A Keyboard amplifier is basically a small PA disguised as a combo amp. Modern electronic keyboards are probably the most demanding instruments on the planet. They produce a full range of sounds that are very demanding when it comes to amplifier components. Keyboard amps are required to recreate many different types of sounds with clarity and accuracy. To fully appreciate the quality of the sounds in your keyboard, it's critical that you're amplification system is up to the task.
Solid-state technology is perfect for such a challenge. Solid-state combos, (Short for combination) are amplifiers that combine the speakers and the amplifier in one box.
Many keyboard amps have multiple input channels built into them to accommodate a number of keyboards at one time.
It is not uncommon for the channels on this type of amp to have little or no EQ (equalization) to adjust tone. The sounds produced by today?s keyboards are very smooth, well-balanced tones that often sound best without any additional equalization.
Keyboard combos usually incorporate a high-frequency driver, also known as a tweeter, to deliver the crisp high-end frequencies that aren't quite as present with a cone speaker. Many keyboard amps often have multiple sizes of speakers (similar to PA enclosures) to deliver a full-range of crystal clear sound. Many larger Keyboard amps can be used as a small PA, with low-impedance inputs for vocal mics. These are often fine for small coffee house or Bookstore gigs, but when the venue is bigger and noisier, it would be best to go with a traditional PA system and use the amp as a stage monitor. Keyboard amps will often feature a low-impedance Line out which allows you to send the amps mixed signals directly into a PA system.
Keyboards
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Korg KONTROL49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
"The new KONTROL49 combines intuitive design, great feel, familiar hardware and detailed displays into the most comprehensive controller for all your MIDI needs. Equipped with 40 assignable control elements, including the new Vector Joystick, the KONTROL49 provides new musical dexterity when working with soft-synths, MIDI modules, or any digital audio workstation."
Alesis Sumo 15 Keyboard Amp
"The Sumo 15 is the ideal complement for keyboard players in search of a practice or monitor solution as well as for small PA applications. This compact, versatile keyboard / PA amplifier includes built-in effects, two channels (one for a microphone, one for a stereo keyboard), Alesis? unique Stereo Link feature, and a headphone output."
Novation ReMOTE 25 SL MIDI Keyboard Controllers FREE SHIPPING
Novation ReMOTE 25 SL
"Finally, recording in the dark is a thing of the past. The SL shines a light on the murky world of MIDI control by providing two giant, brightly lit LCD screens alongside an intelligent Automap mode*, which detects what instruments you have in your project and intelligently and logically maps the controls to the SL?s front panel."
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Musician's Friend Platinum Card
Keyboard Gear
No Interest If Paid Within 12 Months*
Minimum monthly payments required. Valid on purchases of $499 or more made during the promotional period when you use your Musician's Friend Platinum credit card.
No Interest If Paid Within 3 Months*
Minimum monthly payments required. Valid on purchases of $199-$498.99 made during the promotional period when you use your Musician's Friend Platinum credit card.
And The Perks Keep Coming!
Get in on sneak previews of the latest and greatest gear and enjoy exclusive special offers just for Platinum Card members. Apply below for easy on-line approval. With the Platinum Card, you can order gear on credit and play while you pay low monthly payments.
Get The Gear Of Your Dreams!
Credit limits up to $10,000. Payments as low as $30 a month for a $1,000 purchase. Minimum monthly payments are the greater of $15 or 3% of the account balance.
Extra Savings!
Exclusive Platinum Member private sales events give you the best deals on our most popular gear.
New Gear Bulletins!
