5/23/2012

Korg OT-120 Wide 8 Octave Chromatic Orchestral Tuner Review

Korg OT-120 Wide 8 Octave Chromatic Orchestral Tuner
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I purchased this for tuning my violin and piano, assuming it would do a great job on the violin (it does) but was wary of how it would work on the piano. I had been using a Peterson Virtual Stobe tuner for years, using standard piano-tuning techniques and equipment, and preferred tuning to a strobe rather than to a needle or LEDs. But battery leakage had put my VS out of commission. With the Peterson VS having its own imperfections, and a new one now running 3-4 times the cost of the Korg OT-120, I decided to give the Korg a try. (I also purchased the clip mike just in case its built-in mike balked at some of the overtones on my older piano.) I now use the Korg OT-120 regularly, not only to tune my piano and violin, but also as a practicing aid for the violin. It's very responsive and useful in verifying that I'm hitting pitch. After a few months of use I can say that the Korg OT-120 has exceeded my expectations for ease-of-use, value, and effectiveness for tuning my violin and piano, and for practice (strings). The tone generator is useful for ear training as well as for tuning. The display is smaller than I'm used to on the Peterson, but then again the Korg is much more portable. The clip microphone has come in handy for tuning some of the trickier strings at the lower and higher octaves, but I don't need to use it very often. Although I prefer the strobe for how it linearly visualizes pitch adjustment, it took less than half a tuning session to re-adapt to a needle/LED style display. Note: The Peterson has a larger number of tuning temperments than the Korg, so if you're tuning for early music make sure to review the temperments available on the Korg before buying. Nor can you store custom temperments on it.

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Tune string and wind instruments in a flash with the OT-120, a new band and orchestral tuner that combines the accuracy of needle-type meters with superior functionality, wide tuning range and a new, sleek vertical design.

Vertical Design and Superior Visibility The Korg OT-120 chromatic band and orchestral tuner is intended for orchestral instruments, packing precise performance and sophisticated functionality in a vertical design that's easy to hold and operate. The Korg OT-120 features a dual-display, an easy-to-see needle-type indicator and a backlit LCD screen that shows the battery life, sound output level, calibration, as well as key and note name. Additional design features include a large dial that makes it easy to select the desired mode, soft-touch buttons and a rear-mounted stand that lets the band and orchestral tuner stand by itself. A sophisticated silver aluminum panel contributes to its sleek, new look.
Accurately Tune Orchestral Instruments Over a Wide Range Since we developed the world's first meter-type tuner in 1975, the accuracy of Korg tuners has made them the choice of artists in all styles of music. With its wide tuning range extending from A0 to C8, the OT-120 lets you quickly tune any type of band instrument including, orchestra, wind, string, brass or piano. The Korg OT-120 also provides a wide range of calibration to support concert pitches in a range of 349-499 Hz (1 Hz steps).
Smooth and Precise Tuning This band and orchestral tuner uses a high-precision needle-type meter to accurately indicate any pitch discrepancy. The speed at which the needle responds to the input can be changed over a range of three steps; you can choose fast, medium or slow speeds to match your tuning preference.
You can also choose from two tuning modes; Auto mode, which automatically detects the pitch of a single note you play on your instrument, or Manual mode, which lets you specify the desired note name. In Manual mode, the needle movement is shown in a range of 50 cents, letting you view the tuning discrepancy over a wide range. In addition to the excellent visibility unique to a needle-type meter, the LEDs located below the meter also indicate pitch deviation or a perfect match, making precise tuning easy even in dim locations.
Sound Back Mode for Tuning String or Wind Instruments The OT-120 produces a reference tone in a five-octave range extending from C2 (65.41 Hz) to C7 (2093 Hz). You can switch the output level in two stages. The large speaker allows for more volume while not being obstructed even when using the stand, ensuring that the reference tone is clearly audible.
The OT-120 also provides Korg's proprietary Sound Back mode. This mode lets you connect an optional CM-100L contact microphone to the input jack, and automatically make the OT-120's speaker produce a reference tone for the note that is closest to the input pitch you play on your instrument. The meter will also indicate the input pitch, letting you tune using your eyes as well as your ears for greater accuracy--and also providing a great way to train your sense of pitch.
Support for Transposing Instruments and Historical Temperaments For conveniently tuning any wind instrument, twelve types of transposing keys are provided in this band and orchestral tuner, including both sharps and flats. The Multi Temperament function provides eight presets that cover the most popular historical temperaments often used with period instruments. These are also ideal for checking unique temperaments used in classical music.
Long Battery Life The OT-120 is designed for an extended battery life of approximately 100 hours when running on two AAA batteries. It can also be used with an AC adaptor (sold separately).
Soft Case Included A durable, suede-tone soft case is included. Korg band and orchestral tuners purchased from a Korg USA authorized dealer now have a three year warranty.
What's in the Box Korg OT-120 Orchestral Tuner, Soft Case, Two AAA Batteries, Owner's Manual

