Author Archives: Jim

The Best In-Home Program For Beginner Piano Lessons

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A few months back, I bought a piano for my family. Now I’ve never played anything more than chopsticks, but my wife used to teach piano lessons when she was in high school. For me, I knew I’d need an idiot proof program for beginner piano lessons.

The Holy Grail Of Beginner Piano Lessons

Learn & Master Piano Program Last month, I found what I needed, a self-paced piano lesson program called Learn & Master Piano from a company called Legacy Learning Systems. After hemming and hawwing over the price for a while, I finally took the plunge and ordered it online.

Being the geek dad that I am, when it arrived from Amazon, I immediately unboxed it and ripped the first few DVDs into iTunes. Then I synced those lessons to my iPad for easy viewing at our piano.

Immediately, I saw the value in this program. While it starts with the basics, it also challenges you just the right amount so you don’t get bored easily. Even in the first lesson, I was playing parts with my left hand, but nothing too complicated. I was kind of proud of myself!

3 Step Process

This beginner piano lesson program takes you through three very logical steps in the learning process.

  1. Each lesson walks you through a video demonstration that you play along with while watching.
  2. Then, using the included CDs, you play what you just learned with a karaoke style backup band.
  3. Finally, the book that comes with the program guides you through the theory behind your new piano playing skills.

Still in the beginning stages here after only a couple of weeks, but so far, these piano lessons are working out well. I can already tell my biggest challenge is going to be (finally) learning how to read music. I’ll keep you up to date as I progress.

Happy playing!

Choosing The Right Microphone Cable

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Microphone cables come in several varieties and are used in many different settings. They are used in music, broadcasting, lecture halls, and simple PA setups. Choosing the right microphone cable is just as important to sound quality as selecting the right microphone for the job. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and put cheap quality tires on it, would you? Let’s take a look at the different types of microphone cables, understand what shielding is, and find out why cable length is important.

Types Of Cables

The most common type of microphone cable has a three pin XLR male connector on one end and an XLR female connection on the other end. This is used in most music studio and live performance settings. Some microphones also have a TRS mini plug on the delivery end. And others have a USB plug on one end for hooking directly up to a computer for recording.

Shielding

Almost all audio cables contain shielding that protects the current-conducting wire inside from interference that causes noise. Without it, you may hear buzzing, crackling and even radio signals coming through your amplifier or speakers. Shielding is most commonly found in the form of braided wires that surround the insulator which contains the current-conducting wire inside a microphone cable. Braided shielding helps protect the wire while keeping the cable flexible for use on stage or in a studio. Other shielding types include the spiral wrapped shield and the foil shield.

Cable Length

Choosing cables with appropriate length is important. It’s always better to have more microphone cable available than not enough. If you use microphones in a place that has high traffic like a performing stage with other musicians, or in a news studio with lots of audio and video technicians constantly moving around, it’s very important to secure cables so that they don’t get tripped on or even stepped on much. Using duct tape or any other cable management system should do the trick to keep cable from becoming a hazard and from becoming damaged themselves.

Conclusion

Good quality sound doesn’t end with buying the best microphone. Selecting the appropriate microphone cable is just as important as the microphone it’s attached to. The next time you purchase a microphone cable, pay close attention to the type of cable connection you need, available shielding types, and the most appropriate cable length for your sound environment.

The Best Frat Music

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Musical styles change with the generations. So what makes the best frat music? There are certain bands and songs that are just mainstays in the fraternity world. And, if music sets the tone for a party, there’s no room for error when it comes to the heavyweight champion of revelers, fraternity parties. This article will cover the common elements of frat music, some of the classic bands, and where to find the best frat music for your next party.

Common Elements

While not a widely recognized, or even real, musical genre, there are certain songs that just scream “frat music”! But how do you even define that? To begin with, it’s got to be upbeat. Images of frat parties shouldn’t include music you can slow dance to. Second, it’s got to be a little rebellious in nature. After all, fraternities exist in an environment where young men are finally free of the constraints of their parents. Finally, it’s got to be loud. You know a frat party when you hear one. And, let’s face it, you usually hear one before you can even see it!

