Consider These Factors Before Buying a MIDI Keyboard

If you're an avid musician, whether professional or an amateur, having a MIDI keyboard is the way to go. With it you are able to create music that in the old days would require a good number of musicians, time and money in order to achieve the same results.

Nowadays most, if not all, digital or electronic keyboards are MIDI capable. You will know it because it should say so on their body and they should have the MIDI interface input and outputs in the back or side. That being the case you need to consider these before choosing your unit.

Budget: Before making any purchases ask yourself how much you're willing to spend. As with anything else the price will vary depending on the type, features and keys of the one you're planning to get. Obviously the more features and keys you get the higher the price.

Space: Another consideration before buying anything. If you're simply working from home then you may want to consider the size of MIDI keyboard you're getting - if you have a small space then smaller is better. Conversely, if you enough available space then get a bigger one of course dependent upon whether you can afford it or not.

Use: If you're a musician that's always on the road then perhaps lugging a 60-pound behemoth may not be the best thing for you. You may want to consider a smaller unit that's much more compact and portable - just what you need when you're running from one gig to another. If you're a stay at home kind of musician then bigger may be ok (if you have the budget and the space for it).

Keys: The number of keys determines the size of the MIDI keyboard. It comes in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37 and 25. You can even get them smaller than a 25. Piano enthusiast and hardcore composers would tell you that you should get the 88. While it may be a good idea the number of keys you get will depend on your budget, space and the intended use. As mentioned above you won't buy an 88 if you can't even fit it in your home studio. That will be like parking a tank in a space for a motorcycle - it ain't gonna happen.

Type: Do you want a controller type or a piano type. Controller types are typically smaller because they don't have speakers. That means in order to hear any sound you would need to have it attached to something else, like a computer with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) program. If you want to hear something as you play then get a piano type as it comes with internal sound system but this makes them bigger. (See budget, space and use constraints)

There are other things to consider before you get your MIDI keyboard - key feel, controllers, knobs, and brand - but these 5 are the basics before you purchase anything.

Check out useful tips in buying Midi Keyboards. Know what other users say in the Midi Keyboard Reviews section.

View the original article here

Features To Check Out in Buying a Midi Keyboard

How To Choose A Midi Keyboard

If you're into making music using your computer then you know how important it is to have a good MIDI keyboard at your disposal. There are a number of products to choose from and depending on your wallet you can get them new or used with varying quality and results.

Keyboard Size

Perhaps the biggest concern you may have, other than the technical aspects is that of size - or rather the number of keys your keyboard will have. Typically they come in 88, 76, 61, 49, 37, and 25.

Many would argue for getting the big one even if it is somewhat pricey while still others like the portability and compactness of the 25. Most would say that for multipurpose action the 49 Midi keyboard is worth it.

It really depends on what you're going to use it for and the space available. If you usually do live performances on stage then space is not an issue and an 88 may be the best, even if it is quite bulky. On the other hand if you work at home where space can be a premium then a smaller one might be in order.

How Heavy?

We're not necessarily talking about the weight of the unit itself but rather of its keys. Depending on your preference you can get keys that are touch sensitive, un-weighted, semi-weighted, or full weighted.

1) Touch sensitive keys will play depending on how hard you play. The harder you press the louder the sound that comes out.

2) Un-weighted keys offer little or no resistance. You won't feel any springiness unlike say the keys on a real piano. If you're the type who plays fast or a beginner who doesn't really have an idea about playing then this may be the best option for your Midi keyboard.

3) The semi-weighted keys are a compromise between the un-weighted and the full-weighted versions. It offers some resistance or "feel" to the user while keeping it light at the same time. Most will find this a better fit for them.

4) For those who are used to playing the piano then the weighted keys are the ones for you. These will offer the resistance and springiness one would find and associate with regular pianos. Those that choose this prefer the feedback playing gives them versus the above selections.

Again the choice will depend on your action and what you're used to. If you played the piano before then you may feel more comfortable with the weighted keys. On the other hand if you like playing faster or don't like the resistance then an un-weighted key is for you. But for the majority the semi-weighed keys will do as it's the best compromise between the two extremes.

When it comes to the price the bigger they are (i.e. the more keys they have) the higher the price. At the same time the more weighted the keys the higher the price. Of course that's not to say that price should be your limiting factor when choosing your Midi keyboard. What's important is the use you will be getting out of it and if you "feel" it - that is worth the price you will pay and then some.

Check out useful tips in buying Midi Keyboards. Know what other users say in the Midi Keyboard Reviews section.

