In Session With Peter Green Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First of all, even though there are only 6 songs transcribed here, I'm sure the cost of this book/CD is less expensive than 1 hour of paid guitar lessons.There are tons of things to learn from Peter Green (and his influences) here.Each song is transcribed (book) and the CD comes with 4 tracks per song (full demonstration track, full backing track, solo demonstrated in full and slowed down, backing track for the solo slowed down).I am a bit confused by the other review requesting tracks that ARE on here (3 of them noted).What IS included:
(1) Black Magic Woman
(2) Need Your Love So Bad
(3) Man of the World
(4) Albatross
(5) Watch Out!
(6) Merry Go Round
For me, the transcription of "Watch Out!" alone was worth the entire price of admission.Bottom line, if you love the guitar playing of Peter Green you'll love this.There are very good reasons why people love Greeny's playing and you'll get lots of insight with this.There really is plenty here to keep you busy and will surely help you become a better player in the process.
Sure, it may not be perfect and I can nitpick a few things but it's a great bargain.

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Product Description:
In Session Peter Green CD Brand: Alfred Publishing Model Number: 55-6602A

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Johnson FI-120 Concertina - 20 Button Anglo Style Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A very fun instrument to learn!I recently picked up your $80 base model that was made from China and had many issues with it.I had to open up the instrument to sand down some of the components and adjust the buttons in order to get the action to the point where the buttons wouldn't stick.

If you ask any skilled concertina player what kind of instrument is a good starter -- every single one of them will tell you to get the best one you can right off of the bat, otherwise, you can be plagued with problems such as mine, or stiff bellows causing a lot more air to be required to move the reeds.

Since a 'superb' concertina can run in the $1,500 - $3,000 range, a good 'starter' concertina is around $300-$500.I'd reccomend a 'Stagi' brand concertina (available at hobgoblin music -- I believe they have a website).

You'll find two general varieties -- a 20 button model and a 30 button model.If you've never played concertina, they'll be listed somewhat like this:

C/G 30 Button Anglo

Basically, the left side of the concertina is the lower octave and the right side is the higher octave.The C/G means that one row of buttons (10 buttons total -- 5 on each side) across both sides) will be the key of C while the other row is the key of G; that's your standard 20 button model.The 30 button models offer another row (5 buttons on each side) that add accidentals (flats and sharps) that aren't in the key of C or G.

There are two basic types of concertinas Anglo and English -- English is quieter, more for a quiet atmosphere, while the Anglo (in the C/G key) is a bit more robust and is generally the prefered choice for Irish music.I'd highly reccomend a 30-button C/G anglo if you're getting started!

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Product Description:
The beloved instrument for players who want that rich, traditional sound.

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Yamaha DD65 Digital Drum Pad (with Survival Kit) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am an experienced guitarist, and I purchased this product as my second step into drumming (my first step was an acoustic snare).I am very happy with the results.The key benefits are:
1) The small footprint - it will take up minimal space in your practice room
2) The sound variety - many preset kits and custom sounds
3) Built in metronome - no need to buy a separate one and amplify it
4) Ability to practice quietly with headphones - run your MP3 though it and play along.

When I first started with garage bands, drumming meant that a lot of space was required and a practicing would be VERY LOUD.That is no longer the case in the electric drum era.I would recommend getting the real Yamaha foot pedals for the kick and high hat - sold separately.

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Product Description:
The Yamaha DD-65 Digital Drum Kit was created for drummers of all ages and levels!This compact digital drum set features eight touch-sensitive pads, two drum pedals and AUX IN capability for playing along with an MP3 player. The DD-65 also fits any snare stand and offers built-in ported speakers, Flash Memory for importing songs and USB connectivity.The DD-65 has been faithfully designed from a drummer's point of view, with pads placed where drummers expect them to be, making it easier for experienced drummers to play the product and for beginners to make the transition to an acoustic kit.The DD-65 is packed with over 200 General MIDI compatible sounds, 100 songs and riffs to play along with and 50 drum kits, along with three user-defined kits, a sequencer to record your own songs, digital effects like Reverb and Master EQ, hand percussion mode and built-in ported speakers - amazing features at an attractive price.This Special Package deal includes the Yamaha Survival Kit accessorypackage. This valuable collection of goodies includes the PA5 powersupply (save $$ on batteries), stereo headphones, a Survival Kit DVDpacked with lessons & other fun stuff, a 2-year extended warrantyand hundreds of dollars in rebate coupons for more incredibleYamaha gear!Yamaha DD65 FeaturesReplaces the super-popular DD55 bringing with it a new design that's even more drummer friendly!AUX IN to play along with an MP3 playerUSB MIDITwo foot switches are included - the kick drum foot switch is touch-ensitive!Drum sticks are includedHand PlaySensitivity: Play Latin kit with handsBass port4 large and 4 small touch-sensitive drum pads230 GM compatible voices plus 20 drum phrasesStereo drum kit32-note polyphonyReverbMaster EQ on/offLED50 preset drum kits plus 3 custom