Exclusive advance previews of upcoming gear introductions - see it, buy it and start enjoying it before anyone else.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Open Labs NeKo LE (Gen2) 76-key with Touch Screen
Open Labs Neko (Gen2) 61-Key
The OpenSynth combines the power and flexibility of personal computers with the real-world playability of traditional electronic keyboards, allowing musicians the ability to use virtual instruments and effects plug-ins in a studio or live performance setting. Open Labs was able to further increase the processing power of its product line by introducing the OpenSynth neKo64 equipped with up to dual AMD Opteron processors running at 64-bits. Preconfigured versions and upgrade components will be available directly from resellers.Bundled software includes: GigaStudio 32, SonicSynth with Sample Tank LE, Traction, Orion Pro, Karsyn, and over forty (40) VST and VSTi plug-ins totaling hundreds of sounds and effects. Due to customer requests, all neKo series have been upgraded to include the pro-audio I/O with 10 ins/out and all four (4) control modules. The first 1,000 units shipped will be the signature series marked by hand numbered signatures of the founders, framed certificate of authenticity, black colored endbells, and additional limited edition goodies.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Casio PX555 Digital Piano
Keyboard Gear
"The elegantly stylish design of the PX-555 gives it an appearance that is similar to that of a fine piece of audio equipment. Compact and lightweight, the PX-555 allows it to be used in either a stand-alone tabletop configuration or on a stand (optional). This versatility means the PX-555 fits right in just about anywhere, from the living room to the bedroom, den, or music room."
"The elegantly stylish design of the PX-555 gives it an appearance that is similar to that of a fine piece of audio equipment. Compact and lightweight, the PX-555 allows it to be used in either a stand-alone tabletop configuration or on a stand (optional). This versatility means the PX-555 fits right in just about anywhere, from the living room to the bedroom, den, or music room."
Casio WK3200
Casio WK3200 Portable Keyboard"At A Glance Casio's portable musical keboard utilizes the high performance Zpi sound source to deliver the most realistic piano, organ, and synth sounds, plus a huge library of built-in tones, rhythms, and DSP settings. These powerful instruments feature an on-board sequencer and a mixer, for unmatched creative possibilities, plus powerful built-in speakers to take your performance to the next level. These keyboards are ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment."
Casio CTK900 Portable Keyboard
Casio CTK-900 61-Key Portable Keyboard
"Casio's newest portables utilize the high performance Zpi sound source to deliver the most realistic piano, organ, and synth sounds, plus a huge library of built-in tones, rhythms, and DSP settings. These powerful instruments feature an on-board sequencer and a mixer, for unmatched creative possibilities, plus powerful built-in speakers to take your performance to the next level. These keyboards are ideal for home/project studio use, open-mic performance, education/classroom applications, or simply for pure musical enjoyment."
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Buying Guide for Portable Keyboards
Portable Keyboards come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. They make good beginner keyboards as they usually feature a wide range of features at a reasonable price. Portables are commonly found in 3 sizes: 61-key, 76-key and 88-key. (The standard piano keyboard has 88 keys).
Why different amounts of keys?
The amount of keys merely allows a wider range of notes available at one time. You can learn to play on a 61-note just as well as an 88-note. A smaller size keyboard may be your answer if you have space limitations or need to transport it frequently. Size will also be reflected in the price.
Other Stuff You’re Going to Need
There are certain accessories you will need for your Keyboard. A keyboard stand, gig bag and headphones are just few of the items that will help you to fully enjoy your instrument.
What to Look for in a Portable Keyboard
After you’ve decided on size and price range, there are a number of features you should think about when buying a Portable Keyboard. Here are some of the features considered to be important by the Product Specialists at Musicians Friend
Important Features
* Sounds – Sometimes referred to as “tones”, “voices” or “patches”, the number of sounds in an instrument can vary widely. Obviously, you will spend more for more sounds, but the quality of the sounds can also affect price. While you may find a $149.00 keyboard with 50 sounds you can also spend $399.00 for a unit with only a dozen sounds. Certainly the quality of those dozen sounds will be superior. Your purchasing decision should depend on which features are most important to you.
* Polyphony – This is the number of notes that can be played at one time. A polyphonic synthesizer can play more than one note at a time, while a monophonic synth can only play one note at a time. Most modern synthesizers are polyphonic.
* Action – The way it feels when you push down on a key. Most Portable keyboards have very light “spring” or “organ touch” action, as opposed to the heavier “weighted action” of a digital piano.
