1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Kurzweil KP120A Portable Arranger Keyboard. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the instrument to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Safety Information
- Power Supply: Use only the specified power adapter or compatible batteries. Ensure the voltage matches the instrument's requirements.
- Moisture: Keep the instrument away from water, high humidity, and direct rain. Do not operate with wet hands.
- Heat: Avoid placing the instrument near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.
- Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the instrument.
- Cleaning: Disconnect power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the instrument yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- Kurzweil KP120A Portable Arranger Keyboard
- Power Adapter (12V DC external power supply)
- Sustain Pedal
- User Manual (this document)
4. Setup
Follow these steps to set up your Kurzweil KP120A keyboard:
- Placement: Place the keyboard on a stable, flat surface or a compatible keyboard stand.
- Power Connection:
- AC Power: Connect the included 12V DC power adapter to the DC IN jack on the rear panel of the keyboard. Plug the other end into a suitable wall outlet.
- Battery Power: For portable use, insert the required batteries (not included) into the battery compartment located on the underside of the keyboard. Ensure correct polarity.
- Sustain Pedal: Connect the included sustain pedal to the SUSTAIN PEDAL jack on the rear panel.
- Headphones (Optional): For private practice, connect 1/4 inch stereo headphones to the HEADPHONE jack.
- Audio Output (Optional): To connect to an external amplifier or sound system, use a 1/4 inch stereo cable from the AUDIO OUT jack to your audio equipment.
- MIDI Connectivity (Optional): For MIDI communication, connect MIDI cables to the MIDI IN/OUT ports or a USB cable to the MIDI USB port.

5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power On/Off
Press the POWER button located on the control panel to turn the instrument on or off. The LCD display will illuminate upon power-on.
5.2 Adjusting Volume
Use the MASTER VOLUME knob or buttons on the control panel to adjust the overall output volume of the keyboard.
5.3 Selecting Voices (Sounds)
The KP120A features 160 preset programs and a 64-voice polyphony. To select a voice:
- Press the VOICE button.
- Use the numeric keypad or +/- buttons to browse and select a desired voice. The selected voice name and number will appear on the LCD display.
Dual and Split Voices
The keyboard supports 10 preset dual voice options (layering two sounds) and 10 preset split voice options (assigning different sounds to different sections of the keyboard). Refer to the on-screen prompts or dedicated buttons for activating and selecting these modes.
5.4 Using Accompaniment Styles
The KP120A includes 130 auto-accompaniment styles, covering various musical genres, including 30 Eastern styles, each with two variations.
- Press the STYLE button.
- Use the numeric keypad or +/- buttons to select a style.
- Press START/STOP to begin the accompaniment.
- Use FILL-IN buttons to add variations during playback.
5.5 Recording
The built-in recorder allows you to record up to 5 tracks for one song.
- Press the RECORD button.
- Select an empty track or the track you wish to overwrite.
- Begin playing. The recording will start automatically.
- Press STOP to end recording.
- Press PLAY to listen to your recorded performance.
5.6 Effects
The KP120A includes 8 types of Reverb effects. Access the effects settings through the menu on the LCD display to select and adjust the desired reverb type and depth.
5.7 Metronome
To activate the metronome for practice, press the METRONOME button. Adjust the tempo using the TEMPO buttons.
5.8 Transpose and Tune
- Transpose: Use the TRANSPOSE function to shift the pitch of the entire keyboard up or down in semitone steps (up to +/-12 ST).
- Tune: Fine-tune the overall pitch of the instrument in cents (up to +/-63-64 cents) using the TUNE function.
5.9 Multi-Pads
The keyboard features 4 multi-pads that can trigger short musical phrases or sound effects. Refer to the instrument's display for selecting and assigning sounds to these pads.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Wipe the instrument with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, waxes, or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the keyboard in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Key Care: Keep the keys clean. Avoid excessive force when playing.
- Battery Replacement: If using batteries, replace them when the low battery indicator appears or when the sound quality degrades. Remove batteries if the instrument will not be used for a long time to prevent leakage.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound | Volume too low; headphones connected; power issue. | Increase MASTER VOLUME. Disconnect headphones. Check power adapter/batteries. |
| Keys not responding | Instrument not powered on; specific voice selected has no sound. | Ensure power is on. Try selecting a different voice. |
| Accompaniment not starting | STYLE not selected; START/STOP not pressed. | Select a STYLE and press START/STOP. |
| Distorted sound | Volume too high; faulty cable (if external speakers). | Lower MASTER VOLUME. Check/replace audio cables. |
| MIDI not working | Incorrect cable connection; MIDI settings incorrect. | Verify MIDI IN/OUT or USB MIDI connections. Check MIDI settings in the instrument's menu. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | 61-Note, Full-Size, Velocity-Sensitive with Pitch Bend Wheel |
| Display | Multi-functional LCD |
| Polyphony | 64 Voice |
| Preset Programs | 160 |
| User Memory | 6 Registrations |
| Splits/Layers | 10 Preset Dual Voice Options / 10 Preset Split Voice Options |
| Transpose | Yes (+/-12 Semitones) |
| Tune | Yes (+/-63-64 Cents) |
| General MIDI | Yes |
| Effects | Reverb (8 Types) |
| Auto Accompaniment Styles | 130 (including 30 Eastern styles with 2 variations each) |
| Recorder/Sequencer | 5 Tracks / 1 Song |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Multi-Pads | 4 |
| Sound System | 5W x 2, 4 Speakers, Stereo |
| Headphone Output | (1) 1/4 inch Stereo Headphone Output |
| Pedal Ports | (1) Sustain |
| Audio I/O | 1/4 inch Stereo Output, Auxiliary Input |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI USB |
| Included Accessories | Sustain Pedal |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12 cm x 93.5 cm x 33 cm (4.7 in x 36.8 in x 13 in) |
| Weight | 6 kg / 13.2 lbs (without batteries) |
| Power | 12V DC External Power Supply or Battery Powered |
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Color | Black |
| UPC | 883793813947 |
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Kurzweil website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.