Get 33% OFF

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Casio WK-500 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection, 670 Tones and Power Supply Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Amazon listed the best price, the vendor was quick in shipping, the product is every bit as good as I could have expected, this was a good purchase.
The only reservation I would list for Amazon is that the time delay when I make an order is 3 to 4 days before they process the order for shipping, Amazon gives some time for customer review and cancellation of an order and I can understand the problem with folks canceling orders and the item is already shipped.With Amazon's experience as a seller I believe they have it right, I'm not the patient type but this wait has been worth it.
The WK-500 is better than I expected, I like the 76 key size, I had looked at the weighted key models but after using this one I'm glad I saved the money and I like the keyboard feel of the keys on the WK-500, they aren't weighted but not cheap feeling like I thought they would be as I have seen on some keyboards.I would say it has a nice action if you can call it that and has reasonable touch sensitive control settings although the default setting appears the best.Good overall sound, when I first got it I was slow to adapt to the different control setup than my smaller 66 keyboard but quickly became at home the Casio's setup.I also thought that the dull black color would be less attractive than my preference would be the higher luster silver type I kind of expected of a keyboard but again I was wrong as the black mantle look matches quite a bit of my other stereo and computer stuff and looks fine.
I'm not an expert on sound quality and keyboard features however I am impressed with both.I have had this about a month and have not used the advanced features like computer hookup etc. so I can't comment further.

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Product Description:
With 76 touch-sensitive piano style keys and a host of features, which include 670 high quality tones, recording capabilities and song expansion, the WK-500 as the latest edition to the "WK" range of Casio keyboards. Featuring 48 note polyphony, line and mic inputs, 10 seconds of sampling, USB MIDI Interface, pitch wheel, a SD card slot for song storage, line outputs for connecting the WK-500 to an amplifier or PA, the quality, flexibility and usability all help to make the WK-500 the ideal instrument for beginners and advanced players alike.


76 touch-sensitive piano style keys and a host of features for beginners and advanced players alike. Click to enlarge.
Touch-Sensitive Keyboard
The WK-500 features 76 touch-sensitive, piano-style keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
670 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 670 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus Effects
Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
SD Memory Card Support
The WK-500 supports SD Memory Cards up to 2 GB, so you can store sampled sounds, user rhythms, recorded songs, and more, without running out of memory.
USB Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the WK-500 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Stereo six-watt speakers built-in.
LCD display of lesson info, including fingering.
Built-in SD card slot for storage.
Built-In Sampling
You can use the WK-500 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs
The WK-500 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up Lessons
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The WK-500 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Auto Accompaniment
With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go.
Select from 200 built-in rhythms or define your own 10 user rhythms.
Auto Harmonize
Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
Arpeggiator
The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power
Power the WK-500 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-12 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the Box
WK-500 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Leaflets (Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty), User's Manual

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Casio WK-200 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection and 570 Tones Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I played piano on my family's old baby grand piano all my life and then I went off to college where I had no piano. I finally asked for one for my birthday and this is what my family chose for me. The sound is GREAT (the 5 main piano tones are very nice, I love 002), the keyboards have a very nice weight to them that makes them feel like a real piano (not something cheap and plasticy).

Some accessories I'd recommend for any buyers:

Headphones-- This keyboard can go really loud and if you're around others, you may want to consider headphones so you can enjoy all the sound :) If you use regular stereo-mini phones (like iPod jacks), you will need a Stereo Mini Jack (1/8") to Stereo Standard Plug (1/4").

