Casio AD-1 Power Supply for SA75 Review

I bought this for Casio SA75 keyboard. Its working perfectly fine. I recommend to others.

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Product Description:
Extend your battery life by using this optional AC adapter. Plug in while you're at home or near an electrical outlet rather than wasting batteries.Designed for use exclusively with Casio's SA-39, SA-6, SA-65, and SA-67 musical keyboards.
What's in the Box
Casio AD-1 Power Supply

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Casio AD-5 AC Adapter for Casio Keyboards Review

I have a very old Casio "Bank Tone" CT-636 portable keyboard.The AC adatpor was lost and I've been using size D batteries for my son to play the keyboard and that was getting expensive.Finally searched online to find a replacement AC adatpor.According to the spec at the back of my CT-636, it says "DC 9V, 4.5W, uses AC Adaptor AD-5".9V 4.5W translates to 500mA.
I found two such AC adaptor links on Amazon.One says AC Adatpor AD-5.Another says AC Adatpro AD-5MR (9V, 850mA). Since I didn't want to deviate from the spec and the product description for the AD-5 on Amazon included my model (CT-638/CT-636) while the AD-5MR didn't, so I ordered the AD-5 (~$19+shipping) even though it was almost $10 more expensive than the AD-5MR (~$11).
The delivery was super fast.I got the AC adatpor 2 days later.HOWEVER, this AC adaptor shipped is actually the AD-5MR (9V, 850mA)!!I plugged it into my CT-636, yes, it works, but had I known they are going to ship me the AD-5MR anyway, I would've order it $10 cheaper!!So i was not happy about that.
I gave it 4 stars for the fact that it works.

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Product Description:
The Casio AD5 lets you save the batteries for when you're away from home!The AD5 plugs you into endless hours of playing, not to mention saves you a bundle on batteries. This high quality adapter is designed specifically for your Casio keyboard. Input: AC120VThe AD5 Works with the Following ModelsCTK-431CTK-451CTK-471CTK-481CTK-491CTK-495CTK-496CTK-520LCTK-531CTK-533CTK-540CTK-541CTK-551CTK-555LCTK-560CTK-560LCTK-571CTK-573CTK-574CTK-591CTK-593CTK-611CTK-620LCTK-631CTK-651CTK-671CTK-691CTK-700CTK-731CTK-800CTK-900LD-50LK-30LK-33LK-40LK-42LK-43LK-45LK-50LK-55LK-73LK-90TVLK-94TV

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Akai MPC 500 MIDI Production System Sampler Review

This is my first mpc purchase. I've had my mpc 500 for a little over a month now and i am loving it. Truth be told, don't be fooled by its small design. It is a monster with a lot of potential IF you take the time to really read the manual and get to know it. Once you do, trimming and adding effects is a piece of cake.
First the pros: It's got a solid design and is very sturdy.It has the same sampling rate (44.1 kHz) as other mpc's in the lineup. By far the biggest advantage is that its portable. You pop in the batteries and boom.Finally, its compatible with other mpc's so moving your work from one to another is not hard at all.

The cons: the mpc 500's portable design is also its biggest weakness. If you are a beginner looking to get your first mpc, I would not recommend getting this. I got it because it was the cheapest mpc in the lineup but its small design limits its RAM. The mpc 500 only comes with 16MB of RAM (which can be upgraded to 128MB) so your sampling time is severely limited when compared to other mpc's. Second, you only get a much smaller lcd screen so when it comes to chopping samples you have to do so by numbers (and by ear) rather than seeing an actual waveform on your screen like other mpc's. My personal complaint with the mpc is that AKAI reduced the amp section to make it sleek and small but as a result you get 12dB less output in your recordings. This isn't a major problem but I find myself constantly normalizing AND applying a compressor to most my samples.

Finally, to address the issues raised by the other reviewers, the pads are a little stiff when its right out the box but there are two things to be said. 1) If you've never had an mpc before, the pads are velocity sensitive so if you tap them soft the sound comes out soft, if you strike it hard, the sound comes out louder in order to mimick a real instrument. BUT if you dont like this idea, all you have to do is press the "FULL LEVEL" button and your samples are triggered with a mere tap of the pad.Bottom line: If you are a traveling musician who is on the road alot or if you have other mpc's and/or have extra money to burn, I would recommend getting the mpc 500.If you're looking for an mpc for your home studio the mpc 500 is not a bad deal at all but I would recommend saving up for the mpc 1000 or 2000(XL).

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Product Description:
Sample and create music wherever inspiration strikes with the portable Akai MPC500 all-in-one Music Production Center. Whether you travel around the globe or across town, the MPC500 is the ultimate answer to your mobile production needs. It weight just under 3 pounds--a perfect fit for your backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase--and it can be powered for up to 4.5 hours on 6 AA batteries
The MPC500 combines a 48-Track MIDI Sequencer and a 32-voice Stereo Digital Sampler, with 12 velocity and pressure sensitive rubber pads. It comes standard with 16 MB of on-board memory and can be expanded up to 128 MB of RAM. When connected to a Mac or PC via its built-in USB port, you can simply drag and drop data between the computer and the MPC500's CF card.

Roam where you want to with the compact Akai MPC500 (see larger image).

Built-in analog I/O, headphone output, and MIDI in/out (see larger image).

Power with included AC adapter or 6 AA batteries (see larger image).

