# Keytar > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Keytar > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Keytar.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keytar > Source revision: 1352326486 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Electronic keyboard supported by a strap around shoulders like a guitar KORG RK-100 (1984) MIDI remote controller [Lady Gaga](/source/Lady_Gaga) playing a custom-made keytar during [The Monster Ball Tour](/source/The_Monster_Ball_Tour) in 2010 [Matthew Bellamy](/source/Matthew_Bellamy) of [Muse](/source/Muse_(band)) during [The Resistance Tour](/source/The_Resistance_Tour) in 2010 [Bridgit Mendler](/source/Bridgit_Mendler) during [Summer Tour](/source/Summer_Tour_(Bridgit_Mendler)) in 2014 A **keytar** (a [portmanteau](/source/Portmanteau) of *keyboard* and *guitar*) is a [keyboard instrument](/source/Keyboard_instrument) similar to a [synthesizer](/source/Synthesizer) or [MIDI controller](/source/MIDI_controller) that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a [guitar](/source/Guitar) is held.[1][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*] ## Overview Though the term "keytar" has been used since the introduction of the instrument, it was not used by a major manufacturer until 2012,[2] when the Alesis company referred to the "Vortex", the company's first product of this type, as a "USB/MIDI Keytar Controller”.[3] Keytars allow players a greater range of movement onstage, compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stationary stands or which are part of heavy, floor-mounted structures. The instrument has a [musical keyboard](/source/Musical_keyboard) for triggering musical notes and sounds. Various controls are placed on the instrument's "neck", including those for [pitch](/source/Pitch_(music)) bends, [vibrato](/source/Vibrato), [portamento](/source/Portamento), and [sustain](/source/Sustain). Keytars may either contain their own synthesizer engines, or function as MIDI controllers. In either case, a keytar needs to be connected to a [keyboard amplifier](/source/Keyboard_amplifier) or [PA system](/source/PA_system) to produce a sound that the performer and audience can hear. MIDI controller keytars trigger notes and other [MIDI](/source/MIDI) data on an external MIDI-capable synthesizer, [sound module](/source/Sound_module) or computer with synthesizer software. While a keytar is usually used to create musical sounds, like any other MIDI controller it could also be used to trigger such devices as MIDI-enabled lighting controllers, effects devices and audio consoles. [Herbie Hancock](/source/Herbie_Hancock)'s Yamaha KX1 MIDI controller on display at the Smithsonian [National Museum of American History](/source/National_Museum_of_American_History) ## History ### Early history (18th century–1970s) The oldest forerunner of the keytar is likely the [orphica](/source/Orphica), a small portable piano invented in Vienna in 1795, which was played in a similar position as the modern keytar. The [piano accordion](/source/Piano_accordion) first appeared in 1852, it was essentially a Miniature version of the [Reed Organ](/source/Reed_Organ) that's worn on straps and is pumped with the player's left hand. In 1963, the [East German](/source/East_Germany) manufacturer *Weltmeister* introduced the *Basset*, as a Keytar shaped Electric Bass Piano. In 1966, Swedish organ manufacturer Joh Mustad AB introduced the Tubon, a tubular electric organ. This instrument was worn with a strap around the shoulder and could be played standing or sitting. The Tubon had a half-keyboard on one end accessible to the right hand, controls to be used at the "neck" on the opposite end for the left hand, and a speaker at the end of the tube. It was sold in the UK as the Livingstone. It saw use by [Kraftwerk](/source/Kraftwerk) and [Paul McCartney](/source/Paul_McCartney) in the 1960s and early 1970s.[4] In the early 1970s, [Edgar Winter](/source/Edgar_Winter) often performed with keyboards slung around his neck, but they were not technically keytars because they had no "neck"; he actually used an [ARP 2600](/source/ARP_2600) keyboard and a lightweight [Univox](/source/Univox) [electronic piano](/source/Electronic_piano) with shoulder straps added. ### Keytar as synthesizer/controller (1970s–) Performance Music Systems Syntar and its inventor, [George Mattson](/source/George_Mattson_(synthesizer_inventor)). The Syntar was the earliest keytar synthesizer product exhibited at the 1979 Atlanta [NAMM Expo](/source/NAMM_Show).