View the original article here

Buying Your First Guitar Online

Buying a guitar for the first time is a difficult process. If you've never done it before, it's almost certain that you won't even know where to start. But never fear! This handy guide will take you through the process so that you buy the right instrument for YOU, and at the right price.

The first question you need to ask is whether you're going to by new or used. Obviously buying a new instrument means you are guaranteed an instrument in pristine condition - but you are going to pay for it. The benefit of a warranty, as well as having someone who will listen (and hopefully respond) to your complaints if something goes wrong is something that will sway some potential buyers into taking this route.

The benefit of second-hand, of course, is cost. It's likely that you'll be able to find a better quality instrument for a much better price if you're willing to buy second-hand. A good rule of thumb when buying your first instrument used is to only buy instruments you can play prior to purchase. Don't buy your first instrument from Ebay; if you can't play it before buying it, it's likely you'll be in for a bad surprise when the instrument arrives.

The next question to ask is what kind of guitar you are going to purchase. This includes things such as the size, sound production method (acoustic or electric) and shape. For adults, a full size guitar is recommended. You can also purchase half and three quarter size instruments for younger players; although depending on age it may be worthwhile going straight for the full-size guitar (children grow quite quickly, after all). In terms of sound production type, this will depend on personal preference and living arrangement (roommates or family members might have something to say about this).

Choosing a guitar model or shape will depend on your personal preference, aesthetic preference and (of course) price range. It is recommended that you play many different guitars to find which one suits you (in terms of appearance, feel and sound). The best way to do this is to go to a guitar store with a friend that already plays. If you don't know any one, do your research. Search online and find reviews for instruments that notoriously have quality construction and play well. Ask the store clerk to set up the instrument for you, and (if possible) give you a rundown on the features and benefits of the instrument.

In terms of buying an electric guitar, you'll need some additional accessories to get started. Make sure you have a spare set of strings (as you'll learn quite quickly, broken strings are not an uncommon occurrence). A good quality carry case is also recommended to keep your instrument in tip-top condition. You'll need a guitar cable to connect your instrument to an amplifier; don't go for the cheapest available as they are likely to break. You'll also need picks (buy a few different types so you can work out which you prefer) and a strap to play while standing. Obviously an amplifier is also required - but this is another article entirely.

When buying guitars online it's very important that you've played the instrument in real life before buying a particular make or model. A good practice is to find the guitar you want by visiting physical stores and playing a selection of instruments, then go online and purchase it. This way you get the best of both worlds: first-hand experience that the instrument is right for you AND the best price available.

Hopefully this guide has helped you in your quest to purchase the perfect first instrument. Best of luck purchasing your guitar. Rock on!

Buy Electric Guitars Now is the one-stop-shop for everything electric guitar related. Created BY guitarists, FOR guitarists.

View the original article here

Buying tips for bass guitar

Recognize some tips if you are looking for quality guitar. Find Great Bass is similar to buying fruits at a store. They must understand the finer points of what makes a good guitar and obtain a value for the price they can pay.

Let us identify what actually is exactly the electric bass. Big bass will be an instrument in the form of a very good and will pitch you are searching for. True because the instruments are generally expensive, people will want to make sure that the instrument is original and meets their expectations.

The first area is the guitar to search the web. One can Discover great instruments for an affordable price tag. Typically, the industry will know, the subtle nuances of instruments. These people will understand the finer points more than the cashier working weekends additional money. Knowledge of guitar Fender was acquired and not resolved overnight. In this connection, the user is actually are cautioned to undertake every thing in its ability to verify that the guitars are original and efficient. Research the seller reputation online. Talk to previous clients. Find out if the competing undertakings in the protection of the seller.

Want to know what makes an instrument shall be treated as a high-quality bass. These classes consist of brands, such as Epiphone, Fender, Gibson, Muerlle, Henderson, Williams. You should know the variety of wood, from whose body the apparatus consists. Wood, such as the North and high-quality, Alder, Eastern pine or white ash is a signal which bass is the wood of the premium. In addition, a State in which the instrument is identified it is very important.

If possible, avoid the bass guitar, that is not in the shape of a large. To find information, as was employed and how old is it Spend additional effort. "says the salesman. Neck guitar should be pristine. Examine the neck for damage or Warp due to excessive soak in the Sun. Bases will be one of the most important parts of the instrument. Foundations will play a key role in the instrument's sound quality.

Good luck and enjoy your document.

Searching for electric bass as Offers Ideas? Visit Fender today.

View the original article here