NAMM 22: Hammer Action Snap Together Travel Keyboard

The Piano De Voyage snap together keybed is a very clever keyboard that can give you 88 keys in a portable format. The original Model A keyboard is a full size keybed which snaps together in octaves.

The new Hammer Action version adds an actual hammer action keybed and comes in four sections, with a master sections that also includes an on board sound generator - we didn't get to hear that sadly, but they are planning on launching this for pre-orders this summer priced at around $1500-2000.

The original keyboard is available now priced at €1169 for a full 88 key version and is also available in 64 and 40 key versions



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[wokwithwong]

So NAMM 2023 came and went but the Piano De Voyage Model B is still missing in action (production)...what's going on Piano De Voyage?

[HNDCRAFTED]

Never seen anything like this, what a great idea.

[What]

Many people like me have been looking for a take apart or foldable full size 88-key piano bed like this for years. I've seen several attempts but don't know of anything that survived: I really hope this one does. As far as the prototype look goes... I don't think most people looking for this sort of thing will care... they just want it to work!

[Ancaja]

I had this same idea this last year. I really wanted a solid midi keyboard I could travel with, people say its expensive, but its WAY more expensive and dangerous (to your gear) to check a keyboard on a flight. My only issue is how chunky it is, and how it truly looks like an early prototype. I'm into the "early version" they showed. The thing I wish they implemented is some sort of programmable keyzones/ midi keyzones, though I guess thats not very typical.

[URAZKIVANER]

When is the Model B coming out ???? I have people asking me in my country :)

[GizzyDillespee]

Besides price and looks, my concern would be the key mechanism. Usually when there are stubby keys with nothing behind the hinge point, the action sucks. But here it seems like they designed some kind of custom key mechanism that folds over below the front of the key? For the price, the unweighted model would have to feel better than other much cheaper stubby hinged controller keyboards. On the weighted model, where do you put the weights? There's no extension of the key behind the hinge! If the weighting is simulated using springs, I'd have to feel it to believe it.

[JDStoneCreations]

There's plenty of studio bound and even local gigging musicians that just won't get this, it will be too much money or not quite right for their own use and therefore they'll call it a waste of money and time as a result.
But for those who travel and especially fly a lot, those who do it all on their own and cannot just borrow more gear, those that need that one portable rig, this is the PERFECT carry on suitcase solution. The key feel is going to be paramount to their success, but the majority of modern synths have rubbery key feel compared to decent gear before the millennium so its not going to need to be mind blowing to beat those.
Huge manufacturers aren't going to be interested in a boutique product like this, they couldn't make a passion project for the few that need it as it wouldn't line their pockets with the same profits churning out the same plastic tat or reimagining their old wonders does.

[RenardeauGuy]

The French are known for making a big deal about the B version in 2022, even though it won't be available in France until 2025. This behaviour is typical of the French, as seen in their approach to building houses—they often start projects and leave them unfinished for years.

[tmerickson]

Looks awesome for gigging musicians. It will live or die by it's key feel however! Traveling with a doepfer hammer action keyboard sucks unless you have roadies. They come in great metal gigging cases but are heavy as hell.

[TheFoo_Fighter]

I’ve been waiting for sth like this… but the price is hefty

[superactivitylad]

for that price, might as well get a roli seaboard

[synthesizedchill]

It's way too expensive for my taste. I certainly hope the sound engine is the best of the best. I can't see the value. Korg or one of the other quality manufacturers, that don't charge premium for everything, please come to the rescue. It can't be that difficult.

[YanivhmTube]

Nice concept. But 1500$ for midi keyboard sounds expensive.