View Full Version : Backpacker's Keytar
I've been playing the keytar for nine years, and I can't imagine six months without it! Obviously I can't lug my normal sized keytar and amps on the trail. Does anybody know of a lightweight backpacker's model? Preferably under 2-3 pounds. maybe an acoustic version? thanks!
:banana
bigmac_in
03-25-2008, 12:26
I've been playing the keytar for nine years, and I can't imagine six months without it! Obviously I can't lug my normal sized keytar and amps on the trail. Does anybody know of a lightweight backpacker's model? Preferably under 2-3 pounds. maybe an acoustic version? thanks!
:banana
Just when I thought there were never any new posts here - just the same old things, you post this....
Dude - I almost choked on my turkey sandwich.
I hope you get some good ideas - have you thought about hanging a strap on one of those tiny toy pianos?
:D - For those that can't see this is in the humor forum.
Gray Blazer
03-25-2008, 12:36
A melodica.....you'll need to carry several ounces of alchohol to clean it out. I reccommend Crown Royal!! :D
Jaybird62
03-25-2008, 12:37
Maybe a solar powered electric keytar board would work for you. I hear Yamaha is coming out with one that only weighs 2 lbs- full synthetic sound and all. I can hear it now VH's "Jump" being sung in campfires up and down the ranges!!
envirodiver
03-25-2008, 13:29
What's a keytar? Is it like a Mr. Microphone?
MoodyBluer
03-25-2008, 13:59
What's a keytar? Is it like a Mr. Microphone?
It is a ridiculous keyboard that has a little (sometimes big) neck on one end of it that allows the player to walk around and play it like a guitar...hence "keytar".
You might be able to tell from my moniker that I'm a big Moody Blues fan...their '80s keyboard player Patrick Moraz played one a lot and it was quite comical to watch him prance around on stage making those rock star faces playing the keytar (you know how some guitarists look on stage when they bend notes on a fretboard and look like they are in a lot of pain).
Ive got two at the co-op if'n youd of come to out to the ruck you'd ave played it Ill get a picture tonight. Gotta bve less than 2 lbs.
thanks for all the great replies! :D
bigmac - toy piano with strap is an excellent idea! However I'm worried it won't sound as good as the real thing. :-? I suppose that's a comprimise you make whenever you miniaturize an instrument.
gray blazer - the melodica looks interesting! Would you recommend a tenor or soprano? I like the looks of a tenor because, being bigger, you need more spirits to clean it out with :banana
jaybird - another excellent idea! The whole reason I picked up keytar was because it combines the versatility of a guitar with the rad sound of a synthesizer. :D Of course "Jump" is one of my favorite songs to play on keytar. Another classic is "It's My Life," the original version. the No Doubt remake is sadly lacking in the synthesizer department :(
I should've mentioned that I also play air keytar, as well as air synthesizer. These instruments have the distinct advantage of weighing nothing! Unfortunately you look kind of dorky playing them, unlike playing keytar which makes you look cool :cool::cool:
budforester
03-25-2008, 15:15
Maybe keep it in your bounce- box, and earn beer $ in the trail towns.
envirodiver
03-25-2008, 15:19
You might be able to tell from my moniker that I'm a big Moody Blues fan...
I have tickets to see the Moody Blues here in Nashville April 18 at the Ryman Auditorium (The original Grand Ole Opry House) with great accoustics. Should be a fabulous show.
I should've mentioned that I also play air keytar, as well as air synthesizer. These instruments have the distinct advantage of weighing nothing! Unfortunately you look kind of dorky playing them, unlike playing keytar which makes you look cool :cool::cool:
I play the desk (and anything else solid) drums. We should start a band. I can also play the mouth trumpet on songs requiring horns.
MoodyBluer
03-25-2008, 18:10
I have tickets to see the Moody Blues here in Nashville April 18 at the Ryman Auditorium (The original Grand Ole Opry House) with great accoustics. Should be a fabulous show.
Are they playing any of the Moody Bluegrass stuff at the Ryman? If you haven't heard any of it, it's old Moody tunes set to a bluegrass tempo...it's amazing to hear how well (with a few exceptions like Legend of a Mind) their tunes translated to Bluegrass.
I play the desk (and anything else solid) drums. We should start a band. I can also play the mouth trumpet on songs requiring horns.
I'm ready...I can play guitar but wouldn't want to carry one on a thru-hike (although I admire those who do).
I'm ready...I can play guitar but wouldn't want to carry one on a thru-hike (although I admire those who do).
we 3 should get together. Me on lead keytar, envirodiver on table drums/mouth horn, and moodybluer you can play backup keytar. We just need a melodica-ist, a washboard, and our band of novelty instruments is complete!!! Anybody who plays these instruments please reply.
:banana
bigmac_in
03-25-2008, 21:31
I'm pretty handy on the kazoo - come to think of it, you can make a kazoo sound a lot like a Keytar. AND you can play the kazoo at the same time you are playing air keytar.
I think I've stumbled upon something here....
envirodiver
03-25-2008, 22:44
Sounds like the start of a band. Now we need a name.
" The Walkers"? Just a start
Wise Old Owl
03-27-2008, 19:50
I've been playing the keytar for nine years, and I can't imagine six months without it! Obviously I can't lug my normal sized keytar and amps on the trail. Does anybody know of a lightweight backpacker's model? Preferably under 2-3 pounds. maybe an acoustic version? thanks!
:banana
Acoustic pre 1970's (had a great run) doesn't need batteries! Might be a little heavy for trail work
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/MarkSwarbrick/20041013_roland_fr7.jpg
The 1983 C64 Commadore Keytar (no kidding) needs batteries.
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/MarkSwarbrick/c64.jpg
Read more about it on Robo Porn....Phillip is very talented!
http://robotporn.de/index.php?s=transpose
The lightweight modern version 1.1 microsoft version of today.
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg275/MarkSwarbrick/KeyTar_Hero-T.jpg
No power & lots of imagination! The Air Keytar!
A good hiking shirt too.....
http://www.80stees.com/products/Keytar-Hero-T-shirt.asp
lets try that again.....
http://www.80stees.com/products/Keytar-Hero-T-shirt.asp
In the 70's, I considered installing a small keyboard on my dashboard just the the right of my steering wheel.
Gray Blazer
04-15-2008, 12:51
In the 70's, I considered installing a small keyboard on my dashboard just the the right of my steering wheel.
They did have some good drugs back then.;)