[5] The earlier keytars commercially released in late 1970s–early 1980s includes: - [Hillwood](/source/Multivox) *RockeyBoard RB-1* (synth piano with [VCF](/source/Voltage-controlled_filter)) released in 1977 with influence from [Edgar Winter](/source/Edgar_Winter),[6] - PMS *Syntar*, an early keytar synthesizer released by [George Mattson](/source/George_Mattson_(synthesizer_inventor)) (Performance Music Systems) and exhibited at the 1979 [NAMM International Music & Sound Expo](/source/NAMM_Show) in Atlanta[5] - Davis *Clavitar* (controller) used by [George Duke](/source/George_Duke) and [Herbie Hancock](/source/Herbie_Hancock) in early 1980 - *Powell Probe* (controller) designed by [Roger Powell](/source/Roger_Powell_(musician)), and - *Royalex Probe* (controller) helped to develop and used by [Jan Hammer](/source/Jan_Hammer) in early 1980s *etc*. (*for details, see* [List of keytars](/source/List_of_keytars)) In late 1970s and early 1980s, [Jan Hammer](/source/Jan_Hammer), the composer best known for his composition and sound design successes for *[Miami Vice](/source/Miami_Vice)*, frequently used several keytars including *Royalex PROBE* which he helped develop. Hammer is seen for instance using his PROBE in the music video for the "[*Miami Vice* Theme](/source/Miami_Vice_Theme)". Also in the 1980s, [Wayne Famous](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wayne_Famous&action=edit&redlink=1) of the band [the Producers](/source/The_Producers_(band)) strapped on a regular [Oberheim OB-X](/source/Oberheim_OB-X) synthesizer, which caused him to develop back problems. Among them, the most widely known earlier keytar may be the "[Moog Liberation](/source/Moog_Liberation)" released in 1980. Early users included [Spyro Gyra](/source/Spyro_Gyra) keyboardist Tom Schuman. Though [Devo](/source/Devo) is associated with keytars, they never used them except in music videos and promotional ads for the Liberation. The earliest printed use of the word "keytar" was in 1980, when it appeared in an interview with Jeffrey Abbott (Keytarjeff) by Tom Lounges of *Illianabeat* magazine (now *Midwest BEAT Magazine*) who now hosts a weekly interview show featuring legends of the music industry on N.W. Indiana's PBR radio station. Although [Steve Masakowski](/source/Steve_Masakowski) has been incorrectly credited for many years as the inventor of the keytar, in an interview with Peter Hartlaub of the *[San Francisco Chronicle](/source/San_Francisco_Chronicle)* on December 11, 2009, he only claimed to have invented an instrument called the Key-tar which was a string-based instrument. The keytar was made popular in the 1980s by [glam metal](/source/Glam_metal) bands, as well as [synthpop](/source/Synthpop), [new wave](/source/New_wave_music) and [electro](/source/Electro_(music)) musicians. Changing trends in music diminished the keytar's popularity during the 1990s, continuing on until the late 2000s when a major revival was sparked by artists and groups such as [The Black Eyed Peas](/source/The_Black_Eyed_Peas), [Damas Gratis](/source/Damas_Gratis), [Flight of The Conchords](/source/Flight_of_The_Conchords), [Motion City Soundtrack](/source/Motion_City_Soundtrack), [No Doubt](/source/No_Doubt), and [Steely Dan](/source/Steely_Dan). Another instance is in early 2008 with [Snoop Dogg](/source/Snoop_Dogg)'s music video for his single "[Sensual Seduction](/source/Sensual_Seduction)", in which he uses a keytar as a throwback to old school bands. ### Current state (2010s–) Notable manufacturers of keytar models have included [Moog](/source/Moog_Music), [Roland](/source/Roland_Corporation), [Yamaha](/source/Yamaha_Corporation), [Korg](/source/Korg) and [Casio](/source/Casio). As of 2013, the [Roland AX-Synth](/source/Roland_AX-Synth), the [Roland Lucina](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_Lucina&action=edit&redlink=1), the [Alesis Vortex](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alesis_Vortex&action=edit&redlink=1) and [Rock Band 3 Wireless Pro Keyboard](/source/Rock_Band_3#Keyboard), are the mass-manufactured keytars on the market. [Starr Labs](/source/Starr_Labs) manufacturers a variation on the keytar (called a Ztar) that plays to the strengths of guitarists, featuring a neck of piano-styled keys arranged on the fretboard instead of strings. A woman performing with a keytar in [South Korea](/source/South_Korea), 2013 ## Examples Main article: [List of keytars](/source/List_of_keytars) ### 1980s–1990s The [Moog Liberation](/source/Moog_Liberation) was released in 1980 by [Moog Music](/source/Moog_Music), and was considered the first mass-produced strap synthesizer.[7] It included two [monophonic](/source/Monophonic_(synthesizers)) [VCOs](/source/Voltage-controlled_oscillator) and a [polyphonic](/source/Polyphonic_synthesizer) section that could play [organ](/source/Organ_(instrument)) sounds. The neck had spring-loaded wheels for filter cutoff, [modulation](/source/Modulation), and [volume](/source/Loudness) as well as a [ribbon-controlled](/source/Ribbon_controller) [pitch bend](/source/Portamento). The Liberation had a single [VCF](/source/Voltage-controlled_filter) and two [ADS](/source/ADSR_envelope) envelope generators. The [Roland SH-101](/source/Roland_SH-101) is a small, 32-key, [monophonic](/source/Monophonic_(synthesizers)) [analog synthesizer](/source/Analog_synthesizer) from the early 1980s. It