Sons of Apollo (feat. Portnoy & Sherinian)

[cramx3]

Good God keytars need to fucking die.

I've honestly never understood the hatred.  Keyboard players are essentially nailed to a spot because of their gear, not unlike drummers.  Someone figured out that you could package a keyboard in something portable and allow keyboard players some mobility.  What's the problem?

In the end, I think it will always come down to the impression that the keyboard player is trying to look like a guitar player. Even more so, while a guitar, especially with string bending, has some justification for physically getting into the motion, keyboards are just plastic levers that you could push with your nose if you wanted to. So when a keyboard player makes theatrics as if he was wrangling with the instrument to get that bombastic sound, it strikes a lot of people as fake, far more fake than what guitarists do.

Well you mention theatrics.  I do kind of see how sometimes when playing a keytar, some players do as you say and it does look a bit cheesy.  I don't think the instrument in and of itself is cheesy though personally. 

Coen Janssen from Epica seems pretty cool especially with his keyboard stand that moves around the stage.

He IS damn cool, especially when he goes crowd surfing in a song and still continues to play the keytar 

and what about this?  What kind of keyboard is this?  This one is a mobile keyboard but not in the shape of a guitar.  Is that less, more, or equally as cheesy?

[King Postwhore]

Lucky for us the Red Hot Chili Peppers never had a keyboard player.  Imagine playing keyboards in a sock?

[nattmorker]

Good God keytars need to fucking die.

I've honestly never understood the hatred.  Keyboard players are essentially nailed to a spot because of their gear, not unlike drummers.  Someone figured out that you could package a keyboard in something portable and allow keyboard players some mobility.  What's the problem?

In the end, I think it will always come down to the impression that the keyboard player is trying to look like a guitar player. Even more so, while a guitar, especially with string bending, has some justification for physically getting into the motion, keyboards are just plastic levers that you could push with your nose if you wanted to. So when a keyboard player makes theatrics as if he was wrangling with the instrument to get that bombastic sound, it strikes a lot of people as fake, far more fake than what guitarists do.

Well you mention theatrics.  I do kind of see how sometimes when playing a keytar, some players do as you say and it does look a bit cheesy.  I don't think the instrument in and of itself is cheesy though personally. 

Coen Janssen from Epica seems pretty cool especially with his keyboard stand that moves around the stage.

He IS damn cool, especially when he goes crowd surfing in a song and still continues to play the keytar 

and what about this?  What kind of keyboard is this?  This one is a mobile keyboard but not in the shape of a guitar.  Is that less, more, or equally as cheesy?

I remember JR once uploaded a video of him playing a christmas song on that same keyboard. It looks kind of uncomfortable.

[KevShmev]

The funny thing about keytars is that professional music critics have pretty much universally panned that instrument for decades, yet in one of the new Arcade Fire videos, Régine Chassagne is playing a keytar.  I am sure the heads of critics everywhere are still spinning since Arcade Fire is one of their darlings.

[TAC]

Who's Arcade Fire?

[Anguyen92]

^^ It's all right, TAC.  You don't need to know who they are.

[King Postwhore]

Get him a warm glass of milk and send him to bed.

[SystematicThought]

Who's Arcade Fire?

It's an old pinball machine

[Orbert]

In the end, I think it will always come down to the impression that the keyboard player is trying to look like a guitar player. Even more so, while a guitar, especially with string bending, has some justification for physically getting into the motion, keyboards are just plastic levers that you could push with your nose if you wanted to. So when a keyboard player makes theatrics as if he was wrangling with the instrument to get that bombastic sound, it strikes a lot of people as fake, far more fake than what guitarists do.

Pitch-bending on a keytar is accomplished via wheel or ribbon controller.  It is a physical action not unlike bending a string.  There's also modulation which can be applied either via touch-sensitivity or the other wheel, both physical actions as well.  The sound being produced is electronic rather than electric, but simply plucking a guitar string didn't produce the screaming feedback and distortion you hear coming from the guitar either.  Ultimately, keyboards and guitars are just different ways of producing pitched sounds.

Keyboardists think of it as enjoying the same degree of mobility as a guitarist, not "trying to look like a guitar player".  That's an association made by the observer.  And because there are few basic layouts which are feasible for a mobile keyboard -- right hand here, left hand here -- they end of looking like guitars.  But again, that's an association made by the observer.  If guitars didn't exist, it would just be the shape of a mobile keyboard.

I remember JR once uploaded a video of him playing a christmas song on that same keyboard. It looks kind of uncomfortable.

That looks horrible to play.  The only possible justification for that design is that it doesn't look like a keytar.

[sfam2112]

I remember JR once uploaded a video of him playing a christmas song on that same keyboard. It looks kind of uncomfortable.

I believe he also used it during the ending of The Mirror early on the Along For The Ride tour.

[DT2003]

Good God keytars need to fucking die.

