Musical Instruments

by Shawn C. Steiner ·Posted 11/24/2023
Happy Thanksgiving and Black Friday! Before we get to the news of the week, it is always worth mentioning that you can find some amazing deals by stopping by the B&H Holiday Page—cameras, lenses, etc. It’s all on sale. Now for the good stuff. Kodak is finally making its modern
by Trevor Collins ·Posted 11/22/2023
Teenage Engineering made waves with the release of its PO-33 K.O!, one of the best-selling samplers in the world. Now the brand is ready for Round 2 with the EP-133 K.O. II, the next evolution of its champion sampling machine. With more power, more sampling capabilities, and a fully reworked sequencer with brand-new punch-in effects, the EP-133 K.O. II is ready to take your pocket operation to the pro leagues.
by Trevor Collins ·Posted 11/15/2023
Professional music producers, arrangers, and stage performers have long looked to Yamaha for their vital tools―namely, powerful multi-faceted arranger keyboards, from the old Motif series to the modern GENOS platform. Now, Yamaha is updating its GENOS line to be the foundation upon which all future Yamaha keyboards will be built with the GENOS2, the most comprehensive toolbox Yamaha has ever provided for keyboard
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted 08/29/2023
We’re heading into the final stretch of 2023 and synth manufacturers have been busy with new and updated models that offer sonic inspiration. With so many choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. In this buying guide, we’ll demystify some of the latest synthesizer technology and find that perfect instrument for you or a loved one that fits any budget. Synthesizers have been around for more than 60 years and, as much as technology progresses, we still find the same basic analog subtractive synthesis principles used for most synthesizer designs.
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted 08/24/2023
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a programming language that connects a wide variety of electronic musical instruments, computers, and related devices for playing, editing, and recording music. When we record with MIDI, we are capturing the performance of how an instrument was played, not the audio waveforms produced by the instrument. This has many benefits because we can add notes, edit velocities, correct the performance, or change the sound of the instrument altogether. MIDI controllers are the devices we use to create a
by Eric Calvi ·Posted 08/10/2023
Pedals are invaluable accessories for keyboardists. They play a vital role in expanding the expressive capabilities of a keyboard, offering greater control and nuance over the instrument's sound. Whether you're a pianist aiming for a traditional piano sound or a keyboardist in a band, incorporating pedals into your setup can elevate your playing experience. Here are some common pedals for a keyboard and their functions. Sustain Pedal and Sustain Foot Switch Sustain pedals (also known as damper pedals) and sustain foot switches are the most
by Eric Calvi ·Posted 08/10/2023
When it comes to playing the piano or keyboard, having the right equipment can greatly enhance your playing experience. While much attention is often given to the instrument itself, the importance of choosing the right piano stand and bench should not be underestimated. These essential accessories provide stability, comfort, and proper playing height, all of which are crucial for correct posture and musical enjoyment during long hours of practice and performance. With a wide variety of options available, it's important to understand the
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted 07/28/2023
Modular synthesizer enthusiasts are over the moon with the news that B&H is now carrying Erica Synths’s line of electronic instruments. Based in Latvia, Erica Synths has slowly been carving out its place among high-end synthesizer manufacturers. The brand offers a remarkable range of modular and desktop synthesizers and drum machines. For anyone interested in modular synthesis, Erica Synths offers a wide range of products for any budget and skill level. Each of the complete systems comprises modules that are available individually, so you
by Andrew Eisele ·Posted 07/17/2023
B&H welcomes UDO Audio’s magnificent musical instruments to the fold. UDO (Unidentified Dancing Objects) is a UK-based company that creates electronic musical instruments that foster a strong and inspiring connection with the player. By using cutting-edge technology balanced with an intuitive, user-centric design, UDO Audio creates products that are powerful and unapologetically enjoyable. If you did an Internet search for Roland Jupiter 8 alternatives, the
0 Views ·Posted 06/06/2023
Which one of these synthesizers is right for you? Gabriel Richards discusses their specs and demonstrates Arturia’s MiniFreak 6-Voice Spontaneous Algorithmic Synthesizer and Arturia’s Pigments 4 Polychrome Software Synthesizer. 0:00 - Introduction 1:07 - Minifuse 4 and Minilab 3 1:28 - MiniFreak Demo 3:27 - MiniFreak Key Specs 4:28 - Synth Engines 7:43 - Modulation Matrix 9:14 - Analog Filter and Envelope Generators 10:48 - Custom LFO Shapes 11:17 - Digital Effects
0 Views ·Posted 03/22/2023
Gabriel Richards tests the ExpressiveE Osmose Synthesizer and MPE Controller, a 24-voice polyphonic synthesizer with an innovative way to control sound using gestures. This unit blends tradition and innovation, allowing you to unleash your creativity. Does this technology interest you? 0:00 - Main Specs 0:43 - In Use 3:03 - Physical Specs 5:18 - Interface (Menus and Presets) 13:49 - MPE Controller 15:44 - Is This for You
by Howard Gotfryd ·Posted 07/13/2021
For me, playing guitar has always been a way to share an afternoon or evening with others, expressly devoid of politics or religion, conversational topics I avoid for political and religious reasons. Music is a common language that is its own form of communication, so in the spring of 2001, I joined an online discussion forum, sponsored by an industry magazine. I was thrilled by the idea of engaging with like-minded musicians who would be only too happy to discuss music, guitars, gear (“What strings should I use?”), songwriting, technique,
by Eric Calvi ·Posted 10/23/2023
Interested in giving piano playing a shot? Whether you're seeking a fresh and engaging pastime, exploring the world of songwriting and performance, or nurturing a young prodigy's musical dreams, having your own digital piano is essential. Regardless of your specific situation, aspiring pianists need to invest in the “right” digital piano. Whether you prefer a compact, portable option or a full-sized model that emulates the feel of a traditional piano, established brands like Yamaha, Roland, Alesis, and Casio offer a wide range of choices to
by Phillip Nichol… ·Posted 10/29/2020
Leave it to Moog to make esoteric electronic musical instruments that are bound to intrigue anyone from the synth-curious musician to the avid collector. The company's latest releases feature the limited-run return of the Werkstatt-01 analog synth kit and the Claravox Centennial premium performance theremin, available in standard
by Howard Gotfryd ·Posted 07/01/2021
If you are a singer/songwriter/musician who has been itching to get back out in public to perform in the warm weather, the most flexible solution for busking in public spaces is a battery-powered guitar amplifier that will provide hours of dependable play time and can handle the kind of punishment the street can dish out. Bringing your words and music to your town’s culture-craving citizens could be just the ticket, not only for expanding your songwriting and performing