Keyboards For Sale

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Ivan

You might have seen a simple keyboard at a local music store and caught your attention, and asked yourself what the best keyboards for sale are. So, here you are searching for answers, and the truth is there’s not a straight answer. It depends on what you need. If you’re curious about learning how to play a keyboard, or you just want it to use it at home, then you don’t have to spend on the most expensive model. Perhaps you’re an experienced player, and you want specific features that let you get creative.

Over the years the quality of keyboards has improved to the point where home keyboards resemble higher-end keyboards more and more. It’s often the case that you can no longer distinguish a home keyboard from an advanced one, because they’re all full of great features. They also sound quite similar to a real acoustic piano, and some even feel the same as you play them. Most will allow you to switch between different sounds, and respond to your touch as you play softer or louder.

What to look for in keyboards for sale

The first thing that you notice in a keyboard is the number of keys it has. They vary from 61, 76 or 88 keys. So, which one is best? Again, it depends on your needs. If you will be composing melodies you don’t want to run out of keys, so an 88 key keyboard for sale will be the best for you. However, if you’re starting out and would like to save some money, 61 keys will work just fine.

Another thing to consider is the size of the keyboard. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re looking for electronic keyboards, because most of them are small enough to carry around. It’s only an issue if you have something bigger in mind, like a piano.

The sound quality of the keyboard is also important, especially if you want to do some recordings with it. It might not be crucial if you’re a beginner, but more advanced players will look for an advanced model with a variety of quality sounds.

Features of keyboards for sale

There are a number of features to look for in keyboards for sale, which is what makes the difference in price. You should look for those that have the features you need, so if you’re a beginner it’s best to look for cheap piano keyboards for sale. Have a look at some keyboard features, so you can have a better idea of what to look for.

Those who want to get creative with many different sounds and effects should consider looking for a synthesizer. These often allow the player to record, create loops, change the pitch or tempo in real time, among other traits. Most keyboards for sale will come with great sound samples, so you can play sounds like percussion, strings, brass and voices.

If you want to include your computer in the equation for making music, consider a MIDI interface. These keyboards will let you play, and you can play with the sound in your computer. This is a very helpful tool for people who intend to create music on their computer.

Some keyboards also include lessons to help the beginner get a better grasp of playing it. They include things like play-along tracks, and they show you correct finger placement, among other things.

Hopefully you have a better idea about keyboards, and what features would work best for you. We suggest purchasing from reputable companies who have great products. The most recognized brands are Roland, Yamaha, Korg, Motif, Alesis and Casio keyboards for sale.

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Hang Drum For Sale

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Ivan

Brief History of the Hang by PANArt

hang drum for sale

PANArt are the original makers of the Hang, often called Hang Drum by mistake. The Hang is a musical instrument created in 2001 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer from Switzerland. Maybe you’ve seen YouTube videos that feature this instrument, but this is nothing compared to the live sound created by a performer who knows how to play the Hang.

Rather than being a mass producing manufacturer, each PANArt Hang is crafted to perfection by Rohner and  Schärer. This is because they have experimented with different materials and production techniques over the years, resulting in the dramatic increase in quality and complexity of creating a Hang.

In the early years they developed an international dealer network, and made the Hang available worldwide in several regional markets. It was at the end of 2005 that the complexity of developing a Hang increased, so a larger production was no longer possible. The problem is that this possible mass production may result in a lower quality product.

Felix and Sabina stated in May 2011 that they would “pass the traces of this work to interested parties who accept their views and travel on their self-accountable path”. This means that over time there will be more people who understand the material that the Hang is made of, and the required tuning process. Even if there is an increasing number of individuals who produce Hanghang (Hanghang is plural for Hang), the instrument is not intended to be mass produced.

How to buy a Hang from PANArt

There are two ways to obtain a Hang. Find one at an eBay auction or get the Hang directly from PANArt. Doing it through eBay, you may find items that range from $3000 to $7000, and you have to be very careful to avoid scams, or detuned instruments.

