no Keyboards?

[way2wyrd]

I love GH 1 & 2 and am looking forward to rockBand .   Ive seen a keyboard game in the arcade and think it could make a good addition to Rock Band.   That would open up  music liek journey  queen styx elp etc
 
 
 
 

[DesktopMan]

I'd love to see keyboard. Support standard midi keyboards like KeyboardMania for PC would be excellent.<br>

[Imburningstar4]

<P>True, it would be fun, but the keyboard isnt really neccessary to a band</P>
<P>Also, playing a real keyboard is aready just pushing keys, might as well learn the real thing.</P>

[HMX_Battilana]

I am sure someone will fab up a keytar..will it be you?<br>

[Robotkid]

<p>It will be me!!!!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="http://a852.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00002/15/88/2368851_m.jpg" height="227" width="170">&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="http://www.rockbandgame.com/file/smile/tongue.gif"> <br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[Intellectualdiot]

Should a band like Yes or Genesis find their way into the final setlist, then I'd greatly welcome the inclusion of a keyboard peripheral. Otherwise, I could certainly do without it. It could be fantastic fun for future installments, however.<br>

[InAction]

<p>True, it would be fun, but the keyboard isnt really neccessary to a band</p>
<p>Also, playing a real keyboard is aready just pushing keys, might as well learn the real thing.</p><p></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keyboards are necessary depending on the style you're playing. It's actually as stupid as saying as any other instrument isn't necessary - just because you don't care about it being included.</p><p>I don't think keyboards are needed in this game though, even if it would be fun...<img src="http://www.rockbandgame.com/file/smile/shocked.gif"> <br></p>

[exoscoriae]

<p>Id rather see a keyboard then a microphone...&nbsp; last thing i need is some douch with a bad voice ruining my awesome song.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ever played on xbox live and had to listen to all those spermtards?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Imagine those same people singing in your band.... ugh.&nbsp;</p>

[ThePianistt]

I just want to throw my voice out in support of those who hope to see a keyboard in Rock Band. Obviously it's not currently a part of the official planned product, but I certainly hope the devs keep their mind open to the additional market that integrated keyboard-play would expose them to.

My wife has no interest in picking up a guitar to jam with me on GHII, but she's admitted whole-heartedly that if she were able to do keyboard backup, she'd be hooked. I feel fairly comfortable that she's representative of a significant demographic.

Additionally, there's certainly a large number of guitar aficionados that would experience ADDITIONAL interest if there were keyboard play, even if they're already having plenty of fun with the guitar/percussion/vocals ensemble. I certainly fall into that category (come on, look at the UserID name I picked).

I realize that it's not for everyone... and it doesn't have to be. But if you feel, as I do, that the additional of keyboard gameplay support would bolster the Rock Band product, let the devs know here in this thread. If there's enough support from the masses, they're more likely to turn some attention in this direction.

[SwordofWhedon]

Gotta leave them something for the sequel :)

[c0nd0rd4myt]

i think out of the options of the instruments that could be put in, the guitars, the drums, the vocals certainly seem MORE necessary than a keyboard does. if there was an option to allow for more than 4 instruments, i would definatly say let the keyboard in.

[Smidget]

would be neat. While we still don't how the UI is going to be for fitting guitar, bass, drums, and lyrics on the screen all at once, keep it mind how much screen space is needed for keyboardmania...a lot. Adding instruments in future mixes will be limited because of screen space.

[SwordofWhedon]

my guess would be

Vocals-top
Guitar1-midleft
Guitar2-MidRight
Drum- bottom

[RobbieMiller89]

Keyboards may not be required for a band but neither are Bass's

[Smidget]

my guess would be

Vocals-top
Guitar1-midleft
Guitar2-MidRight
Drum- bottom

yeah, I think its gonna be fine. Even three columns across with lyrics on the bottom or top could work *shrug*

A referance of KBMania for those who don't know it: http://www.digitention.com/~honkan/OTO/img/doremi.jpg


Keyboards may not be required for a band but neither are Bass's

haha, true true but generally speaking when you think of the "basic" 4-piece...Also, I don't think announcing RB without bass would have gone over too well with all the potential-players :p

[vichnaiev]

Keyboards may not be required for a band but neither are Bass's

Name 3 rock bands without bass ... actually name 1 GREAT band without bass and I'm satisfied. I can make a huge list with 50+ amazing bands with no keyboards.

