My 4 smaller keytars compared & contrasted - RK-100s - KX-5 - Vortex Wireless 2 - AX-09

BUY YOUR OWN VORTEX KEYTAR HERE: amzn.to/3ehkNtn
This video is my own less-breathless version of Pink & the Keytar Cat's video "I review 7 keytars in 1 take" ( • I review 7 keytars in ... ) comparing and contrasting my 4 professional keytars: the Korg RK-100s , Yamaha KX-5 , Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 , and the Roland Lucina AX-09
The t-rex arms idea came from this review: • The Roland Ax-Edge - A...
One more difference I didn't mention is the varying sustain button / external sustain pedal support. Roland Lucina: external pedal yes, but you only get an onboard sustain by sacrificing your modulation bar (dumb). Yamaha KX-5 has a button way out on the front/end of the neck, no external jack. The Korg RK-100s has a LUDICROUS system where it has two sustain buttons that then allow you to remove your right hand from the keys and play with the big huge ribbon for either pitch or mod--but no external jack. And the Vortex Wireless 2 has "improved" on the version 1 by removing the external sustain pedal jack--but at least the onboard button got bigger?
I forgot to mention that I also used to--like Pink--own the horrible rock band MIDI keytar. That is all I'm saying. I was excited about it. I was wrong.

[@normietwiceremoved]

1:23 completely agree. I HATE it when people use a keytar and the just play it like a piano with no style or presence. Like whats the point.

[@greenrobot5]

I'm a frontman, and I like to move around when I play, obviously impossible with an average keyboard, that's why I became a keytarrist

[@KeytarKris]

I too bought keytars to play shredded guitar leads on keys, but I also agree with Pink and the Keytar Cat when in comes to getting in the lead singer and guitarist's faces with your keytar. Nobody leaves keytar baby in the corner🤘🎹🎸

[@PinkAndTheKeytarCat]

More frantic! More frantic!! Seriously, though, I think the major difference between our styles is that my favorite thing about keytars is the complete lack of standardization. What's this button going to do today, on this keytar? WHO KNOWS! Not me! I'll definitely back you on there being a definite "proper weight" that a keytar needs to be to feel like a real instrument. I think my background in guitar is what set that in my head, but if a keytar's too much lighter or smaller than a guitar, I'm not as drawn to it as I am to one around that size/weight combo. Someone asked me to make a video on the purpose of a keytar and I told them straight out that I can't. As for the rockband controller, it's....it's just amazing how many things they managed to get just wrong enough that it's completely wrong, but not so wrong that you can articulate it to people who are asking you what's wrong. I mean, it's a video game controller, but it's all just wrong enough to feel like you're in another world where keytars are annoying and aren't cool. Midi the Cat says hi. ~P

[@DIYMusic]

ha yes, in an experimenting / recording setting, the lack of standardization can be fun and interesting... it mainly bothers me that you can’t ever just upgrade to a new one that you already know how to play, and when performing onstage and those nerves hit, it’s kindof terrifying to have more than one control layout in your head due to the potential to get confused-cause if you fuck up one time, it can be a shit spiral of mistakes from there...

[@DIYMusic]

oh and... HI MIDI!!!

[@a.s.9145]

Hey keytar enthusiasts, can you make Seaboard keytar? 37-49 mini keys.

[@Randuski]

I would argue keytars are necessary unless you're trying to be a statue band. Stage presence is important. Being able to dance around with your band mates is always better than being sequestered to the side of the stage

[@DIYMusic]

sure… but not every member of a band needs to move around-most keys players are stationary, as are (obviously) most drummers… I guess it depends on genre and venue, but I really don’t think mobility is necessary in most cases

[@Randuski]

@@DIYMusic I'm not saying we gotta do cartwheels haha and that's not to say having a keyboard stand means you can't rock out. Dude from Metro Station had his synth strapped to the stand, so he could learn the stand way forward and do all sorts of wild shit.

[@GoldPunks]

Keytar is now the only instrument I play in all my bands, I have whittled it down to a Black Korg RK100s, and an Ax Edge black. My main band is a high energy dance duo, so I like the Korg....the size lets me move! The Roland has a better control layout, especially the master volume!!!

[@OfficialRainsynth]

Vortex 2 was a definitive choice for me both for being a MIDI controller and being an affordable keytar (seriously, I couldn't afford AX Edge) and I quickly got used to its layout, especially the pitch bend wheel placement (actually, had to invert its setting, because the default one felt weird and confusing) and the ribbon controller, which I primarily use for modulation. So the overall layout of Vortex 2 is definitely something most first-time keytar buyers can consider somewhat comfortable and intuitive. And basically everything in it (except the aftertouch you mentioned) is fully programmable for whatever purpose you plan to use it.