PANArt used to have a website and an email to contact them, but they no longer work. The only way to contact them is by fax or mail. You should only write to them if you don’t have any ulterior motives (like re-selling the product), and it would help to explain why you’re interested in a Hang. Their address is: PANArt Hangbau AG, Engehaldenstr. 131, 3012 Bern, Switzerland. The fax number is: +41 31 301 33 32. The current price for a new PANArt Hang is $2200.

If you send a letter to PANArt you should not expect a quick reply, because they get flooded with mail,  so be patient. “PANArt schedules specific windows for purchase of Hanghang”. They recommend reading the publications by PANArt before sending your letter. In fact, they make it clear in their May 2011 publication that they will “make the few Hanghang available on the basis of letters and recommendations”, and that they do not intend keeping waiting lists.

The limited availability of the Hang has originated several similar looking instruments. If you would like a Hang, but don’t have the money or it’s not a priority to get an original, these are worth considering.

Other Hang Drums For Sale

Because of the huge demand for hang drums, other companies have come up with their own unique products. They vary in style and price, I’ve seen them for sale at about $300 to $700. Below is an example of one of these products.

ECLIPSE steel tongue drum from 1TONE percussion

You can do a quick search on YouTube to find other hang drum manufacturers. As said before, each one has a distinctive sound and style, so watching clips from people playing them is a great way to find the right one for you. As I come across with more hang drums I’ll be posting them here. Best of luck on your hang drum quest.

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Electric Drum Set

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Ivan

Electric or digital drum sets are perfect to practice without making any noise or as an extension to your acoustic drum set. They are versatile pieces of equipment that can surprise you with their sound quality and response to touch.

There’s a wide range of options, and you’ll find them anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. It depends on what features you want. For example, for a beginner electronic drum set you’ll definitely find something great for around $400. But, for digital drum sets with cutting edge technology, expect to pay $2000, $4000 or up to $7000.

So, what are the main features you should look for? We’ll break down the most important things to look for in an electric drum set.

Top digital drum set manufacturers

First, you should turn to those companies that have been going strong for decades. The best products available in the market come from Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, Simmons and Hart. All of them have several lines with different price range.

Response and sensitivity of drum pads and cymbals

One of the things to look for in digital drum sets is the physical part that you’ll be playing. You’ll find that there are regular black pads and mesh pads. The difference is the response you get from them as you strike them. What’s most important is the sensitivity they have. To test this, start hitting the pads in a light manner, and increase your strength. You’ll notice the sound changes as an acoustic drum set would react, so the more natural it sounds it means it’s a better electronic drum set.

Sound Module features and sounds

The sound module is the heart of an electric drum set. Without it, all you have is pads, which are good for practice, but the drums come alive with the sound module. It’s what marks the difference between expensive and cheaper digital drum sets. The sound module contains the sounds each pad has assigned, so it will let you switch from a rock sounding drum set to a latin percussion set in seconds. These modules will have different features, such as letting you record your drums on the spot, or listen to music you can play along to. This is the part you should assess, and determine if it has what you need.

Sound output

The sound output could be anything, and most often people stick to headphones. But, there are occassions where you’ll want to perform with your electric drum set, so any type of speaker will work. A great aspect of digital drum sets is that you can set the volume to whatever level you want, so no more complaining neighbors or risk of ear damage.

An electric drum set is a fantastic instrument. Whether you’re looking for a beginner electronic drum set or you’re an experienced player who wants to expand his possibilities. We highly recommend trying one out before making any purchases, just so you can envision yourself quietly at 2 in the morning, and feel confident in your investment.

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Beat Making Software

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Ivan

The first thing to know when you want to make beats is that there’s rarely software dedicated to just beat making. You’ll find several $30 programs all over the Internet claiming to be the best beat maker software, but the truth is that if you’re serious about making music, it’s best to save up and invest in a product you can develop your skills in.

