NAMM: Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar

The Features:
- Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
- The first USB keytar controller—works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS* devices
- USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
- Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
- Thumb-controlled volume slider, sustain button and pitch-bend wheel on neck
- Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
- Eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
- Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
- Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
- Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices

The Description:
"STORM THE STAGE
It's time to experience outrageous, unprecedented keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex. The Vortex eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead. With an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, and radical pitch and modulation controls on its neck, the Vortex empowers you to rule the stage.

WHIP IT
The Vortex is the first keytar to include a MIDI-assignable accelerometer. Now, you can get out from behind your keyboard stand and be just as visual as guitarists and singers with an instrument that will respond to your motion. You’ll be able to create incredible volume swells, amazing pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more by tilting the Vortex’s neck in the heat of the moment during live performances.

KEYS, CONTROL AND MORE
The Vortex includes even more features never before found on any keytar: both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, empowering you to use the Vortex with all of your software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad*. You'll have a virtually unlimited palette of sounds, ready to command with one of the most exciting keytar controllers ever.

The Vortex comes ready for instant performance, automapped for today’s most popular software synths and DAWs. Plus, you can customize and create your own mappings for virtually any MIDI software.

FULL EXPRESSION
Breathe new life into every performance with the most expressive keytar ever produced. The Vortex’s neck controls are laid out ergonomically: your thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while your fingers command nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touch strip, and buttons for octave selection and sustain. Large transport and patch-select controls are centrally located on the Vortex’s body for instant access, and synth lovers will be happy to know that the Vortex’s 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch to enable instant creative flourishes.

EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD

But you can rule the stage. The Vortex is for controllerists, for those who want to perform without limitations to their movement or their sound set. The Vortex is bus powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by batteries when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices including the iPad. Standard strap pegs are located on the Vortex's neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.

Outrageous keytar performance in a pristine, pearl-white body—the Vortex is the perfect storm of stunning design and incredible performance capability.

Your audience won't know what hit them."

S4K Keytar Leads Collection on Roland AxSynth Demo by space4keys

YouTube via Space4Keys | October 10, 2010

"The New Keytar Leads Collection on Ax-Synth comprehends many patch from Dream Theater inspiration and some good other patch too to perform the best live experience of your entire life!
You should be able to install quickly and easily thourgh any Ax-Synth Editor...only a few minutes and you'll be ready to start!

Patch list:
Liquidator.a8e = Liquid style Lead
Liquidator 2.a8e = Another Liquid style Lead
Dv8 Lead.a8e = Lead Based on the Ytse'Jam Lead (Kevin Moore)
Dv8 Lead2.a8e = Variant of the Ytse' Moore Lead
Wailing Keytar.a8e = Lead (solo) based on the Wailing Guitar Lead (from Jd-800)
Jd8 Groove.a8e = Wailing Keytar, Poly version
Waveblowbear Keytar.a8e = Pad style sound, based on the Metropolis PT1 intro (kevin moore)
Perc-Vox Stacs.a8e = Percussive sound, based on Learning to Live starting sound (kevin moore)
Shine on Me Crazy Keytar (Lead).a8e = Pad & Lead inspirated by Pink Floyd song)

Patched by S4K team
Performed by Ultimauro

http://www.space4keys.com
http://www.keyboardsolo.com"

Alesis Introduces VORTEX WIRELESS KEYTAR

VORTEX WIRELESS
USB/Midi Keytar Controller With Accelerometer
Combines onstage mobility with expressive control
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB/MIDI + MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition

Press release:

"ALESIS VORTEX WIRELESS KEYTAR OFFERS TRUE ONSTAGE MOBILITY FOR ALL KEYBOARD PLAYERS
The popular Alesis Vortex has been updated with wireless USB MIDI

Cumberland, RI, USA – January 22, 2014. Alesis, a leading manufacturer of instruments and tools for today's musician, announces the new Vortex Wireless USB MIDI keyboard controller with accelerometer.

A keytar for the modern performer, Vortex Wireless delivers unprecedented control and expression by transmitting MIDI via a wireless USB connection for dynamic on-stage freedom, and includes the virtual synthesizer plug-in Vortex-I Digital Virtual Instrument from acclaimed software creator SONiVOX. In addition to 37 velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch—the keyboard features an assignable accelerometer (tilt-sensor) in the neck that can translate gestures into additional controls—adding vibrato when the neck is pulled up, for example. For additional control, Vortex Wireless provides 8 drum/trigger pads, 3 assignable knobs, a multi- mode ribbon controller, pitch bend wheel, and a volume slider.