I've honestly never understood the hatred.  Keyboard players are essentially nailed to a spot because of their gear, not unlike drummers.  Someone figured out that you could package a keyboard in something portable and allow keyboard players some mobility.  What's the problem?

I'm with ya', Orbert.

I agree as well. When Jordan plays his keytar, it definitely seems like one of the high points of DT shows as far as the crowd goes and it gives him a chance to let loose.  I felt the same way about Diego at The Glass Prison show.

[bosk1]

That looks horrible to play.  The only possible justification for that design is that it doesn't look like a keytar.

Nah, I think he actually prefers it.  He usually has a big grin while playing it, and he is quite proficient, playing some pretty intricate parts when he has it on.  And he will sometimes have it on for stretches of a few songs at a time, so it probably isn't nearly as uncomfortable and awkward as it looks once you are used to it.  You can't tell from the pic, but it has a padded brace that rests up against your belt buckle area to keep it stabilized and out a few inches from your torso, just like some drum racks for marching drummers.

[Fritzinger]

I think these two dudes are incredibly kewl:

[Kwyjibo]

If coolness was a factor, we wouldn't be listening to prog

[MirrorMask]

Without the album out yet, we're still going in tangents and offtopic, but we've moved from the online comments of Derek and Mike to an history of coolness of keyboard players over the years, I'd say it's an improvement.

[Nekov]

Without the album out yet, we're still going in tangents and offtopic, but we've moved from the online comments of Derek and Mike to an history of coolness of keyboard players over the years, I'd say it's an improvement.

They still have 7 more days to say things they shouldn't on the internet which will put us back on track

[devieira73]

About Opus Maximus (edited ):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3addS-uEkmo

I thought the origin of the title was kind of a joke with prog rock, but it is much cooler in fact. And, really, Max is really excellent on Phases. Listen to Kek, sincerely it's my favourite prog metal song of the year.

[New World Rushman]

Geddy Lee's foot is cooler:

[Orbert]

That looks horrible to play.  The only possible justification for that design is that it doesn't look like a keytar.

Nah, I think he actually prefers it.  He usually has a big grin while playing it, and he is quite proficient, playing some pretty intricate parts when he has it on.  And he will sometimes have it on for stretches of a few songs at a time, so it probably isn't nearly as uncomfortable and awkward as it looks once you are used to it.  You can't tell from the pic, but it has a padded brace that rests up against your belt buckle area to keep it stabilized and out a few inches from your torso, just like some drum racks for marching drummers.

It takes about 1.3 seconds for your fingers to adjust to the smaller keys, but the asymmetrical curve to the keyboard itself looks really weird and seems like it would be horrible to play.  Maybe the adjustment there isn't so bad, either.  Obviously I've never played one, never even seen one before.

[Ben_Jamin]

Labryinth and Opus Maximus sound pretty good. Thats what I was expecting from this project. Especially Labryinth.

[MirrorMask]

That looks horrible to play.  The only possible justification for that design is that it doesn't look like a keytar.

Nah, I think he actually prefers it.  He usually has a big grin while playing it, and he is quite proficient, playing some pretty intricate parts when he has it on.  And he will sometimes have it on for stretches of a few songs at a time, so it probably isn't nearly as uncomfortable and awkward as it looks once you are used to it.  You can't tell from the pic, but it has a padded brace that rests up against your belt buckle area to keep it stabilized and out a few inches from your torso, just like some drum racks for marching drummers.

It takes about 1.3 seconds for your fingers to adjust to the smaller keys, but the asymmetrical curve to the keyboard itself looks really weird and seems like it would be horrible to play.  Maybe the adjustment there isn't so bad, either.  Obviously I've never played one, never even seen one before.

A guy from a local band played the entire 45' minute set of their show with that, when I saw them in summer, he didn't seem really bothered by it.

[The Walrus]

I was going to post a picture of Zorak:



But then I found this. Game over, folks:

[emtee]

This has turned into a keyboard thread.

[gzarruk]

This has turned into a keyboard thread.

We're just waiting for more unnecesary tweets by Derek 

[Orbert]

That looks horrible to play.  The only possible justification for that design is that it doesn't look like a keytar.

Nah, I think he actually prefers it.  He usually has a big grin while playing it, and he is quite proficient, playing some pretty intricate parts when he has it on.  And he will sometimes have it on for stretches of a few songs at a time, so it probably isn't nearly as uncomfortable and awkward as it looks once you are used to it.  You can't tell from the pic, but it has a padded brace that rests up against your belt buckle area to keep it stabilized and out a few inches from your torso, just like some drum racks for marching drummers.

It takes about 1.3 seconds for your fingers to adjust to the smaller keys, but the asymmetrical curve to the keyboard itself looks really weird and seems like it would be horrible to play.  Maybe the adjustment there isn't so bad, either.  Obviously I've never played one, never even seen one before.

