Features of the keyboard instrument
Modern models of musical instruments are presented in a huge assortment. So, the keyboard is an original and perfectly sounding instrument. It looks very unusual, but produces excellent sound quality. The article will discuss all the features of this interesting tool.
What it is?
A keyboard is a keyboard-fretboard electric instrument. Other names: official - keytar, unofficial - "comb". This is a shoulder-mounted synthesizer or guitar-type MIDI keyboard... The peak of popularity of this product came in the 80s of the XX century. In those days, the keyboard was often used both on the domestic and foreign pop scene.
A hand-held instrument that looks like a guitar with keyboards is still relevant today. Many musicians use it.
Sound and structure
Externally, the specimens under consideration most often look like the most ordinary keyboard instruments. Many people confuse the keyboard with the synthesizer. However, this is a completely different type of product.... Modern keyboards do not provide built-in sound tones. The main task of modern MIDI keyboards is to effectively control external sound modules, as well as sequencers or virtual instruments that are already on a working personal computer.
The keyboard can work in a single instrumental complex. In this case, the instrument acts as a controller that sends the necessary information in the format of the corresponding MIDI commands to those devices that also operate in accordance with the current protocol.
Many modern keyboard models provide most of the sounds needed for solo playing. The built-in sound generators of such instruments often even contain voices based on the latest technological developments..
The structure of the clavitar differs from that of standard musical instruments. If you look at such a construction, then you can immediately notice the elements of the piano (keyboard component), as well as the guitar profile. As a rule, the products in question are attached to a reliable belt, so they are very comfortable to wear. From the outside it may seem that a person is playing an unusual guitar with keys.
Manufacturers
Currently, high-quality clavitar models are produced by many well-known manufacturers. There are many variations of these musical instruments for the choice of consumers. Among them there are both the simplest and more advanced and expensive ones.
Roland
It is a well-known Japanese manufacturer that produces a wide range of high quality electronic musical instruments. In addition, Roland offers the corresponding software to consumers.
A well-known brand produces excellent keyitars. The instruments are characterized by impeccable quality, the most convenient device, rich polyphony, a large number of tones and a cool built-in interface. In addition, Japanese MIDI keyboards boast very beautiful designs. The assortment of the brand includes specimens of various colors.
Yamaha
And this is another world famous brand from Japan. Yamaha offers a variety of amazing quality MIDI keyboards for musicians to choose from. Different models of the brand have a different number of keys. This suggests that both a beginner and an experienced user can choose a worthy copy. The level of keyboard hardness in instruments also varies.
Many Yamaha keyboards include automatic accompaniment... In addition, on branded models, users will be able to independently control the pitch and modulation controllers. Many devices are supplemented with a large number of necessary connectors, for example, USB or AUX.
Korg
This brand produces very good electric musical instruments. The country of the brand is Japan. In addition to instruments, this manufacturer produces various accessories and functional equipment for recording studios. Korg products offer superior quality and durability.
The musical products of the brand in question can boast of a very expressive design performance. Korg keyboards look stylish and modern. The tools have a very comfortable structure. They are comfortable to operate.
Alesis
And this is a large American manufacturer that produces first-class shoulder synthesizers in a rich assortment. Electromusical instruments of this brand are very easy to use. Most devices are equipped with all the necessary controls, responsive keys, sturdy shoulder straps, and extra ports.
The design of the Alesis instruments is also quite attractive. The brand's models have clear forms, due to which they look modern and stylish.
Keyitars are sold in a fairly diverse configuration.
Casio
Casio is a world famous Japanese brand that is famous for the highest quality of its products. The range of products from this manufacturer is huge. Casio not only produces first-class watches of different types, but also chic shoulder synthesizers.
"Combs" from Casio are made only from high quality and reliable materials. All brand products are assembled literally "for centuries". This also applies to musical instruments. Casio keyboards last a long time, have a comfortable structure... Many models with good functionality are affordable.
Akai
This name belongs to a well-known Japanese manufacturer of high-quality consumer electronics and audio systems.The firm was founded in Tokyo in 1929. Unfortunately, in 2004, the company was busted and bought by the Grande Group of Hong Kong. Akai does not currently exist as a stand-alone firm. Its trademark is used by other electronics companies. Akai shoulder synthesizers are not found in all retail outlets, but this does not prevent them from being of high quality and reliable electronic equipment.
The equipment produced under this brand has always been famous for its practicality, durability and adequate pricing policy.
How to play?
It is not enough just to purchase a high-quality and reliable keyboard. You still need to be able to play well on it. Many users purchase such tools even before they master the technique of playing them. In this case, buying a very expensive and advanced shoulder synthesizer turns out to be a serious mistake. If you come across such things for the first time, then a simpler, inexpensive option will be enough for a start.
Having bought your favorite keyboard of the level suitable for you, you can proceed to learning how to play it.
Let's consider the general principles of this difficult process.
- It will be most convenient to learn on the keyboard, which provides an automatic accompaniment function.... This component will make it clear how to correctly extract notes, chords and follow the rhythm in general.
- Do not forget that most of these tools involve the use of both hands.... In the case of a shoulder synthesizer, the left hand acts as an accompanying one, and the right one acts as a soloist.
- Before lessons start make sure the keyboard is of the optimal sizeso that later you do not have to relearn.
- It is advisable to be familiar with the octave in advance. - the keyboard of any musical instrument is based on it. All the necessary knowledge about octaves can be obtained from a musical literacy. Therefore, first of all, it makes sense to thoroughly study the musical notation, the duration of notes and pauses.
- Need to familiarize yourself with the built-in tones shoulder instrument, understand how automatic accompaniment works.
Let's analyze the process of using a MIDI keyboard.
- First, you need to connect a MIDI cable to the keyboard. Its USB side must be connected to the same port on the computer.
- Then the keyboard should be turned over. Try to play at least a few notes. Make sure that all LED indicators react to this.
- After connecting, a program should be launched on the computer that allows you to work with the keyboard's capabilities. And you also need to use applications for recording music tracks.
- Create a new MIDI track. Play a few notes on the keyboard to make sure the sound is coming from the speakers, the notes are displayed, and the sound is being recorded.
Drivers for connecting the devices in question are optional, so they can be connected to a laptop, to a synthesizer, and to any other equipment.