Some Of The Classics

Even though frat music spans the decades, there are some bands that stick out as being quintessentially frat-esque. In the 60’s, rock ‘n roll was in it’s infancy, and there were certainly some great bands that left their mark on the frat scene like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. But Motown also left us with some classic frat music from bands like The Drifters and The Tams. Fast forward to the 80’s, two disparate, but decidedly frat-worthy bands include Guns ‘N Roses and R.E.M. The latter even got their start at the University of Georgia playing the college circuit. These are just several examples of some classic bands that left their mark on frat music. There are countless more.

Where To Find Frat Music

No surprise here, the Internet is alive with all genres of music. Frat music is no exception. Whether your store of choice is Apple’s iTunes, Amazon.com or even WalMart, they’re sure to turn up some of the best frat music produced through the years. This is also the fastest way to learn about the “new classics” in frat music. Just go to your favorite online store or start an online search for “frat music” to find a list of songs your fraternity brothers are sure to approve of.

Conclusion

No fraternity party would be complete without some upbeat, raucous frat music to set the tone. Whether you’re looking for the true classics or the new classics, you can find it all at your fingertips online. Have fun listening!

Studio Desk

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Every musician needs a good studio desk. This is where the magic happens. Song writing, practicing and recording all call for a central comfortable nook to let the creative juices flow. Choosing the right studio desk for your home recording studio should be done with a great deal of consideration. This article will guide you through the various styles available, functionality, and where to purchase your studio desk.

Styles

Studio desks come in many different styles. Some have just one surface, while others have two or three shelves that allow you to place things at different levels and still access all your gear. Studio desks are made out of wood, metal and plastic and come in a variety of stains and colors. Choosing the right style is something only you can determine once you know where you want your desk to sit. Some desks also come with seating made specifically to compliment the desk, so be sure you take that into consideration before buying one.

Functionality

First, think about what you’ll be putting on and in your studio desk. Mixing equipment, computer, monitors, headphones, recording modules, sheet music and lamps are all common items that fit right at home on a studio desk. Cable management is also a key factor to consider when deciding on the right desk. The last thing you need to spend your time on in the studio is constantly fighting a scraggly mess of cables and wires. Height is also important for making sure you’re comfortable using the equipment on your desk during long recording sessions. Finally, storage should always be considered for miscellaneous music items like song books, guitar picks, equipment cases, microphone covers, CDs and other software and loose items.

Where To Buy

The best place to start researching styles, sizes and pricing is on the Internet. Just search for the term “studio desk” to find a large selection of online retailers. Once you have a good idea of what you’d like to buy, visit your favorite local furniture store to do some hands on testing of the functionality items mentioned above.

Conclusion

If you’re a musician who does any song writing or recording, you know how important it is to have one central space to work with all of your music equipment. Buying the right studio desk can make all the difference when it comes to doing both. When comparing different styles and models, just make sure you pay attention to functionality. Then, after some online research, head to your favorite furniture retailer and take some for a test drive.

Guitar Sales

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If you’re looking for guitar sales, there are so many places to find them. Local music stores are a great starting point to do some hands on research. You might even find some vintage guitars at auctions or second hand stores. The Internet is also a good place to find a wide variety of brands and models which you can have shipped directly to you. But where to buy guitars is not the only thing to decide before you make a purchase. It’s also important to know your guitar options before you buy. Let’s break down guitar sales into three categories, electric guitars, acoustic guitars and accessories.

Electric Guitars

Electric guitars come in a variety of brands, including Fender, Gibson, Ibanez and Epiphone. Solid body, semi-hollow and hollow body construction electric guitars provide a range of tones for the player with a discerning ear. It’s a good idea to try as many different types of electric guitars when shopping to get just the right tone for you. Most electric guitars will have built-in controls for distortion, volume and tone. So, find one where the controls are located in the most convenient place for making quick adjustments. Also, some come with whammy bars to provide vibrato. This is not a must have, but some people prefer to have extra control over their sound.

Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic guitars also come in many popular brands including Martin, Alvarez, Washburn, and Yamaha. They come in 6 string or 12 string versions. Most beginners prefer to start with 6 string acoustics, but 12 string models give a very full sound when played in the appropriate setting. You can also find acoustic and acoustic-electric versions. Acoustic-electric guitars allow you to plug into an amplifier for performing onstage.

