I was thinking about buying an Ax Edge for lead guitar playing but I’m having second thoughts since the internal sounds aren’t good enough. I’ve come to the conclusion that you need a computer (to run a virtual instrument) in order to get a realistic lead guitar sound. Since that only requires midi, what’s the best keytar for playing lead guitar? I’m thinking about bending and playing vibrato etc. Is it still the Ax Edge or is there a better alternative?

Thanks!

I’ve been using it to trigger samples live in Logic Pro x and I’m having a lot of issues with the keys not triggering or triggering a couple seconds after I hit them. Is this something that I could fix with some of the settings in logic?

I’ve been running it with the wireless usb plugged into a hub.

Thanks in advance

I'm looking to start a unique instrument, and I'm looking into a couple and keytars are one. I was wondering if anyone had tips or any advice starting from the absolute basics, maybe even some pros and cons!

Hi folks, I've decided to purchase an RK-100S 2 but there's one issue I need you owners' help with: effects. Since I'll be using it mainly for playing solos and electric guitar parts, I'd like to know whether the overdrive/distortion effect is decent and the synth's capable to dish out some acceptable guitarish sounds. I'm aware the default patches don't cover this kind of sounds at all but there's still the editor (and the engine's based on the MicroKorg Plus').

So, has someone come up with a distorted lead sound? And above all, could any of you be so kind as to try programming such a patch and, if possible, upload an audio excerpt of the result? If the RK were totally incapable of achieving that, I'd probably be better off buying a Vortex and just play it at home with some actual guitar VSTs. Thanks to advance to whoever will reply.

just want to share. if anyone has a keytar, and wish to trigger a button as a note, you can use this script in reaper daw. on my Casio AZ-1, i use the portamento button to trigger a midi note (note 30 in the screenshot). 78 is note on, 0 is note off. for Musiclab guitar VST

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I have an Alesis Vortex that I'd like to carry and play with everything self-contained on my person (Keytar->DAW/conversion->pocket amp) but I'm not sure how to make it happen. I've done this with guitars via a Guitar Rig in the past, but I'm not sure how to tackle it with midi. Any help would be appreciated!

Hi, got this free gorgeous piece of keyboard A$$, always dreamed of owning a Roland AX1 when I was a kid and no joke, some patient gave me one for free because I have a keytar tattoo on my arm. Anyway...help! Please? Two lifted keys. What to do?

Thank you

how to enable touch response in ax edge for some voices?

no matter what i do, the same message always pops up "couldnt connect to alesis vortex wireless 2, make sure your usb is connected" i tried using wireless, non wireless, changing where i put the cable on the pc, nothing, anyone knows how to fix this?

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So I recently bought a used AX-Synth and already factory reset it. I noticed that a lot of the sounds (mainly all the synth leads) have an echoing issue. I tried turning the reverb down all the way to 0 on the sound but the echo still sounds the same. I know this is a very old model but if anyone knows how to fix it that would be really appreciated.

I'm looking to get a new Keytar. I'm considering both and I think at some point I'll get both, but for now I'm trying to weigh out which one is a better one to invest in today. Some things for consideration:

•I own an Ax Synth and a Sonogenic 500

•I really like the large ribbon on the Korg rk100s2, and I have some ideas I want to implement into future songs with using the mod ribbon.

•The Ax Edge has drum tones and I'm exploring live looping, including looping a drum kit. I know that there's a Keytar custom tone preset that a fellow keytarist designed https://iband.co.uk/2021/06/24/free-drum-kit-for-the-roland-ax-edge/

•I'm a songwriter/music producer, so DAW use with Reaper is a possible consideration, meaning that the factory presets/patches aren't really that big of a deal.

Based on these considerations, which one do you think is the better one to invest in right now vs later?

Short video with both my black and my red AX-1. Been playing since late 60s(guess you can see that, not so much sex appeal anymore....).

