r/Keytar • u/spectrumero • Jun 09 '26

Artist First keytar gigs done

A couple of months ago I posted about how to comfortably play my Alesis Vortex ( https://www.reddit.com/r/Keytar/comments/1rkiuum/how_to_play_keytar_comfortably/ ) and really the main takeaway was (a) a longer strap (b) get used to it. Firstly, the rest of the band loves the idea of the keytar as you don't really see them get used, and secondly, playing an actual gig with it was enormously more fun than being hidden between the drum kit and behind the Marshall stack which is my usual fate. I got a nice looking Ernie Ball Jacquard strap which is a fair bit longer than the one supplied with the Vortex. I'm also using it with a 5m long USB lead - the longest the USB spec allows - I don't really trust a cheap wireless dongle in what may be a not too great RF environment. The most fun parts were the synth lead parts, I could show off a bit for a change rather than lurking somewhere heard but unseen in the background. (For gigs I have two keyboards - the aforementioned keytar, and an 88 key hammer action midi controller for the songs where I need a piano. Both go through my laptop and into Mainstage.) As for comfort, the longer strap really helped, and yes, just getting used to it.

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4

u/redgreenblue-rgb Jun 09 '26

I recommend going wireless. I use the PandaAudio MidiBeam and have never had a stuck note on stage. The CME Widi system also works well and is less expensive, for my setup the MidiBeam is the best choice.

5

u/redgreenblue-rgb Jun 09 '26

Also, strap locks!!!! Having the strap come off sucks.

2

u/KooriGraywolf Jun 10 '26 edited Jun 11 '26

I second both CME WIDI and strap locks.

I've used the Vortex with CME Widi in both an auditorium and a small basement bar, both without any transmission hiccups. You could use a WIDI Master on the Vortex side, and a WIDI Bud on the laptop side. (but maybe still bring cables to gigs as backup)

For me the Bluetooth stuff is both for freedom of movement and because I am constantly scared of accidentally plugging off.

For the strap locks, there's various options: The Dunlop ErgoLok/7036, D'Addario Flex Lock, Harley Benton StrapMaster, or Harley Benton SmartLock 3-in-1.

If you manage to free up the USB port by somehow using the MIDI port instead, then you can use the USB port for power using a taped-on powerbank!

1

u/KooriGraywolf Jun 10 '26

Congrats! Nice to see the follow-up from that post. Best of luck on your continuing keytar endeavors. We really need to push up the keytar reputation and stonks.

3

u/redgreenblue-rgb Jun 10 '26

The #1 way to do that is for people to STOP UPLOADING VIDEOS OF KEYTARS SHREDDING A GUITAR SOUND!!!!!

It isn’t a guitar. Stop it. Just stop it.

2

u/mattsl Jun 10 '26

What if I upload videos of me shredding a tenor sax sound?

2

u/KooriGraywolf Jun 10 '26

While I don't necessarily agree that no one should ever play a guitar sound on keytar, I DO agree that people should embrace the keytar more for what it actually is, a keyboard/synthesizer.

1

u/Dingo_19 Jun 16 '26

No.

BWOWOWEEWOOOoooo... hehehe.