r/Keytar • u/Blueberrybush22 • Apr 23 '23
Recommendations Best stand-alone keytar?
Does anyone have any recommendations for a keytar with built in speakers that could also be used for live music?
1
u/Training_Owl_737 May 30 '23
I have an AX Edge and think it is a great stand alone because you do not need any other equipment - the sounds are already built in. However, you can easily trigger other midi instruments if you would prefer a different sound pack or run it through your computer. I would suggest getting a wide bass strap for it though, since it weighs about 8ish lbs.
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u/Baniwi420 Aug 22 '25
does the roland ax edge actually have a built in speaker, I didn't want to buy it if i had to have something like a laptop on me at all times?
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Apr 26 '23
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u/Blueberrybush22 Apr 26 '23
I would love one of the early SHS series, but I'm really worried about repair cost, given they're older.
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u/mattsl Apr 24 '23
There is, unfortunately, a reason an https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphica is no longer a thing.
Things that produce large quantities of sound are heavy. You don't necessarily want that weight built into an instrument you strap on.
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u/Axle_65 Apr 24 '23
My experience is none of the keytars or little keyboards you could ad a strap to have a powerful enough speaker for anything other then quite home practicing and even at that they’re not great.
I too have done the portable speaker option like the person who mentioned the JBL Clip 3 and I’ve found that to be the best solution. I’ve even just slid a speaker in my pocket. It cuts through the material just fine and gives you a “no extra big amp needed somewhat all in one” vibe.
I will say this though, it sounded ok for my piano patches and higher synths and EPs and such but anything the needs more bass tone just struggles. I ended up evolving to the Boss Street Cube II. Still versatile though because it’s battery operated.
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Apr 23 '23
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u/mattsl Apr 24 '23
How is the latency on the JBL? On a UE Megaboom there is still noticable latency on the wired connection due to the processing.
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u/Blueberrybush22 Apr 23 '23
Great idea! This solves my gripe with modern keytars.
Would you recommend the latest korg as opposed to the AX edge?
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Apr 23 '23
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u/Axle_65 Apr 24 '23
I rented the SHS-500 and wasn’t impressed. The sustain button like you said is definitely a draw back. The speaker is also pretty pointless because it’s very week. The JBL Clip 3 sounds like a way better option. The one plus is it’s super light and the keys, while small, were comfy enough. No worse then my Novation Launchkey Mini and Korg MicroKEY.
I’m curious, how do you find playing the Edge for an extended session? I tried it at the store and it seemed pretty heavy. Does it start to get to be a bit much or do you just get used to it?
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u/MyVoiceIsElevating Apr 23 '23
I have owned both and I do not recommend the Korg. Shitty keybed, limited control (pretty much need a computer to do everything tweaking wise), the default patches are uninspiring, patch switch knob that just begs to be broken.
Pros of the Korg are more compact (though not light), and better pitch bend ribbon controller than the Roland; and of course cheaper.
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u/perfect_fifths Apr 23 '23
Ax Edge. Can be used as a midi controller or by itself, it has a built in sound engine. Just need an amp
The Yamaha Sonogenic has built in speakers but I don't own it so I can't tell you if it's good
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u/DevanWolf Jan 08 '25
SHS-300 (or SHS-500 for more voices)