[@redcomn]

I'll be honest my vocalist/keyboardist always bitch on how hard it is to use this to perform and sing. All i need to tell her. You look way cooler with em.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

The two keytars in the middle look to be the ideal size. This is particularly so for those of us who are into funk/hip-hop jazz and anything else that one can groove to.

[@delphinetesla]

I spent hours looking for a keyboard with great pianos I could battery operate to compliment my Korg Micro for live gigs. This is why you DO need a keytar as a musician. With a shoulder synth you don't need an extra stand and no external power needed as well. I think I want the Lucina, Roland is a master of great authentic fat amazing sounds.

[@DIYMusic]

the piano on the Lucina is kind of crappy tbh

[@Reppen555]

Atleast the AX Edge from ROLAND lets you easily see what sounds your using and it even has its own app and sound engine which allowes you to change each individual sound on the Keytar which is Just insane.

[@Randuski]

Being able to change the individual sounds on a synth is a standard. Except for keytars. I hate how keytar options are so limited

[@poison7512]

The Korg Rk100sv2 has a sound editor..

[@DIYMusic]

@@poison7512 ...but it's only a PC editor. a mobile one would be much more useful these days, unfortunately it's just a rebadged version of the 10-year-old editor from the rk-100s so they could cheap out and not make a new one

[@lincolnreddell9405]

If keytar is to big it looks stupid but if it's too small it also looks stupid. It's hard finding keytars that don't look dumb.

[@DIYMusic]

very true!

[@Beto_de_laredo_texas]

Finally someone who thinks just like me, I thought I was alone in the whole world.

[@DIYMusic]

i’m here for ya, man

[@emericklamontagne3652]

You're right. Keytars are just a novelty way of playing a keyboard like a guitar. Yes, there are good keytar players out there, I don't one one but played a few. I have a cheaper Casio CT S200, place it upon a guitar stand horizontally, place a chair behind it, and play it just like a Cello players position. Again, just a novelty way of playing my Casio. My left hand can reach over to the base notes, as the right hand plays the higher keys. There is no pitch bend wheel or ribbon on my Casio, but that's okay. Great tutorial though. Aloha from Hawaii.

[@inthefade]

The smaller keytars are the best. If I want to actually play a lot of notes with both hands I'll use a larger keybed, but if I'm singing and controlling my sampler/sequencer, then I just want to be able to play a simple melody with my right hand, and maybe do some pitch/modulation wanking for a solo or something. I modded a 25 key Korg USB midi controller to have nuts to put a guitar strap on it, and it has been my favorite keytar I've owned so far. It's tiny and unobtrusive and fun as hell. Also takes no space to bring to a gig. I'm all about being portable too. Thanks for the review! I found someone selling the Yamaha KX5 and thinking of getting it just for the chunky aesthetics. Edit: I didn't expect the KX5 to have aftertouch. That's pretty awesome.

[@zloboslav_]

Keytars are for looks and they do look great on stage and allow the player to participate in some choreography and move around on stage :) and that's about the only benefit I can think of :)

[@dwin4037]

Best ever and honest review! Thanks dude!💕

[@Bj5m17h]

I've had a lot of fun with my Lucina. About the right weight, number of keys and versatility of sounds, both traditional and synthy.. I was considering getting a larger AX-synth awhile back, but after this I'm glad I got a Kurzweil sp88 for a fullsize keyboard. Keytars have own weird niche, like flying squirrels or penguins.

[@lezleemonroe416]

Thank you for this info.

[@tonytramonti5828]

I didn’t know Monsieur LaPadite from Inglourious Basterds knew so much about keytars

[@DIYMusic]

hey that dude’s handsome, I’ll take it! lol

[@tonytramonti5828]

@@DIYMusic That’s fair enough, but the question remains, are you hiding any illegal Keytars under your floor boards? 😂

[@WillsJazzLoft]

I agree! Big keytars don't make sense.