Plugging the included USB receiver dongle into any MAC or PC establishes a live USB/MIDI link with the Vortex Wireless. There is also a standard MIDI output (5-pin) mounted in the Vortex Wireless for connecting to other MIDI-enabled equipment, such as a favorite hardware synthesizer. Vortex Wireless can run on batteries, USB bus power, or can be powered using an optional AC adaptor. Each Vortex Wireless also includes a USB cable with extension for the USB receiver dongle and 4 x AA batteries, so users can begin playing right away.

In addition, the Vyzex Vortex Patch Editor Software is also provided, making it easy to create, edit, and backup patches to your computer. AbletonTM Live Lite 8 Alesis Edition is also included.

Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar Highlights:

'Nearly every keytar or remote keyboard has required a cable of one sort or another, be it power, MIDI, audio, or USB” said Nate Lane, Product Manager at Alesis. “With the Vortex Wireless, the player is truly free to move about at will. This onstage freedom allows the player to make the most of the onboard accelerometer and other extensive controls to create an original, expressive performance without the hassle of cables on stage.'

Combines expressive control with onstage mobility
37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads
USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC
Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack
USB, battery, or external power; USB MIDI + 5-pin MIDI outputs
Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and AbletonTM Live Lite Alesis Edition

Vortex Wireless will be available with an estimated street price of $199.99 USD
Alesis will present the Vortex Wireless at the 2014 NAMM Show in Hall A, Booth 6700, January
23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit: www.alesis.com/WNAMM2014"

MIDIBOX SID KEYTAR CUSTOM DIY GIANA 64 C64 COMMODORE SYNTHESIZER

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Giana 64: Commodore 64 Keytar Published on Feb 25, 2010

"A quick demo of a keytar I built out of a Commodore 64. It uses two SID 6581 chips and was made using the Midibox Sid platform from www.ucapps.de. Better video to follow later." See here.

via this auction

"Up for auction is a unique electronic musical instrument, The Giana 64. Giana is a custom MidiBox SID v2 built into a keytar form-factor using an original Commodore 64 case for the body. The build includes several unique additions to the standard Midibox SID, including an assignable ribbon controller, expression pedal input, CV inputs, and of course the integrated keybed. A full MidiBox SID control surface is integrated into the neck.

I built Giana in the winter of 2010. It was a true labor of love, being one of the first large-scale electronics projects I ever worked on. The first video I posted of Giana went quasi-viral (by 2010 standards) and was covered by numerous synth blogs including Synthtopia; as far as I know it remains the only MIDIbox SID ever built into a keytar form-factor.

I tried to design it to look a little like a ghostbusters proton pack—some of the “retrofited” elements, like the rainbow ribbon cable running across the exterior, are not actually functional, but were fit for a hax00ry, cyberpunk vibe.

The instrument can be used flat on a table, or worn upright using the built-in strap buttons. The entire system is mounted onto a single piece of solid wood, and the plastic components are attatched with metal hardware, making it quite sturdy / gig-able.

Please note that for aesthetic purposes, the majority of the controls have been left unlabeled. The neck layouts are uniquely spaced, so that with a little practice all the major functions can be easily memorized. A PDF will also be provided labeling each function, to be used in combination with the official Midibox SID user manual.

Features:
MIDI Box SID V2 including standard MIDI I/O
Full control surface including mod matrix
Dual 6581 SIDs in stereo configuration, hand matched for similar filter characteristics
Integrated keyboard
Assignable ribbon controller (range-centered for use with pitch bend)
3 assignable CV inputs, 0-5V range, diode protected (plug and play with Euro modular)
Assignable expression pedal input
Custom power supply (not a recycled c64 PSU) provides robust power
Ships in custom case with custom foam inserts (see pictures—adapted from a rifle case)

Included Items:
Giana 64 Keytar
Custom PSU
Custom Carrying case
Moog EP-2 expression pedal
Rainbow guitar strap
Interface guide PDF

The instrument is in excellent condition, having been privately owned for 7 years, with about 3 of those years spent in storage. In preparation for the auction I tested every function and all systems are nominal. Since this is a DIY project however, the instrument is being sold as-is. Potential buyers should understand the responsibility that comes with owning a DIY instrument.