Accessories

Guitars are just the beginning. Without the right accessories, practicing and performing can be very difficult. You may need to buy things like picks, a guitar stand, a strap, an amplifier, and cables. You’ll also need strings, which come in different guages depending on how soft or hard you play and what kind of guitar you have. Buying a case, whether hard or soft, will also come in handy when traveling.

Conclusion

Finding good guitar sales is only the beginning to making your purchase. You also need to know about the product you want to buy. Whether you prefer electric or acoustic, there are so many options in each category. And once you narrow down your guitar selection, you’ll have fun picking up all the right accessories to help you play like a pro.

Rode Microphones

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Rode microphones have long been the preferred microphones used by broadcast professionals. Whether newscasting, podcasting or home video making, Rode brand microphones offer superior sound quality and ease of use. There are also plenty of accessories that compliment their mics and will make any audio production professional happy. Let’s explore the types of microphones Rode offers, their exceptional accessories, and where you can buy them.

Types Of Mics

Rode microphones come in a wide variety of types for use on stage, in news studios, podcasting or in the field. You can find diaphragm valve, solid state diaphragm valve, broadcast, and M-Series condenser microphones from Rode. Each microphone is professionally crafted with the highest quality materials to produce just the right sound depending on the situation. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in a Rode microphone.

Accessories

Every microphone needs accessories to enhance its performance and portability. First, Rode offers extras like mounts to provide stability and reduce unwanted vibrations and rumbling sounds. Then there’s windshields to allow audio professionals to record in high wind situations without wind noise. Rode Boompoles are great for on location recording and are constructed of lightweight aluminum for easy handling, allowing you to follow the sound source you’re trying to capture. And finally, there’s storage and travel bags for microphones and boompoles.

Where To Purchase

There are plenty of places to purchase Rode Microphone products. The easiest way to find them is to just visit their website for a complete list of retailers. There are dozens and dozens of vendors that sell Rode products. For those with brand loyalty, you’ll find some well known vendors like Amazon, Guitar Center and NewEgg to name a few.

Conclusion

Audio professionals are picky about the equipment they use. When it comes to making a living and being passionate about what they do, its no surprise they want only the best. Rode microphones offer some of the highest quality microphones and related accessories on the market. Whether in the studio or in the field, these microphones, mounts, windshields, boompoles and other accessories will help you produce the most professional audio you can. What’s best, all of this is available at some of the most popular retailers on the web and down the street.

Surround Speakers

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Surround Speakers Overview
Types & Styles
Rear Surround Speakers
Wireless 5.1 Surround Speakers
Surround Bar Speakers
Popular Brands
Where To Buy

Surround speakers are a must for any movie lover and audio enthusiast. They are the key to providing full home theater sound that makes you feel like you are right in the middle of the action. Most serious audiophiles wouldn’t dream of watching a blockbuster hit movie or playing the latest action packed video game without surround sound. This article will describe the two most common surround sound setups, surround speakers and surround bar speakers, and then point you in the right direction to make a purchase.

Surround Speakers Overview

Surround speakers are the side or rear speakers that produce ambient background audio and give listeners the feeling that they are in the middle of a 360 degree field of sound. These speakers are part of what is sometimes called a 5.1 surround sound speaker system, because they are two of five total speakers (plus a subwoofer) that complete the full 360 degree sound field. While any speaker capable of being wired into a receiver can be used as a surround speaker, to get the best quality sound, you should buy speakers that have the same shape, size and wattage. Surround speakers can be wired or wireless, and they are often mounted on walls or sit atop speaker stands on the sides of listeners or behind them.

Types & Styles

Surround speakers typically come in two general types: cinema surround speakers and computer surround speakers. They don’t differ at all in their purpose, just their style and shape. Computer surround speakers are generally built smaller to fit in with the compact setup of a home computer setup. Wherever you put them, take their environment into consideration when trying to match colors. For instance, if you have white walls in your home theater, and you want your speakers to blend in and be more hidden, pick up a pair of white surround speakers. You don’t have to be a design genius, just use your common sense when choosing colors.

Rear Surround Sound Speakers

Rear surround sound speakers are what really gives the audio portion of movies and games depth. These speakers often reproduce very ambient background sounds like crowds of people talking, fires burning or race cars zooming by. Rear surround sound speakers make the audience feel like they are literally surrounded by sounds, just as they are in real life. To read how lifelike rear surround sound speakers can make movies seem, visit your favorite online retailer and read a rear surround speakers review or two. If you’ve never experienced what these two little speakers can do for your movies and games, you’re in for a treat!

