What about a keytar?

Hi folks

Do you know keytars?
I am tempted for 2 main reasons
1 - I use my keyboard for solos, mainly
2 - I find that the shape and typical position of a keyboard are not very ergonomic, notably when compared to a guitar

I found 2 models that are not so much expensive, the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, and the Mad Catz Wii Wrlss Keyboard Rock Band 3

The only thing that stops me buying it just now is the possible idiosyncrasies with DAWs, notably with my Bitwig Studio

As I may see, this is more a toy than an instrument and works with game controllers (PS3, Xbox360, Nintendo Wii). Accordingly, I do not believe it could work with any kind of DAW.

Amazon description:

  • All-new Keyboard instrument for Rock Band 3
  • Plays Rock Band 3 Keyboard, Guitar* and Bass* parts / Two-octave design with 25 velocity-sensitive keys (*Does not support Guitar/Bass Pro Mode)
  • Play real Keyboard parts in the new Rock Band Pro Mode / Versatile layout: Play like a Guitar or on a tabletop
  • Use as MIDI Keyboard Controller when not playing Rock Band (compatible with most MIDI sequencers)
  • 3 AA Batteries and Keyboard Strap included / Use as MIDI Keyboard Controller when not playing Rock Band (compatible with most MIDI sequencers)

Checked the reviews on the internet. I could not find any result with Bitwig, but one thread on Reddit mentions FL Studio, and Ableton Live is mentioned in Vortex 2 User guide (see below).
I suppose it should work as any keyboard controller with any DAW if you have good drivers. Some users mention stuck notes as a problem, but have no more information about the computer type/OS or a DAW.

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Yes, I know it was made for a console, but I read on Reddit that some people use it with a DAW, but they didn’t mention what

About the Alesis, the fact that Ableton Live is mentioned in the manual is a pros

And being able to make something like this stuff is enticing
Well, not exactly the same, but a bit close

Well, in the meanwhile I tested a sort-of keytar using a small keyboard and its Sustain and Modulation buttons…

It is a lot of fun indeed, so I think I’ll go for a keytar, possibly a DIY one
Or I have to write a letter to Santa
:grin:

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There are two problems with them.

  1. They are really hard to play because, unlike a guitar, your right hand is not anchored to anything so you keep losing your place unless you look down at it all the time.

  2. They never look cool or comfortable. Even the coolest dude or dudette in the universe can’t pull-off cool on one of those things. :grinning:

The Alesis has a decent reputation for low latency but the range is not so good sometimes. The other one looks more toy-like and is probably best avoided.

(Incidentally, who do you reckon is the coolest dude or dudette in the universe?)

I don’t understand this point
As you see in the picture, I used my little keyboard without a neck and a strap, and yet I never lost the contact with the keys
YMMV as usual

Now, the only add I need is a similar 32 keys MIDI keyboard with touch strips or the so

Aftertouch and velocity-sensitive keys can be useful, but not so much in my case: I don’t dare mimicking Steve Howe or Jimi Hendrix :grin: :rofl: :crazy_face:

Well, here is a bunch of candidates:
Behringer SWING
NI Komplete Kontrol M32

And maybe this one is the right one:
Miditech i2-mini 32
There are no strip keys but the Mod and Pitch knobs are on the lower part, that is more comfortable

Well, I found a Behringer SWING discounted for the Black Friday, so I bought it

I’ll let you know about its transformation in a keytar :grin:

I beg to differ! I thought JMJ always looked super-cool body-building live with his Moog Liberator :laughing:

Jean Michel Jarre - Lisboa (25/04/08) - Oxygene 5

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Well, here it is

And I have to admit that the velocity and after-touch functionalities make a difference :heart_eyes:

Now I just have to find a couple oh suitable hooks and a guitar strap
Lukily enough the case is all metal, so the connection will be sturdy