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Average Price: $300

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$249

$700+

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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.

    Source
  • 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 Max Kakacek uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Max Kakacek

Guitarist

Smith Westerns

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic took from Max's Instagram page, you can see a Critter&Guitari Pocket Piano.

See how Jim Jarmusch uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Jim Jarmusch

Guitarist

SQÜRL

...
Verified via YouTube

Discussed around 2:20 on this video.

See how Pomme uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Pomme

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

She's playing a Pocket Piano MIDI throughout the video.

See how St. Lucia uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

St. Lucia

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

St. Lucia mentions some synths he used just to get more random sounds in his songs.

See how Colleen uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Colleen

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

see video where she shows off her live setup for touring her album A FLAME (2017)

See how Mike Doughty uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Mike Doughty

Singer, Guitarist

Soul Coughing

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Lazybones" at the 101.9 KINK Skype Live Studio, Mike Doughty can be seen using the Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano.

See how Tim Nordwind uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Tim Nordwind

Bassist

OK Go

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo posted to Music Times from the article, "OK Go At Nashville's Mercy Lounge On October 17, 2014," Tim Nordwind can be seen playing a Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano. The original Music Times article this was found on can be seen here.

See how DJ Harrison uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

DJ Harrison

DJ

Butcher Brown

...
Verified via BandCamp

Gear used for the "DJ Harrison and Friends: Polytoned" album.

See how Surachai uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Surachai

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Surachai plays his Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano in this video.

See how Tomas Dolas uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Tomas Dolas

Keyboardist

Thee OhSees

...
Verified via Instagram

seen in this shot of Tomas's key rig

See how Anthony Pirog uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Anthony Pirog

Guitarist

The Messthetics

...
Verified via Photo

A Pocket Piano is included in this photo, which was featured in a Guitar Moderne Zine feature interview with Anthony Pirog on playing in The Messthetics with Fugazi legend bandmates Joe Lally and Brendan Canty.

https://www.guitarmoderne.com/artists/spotlight-the-messthetics

See how Oh Land uses Critter & Guitari Pocket Piano

Oh Land

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Pocket Piano by Critter & Guitari seen in Oh! Land's studio on this photo from her Instagram account

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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