Key Features

Battery powered (6 AAs) or wall powered (AC adapter included)
Pattern-based 48-track sequencer with 16 MIDI channels
32-voice drum/phrase sampler with up to 128 MB RAM
Velocity and pressure-sensitive pads for responsive, accurate programming
12-level function places one sound on all pads with progressive level or tuning per pad
Compact Flash drive and USB port (Mass Storage Class)
Support for standard WAV files and MIDI sequences
Analog I/O, headphone output, MIDI I/O
Sounds included to get started quickly
Four-way sample layering and velocity switching per pad
Low-pass filter with resonance per voice
On-board effects: two stereo effects and a master effect

Specifications

Storage: Compact Flash: Type-II, support up to 2 GB card
Memory: 16 MB installed (Can be expanded to 128 MB with EXM-128)
Analog Input/Output:

(2) Balanced 1/4-inch Inputs
(2) Unbalanced 1/4-inch Outputs
(1) Headphone Output

MIDI Input/Output:

(1) MIDI Input [5-pin DIN]
(1) MIDI Output [5-pin DIN]

Other Input/Output:

(1) USB [Slave only]

Levels:

Analog Input = +10dBu
Analog Output = +5dBu

Sampler Resolution: 16bit/44.1kHz
Sampler Recording Time:

136 seconds [16 MB/MONO]
24 minutes 28 seconds [128 MB/MONO]

Sequencer Details:

100,000 notes resolving at 96ppq
99 Sequences with total 64 tracks per seq
20 Songs with total 250 steps per song
24 "Active (loaded)" Programs max

Pad Details:

12 (velocity and pressure sensitive)
4 Pad Banks [A, B, C, D]

Power Options:

12V DC 500mA pin-negative power adapter (included)
(6) AA batteries [lasts about 4.5hrs continuous use w/backlight ON]

Dimensions: 10.5 x 1.73 x 6.89 inches (WxHxD)
Weight (net): 2.93 pounds
Data Compatibility:

MPC1000 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC2000/2000XL -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, SND, PGM (Most parameters of PGM file can be loaded.)
MPC2500 -- SEQ, WAV, PGM
MPC4000 -- SEQ (saved as MID file only), WAV, AKP (DRUM program only...No Keygroups. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
MPC3000 -- SND (THRU Computer)
Z4/Z8 -- WAV, PGM (DRUM program only. Only note assign and tune are loaded.)
S5000/6000 -- WAV only (THRU Computer)
S1000/3000 -- No compatibility

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Rhapsody in Blue (Original) (Belwin Edition) [Paperback] Review

Simply said, I am using this as the feature of my senior piano performace recital at my college. This brilliant work is something to behold in its concerto form, something to enjoy it its orchestral form, and something that every one should study in its piano solo form.

Gershwin himself wrote this arrangement, so it can be safe to assume that everything in this piece is exactly how Gerswhin wanted it. I would imagine he would best realize what he original thought to be the important parts...

Ryan

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Product Description:
Two-piano edition, with second piano playing a transcription of the orchestration. Two copies are necessary for a performance.

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Prince -- Come: Piano/Vocal/Chords [Sheet music] Review

" alt="Prince -- Come: Piano/Vocal/Chords [Sheet music]" border="0">The score was delivered in excellent condition and just as provider described.I am very pleased and will use this service again with confidence.

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Product Description:
Always creative and often controversial, Prince has won over both fans and critics by blending infectious rhythms with memorable melodies. This album-matching folio includes the chart-topping hit ""Letitgo"" plus: Come
* Space
* Pheromone
* Loose!
* Papa
* Race
* Dark
* Solo.

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BOSS FV500H Industrial-Strength Power Pedal Review

I'll keep this short. This pedal is sturdy, has tuner out and volume control. Also, you can adjust the pedal resistance to your own liking!!! Major bonus for live play as I hated my last touchy Fender volume pedal as it was too lose and just touching it caused big volume swings.
Haven't done these reviews much, but the vendor was cool, fast ship and the lowest price on the Web.
Sound is great, no tone suck...............I'm a pedal and amp geek and know the differences and this is great.Only draw back is the size, much like the full sized EB pedal, but very sturdy!
Cheers!

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Product Description:
For 14 years, the famous BOSS FV-300 served as an industry-standard volume pedal. The tradition continued with the FV-50 series, but today the bar has been raised with FV-500H (mono, high-impedance, inst. level) pedals. These tank-tough diecast pedals are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. The pedals offer a new stylish design, a road-tough build, and a comfortable, smooth action. This model also provides an Expression output for use with expression-compatible amps, effects, and even synthesizers. Convenient tuner-output jack Adjustable pedal feel (torque) Control -MINIMUM VOLUME knob Connectors -INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, EXP (Expression) jack, TUNER OUT jack W x D x H -4 3/8 x 11 7/16 x 2 7/8 (110 x 289 x 72 mm)

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Sonata Album: 10 Sonatas By Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven (Alfred Masterwork Edition) [Plastic Comb] Review

Alfred always makes a good books. This is also a very good edition. This 2 volume edited by Dr. Hinson contains a lot of valuable information about each Sonata. To be a good pianist, you'd better known about the piece that you try to play. And this book gives you a lot of that things. The pieces in this volume are well choose, well organize and easy to read. This is essential for anyone who love to practice characteristic and famous Sonata. Make sure to pay a little more to buy Alfred's books. It's worth every penny you paid more!!!