Since you’re here, it means you’re interested in music production, and beat making, so we recommend that you check out warbeats.com and futureproducers.com. Both of those sites have good communities worth checking out. Head to their forums, and you’ll find people who are just as passionate as you.

The best advice we can give you on beat making software is that you start out small, learn everything about the program you choose, and you’ll know when it’s time to expand. We’ll be talking about two of the best beat making software programs available that are worth your time and money.

FL Studio

FL Studio is a simple to use beat making software, and it goes beyond that. You’ll easily be making your loops and beats within minutes after you download it. What’s cool about is that you pay for it once, and you get unlimited lifetime updates. So any future versions will be yours to download for free.

Many people use FL Studio, and you can find tutorials easily. In fact, if you decide to get this software we recommend checking out tutorials from warbeats. You’ll find them here:

http://warbeats.com/Community/Forums/aff/79

http://www.youtube.com/user/nfxbeats

FL Studio express costs $49, and their regular version is $99. You won’t need anything more if you get their standard version. What’s most important is that you have a platform where you can get creative, get the music flowing, and learn as much as you can about the software.

Reason

Reason will give you a more complex user interface, and more options, so if you’re more experienced this will be a good upgrade from any initial beat making software programs you might have invested in. It costs $349 and it’s available for both windows and mac users.

We would highly recommend just trying them both out, and judge for yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for hip hop beat making software or otherwise. FL Studio and Reason both have a demo version of their product, so head over to their site and make the investment that makes most sense to you.

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Acoustic Guitar Strap

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Ivan

If you already have an acoustic guitar, chances are getting a strap just slipped your mind, and now you’re wondering what options there are to play your guitar while standing. Guitar players will find themselves in different scenarios, maybe your guitar doesn’t have anything that you can strap it to, or it has a knob and you don’t quite know how to use it. These tips will give you the perfect solution for you.

Acoustic guitars with two knobs

This is the simplest scenario. You’ll have one button at the neck end, and other at the bottom. Get an acoustic guitar strap with two button holes on each end, and just plug both of them in, and you’re done. You’ll be able to find some cheap guitar straps in this category.

Acoustic guitars with one knob only

Most acoustic guitars will have just one knob located at the bottom. In this case, there are straps that have one button hole on one end, and a cord on the other. You loop the cord around the neck of the guitar, and plug in the button hole into the knob. If you happen to have a strap with two button holes, you can add a shoe lace to one end, or you can get a guitar strap button. This is a small leather strap that attaches to the neck of the guitar and it provides you with a button.

What if my acoustic guitar doesn’t have any buttons or knobs?

Classical guitars rarely have knobs to use a strap, because they are made to be played sitting down. But, there are a couple of things you can do in this case.

Classical guitar strap

This is a simple strap that’s tied into a loop on one end, and the other has a hook. The hook is placed in the front part of the guitar, at the bottom of the soundhole. The strap goes down, and then it’s pulled up as it touches the back part of the guitar. The loop will be placed around your neck. It’s a small strap easy enough to fit into your pocked. The downside is that all the weight is place over your neck, and you can’t let go of the guitar or it will fall down. There can be a risk of damage to the soundhole, especially if there’s inlay work around it. It can also affect the sound, because the strap is over the front and it can dampen it.

Acoustic guitar strap locks

You can get these knobs online or at any guitar store, and it’s a simple metal piece with a screw. You have to drill a small hole at the bottom of the guitar, in the center, and screw in the knob. Make the hole a bit smaller than the screw. Also, you can add some epoxy glue under the knob for extra strength. We highly recommend that you try to look inside your guitar to make sure that the screw goes into a wood brace, and not just in the wall of the guitar. If you don’t know for sure, don’t risk damaging your acoustic guitar.

But I don’t want to drill my guitar

You could try to get help at a guitar shop, and have a professional work on it, or give you some advice. Another option would be to use some sort of strong glue like silicone cement. You could attach plastic hooks, and be done with it. Be careful though, even though silicone cement is very resistant, you should slowly put weight on it if you try this to make sure it won’t come off.

