When Was the Electric Keyboard Invented?
From the opening chords off Van Halen's song "Jump," to the psychedelic improvisations of Weather Report keyboardist Joe Zawinal, the electric keyboard has become a part of popular music culture in recent decades. The ability of the electric keyboard to imitate other instruments and to be played at very high volumes has allowed it to become a must-have tool for any recording or touring musician.
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History
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The first analog synthesizer was invented in 1876 by Elisha Grey, who played a key role in the development of the telephone. In 1964, inventor Robert Moog introduced the modular synthesizer to the marketplace, which led to the development of the modern day electric keyboard.
Significance
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The increased range of sounds that electric keyboards can produce has greatly expanded the popularity of the music, especially in pop and dance music.
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Function
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The electric keyboard can function in the same manner as the acoustic piano, in both a solo and ensemble capacity.
Types
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The term electric keyboard has been used to describe several different instruments including electric pianos, digital pianos, synthesizers, samplers, electronic organs and mellotrons.
Features
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Electric keyboards feature a standard piano keyboard, which is often shorter than the 88 keys of the piano, as well as a memory bank of synthesized sounds and preprogrammed music.
Famous Ties
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Led Zeppelin bassist John-Paul Jones was an early proponent of the synthesizer and electric keyboard. His use of the instrument during songs such as "No Quarter" provided a new sonic texture to the music that helped raise the band to the upper-echelon of the rock music world.
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Resources
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