Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 03:45 PM

I've posted this from old thread so that it is easier to read.(Rockhen)


"You can get some good bargains in sound modules these days, since most people rely on software synths on their computers.
As with everything, it's the unfashionable ones that are the best bargains. So a Roland TB909 will cost more than twice as much as a Yamaha TX81, which sounds just as interesting.
Roland stuff, even the old ones, hold their prices better than Korg or Yamaha, but really it comes down to what sounds you want.
Rolands have always been great for bass sounds.
Korgs specialise in dreamy, spacey sounds.
For strings and woodwind, it's hard to beat an EMU Synth module, especially the specialised orchestral units.
Yamaha are second best in each area, but probably the best all-rounders.
A basic GM sound module- with just the standard voices in the General Midi set will be way under £50.
The more original, multi voice, programmable one will be twice that, or even more- and there are still a few being made, though they all tend to be orientated towards electronic dance music sounds these days.
Cheers
Dave "

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 03:38 PM

:-)
Thanks for that, I will have a look and check those out. Hey, it is as much as I can do to feel comfortable STANDing at the front...but you never know, lol!
Still grinning at the "dramatic reckless stage diving and crowd surfing"!
I have a feeling that the radio transmitter pack will be a bit expensive but never say never. It took me 4 years to get one of these things to start with.
Cheers, appreciate the ideas thanks!

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: GUEST,punkfolrocker
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 12:50 PM

..or if you intend dramatic reckless stage diving and crowd surfing..

..a radio transmiter pack instead of an audio lead....

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 12:05 PM

ok suggest you read up internet reviews on good bargain 2nd hand Yamaha QY70 or QY100.

These are very versatile small portable battery [or mains] powered
midi sound-module / sequencer/ midi file players..

So heres a not so daft practical idea for gigging..
with the emphasis on being lightly equipped for running and jumping about manic stage performance...

..maybe a QY safely strapped into a slim shoulder or 'bum' bag
connected by a short midi lead to your Roland AX7..
Then just need to carefully run a long enough audio cable from the QY to your amp
or PA mixer.

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 10:22 AM

I will do, ta. I am not sure how old this Keytar is. I did look on some forums but it was fairly technical advice and I would prefer if someone can just say, get one of those, it is only x amount but will do the job!
I just want to play it not particularly understand what it does. I do like computer stuff and am not a technophobe, but I am more keen on getting out there and playing as it is more something for 'fun' rather than spending a lot of time testing things out.
Thanks, leeneia

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 10:13 AM

See if Roland has a web site with customer service or forums and ask them for advice.

Subject: RE: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 09:49 AM

The Roland keytar AX7 all ready to be played!

Subject: Using a Roland AX7 keytar help required
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 09:44 AM

This is a new thread, following my old thread in '05, asking what the Roland AX7 was. For those who don't know, as I found out, then, it is a keyboard you can wear like a guitar and use to play another keyboard through, or other sound source.
It is portable and you can walk about with it on stage, like a guitar...   ;-)

(!    :-)For those who think it is a daft instrument and a gimmick, yep, you are probably right but I got chance of this one mint condition one second-hand and want to have some fun playing it but don't want to spend a lot more money, or get bogged down with technical stuff about it! )
Currently, I play it by connecting through a keyboard. I would like to have another source of sounds for it, so that I can take it along to local jam nights, or similar and play without having to cart laptop or another keyboard with me. Perhaps a small sound module or similar. I know very little about them so am wondering if anyone can advise me. I already have a Casio keyboard and a privia stage piano but would like something smaller than them to give me an alternative option for sound sources.
I will try to post a link after this, so you can see the beast in photographic glory!
Thanks for any useful help you can give.