The pictures were taken a few days ago and reflect the present condition of the instrument. The linked youtube videos were recorded back when the instrument was first built. Not much has changed since then except for a few minor chips in the paint."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Moog Mother-32 Mad Catz PS3 Keytar Analog Synthesizer Rik Marston

Published on Apr 6, 2020 Rik Marston Official

#moogmother32 #moogmusic #keytar
Moog Mother-32 + Mad Catz PS3 Keytar
Synthesizer Demo by Rik Marston
***Watch in HD!!*** ***Turn it UP!!*** ***No Talking!!!***

The Moog Mother-32 in action using the Mad Catz PS3
Midi Controller / Keytar! I am running the Mother-32
thru the ART MultiVerb LT for the Multi-Tap Delay FX.
LFO tweaking to a classic Moog lead with Glide....
I love Moog Music synthesizers! So AWESOME!
The Mad Catz PS3 keytar is light, easy to use + very responsive!
Fantastic for synthesizer solos!

All Music & Video (C)2020 Rik Marston / Marston Manor Productions
Recorded into the BOSS BR-600 with extra Reverb & Delay FX!

Thank you for watching!

Renaming the Keytar

Some in the comments of this post think we should rename the mighty keytar. Like it's too geeky or something. If you have anything better to call it, feel free to comment. I'll leave you with these classic keytastic videos while you ponder what could possibly relabel the classic keytar. Update: Polls added.

Brilliant Key Solo!

YouTube via t0asta. Vladima

Keytar - Song For Michael

YouTube via DrRyman. via the worst keytar videos ever on oobject

NAMM 2019 Yamaha Sonogenic Keytar

Published on Jan 25, 2019 Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Yamaha Sonogenic Keytar BUNDLES at Kraft Music:
https://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/yam...

Kraft Music meets Plasmic and learns about the Sonogenic Keytar from Yamaha at the 2019 NAMM Show.

The Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic keytar is a compact keyboard that allows you to rhythmically interact with your favorite iTunes music, even before you know how to play. The SHS-500's JAM mode lets you focus on playing rhythms while the instrument worries about playing the right notes. A USB port allows players to connect to and interact with educational, creative, and entertaining musical applications on a computer or mobile device. Other features include Bluetooth MIDI, wireless iOS connectivity, 37 mini keys, pitch bend and modulation wheels, an 1/8" aux input, 1/4" line output jacks, and an 1/8" headphone output.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Yamaha SHS-500 Sonogenic keytar bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new keyboard, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable sales advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

NAMM 2019 Roland Ax Edge Keytar

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Kraft Music

"Find exclusive Roland Ax Edge Keytar BUNDLES at Kraft Music:
https://www.kraftmusic.com/brands/rol...

Kraft Music visits the Roland Booth to take a look at the Ax Edge Keytar at the 2019 Namm Show.

The Roland AX-Edge keytar builds on decades of refinement and learning from artists the world over about what makes the ultimate performance synthesizer. Its onboard sound set is optimized for stage performance with sounds that cut through, even in a loud band, while Bluetooth MIDI and a custom editor app allow for wireless sound customization. A highly playable keyboard with 49 full-sized keys, intuitive neck-mounted controls, and a vocoder with mic input provide expressive performance possibilities. Customize the sleek, modern look of the AX-Edge to your style with interchangeable Edge Blades.

Get more for your money with an exclusive Roland AX-Edge bundle from Kraft Music. These package deals include the accessories you'll need to get the most out of your new keytar, all for one low price. If you have any questions, please give us a call. Our knowledgeable Sales Advisors will be happy to assist in choosing the bundle that's right for you!"

Nova Musik - Korg RK-100S Keytar with Rich Formidoni

Published on Oct 9, 2014 Nova Musik

"Check out great deals on the Korg RK-100S Keytar at Nova Musik:
http://www.novamusik.com/ssearch/?q=k...

Rich Formidoni from Korg USA stopped by to tell us more about the Korg RK-100S Keytar he first showed us at Winter NAMM 2014.

The RK-100S is a modern update to Korg's vintage RK-100 Keytar with an analog modeling synth engine from Korg's microKORG XL. RK-100S comes in three colors and features two versatile ribbon controllers, an arpeggiator and a 16-band vocoder."

ARP 2600 with custom Keytar modifications

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"ARP 2601 V1 with a custom 'keytar' setup, keytar cable, and travel lid. If you want to do Edgar Winter solos, this is for you.

Everything is working perfectly on this synth and it is in tune. The sliders travel smoothly and there isn't any static or odd behavior associated with them. The reverb tank sounds great. It has the highly sought after 4012 filter module. The keytar modifications were professionally done and can be easily switched out if you want to employ MIDI & CV control instead. There is a custom XLR socket on the right side of this synth. The keyboard has strap buttons installed and connects to a 40 foot stage cable."

