The Ambidextro Keytar – Twice As Cool As Regular Keytars?

Ambidextro Keytar

Haunted by the curse of Herbie Hancock– the unfortunate law of the universe that guys always look stupid playing the keytar? (While there are plenty of memorable keytar goddessesHerbie Hancock is the only guy, ever, to look cool playing the keytar.)

From the looks of it, the Ambidextro Keytar will do nothing to help with this problem – but it still might be twice as cool as regular keytars.

Why?

Here’s what designer Wilson Wen-Cheng Liang has to say about it:

Traditional keytars prevent musicians from performing with both hands, leaving the left hand doing nothing.

The innovative double-sided key design of the Ambidextro gives the musicians the ability to fully express their talent.

The infographic below explains the unique controller technology behind the Ambidextro keytar. 

As a design concept, the Ambidextro Keytar is interesting – but it would also require learning a completely new playing technique.

Is the Ambidextro Keytar double the keytar fun? Check it out and let us know what you think!

via musicofsound

28 thoughts on “The Ambidextro Keytar – Twice As Cool As Regular Keytars?

  1. It needs big keytar horns sticking out of both ends. Without them, it's merely a funky strap-on.

    A keytar must have a horn/headstock/phallus that looks like it is about to shoot out bullets/flames/plasma at the audience/enemy/guitarist.

    However, it looks nice and light. I could go running with that like the dude in the photo must be about to do after he recovers his balance.

  2. Not bad. I always wondered why does a keytar have to be so huge when most of the time the guy is only gonna play with two octaves anyways? This thing is like "Uke-eytar" or something. Seems like the left thumb is going to waste though? Maybe put a way to pitchbend or open/close filters underneath like a ribbon.

  3. Honestly, one of the best concepts I've ever seen. If you can get the keys to play right on both sides, I think you'd have a real winner here. I'm assuming one would have to come up with almost entirely new mechanisms for the keys, but I know it can be done. What if you could also have a breath controller port so you can play it like a futuristic Melodica? Perhaps an extra "strap peg" that doubles as a breath controller port of some kind?

    However you do it, I'm in, if it's not crazy expensive and plays decently. I'm even down if it has mini-keys, like some of the KORG products have these days.

    Good luck with this. I hope we see a real product sooner than later! I'm guessing this would be really great for a Kickstarter project, or try to get someone like M-Audio involved. I can't wait to play one!

  4. USB midi out would be brilliant on this. If I think about it for a right handed person who plays keys and guitar this is perfect. The right hand is generally the "strongest" for playing keys and the way the hand is positioned for the left hand is the same position as playing the neck of a guitar.
    Brilliant.

    1. I’m not exactly a goddess, but I design Vertical Keyboards. 🙂 I have a patent pending design actually, that is similar to your double sided keys which will be in newer models once I figure out the mechanics of it. It’s a hard mechanical problem to make keys which lever from both sides or the middle.

      Are yours push down keys, like regular keyboard keys, or just surfaces??

      cheers,
      Elaine

  5. Hello. My name is Robert Lee and I’ve been playing keytar for 2 stressful years. I’m left handed, and my right hand is half paralyzed, and yes epilepsy is a bitch. This keytar is the perfect solution. Everyone in my family is a musician, as am I. Is this purchaseable? Please respond. Much thanks. -Robert Lee

    1. I CAN’T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, BUT I AM A “FORMER” PROFESSIONAL PIANO PLAYER. I PLAY PRIMARILY CLASSICAL, BUT I ALSO LOVE AMERICAN SONG BOOK AND JAZZ. I HAVE AN UN-DIAGNOSABLE PROBLEM WITH MY RIGHT HAND (TREMORS&SHAKINESS), SO I CAN’T PLAY THE WAY I REALLY WANT TO. IF YOU RESPOND TO THIS, MAYBE WE CAN CONNECT AND COMPARE NOTES ON WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE A 1 HANDED MUSICIAN THAT WANTS TO PLAY THE SOUNDS THAT 2 HANDS CAN MAKE

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