Purpleaxxe

The Purpleaxxe is a “keytar” style MIDI controller used by Prince in the 1990s. The Purpleaxxe is Prince’s own creation and there was even a patent granted for the ornamental design in 1994. It is a wireless MIDI controller with other features like ultraviolet lights under the keys, laser pointers and smoke cartridges.

The Purpleaxxe first appeared in the Diamonds & Pearls era. From there, a number of Purpleaxxes were built, including a “Goldaxxe” variant for Gold Experience era. The Purpleaxxes were built by Prince’s technical team from other MIDI keyboards - for example, the pictured example is built from a Roland PC-200.

Tommy Barbarella and Rosie Gaines were both credited with playing the Purpleaxxe in the Diamonds & Pearls liner notes. Tommy would frequently play the Purpleaxxe in concert.