* Touch Sensitivity – Sometimes referred to as “Velocity Sensitivity”, this is a feature that allows the degree of loudness in which a note is reproduced, to be relative to the intensity in which the keyboard is struck. In other words, the harder you hit the key, the louder the sound.
* Sustain Pedal - AnElectronic sustain pedal recreates the effect of the mechanical sustain foot pedal found on the traditional piano. When you step on the sustain footswitch, it allows notes to continue to sound after your fingers have left the keyboard.
* Sequencer - A built-in Sequencer records “events” that occur as you play the keyboard. It’s like having a built-in multi-track recorder. The sequencer remembers what keys you pressed and how long and how hard you pressed them. This is a great tool for recording song ideas or playing back lessons to monitor your progress.
* USB Connectivity – Short for “Universal Serial Bus’, USB is that slim little rectangular input on your PC. It is an interface standard for hooking peripherals (in this case, your keyboard) to your computer. This allows your keyboard to interact with educational software, programs for recording, sequencing etc.
Portable Keyboards and Digital pianos are excellent instruments to introduce the uninitiated to the exciting world of music.
Why different amounts of keys?
The amount of keys merely allows a wider range of notes available at one time. You can learn to play on a 61-note just as well as an 88-note. A smaller size keyboard may be your answer if you have space limitations or need to transport it frequently. Size will also be reflected in the price.
Other Stuff You’re Going to Need
There are certain accessories you will need for your Keyboard. A keyboard stand, gig bag and headphones are just few of the items that will help you to fully enjoy your instrument.
What to Look for in a Portable Keyboard
After you’ve decided on size and price range, there are a number of features you should think about when buying a Portable Keyboard. Here are some of the features considered to be important by the Product Specialists at Musicians Friend
Important Features
* Sounds – Sometimes referred to as “tones”, “voices” or “patches”, the number of sounds in an instrument can vary widely. Obviously, you will spend more for more sounds, but the quality of the sounds can also affect price. While you may find a $149.00 keyboard with 50 sounds you can also spend $399.00 for a unit with only a dozen sounds. Certainly the quality of those dozen sounds will be superior. Your purchasing decision should depend on which features are most important to you.
* Polyphony – This is the number of notes that can be played at one time. A polyphonic synthesizer can play more than one note at a time, while a monophonic synth can only play one note at a time. Most modern synthesizers are polyphonic.
* Action – The way it feels when you push down on a key. Most Portable keyboards have very light “spring” or “organ touch” action, as opposed to the heavier “weighted action” of a digital piano.
* Touch Sensitivity – Sometimes referred to as “Velocity Sensitivity”, this is a feature that allows the degree of loudness in which a note is reproduced, to be relative to the intensity in which the keyboard is struck. In other words, the harder you hit the key, the louder the sound.
* Sustain Pedal - AnElectronic sustain pedal recreates the effect of the mechanical sustain foot pedal found on the traditional piano. When you step on the sustain footswitch, it allows notes to continue to sound after your fingers have left the keyboard.
* Sequencer - A built-in Sequencer records “events” that occur as you play the keyboard. It’s like having a built-in multi-track recorder. The sequencer remembers what keys you pressed and how long and how hard you pressed them. This is a great tool for recording song ideas or playing back lessons to monitor your progress.
* USB Connectivity – Short for “Universal Serial Bus’, USB is that slim little rectangular input on your PC. It is an interface standard for hooking peripherals (in this case, your keyboard) to your computer. This allows your keyboard to interact with educational software, programs for recording, sequencing etc.
Portable Keyboards and Digital pianos are excellent instruments to introduce the uninitiated to the exciting world of music.
Buying Guide for Digital Pianos
Digital Pianos are designed for those who are more serious about playing the piano as opposed to synthesizers. While they will have some features in common with Portable Keyboards, the most important aspects of a Digital Piano are the sound and that the keys feel and respond the way they do on a real piano. Size is also an issue. Digital Pianos can be slim and compact, hardly bigger than the keyboard itself, or they can be built into a decorative solid wood cabinet designed to resemble a 4-6 ft. Baby Grand!
