The Keytar is a unique and interesting music instrument. Like some musical instruments in recent years, even the Keytar seem to be making a comeback.
Most keyboardists are happy performing on-stage in a seated (or standing) position, but some of them reallywish they could move around on the stage (like the guitarists). The Keytar, a combination of a synth-style keyboard and a guitar styled look, makes that possible. Unlike a traditional keyboard, which is placed on a keyboard stand, the keytar is strapped around the shoulder (like a guitar) and played on its side, with one hand.
After it was first introduced (by Moog), the Keytar went on to become an icon of modern music. In the 1970s, several musicians wore keyboards around their necks, but technically those were not considered keytars (because of the missing neck).
The Keytar today is a popular choice for artists and bands around the world.
Facts About the Keytar
In 1980, the Keytar was first mentioned in the Illianabeat Magazine. Not many are sure about its inventor, but Moog sold the first mass-produced Keytar.
Who invented the Keytar?
The keytar’s existence is credited to composer and guitarist Steve Masakowski. Although, he invented an instrument which was more of a guitar that had actual keys, Steve never claimed to have invented the Keytar.
But, I guess, his design inspired gear manufacturers to make the Keytar.
That is why Keytar fans gave credit to the jazz guitarist and college professor for several years as being the father of the keytar.
The first ‘Real’ Keytar
Robert Moog produced the first Keytar that was sold for the masses. The inaugural keytar, named ‘Moog Liberation’, was released in 1980.
The Keytar had keyboard/synthesize and guitar-like construction (combining features of both).
Although it was a revolutionary design, and it did gain some popularity initially, but its popularity was short-lived.
However, the instrument surely seems to be making a comeback.
What is the Keytar?
A keytar is like any standard music keyboard with a strap that is worn around the neck and shoulders (like a guitar). Because the Keytar can be worn, it allows keyboard players to move around the stage and not be confined to one place on the stage.
Its basically a shoulder keyboard, a portable piano that looks like a guitar, and its called by various names such as guitar keyboard, etc.
Players really enjoy being able to move around on stage, and having the ability to really interact and engage with the audience. That flexibility is something keyboard players don’t really get with the stand. It’s lot of fun too — and the players usually get good responses from the audience. So basically, besides the looks of the Keytar, musicians love the freedom the Keytar gives them to move around on stage.
Alternate Names for Keytar
Here are some alternate names that areused by musicians around the world to refer to the guitar.
Shoulder keyboard, strap-on synth, keyboard guitar, synth-axe (not to be confused with the SynthAxe), remote keyboard, belly-synth, synth guitar (not to be confused with MIDI Guitar), master keyboard (as most were used as MIDI controllers), electroponce, Schmidtkeytar, Kaytar, piano guitar (in French Canada), keyboard controller, Synthar, Guitboard, Keyboard Axe (in Australia), Keyboard-tar, Glam Board.
Most musicians also use the term “keytar” to refer to the playing style and sound of an electric or acoustic guitar via a synthesizer, sampler or computer.
Becoming Popular Again
Lots of players have used and currently use a keytar! Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder all shred on Keytar! They were popular in the 80’s, but have recently become popular again with the introduction of new technologies into the new Roland models.
It takes a certain amount of confidence for a keytarist to be ok with the stigma having “guitar-envy”!
Williams keytar
The Williams keytar, on the other hand is more like a guitar where piano keys are arranged over a set of strings so that pressing a key “activates” the associated key. Basically, its a guitar with a fretboard replacement. one hand operates the keys while the other hand strums the strings.
So while the Keytar was designed to provide mobility to keyboard players onstage, the Williams keytar was originally designed to make it easy for a piano keyboard player to play the guitar.
Midi KEYTAR Made Out of a Scanner
James Cochrane makes a midi keytar using an old HP Scanjet. For this, the Maker has taken an Arduino, a stepper motor driver, a MIDI interface and an off-the-shelf keyboard, and integrated it into the flatbed scanner’s original features.
Watch: World’s first MIDI-controlled HP Scanjet keytar
Useful Keytar Links
- Keytar Basics:Includes a history of the keytar, other names for the instrument, and fun facts.
- Moog Liberation: About the famous Moog Liberation model of keytar (technically, the first Keytar).
- What is a Keytar?: More basic information about the famous instrument and what makes it unique.
- Keytar Central: Videos, pictures, and information on all kinds of keytars.
- Devo: Popular 80s band that used the keytar extensively.
- Herbie Hancock: Famous musician who revolutionized the keytar in his music.
- Weird Al Yankovic: Hilarious singer/songwriter who often used the keytar in live performances.
- Edgar Winter: Discography of this unusual and talented artist who used the keytar in many of his songs.
- Keytar Fun: Facts, fun, and a video all dedicated to the wondrous instrument.
- Keyar Hero: Who needs Guitar Hero when you have Keytar Hero? Play the game here!
Keytar Festivals
Denver Keytar Fest
The first-ever Denver Keytar Fest, featured several artists who displayed their skills on the keytar.
Here’s what concert promoter Claudia Woodman has to say about the keytar:
- People (keyboard and piano players) like Keytar because of its portability. Most models also run on batteries (and some also have built-in speakers)
- Being not tethered to the grid also feels liberating to many.
- You can also dance while playing, though it’s harder than you might think.
- It might look simple to play but it has its own challenges; even trained pianists take time getting adjusted to it, because it’s so awkward to look at keys from that angle.
The festival also featured keytar wizards like Luke Leavitt of Cop Circles and X-Ray Visionaries.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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