Blueman Keyboard

Inspired by the ever-popular Blue Man group, this tabletop electronic keyboard provides the perfect introduction to music making. New technology interfaces give it an edge on other keyboards of its kind, and keeps beginners excited about music.

The Blue Man keyboard features savvy styling, unique play patterns and engaging musical interactions. Furthermore, it's MP3-compatible, meaning you can play music on top of your favorite MP3 tracks. Keyboard plays pre-recorded songs, and lets you record and play back your own musical masterpieces. Requires 4 "AA" batteries (included). Measures 11.5"L x 25.75"W x 7.75"H.

When is an electronic piano more than just a piano? When it's the Blue Man Group Keyboard Experience. This 37-key synthesizer keyboard offers a variety of instrument voices, including organ, guitar, trumpet, violin, strings, drums, slap bass, and others. Motion-sensitve tubes line the top and side of the keyboard. These tubes are used by waving your hands in front of them and can function as different drum voices, to "remix" one of the ten pre-programmed songs, or to adjust tempo and volume. It's a lot of fun to hit a drum snare or cymbal without actually touching anything, but it lacks the ability to simultaneously play both the drum and piano, cutting one off for the other. As for remixing the pre-programmed songs, motion in front of the tubes merely shuts on or off the different orchestral voices--nice, but not very useful. The little iPod drawer under the keyboard is a surprising feature--the built-in headphone plug pumps tunes from your music player (iPod or other) through the keyboard's speakers so you can play along to your favorite song. There's also a stereo out port, so you can pipe the music big into a home theater set-up or small into a pair of headphones. A bonus DVD of the Blue Man Group playing their instruments is included to inspire your creativity. --Porter B. Hall