The Loog Piano is an extremely compact portable digital piano designed primarily for beginners. The instrument is the brainchild of Rafael Atijas, and is currently attracting a lot of attention on Kickstarter – a crowdfunding website.
Many Kickstarter projects fail, but the Loog Piano is poised for success. After just 5 days it has received over 1,200 backers and amassed over $300,000 (£250,000) in pledges. The initial funding target was only £10,000! Backers will receive a discounted Loog Piano from the first production run.
Atijas has a history of successful campaigns. He previously launched a 3-string guitar for children through Kickstarter, and has had three other related projects fully funded. The Loog Piano is his first keyboard instrument.
About the Loog Piano
This instrument is a compact, ultra-portable digital piano with built-in speakers. It features a 3-octave velocity-sensitive keyboard with a lighter action. This keyboard is approximately 7/8th size (similar to a DS5.5 keyboard on the Donison-Steinbuhler scale).
Unlike many cheaper, plastic digital pianos on the market, the Loog Piano is housed in a sturdy and attractive bright red case with solid wooden end cheeks. It can also be powered by rechargeable batteries, making it a truly go-anywhere instrument. It’s clear that Atijas wanted to create a pick-up-and-play instrument inspired by his own Loog Guitar.
The instrument only has one control: a large wooden volume knob. This is all that is needed because the Loog Piano produces only one sound—a digitally sampled and modelled acoustic piano.
The piano is amplified through two top-mounted speakers. A 3.5mm audio/headphone output socket and a USB-C port are also provided. The one thing missing is a sustain pedal option.
Educational Support
To enthuse children into playing the instrument, the Loog Piano has a free supporting app featuring game-like exercises to make learning fun.
It also comes with a set of flashcards that show how to form chords and play scales, and introduces simple musical notation.
But it’s not just for kids! This portable device is perfect for anyone who wants instant access to a piano when inspiration strikes.
Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will receive a Loog Piano from the first production run, which is scheduled for March/April 2024. The Early Bird Loog Piano pledge pack costs $229 (£188). Other pledge packs are also available.
The Kickstarter campaign ends on October 28, 2023 after which the Loog Piano is expected to sell for $300 (£245). More information and video clips can be found on the Kickstarter and Loog websites.
Sadly the Loog Piano won’t quite be ready for Christmas 2023!
Loog Piano Specifications
- Sound Source: Sampled piano with modelling
- Keyboard: 37-note (3 octaves) C-C, velocity-sensitive, octave span 5.54 ins (140.8mm)
- Amplification Built-in stereo speakers
- Power: Built-in rechargeable battery
- Battery life: 3 hours
- Connectivity: USB-C (cable included)
- Audio Out: 3.5mm headphone socket
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 7.5 x 2.7ins (480 x190 x 69mm)
- Weight: 4.7lbs (2.15 kg)
- Accessories: Flashcards, printed guide, USB-C cable
- Optional extras: Magnetic music stand, piano legs, carrying case.
Who are these people spending $300 on a toy piano that should be like $50,
$60 max?
Probably not the people who spend that much on drugs every day or two.