Editing Keytar (section)

===2000s–present===
[[File:Herbie Hancock 2005.JPG|thumb|[[Herbie Hancock]] performing with a Roland AX-7 at the [[XM]] Sonic Stage at The [[Bonnaroo]] Music & Arts Festival]]

The [[Roland AX-7]], which was manufactured from 2001 to 2007, contains many more advanced features than early keytars. It has 45 [[velocity sensitive]] keys (without aftertouch), and a 3-character [[LED]] display. Several features aimed towards stage performance are present, such as a [[pitch bend]] ribbon, [[touchpad]]-like expression bar, [[sustain]] switch, and volume control knob, all on the upper neck of the instrument. There is also a proprietary "D-Beam" interface, made up of [[infrared]] sensors that detect nearby motion. This interface can be used to trigger and control effects.

In August 2009, Roland released the [[Roland AX-Synth]], a model of keytar that contains its own synthesizer sounds in addition to being a MIDI/USB controller. In 2010, Roland released the [[Roland Lucina AX-09]]. This model does not have a traditional neck, but is still considered a keytar because of it is a strap-on model and is in the AX line, with many identical features to its AX predecessors. It is unique in that it includes an additional, front panel USB port to accommodate a [[USB flash drive]], which may contain [[MP3]], [[WAV]] or [[Audio Interchange File Format|AIFF]] files for playback. The Lucina has 150 internal sounds and may also be used as a MIDI/USB controller.

[[Image:Rock Band 3 Wireless Pro Keyboard PS3.jpg|thumb|Rock Band 3<br/>Wireless Pro Keyboard]]

Also in 2010, [[Mad Catz]] released the [[Rock Band 3#Keyboard|Wireless Pro Keyboard]] for [[Rock Band 3]], a 25-key velocity-sensitive MIDI-compatible keytar controller.<ref name="wired pre-e3">
{{cite magazine
 | first  	= Gus | last = Mastrapa
 | date  	= 2010-06-11
 | title  	= Hands On: Rock Band 3 Adds Keyboards, Realistic Pro Mode
 | url  	= https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2010/06/rock-band-3/
 | magazine  	= [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]
 | access-date  	= 2010-06-11
}}</ref> Despite its sub-$100 price, it is designed for serious use outside of the game.<ref>
{{cite web
 | last  	= Kirn | first = Peter
 | date  	= Oct 27, 2010
 | title  	= Hands-on: Rock Band 3's Keytar, a Surprisingly Serious $80 MIDI Keyboard
 | url  	= http://createdigitalmusic.com/2010/10/hands-on-rock-band-3s-keytar-a-surprisingly-serious-80-midi-keyboard/
 | work  	= Create Digital Music
 | access-date  	= 2013-09-09
}}</ref> Synthpop band [[Freezepop]] have used it on stage.<ref>
{{cite web
 | first  	= Mike | last = Fahey
 | date  	= 2010-10-20
 | title  	= Freezepop Rocks The Rock Band 3 Keyboard
 | url  	= http://kotaku.com/5668650/freezepop-rocks-the-rockband-3-keyboard
 | publisher  	= [[Kotaku]]
 | access-date  	= 2010-10-20
}}</ref>

In 2012, [[Alesis]] released its first keytar and is the first major manufacturer to actually use the term "keytar" in the model name and description. The [[Alesis Vortex]] USB/MIDI Keytar Controller is unique in that it includes eight velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers, which enable the performer to create beats or trigger clips, built right into the body of the keytar. It also features an [[accelerometer]], which allows the performer to control MIDI parameters by tilting the neck. Although Alesis claims to have manufactured "the first USB keytar controller",  the Roland AX-Synth and the Roland Lucina feature USB connections with the same function and were released three years prior to the Alesis Vortex.