Keytars are still significant as musical instruments, even if they aren’t as popular as they were in the 1970s. Keyboard player can perform almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, with a wireless and battery-powered keytar, and obtain similar sound output to a traditional keyboard. The ability to roam around and be more expressive when performing is provided by this mashup of the keyboard and guitar.
A keytar is that cool small lightweight synthesizer you see that looks and plays almost like a guitar, wired or wireless. They were heavily employed by famous musicians during the disco period, and they are still used today, much to everyone’s amazement! Do you want to learn how to play the keytar? You aren’t the only one who thinks this way! They’ve collaborated with Matt Bellamy (Muse), Damon Albarn (Gorillaz), and jazz icon Herbie Hancock, to name a few keytar players who played keytar models.
Table of Contents
Roland AX-Edge 49-Key Keytar
- 49 full-sized keys with velocity and channel after touch
- 79 types of part multi-effects and part EQ, 79 types of program multi-effects, chorus, reverb, master compressor, and master EQ
- 320 programs and over 500 preset tones for key artists
With Roland’s next-generation AX-Edge keytar synthesizer/MIDI controller, you’ll be hooked on the freedom of performing live with this keytar keyboard. You’ll have immediate access to over 500 onboard patches thanks to updated ergonomics for improved playability, a more robust housing, and a streamlined control layout, while the included USB connection lets you connect to any computer for powerful control over your software instruments and sound module. Why should guitarists have all of the limelight? The Roland AX-Edge is one of your favorites.
The Roland AX-Edge is a MIDI keytar synthesizer with a number of keys 49-key layout and over 500 internal sounds. This is the successor to the Roland Lucina AX-09. Roland is one of the most well-known manufacturers of keytars, and this ax synth not only serves as a MIDI controller but also as a standalone instrument, distinguishing it from many competitors. There’s plenty of room to tweak your sound with 49 full-size music instrument, velocity-sensitive keys, as well as chorus, reverb, master, and master compressor settings. Meanwhile, the instrument can be powered by the included DC power supply or by the instrument’s five-hour battery life, allowing you to play completely wirelessly with battery power.
For practice — or performing — the AX-Edge can be powered by AC. However, you can get up to five hours of battery life for the maximum in independence with this Roland ax synth. Simply connect it to a wireless instrument bodypack system to go wireless connection with your keyboard performances. Its dual-display system is optimized for live performance, so you’ll be ready to rock in no time, with over 500 amazing onboard sounds to choose from.
It’s worth noting that the Roland AX-Edge is the most expensive keytar on this list, so the midi controllers not for people looking for a low-cost keytar to try out. Nonetheless, it’s a high-quality keytar MIDI controller that can be used in a variety of situations, including professional studios and live performances. This is the Best Keytar in 2023.
Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 – High-Performance USB MIDI Wireless Keytar Controller
- Command the Stage - 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact size with complete melodic range
- Get Creative - Eight RGB backlit velocity-sensitive trigger pads enable you to create beats or trigger clips and eight back-lit faders control volume...
- Express Yourself - Embedded MIDI-assignable tilt sensor performance control with on/off button and Thumb-controlled volume slider and reversible...
With the next-generation Alesis Vortex 2 keytar MIDI controller, you’ll be hooked on the freedom of performing live. You’ll have strong control over your software instruments and sound modules thanks to redesigned ergonomics for improved playability, a more sturdy casing, and a streamlined control layout, while the bundled USB dongle allows you connect to any computer wirelessly. You may then load up your favorite software instruments and perform with your band on stage. You’ll adore the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 controller, whether you want greater freedom onstage or just want to cut down on cords in your studio. And under the stage lights, that gloss-black finish is absolutely gorgeous in one of the best keytar on the market.
In a robust, ergonomic, hands-on keytar, rule the stage with 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, eight RGB back-lit velocity-sensitive drum pads, and a row of eight back-lit faders. The Vortex Wireless 2 has a set of neck controls that let you adjust sounds with the touch strip and accelerometer (both MIDI-assignable), broaden your musical conceptions with the octave range buttons, and actuate sustain while keeping your right hand free to play. The Vortex Wireless 2 has a variety of connectivity options, including USB-MIDI and standard MIDI out.
The Vortex Wireless 2 comes with a package of quality virtual instrument plug-ins from AIR Music Tech, including Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro, and Xpand!2, as well as Way Out Ware’s TimewARP 2600. Alesis includes Ableton Live Lite for performance, producing, and recording. A point-and-click preset editor is also included, allowing you to easily configure any parameter of any preset on your Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 with ease. You can even utilize the editor program to save and load all of your Vortex presets to and from your hard drive for easy backup. This is the Best Keytar for Beginners in 2023.
Korg RK-100S Keytar with MMT Black
- Built-in sound engine, just plug in and play
- 37-note slim keyboard
- 200 built-in programs with analog modeling
Korg’s RK-100 keyboard set keyboardists free from their old-school static rigs when it was first debuted in 1984. For the first time, keyboard players from all over the world were able to walk the stage and perform solos alongside guitarists and singers from all over the world. The RK-100S is the reincarnation of the pioneering keytar! This 37-key keytar features velocity-sensitive keys, an 8-note polyphonic synthesizer with two oscillators, dual ribbon controllers, and 200 presets to suit any genre or playing style. Connecting headphones or an instrument cable completes the setup, and you’re ready to rip solos like a guitarist. The RK-100S is a USB and MIDI-enabled master synth that may be used in the studio. The RK-100S is a must-have for keyboardists of all types, combining attractive appearance and ergonomic design with wonderfully diverse tones.
