Guitar Center Locations: 2012

11/29/2012

THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This product does wonders for a tube guitar amplifier. It permits great amp sound at reduced sound amplitude.

Click Here to see more reviews about: THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm

Get 21% OFF

Click here for more information about THD Electronics HP8 Hot Plate Power Attenuator, 4 Ohm

Gold Tone Dojo DLX Banjo with Resonator (Acoustic Electric, Six String, Maple) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Dear sirs or who it may conceen
The gold tone Dojo DLX banjo is a five string and has a bone nut and saddle everything else is right and I'm lookig for one
Don H Vinson (eaglecliffappys@msn.com). Could you send me a up date

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gold Tone Dojo DLX Banjo with Resonator (Acoustic Electric, Six String, Maple)

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Gold Tone Dojo DLX Banjo with Resonator (Acoustic Electric, Six String, Maple)

Riptide ECUT-5BK Tenor Ukulele - Gloss Black Finish Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I just received a Riptide ECUT-5BK-Tenor from my wife for the holidays and I have to say I am extremely pleased with this ukulele, giddy in fact.
I was shocked to find it set up correctly and ready to play right out of the box. The only way I modified this uke was to remove the High G string and replace it with a wound Aquila Low G. This ukulele is the tenth in my collection, and the first of them that didn't require me to remove and shave the bridge piece to bring the action down. This uke sounds great unplugged, especially for the player with the side ported sound hole. I was a bit shocked when I noticed the depth of the body in comparison with the others I own, the Riptide has a nice deep body that provides a deep lush tone, especially in the lower registers, perfect for Low G tuning. The inlay and finish are beautiful, the binding and rosettes around the top and side sound holes are neat and clean and the black finish is deep and super glossy. The tuners are excellent quality with smooth, sealed gears and attractive black ebony colored buttons. The nut and bridge are neat and well crafted out of a synthetic bone material, not cheap molded plastic, and the intonation is excellent. The frets are one of the highlights of this uke, not the frets themselves, but the attention to detail during their installation, not a sharp edge, high/loose fret on the neck! The electronics are very good as well, but the kicker is the built in tuner! So convenient I now want one on all my ukes.
On a scale of 1 to 10 in the 'Bang For Your Buck' category, I would give the Boulder Creek / Riptide ECUT-5BK a dead solid 10!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Riptide ECUT-5BK Tenor Ukulele - Gloss Black Finish

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Riptide ECUT-5BK Tenor Ukulele - Gloss Black Finish

Motion Sound KBR-3D Twin Keyboard Amp Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a professional keyboard player I am always searching for better ways to amplify my sound. The Motion Sound KBR-3d is to date the winner for sound and portability! Excellent product.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motion Sound KBR-3D Twin Keyboard Amp

Get 18% OFF

Click here for more information about Motion Sound KBR-3D Twin Keyboard Amp

ART SLA-1 100-watt Studio Linear Amplifier Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This little amp is a really clean and clear sounding unit. I bought it to use in my guitar rig and it sounds really awesome. Very, very clean!My only bone is the power is a little lacking for what I was trying to acomplish. So I bought another one and linked them together,very easy to do.Now I'm really happy!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: ART SLA-1 100-watt Studio Linear Amplifier

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about ART SLA-1 100-watt Studio Linear Amplifier

11/28/2012

EastWest Ministry of Rock Virtual Instruments Collection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)In the past, I would spend hours trying to make other guitar sample sets sound realistic. I tried some that sounded decent, but they were lacking the "oomph" of today's rock, and I still had to fight to keep them from sounding synthesized. Enter Ministry of Rock. Rythmn guitar? Instantly realistic chords that flow together almost seamlessly, with meaty muted chunks. Solos? Great sounding ones can be pieced together with minimal effort. It's like a dream.
Drums (especially the Ludwig set) are powerful and deep. And as for the basses... well, if there's anything that MoR has taught me, it's that there's a HUGE difference between a recorded bass, and a bass that's been recorded (and played!) properly. The basses offer nearly as much flexibility as the solo guitars, and have more than enough energy to hold their own.
I haven't gotten too much into the included acoustic, but from fooling around with it on the keyboard, it seems extremely playable, with an absolutely massive number of chord variations (flats, sharps, etc). It's chords only, but Gypsy has a plucked version that matches up nicely, if you find it necessary.
If there's one thing I have to complain about (and it's more of a minor quibble), it's that the guitar chords are limited to a single range of tuning on the guitar. I would have liked to have had some extra samples with the guitar detuned a bit, for some lower-range sounds.
As the reviewer below mentioned, it does require a seperately purchased iLok key (which can store a hundred or so registration codes), but that comes with benefits of it's own, such a license portability. So it's either a pro, or a con, depending on how you look at it. I run it at home as well as work, so it's a great bonus for me.
All that aside though, Ministry of Rock is definitely my new sample set of choice.