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Product Description:
Sonata Album Volume 2 contains 10 sonatas by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Like Volume 1, each sonata appears in its original form and comes complete with performance notes and clearly presented editorial markings.

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Rite of Spring (Kalmus Edition) [Paperback] Review

This is THE edition to buy. Most reliable score in print, clear print, good binding etc. So - everything you need.

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Product Description:
With this brilliant and uncompromising work, the most famous musical work of the 20th century, Stravinsky changed the course of modern music forever. Says Grove's: "every canon ofharmony seems to have been violated ... yet with all its deliberate crudity and violence the ‘Rite' is a clearly planned and perfectly controlled and coordinated piece of music [which] has for long been accepted universally as a masterpiece and is in the repertory of every large symphony orchestra...."
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Organ Works [Paperback] Review

Although from time to time one reads of an "Andantino in g-minor" being out there, the major organ works of César Franck comprise 12 pieces:6 from 1862 ("Six Pièces pour Grand-Orgue"), 3 from 1878 ("Trois Pièces") and 3 from 1890, his year of death ("Trois Chorals", which are his actual swan-song).Although sometimes he's not the best at sticking to forms (sometimes his improvising got too obviously into his written-down music), overall one can't argue against what's very inspired music of a profound and noble faith one wishes were more in evidence these days.

[These 12 major works are so designated to distinguish them from a number of lesser pieces, many of them collected under the heading "L'Organiste" which are intended mostly for liturgical use and quickly get cloying if played in concert in too great a number.It's these 12 pieces that are regularly found on concert programmes as well as in church usage.]

Interestingly enough, it's often been difficult to get one's hands upon a single-volume issue of these pieces (Kalmus used to issue them in 4 smaller volumes) - until Dover came out with this edition.I cannot recommend it too highly:excellent republication of Durand's first printing thereof - and when I note that a number of errors present in the initial publication (still visible in the Kalmus reprints) are discreetly corrected here, it helps make this edition even more reliable and praiseworthy!

Very strongly recommended for organists, music-lovers generally and notably as a wonderful corrective to today's age of unbelief - hearing (and playing) these works truly is a tonic for the soul![Personally, I wish they had been printed in portrait instead of the landscape format used here;however, I do know that a number of organists like this particular format and so this form has no bearing upon the mark hereby given.]GET IT!!!

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Product Description:
Treasury of great composer's best-known works for organ, including Six Pieces (Liszt ranked them with the masterpieces of Bach), Trois Pieces-including the well-known "Piece Heroique"-and the Trois Chorals, perhaps Franck's finest organ works. Reproduced directly from authoritative Durand edition in an oblong format designed for easy use at the keyboard.


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Martha Mier's Favorite Solos (Book 1) (Favorite Solos, Book 1) [Paperback] Review

Martha Mier obviously had only one book's worth of material but spread it out over three books so you end up paying more.Each book has about 22 pages of playable material!Once I got the fingerings down in the second book I was able to play through the entire volume in 8 minutes 45 seconds.

Note that this is all material original with Mier:she's not just the anthologist.There are three books in this series, although as of my writing Amazon isn't listing #1 and #2.

The books are supposed to be on the simple side, but everything's on the simple side.The simple book is distressingly simple, the intermediate book is unsatisfyingly simple, and the third book is disappointingly simple.

How simple?Well, there's no agreement as to what "easy" means in the field of piano literature, so I will say this:you could confidently tackle all three books after having finished only the first of the three Alfred's Adult Piano Course books.

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Product Description:
10 original piano solos composed by Martha Mier. Early elementary to elementary solos for students of all ages. A variery of styles, sounds and music are featured. Contents: Bumblebee Blues, Charlie's Adventure, The Chocolate Song, Charlie's Adventure, Frog On A Log, The Hiccup Song, Katie Cricket, King Of The Jungle, Medieval Castle, Nothin' To Do Blues and Swingin' and Swayin'.

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Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, Opus 43" (Belwin Edition) [Paperback] Review

Many people are familiar with the 18th variation of "Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini" from the movie "Somewhere in Time."It's a very romantic piece.If you familiar with the 18th variation only, youshould treat yourself to listening to all the variations played back toback in the "Rhapsody."
This book has those variations whichhave been reduced by Rachmaninoff for two pianos/four hands.I wish, ofcourse, it had been a piano solo, because I would probably get a lot moreuse out of it.
"Rhapsody" is strictly for the advanced pianist. This edition has no fingering notations which would have been helpful forall except the most advanced players.And, those players may findRachmaninoff's "Rhapsody" not as challenging or rewarding becauseof the repetition involved in its themes.However, I find"Rhapsody" very rewarding to play largely due to its romanticthemes and its capacity for expressive interpretations.The 18th variationplayed by itself is an enjoyable recital piece.I give this book myhighest recommendation.

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Product Description:
Sergei Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini, for advanced piano duet.

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Music for Little Mozarts: Teacher's Handbook [Paperback] Review

This book has articles on the importance of childhood music, how to be successful teaching children, advantages of teaching group lessons, a brochure to advertise a program, how to plan a lesson that flows well. At the end it has a brief list of the page numbers of the material that could be broken into 20 lessons.I wish it listed the information more clearly (ie. the concepts and or song titles as well as the page numbers!).I had to flip back and forth through all of the books and the handbook to find everything I needed to plan just one lesson, aargh!

