At SynthFest France 2025, Synth Anatomy uncorked the heady magic of the Piano de Voyage, a detachable MIDI keyboard that’s both traveler and performer’s dream. Covering every nuance, they showed how this gear turns your suitcase into a stage. The stop was as much about innovation as it was about making waves in portable music tech.
Hit the Road, Jack!
Landing at SynthFest France 2025, Synth Anatomy waltzed over to a booth where innovation was casually lounging. The Piano de Voyage caught the eye, a creation by Oliver (or Olivier, depending on your innate level of flair). This keyboard split itself apart like a contentious band and came back together at a whim. Pocket-sized piano practice had never looked cooler.
"It's a keyboard that you can detach."
© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)
Ingenious Beginnings
"It didn't exist, so I made it."
© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)
The story behind the Piano de Voyage is as personal as it is inventive. Oliver, who was juggling engineering and tickling the ivories, found himself craving a practice instrument that would fit his nomadic lifestyle. Faced with sparse options, he took a leaf from the ol’ DIY playbook and crafted a detachable piano. With semi-weighted keys that strive for authentic piano feel, and dreams of hammer action mechanisms glistening on the horizon, this kit promised evolution. Four modular pieces conspired to mimic the full 88-key experience, modular meaning you could unzip parts like a DJ skips tracks.
Modular Magic
The Piano de Voyage isn’t just about tickling keys; it’s a masterclass in modular magic. With anywhere from two to four modules, the keyboard can transform to match your needs. Simple screws keep the setup stable and your notes rock-solid, even if you’re jamming on a rough X stand. Clearly, this piece aims to travel light but land heavy, as users can literally mix and match their desired keyboard size.
"So the middle C is going to be there."
© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)
The Controllers and Sound Scene
"I would say jazz."
© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)
If you thought the modularity was the only trick, welcome to the controller fiesta. Every knob and dial on the Piano de Voyage is MIDI assignable. The internal sound card might not be a full-blown audio interface, but it packs a punch with reverb and an app to tweak your heart’s content. It’s got buttons for octave shifts and pitch bends, all crammed into an instrument that, unbelievably, folds up and packs down. The dream for any roving musician, especially those jazz cats and soundtrack maestros who float between cities. And if that wasn’t enough, an internal sound engine serenades you with piano sounds as you practice in transit.
Price and Portability
Portability is this keyboard’s middle name, rivaled only by its affordability. With full setups starting at 1,200 euros and traveling down to 700 euros for fewer keys, it’s a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t skip on quality. Weighing in at about 1 kilo per module, this kit is meant to slide easily into the life of composers on the go. Toss in some protective pouches, a carrying bag, and a total package that weighs less than 5 kilos, you’ve got the ultimate road buddy. Whether for classical compositions or jazz jams, this one’s got range and resolve.
This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/synth-anatomy-geht-mit-dem-piano-de-voyage-auf-tour/
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