Some guitars aren’t designed with a strap in mind, so whatever your case is, hopefully these pointers have helped you come up with a solution. Get an acoustic guitar strap that you find comfortable, and if you want cool guitar straps you’ll find plenty of designs.

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Acoustic Guitar Strings

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Ivan

When you go to a guitar shop, as you head over to the guitar strings section you’ll find a ton of packs with different colors and presentations. It’s easy to get confused and wonder which one you should get. First of all, you should know it’s easy. Read the following tips, and you’ll have a much clearer picture of acoustic guitar strings.

Note: We’ll be talking about steel-strung acoustic guitars. If you have a classical guitar it’s very important to know that you should never put steel strings on it. These guitars need nylon strings.

Acoustic guitar string material

The first thing that impacts the sound and performance of an acoustic guitar string is the type of alloy used. The most commonly used strings are made of bronze. There are two types of bronze strings: Phosphor and 80/20.

Phosphor bronze alloy is the best option for acoustic guitar strings for beginners, they last slightly longer than others. Compared to the 80/20 alloy they are not as bright, but have a richer sound.

80/20 strings are popular among guitarist who change their guitar strings very frequently, because they have a much brighter tone while they’re new. But, that brightness fades away quicker than with phosphor strings.

Other materials used in guitar strings are Steel and Nickel, but these are designed for electric guitars.

Coated guitar strings

Every manufacturer has a line of coated strings. The coating is made of thin plastic that protects the string from the acid of your fingers, and it’s helpful if you sweat a lot. They can be easier to play and they’re advertised as maintaining a bright sound for twice as long, although the coating dampens the sound of the string. Coated strings are not necessary, especially if your hands stay dry. They cost at least twice as much, and you can find that non-coated strings sound better.

Acoustic guitar string gauge

The string gauge is, basically, the thickness of guitar strings. It’s a matter of personal preference, but when it comes to acoustic guitar strings for beginners it’s best to choose a medium gauge. For simplicity, gauge can be categorized into light, medium and heavy.

Heavier gauge strings will provide a louder volume out of your acoustic guitar. The thickness of the strings will let you hold a note better and longer, and it makes it harder to bend them while playing, which lets them stay tuned for longer. However, they can put a lot of stress on the neck and body of a guitar, so there’s a risk with older ones.

Lighter gauge strings put much less stress on the guitar when you bend them, or tune them. They’re easier to play with. Bending them or playing chords isn’t as hard because you don’t have to press them down as much. The downside is that they don’t give out much volume as heavy gauge strings. They can break and get out of tune easily.

Medium gauge strings are a perfect balance of the last two options. They’re heavy enough to provide good volume, and light enough to make them easy to play and cause minimal stress on the guitar. This is why they’re recommended for beginners.

How often should I change them?

It depends on how much you use them, and what gauge you choose. Beginners should be fine if they change them every other month, but there are players that require to do it every other week. If your guitar strings are old you’ll start noticing that they get out of tune quickly, and they’ve lost brightness in their sound.

We would highly suggest changing your old strings if you have a performance coming up, because they tend to break when you least expect it. If you’ve broken one or two strings it’s recommended that you change all of them at once. This way you’ll have a compatible set, and your guitar will have a much brighter sound.

What kind or brand should I buy?

There’s no single set of  best acoustic strings. You can base your decision on your experience level, the sound you want, and buying from a reputable brand. Some popular and recommended brands are D’Addario, Elixir, Ernie Ball, and Martin. D’Addario is probably the most famous brand and they make great acoustic guitar strings. Elixir is a trusted brand with durable strings. Ernie Ball and Martin have a variety of good products as well.

Choosing the best acoustic guitar guitar string is a matter of personal preference. You can follow certain guidelines such as gauge or the string material to have an idea of the sound you’ll ultimately get. Acoustic guitar strings are not too expensive, so the best thing to do is try different types until you find the one you feel most comfortable with.

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