What to look for in a Digital Piano
After you've decided on size and price range, there are a number of features you should think about when buying a Digital Piano. Here are some of the features considered to be important by the Product Specialists at Music123.
Sound - As far as the quality of sound, it stands to reason that the number of sounds is not nearly as important as the quality of the piano sounds. The authenticity of these sounds will also help the serious piano student to explore the expressiveness of the piano.
Action - A decent Digital Piano will have 88-keys and some sort of weighted action, which simulates the feel of a real piano when you press down on a key.
Weighted action pianos are a better way to go for the serious piano student, even a beginner, as it will help them develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between their physical interaction with the keyboard and the sound produced.
Less expensive pianos have Semi-Weighted Action. Higher-end Digital Pianos have a more elaborate system referred to as FullyWeighted Hammer Action or GrandHammer Action. This replicates the true feel of a hammer striking a string, the way it does in a real piano. This is important for developing proper hand strength and technique.
What to look for in a Digital Piano
After you've decided on size and price range, there are a number of features you should think about when buying a Digital Piano. Here are some of the features considered to be important by the Product Specialists at Music123.
Sound - As far as the quality of sound, it stands to reason that the number of sounds is not nearly as important as the quality of the piano sounds. The authenticity of these sounds will also help the serious piano student to explore the expressiveness of the piano.
Action - A decent Digital Piano will have 88-keys and some sort of weighted action, which simulates the feel of a real piano when you press down on a key.
Weighted action pianos are a better way to go for the serious piano student, even a beginner, as it will help them develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between their physical interaction with the keyboard and the sound produced.
Less expensive pianos have Semi-Weighted Action. Higher-end Digital Pianos have a more elaborate system referred to as FullyWeighted Hammer Action or GrandHammer Action. This replicates the true feel of a hammer striking a string, the way it does in a real piano. This is important for developing proper hand strength and technique.
Kurzweil PC161
Kurzweil PC161"Kurzweil introduced the first Performance Controller keyboard, the PC88, back in 1994, receiving both critical and public acclaim. Now the PC161, Kurzweil's most affordable and lightweight PC model, continues the tradition of excellence. With breathtaking sounds, superior effects and impressive controller capabilities, the PC161 delivers the power of Kurzweil's popular PC1X in a lightweight, elegant 61 note enclosure."
Casio CS 65 Stand
Casio CS 65 Stand"CS65 Stand for PX110 features a high quality dark wood appearance, to match your PX-110/PX-310 perfectly. Plus, it ensures a genuinely stylish appearance."
Friday, November 25, 2005
Starting November 25th, Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!
Starting November 25th, Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!
Starting November 25th, Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!
Each day there will be two or more Give-Aways, which will total a retail value of over $1,000!!
Enter to win one of the prizes, but come back tomorrow, because we’ll be giving away another whole new batch of FREE gear to celebrate the season!
Enter now…
The next winner could be you!
Starting November 25th, Music123 will be giving away $1,000.00 worth of merchandise every day through December 12th!
Each day there will be two or more Give-Aways, which will total a retail value of over $1,000!!
Enter to win one of the prizes, but come back tomorrow, because we’ll be giving away another whole new batch of FREE gear to celebrate the season!
Enter now…
The next winner could be you!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Ace Products Wooden Keyboard Bench
"High Quality Wooden Keyboard Bench. This furniture quality bench comes with a black finish and a comfortable black padded vinyl seat cushion. Seat measures 22'x13' and bench is 20' tall."