[vichnaiev]

<P>True, it would be fun, but the keyboard isnt really neccessary to a band</P>
<P>Also, playing a real keyboard is aready just pushing keys, might as well learn the real thing.</P>

I was going to make a point against keyboards, but couldn't find one better than yours, so I'll just quote.

[RobbieMiller89]

Okay well I'd much rather see a Keyboard than Vocals anyday. Vocals are the one part of this game that I dont even care enough to look at. I just would like to see an optional keyboard or something in order to put in some Children of Bodom songs or something.

[RobbieMiller89]

Tenacious D has no Bassist or Drummer, and they still kick Arse.

[Gooch2004]

Tenacious D has no Bassist or Drummer, and they still kick Arse.
they may not be named but they do indeed have both, i know for a fact Dave Grohl was on the sticks for the first album and at least a part of the second

[SwordofWhedon]

they may not be named but they do indeed have both, i know for a fact Dave Grohl was on the sticks for the first album and at least a part of the second

Actually, the D has only ever had a backing band on this last tour for the Pick of Destiny. Otherwise, including their live DVD, it's just Jables and Kage with acoustics.

[benjamin]

He did not refer to their live tour, he mentions only the Album, and the album most certainly has Grohl on the coctail kit.

[RobbieMiller89]

Yeah well I gave it a shot :P

I would just much rather see another instrument than Vocals. I think Vocals ruin most songs but I guess they are just trying to open the game to a wider selection of people.

[VocalKnight]

Yeah well I gave it a shot :P

I would just much rather see another instrument than Vocals. I think Vocals ruin most songs but I guess they are just trying to open the game to a wider selection of people.


Yeah, who likes to sing? *cough American Idol, most popular show on TV, cough*

If this game DIDN'T have vocals, I wouldn't bother with it. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there like me.

What I would love to see is an online rating system, where players can rate the people they just performed with. So if someone's an exceptionally good singer or drummer, for instance, their rating will show it and they'll be more in demand. Then the crappy singers (i.e. the majority of American Idol auditioners :D ) won't get as much play.

[hmxsean]

I want to sing. My first job here was on Karaoke Revolution, that was awesome.

[SwordofWhedon]

And we loved it Sean :) It's probably good for the property in terms of sales, but bad for the game that they're now doing it as American Idol, given that you guys are no longer picking the lineup, and it goes down to what midwestern housewives find fun *bleh*

Every time I look at Singstar I cringe, it's the Chinese bootleg version of KR

For those of use with the mad-high ranges, I hope you guys have some Queen coming our way(Hammer to Fall!), and I wouldn't mid seeing Sweet Child o' Mine either, despite it being on GH2.

[Smidget]

I definitely want to sing. Singing + another instrument is going to be great.

[c0nd0rd4myt]

just be sure to note that there be a huge differance between WANTING to sign, and BEING GOOD at singing.

[sa_nick]

Has keyboards been mentioned anywhere on thie whole page? lol

[RobbieMiller89]

Who wants free love explosions!?

[VocalKnight]

I want to sing. My first job here was on Karaoke Revolution, that was awesome.

Fun game, Sean. Nice job! :D

[miketoast]

Who wants free love explosions!?

Ewww man, that's ****!!!!

[Huskie]

Another vote for keyboard in the game.

[scroll33]

I'd love to see a keyboard peripheral added, gets my vote.

[CountAntoniuszzz]

The reason people say keyboards arent necesary for a rock band is cause a key board can play everything but drum parts all on its own. But you tell Freddy Mercury and Pink Floyd keyboards arent necessary. A 16 key mini board would be a cool addition in my opinion.

[sweetlips]

Keyboard would be a nice addition for Rock Band Le Deuce. I guarantee it was considered and deemed a "too much for now" sorta thing. Get the basics out there and see if there is enough interest before adding every instrument.

I think drums are gonna be cool enough for a year or so. We can wait for the keys.