Wireless 5.1 Surround Speakers

Let’s face it, running wires for your home theater system and then trying to hide them is not easy or fun. That’s why many home theater buffs opt for wireless 5.1 surround speakers. Typically, these consist of two rear surround sound speakers that are wireless. The two speakers under your TV are much easier for hiding wires, so that’s why the wireless version is mainly used in the rear of your audio setup. 5.1 surround sound wireless rear speakers often sit on top of stands, which sometimes come with the speakers or may have to be purchased separately. The advantage of the stands is to position the wireless surround speakers 5.1 cinematic sound at the ear level of your audience.

Advantages of wireless 5.1 surround speakers:

  1. No wires means no hassle setting them up.
  2. 2. No unsightly wires or wire conduit in your home theater setup.

Disadvantages of 5.1 surround wireless speakers:

  1. They can sometimes pickup interference from other household appliances or even radio signals.
  2. They run on batteries, so they must be replaced from time to time.

Surround Bar Speakers

Surround bar speakers consist of a wide, narrow bar that mounts or sits just below a flat panel television and provides the sound effect of full theater sound in one speaker unit. It uses precise timing elements that simulate front, center and rear speaker output without the need for extra speakers. Surround bar speakers typically have their own amplification built in, so they do not require a separate receiver unit to power them. For complete home theater sound, a separate subwoofer should be added to reproduce quality bass audio.

Popular Speaker Brands

When it comes to surround speakers, there are almost too many brands to count. If you’re a brand loyalist, you probably already know what kind you’re going to buy. But if you’re like me, you like to know what other people are buying. Safety in numbers, right? So, here’s a list, in alphabetical order of some of the more popular surround speakers:

  • Canton
  • Denon
  • Jensen
  • JVC
  • Kenwood
  • LG
  • Mission
  • Panasonic
  • Philips
  • Pioneer
  • PSB
  • Tannoy
  • Technics
  • Wharfedale
  • Zenith

Where To Buy

The fastest and most popular place to shop for surround speakers is online. There are loads of great retail sites that not only carry a wide selection of surround speakers, but contain informative how to videos and articles on everything from sound quality to speaker installation. Just put “surround speakers” into your favorite search engine. If you’re feeling lucky, you might want to head over to an auction site like eBay and see if you can find them even cheaper. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, you can either make your purchase online or visit your favorite audio/video store to take a closer listen before you buy.

Conclusion

If you care at all about how your movies or games sound, you’re sure to have surround speakers as part of your home theater setup. Whether installing separate surround speakers or mounting a surround bar speaker under your television, you’ll end up with the full theater audio you need. So, do some online research and then make your purchase. You’ll never want to listen to anything in stereo again.

Cheap Guitars

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If you’re looking for cheap guitars to buy, there are plenty of types and brands available to choose from. The more you shop around, the more you’ll learn about what to look for in a good quality cheap guitar. But, before you start shopping, whether for acoustic or electric guitars, here are some things to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at the reasons to purchase a cheap guitar, what to look for when you’re shopping, and where to buy one.

Why Buy A Cheap Guitar

Cheap guitars are great for beginners who are just learning to play. They’re especially good for kids who may be prone to breaking things easily. Plus, they’re easy on the wallet and are often sold in starter packs with small amps and cables.

What To Look For

When you start shopping, try to find guitars that have minimal visible damage and are still in good playing condition. Make sure the neck is not warped or the bridge, frets and pickups are not loose. Also, make sure all pieces that should come with the guitar are included. For instance, if you’re looking at an electric guitar, make sure the whammy bar is attached or included, if that’s part of the guitar’s construction. If you’re looking at a used or refurbished guitar, ask the retailer for any paperwork that proves it was professionally repaired or rebuilt.

Where To Buy

First, search for websites that sell cheap guitars that were rejected by retailers for minor cosmetic flaws, returned to their distributor, and are now sold at a cheaper price. Then, after you have an idea of prices online, take a look around in a local store where you can physically examine guitars for major flaws. The typical prices for cheap guitars will range from about $100 – $700. Once you get above that range, you probably won’t see a lot of package deals that include amps and cables.

