by Jason Borisoff and Hannah Warren
No one wants to spend all day cooped up indoors when the sun is shining and the lawn chairs on the patio seem so inviting. Outdoor gigs peak during warm summer months, as musicians want to share their musical talents while they enjoy Mother Nature.
Electronic instruments pose challenges, though—who wants to drag an extension chord and power strip with them to an outdoor session, and then have to search for an outlet before they can get started with their warm-ups? Some companies have taken note and produced a number of battery-powered products (even some rechargeables). Now, it's possible to enjoy the great outdoors and accompany the birds, no strings attached.
Roland AX-Synth
The '80s are back and better than ever when you sling this beast. The AX-Synth rests comfortably across your shoulders and carries all of Roland's latest and greatest sounds. If that's not enough for you, then download Roland's special software application and custom craft your own tones. The AX-Synth has 49 velocity-sensitive keys and an old-school ribbon controller for intuitive modulation changes. Easily connect to your computer with USB and play continuously for six hours on eight rechargeable batteries.
MSRP: $1,349 (rolandUS.com)
Pyle PPG630I Combination Guitar Amp and PA System
The Pyle PPG630I is a multipurpose amplifier and PA system with a microphone input, allowing you to sing and play guitar through one convenient sound source. It provides 400 watts of battery-powered, rechargeable sound, and even includes an iPod docking station and an iPod remote control.
MSRP: $349 (pylestore.com)
Korg microKORG
Don't let the size fool you; the microKORG is a fully functioning synthesizer. The dual oscillators give you a full range of synth sounds, including all of the basics like sine and square waves, plus a ring modulator for thick, grinding sounds. Add its full range of effects to the mix to further tweak your tone. Use the onboard microphone to capture your voice, then play it like an instrument on your keyboard and make striking changes to its tone. Runs on six AA batteries.
MSRP: $500 (korg.com)
Roland RMP-12 Rhythm Coach
Break out the Sousa and get in line! Roland's RMP-12 is a fully functioning marching snare that does so much more. Change the tension of the head with a drum key, just like an acoustic snare, and sound like any marching drum—bass drum, tom-toms, and even cymbals, with 128 instrument sounds. The RMP-12 is also a great learning tool with its built-in Rhythmic Coach features, like Time Check Score and Speed Check. Drum away for six hours on six AA batteries.
MSRP: $703 (rolandUS.com)
Yamaha SLG-100N
Sure, it doesn't make much sound by itself, but plug it into a PA system or some headphones and all of a sudden, it's like you're playing a beautifully crafted classical guitar in a huge cathedral. This sleek looking, highly portable instrument benefits from Yamaha's extensive knowledge of nylon string guitars and electronics. The SLG-100N features two different kinds of reverb that will add a new dimension of emotion to your playing. Play for 13 hours on one nine-volt battery.
MSRP: $919 (yamaha.com)
Akai EWI 4000S
The EWI 4000S is a great way for wind players to take part in electronic music. This breath sensitive instrument plays smoothly and easily. Use the built-in sound module to create sounds from the instrument, or use as a MIDI controller to trigger tones from a separate synthesizer. Brass players will like the electronic valve instrument (EVI) mode. Tones can be easily edited and stored with PC and Mac compatible editing software.
MSRP: $999 (akaipro.com)
