The Casio AZ-1 is a

polyphonic Polyphony ( ) is a type of musical texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody, as opposed to a musical texture with just one voice ( monophony) or a texture with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords ...

MIDI Musical Instrument Digital Interface (; MIDI) is an American-Japanese technical standard that describes a communication protocol, digital interface, and electrical connectors that connect a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, ...

keyboard Keyboard may refer to: Text input * Keyboard, part of a typewriter * Computer keyboard ** Keyboard layout, the software control of computer keyboards and their mapping ** Keyboard technology, computer keyboard hardware and firmware Music * Mus ...

in the form of a

keytar A keytar (a portmanteau of ''keyboard'' and ''guitar'') is a keyboard instrument similar to a synthesizer or MIDI controller that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is held. Overview Though the ...

. It has a distinctive white body with a long neck, with detailing in a pale blue. This instrument is designed to be played, with the aid of a shoulder strap, in an approximation of an electric guitar. As were many keytars, it was geared towards keyboardists who wanted greater freedom of movement during performances.

Features

The AZ-1 features 2 switches, 2 wheels, and 1 slider that transmit assignable MIDI continuous controller data as the user deems fit. It has a pitch wheel for shifting the sound up or down fractions of a note. Other non-definable controllers include Solo, Sustain, Portamento and a three position octave slider. The AZ-1 has one MIDI output, and can simultaneously transmit on two selectable midi channels. It can send midi program change commands from dedicated program select buttons. Furthermore, its feature set includes both velocity sensitivity as well as true

aftertouch Keyboard expression is the ability of a keyboard musical instrument to change tone or other qualities of the sound in response to velocity, pressure or other variations in how the performer depresses the keys of the musical keyboard. Expression ...

. This is something of a rarity amongst keytars, and all but the highest end keyboards, as many only have velocity sensitivity. The AZ-1 is powered by either 6 AA batteries (1.5v each) or by external power supply (negative center pin, positive ring.)

History

1980s–1990s

The keyboard featured in the music video "

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" by

Krush Krush were a UK dance music group, who had a crossover hit single with "House Arrest" in 1987. Career The group consisted of musicians Mark Gamble, Cassius Campbell and record producers Mark Brydon and Robert Gordon. Ruth Joy was the featured ...

. In 1996, it was used by Dean Bright (from

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) in all tours, like in London Europride '96.

2000s–present

Today, the AZ-1 is used by groups such a
RedgreenblueDangerous!The Brockville Country ClubFun!Yeah!ComtronPapanegro
an
Starman: The David Bowie Tribute
Furthermore, this model was prominently featured in the music video for

Snoop Dogg Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. ( ; born October 20, 1971), better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg (previously Snoop Doggy Dogg), is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Rooted in West Coast hip-hop, he is widely regarded as one of t ...

's "

Sensual Seduction "Sensual Seduction", also known as "Sexual Eruption", is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on November 20, 2007 as the first single of his ninth studio album ''Ego Trippin, with the record label Geffen Records. The song was ...

References

Keytars Casio musical instruments {{Electronic-musical-instrument-stub