It has instructions on all the different kinds of skills to be taught in the little mozarts curriculum.If you are the type of person who reads the instructions when you assemble your own furniture, this book is for you, if you just figure it out yourself, you won't like this book.

Personally, I think this book wasn't well organized, but I wouldn't want to try to figure the program out without it.

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Product Description:
The Teacher's Handbook for Levels 3 & 4 of Music for Little Mozarts serves as an aid in curriculum development and daily lesson planning while providing information related to teaching young children. The suggested lesson plans provide teachers with a starting point to adapt this series for their own teaching situation. A special section provides helpful teaching tips for using the Music Discovery Book and teacher examples for the ear training pages in the Music Workbook are also given. Beginning teachers of young students should find the handbooks extremely useful.

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Debussy Estampes (Kalmus Edition) [Paperback] Review

Walter Gieseking's Debussy was ideal and Kyoko Tabe is a marvelous pianist in the Gieseking tradition.Her Debussy, like the late master's, is imaginative, evocative, shimmering, sometimes mysterious, sometimes filled with delight. She is more than able to meet technical challenges and get inside the music.I suppose the question could come up--why not just stick with Gieseking himself, to which my response would be that I am always interested in hearing what other pianists have to say.Being under a great influence such as that of Gieseking is as it should be. Tabe is certainly a worthwhile and individual enough voice in her own right. Plus, even modern technology cannot do that much for the limitations of 1940's and early 1950's recorded sound.Chandos has given Tabe wonderful sound.

Actually, I am not sure that Gieseking's influence on Debussy pianism is really so widespread anymore.I've heard more than one performance of L'isle Joyeuse that made it sound like a straightforward showpiece--all display and no sense of exoticism or mystery. I also recently heard Thibaudet on the radio playing Gardens in the Rain and he made it sound like Liszt.I think Liszt is great and some of his music even looks ahead to impressionism, but still, Debussy should not sound like Liszt, even in music that calls for as much technical prowess as L'isle and Gardens. Coming back to Kyoko Tabe--I'm delighted to report that she gets it. She feels this music and her playing has a wonderful touch. This is how Debussy should be played and I highly recommend this CD.

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Product Description:
A collection of advanced piano pieces by Claude Debussy.

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The Great Piano Works of Ludwig van Beethoven (Belwin Classic Edition: The Great Piano Works Series) [Paperback] Review

The book is great, it has the sheet music to some of his best song's, including "Moonlight Sonata", and "Pathetique".It was really great, and I plan on getting the whole collection!

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Product Description:
Contained are selected Sonatas (the complete Pathetique and Moonlight Sonatas are included), Sonatinas, Bagatelles, Variations (including selections from the famous Diabelli Variations), and many other individual compositions. 43 selections on 192 pages.

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Organ Works [Paperback] Review

Johann Jakob Froberger was a master of keyboard music. This collection, a Dover reprint, contains dozens of toccatas, ricercari, fantasias and capriccios, all beautifully engraved and readable at either piano (harpsichord) or organ. All the pieces are set in two staff notation and for the most part can be played at the piano. There are a very few instances where a foot pedal of the organ would be helpful where a large reach in the left hand occurs, but 99% of the music is realizable on the piano. In those rare instances, a rolled chord will suffice on the piano, not so on the harpsichord. This music, incidentally, sounds beautiful on the modern piano.

I was particularly surprised, since this was my first exposure to Froberger's keyboard music in any quantity, at the great creative variety and awesome invention in these pieces. Much early baroque music has been overlooked, in my opinion, due to the overwhelming productivity and creative genius of late baroque composers like JS Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, and Handel. But more and more 17th century keyboard music is making its way into affordable reprints. The period was one of great importance in the evolution of baroque music and deserves much greater attention than it has received to date.

I cannot recommend this volume highly enough.

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Product Description:
All 71 works by the German Baroque composer: 25 toccatas, 8 fantasias, 6 canzonas, 18 capriccios and 14 ricerares.


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Pathways to Artistry Technique, Bk 2 [Paperback] Review

In the first decade of the 2000's, Alfred's came out with these:a series of supplementary books by Catherine Rollin.There are actually nine books in the series:3 books in three categories as follows:

1.Technique:the purpose of these three books is to impart playing advice, almost like having your teacher next to you but in text form.It contains discussions of rolling the thumb under the finger, wrist rotation, forearm staccato, etc.The thing is, I don't think the attempt to replace a flesh-and-blood teacher who can comment on the way you're holding your hands is in any danger of being replaced by a book -- and certainly not this one.

2.Masterworks:This is my favorite of the 3 sets.Essentially etudes beginning at a very simple level, few of which I've seen anthologized before.They're all short, so there's nothing to scary in here.

3.Repertoire.This is the least successful of this product line, I feel.The idea here is to collect performance pieces at your level.The problem is that every single piece in all of the 3 Repertoire books is written by Catherine Rollin, which kinda takes the wind out of one's sails.It's not clear to me that a student good enough to play these pieces is going to invest 75 pages' worth of time in somebody he's never heard of.But I guess anything is better than collecting those danged Anna Magdalena minuets for the umpteenth time, so I guess I should shut my mouth.

Notice that each of the nine books are quite thin:about 25 pages each.

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Product Description:
Usable either as a method or with a method, this series introduces basic technical skills and expands the student's knowledge of style, form and artistic ideas.Technique Book 2continues from Book 1, providing students with the physical skills needed to play music artistically and with technical assurance.