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5/22/2012

Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup - UNC 1/4-20 format Review

Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup - UNC 1/4-20 format
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Absolutely the single greatest investment I've made since I bought my upright.
I have used 10 different pick-ups over the course of my upright career, and without a doubt this is the best, most uncomplicated and cleanest sounding pick-up I've ever used.
Set it and forget it. I use it with a Genz-Benz shuttle 6.0 and a Schroeder 12 inch cabinet. The sound from my upright is full and punchy without being harsh and trebly.
I've used it on Jazz, Rockabilly, Blues, and recording gigs (One Trouble After Another) (Nothin' But Trouble) and was very happy with the sound in each style of music.
I'm buying a second one for my other upright.

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Plug in the Full Circle and the sound of your upright is all there.Whether it's big, fat and punchy pizz, full-voiced arco or slap,you'll hear all the acoustic qualities, dynamics, and nuances ofyour bass - only louder.Encased in a sturdy aluminum height adjuster wheel, the FullCircle offers accurate, transparent sound. To match the pickup toyour instrument and playing style, a fine-tuning feature lets youquickly choose between an open, resonant response or a drierand more focused amplified tone.The Full Circle is a quick retro-fit on upright basses with heightadjustment wheels. A Pro-EQ Platinum Bass, Pro-EQ II or B-IIpreamp is recommended, but not required. Professionalinstallation is recommended.

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Artino 5 Hole Cello Endpin Stop - Rosewood Review

Artino 5 Hole Cello Endpin Stop - Rosewood
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Perhaps it is because I have seen a similar product of bigger sizes. I was disappointed when I received this endpin stop. The wood pieces are 7"x2.75" and 0.25" thick. The endpin holes are relatively small. Therefore you need to remove the endpin rubber to use it.
The craftsmanship is good. If you like a light weight design, this product might be good for you. But personally I still think $20 is too expensive.
I learned the lesson to buy anything online only when the seller gives clear description of an item. A good picture is never good enough!

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Artino's Pin Stopper are designed to help the cellist play with more facility and comfort. They dependable and versatile and will work on any surface with practically any chair.

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5/21/2012

Kustom Sienna 30-Watt Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp Review

Kustom Sienna 30-Watt Acoustic Guitar Combo Amp
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I have been wanting an acoustic amp for a while, so with the recent purchase of an A/E nylon string guitar I finally decided to bite the bullet.
This amp had tremendous reviews everywhere I went, and they were dead on. The price was fantastic, and the sound is awesome. It provides a lot of variety in the sound, so you can key it up however you like.
I would definitely recommend it!!

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The Sienna 30 is a 30-watt combo amplifier with a 10-inch speaker that is specifically designed to reproduce and enhance the natural sound of your guitar or other acoustic instrument. The approach is more "hi-fi" in nature. One ¼-inch instrument input plus a ¼-inch microphone input add flexibility for interfacing with the amp. You'll also find analog Reverb and Chorus effects to enhance your sound. EQ controls include a Feedback filter - very handy for live gigs. The Sienna 30 lets you fine-tune your sound, and then amplify it in a way that brings out its best qualities.

