Nord User Forum

Hey guys.

One of my co-workers owns a Roland Juno-106 and (I think) a microKorg. Those two instruments are straight-up synthesizers.

I understand that the definition of a synthesizer is an instrument that can generate artificial sounds using mathematical algorithms.

However, most recording artists liberally use the terms "synthesizer" and "keyboard" in an interchangeable manner.

I'm sure that most recording artists utilize synthesizers in order to produce their songs. But if you glance at their albums' sleeve notes, the word "keyboards" (rather than "synthesizers") appears more often.

So here's my question-

Is it okay to call a synthesizer (such as the microKorg or the Roland Juno-106) a keyboard?

Thanks guys!

Well, a keyboard has keys. White and black keys, most of the time.

As far as "synthesizer" terminlogy, I don't wanna enter the debate right now

Let's just say a synthesizer may or may not have a keyboard.

Hi Jericho,

Pursuant to the International MI Treaty signed into law shortly after the implementation of MIDI in 1983, Section C, Paragraph 9(c)(iii), it is wrong to call a synthesizer a keyboard. Violators of this provision are subject to strict fines and, in severe cases, possible imprisonment. Not.

"The definition of a synthesizer...artificial sounds using mathematical algorithms..." These days this may largely have come to be true. Nord was first to do this on a commercial scale and coined the term Virtual Analog to describe this. But there were synths for years before that which had little/nothing to do with math (although obviously math could be used to describe the electronics aspect). And many would take exception with the term "artificial sound." Sound is sound. If it makes noise, it's sound.

Personally, from about 1988 until 2010 when I got with Nord, my rig always consisted of a single keyboard connected to a rack of midi modules, but I always refer to these modules as "keyboards." Not having keys isn't a dealbreaker for me, and it helps to refer to them that way when trying to explain to others what they are -- keyboards without keys.

Pablo

Hey guys. OP here.

I know a local band that's trying to independently produce its first EP. On that EP, one of the band members is credited as playing "keyboards & synthesizers".

How can a band member be playing BOTH keyboards and synthesizers if most modern-day synthesizers are keyboard-based?


(Edit: I've never been inside their studio.)

Some synths have no keyboard.
Some keyboards are not synths.

A guy can play both. What's the problem?

Jericho-79 wrote:How can a band member be playing BOTH keyboards and synthesizers if most modern-day synthesizers are keyboard-based?

You should ask that band who only you know who they are. How could anybody here know the answer?
I thought that the previous replies were clear. The Roland guitar w/hexa mic, a theremin, the NordDrum 2 and many others are all synth without a keyboard.
What about pianos/clavinet/organs (all could be called kbd but none is a strictly a synth).

Not to mention that there are some pretty famous examples of people playing EVERYTHING on their albums, keys, drums, bass, guitars, synths, I agree, what's the problem?

This isn't really the third time you've asked the same question on this forum and had people explain it to you, is it?

Six out of your seven posts are threads asking about the definition of a keyboard.

I have to chime in: What's the problem here?