Gadget Freak Case #263: Midi Key-tar 14287

Have you ever needed an extra synth for a concert? Maybe you just enjoy fiddling around with music production software, and you need a midi controller? Well, look no further than your own computer keyboard. This simple "weekend project" will leave you with a new, stylish, playable instrument.

This keyboard "hack" was inspired from a situation when my band was playing a concert, but we needed a secondary synth. I knew computer keyboards could be used to send midi commands to music production software (Ableton, Pro Tools, Fl Studio, etc.), but keeping a computer keyboard on stage would be an eyesore. Naturally, I took a computer keyboard apart and tried to make it a little easier on the eyes and fingers. Some of the features of this midi "key-tar" are resistive-touch activated keys, LED back-lit keys, and the fact that it is guitar strap friendly.

Once all the parts are obtained, this project will only take about two hours to complete.

Click here to view Table 1.

Click here to view Table 2.

Do you have a Gadget Freak project you would like the world to see? Send a brief description of your gadget and a photo to Assistant Managing Editor Lauren Muskett.

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Check out the Best of Gadget Freak -- Volume 2 Technology Roundup to see some of the best gadgets that your peers have created.

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