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Shifting: Thirty Studies for Young Violinists by Yaakov Geringas Review

Shifting: Thirty Studies for Young Violinists by Yaakov Geringas
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Traditional shifting methods offer 3rd position in about the 3rd year of playing, which is studied for at least 6 months before going on to 5th position. In traditional shifting on violin it takes several years to learn positions 2-6. And then, all the time you're saying, "What position am I in?" You're thinking in terms of the physical distances on the fingerboard first, the sounds of the intervals come second.
Yaakov Geringas writes in his intro that as soon as a student knows various finger patterns, he/she should be introduced into shifting. In fact, he asserts, the higher positions are much easier for little fingers because the notes are closer together and more comfortable for littler arms.
I decided to give him a whirl a couple of years ago. Much of his technique involves hearing the intervals, as the positions are all mixed up. I have used video, recording, and just plain demonstration in teaching this book; he also requires playing in first position first, to hear the piece and facilitate finding the note with your shift. He doesn't identify positions - instead, the player shifts from one note to another note, learning to hear the notes as he or she reads.
As a result, after a few months the student is ready to read almost any music and even design fingerings of their own that ensure smooth string crossings.
The little pieces Geringas wrote for this book are delightful, reflect several different moods, and always pull the student in. They're perfect for adult beginners too, as they offer faster learning skills to pull the adult learner closer to his or her goal in learning violin.
The reason I gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars, is because it's not self teaching, and probably isn't for everyone. It requires the ability to hear the intervals, and I have had a small number of students who were not able to do it. Also it seems to be a stand alone book in a completely diverse method - so I find that I am really scouring the literature to find something to teach when this book is finished.
I'm really so happy I bumped into this book though. It's kickstarted many students into learning to use the entire fingerboard of the violin.
(One further note: I researched Yaakov Geringas and found that he was a professor of violin in a university in Canada during the 1960's. Therefore, I'm not really sure he intended this book to be just for little kids. I wish I could find more about him.)

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Shifting: Thirty Studies for Young Violinists by Yaakov Geringas is the essential technical study album which introduces shifting gradually and easily, early in a young player's development. Students overcome the problems of string crossing and shifting to produce a smoother sound and greater variety of tonal shading. Exercises are included to help students prepare for the progressively leveled studies. Descriptive titles such as Up and Down the Ladder and Hide and Seek, combined with imaginative drawings, make technique fun for the young student.

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5/20/2012

Virtuoso Wrist Junior 1/4-1/16 Size Black Review

Virtuoso Wrist Junior 1/4-1/16 Size Black
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I purchased this in hopes that it would help my students maintain a proper wrist position, but this really did not help. It is more helpful, and less expensive, to fasten a long rubber band to the peg and around the student's wrist.

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Founded by a professional violinist and teacher, Wrist Aids LLC is an accessory company focused on providing left-hand wrist practice aids.The Virtuoso Wrist Practice Aid is the first and only left-hand wrist aid made specifically for all string instrument players: VIOLIN / VIOLA / CELLO / BASS. It is the ultimate teaching tool and practice tool, designed to help beginning string students learn and practice proper left-hand wrist position.Custom velcro straps adjust around the palm above the thumb, and around the forearm near the wrist. It enables the student player to learn correctstraight wristleft-hand position, as improperwrist bent backwardsleft-hand position prevents the fingers from efficiently reaching the fingerboard. It also enables the student to understand basic shifting from 1st to 3rd position, as it helps the student keep the wrist and forearmmoving as a unitduring this more complex task.The fundamental goal of effective practice is to repeat the desired skills correctly again and again until the muscle memory becomes automatic. This is exactly what the Virtuoso Wrist Practice Aid will do for you and your students when you use it regularly.

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Cremona SC-200 Premier Student Cello, Full-Size Review

Cremona SC-200 Premier Student Cello, Full-Size
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I really like this cello. I have wanted one for many years since I played the school loaned cello in high school. I was amazed at how much my skill has improved over the past 30 years from having NOT played! I psychologically understand it more, see the mathematical ratios of the strings and intervals, and the whole thing makes much more logical sense to me now. The case is of superior quality and the real horse hair bow is full, well-balanced, and produces a nice tone. The instrument also included fine tuning keys which help to get the strings exactly in tune. If I cared more, I'd probably replace at least the A string because it is initially strident. The craftsmanship of the instrument itself is flawless as far as I can tell, and the color of the wood is rich and warm. I am not disappointed in the least with this very well-priced cello.

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The SC-200 has polished, all-ebony fittings on a hand-carved and graduated solid spruce and maple instrument will provide years of inspiration and effortless playing. This finely made instrument has all the tone and response that a great student outfit should, including the revolutionary TC-20 light weight cello case by Travelite!.

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