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Even though I have tested and played literally thousands of keyboard instruments – from modern upright, baby grand and concert grand pianos to Viennese and English actions, harpsichord, clavichord, pipe organs, electric organs, MIDI controllers, and digital keyboards – this was the first time I seriously tested a hybrid between a guitar and a keyboard.
Instruments that combine these two worlds have existed before. The closest relatives are the keytar and earlier keyboard-guitar hybrids used in rock and fusion music.
A Short History of Keyboard-Guitar Hybrids
A Short History of Keyboard-Guitar Hybrids
The idea of a keyboard you can wear like a guitar became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. One of the earliest famous models was the Moog Liberation, used by artists such as Jan Hammer, known for the soundtrack of Miami Vice.
The idea of a keyboard you can wear like a guitar became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. One of the earliest famous models was the Moog Liberation, used by artists such as Jan Hammer, known for the soundtrack of Miami Vice.
Later, the instrument became iconic in rock and pop performances thanks to performers like Herbie Hancock and Jordan Rudess, who used keytars for expressive stage performances where keyboardists could move like guitarists.
Later, the instrument became iconic in rock and pop performances thanks to performers like Herbie Hancock and Jordan Rudess, who used keytars for expressive stage performances where keyboardists could move like guitarists.
While not exactly the same concept, rock guitarists like Jimmy Page also experimented with unusual hybrid instruments, such as the double-neck guitar used in songs like Stairway to Heaven, pushing the boundaries of how instruments could function on stage.
While not exactly the same concept, rock guitarists like Jimmy Page also experimented with unusual hybrid instruments, such as the double-neck guitar used in songs like Stairway to Heaven, pushing the boundaries of how instruments could function on stage.
The Cyber-G by Enya follows that spirit but modernizes it heavily with digital features and smart learning tools.
The Cyber-G by Enya follows that spirit but modernizes it heavily with digital features and smart learning tools.
What the Cyber-G Actually Is
What the Cyber-G Actually Is
Cyber-G is not just a novelty keytar or keyboard guitar. It’s a modern hybrid instrument designed primarily for accessibility and learning, but with enough functionality that professional musicians can still find interesting ways to use it.
It includes:
Built-in sounds
Accompaniment modes
Multiple sound setups
Built-in speaker
Connectivity to external amplification
App integration
MIDI capability (limited to detached keyboard)
Testing the Instrument in a Real Situation
Testing the Instrument in a Real Situation
Besides my classical concert career, I am also deeply involved in rock music. I perform with a rock theater quartet where we play original music combining theater rock, stoner rock, psychedelic rock, and several other genres.
So I decided that the best way to properly test the Cyber-G was simple:
Bring it to band rehearsal.
Before the rehearsal I spent a few hours learning the instrument. The interface is surprisingly intuitive. Changing sounds, switching setups, and navigating the controls was very easy.
One feature that impressed me immediately was the standard 6.35 mm (¼-inch) instrument output, which allows the Cyber-G to be connected directly to a guitar amplifier or PA system.
Although the instrument has a surprisingly good built-in speaker, connecting to external amplification is essential during loud band rehearsals so the sound can match drums, bass, and guitars.
It also includes MP3 input/output connectivity, though in my case I preferred routing the instrument through an amplifier to shape the sound further.
Keyboard Performance
Keyboard Performance
The right-hand keyboard section works extremely well.
The built-in sounds are surprisingly high quality, and the companion app provides additional sounds and options. Another useful feature is that the keyboard can function as a MIDI controller, allowing you to trigger sounds from:
Any DAW on a computer
Mobile apps such as GarageBand
However, there is a limitation here.
Because the connection relies on Bluetooth MIDI, even a very small amount of latency becomes noticeable during live ensemble playing. When playing with a band, even minimal delay can disrupt timing, so using the internal sounds is usually the better option in rehearsal or live situations.
Built-In Guitar and Organ Sounds
Built-In Guitar and Organ Sounds
Cyber G has 24 built in instruments, I found these two most useful for my playing.
The built-in electric guitar and organ sounds are actually quite impressive.
For a keyboard-triggered system, the guitar sound is one of the most convincing digital guitar tones I have heard from a key-based instrument. It obviously cannot fully replicate the nuances of a real guitar, but it is very musical and works surprisingly well in a band context.
The Guitar Neck – Useful or Not?
The Guitar Neck – Useful or Not?
This is where things become interesting.
For experienced musicians playing with other band members, the guitar neck is actually difficult to use effectively. The neck mainly controls accompaniment patterns or triggers notes in a limited way, and it does not provide the same level of expressive control as a real guitar fretboard.
Because of this, I found that the most practical approach was to:
Play the keyboard with both hands.
In that configuration, the instrument works quite nicely and becomes very useful for:
rehearsal sessions
experimenting with ideas
jamming with a band
Live Performance Potential
Live Performance Potential
The overall sound is good, but I realized something important.
For larger concerts, I would probably not use the Cyber-G as my main instrument. A full keyboard provides far more control and comfort.
However, the Cyber-G has something extremely valuable: visual impact.
On stage it looks unique and interesting, and it can be fantastic during:
big solos
special sections of a show
visually dramatic moments in performance
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔️Very loud built-in speaker
✔️Multiple sound setups and modes
✔️Excellent for beginners learning music
✔️Great for spontaneous playing and jamming
✔️Includes instrument output for amplifiers
✔️MP3 input/output connectivity (rare on many modern instruments)
✔️Very lightweight and portable with carrying bag
❌ Cons:
➖ Experienced musicians will rarely use the guitar neck section
➖ External DAW sounds work only through MIDI mode
➖ Even with the strong speaker, the live tone cannot fully compete with a loud band in terms of balance and sound quality
Conclusion: The Freedom of Movement
Conclusion: The Freedom of Movement
The build quality and packaging are genuinely impressive.
I honestly recommend the Cyber-G to:
beginners who want an easy entry into playing music
musicians looking for a portable jamming instrument
composers experimenting with ideas
performers wanting something visually unique on stage
It’s particularly useful for:
rehearsals
songwriting sessions
street performances
spontaneous jams
Because the instrument includes a built-in speaker and long-lasting battery, you can literally play anywhere for hours.
While it may not replace a professional keyboard in serious concert settings, the Cyber-G is a very creative and enjoyable instrument that opens new possibilities for both beginners and experienced musicians.
Where to Buy? You can chose one of many different bundles of Cyber G on Enyas official website
CLICK HERE
Where to Buy? You can chose one of many different bundles of Cyber G on Enyas official website
CLICK HERE
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