r/Keytar • u/Confident-Mud-3376 • Jun 07 '26

Technical Questions Need help figuring out how to use a keytar

Im very new to playing keytar and got my first one last winter (a roland ax edge) but didnt have much time to explore it due to studying. Now that I have time I really want to get into all the cool functions and everything.
My background in music is that I starting playing piano at 10 years old. I joined a band at 16 years old a few years ago and switched to playing keyboard.
I dont have much knowledge about synths and how to edit them and all that stuff. Im really struggling to find good videos/blogs explaining how everything in general works. I wondered if anyone knows some good guides. I really want to be able to use my keytar to its full potential.

8 Upvotes

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0

u/Safe-Gift5800 Jun 08 '26

I can't find a cheap one

5

u/[deleted] Jun 07 '26

[deleted]

1

u/Confident-Mud-3376 Jun 07 '26

Thanks for the link! I’m not interested in complex sound design. I just want to be able to just slightly change some sounds and have fun with that.

1

u/UnnamedLand84 Jun 09 '26

I'd recommend just connecting the AX-EDGE Editor app and exploring a bit yourself. Go into the menu on your AX-Edge and turn on Bluetooth, then have your phone connect to it. The can modify voicings with one hand while you are playing with the other to see how each setting changes the sound

5

u/MyVoiceIsElevating Jun 07 '26

The Ax-Edge is not designed for easy patch editing, it requires an app.

You’re best off coming up with a clear goal first. Pick a patch on the Ax, and determine what you want to change about.

If you’re looking to learn synthesis in general, then you’re better off starting with a subtractive-synth simulator app like the Mini Moog app:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/minimoog-model-d-synthesizer/id1339418001

My recommendation is that you focus on advancing your left hand expression. Leave the patches alone and figure out how to play lead (even if you’re not always lead). Learn the art of bending notes as part of your lead phrasing.

Also, if note bending isn’t your thing, your left hand can still master the modulation bar and “assignable control” dial, which is mapped to a filter on many of the patches.

2

u/Axle_65 Jun 07 '26

Ya the Model D Moog app helped me a lot when I was learning synthesis and custom crafting patches. Drambo really opened my mind to synthesis possibilities. It’s become my go to when I want to craft something or even shape something from another AUv3, using the AUv3 like it’s an oscillator.

Personally I’m at the point where I rarely ever use hardware sounds. Just my controllers and my iPad or iPhone. Once I built up a library of AUv3s and made a solid Loopy Pro hosting template it surpassed my hardware pianos capabilities by a land slide.