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Jerome Kern (Brimhall Composer Series) [Paperback] Review

My wife is in love with Jerome Kern.She says she can't believe she never tried these songs before since many are standards.She loves his style and his music.A very playable collection.

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Product Description:
John Brimhall has arranged 18 great songs written by one of America's leading composers, Jerome Kern. Kern's successes were mainly in writing music for the stage. Ol' Man River
* Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man
* Why Was I Born
* Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
* Dearly Beloved are a few of his many Broadway hits. His popular compositions include: I've Told Ev'ry Little Star
* Long Ago (And Far Away)
* They Didn't Believe Me
* Pick Yourself Up
* All the Things You Are.

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35 Song Hits by Great Black Songwriters: Bert Williams, Eubie Blake, Ernest Hogan and Others [Paperback] Review

In fact, one who was not as familiar with popular ragtime era composers may be amazed at how many recognizable tunes were written by black composers, even some of the more notorious 'coon songs.' It's not about THE COVERS, and taken in context of the time it was produced, the more enlightened person in the 21st century should recognize that. The great Some Of These Days, the poignant Nobody, the ebullient I'm Just Wild About Harry, and the hysterical Come After Breakfast just begin to speak to the depth of these writers, the few who did get a break in a white-dominated publishing world. In fact, a second collection of the same size would be just as good, and hardly constitute a complete representation of writing skills and styles. And even if you aren't looking for historical value, the entertainment derived from this collection is certainly of the highest order. This book promotes the ACHIEVEMENTS more so than focusing on the negative aspects. So celebrate not just Black history but American history by ordering the book now.

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Product Description:
Ballads, show tunes, and other works written by black songwriters between 1895 and 1921 include such favorites as "Some of These Days," "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," "The Harbor of Lost Dreams," "I Never Knew," "I'm Just Wild About Harry," "Love Will Find a Way," "Under the Bamboo Tree," "Who Do You Love," and 27 other classics. Reprinted from rare sheet music, complete with the original covers. Introduction.


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Dan Coates Plays Frank Sinatra His Way [Paperback] Review

I would LOVE to have some Coates arrangements of Ol' Blue Eyes' stuff, but easy piano is no help at all. Maybe next time he can put out arrangements that aren't dumbed down.

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Product Description:
Dan Coates' wonderful and playable easy piano arrangements of Frank Sinatra's hit tunes. Titles: All the Way * Come Rain or Come Shine * I Get a Kick out of You * It Was a Very Good Year * I've Got You Under My Skin * The Lady Is a Tramp * My Kind of Town (Chicago Is) * My Way * One for My Baby * Strangers in the Night * Theme from New York, New York * Witchcraft * Young at Heart.

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Ion IDT01 iDT01 Height Adjustable, Single Braced Drum Throne Review

I didn't really shop around so I can't compare pricewise, but it is plenty sturdy and can take my 215lbs rockin' around on it. It does not swivel unless you loosen the seat which can then come off when you lift on it to move it, but it never came off while I (or my son) was playing. Plenty comfortable.

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Product Description:
built to last, the ION iDT01 drum throne is height adjustable from 20" to 24.5".Non marking sure grip feet, quickly compacts for travel, durable vinyl covering and heavy-duty double braced leg supports. Perfect for use with any acoustic or electronic drum set.

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Selections from a Dave Brubeck Christmas [Paperback] Review

Exactly as described and exactly what our grandson disabled with spina bifida wanted to give his Piano Playing Dad for Christmas. They both love jazz and Dave Brubeck.It is so nice to be able to find what I want on Amazon.com and have it delivered in a timely manner!

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Product Description:
Dave Brubeck, the genius of jazz, provides us with his distinctive renditions of Christmastime favorites. Titles are: Away in a Manger * Cantos Para Pedir las Posadas * "Homecoming" Jingle Bells * Joy to the World * O Tannenbaum * Silent Night * To Us Is Given * What Child Is This (Greensleeves) * Winter Wonderland.

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Great Things He Has Done (Sacred Performer Collections) [Paperback] Review

I really enjoy Victor's works.They are very interesting, challenging, and cut against the stereotypical classification of traditional vs. contemporary worship.

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Product Description:
Great Things He Has Done contains arrangements in contrasting styles that can be used in a wide range of settings, including worship services and recital performances. Victor Labenske creatively exploits harmonic, melodic and rhythmic devices while sensitively communicating the hymn texts of each piece.The CD recording with the composer at the piano offers an opportunity to hear these pieces as Victor Labenske intended them.

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The Nutcracker Suite: Intermediate [Paperback] Review

I purchased this score years ago before Dover published the full ballet score, and though I wished I had the full ballet at the time, this sufficed as a convenient set of selections from the ballet that form the Suite. Please, do realize that this is the SUITE and not the full ballet. It does say it in the title, but I've read a few reviews from people upset by the fact that it wasn't the full ballet. The title says "Suite" so please realize this before purchasing this product.

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Product Description:
This volume includes some of the most favorite selections from the ballet, including ""Russian Dance,"" ""Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy"" and ""Waltz of the Flowers."" The story of ""The Nutcracker"" is provided to help players musically recreate scenes from this classic ballet. Bound to be popular with almost any student!