Korg’s MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) sound engine gives the RK-100S its distinct tone. The MMT on this keytar is an 8-note polyphonic synth with two oscillators and a built-in noise generator capable of producing a wide range of tones. The keytar comes with 200 stage-ready settings that cover a wide range of genres and playing styles. A 6-program arpeggiator is provided, which offers a wide choice of patterns. Simply press the favorites button on the top panel to quickly access your most-used presets.
The keytar has a 37 keys narrow keyboard that helps make it slim and compact. The midi controller keytar also includes a pair of ribbon controls to expand your performance possibilities. The pitch bend and modulation bar are controlled by a small ribbon on the neck of the ribbon controller. The pitch or filter can be controlled via the long ribbon at the top of the key bed. The keyboard mode provide powerful and fluid expression when used together. The RK-100S offers unmatched playability and expressive features to complement your playing style.
The Korg RK-100S is undeniably excellent for the stage. This keytar, however, is more than meets the eye. It features a MIDI output and a USB connector for controlling a soft synth or an external hardware module. It’s also not restricted to the 200 settings. Simply connect it to your computer and utilize the PC editor to retrieve complete MIDI and internal sound engine settings. You’ll discover that the increased control is ideal for studio work.
Yamaha Vocaloid Keyboard VKB-100
The Yamaha Vocaloid is a keytar that can be played manually as well as sung into. A Vocaloid is a synthesizer in which the musician encodes the melody and/or lyrics into the instrument, after which the sound effects can be edited. It can modify the dynamics of a voice as well as add vibrato. This instrument gives you something that most musicians don’t have right now if you’re into electronic music. This keytar is essentially a Vocaloid (a singing synthesizer) that can be found in many anime soundtracks.
Yamaha’s Vocaloid (singing synthesis) voicebanks can imitate human speech and have given rise to countless virtual pop stars in Japan, the most famous of whom is Hatsune Miku. It may appear to have a limited application, yet it will sound fantastic in some tunes.
Behringer MS-101 Monophonic Keytar
- 32-key Monophonic Analog Synthesizer with 3340 Analog Oscillator
- 4 Simultaneous Waveforms
- Resonant VCF
The Behringer MS-101 Monophonic Keytar is a faithful reproduction of the legendary Roland SH-101, and it’s causing quite a stir in the keyboard world as the best budget pick. It has roughly the same dimensions as the original, but has slightly softened corners and is significantly shallower. The keys are full-size, and the instrument has a design that will appeal to a wide range of people.
The instrument is analog, which sets it apart in today’s market of pitch bending. The onboard audio is of the highest quality, allowing you to pay homage to the past while still moving forward. When you’re ready to take center stage, a guitar strap and attachable handgrip (with pitch bend wheel and pitch modulation trigger) are included.
The MS-101, true to its original design, allows you to recreate the sounds of your favorite synth from bygone decades or to carve out a niche for yourself with your own sound design. This is the Best Keytar for Beginners in 2023.
Yamaha Sonogenic Keytar
- Includes keytar, power supply, strap, 1/8" Aux cable and MIDI Breakout cable
- Jam Mode lets you focus on playing the rhythms while the instrument worries about playing the right notes of songs
- 1/8" Aux input takes output from a portable music player, iOS device, mixer or computer and uses the instrument's speakers to play back the audio
If you’re seeking for the best budget keytar, the Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 is a solid contender. It’s also a very compact option, making it ideal for individuals with smaller hands or beginner keytar players.
This keytar instrument was created with MIDI control in mind, and it connects to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth midi. A ‘JAM’ mode is offered for absolute beginners, letting you to play along with songs without having to play the correct notes. Most players, however, will prefer the more traditional elements, such as the 37-note keyboard.
The Yamaha Sonogenic SHS-500 offers pitch bend and modulation wheel controls, as well as 30 preset voices. A USB-to-host interface, as well as AUX input and output ports, are included, and the keytar can be powered by either the AC adaptor or six AA batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Keytar?
A keytar is a synthesizer instrument that is worn like a guitar and is similar to a keyboard synthesizer on a standard stand. It is primarily used in live or stage performances. It varies from a stand-alone keyboard in that it has fewer keys and may be worn. Because of the way it’s held, it’s probably better for one-handed solos rather than the two-handed playing that’s more typical with a stand-mounted keyboard.
Unlike a piano, the keytar uses the MIDI protocol to deliver computer data that say, “I played this note, this hard.” The software then takes the data from the instrument and synthesizes the note using several sounds. As a result, a keyboard or keytar may sound like just about anything: a piano, a guitar, a bagpipe—really, anything!
Yamaha, Moog, Roland, and Casio were among the companies who capitalized on the popularity of the keytar when it first became popular. However, when the product’s popularity waned, most producers ceased production. The Keytar is making a resurgence, and people are taking note when a keyboardist shows up with a wearable keyboard. While most manufacturers have stopped producing keytars, Roland and Alesis continue to do so.
Is keytar easy to learn?
Keytars are not difficult to learn, especially if you have prior piano experience.