Conclusion

Shopping for cheap guitars is a great way to go for beginners who don’t need anything fancy and expensive. If you have children who are not gentle with things, you’ll be happy you didn’t pay a lot if they happen to damage or break it. Now that you know what to look for, especially when buying used or refurbished guitars, take a look online to get a feel for what type of guitar you want, and then check out your local music shop to take a closer look.

Microphone Test

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Performing a microphone test is not that hard to do. There are several ways to go about it, depending on where you’re using your microphone and what kind of equipment you have it hooked up to. This article explains how to quickly perform a microphone test on a computer, in a studio and on stage.

On A Computer

Computers can use built-in webcam mics, usb mics, headphone jack mics or music studio quality mics when connected with the appropriate adapter. The basic steps to follow when performing a microphone test are to open your computer’s built in sound recorder or more advanced recording software, click record and speak into the microphone for a few seconds, stop the recording, and then play it back. Grade your results depending on what level of sound quality you’re looking for. If you’ll be using your microphone for video conferencing, gaming or VOIP calls, you might be satisfied with the person on the receiving end just being able to hear you clearly. If you’re recording music with a program like Garage Band or using your computer as part of the mixing process in a music studio, you’ll want to ensure your microphone test captures a range of sound frequencies at a high quality level.

In A Studio

A studio microphone test can be more complicated depending on the number of studio equipment pieces your sound has to travel through before it is recorded. The main thing to keep in mind is to ensure all connections are secure and all powered equipment in your microphone setup is turned on. Test your microphone as you would with a computer by speaking into it clearly for a few seconds. Be sure to keep your mouth a couple of inches away from the microphone. Not too close and not too far away. Use your studio equipment to adjust the level and frequencies from your microphone to get just the right sound.

On Stage

Performing a microphone test on stage is basically the same as in a studio. The main difference is that you want to be sure the audience can hear you well in real time. This means you should pay close attention to how long it takes sound to bounce off of walls and other objects before your audience hears it. Timing is everything. Adjusting amplifiers and mixing board settings will play an important part in producing the optimal microphone sound on stage.

Conclusion

Performing a basic microphone test is not difficult. Depending on how good you need your sound quality to be, you could spend a matter of seconds performing a test or drag it out much longer trying to tweak subtle nuances of the sound quality. Either way, you now know the basics of performing a microphone test on a computer, in a studio and on stage.

DJ Headphones

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DJ headphones have a different set of features and standards than casual listening ear buds or sports headphones. DJs have the challenge of needing to listen to subtle nuances in sound while performing in loud club settings. They also need to wear their headphones for long periods of time without getting fatigue. And they need headphones that travel easily from venue to venue and can be repaired or upgraded with little effort. Let’s take a closer look at what makes a good set of DJ headphones.

Comfort

DJs need headphones with soft padding because studio sessions and club gigs can last for hours on end. They need the most comfortable padding money can buy. Unlike earbuds that can easily slip out of the ear, DJ headphones stay put. They cover the whole ear to allow DJs to hear every detail of the music they’re mixing and listen for audio cues to time transitions with precision.

Performance

Professional DJs look for headphones with good frequency response. Since a lot of club music uses low frequency sounds and lots of bass, it’s important that DJs be able to hear the subtle differences in these sounds in order to blend them in well with the rest of the music. Its a good idea to test out the next set of headphones you’re considering buying. Play some of the tracks you’ll likely use in your studio or in a club so you can get an idea for how the headphones feel on your head, how well they block out ambient noise, and how well they reproduce various frequencies.

Practicality

There are also some practical features of DJ headphones to pay attention to. For the mix master on the go, folding headphones are convenient for travel. Just make sure their construction is solid. You don’t want flimsy headphones that slide off your head after hours of wear. Headphones that have coiled leads are good too. But some DJs like detachable leads so they can be easily replaced if they get worn out or damaged.

Conclusion

DJ headphones are a unique product in the world of personal sound reproduction. They need to be durable and provide excellent sound playback in order to be studio and club worthy. Professional DJs spend years testing out different makes and models trying to find just the right ones. When shopping for your own pair, just make sure you pay close attention to comfort, performance and practicality.