Keytars: Complete guide

[freakmeeko]

Okay. First of all, there are way too many people asking the same thing.

What's the name of that keyboard-guitar thing?
Where do you get a keytar?
What's a way to really be noticed as a keyboardist?

The answer, is a keytar. This will help in what to look in for a keytar and other stand up keyboards.

The Name
OK, first of all, the name keytar is pretty much a joke. People think it's a guitar at first site, so they say it's a Key-tar. (Keyboard + Guitar). To be blunt, that name cheeses me off. It is in no way a guitar. The correct definition is:

n. A keyboard with a neck used for playing while standing.

Other REALLY WRONG definitions that make Beetoven roll over in his grave include:
A keyboard that's "on" a guitar
A guitar with piano keys on it.
A keyboard that looks like a guitar.

The rule is: Any definition that uses the word "guitar" is WRONG.

About the keytar

Before playing keytar, you need to know about keyboards. N00bs buy them for $300 and them sell them again because they think they are analog synths. SO remember:

(Most) are OFF the market: Hey, they gotta go sometime. They are common on Ebay though. The Roland AX-7 is the only one still for sale.

The (good) ones are MIDI controllers: You need a decent MIDI device, some speakers or an amp. Hey, the companies aren't gonna just let you fly. Even guitarists can't do that. Unless you are intrested in wireless MIDI, just worry about getting a good, long MIDI cable (Hosa ones break after a while, get a Livewire).

You have a LOT of accesories: MIDI cables, sound modules, all the wires and adaptors...what this means is you need a good case. A soft bass gig bag with LOTS of compartments is neccesary. [URL=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=bass/search/detail/base_pid/541334/]This[/url] is a useful bag used by me.

Adaptors, adaptors, adaptors! By getting a keytar, you are entering world of conflict. What is it? Module vs. Amp. Module vs. Pedal. If you use MIDI controllers alot, you know what I mean. MIDI devices mainly have computer-type inputs and other accesories that may be wanted have guitar-type inputs. Buy some computer-to-guitar plugs and wires (the most useful). Also, you may in some cases need the guitar-to-compuer plugs and wires, but I have never seen a case like this. Quality does not matter here, so the Hosa ones really help. If you want to avoid this, use speakers instead of an amp.

Other preferred stuff
Guitar stand (kind of awkward but it works)
Sound Module Mixer
Keyboard amp (Rolands are my fave)
Effects Pedals
Touch-up paint (These things get dinged easily!)
A regular visit to Guitar Center (they flip out when you come in with one)

Okay, we've got everything you need for the-wait a minute...I don't know what kind of keytar to get! Here it is, the grand list of EVERY KEYBOARD that you can stand up with:

The List


Casio AZ-1 (1986) ([URL=http://search.ebay.com/Casio-az-1_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQsatitleZCas ioQ20az-1QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoac tionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch]Buy one on Ebay[/url]) ([URL=http://www.sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/casio_az1.cfm]Reviews[/url])

41-key velocity senstive controller with sustain, portamento, channel switch and 128 MIDI programs available. Runs for about $300 on Ebay. Comes in white.
My opinion: These are rare, but they are quality keyboards.



Korg RK-100 (1984)
([URL=http://search.ebay.com/korg-rk-100_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQcatrefZC6 QQsatitleZkorgQ20rk-100QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1]Buy one on Ebay[/url]) ([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Korg/RK-100-01.html]Reviews[/url]) 41 key NON velocity keyboard with 64 MIDI programs, pitch bend, mod, volume, and octave switch. Goes for $100 on Ebay. Comes in Black, White, Red and Walnut. Used by Yuhki Fugarato and Keith Emerson.
My opinion: Inexpensive on Ebay, mainly because they don't have velocity. If you don't care about velocity, this is perfect.

Lync Ln-4 (1988)
Rare keytar seldom found in North America. 49-note velocity sensitive controller with assignable wheel, switch and control knobs. It has 4 MIDI outs and switchable channels can tap into 32 MIDI devices. Has a lot of features, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. Comes in black, white, orange, red, blue and yellow.
My opinion: Very complex, good luck finding.

Moog Liberation (1980)
Monophonic keyboard with sounds (GOOD sounds, though). Comes in gray.
My opinion: Good for vintage sounds while recording, not show-offy enough for a stage.

Roland AX-7 (2003) ([URL=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/700203/]Buy one[/url]) ([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Roland/AX-7-01.html]Reviews[/url]) 45 Key keyboard with velocity sensitive keys. Has expression bar with pitch bend, modulation, and octave control. Has 128 MIDI programs, has tempo control and transpose. Costs $400. Comes in White.
My opinion: For recording use mainly.

