NAMM 2025: The Kurzweil K20 series brings modern updates of classic synths

Kurzweil’s K2000 was a 24-voice synthesizer/sampler hybrid that came out in 1991. At the time it was a powerful and modern synth. But that was over three decades ago. The Kurzweil K20 series changes that.

Their new K2088 and K2061 models revive the spirit of the K2000 with additions of modern technology and features.

K20 Series Features

As indicated in the model names there are 88-note and 61-note versions, both with aftertouch. Kurzweil’s VAST tone generation system allows for processing waveforms, multisamples, and noise using a wide range of synthesizer techniques.

Both models come with the original preset library from the K2000, part of the 2GB sound set that comes from the factory. Coincidentally, there are over 2,000 sound presets and more than 500 “multi-combinations”.

But it’s not just sounds from the K2000 that are included. Users also gain access to libraries from other models in the K2000 series like the K2500, K2600, and K2700 as well as the Forte, PC3, PC4, and SP6. That’s a deep sonic retrospective!

Each program in the K20 series is polyphonic up to 256 voices and can use up to 32 layers. The synthesis methods supports are virtual analog, sample playback, and the FM and KB3 organs.

Effects chains can be set up on each layer as well as the master.

Sixteen MIDI control zones provide knob tweakers with 30 hands-on controllers to experiment with. MIDI functionality also includes 16 arpeggiators, riff generators, and CC sequencers.

Summary

The only real difference between the K2088 and K2061 models is the size of the keybed. For the most realistic feel, the K2088 offers fully-weighted hammer-action keys, but the K2061 only has semi-weighted action keys.

With respect to the past while keeping an eye on the future, the Kurzweil K20 series is an impressive set of synthesizers designed to be modern.

There is no word yet on the release date or cost of the new K20 series. Stay tuned to the Kurzweil website for updates.