[@Kattywampus]

A stupid T-Rex?? Well up YOURS, cause I like dinosaurs! No but seriously tho, that was a good review. I have too many keytars, too. The point of a keytar is simply, keytar. It's why Ax Edge is Ax edge. That's it. It's like classy truck nuts. But yeah, I can walk into the audience and rip solos, unlike my heavy shit back there on the keyboard stand. Definitely not for everyone. Vortex is lovely and most practical. But I can't wait to get back out and Ax all over the place

[@tom-541]

I just found this video cos I'm lusting after that Korg. I have the Vortex 2 which I like, but I cannot stand the drum pads at all. I'm tempted to open it up and remove them. And I'm sort of irritated at how bubbly the body feels - especially the neck. Just seems a bit too chunky, like it's for Godzilla sized babies. But the Korg is objectively worse as a midi controller and a bit useless (in my view) as a synth. But it looks so so cool. I've bought things before on the basis that they look cool before and it can be a fleeting joy so I'm conflicted. P.S. I'm not sure why people were saying you were negative, I like your style!

[@DIYMusic]

re: style... to each their own!

[@bobmartindelcampo4377]

I know how you feel. I have the vortex and the rk100s and while it’s fun, it’s not what I was hoping for. I recently bought the roland vr09 and sonically I love it. If Roland ever decides to release another it should be the lucina with a modified vr09 engine. Light weight, battery powered, compact enough to take on deployment.

[@cyberfennek]

One can never have too many :)

[@TheBorderlineWarrior]

In my personal opinion, the one I have, the original 1984 RK-100 is the best remote keyboard of them all. But it’s all preference really in the end. Having said that, I think keytars only work for the 80s

[@nielswil]

I have the Roland Lucina, the Rockband 3 wireless keyboard and just bought the Yamaha KX-5. I use to own a Evolution MK-149 on which i put guitar strap pins and turned it into a keytar. I don't like the knobs below the keyboard with the Roland, they should be above the keyboard.

[@gizmop0ny]

*cries as a pianist who can't play a guitar*

[@globehb7645]

Please deeper dive the Wireless 2 Vortex ... and if it has any local samples ... and your thoughts playing via a laptop etc.

[@DIYMusic]

no local samples, it’s just a dumb midi controller. but its wireless capabilities are second to none

[@reysandoval5075]

Dang. This is one negative dude.

[@seawolf4722]

Lol; the hate is real.

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

Well he did it to himself. So..🤣🤣

[@emmanuelrodriguez1693]

Can you import sounds on all of these?

[@DIYMusic]

none of them, but they all can control external hardware or soft synths

[@thelabofdrsynthinstein5684]

The red ones the good one thats why they remade it

[@archivestereo]

This is very helpful. Just got a KX5 - well waiting for it to arrive. I know it had no sounds in it but my question is will the bank and 1-8 selectors change the sound on a receiver module or keyboard? I’ve got a MODX7 and am wondering if the buttons will maybe cycle thru the 16 tones in the live sets. Thanks for a great video!

[@DIYMusic]

yes, those buttons should change the patch on the instrument you’re MIDI’d into, but it doesn’t always work the way you want-best of luck!

[@archivestereo]

DIY Music Thanks for your quick reply! Again, super helpful video. Did you ever get the Yamaha SHS500?

[@cvader7]

Fighting the war here. The Alesis Vortex has the pitch bend in a very uncomfortable position....My wrist...aah

[@DIYMusic]

everyone's bodies are built a little different... I love airpods and they fit my ear perfectly--my wife says they're uncomfortable. tomAto tomahto, to each his or her own, eh?

[@jellyhair8026]

Love the tribble mic, bro.

[@DIYMusic]

cuts down on wind noise substantially when outdoors

[@coreyoffman8739]

Do you still have these keytars or not and who are you behind the camera And are you from usa

[@DIYMusic]

I sold all of these except the lucina, but I now have an ax-synth again and will probably sell the lucina… and yes I am from the us

[@coreyoffman8739]

@@DIYMusic the ax synth is great

[@crisbowman]

Do you know of any way to get portamento from just the controller not a DAW?

[@DIYMusic]

as I understand it, portamento is always a feature of the patch / sound... even if the controller can enable or adjust it, if the sound you’re controlling doesn’t support it, you’re not gonna get any-can anyone else out there confirm or deny?

[@NugNux]

@@DIYMusic yup, generally lead sound on DAW has portamento and rhythm sound not (strings, organ,...)

[@joeylabranche1014]

Dude if you do research you will find out that the word novelty mean new, original, or unusual.The Keytar is a serious and complete instrument just like the violin or the guitar.The first Keytar came out in 1795 and was called the orphica it really become popular in the 70s and 80s and sadly people got fed up of the keytar and the instrument become unpopular.Of course the keytar is not a cool instrument but do not forget that violin and clarinet and not cool instrument either.

[@yengodoroki1218]

Sé que no tiene nada que ver pero ¿Por qué haces tus vídeos en inglés?

[@DIYMusic]

porque mi espanol es muy mal jaja

[@Yesunfortunately-r1x]

0:24 eeeey VIVA MEXICO!