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Classical Folk: 15 International Folksongs Phillip Keveren Series [Paperback] Review

Phillip Keveren is well-known in the piano world for his arranging.He doesn't disappoint in this book.15 piano solos include 'The Galway Piper,' 'Jacob's Ladder,' and 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home.'

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Product Description:
15 folk songs from around the world: (Oh, My Darling) Clementine * Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?) * Greensleeves * Hatikvah (with Hope) * Jacob's Ladder * La Vera Sorrentina (The Fair Maiden of Sorrento) * Swing Low, Sweet Chariot * and more.

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Prince - 3121 (Pvg) [Paperback] Review

I didnt shop carefully. I thought this was a Prince coffee table photo book like the last few I bought. Bought this, and 3121 for the wife for Christmas. Unfortunately She doesnt play an instrument, and I play guitar. Thankfully this wasnt the only gift I gave her because when we saw it was ONLY sheet music, I looked like Fred Flintstone giving Wilma a BOWLING BALL for a gift when she doesnt bowl and he does... all the time.

The publisher really SHOULD post up some pics of the inside contents so the buyer can understand what they are paying for.

A disappointment.

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Product Description:
All 12 songs from his critically-acclaimed 2006 album, including: 3121 * Lolita * Te Amo Corazon * Black Sweat * Incense and Candles * Love * Satisfied * Fury * The Word * Beautiful, Loved and Blessed * The Dance * Get on the Boat. Includes eight pages of color photos.

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The Twelve Notes Of Music: Ear Training And Interval Study Course [Paperback] Review

I purchased this book in the hopes of finding a method to use with some of my students. As a professional teacher and performer, I am terribly dissapointed. In its 20 pages, the book does little more than define what intervals are, and offers little practical advice and no useful exercises on how to sucessfully learn intervals or recognize pitch. Further, the title 'Music Theory: Ear Training and Interval Study Course' is quite misleading. Sternal attempts to teach the student intervals by having the student play all intervals from the minor second up to the octave on the guitar. Thus, If you are not a guitar player, and/or do not read his non-standard guitar tablature this method will be completely useless for you. The back cover claims that this is a method for guitar, piano, or voice of which only guitar is really feasible because there are no notes or diagrams that can be read by vocalists or pianists or any other instrument for that matter (It only uses fretboard diagrams). Also, the front cover fails to mention that this is only intended for guitar, piano, and voice. If you are not a guitarist, this method will be unintelligible for you. If you are a guitarist, I would strongly suggest you find a different method as this is hardly a method, but more a very poor definition of intervals. This method is also problematic for guitar players in that Sternal does not address the tuning issues of the guitar. If you do not understand the problems of tuning a guitar, you will be learing these intervals incorrectly since you are using an improperly tuned guitar as a pitch reference. I hardly ever write reviews, but I was so turned off by this that I felt obligated to prevent others from making the same mistake.

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Product Description:
Music Theory Simplified - There are only 12 notes in the musical alphabet, when you have mastered them you have mastered music. Take an in depth look at each individual note and learn how it associates with other notes, giving you a full understanding of the tonal structure of melodies, harmonies, and chords. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced musician you will gain a world of insight by learning our twelve musical tones! *24 Page Study Course *US Patent Applied For *Improve pitch recognition, and note relativity *Music theory simplified *Start with one note and build at your own pace *Written with charts and thoroughly explained instructions *No sheet music or sight reading necessary *Each chapter is built on what you have previously learned *Learn to easily build any scale or chord structure.

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Chorus Line, A Vocal Score [Paperback] Review

This isn't "sheet music" for the songs on the cast album, this is the ENTIRE vocal score.This is a reduction rather than an arrangement; the full orchestral score was reduced to one piano with a number of extra notes added showing where you would throw in other instruments.This is more difficult and comprehensive than the "Piano/Vocal/Guitar" arrangement, also sold by the same publisher.But go ahead and try those challenging notes, because look what you get!

*Every* piece of incidental music in the show is included here.That means all the lead-ins to songs, not just the songs themselves.That means all the spoken cues to start the music.The filler songs "And" and "The Tap Combination" are included.The full version of "Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen" is here.Both versions of "One" are here for your enjoyment; the "rehearsal" version (where the actors recite the dance steps, count the beat, and sing the song in a brilliant 4-part arrangement) and the finale used for curtain calls (which includes the countermelody "She walks into a room..." that turns into a terrific interwoven melody for verse 3, followed by fantastic 4-part harmony reprise in verse 4).

The 96-page "sheet music" (Hal Leonard SBN: 088188068X) does not have any of this detail.It features the same pieces in the cast album but only one version of One, which skips both the rehearsal thoughts and the final verse with harmony.It also severely truncates such great hits such as Hello Twelve (which has four parts) and "The Music and the Mirror" (which has an extended musical section where Cassie does her mirror dance).The Vocal Score, this product right here, has ALL that detail.

Don't be confused by the incorrect "look inside" for this product.It shows the identical contents of thePiano/Vocal/Guitar version I mentioned above, and that is NOT what you get with the Vocal Score.It really is over 200 pages of material, and that's why it costs so much more.And it is WORTH IT.

If you just want to play a few of your favorite songs from the show, buy the shorter, easier, and less expensive version.But if you want to capture every element of Marvin Hamlisch's score, if you just love everything about this show and want to recapture the music, THIS is the one to buy.

