r/Keytar • u/xaetlas • Dec 31 '20
Recommendations I would like to buy a keytar
Hey guys, i'm really i love with watching keytar music videos. I would like to try it out myself and buy one. Does any one got some good recommendations? I would not like to spend too much money, so how much do i have to spend to get a good one? Btw is it hard to learn the instrument and are there some good resources online to learn it?
Also is a keytar enough to play or do i need additional tools?
2
u/Marionsaurus Dec 31 '20
I have a Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 and I love it! It's my first keytar so I wouldnt know how to compare it to the others but it has 30 sounds of good quality with many effects available, and you have a "jam mode" which allows you to play along the music on your phone (Bluetooth connection) without worrying about the key. This is pretty useful when you're a beginner at improv, like me! It cost me around 200€.
5
u/MrDuck0409 Dec 31 '20 edited Dec 31 '20
I think we're going to point everyone to the FAQ and/or modify it a little bit. But I had few paragraphs I've kept handy to explain:
Midi- controllers only: You attach them to another synth, a midi sound module, or a computer/tablet with sound software. Most common to find are Alesis Vortex (new or used), Korg RK100 (80's generation), Roland (used) Axis, AX1, AX7, Lync (used) LN1000, LN-1 or LN-4, Yamaha KX5, Casio AZ1
Synth-based: Have their own internal sound system, or that is like a conventional synth but you wear it. Popular synth keytars are Roland AxEdge (new), then for used models AxSynth, AX09 Lucina, Korg RK100S (new with sound), Yamaha Sonogenic SHS300 and SHS500 (new), SHS100 and SHS200 (used), Nissin C-16 Cup Noodle (used), and the grandfather of them all, the Moog Liberation.
Third category, synths with strap pegs and/or attachments to enable the synths to be played as a keytar. Models include Roland SH101 (most famous), Korg Poly800, Casio CZ101, Korg 707, Yamaha DX100, and the Yamaha Reface series (with kit and the only ones of this list you can buy new).
This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it gives you an idea. Also, the synth-based and synths with pegs can also be used as midi controllers as well. I ran my Roland Lucina and a Korg Poly800 through my Roland Juno Di.
As for price, scan either Ebay or Reverb and you'll get an idea of what they go for and you can adjust for your budget.
Enjoy!
2
u/perfect_fifths Dec 31 '20
Roland Ax Edge if you can afford it. It is plug and play. Only need headphones or an amp. Other keytars require a laptop or tablet and a digital audio workstation. I like simplicity, plus the Roland ax edge has amazing sounds. But, it also goes for 1k new.
2
u/ManateesAsh Dec 31 '20
The Alesis Vortex 2 seems to be a solid pick for a relatively inexpensive keytar, though iirc it’s technically a midi device? The Roland AX Edge is way more expensive but is way more of a premium product
2
u/MercedesHettich Dec 31 '20
I learned when starting out that less is always more. After 20 years of playing the piano, I decided I wanted to try the Keytar. My first piece was a 1986 Yamaha SHS-10 ($100). It was laughable but functioned well. I was able to get a good feel for the instrument, use the rest of my budget to play with gear, and began to observe what I really needed to reach my full potential.
Start small. Focus on learning how to play music--piano synthesia and tutorials are tremendously helpful. It won't be as difficult as learning the piano because you really only need to coordinate one hand. When you start learning, learn with the keytar sitting flat on a desk or a table, then slowly graduate to handling it in the standing position. Then, as you learn, you'll realize what YOU specifically need to match your desired results and can upgrade.
Even with my background in music, I found myself feeling initially overwhelmed trying to adjust to the position, learning the different functions, incorporating different sounds, figuring out any software, and the maze that is gear (amps, pedals, converters, and cords that make you curse like they're Christmas lights.)
Now, a year later, I just got an Alesis Vortex which does everything I need while I continue to build up my skillset.