has one oscillator with two waveforms, an 'octave-divided' sub-oscillator, and a [low-pass filter](/source/Low-pass_filter)/[VCF](/source/Voltage-controlled_filter) capable of [self oscillation](/source/Self_oscillation). When a shoulder strap is connected to it, and the small handgrip with a pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger is used, the SH-101 becomes a keytar. [Yamaha SHS-10](/source/Yamaha_SHS-10) The [Yamaha SHS-10](/source/Yamaha_SHS-10), released in 1987, has a small keyboard with 32 minikeys and a pitch-bend wheel, an internal [Frequency modulation](/source/Frequency_modulation_synthesis) (usually referred to as [FM](/source/Frequency_modulation_synthesis)) [synthesizer](/source/Synthesizer) offering 25 different voices with 6-note [polyphony](/source/Polyphony). Onboard voices include a range of keyboard instruments (pipe organ, piano, electric piano, etc.); strings (violin, guitar, double bass, etc.); and wind and brass (clarinet, flute, trumpet, etc.). A larger model, the Yamaha SHS-200, was released the following year, and came with 49 keys and dual stereo speakers.[8] The musician [Prince](/source/Prince_(musician)) held the patent for a specific ornamental design of the keytar, which was granted on July 26th 1994. He named it the ‘PurpleAxxe’ and it was played extensively on stage by [Tommy Barbarella](/source/Tommy_Barbarella), a member of his [New Power Generation](/source/New_Power_Generation) band. ### 2000s–present [Herbie Hancock](/source/Herbie_Hancock) performing with a Roland AX-7 at the [XM](/source/XM) Sonic Stage at The [Bonnaroo](/source/Bonnaroo) Music & Arts Festival The [Roland AX-7](/source/Roland_AX-7), which was manufactured from 2001 to 2007, contains many more advanced features than early keytars. It has 45 [velocity sensitive](/source/Velocity_sensitive) keys (without aftertouch), and a 3-character [LED](/source/LED) display. Several features aimed towards stage performance are present, such as a [pitch bend](/source/Pitch_bend) ribbon, [touchpad](/source/Touchpad)-like expression bar, [sustain](/source/Sustain) switch, and volume control knob, all on the upper neck of the instrument. There is also a proprietary "D-Beam" interface, made up of [infrared](/source/Infrared) sensors that detect nearby motion. This interface can be used to trigger and control effects. In August 2009, Roland released the [Roland AX-Synth](/source/Roland_AX-Synth), a model of keytar that contains its own synthesizer sounds in addition to being a MIDI/USB controller. In 2010, Roland released the [Roland Lucina AX-09](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roland_Lucina_AX-09&action=edit&redlink=1). This model does not have a traditional neck, but is still considered a keytar because of it is a strap-on model and is in the AX line, with many identical features to its AX predecessors. It is unique in that it includes an additional, front panel USB port to accommodate a [USB flash drive](/source/USB_flash_drive), which may contain [MP3](/source/MP3), [WAV](/source/WAV) or [AIFF](/source/Audio_Interchange_File_Format) files for playback. The Lucina has 150 internal sounds and may also be used as a MIDI/USB controller. Rock Band 3 Wireless Pro Keyboard Also in 2010, [Mad Catz](/source/Mad_Catz) released the [Wireless Pro Keyboard](/source/Rock_Band_3#Keyboard) for [Rock Band 3](/source/Rock_Band_3), a 25-key velocity-sensitive MIDI-compatible keytar controller.[9] Despite its sub-$100 price, it is designed for serious use outside of the game.[10] Synthpop band [Freezepop](/source/Freezepop) have used it on stage.[11] In 2012, [Alesis](/source/Alesis) released its first keytar and is the first major manufacturer to actually use the term "keytar" in the model name and description. The [Alesis Vortex](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alesis_Vortex&action=edit&redlink=1) USB/MIDI Keytar Controller is unique in that it includes eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers, which enable the performer to create beats or trigger clips, built right into the body of the keytar. It also features an [accelerometer](/source/Accelerometer), which allows the performer to control MIDI parameters by tilting the neck. Although Alesis claims to have manufactured "the first USB keytar controller", the Roland AX-Synth and the Roland Lucina feature USB connections with the same function and were released three years prior to the Alesis Vortex. ## See also - [List of keytarists](/source/List_of_keytarists) **Related technologies** - [MIDI](/source/MIDI) - [Chapman Stick](/source/Chapman_Stick) - [Guitar synthesizer](/source/Guitar_synthesizer) **Individual models** - [Moog Liberation](/source/Moog_Liberation) - [Drumitar](/source/Drumitar) - [Zendrum](/source/Zendrum) ## References Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Keytars](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Keytars). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Donnelly2016_1-0)** Donnelly, Stuart (2016). *TASC Test Assessing Secondary Completion For Dummies*. Wiley. p. [621](https://books.google.com/books?id=HV8KDQAAQBAJ&dq=Keytar&pg=PT621). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-118-96644-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-118-96644-0). The keytar is a lightweight keyboard that can be worn on a strap around the neck so that the player can hold it across his or her chest. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["The Vortex: the world's first USB/MIDI Keytar Controller"](https://newatlas.com/alesis-vortex-usb-midi-keytar/21158/). *New Atlas*. 2012-01-20. Retrieved 2024-03-11. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** From the official Alesis website: [http://alesis.com/vortex](http://alesis.com/vortex) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130511223401/http://www.alesis.com/vortex) 2013-05-11 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The 'Tubon' Joh Mustad AB, Sweden, 1966"](http://120years.net/the-tubon-sweden-1967/). *120 Years of Electronic Music*. 9 February 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2015. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-syntar_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-syntar_5-1) James D. Maier. ["The Performance Music Systems Syntar"](http://www.carbon111.com/syntar.html). Retrieved 2011-12-28. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-rb-1_6-0)** ["Rockeyboard RB-1"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120608171954/http://brochures.yokochou.com/keyboard-and-effector/hillwood/1977/en_p6.html). *Hillwood Keyboard / Synthesizer Catalog 1977*. Hillwood Musical Instrument/Zen-On. Archived from [the original](http://brochures.yokochou.com/keyboard-and-effector/hillwood/1977/en_p6.html) on 2012-06-08. Retrieved 2011-12-28. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Fortner, Stephen (September 2010). ["KEYTARS PAST AND PRESENT"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175304/https://www.keyboardmag.com/miscellaneous/keytars-past-and-present). *Keyboard*. **36** (9): 74. Archived from [the original](http://www.keyboardmag.com/miscellaneous/1265/keytars-past-and-present/30587) on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 24 September 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Yamaha: [SHS-200](https://www.yamaha.com/en/about/innovation/collection/detail/2054/) Retrieved on 20 March 2022 1. **[^](#cite_ref-wired_pre-e3_9-0)** Mastrapa, Gus (2010-06-11). ["Hands On: Rock Band 3 Adds Keyboards, Realistic Pro Mode"](https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/06/rock-band-3/). *[Wired](/source/Wired_(magazine))*. Retrieved 2010-06-11. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Kirn, Peter (Oct 27, 2010). ["Hands-on: Rock Band 3's Keytar, a Surprisingly Serious $80 MIDI Keyboard"](http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/10/hands-on-rock-band-3s-keytar-a-surprisingly-serious-80-midi-keyboard/). *Create Digital Music*. Retrieved 2013-09-09. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Fahey, Mike (2010-10-20). ["Freezepop Rocks The Rock Band 3 Keyboard"](https://kotaku.com/freezepop-rocks-the-rock-band-3-keyboard-5668650). [Kotaku](/source/Kotaku). Retrieved 2010-10-20. v t e Electronic music Techniques Circuit bending Computer music Experimental music Hyperinstrument Loop Tape loop Microsound Musique concrète Noise music Octophonic sound By country Chile France Germany Active organizations Computer Music Center Electronic Music Foundation Groupe de Recherches Musicales Institute of Sonology ICEM ICMA IRCAM NIME SEAMUS STEIM Toonzaal Studio WORM studio Inactive organizations BBC Radiophonic Workshop Philips Natuurkundig Laboratorium NHK San Francisco Tape Music Center Studio d'Essai Studio for Electronic Music (WDR, Cologne) Studio di fonologia musicale di Radio Milano Template:Electronica v t e Musical and keyboard instruments Instruments Bowed clavier Calliope Carillon Celesta Chime Clavichord Clavicytherium Claviharp Electronic keyboard Fortepiano Harmonichord Harpsichord Keytar Melodica Organ Hammond organ Pipe organ Pump organ Theatre organ Orphica Piano Digital piano Electric piano Piano accordion Spinet Synthesizer Virginal Layouts Enharmonic keyboard Generalized keyboard Isomorphic keyboard Jankó keyboard Short octave Keys Frequencies Manual keyboard Split sharp Pedals Expression Soft Sustain Pedal keyboard Pedal piano Piano construction Acoustics Innovations Wiring Aliquot Cross Maintenance Action Piano Technicians Guild Tuning Wrench Amplifiers, speakers Keyboard amplifier Leslie speaker Miscellaneous Prepared piano Authority control databases MusicBrainz instrument --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Keytar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keytar) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keytar?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.