[@rigobertosuarez4444]

I bought a Roland Lucina ax-09,but it doesnt sound like its tuned,it gets on my nerves, cuuz i can only play it on on G and C minor, like wtf !!! And even like that i cant do 3rd because it changes to a way off key

[@DIYMusic]

I have never heard of that issue... try new batteries / wall adapter? may be broken

[@ronaldgore7892]

Faulty ribbon controller. Factory defect a lot of them

[@vighneshgosavi4385]

Sir can you give me any of the keytar you are having 😅😅😁😁😁

[@mikiex]

Keytars are an addiction and you have a problem

[@DIYMusic]

yep

[@MohitFrancisPradhan]

Don't throw them in the river if u want please give it to me😉

[@FIXTREME]

Someone needs a keytar: Cumbia musicians You should know that as someone who lives in Mexico

[@PaulIsDeadMissHim]

You can modify any MIDI control to do anything you want, including a pitch wheel. That's the point of MIDI.

[@martysmagicalmusicmancave]

Nice Collection :)

[@agusvanani]

How about yamaha shs500 ?

[@DIYMusic]

just had one and returned it… awkward form factor, terrible sounds, super quiet and bad onboard speaker, and the pitch bend wheel is very small / inaccurate / has a short throw

[@batner]

I own an AX Synth and I think its cool despite its size. You did convince me not to buy the korg but i will get yamaha shs 500 because it looks like a toy.

[@DIYMusic]

the shs 500 just keeps getting delayed further and further in the US.... though it's already being sold in Europe and here in Mexico--no idea what's going on there

[@batner]

@@DIYMusic Well I guess I'm lucky. Got sent to work half the world away to Toronto and ordered one from some canadian website to be delivered to my crappy hotel. Should arrive tomorrow. If i will not like it i will give it to my 6 yo son. He started piano lessons last year and i bet he would enjoy jamming with me. I play the keytar mostly for me anyways. In any case I fully agree with the statement that no one needs a keytar :-)

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

Welp! Guess my name is no one cause hell yea I fukkin need a keytar. So if you dont want yours give them to me. 😁😁😁 You also remind me of Shikamaru from Naruto.

[@Kattywampus]

I just lol'ed at that Shikamaru comment

[@danielgraves2457]

Thanks for the video, Jesse, good info! Keep up the posts. We keytar lovers need to stick together and keep telling the world how fun they are!! However, i disagree on one point in your video. If you eliminate the neck on keytars, its the same width of a ~61key keyboard, and not cumbersome at all. Here's a conversion of a KROG KROSS1 synth to a keytar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2i8ea2kiKZ4j7s .

[@WillsJazzLoft]

Not to worry. I was converted the moment I saw KZbin videos featuring my funk and jazz heroes having so much fun during live performances 😎😊☺️

[@thomasellison8195]

I'm trying to start playing the key tar king you sell me one

[@pacom5543]

Thank for been tried up bro ; you make me sad ; I do have 3 Keytar too ; This instrument is Design to be Lead instrument .

[@nathanbabayev888]

Подари мне один пожалуйста 🤣🎹

[@DIYMusic]

my vortex is for sale right now, so you can have it! reverb.com/item/35154348-alesis-vortex-2-wireless-keytar-usb-midi-controller-5-pin-accelerometer-excellent-condition-original

[@marleybutler4633]

They are not too big and stupid

[@NYCKZ360]

Since they’re stupid lemme get one lol

[@DIYMusic]

unneccessary does not mean stupid… I clearly like them or I wouldn’t keep buying em lol

[@dyndas7943]

My son uses one to battle the guitar player live using Vortex and Kontakt library. You can get some cool sounds. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXe6XmZ-bpZof5o

[@gerardosierchio]

Are you happy with your life? Doesn't sound like ...

[@Ashes2Ashes_Blush2Blush]

I dont think so lol

[@speelbergo]

why you gotta be a hater? can't you just say "i don't like two handed playing" and leave it at that? why you gotta call big keytars stupid?

[@schizophrenicchaos1411]

Maybe Is not the best way to say it, but i think the same thing. If you gonna play a big keytar and gonna play it two handed, you should better buy a good keyboard. Just my opinion, have a nice day.

[@Gwenalltapowain]

Talking crap

[@crabbydad8931]

robots only play keytars! ; )

[@luhhricofr]

I’ll be honest KeyTars are just there for the aesthetic or to look cool. Just get an electric guitar

[@ronaldgore7892]

Depends on the musician. Actually very handy in a lot of my playing situations