller functionality and a LCD display.
The original RK-100 supported only a on/off, no velocity or aftertouch keyboard, MIDI volume CC, MIDI pitchbend, an additional controller wheel with two different CC destinations, plus MIDI patch / bank change.
Originally given to me by a dear friend to fix, I ended up completely re-doing the internal electronics a few years ago to the original specification. Here, I'm working on a revision to add modern features and functionality.
Depending on how well these new mods turn out I might turn the proect into a DIY kit.