Roland AX-1 (1998) ([URL=http://search.ebay.com/roland-ax-1_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQsatitleZrolandQ20axQ2d1]Buy one on ebay[/url]) ([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Roland/AX-1-Controller-01.html]Reviews[/url])
Just about the same as the AX-7 but comes in Red and runs for about $300 on Ebay. Used by Ben Folds and Rick Wakeman.
My opinion: For performance use mainly.

Roland AX-1B (1998)
See above. Has everything AX-1 has exept it has sounds.
My opinion: Not very good sounds, stick with controllers.

Roland AXIS (1985)

45 Key Controller with a different shape and an attractive silver body.Famous for being in the Starbucks commercial, where they used one for a parody of "Eye of the Tiger".
My opinion: More primitive but better looking than other Rolands.


Roland SH-101 (1984) ([URL=http://search.ebay.com/roland-sh-101_W0QQfkrZ1QQfromZR8QQsatitleZrolandQ20sh-101]Buy one on ebay[/url]) ([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Roland/SH-101-01.html]Reviews[/url])
Small keyboard with mod grip, can barely be called a keytar. Has drum patterns, arpeggiator, everything to make a full performance from one instrument. If you want to use it like that, don't use it as a keytar. Comes in Gray and Red.
My opinion: For studio use mainly.


Yamaha KX-1 (198?)
VERY rare keyboard with larger keys than the KX-5. Get one if you can. Used by Herbie Hancock. Comes in Gray.
My opinion: Rare and therefore expensive, not worth it.

Yamaha KX-5 (1984)
([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Yamaha/KX5-01.html]Reviews[/url])
([URL=http://search.ebay.com/yamaha-kx_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQftrtZ1QQft rvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenumZ 1QQcoentrypageZsearch]Buy it on Ebay[/url])

More common version of the KX-1, very light with sustain, pitch bend, and two MIDI programs. Made of metal, so very reliable. Comes in Gray.
My opinion: Stick with controllers.



Yamaha SHS-10 (1987)
([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Yamaha/SHS-10-01.html]Reviews[/url])
([URL=http://search.ebay.com/yamaha-shs_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQftrtZ1QQf trvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenum Z1QQcoentrypageZsearch]Buy it on Ebay[/url])

36 key little munchkin from Yamaha. Has its own speakers, sounds, auto bass, and preset rhythms. Luckily, it has MIDI out. No Velocity. Comes in Red and Gray.
My opinion: not unless you're a midget and/or like corny sounds.

Yamaha SHS-200 (1988)

([URL=http://www.harmony-central.com/Synth/Data/Yamaha/SHS-200-01.html]Reviews[/url])
([URL=http://search.ebay.com/yamaha-shs-200_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQfromZR10QQsatitleZy amahaQ20shs-200QQcatrefZC6QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1QQco actionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch]Buy one on Ebay[/url])

Bigger than the SHS-10 and has 2 speakers. Basically the same after that. Comes in Gray.
My opinion: See above.

Buyer's helper
OK, in this section we have your options. I have organized the keyboards into different groups to help find your perfect match.

If your biggest concern is...
PRICE: The Korg RK-100. This is inexpensive on Ebay (goes for around $100) the only flaw is, it has no velocity.

DON'T GET: The Roland AX class, the Yamaha SHS class, or the Casio AZ-1. These all go for around $350. (although the SHS goes for $100, but it's a terrible value)

VALUE: AX-7. That's it
DON'T GET: Anything on Ebay. For anything. Ever.

ATTRACTIVENESS: Korg RK-100, Roland AX, or Casio AZ-1
DON'T GET: ANY Yamaha or Moog. Too small.

SOUNDS: The Moog. Nothing Else.


After you got that all out of the way, have some fun with your keytar.

[ace of spades]

Yea, I agree, thats a well needed post, good job,
these things seem to be spreading around here like emo ( not like emo in here but ... aw forget it, analog lost...)


theres a band called Showbread that i particuallrly like, screamo stuff but real bright screamo, they calll it raw rock themselves,... anyways they have a keytarist/ strap on/ whatever you prefer to call it...

http://www.toothandnail.com/video_details.php?id=62

http://www.purevolume.com/showbread

[freakmeeko]

Does anyone know why the URL tags aren't working?

[ace of spades]

I dont know why the URLs wont work, mabye you could just copy and paste them, that's what I do .