Click Here to see more reviews about: EastWest Ministry of Rock Virtual Instruments Collection

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about EastWest Ministry of Rock Virtual Instruments Collection

Freehand Systems MusicPad Pro Plus Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a love/hate review. I love the concept, but hate the execution.
I play a wide variety of music, with several different bands. Over the years, I have formatted over 1000 song (in Word) for printing lyrics and chords in BIG print so that the whole band (or at least the vocalists) can read from the chart. Hauling all 20 of my music binders to each gig is just not practical, so I usually ended up printing custom gig binders for each gig. But then there was always someone who requests that one song in binder at home....
So when I saw the Freehand Systems MusicPad Pro, I figured it would pay for itself in about two months in terms of saving me time, printer cartridges, etc. So I bought one and started the LONG task of converting all of my music so that it would be readable on the unit.
Let me interject that I have a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and I'm somwhat of a computer geek and gadget freak, so my tolerance is pretty high for things that are not idiot proof. I'm writing this review for those of you who might have the misconception that this thing is easy to get working to your liking.
In converting all of my Word files to the proprietary .fh files, I had to open and print each of my document via the freehand printer driver, then re-name each file and add my tags. Figuring-out what print setting to use was quite a nightmare. (Hint: use scaling and select Freehand in your Windows print driver first). It literally took me 16 hours to go through the process of converting all my files. Freehand should be ashamed to put this on the market without some way to batch convert from any format to their .fh files.
Then there is the file management. Why in the world they decided to make this thing with a measly 35 Megs of usable internal memory is a mystery to me. Less than 1/2 of my songs fit on the internal memory. There is a USB expansion slot that I had to use. But guess what, most of the memory sticks that they include with these units DONT WORK on the MPP because of some filtering issue in the cheap USB memory sticks that they get from China (and apparently, they don't have someone checking these things before shipping them out). In fact, only a few select memory sticks will work with this device - so beware. Freehand should have included a 1GB internal memory.
The final complaint I have is the price. For what it is, and for all the headaches I've had to go through to get it working, it should sell for $300. If I would have know how difficult it was to convert all of my files, I definitely would have just purchased a tablet PC.
Having said all of the above, I am happy that I have all the conversion behind me, and that I know how to operate the thing. I will use it on a regular basis, and it will simplify my gig preparation. If you are thinking of buying one of these things, be prepared for some pain before you get to the pleasure.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Freehand Systems MusicPad Pro Plus

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about Freehand Systems MusicPad Pro Plus

Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I still have the 1st gen MR-8 (the red one) and when I got the silver Mk-II for Christmas, I wasn't sure I really needed it, as I thought it was no better than my red one but for throwing on a few more bells & whistles. Firing it up and laying down a few basic tracks and playing them back demonstrated that not only are there a couple more features but the sound quality is much improved over the original. I played it back through my stereo with my wife in another room across the hall and she thought I was playing the guitar and singing live. So, I'm looking forward to doing a lot of recording with this unit with more professional sound quality (I believe it is equivalent to PC sound quality, plus I like the silver finish much better than the old red model!) This is a very nice personal recorder for not a lot of money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder Silver

Click here for more information about Fostex MR-8mkII 8-Track Digital Recorder Silver

Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the Xio Synth 25 because of its Midi controller capabilities and its onboard sounds. What also made me want to purchase this was the fact that it serves as a microphone interface with phantom power. I know I have not explored the full potential of this synthesizer with its editing features, etc, which is mainly due to me being new to synthesizers. I purchased Cubase Essentials 5, the Behringer UCA202 U-Control Audio Interface and the Behringer C-1 Studio Condenser Microphone to use with the Xio and everything works together great for my needs. The only downside I have personally experienced is that a few knobs have come off. There is one knob I don't remember ever being there and didn't realize it should have been a knob (you can still turn it) and another knob for a pan function came off. Looking at other reviews from other sites, this seems common. Overall, I would recommend it.
Edit 5-7-10:
I want to edit my review to add that my Xio no longer works well when using it as a midi controller. I don't understand why exactly, since the onboard sounds still play and sound well. When using it as a midi controller, I have to press the keys down hard just to trigger the sounds I am trying to play. Shortly after I purchased the Xio, I had purchased an M-Audio 61 Key midi controller, so that is what I primarily use for midi. I still use the Xio as a microphone interface and for its onboard sounds.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard

Never before has a Novation synthesizer been so accessible! Stylish, compact, and affordable, the XioSynth offers a staggering amount of classic and cutting edge sounds, many from internationally acclaimed artists, along with a brand new X-Gator patch programmer and optional filter distortion. Furthermore, the XioSynth provides everything required for producing on the move, through its synth, audio interfacing, and MIDI controlling capabilities - all three in one keyboard.Includes Fantastic ‘Xpression' pad and pitch/mod joystick, both freely assignable in MIDI Controlling mode; allow 6 parameters to be tweaked at once!USB bus-powering is available, as well as optional battery (AA)/PSU operation, making the keyboard highly portable.

Click here for more information about Novation Xio 25 2-Octave Synthesizer and Audio USB MIDI Controller 25-Key Keyboard

ISP Decimator Pro Rack G Noise Reduction Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a tremendous piece of gear that I use in both live settings and for recording. It is a MUSICAL noise gate, that is, it puts a "gentle fade" on sustained notes, as opposed to awkwardly choking them like many other gates. Worth the expense. Tom Vitacco (Chicago area guitarists) [...]

Click Here to see more reviews about: ISP Decimator Pro Rack G Noise Reduction

Get 7% OFF

Click here for more information about ISP Decimator Pro Rack G Noise Reduction

11/27/2012

Boss BR-900CD Digital Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit to do some recording (mainly voice, piano, and ensemble). While it took many more $$ to get the cables and microphones, this is now the foundation of a solid solution.
It is easy to use (although not painless) and the manual is not the greatest. I'm sure there are many more features that I just don't use. Several features seem targeted at more "rock" than the classical I do.
It hooks to the computer without to much trouble. It also does a reasonable job cutting tracks to CD on its own (but it is slow since most of the mixing and burning is in real (i.e. x1 time).
I have one outing where I recorded an entire concert, but I have yet to try and mix this down to individual tracks (and wonder if I will need some better software than Nero).
All together, this is a solid unit for a reasonable price.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boss BR-900CD Digital Recorder

Click here for more information about Boss BR-900CD Digital Recorder

Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a sweet little small-diaphragm condenser. It is near-ruler-flat from 20-20KHz. Getting those extremes -- 15K-20Hz and especially 20-50Hz -- is unusual in an affordable cardioid SDC.
I like this mic for general acoustic ensemble or instrument recording because of the extended low and high-end (really sweet lows). It is very popular on acoustic guitars, and wherever you want to capture the shimmer up top (choirs, drum overheads). I've gotten agreeable full-range jazz drum kit tracks by setting one up level with the top of the kick, a foot out in front of the kit.
Another mic to consider at this price/performance point is the Shure SM81 Instrument Microphone (it has just the slightest bit of color compared to the 4021, and a narrower frequency range, but it is a classic clean bright sound for this kind of thing). You can find sound samples of this and other comparable mics by searching for SDC microphone shootout on the web.
You may also be weighing this against Rode NT5 Matched Pair Recording Condenser Package (or you were back when this was $250). I think the 4021 sounds a tad better than the NT5 as a single mic, a little less hyped upper mid. But if you are planning on using two as a stereo pair, you might prefer the NT5 matched pair, because its off-axis response is more suitable for stereo recording. The off-axis response of the 4021 is pretty interesting -- it stays flatter for the mid- and higher-frequencies, and drops off for the lows. That's backwards from many mics. It means it's more forgiving about placement for something like an acoustic guitar or cymbal. But it also means your stereo image will smear towards the center with coincident stereo miking techniques, except for the low frequencies (exactly where coincident imaging is less effective anyway).
So if you use a pair of these for stereo, set up non-coincident, ORTF or even as you might place omnis. I get really pleasing results with a 4021 pair inside a grand piano, in an ORTF configuration nearly centered inside with one pointing to the high hammers and one pointing to the low strings at the back of the piano.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Get 30% OFF

