What is a keyboard guitar called?

A keyboard guitar is also known as a keytar. It is a type of electronic musical instrument which combines elements of an electric guitar and a synthesizer, with the portability of a traditional keyboard instrument. Keytars are typically strapped over the shoulder and played standing up like an electric or acoustic guitar.

The History of Keyboard Guitars

It’s hard to believe that the roots of keyboard guitars stretch all the way back to Ancient Greece. In some form or another, musicians have used keyboard instruments since at least as far back as around 500 BC. Early versions of these keyboards used strings and hammers instead of keys, much like a piano. Over time, the design has evolved into what we now know as a keyboard guitar.

The modern keyboard guitar was first developed in 1878 by German inventor Hohner Gertschmann. His instrument used a single row of keys set up along the neck of the guitar for playing chords and other effects without having to strum or pluck strings manually. Other manufacturers quickly followed suit with their own versions of this type of instrument, and today there are dozens of different models available on the market from various manufacturers.

Modern day keyboard guitars still use the same basic design principles laid out by Gertschmann over 130 years ago. The main difference between his invention and more recent designs is in how they are powered – whereas he relied upon springs, many modern instruments use electricity to generate sound waves through speakers or headphones directly from an amplifier mounted on top of the instrument itself. This allows for more complex sounds than can be achieved with an acoustic guitar alone, which makes them ideal for recording music in studios or live performances where multiple layers are required for a fuller sound.

Types of Keyboard Guitars

Keyboard guitars are electric instruments used to make music with the help of a piano-like keyboard. Keyboard guitars can be acoustic, digital, or semi-acoustic. Acoustic keyboard guitars use pickups in order to produce sound without the need for amplification while digital and semi-acoustic models rely on external amplifiers to boost their output.

One type of keyboard guitar is the synthesizer which uses synthesis technology to create sounds electronically rather than mechanically like most other types of keyboard guitars. Synthesizers have a wide range of sounds that can be manipulated using parameters such as oscillators, filters and envelopes. They allow users to create unique tones that cannot be achieved with traditional instruments like pianos or organs. Some examples of popular synthesizers include the Korg MS2000 and Moog Little Phatty.

Another type is the electric organ which typically has two keyboards – one for playing chords and one for playing melody lines – plus foot pedals for adding bass lines or effects like vibrato or chorus. Electric organs also offer a variety of tone generation features such as drawbars and rotating speaker cabinets, giving them a signature sound that has become iconic in certain genres of music like jazz and funk. Famous models include Hammond B3s and Farfisa Combo Organs.

There are electronic keyboards which are typically found in home studios or stage setups as they provide an easy way to record multiple tracks at once due to their ability to connect with computers via MIDI cables and interfaces. Electronic keyboards come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges so you’re sure to find something that meets your needs whether you’re just starting out or looking for professional quality gear. Popular models include Yamaha’s Motif series workstations, Roland’s Juno line synths, and Nord Stage pianos among many others.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Keyboard Guitar

A keyboard guitar is a musical instrument that combines the strings and body of a traditional guitar with an electronic keyboard. This unique hybrid provides musicians with plenty of interesting benefits, though there are some drawbacks to consider as well.

One big advantage of playing a keyboard guitar is the ability to quickly switch between sounds on the fly. By utilizing different pickups and settings, players can experiment with sonic textures in ways that aren’t possible on traditional guitars. When using an amplifier or other external effects, these sounds can be pushed even further into new creative directions.

However, one potential downside to owning a keyboard guitar is its size; this style of instrument tends to be quite bulky compared to standard electric guitars. Therefore, it may not be ideal for long gigs or tours due to its impracticality and weight. Because most keyboards require electricity to function properly – whereas normal electric guitars do not – it also requires access to mains power at all times in order for it work optimally during performances or studio sessions.

While there are certainly some clear disadvantages associated with playing a keyboard guitar versus more conventional instruments, their versatility often makes them worth having around for many musicians who want more soundscapes available at their fingertips.

Famous Musicians Who Use Keyboard Guitars

Famed musicians have taken to the use of keyboard guitars for centuries. In the 1970s, prog-rock and jazz fusion legends like Rick Wakeman, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea regularly employed keyboard guitars during live performances and on recordings. Popular New Wave bands such as The Cars also utilized them in their signature sound. More recently, synthwave acts including Perturbator have made use of these instruments.

Artists from across a range of musical styles are increasingly incorporating keyboard guitars into their work, enabling them to achieve unique textures and tonal colors that weren’t previously attainable with traditional guitar techniques or electronics. Keyboardist/vocalist John Paul Jones used the instrument extensively while performing with Led Zeppelin; his ability to switch seamlessly between melodic keyboards, electric bass and lap steel contributed immensely to their epic soundscapes. Indie folk artist Sufjan Stevens has been an outspoken proponent of keyboard guitars since his early solo records; he often utilizes vintage models like the Fender Rhodes MKV or clavinet D6 as essential components in his layered compositions.

Perhaps most notably is producer Flying Lotus who has embraced this tool more than any other musician today, combining elements of electronica with various subgenres such as jazz, hip hop and R&B to create a truly one-of-a-kind sonic experience. His proficiency at playing both traditional six stringed guitar and versatile keyboards adds texture to his already dense production style; resulting in music that is excitingly original yet deeply rooted in tradition simultaneously.

Choosing the Right Keyboard Guitar for You

For those wanting to pursue a career in music or even just have fun strumming along, finding the right keyboard guitar for you can be a daunting task. There are so many different makes and models out there that it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, there are some steps one can take to narrow down the search and find the perfect instrument for their needs.

The first step when looking for a keyboard guitar is understanding your own playing style and what type of sound you’re aiming for. Different guitars provide different levels of playability and sound quality depending on factors such as string composition, pickups and other hardware specs. For example, if you want an acoustic-like tone then you may choose a guitar with nylon strings whereas electric players might opt for something with metal strings that allows them to use effects pedals more easily. It’s important to keep in mind how much money you’re willing to spend as well since higher end instruments often come at a premium price tag.

The second step is trying out multiple guitars in person or researching reviews online before making your purchase decision. Taking the time to try out multiple instruments will help ensure that you find one that fits your budget while still providing the sound quality and playability level you need. Reading reviews from experienced musicians who have used similar models can give invaluable insight into which model might be best suited for your needs – allowing you make an informed decision rather than relying on guesswork alone.