A guy from a local band played the entire 45' minute set of their show with that, when I saw them in summer, he didn't seem really bothered by it.

Okay, now I'm actually curious.  What keyboard is that, and who's the guy in the picture?

[bosk1]

Coen Janssen, keyboardist for Epica. 

Check this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u2eePiXahI

Or see 35:51 onward from this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrXRxp-sDVY

Watching those clips, you can see a couple of advantages to that design for a "mobile" keyboard.  A keytar design doesn't easily allow for playing with both hands.  This does.  A flat keyboard mounted the same way could work, but I think for moving around, which is the whole point, it looks like this design provides a better center of gravity. 

EDIT:  Actually, here is the site for it where they discuss it and have some Epica videos that highlight Coen playing it:  https://nu-motion.com/?lang=en

[Ben_Jamin]

I liked the Labryinth story of...Mi-No-Taur. Then they decided not to use that word. Haha.

[Tick]

I love MP but the over the top hype for this project is a bit obnoxious. (Just my opinion)
And Derek is coming off as an ass clown, but taking very unnecessary shots at JR.

[Ben_Jamin]

Coen Janssen, keyboardist for Epica. 

Check this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u2eePiXahI

Or see 35:51 onward from this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrXRxp-sDVY

Watching those clips, you can see a couple of advantages to that design for a "mobile" keyboard.  A keytar design doesn't easily allow for playing with both hands.  This does.  A flat keyboard mounted the same way could work, but I think for moving around, which is the whole point, it looks like this design provides a better center of gravity.

Haha the best part is when he plays them on Simones baby bump.

[bill1971]

The new video for the making of Opus Maximus is up. Actually no obnoxious comments from either one of them. It was actually pretty nice that they named it after Max Portnoy for his 18th birthday.
I was afraid MP would say it is the MOST complex piece I have ever written on any band or something, but he didn't so shame on me.

[gzarruk]

The new video for the making of Opus Maximus is up. Actually no obnoxious comments from either one of them. It was actually pretty nice that they named it after Max Portnoy for his 18th birthday.
I was afraid MP would say it is the MOST complex piece I have ever written on any band or something, but he didn't so shame on me.

Well, he DID say something similar for an instrumental track (forgot the name) on TSOAD (he compared it to TDOE), and it ended up being ... meh, imo.

[Orbert]

Coen Janssen, keyboardist for Epica. 

Check this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u2eePiXahI

Or see 35:51 onward from this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrXRxp-sDVY

Watching those clips, you can see a couple of advantages to that design for a "mobile" keyboard.  A keytar design doesn't easily allow for playing with both hands.  This does.  A flat keyboard mounted the same way could work, but I think for moving around, which is the whole point, it looks like this design provides a better center of gravity. 

EDIT:  Actually, here is the site for it where they discuss it and have some Epica videos that highlight Coen playing it:  https://nu-motion.com/?lang=en

Interesting.  In the picture upthread, it looked like the curve was asymmetrical, but it must've just been the angle, and he's a pretty big guy so I guess that's why the keys didn't look full size.

It still seems to me that one of the main selling points is that it isn't laid out like a keytar.  For people instantly turned off by the keytar design, I suppose that's a plus.  The ability to use both hands is definitely a plus.  The only thing, therefore, distinguishing the Revo-1 from any other controller that you could mount and wear around is the curved shape, because it would otherwise look like someone just mounted a controller on a harness so they could walk around with it (which is basically what it is).  So the curve distracts from that.  A guy walking around with a keyboard attached to his waist would look kinda stupid, but if it's a curved keyboard, then that's obviously much cooler (sarcasm, but of indeterminate degree).

So for keyboardists, the choices would seem to be the keytar design ("you're trying to look like a guitarist!"), this (which kinda screams "gimmick" but at least isn't a keytar) or fixing a regular keyboard with a strap and wearing it in front of you (which I've seen but can't find a picture for).  Or just standing behind your keys.

[bosk1]

Well, yeah.  But this one is curved!

[bill1971]

The new video for the making of Opus Maximus is up. Actually no obnoxious comments from either one of them. It was actually pretty nice that they named it after Max Portnoy for his 18th birthday.
I was afraid MP would say it is the MOST complex piece I have ever written on any band or something, but he didn't so shame on me.

Well, he DID say something similar for an instrumental track (forgot the name) on TSOAD (he compared it to TDOE), and it ended up being ... meh, imo.

I guess he learned his lesson. That track on TSOAD was good but song writing is Neal Morse's strength and not crazy instrumentals. he mentioned throwing in some parts of unreleased Metropolis Part 2 which Derek played on. I wonder if he would have to give Petrucci a writing credit on that track?

[cramx3]

I think these two dudes are incredibly kewl:

  I love the treadmill, I think it's great

If coolness was a factor, we wouldn't be listening to prog

And yea at the end of the day, this.