GerbenD

Wow Eric, in the Netherlands we carry pretty much anything on our bike, but a surfboard, that is something I've never seen. I'll have to check if surfboards are about the same thickness as a keyboard. Thanks for your considerations on the EV's Aussiekeys, the Hartke is probably too heavy indeed. Yeah Reezekeys, I did take a look at the Alto TS308, the specifications really seem great. I am also considering two of the older TS208's which are quite a bit lighter and less than half the cost. It does lack inputs though, the frequency range starts at 75 instead of 62 and less volume overall (113 vs 126 dB). Thanks Adan, good to know. And that JBL does look pretty good on paper Randy. Personally I do not make use of blue tooth all that much, but I suppose it does make it more versatile. It is very new so there have been very few reviews so far. As for the use of a mixer to bring up the volume, I suppose I'll try without one first?

Thank you Mike, for some clear recommendations. The Korg Konnect has really good specs indeed, unfortunately my smartphone can't run the app (vintage android system). That said, I may need to upgrade in that department as well. So far the EV speaker seems to come well recommended. As for the Vox VX50KB: Adan, does it provide enough power to be able to play with a drummer and guitar player in a small room (say up to 40 square meters or 430 square feet)? Our playing is closer to jazz than to rock volumes. (Though I wouldn't be surprised to find out someday that the drummer has fusion aspirations) And Randy, the website says it has a coaxial speaker, which means it has a tweeter build into the woofer I suppose? I do not know if this would make much of a difference in sound though. And yeah Aussiekeys, I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Deciding on a good size is probably the first step, but convenience can go a long way.

Whoah, a Synth Bike, that would be neat. Though with the recent ban on using mobile phones while riding a bike, I don't think I could get away with that. The bike cargo trailer on the other hand, that could be a great idea. I'll have to check what size would fit into my small shed, but I suppose it would be a good investment. If the length of the trailer is more than half of the keyboards length, I should be able to strap it in safely. A design like this: https://www.burley.com/product/travoy/ could fit the keyboard, but not also an amp. Oh man, the world of bikepacking just opened up for me. As for almost being killed by cyclists in Amsterdam, yeah, we're pretty good on a bike. (And I'll admit, sometimes a bit reckless) Amsterdam is particularly crowded though, you'll be safer elsewhere in the country. The Fender Rumble is an interesting suggestion. I had never considered a bass amp. I don't think I'll need a DI, but the price and weight are appealing. As for the handle on the EV speakers, that seems to me just a minor issue given that the speaker is light enough to carry in other ways.

Well Jake and Randy, The Turbosound IP300 is probably a bit too long (twice the length of the rear rack) but the Street Cube and Street Cube EX are certainly options. An extensive mixer section sounds appealing, making it easier for another player to join in. The eq, reverb and delay are already available through my keyboard, but it never hurts to be flexible. The keyboard itself is not powered by batteries, so the amp doesn't need to be battery-powered either. Buskers have similar lightweight needs though, so I suppose it makes sense. bourniplus, I assume you use this one? https://www.thomann.de/gb/ev_zxa190b.htm?ref=intl&shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZ2IiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6IjQiLCJsYW5ndWFnZSI6ImVuIn0%3D Biggles, I'm currently considering the Vox Continental with either 61 or 73 keys. I wouldn't need to carry it very far and I'm used to carrying heavier weights on hiking trails. Though admittedly using a more comfortable backpack. Actually, come to think of it, I might be able to extend that backpack on the top-end and use that instead. The Vox VX50KB was not yet on my radar. I suppose the Street Cube Ex being designed as a guitar amp might have it's focus on the high mid frequencies whereas the Vox keyboard amp is flatter across the entire range?

First off: wonderful forum you've got here! I've been lurking for a while, but now I happen to have a question that I could use your help with. I can't drive a car and public transportation is not always an option, so I'm about to buy a new lightweight keyboard that I can carry on my back while riding my bicycle. But what should I use for amplification? Since not all the places where I'd like to play have a PA system, I'm looking for an amp that I can strap on the rear rack. Possibly using crates or bags that could otherwise be fitted to the bike. I'll often be jamming with just a drummer (fortunately not an outrageously loud one) and a guitar player. Most likely in small spaces and without an audience. There is no bass player so I'll definitely make some use of the lower register. What I've found so far are the following pieces of advice in general: Don't get a Roland Keyboard Amp Get QSC K 8.2 speakers (somewhat expensive to risk on the back of a bicycle) Use two speakers (stereo makes a big difference apparently?) Now, there is not a lot of room on a bicycle. The largest box that I have been able to carry on the back of my bike was about 30 x 30 x 50 cm (or 12 x 12 x 20 inch). As for weight, a beer crate is about 12 kg (or 27 lbs) and is probably close to the maximum amount of weight that I can carry safely on the rear rack. My budget is around 500 Euros. (Or 550 US dollar/450 British Pounds) If it becomes more expensive than that I will probably not feel comfortable carrying it on the back of my bicycle. The options appear to be either a single PA speaker (8" ), two smaller PA speakers (5 - 6,5") or a keyboard amp. A larger PA speaker would provide better bass, the two PA speaker combination would provide stereo sound and then there is the Roland KC series that you have butchered creatively elsewhere on these forums. Sacrifices have to be made, as you can't have things cheap/light/small and get a great sound that is loud enough to play with a drummer. I'm just hoping to find the best fit. Given that I won't be able to try any monitors/keyboard amps/pa speakers in a store any time soon, do you have any recommendations? Bonus: I'm also looking for a small sustain pedal and expression pedal. Ideas?

Aw man, I was really looking forward to seeing and hearing the Chick Corea/Brian Blade/Christian McBride trio next week. I'll just have to order the second trilogy album and spend my evening enjoying their music in the comfort of my own home. Which brings me on to the topic. I guess it is not really a good source of income for a gigging musician, but perhaps you could focus on longterm plans? Perhaps an album, or another major project that you would normally not find the time for. A concentrated effort might pay out later. And diving into digital presentation is most likely a valuable effort in any case I suppose.