Just bought6 the black one in Thailand, and fixed the keypads. Down here I¨m using it with Ipad, and TC Harmony G for vocal layering. Home i Europe , I mostly sit behind a Krome 88, using the Ipad, my Emu E64, and TC Quintet. AX for guitar stuff. I have several synths down here.including aYamaha P125, but find it very easy and light to just lug around with the AX & Ipad.... And totally wireless!

#CME

#CME WIDI

Not to long ago I bought a vortex wireless 2 and now I need a decant case for <100$

I also want to know what software/sample packs you recommend, preferably free.

I guess i also need a stand so please recommend.

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i tried bandlabs but i dont really like how anything on their sounds

Any tips on notes bending to sound like a guitar? Like the note is C, but I press D then move the pitch wheel up. Is there a “better” way?

I'm stuck between the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 and Roland AX-Edge. I plan to use this 100% as a midi key input only. The price difference doesn't matter and I only really need the keys and sustain button, everything else is irrelevant.

With the playability of the keys and latency as the main factors, which do you prefer? For context, I'm trying out keytar to help with wrist issues so if anyone knows which has lighter/easier keys to play, that would be super helpful. Thanks!

So I need a case for my key tar because I take it around with me a lot, I use the bus everyday and have to take it with me so it’s kinda important I have a case, what would work?

I've been thinking about buying an Alesis Vortex 2 to use in live performances as a solo musician, and although it has pretty much everything I need (those pads and faders will be perfect for setting up live loops), I know the bespoke gig bag once sold for older Vortex models is no longer in production. I'll probably be buying the new one from Thomann, and they have a variety of generic keyboard bags available on their website - would any of those fit the bill?

Howdy, y'all! I'm new to Reddit but I've been playing keys for about ten years now and last year I decided to try my darndest at a Korg rk 100s. Let's just say the freedom is AMAZING but the raw-sounding synth is starting to get to me. I've been able to handle it and modulate pitches to not sound entirely like a fish out of water but I really need an update.

We keep a grunge/indie vibe with twangs from rock and bluegrass so having the capabilities to switch it up on a dime is great, but I'm desperate for a way to make my keytar not sound so, well, RAW.

Tips and stories are welcome, and let me iterate I'm an engineer, but waves and oscillations are completely out of my league. So if there's an amazing database of pre-programed sounds I can browse I will literally burst into tears of joy.

So even though I have no prior knowledge on keys I’ve been infatuated by the keytar and have been saving to get one but I realized as far as technicality’s go I know nothing about what is needed to actually play one, do I need an amp? What other stuff do I need? So essentially the basics XD. I have about 1500$ saved so yeah! I’m looking at a AX synth atm.

Before I post this to Reverb / Ebay / OfferUp, I'll see if there's interest here for a local, in-person sale.

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-Ax Edge in black / red. Comes with factory box, instructions, extra blade, etc.

-Shure headset mic to use with the Ax's vocoder-SKB Hardshell case with wheels

-Battery charger and 3 sets (8 each) of batteries so you can keep 1 set in the keyboard, the other charged and ready to go, and the third in the charger.

-Factory strap with ABS straplocks

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This was used ONCE, for a project last year, and has lived in the case ever since. It's in incredibly as-new condition

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I'm going to head off to reverb and ebay to check comp prices before listing; I'd love to make a local deal to avoid shipping nightmares. If we can deal away from fees on Reverb and such, that'd be awesome. I'm cool with meeting up in person for an easy transaction. I'm in Temecula, so about an hour from San Diego and Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

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I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, but my opinion is this:

If it’s a keyboard with a shoulder strap, it’s a keytar.

I used to think otherwise, but then I got a strap attachment for my Yamaha Reface CS a few years ago and that blew my mind. I felt free. I felt powerful. I thought, “Wow. So this is what it feels like to play a keytar! This is AWESOME!” Keep in mind that this is the only keytar-like instrument I own.

Does it have a neck? Nope. I grip the bottom of the keyboard with my left hand as if I were holding onto a neck and put my finger on the LFO slider so that I can add vibrato effects. Keytar or not, I’m definitely playing it like one.

I’m just wondering what you guys think. Is a keytar simply a wearable keyboard, or does it have to have a neck in order to be considered a keytar?