Pedal-- This is an M-Audio keyboard so it works with just about any pedal but I really love this one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00063678K

It has a very realistic feel to it; much better than those cheap plastic ones that you get from the manufacturerOver all a great keyboard, I couldn't be happier!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio WK-200 76-Key Personal Keyboard with MP3/Audio Connection and 570 Tones

Product Description:
The Casio WK-200 is an affordable instrument with a 76 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Reverb plus Chorus Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player, Mic input, 10 seconds of sampling and a USB port for MIDI. All this makes WK-200 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.
A feature-packed portable keyboard that's perfect for learning. Click to enlarge.


76 touch-sensitive, standard-size keys.


Intuitive editing and controls.


Built-in stereo speakers.


Standard-Size Keys with Touch Response
The WK-200 features 76 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).


570 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.


Reverb and Chorus Effects
Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.


USB Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the WK-200 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.


Built-In Sampling
You can use the WK-200 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.


152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs
The WK-200 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment. You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.


Step Up Lessons
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The WK-200 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.


Music Challenge Keyboard Game
Music Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.


Auto Accompaniment
With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go. The WK-200 features 180 built-in rhythms, and you you can also edit and save up to 10 of your own auto accompaniment patterns.


Auto Harmonize
Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.


Arpeggiator
The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.


Transpose Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.


Line-in and Mic Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack, or plug a mic right in and sing along.


Battery or AC Power
Power the WK-200 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5MR adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.


An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.


What's in the Box
WK-200 Keyboard, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty

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Casio CTK-2100 61 Key Personal Keyboard with New Voice Pad Feature Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a piano teacher, specializing in teaching very young beginners.I sympathize with parents who ask me if they really have to invest in a traditional piano for a 5- or 6-year-old who might not really like the instrument after a few lessons.So I am willing to teach on an electronic keyboard, and for several years, I've recommended the CTK-700, which for around $100 at Target or Walmart offered full-size keys and a reasonable "touch".

I do warn parents that a beginner will NOT advance as quickly on a keyboard as they do on an acoustic piano, and I encourage parents to find even a terrible upright as soon as possible if their children maintains interest in the instrument.However, remember that traditional pianos require tuning twice yearly, and around $200 moving fee when you buy or sell...if you are the average parent struggling to make ends meet, I can understand the reluctance to make this kind of investment on top of weekly piano lessons.

To my knowledge, Casio doesn't make the CTK-700 anymore.Apparently the 2100 is the replacement.I find that the touch is not quite as good as the 700, the keys are a little too "springy" for my taste; when you pressed a key on the 700 there was a slight resistance that was better for my students.

However, for the price, this is a good keyboard.It's relatively durable (I've seen it fall from a stand all the way to the floor--some keys were pushed out of place, but could be pushed back and the keyboard functioned as before with no lasting problems).There is a headphone jack, which might be helpful in a family with small children.The default grand piano sound is acceptable and kids have fun playing with the other sounds.

In addition to price, another advantage to keyboards for young beginners is that the keyboard (with an "X" type stand) can be adjusted to the proper height for the child.You get a headstart on good technique by making the piano fit the child: in fact this is a prime tenet of Suzuki piano instruction, where instructors use an adjustable chair (retail: $600) and adjustable stool (minimum of $60 retail). (The concept is to make the height of the keys so that the forearm is parallel to the ground and the wrist straight with the body relaxed.)With a keyboard, as the child grows, you can adjust the stand and the chair you use to keep the forearm at the right height and the feet flat on the floor or on some type of footstool (for instance, those risers that people use for kids to reach the sink, or a couple phonebooks).A little care in setting up the keyboard at the proper height will lead the beginning student to good technique automatically.

Still, remember that the tactile feedback from a true piano along with the physical sensation of piano strings vibrating has an impact on the performer's enjoyment.You won't get that from a beginner keyboard from any manufacturer.But I believe that this is a decent product for a reasonable price.

I don't recommend the higher priced "touch-sensitive" keyboards such as the Privia.What I've experienced is that something about the ways those keys work leads to disastrous technique in my students--very bad habits that have proved difficult to correct.And professional keyboards contain features (MIDI input, sampled sounds etc.) that are not necessary for beginning students--don't waste your money on these items.If money is an issue, try this keyboard or an equivalent from Yamaha, and then upgrade to a used upright when the child has demonstrated a lasting interest.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Casio CTK-2100 61 Key Personal Keyboard with New Voice Pad Feature

Product Description:
A great choice for both piano beginners and intermediates, the portable Casio CTK-2100 personal keyboard offers 61 piano-style touch keys and step-by-step lessons that help just about anyone learn to play. Offering a wide range of features and functions, the CTK-2100 keyboard includes 400 tones and 150 rhythms, sampling function, an audio-in jack that lets you play along with your favorite songs, USB port for connecting to a PC, and AHL audio technology for reproducing amazingly real grand piano and acoustic musical instrument sounds. It's powered by 6 AA batteries and also comes with an AC adapter.

