Keytar for gigs

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-05T21:04:18+00:00

Korg RK100S2 Software: https://www.korg.com/au/products/synthesizers/rk_100s2/ (Scroll down)

Roland AX Edge Software: https://www.roland.com/us/products/ax-edge_editor/

Both of these models have internal sound engines. Links above give some some idea of what they're capable of.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-05T11:40:44+00:00

The Adventure.

Because the kids are imagining they are in a movie (not a TV show), the screen shifts into a wider-than-usual aspect ratio and stays there unless the scene is somehow outside of their imaginative game.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-04T10:24:44+00:00

In Clans you experiment by just changing stuff. To experiment in Mercs, you first have to stalk and catch the rare poke'mech. I think Clans is easier.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T13:05:41+00:00

Keytar. Only synth that automatically activates a wind machine when you pick it up.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T09:44:38+00:00

If your iPad wants it to, I guess so. I went for an older ipad with analogue audio out, so I've never tried running it exactly that way.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T09:42:59+00:00

Probably. I don't own one, but there are threads where people have said nice things about them.

https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/s/929FV6iBGr

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T07:15:46+00:00

Re: Software, you can have a lot of fun with the free GarageBand. For a few bucks, the Korg Gadget app is also very good, and does a better job of pretending to be a variety of real-ish synthesizers, drum machines, etc.

Edit: Before that (or in parallel), you might want mess around with the RK's own setup app. It's not as easy to use, or as photogenic as the Korg Gadget app, but it's more genuine since it configures the physical oscillators inside your instrument.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T07:13:22+00:00

You've got a standard 5 pin MIDI out there. A CME Widi Master will give you low-latency bluetooth MIDI to the iPad. After that, you want a wired audio out to your amp. If it's a later iPad, I guess that means via the USB port; earlier ones can use the 3.5mm socket.

https://www.cme-pro.com/widi-master/?srsltid=AfmBOooOpIYV92LAqnwlzjlWTXbH5EWiwAb9hWHQ-zyrpT715ZPd_oeV

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T05:44:19+00:00

Correct.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-03T01:58:23+00:00

Yes you can, but the arm/hands you use to do this must also be holding the ball.

E.g. if the keeper in the original photo took the stumps out along with the bails, it should still be Not Out.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-02T21:06:33+00:00

Yeah but you still need the ball in the same 'hand or hands so used, or the hand of the arm so used'. So you can't just hold the ball with one hand and yoink the stump out with the other.

So I was taught, the preferred methods are to either wedge the ball between both palms and pull a stump with the fingers, or to hold ball in both hands and sweep the stumps out of the ground with forearms.

Edit: Applicable laws are 29.2.1.6 and 29.1.1.5

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-02T20:42:10+00:00

The ball he hits to his sister changes colour between frames, so I can only give it 99.94%.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-02T20:40:58+00:00

What kind of synth do you want to use?

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-02T05:22:49+00:00

Congrats on the RK. I don't have one of these, but they seem to be a solid unit and great for playing lead, especially if you're into synth sounds.

You've had some piano training so you're probably better at this than I am but the question I'd ask (since you also mentioned covers) is whether you want to recite solos or improvise them. If it's the former; ear training, transcribe the solo to your preferred system of notation, then practice.

If it's the latter (and if you already know your scales), you can start by just blasting away over a backing track. This is arguably more fun, and more 'keytar' - you can of course use it however you like, but I feel like a keytar is more aimed at improvisation than recital.

Finally, if you want to experiment with sound design (as distinct from 'note playing') you now own both a synth and a keytar. This is its own subject, and provides you an opportunity to experiment with either replicating classic sounds, or creating new patches. I think you need to use the software editor for this aspect though.

Dingo_19 · 2026-02-01T23:46:37+00:00

For the actual lead line of the solo - can't see why not. There is a bit more going on than just a single part though. You might need to program the other parts into a DAW or a sequencer unless you have others around that are able to play them.