I used to think Edgar Winter carried the full ARP 2600. He only carried the keyboard on stage of course.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Yamaha SHS-10 / Cheesecakes

"A little break from the usual. Not in the mood for anything serious, I decided to dig up my beloved Yamaha SHS-10 keytar and make a cheesy synthpop-styled song using its sounds. An internal preset-rhythm from the SHS-10 is used and MIDI-synced to my Alesis SR-18 to give it some additional kick and flavor. Now here's the result, so enjoy and don't take too seriously :)

"The Yamaha SHS-10 from 1987 is a two-operator FM synthesizer and a keytar (a synth that can be held like a guitar). It has a 32-note mini keyboard and 25 preset patches that have a cool and very cheesy lo-fi quality. What's awesome is that this keytar supports MIDI and can thus control external equipment. You can, for example, play the sounds of any MIDI-equipped synth with this or synchronize the preset drum patterns to midi clock."

Sounds & equipment:

All sounds & percussion: Yamaha SHS-10 FM-keytar
Drums: Alesis SR-18 (MIDI-synced to the Yamaha SHS-10)"

Moira Muñoz Stage Rig Tour At Superbooth

Published on May 9, 2018 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2018, we talked with Spanish synthesist Moira Muñoz, who gave us a tour of her stage rig, including an unusual keytar and circuit-bent drum machines."

The Yamaha Vocaloid Keytar Is Super Rare & Super Strange

Published on May 9, 2018

"At Superbooth 2018, Yamaha's Blake Angelos gave us a quick intro to the Vocaloid VKB-100, a strange and rare 'singing keytar'.

The Vocaloid VKB-100 is essentially a keytar built around the Vocaloid vocal synthesis engine. It's currently only being sold in Japan."

Yamaha reface Keytar Promotion - reface + free keytar = FREETAR!

Well that was fun.  Now that you have been entertained, here are the details:

"The reface Keytar is a great new accessory that makes it even easier to play any place, any time... no lap required! Just attach the two brackets and the strap to your reface, and you're ready to rock! Why should guitarists have all the fun? For a limited time, get a free keytar strap kit when you buy a reface and get ready to steal some guitar-player thunder!"

Check with a dealer on the right of MATRIXSYNTH to see if they are offering the deal. If not, then head over here. 

Diabolical Devices Modded Yamaha SHS-10 keytar

via this auction

"Yamaha SHS-10 keytar, Electronically altered by diabolical devices. Includes patch cables and 12 volt adapter. Keytar has been altered with blue leds under the keys. An arrangement of patches and switches allow for and infinite number of sounds. Keytar is also equipped with midi capabilities and works great as a control device."

Diabolical Devices on eBay

Keytar Whiter shade of Pale

YouTube via Pompadour. via fischek
"Playing "A whiter shade of pale" on a Junost-21 keytar."

watch this one:

Lykke Li performing Little Bit on a keytar

"Lykke Li plays "Little bit" with a Junost-21 keytar, a Roland Rhythm Composer TR-707 and an Oktava ML-19 microphone. Keepin' it real."

LYNC LN-1000 JAN HAMMER Keytar

via this auction, via the forum.
see the update below
"The most mythical, the most wanted keytar in the world. The keytar which was used (a custom model) by Jan Hammer. It has been nicknamed "The Rolls-Royce of the keytars".

This is not the (inferior) LN-4: this is the next (and improved) model LN-1000.

Much better than the Roland AX-1 / AX-7 and others:
- 49 keys / 4 full octaves (The Roland only has 45 keys).
- Velocity sensitive keys with AFTERTOUCH (Roland keys only transmit velocity).
- Real continuous controller mod/pitch wheels (The Roland only has a very awkward and almost unusable ribbon / D-beam control).
- ...And much more (if you are looking this article, that's because you already know what type of jewel the Lync LN-1000 is, compared to other keytars...)

The original manual and cables are included. It feeds directly from the MIDI port by means of an ad-hoc little box which is connnected both to the electrical plug and the MIDI cable (as I'm not the original owner of the keytar, I'm not sure if this was the default configuration, but I suspect that it was modified in order to allow this MIDI-feeding)."

Update via Richard Lainhart of O-Town Media:
"One comment about this - the LN-4 is actually the superior controller. The LN-1000 was designed to be a lower-cost, less fully-featured version of the LN-4.

For example, the LN-4 had a separate rackmount interface/power supply that provided 4 MIDI outputs; each MIDI output was separately programmable and controllable from the LN-4. The LN-1000 had a single built-in MIDI output, and was battery-powered.

That's not to say that the LN-1000 is a dog; far from it. But it isn't superior to the LN-4. (I owned an LN-4, used to work for Lync, and wrote the manuals for both controllers.)"

