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Description

Effortlessly blending creativity and portability, the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano is a compact tabletop synthesizer designed for musicians on the move. Encased in a durable anodized aluminum chassis, it’s built to withstand the rigors of travel while delivering serious synth power. With its 18 real maple keys, the Pocket Piano offers an intuitive and tactile playing experience, allowing musicians to seamlessly explore its seven versatile synth modes.

From the mesmerizing Octave Cascade to the dynamic FM Arpeggiator and the expressive Harmonic Sweeper, each mode offers a unique soundscape. Users can easily toggle between synths using the Mode button and fine-tune their creations with waveform adjustments, tuning range, and two distinct parameters for each mode. The built-in Hold function is perfect for layering complex chords and melodies, ensuring a richer sound. The onboard 3W speaker delivers surprisingly robust audio, making this synth an ideal companion for impromptu jam sessions.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano invites you to explore new musical territories with its innovative features and playful design.

Key Features:

  • Compact and portable design
  • 18 real maple keys
  • Seven versatile synth modes: Octave Cascade, FM Arpeggiator, Harmonic Sweeper, and more
  • Durable anodized aluminum chassis
  • Adjustable waveform, tuning range, and two unique parameters per mode
  • Hold function for layered sound
  • Built-in 3W speaker for on-the-go playability

Product specs

Brand Critter & Guitari
Model Pocket Piano
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds can the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano produce?

The Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano offers a variety of digital sounds, including organ, vibrato synth, and arpeggiator modes, making it versatile for electronic music production and live performance.

Is the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Pocket Piano is designed for portability and live performance, with a rugged build and intuitive interface that allows for quick sound changes on stage.

Does the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano have MIDI capabilities?

The Pocket Piano features both MIDI input and output, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded musical possibilities.

How many voices of polyphony does the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano support?

The Pocket Piano provides 4 voices of polyphony, enabling the playing of chords and complex harmonies.

What power supply does the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano require?

The Pocket Piano can be powered by a 9V DC power supply or six AA batteries, offering flexibility for both studio and mobile use.

Reviews

PROS

  • Insanely portable and fun for on-the-go music making

  • Offers a variety of great modes and sounds

  • Sounds enhance when connected to an amp

  • Useful for ear training exercises

  • Built-in speaker is decent and can get loud

  • Unique, clicky keys add a tactile experience

  • Wood keys feel pleasant to the touch

  • Integrates well with sequencers via MIDI for expanded use

  • Instantly gratifying sound creation

  • Can produce interesting and playful sounds

CONS

  • Keys produce a loud click noise that may be bothersome to some

  • Output jack not suitable for headphones; sound only in one channel

  • Price may not reflect the quantity of features offered

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano.

Features and functionality

  • The Pocket Piano has six modes with varied knob functions; for example, the Vibrato Synth mode features knobs for vibrato rate and depth, and a button for waveform selection.

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  • The Pocket Piano features a latch function for arpeggios, enhancing its usability for creating looping sequences without continuous key pressing.

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  • The device operates on a 9V battery, allowing for portable use without the need for constant power supply access.

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  • The Pocket Piano can be held like a clarinet, enhancing portability and ease of use during performances or casual play.

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  • The Pocket Piano is frequently used as a MIDI controller and standalone instrument, valued for its versatility in both studio and portable settings.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the Pocket Piano as simple and inspiring, with a lo-fi, crunchy sound that pairs well with effects but is limited for extensive sound design.

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  • Many users find themselves more connected to the Pocket Piano than other devices due to its straightforward operation and limited but engaging sound palette.

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  • Users often find the Pocket Piano's vibrato mode particularly engaging, with the ability to create glitchy, out-of-tune effects by manipulating vibrato depth and speed.

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  • Owners frequently highlight the fun factor of the Pocket Piano, often regretting selling theirs and repurchasing due to its engaging nature.

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Use cases and applications

  • The device is highlighted for its suitability in lo-fi music, offering arpeggio modes that create beautiful loops, particularly when run through distortion or reverb.

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  • Owners often pair the Pocket Piano with additional effects to explore new sonic possibilities, leveraging its simplicity to achieve complex results.

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  • The Pocket Piano is praised for its ability to fit into any jam session, often described as occupying its own unique space in the mix.

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Software and compatibility

  • For users working within a DAW or needing MIDI, the MIDI version is recommended to fully integrate with digital setups.

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Comparisons

  • While compared to Waldorf Streichfett for interface simplicity, it's noted that the Pocket Piano offers unique, charming limitations that prevent getting lost in complex menus.

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  • The Pocket Piano is more portable than the Septavox due to its smaller size, making it ideal for on-the-go music creation.

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Build quality

  • The Pocket Piano is appreciated for its wooden sides and bottom, providing a tactile and aesthetically pleasing experience.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sherman_crawford

Unique and super fun

Very fun to sync up (if you have the MIDI version), adds some interesting and playful sounds in the mix. Instant gratification, run thru your favorite effects processors for some sick melodies.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Damon Albarn uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Damon Albarn

Singer, Guitarist

Gorillaz

...
Verified via YouTube

Around 2:20 in this video "Damon Albarn and Afel Bocoum perform Bamako in Mali," Damon Albarn can be seen playing on his Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano.

See how Justin Vernon uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:03 Justin can be seen using a Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano in this video.

See how Bonobo uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Bonobo

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via Mtviggy

You can see his pocket piano at about 13 seconds

See how Björk uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Björk

Singer, Keyboardist

The Sugarcubes

...
Verified via YouTube

It can be seen among the rest of his equipment.

See how John Dwyer uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

John Dwyer

Singer, Guitarist

Thee OhSees

...
Verified via YouTube

Its kind of hard to make out but around 16:33 and other places you can see the pocket piano behind the keyboard he's using

See how Phoebe Bridgers uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Phoebe Bridgers

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this June 21, 2020 video at 1:03.

See how Moderat uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via Vine

In a Vine video clip, Modeselektor is seen using the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano. Given Modeselektor's role in Moderat, it's likely that Moderat also utilizes this tabletop synthesizer.

See how Liam Howlett uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from March 21, 2018

See how KiNK uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

KiNK

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

"The gear used: Critter & Guitari Pocket PIano, Electroharmonix Memory Man (Stereo), Tom 1501, Vermona Synthesiser, Technics 1200 Mk2, Tittsworth & Ayres ?– T & A Breaks 12``, DM-2002 mixer."

See how El-P uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

El-P

Rapper, Music Producer

Run the Jewels

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see uncle El with the Pocket Piano @ 6:20 on his Rhythym Roulette video.

See how Steven Drozd uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Steven Drozd

Guitarist, Drummer

The Flaming Lips

...
Verified via YouTube

Steven uses a Critter and Guitari Pocket Piano as well as a 1967 Supro Coronado through a Fender Deluxe Reverb.

See how Vulfpeck uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Vulfpeck

Bassist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

throughout you can see Woody Goss playing Pocket Piano

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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