[CountAntoniuszzz]

yea I agree with sweets. I'm cool with what they have now. Besides aside from the drums its kinda like your playing a keyboard anyway.

[RockinPianoPlayer]

This is an interesting thread, and I feel that as a keyboardist/lead singer/saxophonist myself with 600+ professional gigs under my belt, I feel I should say a few things. And I apologize in advance for the long post.

First of all, don't take any of this the wrong way. I have the highest respect for guitarists and drummers. I'm a slightly accomplished percussionist and rhythm guitar player, and I know what it takes to rock on them. In fact, I could name you at least 10 bands that rarely (if ever) use keys that I absolutely love.

However, keyboard players are usually dismissed to "oh, they just press keys and buttons." Previously, someone said a keyboard controller would be just like the real thing, all we do is press buttons. You couldn't be more wrong. That's just as wrong as saying you could play guitar hero then go pick up a real guitar and play "Killer Queen." First of all, even when it's just a piano, we have 88 keys, 2 oftenly used pedals, plus we have to have a better knowledge of chords than most musicians. Throw organs or synths in the mix, you've got completely different technique for each, another type of pedal, more things such as pitch/mod wheels (the whammy bar equivilant on a keyboard), plus the rocket science it takes to program a decent synth sound.

Next I'd like to address its usefulness to a band's sound. Yes, lots of bands don't use keyboards regularly. But most bands do use them on occaision. I really don't listen to anything recorded in the 90s or later, but the only band i've never heard use a keyboard once is AC/DC. Bands like Black Sabbath, Dio, Scorpions, and ZZTop are very well known for the guitar driven ensembles. But they all have at least a few songs with keyboard parts, even though they may be barely noticeable. And every part is important. The cowbell is a relatively small and limited instrument, yet "Don't Fear the Reaper" would not be the same without it.

Lastly, you can't ignore the keyboard's historical significance. It's the most popular instrument in the world. It was also the first rock and roll instrument. Most early rockers were singers, who might have played a little guitar. But the first one to make himself known for being an instrumentalist was Jerry Lee Lewis, a piano player. And NO guitarist has ever done anything on (or to) their instrument that Jerry Lee didn't do first. This includes, but isn't limited to, setting it on fire, tearing it to pieces with an axe, pushing/throwing it offstage, etc. And isn't it ironic that Eddie Van Halen's (a guitar GOD) most famous solo is on keyboards, and not guitar?

Anyway this is it. Maybe this shed some light on the world of a rock band keyboardist from someone who does it for a living. Obviously I'm for a keyboard controller in the game. I'm a little disappointed that one wasn't anounced, especially since Guitar Hero has turned some keyboard oriented classics into guitar solos (especially Frankenstein, which in it's original form, had NO guitar except for the funk-like background chords). But a keyboard controller would make a good addition, even if bands like Queen, Genesis, or Styx don't get in. Even if there still isn't one, I'll still buy the game, as I had a blast playing Guitar Hero, and will have a blast singing in RockBand. Keep on rocking everyone.

[SwordofWhedon]

Hey, I respect the keyboardist, I consider the rock organ to be equally passionate with the guitar

I'm just looking at the current game mechanics, and I'm not finding a lot of great ways to make keyboard unique and interesting.

Harmonix, I welcome you proving me wrong ;)

[Darter]

RockinPianoPlayer, now there's a guy who really knows where his towel is.

The piano/keyboard is an extremely important instrument, and in all honesty, I would like to see some sort of implementation of it into the game.

However, in keeping with the feel of the rest of the instruments, the keyboard perifiral would most likely be more limited than most would want to see. But it would be necessary to keep with the more arcade-ish feel that this genre has so far.

Looking at the guitar and drum controllers, each have five inputs. Five frets on the guitar, and four pads and the pedal for the drums. Both work extremely well, but are both very simplified versions of the instruments they represent. I can't say that I would be very interested in playing a keyboard with only 5 keys. Even if the number of inputs is doubled to 10, it still doesn't sound all that engrossing. Pushing it up to a useful number like 16 might make it too complicated for those who have absolutely no keyboard experience, people like myself.

It's a fine line between two simplistic and too complex, and I can't think of way to walk down the middle.