Click here for more information about Audio-Technica AT4021 Cardioid Condenser Microphone

Samson AirLine Synth Earset - True Diversity UHF Wireless System Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The belt pack is very small compared to most others we've used. The diversity tx/rx setup is simple - but - you cannot change the frequency with the mic attached to the belt pack. Odd, that.
Our pastor says the earpiece is very comfortable, and does not slip during service. He wears glasses, so many other earpieces were either uncomfortable, didn't fit at all, or would slip. The slip resulted in the mic boom dropping significantly enough that the pastor couldn't be heard. With the tension band on this earpiece, that hasn't been an issue.
The mic is well suited for male speakers. There is a noticeable boost in the low end compared to other headset mics we've used. So far, the unit has performed well and fit, rather than busted our budget.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samson AirLine Synth Earset - True Diversity UHF Wireless System

Get 45% OFF

Click here for more information about Samson AirLine Synth Earset - True Diversity UHF Wireless System

SE Electronics TITAN Large Diaphragm Condeser Mic w/Case,Shockmount Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Overall an excellent mic. Like advertised it's an excellent mic for kick drum, and bass, also amazing for miking guitar cabs and amps. tried it on acoustic guitar loved it as well. For some reason people never mention how good this mic is for vocals, it is excellent in that department too. i've tried it on rock vocals, on pop vocals, loud, mellow, you name it, it performs excellent. It's very clear sounding and has really good presence. Also excellent for broadcast use almost no proximity effect and very little sibilance. i've ran it through my Focusrite isa428 solid state pres all the time. So i would imagine, with a good tube pre like an avalon 737sp, the results for singing would be even more amazing. So in my humble opinion, i would say, if you have money for only one professional quality mic in your studio, this will give you the versatility to use on almost everything you can possibly record, with the professional results you would expect from mics over the $1,000 dollar range.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SE Electronics TITAN Large Diaphragm Condeser Mic w/Case,Shockmount

Click here for more information about SE Electronics TITAN Large Diaphragm Condeser Mic w/Case,Shockmount

Furman P-1800 PF Power Conditioner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great company, great product.
This has done right by me for several months now. I use it with professional music equipiment. I carry it in a tool briefcase and bungee that to the amp/handcart. It's not light, nor is it small, but it's nice to have this piece without a whole rack system.
It tell us the voltage on the line, and cleans and regulates the feed.
9 months. so far so good.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Furman P-1800 PF Power Conditioner

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Furman P-1800 PF Power Conditioner

11/26/2012

Barcus-Berry Vibrato-AE Series Electric Violin - Red-Berry Burst Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The fiddle we purchased is beautiful and sounds great. My only concern is that I reutrned the warranty card and the post office returned it to me as undeliverable.Spending this much money should not leave me feeling vulnerable and not knowing where to turn if we have problems with the fiddle.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Barcus-Berry Vibrato-AE Series Electric Violin - Red-Berry Burst

Click here for more information about Barcus-Berry Vibrato-AE Series Electric Violin - Red-Berry Burst

Rock-N-Roller Mid-Size Equipment Cart Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have wanted a cart for use with my guitar rig and PA system for a long time. I saw this and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. I can carry a guitar amp, two PA speakers, two monitor speakers, a PA head and stand bags, along with my two guitars...all in one trip. I wish I hadn't waited so long. This has made for the easiest load ins and outs I have ever had. And American Musical Supply got it to me in two days, even though they initially said up to a week for delivery. AMS is the most reliable musical instrument source I've tried. Thanks Amazon and AMS.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rock-N-Roller Mid-Size Equipment Cart

Click here for more information about Rock-N-Roller Mid-Size Equipment Cart