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.