Kurzweil K250 (1984–1989)
A sampling synthesizer and keyboard controller that redefined electronic piano realism in the 1980s.
Overview
The Kurzweil K250 is a sampling synthesizer and keyboard controller introduced in 1984 and produced until 1989 by Kurzweil Music Systems. Designed and built in Massachusetts, it was the first electronic instrument capable of realistically emulating a grand piano, a breakthrough that earned it widespread acclaim. It featured a full 88-note weighted keyboard and could also function as a master keyboard controller. The rack-mount version, known as the 250RMX, was a separate model tailored for studio integration.
Endorsed by Ray Charles, who praised it as the first electronic instrument that genuinely felt and sounded like a real piano, the K250 became a staple in professional studios. It was used on major film soundtracks including *Rudy*, *The Fugitive*, and *Field of Dreams*. Composer Fred Mollin famously used two K250s in his studio, relying on them for nearly all his projects during the 1980s.
Specifications
| Production years | Introduced in 1984 and discontinued in 1989 |
| Original price | $20,000 |
| Dimensions | 53 inches wide × 22.5 inches deep × 16.5 inches tall |
| Weight | 130 lbs |
| Memory | 256K of memory (presumed 256 KB, no further detail available) |
| Memory type | non-volatile RAM |
| Keyboard | 88-note weighted keyboard |
Design
The K250 was designed by Kurzweil and built in Massachusetts. It operated as a sampling synthesizer using stored samples and could be used as a keyboard controller. According to the service manual, the unit includes a "State 5, the CGP," and certain repairs may require removing the top cover. The system includes a hard drive, which is known to fail over time.
Context
The K250 was a landmark instrument in the 1980s and 1990s, used by top musicians and producers. It was the first electronic instrument to convincingly replicate the sound of a grand piano, setting it apart from contemporaries. The K1000 series was later developed as a more accessible alternative to the high-end K250. Its use in major film scores and by artists like Ray Charles and Fred Mollin cemented its legacy.
Market
As of February 7, 2025, a base unit sells for $14,500, while a complete custom model can reach $34,000, with some units exceeding $20,000 in recent years. Units typically come with the original music stand and filter card, and are reported to be in good working order. The internal hard drive is a known point of failure.
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