Yamaha AC Adaptor Pack
Keyboard Gear
"STOP - YOU NEED THIS!!! YAMAHA PORTABLE KEYBOARDS DO NOT COME WITH AN AC ADAPTOR (w/o this kit you'll have to use batteries)! This survival kit comes complete with an AC power adaptor, footswitch (sustain pedal), lightweight headphones, and a 2-year extended warranty (standard warranty is 90 days). Essential gear for the DD35, PSR-172, 273, 293, EZ-AG, EZ150, and EZ250i. Bonus!, also includes a Yamaha CD-ROM containing instructions to connect your Yamaha keyboard to your computer, owners manuals, and a variety of software that teaches you to play and use your new keyboard!"
"STOP - YOU NEED THIS!!! YAMAHA PORTABLE KEYBOARDS DO NOT COME WITH AN AC ADAPTOR (w/o this kit you'll have to use batteries)! This survival kit comes complete with an AC power adaptor, footswitch (sustain pedal), lightweight headphones, and a 2-year extended warranty (standard warranty is 90 days). Essential gear for the DD35, PSR-172, 273, 293, EZ-AG, EZ150, and EZ250i. Bonus!, also includes a Yamaha CD-ROM containing instructions to connect your Yamaha keyboard to your computer, owners manuals, and a variety of software that teaches you to play and use your new keyboard!"
Adesso PS88 Digital Piano
Keyboard Gear
"The PS88 offers big piano features for situations where space and budget are limited! This compact, digital piano has 88-weighted and balanced keys, a 4-speaker internal sound system, and 12 high quality voices! Other features such as Real-Time digital recording, midi-in and out and 64-note polyphony make this the perfect piano for any situation. Includes sustain pedal and matching stand!"
"The PS88 offers big piano features for situations where space and budget are limited! This compact, digital piano has 88-weighted and balanced keys, a 4-speaker internal sound system, and 12 high quality voices! Other features such as Real-Time digital recording, midi-in and out and 64-note polyphony make this the perfect piano for any situation. Includes sustain pedal and matching stand!"
Yamaha DGX305
Keyboard Gear
"The DGX305 is packed with features and functions that let you enjoy music to its fullest, including lyric and score display, SmartMedia storage, USB connectivity for importing new songs and styles, and a plethora of incredible voices including an extra hi-quality piano voice."
"The DGX305 is packed with features and functions that let you enjoy music to its fullest, including lyric and score display, SmartMedia storage, USB connectivity for importing new songs and styles, and a plethora of incredible voices including an extra hi-quality piano voice."
Yamaha PSR-E303
Yamaha PSR E303 61-Key Portable Keyboard
"Tired of warmed-over model replacements with few new features and a fresh coat of paint? Yamaha is replacing its two entry-level models with breakthrough instruments. The PSR-E303's strengths are its new tone generation system, which delivers incredibly realistic instrument voices, and a two-track recorder with internal memory for saving your masterpieces."
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Hohner Bravo III 120
"When you play Hohner’s new Bravo Accordion models, you’re sure to be a crowd favorite! Hohner has engineered the Bravo to the highest standards of modern technology. The responsive keyboard is housed in a lightweight, smaller-size body with a full-size sound."
Yamaha DGX305 Portable Keyboard
45-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
"The DGX305 is packed with features and functions that let you enjoy music to its fullest, including lyric and score display, SmartMedia storage, USB connectivity for importing new songs and styles, and a plethora of incredible voices including an extra hi-quality piano voice."
Yamaha PSR-E303 Portable Keyboard
Yamaha PSR E303 61-Key Portable Keyboard
"Tired of warmed-over model replacements with few new features and a fresh coat of paint? Yamaha is replacing its two entry-level models with breakthrough instruments. The PSR-E303's strengths are its new tone generation system, which delivers incredibly realistic instrument voices, and a two-track recorder with internal memory for saving your masterpieces."
Valdesta Concerto 500 Digital Baby Grand
"Designed for the player who appreciates the marriage of elegance and technology. The all wood cabinet, in high gloss ebony is a piece of Italian design conceived to adapt softly and elegantly to any distinct setting. Apart from elegance, the piano's lines and dimensions are designed to comply to the strictest rules of the European piano-making tradition. Comes complete with matching bench."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)