Key Features

AHL sound source (Acoustic & Highly-compressed Large-waveform):All built-in tones, including piano and acoustic instrument tones, now sound better than ever before! 48-tone maximum polyphony provides plenty of margin to minimize the chance of notes being dropped when tones are layered and when playing with Auto Accompaniment.
Piano-style keyboard: An easy-to-play keyboard with an appearance resembling that of an acoustic piano.
Digital effects: Use effects to add reverb for more depth and breadth in your music.
Step Up Lesson: Pieces are divided into short, easy-to-master phrases making it easy for just about anyone to learn to play. After you master a phrase you advance to the next one. With this new lesson function, you keep building up your collection of mastered phrases and soon you are able to play the entire song.
Scoring system: Your lesson score appears on the display screen.
Voice fingering guide: If the keyboard senses you are having problems, it will help you by calling out finger numbers in a simulated human voice.
Metronome for lesson support
Sampling function: Sample a sound and you can play it on the keyboard! You can create sound effects for a party or other events, or use sounds to compose music (1 sound; 1-second sampling time).The potential for fun is virtually unlimited!
Audio-in jack: Connect a digital audio player, CD player, or other audio device and you can play along with music played through the keyboard's speakers.
Wide selection of tones (400 high-quality tones) supports play of songs from various genres.
150 rhythms and auto accompaniments for Latin music and other styles from around the world. In addition to Bossa Nova, Samba, and other basic rhythms, you also get Cumbia, Reggaeton, Calypso, and more USB port for computer connection
General MIDI (GM Level 1) support allows connection with a computer or another GM-compatible device

Specifications

Keyboard: 61 standard-size keys
Touch Response: 2 types, Off
Key Light System: Up to 4 keys can be lit at the same time
Maximum Polyphony: 48 notes (24 for certain tones)
Effects: 10 types
Reverb: 1 to 10, Off
Metronome: beats per measure -- 0,2 to 6; tempo range -- 30 to 255
Step Up Lesson:

Lessons: 4 (Listen, Watch, Remember, Auto)
Lesson Part: L, R, LR
Functions: Repeat, Voice Fingering Guide, Note Guide.

Music Challenge: 20 notes
Auto Accompaniment: Rhythm Patterns -- 150; One Touch Presets -- 150
Musical Information Function: Tone, Rhythm, Song Bank, numbers and names; staff notation, fingering, pedal operation, tempo, measure and beat number, chord name, etc.
USB port: Yes
Sustain jack: Standard jack (sustain, sostenuto, soft, rhythm start/stop)
Phones/Output jack: Stereo standard jack
Output Impedance: 200 Ohm, Output Voltage: 4.8 V (RMS) MAX
Audio In jack: Stereo mini jack
Input Impedance: 40 kOhm, Input Sensitivity: 200 mV
Mic In jack: Standard jack
Batteries: 6 AA batteries

The 61-key Casio CTK-2100 portable keyboard makes it easy to learn to play the piano (see larger version of keyboard plus a detail of the keyboard controls.

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Suzuki QC1 Qchord Digital Songcard Guitar Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Love the QChord! Here's a tip. QChord runs great on batteries, but you'll also want an A/C adapter to conserve batteries. You should only use an A/C adapter that meets specifications, or risk possible damage to your QChord. This is because the QChord uses reverse polarity adapters; that is, the center pole is negative and the outer sleeve is positive.

The correct specially designed power adapter is available on Amazon as Item B0002DVCBQ; model number is QCA. Or, you can order the QChord and A/C adapter together as a package, Amazon Item B0002EB5OE. Or, you can find an A/C adapter at your local electronics store; see the specifications on the FAQ page at qchord.net.

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Product Description:
Instant musical mastery! The most accessible accompanying instrument available. Play 84 different chord combinations with just the touch of a finger. Flat, textured strumplate. The beauty of the QChord is its capability to provide quality, interactive accompaniment for everyone from the beginner to the professional. No previous musical experience necessary. Fully equipped with standard electronic keyboard features and 10 different rhythm styles. Batteries included.

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