DIY "Moog" Guitar from 1974?

This one in via NEW ALLIANCE EAST

"i saw this in a vinyl store in san fran and though it was pretty rad.

thought i'd forward it.

i've never seen one of these before have you?"

Anyone know more about this?

Update: details here

via Dave Manley

"Special guest interview with FOREST TERRY JR! Forest stops by to chat about the Original Black Sheep, the Forest Power Band, and his amazing invention the ‘Keyytar’ (for which he earned a US Patent!). He brought along a few treats, including a special unreleased 12″ acetate of “Branch N Out”!!!!"

Interesting. This predates the PMS Syntar, although the Syntar still holds the reigns as the first traditional style keytar that was all synth. This is the keytar before the keytar.

Update: design patents while up:
patd384688.pdf
patd261150.pdf
[mirror

Update: video below.


YouTube via pj4533

"2 Videos of Keyytar inventor & Boston legend FOREST TERRY. First, "Branch-In-Out", followed by "Satellite Love"" Update: I didn't have a chance to listen to the interview, but someone that did wrote in to let me know this was more of a controller and the synth it controlled was actually an ARP Odyssey, not a Moog. An interesting side note is Moog was synonymous with synth back then.

Dual Game Boy Chiptune Keytar - Wintergatan Cover (Starmachine 2000)

Published on Apr 4, 2019 Theremin Hero

A new double design for the chiptune keytar. Check out the original here:
Game of Thrones Remix on NESKeytar (8-bit)
Star Trek TNG Theme on NESKeytar (Rough Recording)

"Dual Neck, Dual Game Boy Chiptune Keytar with 3D printed body. We call it "The Blade" for short.
The music is a chiptune cover of Starmachine 2000 by Wintergatan

The team behind the invention:
Sam Wray / 2xAA - https://wray.pro
Siddharth Vadgama - https://siddv.net
Greig / Theremin Hero - https://patreon.com/thereminhero"

Zero - 1980s Synth Music from Uruguay

Zero - Persecusión - Rock Uruguayo

Uploaded on May 27, 2008 waxaby·516 videos

"1987"

Casio CZ-1000 and keytar. Anyone ID the keytar?

via Cooptrol HG on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

Zero - El péndulo

Uploaded on Jan 18, 2008 Massimo di Segni·8 videos

"Zero fue una de las bandas de la movida de rock uruguayo post-dictadura, si bien lo que ellos realizaban no era rock en el sentido puro de la palabra. Su estilo musical se basó en el uso de sintetizadores y pueden considerarse los pioneros en Uruguay de lo que luego se daría a conocer como música electrónica. Aunque el enfoque de Zero era más industrial y post-punk de los años 1980, contando también con influencias de bandas como The Sisters of Mercy, Kraftwerk, Bauhaus, New Order y la primera etapa de Depeche Mode."

Googlish:

"Zero was one of the band's move Uruguayan rock post-dictatorship, but what they carried was not rock in the purest sense of the word. Their musical style was based on the use of synthesizers and can be considered the pioneers in Uruguay of what later would become known as electronic music. Though Zero approach was more industrial and post-punk 1980s, also having influences from bands like the Sisters of Mercy, Kraftwerk, Bauhaus, New Order and first stage of Depeche Mode."

Update via elgouchoandres in the comments: "Yeah sure, I was there at that time. I think I have some pics but none playing that "keytar". Eduardo Gómez had two synths, a heavily modified Korg MS20 and a custom PAiA 4700. He had cut the keybed of the MS20 and used it sometimes stacked with the PAiA keyboard and sometimes side-to-side.
For filming this video was used one of the keyboards with a dummy grip. I'm 99,99% sure it was the PAiA's keyboard because the MS20 keyboard had white stripes painted on."

Keytar/ Keytarist /Jeff/Jeffrey Abbott's "Redneck Love"

YouTube via KeytarJeff | July 22, 2006

"This is a fun video that was Shot on location in Norway.
Features, Anders Naas on drums, Emma, Therese&Erik on B-up Vocals& Kim Andre on bass. Directed by Werner Juvik shot by Werner&Håvard. Tusen Takk to all my Norsk friends for their participation."

Keytar Keytarist Jeff/ Jeffrey Abbott Video#1

KeytarJeff | May 26, 2006

"KEYTAR JEFF/Kenton Midi-Wireless Promo Video"

I'm With You

"KeytarJeff | February 19, 2010

This is a "pop" music video shot on locations in Norway. The song was written, recorded and performed by Jeffrey Abbott with Sal Monaco on drums." Bob Mould/Husker Du? More...