Instrument Index

The Oriental Keyboard is the successor of the org, and it came to the market toward the end of the 20^th century. Its strength was that it could imitate sounds from various traditional Arabic instruments by sampling them, and as such the player could summon a Mijwiz, a Qanun, or even a Saxophone at the touch of a button.

Most synthesizer companies (like Roland, Yamaha, GEM, Kawai, Korg and Ketron) manufacture Oriental Keyboard models, and include a built-in electronic rhythm generator where the player can supplement their melody/chords with iqa‘at pre-recorded from sampled Arabic Percussion Instruments. This makes the Oriental Keyboard a very powerful and versatile instrument, and an essential one in Arabic pop and dance music.

The oriental keyboard is able to play a quartertone on any of the 12 notes of the keyboard simply by pressing a switch.

Explore other Arabized instruments:

• The Arabic Accordion
• The Electric Guitar
• The Arabic Org
• The Arabic Piano
• The Saxophone
• The Trumpet