Could we mabye get this stickied??? I'd hate for there to be another 3154325432543254 questions asking about keytars, when this thread is good and proably took some effort to put out

[freakmeeko]

I added some more keyboards, some which are kinda obscure but I just wanted to.

[derek_alcoholic]

Originally Posted by ace of spades

Yea, I agree, thats a well needed post, good job,
these things seem to be spreading around here like emo ( not like emo in here but ... aw forget it, analog lost...)


theres a band called Showbread that i particuallrly like, screamo stuff but real bright screamo, they calll it raw rock themselves,... anyways they have a keytarist/ strap on/ whatever you prefer to call it...

http://www.toothandnail.com/video_details.php?id=62

http://www.purevolume.com/showbread

hey they sound quite good!
btw does anyone know if there are any 'keyboard with a neck' for lefties?

[freakmeeko]

Originally Posted by derek_alcoholic

hey they sound quite good!
btw does anyone know if there are any 'keyboard with a neck' for lefties?

Oh man...that's a toughie. If you're good at tearing things up, you could try sawing off the neck and glue it back on, though that'll most likely ruin the pitch bend/mod/everything on the neck. You could ask Roland for a custom made AX-7, though that might be pretty expensive.

[Chimaera One]

Freak, this is more to do with MIDI controllers in general, but can you suggest any budget Sound Modules? I have very little experience with sound modules, I have what you would call a "Digital Piano", which has VERY few tones on it, although produces an extremely nice piano tone. To get alternate tones so far, I just plugged the keyboard into my computer, by copying the setup my school uses. Unfortunately, I'd like to play around the place, but I'd rather not be carrying a rather expensive laptop around!

So, can you recommend any reasonably priced Sound Modules? Thanks.

[MerAtore]

Does anybody know if the Roland AX-7 has built in speakers? I don't really want to buy it by itself if it won't do anything.

[freakmeeko]

It does not. None do except for the SHS class.

[MerAtore]

Can I just hook speakers up to an AX-7, or headphones, or an amp or something? Or do I need a keyboard to MIDI control...

[freakmeeko]

You need a MIDI module/keyboard with sounds and hook THAT up to the amp. All you're doing is sending messages to the device.

[MerAtore]

Ok, thanks.

[derek_alcoholic]

Originally Posted by freakmeeko

Oh man...that's a toughie. If you're good at tearing things up, you could try sawing off the neck and glue it back on, though that'll most likely ruin the pitch bend/mod/everything on the neck. You could ask Roland for a custom made AX-7, though that might be pretty expensive.

omfg...
okay then... thanks anyway

(see, see? poor us, poor lefties...)

[PowerRiff45]

That was really helpful.

[Keytarist Jeffrey Abbott]

As far as i know, i coined the name "Keytar" in 1980. Perhaps 1979.
I was the owner of the fifth Moog Liberation & also owned a White Proto-type as well. My band was interviewed and i was asked what is that thing i resopnded, a Keytar.

The ax-1 is SUPERIOR to the ax-7 so much so when roland approached me about doing something with that(7) i declined.

If anyone did use the name before me i suspect it would be my inspiration to play a portable 'Jan Hammer"

The rest of your thread is GREAT, thanks for taking the time,
jeff

[FillInTheBlankHere___]

Herbie Hancock played a keytar? When, where?

[freakmeeko]

There were many performances by different bands that just used it at concerts. I think Hancock used the kx-1 In one of his smaller performances, like a fund raiser or something, but I don't remember when I read that.

Yeah i agree, but i still think its kinda fishy. i mean, they added a strap, put the keyboard at an angle, added a neck with tuning. How low can the keyboard industry sink to mock the guitars!? COME ON!!!!

First order of bweezness: don't quote the whole post while discussing it! Second: It's not mocking anything. It's just used for standing up. There were pianos before guitars, I'll tell you that.

[Keytarist Jeffrey Abbott]

Organs came along before 400AD, Piano's around 1700AD & the six string guitar around 1800AD. There were however stringed instruments hundreds of years before that. The "Keytar" Which has been around for 25 years is an instrument that has never been embraced by keyboardists, guitarists or the music industry.

The "Keytar" gives us a freedom to get closer to and interact more with our audience.
My"Keytar"sounds are just one part of the equation. I've done gigs with it where i play Organ&Sax. I've also did gigs where i played just Bass on it. And yes, Gigs where i played all the guitar parts.

I've spent years learning how to approach each instrument as it should be played.
Bottom line, there is no "back of the bus" for this musician regardless of the prejudice of guitarists or industry stereotype.

[freakmeeko]

Buyer's helper section added.