Let's Build a Keytar - Part II: Keys

For the kays, I bought a used M-Audio Keystation 49e for 20 bucks. It is a pretty simple midi controller with 4 octaves of standard size keys. It also got a modulation and pitch bend wheel as well as octave shift buttons. I might reuse some of these parts too.

Let's jump into an exciting reverse engineering adventure!

Let's Build a Keytar - Part I: Introduction

As a keyboardist and a big fan of bands from the 80s, I have been dreaming to have a keytar since my childhood. Currently, only Roland is still selling fully-fledged keytars (i,e. with sound synthesis), and Alesis sells some cheaper midi controllers. As none of the devices fits my needs and my budget, I decided to build my own.

The current plan looks something like this:

• The keys come from a inexpensive 49 key midi controller
• sound is generated by a NanoSynth sound module (SAM2695), other synthesizers may be added later
• A Teensy 3.5 works the brain of the instrument
• User interface via OLED or LCD, buttons, encoders and potentiometers
• A wooden casing with a shape similar to the AX edge.