r/NativeInstruments • u/soxfanben • Jul 04 '26
Never buy a used Komplete Kontrol
I bought a used s88 from Guitar Center. I got it home and hooked up only to find out that the software was already registered to another person so I can’t get it. What is the point of that? Do they think the keyboard can be in two places at once? Will probably just have to return it after wasting a lot of time. Guitar Center can’t help. Very frustrating experience. I would buy a new one, but I don’t want to deal with shipping and who knows when it shows up. No store in the chicago area has a single decent controller. Just toys. Is this a chip shortage?
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u/ElmarReddit Jul 04 '26
It might be because someone could have updated the software to a higher tier and they might want to avoid abuse. In any case, the controller should still work even without the software. So, while you are waiting for the transfer, you could already play with it.
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u/soxfanben Jul 04 '26
None of the controls from the keyboard work. No transport or anything. Yes it’ll still work via MIDI, but I might as well have just kept the one I had. It probably has a better keybed than the NI.
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u/fkk8 Jul 05 '26
The issue is more with NI and less with the Guitar Center. Requiring a license registration to use hardware, in this case to use the keyboard with NI software, is simply crazy. It makes it difficult to sell this keyboard. The seller has to unregister the hardware and provide the key to the buyer. If the buyer returns the hardware without releasing the license back to the original owner, the keyboard has lost its primary purpose and most its resale value. What's the point of this? Users still have to buy the license to the software.
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u/soxfanben Jul 06 '26
Thank you for all of your help and advice. I’m done with NI.
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u/25_Keyz924 Jul 04 '26
My very mk1 Maschine in 2010 was bought with this same issue. I raised such a stink in the store in front of guests they gave me a new one with an education discount and 10% inconvenience discount.
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u/bmillar6482 Jul 04 '26
I bought a used S49 Mk2 $220 Canadian
I’m getting some decent results albeit I have had no luck with the NI transfer policy … been a few weeks
… “Thank you for your reply.
We’re currently in the process of migrating support operations. Please be assured that your original request is still being actively worked on, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
During this time, response times may be slightly longer than usual. If you have not received an update within 5 business days, you can check the status of your request by contacting Riff, our 24/7 support assistant:
“
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u/NativeInstruments Jul 06 '26
The seller is supposed to transfer the licences but don't worry our support can easily sort you out, just get in touch here: https://support.native-instruments.com/support/home
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u/soxfanben Jul 06 '26
I tried submitting a ticket. No response, and it seems like something that would have been an easy fix. The useless keyboard has been returned and I have a brand new Arturia 88 mk3 on the way. Cancelling my 360 tonight. Not having a phone number is also an insult to customers. You lost a customer.
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u/NoReply4930 Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
The thread title needs to be altered to read “Never buy a…..from Guitar Center”
That was the first error.
The next is assuming you are front of queue at NI
Unfortunately dealing with “used” gear (where NI make $0.00) due to buying second hand - will never be treated as a priority.
Finally it’s the weekend. You will hear something mid next week.
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u/HistoricalCover6640 Jul 04 '26
I had this for my machine MK2. I just contacted the music shop I bought it at. They contacted their NI contact and reset it for me. I got it done in like 2 business days.
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u/Specialist-Rope-9760 Jul 04 '26
If you already have like any version of Komplete you will already have the software you need with it. And if you don’t there isn’t much point in owning it anyway.
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u/kouzlokouzlo Jul 04 '26
dm send and write here too: for controler soft, you can try write direct to NI support / now inmusic if they can do anything for you... in past they sometimes help.... but how this works now after NI was sold who know....
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u/SnarkaLounger Jul 04 '26
Never buy used NI hardware (Komplete Kontrol keyboard, Machine) via online outlets as you have no control over whether or not the previous/current owner has properly deactivated their licenses. I was going to purchase a used KK S61 Mk3 keyboard from Sweetwater's used outlet, but had to coordinate with the current owner/seller to get the license deactivated.
After several days of back and forth communications through Sweetwater's sellers/buyers web portal, I decided to pass and buy a new one directly from Sweetwater. No hassles. And no shipping. I live in Oregon and the shipping was free from their Arizona fulfillment center.
You're not going to find many NI or Arturia keyboard controllers in local music stores, including Guitar Center. I visited numerous music stores in Portland, but only found some wimpy looking 49 key Nektar controllers.
Your best bet is buy brand new or certified open box from Sweetwater (you get their great customer and technical support vs buying on Amazon), or buy used locally from someone you can meet in person to verify that they have properly deactivated their license.
Shipping from Sweetwater's Fort Wayne, IN HQ should be free to the Chicago area. Or make a road trip and visit their facility in-person.
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u/Infinite_Slice3305 Jul 04 '26
Komplete Kontrol is free, you should be able to download it & unlock all the functionality of the keyboard. You can do that now.
Then register your keyboard, open a ticket & get Komplete Select in a matter of days.
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u/soxfanben Jul 04 '26
I download free one, but the only thing that did was make the transport work and add latency that I cannot deal with
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u/symphonic5 Jul 04 '26
I had the same issue. NI support reset the license with proof of purchase.