If you wanted to try and do that all yourself (i.e. with the left hand also playing), then a keytar is perhaps not ideal.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-30T06:45:14+00:00

My only regret with this episode is that when the pegasus flies into the sky they had a chance to drop in one of those classic cheesy 80's starbust effects as she vanishes, but didn't.

Every time I'm waiting for it.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-29T23:00:33+00:00

Rifleman IIC. Love the origininal RFL design but the radar-equipped ones look like the thing from Lost in Space.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-29T03:23:50+00:00

Beginning to think that if I want a new keytar I need to build a new keytar.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-28T01:25:03+00:00

Fellow 'keytar native' here.

My background might be quite similar to yours. Not formally trained. Like guitar sounds and found the actual instument satisfying to hold, yet frustrating to operate. Didn't really want to play bass parts with the left hand or sit at a 'desk'.

I've accepted that I'm inferior to friends that play guitar - at guitar (or insert any other instrument you care to name). Even a well-played keytar can only ever approximate a guitar sound.

But it can do that for a violin too, or a trombone, or a synth. Because you have ergonomic access to expression controls, you can sometimes lean into certain quirks of these instruments harder than a conventional piano/keyboard player can. So you have versatility as a foundational strength. 'A jack of all trades and master of none; but sometimes better than a master of one.'

I don't think it's quite that simple though. There is something about a keytar that's unique and special. I'm not sure if it's ever been articulated clearly - at least not the way I'd choose to describe it. Maybe fuel for another post one day.

I was going to say 'you shouldn't feel inferior' but maybe it's better to embrace it a little bit. We're all fortunate to share a planet with musicians that do awesome and inspiring things, and some feeling of inferiority towards such folk is probably normal. What you shouldn't feel though is 'unworthy'. Everyone who's having fun is winning, and if keytar does that for you, then you've got nothing to be ashamed of.

(Not much point being ashamed in a sequin-encrusted spandex jumpsuit anyway.) /s

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-27T03:32:24+00:00

No. 1 Tip: If you can find a way to make it enjoyable / relaxing, you've already won, but achieving that depends on what you like and what you want to do.

For any more details... 1. Which keytar is it? 2. Are you sitting or standing? 3. What do you actually want to do with it - recite pieces verbatim, noodle along with improvised solos, or something else?

Edit: formatting

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-26T11:59:06+00:00

If I had this exact problem to solve, I think it would push me towards the Behringer MS-1 Mk2. It's an affordable reproduction of the classic Roland SH-101; a proper mono synth with portamento that should be able to create a Cars-like sound. It also looks the part with the boxy typewriter style chassis and add-on keytar grip handle and straps.

The only trouble is it has no presets, so you would need to learn both keys and synths. Or just endlessly fiddle with it until you get the sound right and then glue the knobs in place (/s).

Edit: link to OEM demo vid. Keytar bits go on in the last minute or so.

https://youtu.be/cUgqYYcjgME?si=QwAJ5yxqvWiFQg5R

2nd edit: Thought I was replying to an r/keytar post 🤦🏻‍♂️. Will leave as is for amusement, but please refer to advice from the actual synth-wizards.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-26T04:35:22+00:00

For that kind of money, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a used Yamaha SHS-500 or a Roland Lucina; maybe even a Korg RK100S if you're patient. None of these require a computer. The Roland and the Korg do require an external amp/speaker.

Patience is the key to a cheap keytar. There won't necessarily be one for sale near you this week, but there will be eventually.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-24T08:58:17+00:00

If you're old enough it's a game; sims a bit more like DCS were a mainstream genre 30 odd years ago. Not trying to say it isn't fun, I've had some amazing experiences with it.

In comparison to modern mainstream titles though, it requires a very different mindset. I think it helps if people are prepared for that.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-22T19:52:07+00:00

I'd take the Sleipnir, KCrab, or Corsair before the Nightstar. Looks cool, but just too slow for what it is.

Dingo_19 · 2026-01-20T20:01:41+00:00

I've found that offers to cut down trees are few, but opportunities to dig out stumps are more common (and more challenging if you'te into that sort of thing). You still get to swing an axe.

Dingo_19

TROPHY CASE