NOTE: There is something wrong with Amazon's handing of this product.This review is appearing for both the VOCAL SCORE product and the PIANO/VOCAL/GUITAR product.This is probably the same bug giving the wrong "Look Inside" information for the vocal score.However, if you buy the vocal score, they will ship you the correct product.

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Product Description:
One of the longest running shows on Broadway, A Chorus Line won nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Our updated songbook features vocal lines with piano accompaniment for ten songs: At the Ballet * Dance: Ten; Looks: Three * I Can Do That * I Hope I Get It * One * What I Did for Love * more.

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Czerny -- Practical Method, Op. 599 (Complete) (Alfred Masterwork Edition) [Paperback] Review

A Brilliant Mind That Knows How To Teach...Yes it starts off in small steps....don't despise small beginnings
A person asked Oscar Peterson how he learned to play so fast he said "Czerny ! Czerny ! Czerny"
Who can aurgue with That kind of recommendation? Get the books.... Get the midi's for the books...
Learn to Learn.....have fun

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Product Description:
While Czerny's excellent fingering has been preserved, all unnecessary fingering has been removed by editor Willard A. Palmer. The book begins with lessons on learning the notes and introduces students to the various technical studies of keyboard music. In this edition, the music has been widely spaced for easy reading. 88 pages.

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Something for the Boys [Paperback] Review

As a piano teacher, I'm always looking for music to keep the interest of those kids who don't really want to be taking piano lessons.This book has met my needs with one boy in particular.He loves the Star Wars songs and Pink Panther, as well as others.I highly recommend it for the reluctant pianist.It will keep their interest.

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Product Description:
Music and songs from cartoon superheroes, Star Wars, movies and television, classic and modern rock and pop, and much more--titles that boys will really like. Includes: Corpse Bride (Main Title) * Hero * Hogwarts' Hymn * The Pink Panther * Star Wars (Main Theme) * Superman Theme * Walking on the Sun and more. The Royal Conservatory of Music Popular Selection List (2007 Ed.) features three selections from this book: The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) * Take Me Out to the Ball Game * The Batman Theme.

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Czerny Art of Finger Dexterity, Op. 740, Complete" (Kalmus Edition) [Paperback] Review

I haven't gone much further in the book, but, based on the few exercises I have gone throu, I feel a great improvement in the security of my fingers to play.

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Product Description:
An intermediate/advanced piano study by Karl Czerny.

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The Well-Tempered Clavier: 48 Preludes and Fugues, Vol. 1: Nos. 1-8 [Paperback] Review

I love Bischoff's editions of Bach but this particular printing is awful. The ink is light and the paper is thin and cheap.It really looks like it was photocopied: the print is fuzzy overall, the fingerings are difficult to read, the bars on numerous 16th and 32nd notes are fused together, there are sporadic dots some of which look like staccatos, and the stems of several notes are shorten severely for no reason. Bischoff states "the original ties which Bach wrote appear in darker type than the phrasing indications of the editor" however since the print is so bad, you can't tell which ties are darker.

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Product Description:
A collection of intermediate/advanced piano solos (Nos. 1-8).

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Basic Keyboard Workout Pocket Reference Book (The Basic Series) [Paperback] Review

great book but is a little confusing as tests have music genre that is not explained in book so if you are new to music it would confuse you also not all the book lessons are on cd but you probably need 2 cds to do that, other than that it is awesome, glad i brought it and its a great price. I would reccommend this book as an extra to lessons cheers hope this helped

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Product Description:
This is an invaluable guide containing everything you need to know about playing keyboards, including quotes and tips from key figures in the piano world on choosing your kit, hand technique, different music styles, auditions and recording live in the studio. In short it's all you need to know to get the sound you want out of those ivories.

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Great Contemporary Pianists Speak for Themselves (Dover Books on Music, Music History) [Paperback] Review

It gives us a cross section of the views of the great ( some not so great ) artists as to how they see the piano, pianist(s) and piano music.
So Gilels never quite recognised Neuhaus as his teacher; Bolet had high esteem for Moiseiwitsch other than Rachmaninoff; Arrau was an admirer of Edwin Fischer; Kocsis upholding Richter while despising ( and he is not alone) Horowitz for he made use of music and composers instead of serving them, he also refers us to the music of Bartok; Pogorelich telling us the fixing of the piano competitions result; Ashkenazy touching on the Russian artists' soft spot and a lot more... Amusing as well as instructive. Almost a must for all serious pianist.

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Product Description:
Fascinating interviews with 25 renowned pianists: Ashkenazy, Badura-Skoda, Bolet, Brendel, de Larrocha, Gould, Horowitz, Ohlsson, Tureck, Watts, 15 more. Revealing, candid thoughts about themselves, their careers, music they play, life of a concert pianist. "Mach's interviews will enhance the pleasure of any concertgoer."-People. Introduction by Sir Georg Solti. 51 black-and-white photographs.


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Alesis MICRON Analog Modeling Synthesizer Review

I have been looking at analog modelling synthesizers since the illustrious Nord Lead blew the synth industry away. There have been many to follow, but I can honestly say the Alesis Micron gives you the most bang for the buck. There are more features on this little keyboard than I have seen on any other VA synth coming anywhere near the price.

500 patches of sounds (with room for 400 more to program) running the gamut of analog textures (don't believe some reviewers not finding soft and warm patches.. they are definitely there right out of the box) including sub-bass tones, warm strings, punchy basses, sweet analog drums and much more in between. The patches are separated by category (lead, bass, drums, pads, etc) and each category can be punched in on the fly.

