Comments on: Keytar Komeback: You Don’t Love It Until It’s Gone, An Open Letter to Roland

By: Jim

Jim — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:56:04 +0000

I know, I’m late to this party. I’ve had an AX-7 for a few years now but haven’t used it much. I think the reason people think they look dorky has more to do with the player than the AX. Keyboardists, have never excelled in stage presence the way guitarists have because they have always had a rig to hide behind. If you had a keytarist that was as engaging as most rock god guitarists, and they weren’t constantly looking down at the AX trying to tweak a patch, it’s totally possible to look as “cool” as a guitarist.

And even if you don’t look as cool… so what? Buck the tradition. Be different!

By: wes

wes — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:59:15 +0000

Keytars rock..end of story

By: Create Digital Music » Keytar Revival: Exclusive Details of Roland’s New AX-Synth “Shoulder Keyboard”

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:13:59 +0000

[...] Flame-Throwing Keytar; Players, Not Instruments, Are Cool (because the best keytar is one that shoots fire out of its neck) [...]

By: Bruce

Bruce — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:40:29 +0000

OK, so I’m in my 40s and playing classic rock covers in the local bars – maybe not the coolest guy to some of you younguns- BUT the keytar is a great way to get out from behind that stack of keyboards and rock up front with guitarists and sing and be seen. My lead singer also plays keys and I’m using his AX-7 and having a great time!

Yes, I wish Roland would put these back in production. Color choices would be nice, but that would be asking too much :) and perhaps a wireless foot pedal for sustain and perhaps wireless midi – yea, right! LOL

By: asahartz

asahartz — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:28:45 +0000

They might have been a bit naff in the 80s, but people are finding cool ways to use them now. My 14 year-old daughter came back from the Bloodstock metal festival wanting one after she’d seen a band using them; I now have the job of trying to find a suitable one for her.
Tonight I watched Queen & Paul Rodgers live, and even they have one.

Behringer have brought out a strap-on, it’s inexpensive, but it doesn’t have a left-hand extension with pitch shift or expression or anything. But being Behringer they have clearly spotted a market and these things are difficult to get hold of!

I really do wish the big boys would take note and bring out a proper keytar at a realistic price again!

By: KreecMor

KreecMor — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:26:33 +0000

Heyy Roland Seriously!!… U dnT kNow How muCh Profit and MOney ur putin down how many ppl will go buy a Keytar… cus u guys are the only ones that actually know how to make them!!…SO cOme On PLEASE!!!…

By: Gleiber Pinho

Gleiber Pinho — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:30:17 +0000

Roland and other are stupid. they should release one Keytar exactly like guitarrists do.
Plug it in pedals. The pedals are the modules. ex: one pedal sound strings, another pedal sounds distorcion guitar, another one sounds brass etc. this instrument is only for one hand exactly like guitar. I play guitar (very well) and nobody can deny, right hand in guitar is only to pick the strings (dont get sound).
Stupid factories and engeniers.

By: Keytars Are Awesome

Keytars Are Awesome — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:57:22 +0000

Why don’t you just do an online petition for roland to bring back the keytar ;P

By: you dont know what you want untill you have it

you dont know what you want untill you have it — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:35:45 +0000

[...] [...]

By: XM8500

XM8500 — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:27:07 +0000

Hello all, XM8500 here: I saw this post and decided that it was right for what you’re about to see. We’re bringing the keytar back as never before, DESTROYING the decade of emberassment woven into the fabric of it’s existence. You won’t believe your ears…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH_jmRefAXE