You have three oscillators per voice (including variable waveshapes and FM) which gives the synth a really fat sound as well as two low frequency ocsillators for warmth. Doing quick modulation and filtering changes can be done with two programmable slider controls. There is also a pitch bend wheel that lights up when you use it. Programming can be pretty intuitive if you learn the shortcut method that makes the keys buttons to select parameters (essentially 37 extra buttons for editing).

I have compared the Micron with other VA synths like Korg's VA synths (MS2000, MicroKorg, Electribe), the Roland 303, the Novation Bass Station and can honestly tell you the Alesis Micron can go toe to toe against all of them and many times come out ahead in both sound and functionality.

The synth also includes a master dual effects processer and a single drive effects processor per patch (something most VA synths don't even include). Not the greatest effects processing in the world, but far from inferior. Essentially the effects help give your sounds some nice ambience. You also get a 40 band vocoder for vocal effects (more robust then the Korg VA synth vocoders) You are limited to 8-voice polyphony, but the synth is 32-part multitimbral.

The Micron also has a built in step and phrase sequencer that includes over 400 patterns preset with drum parts, synth parts and combinations of both along with room for hundreds of your own. The phrase sequencer is really easy to use with one button record and looping. A third type of sequencer you have is a pretty versatile arpeggiator.

Bottom line is if you are looking for synth that is affordable yet has an expansive set of analog sounds (and by that I mean a digital synth that utilizes analog modelling) this is it. If you are doing electronic dance music this synth is perfect for you. You won't find a better value for the money. Sure there are better products out there (Nord is still the tops in my book), but when it comes down to it the Micron will give you professional sounding analog synth sounds and the ability to make some killer patches.

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Product Description:
Offering a virtually limitless sonic palette, the Alesis MICRON eight-voice analog-modeling synthesizer produces a big sound despite its small size. Whether you use a synth to accompany you on stage or in the studio or you prefer to work with the hundreds of preset Alesis sounds or create your own, the MICRON is a great musical companion.


The MICRON may be small in size, but it produces a big sound (see larger image).

It offers 8 voices, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multimode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, sample and hold, and tracking generator (see larger image).
The MICRON has two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, and two LFOs: the full spectrum of synthesis components for shaping and creating sonorities and textures. For stage and studio-ready quality, the MICRON has 24-bit audio outputs and inputs via balanced connections.
Each of the MICRON's voices contains two filters, and each filter can be one of the following different types, each with its own character and sonic flavor: Bypass, Low Pass: ob 2-pole, tb 3-pole, mg 4-pole, rp 4-pole, jp 4-pole, al 8-pole; Band Pass: ob 2-pole, al 6-pole, octave dual, band limit; High Pass: ob 2-pole, op 4-pole; three Vocal Formants, four Comb Filters, Phase Warp, Frequency, Resonance, Key Tracking, Envelope Amount, Offset, and Absolute.

Key Features

Analog modeling synth engine
Eight voices, each with three oscillators
Up to eight multi-timbral parts with stereo effects
Two multimode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, sample and hold, tracking generator
Dynamic real-time and step sequencers, arpeggiator, and drum machine/rhythm sequencer
Stereo bus effects including reverbs and delays
24-bit 1/4-inch balanced stereo analog outputs and inputs
37-key synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity
More than 600 preset sounds

Specifications

Synthesis: analog modeling (subtractive), noise generator, FM
Polyphony: up to 8 voices
Timbrality: up to 8 parts
Oscillators: 3 per voice with continuously variable waveshapes, sync, linear and exponential FM, Ring Mod, routable modulation matrix per voice.
Filters: 2 multi-mode resonating filters per voice with 16 filter types
Modulation: 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, tracking generator, freely routable modulation matrix per voice
Effects: 4 drive effects, 1 per part; master effects
Sequencing: step sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and phrase sequencer
Program memory: up to 1,000 programs and multi-timbral setups
Velocity sensitive: Yes
Keyboard: 37-key, synth action
External control: MIDI in/out/thru
Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS, mic
Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS, 1/4-inch TRS headphone
Pedal Inputs: Assignable expression pedal, sustain pedal

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Bach / 371 Chorales / Volume 2 (Kalmus Edition) [Plastic Comb] Review

I was surprised because I thought that I was purchasing ALL 371 Bach Chorals, but when I recieved the book, it was only part one. I think it should be made a little more clearer that this book only contains half of the 371 Chorals. But other than that, the book looked fine, the pages were very clear and neat, so over all I was pleased with it.

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Product Description:
A collection for piano or organ. Total 371, Nos. 199-371 in this volume. KALMUS EDITIONS are primarily reprints of Urtext editions, reasonably priced and readily available.

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Twenty-five Melodious Studies, Op. 45 (Kalmus Edition) [Paperback] Review

Heller is a very capable composer.He harmonizes well and he comes up with original ideas.

However, this book can become somewhat tiresome from the monotony in rhythm.Some of the pieces are triplets from beginning to end and some of the pieces are sixteenth-note arpeggios from beginning to end.

If you decide to use this book, perhaps you should reserve it for students somewhat more advanced than the Burgmuller level.

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Product Description:
Twenty-five Melodious Studies, Op. 45 Book Brand: Alfred Publishing Model Number: 00-K03512

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