Casio CTK-4200 Premium Keyboard Pack with Headphones, Power Supply, and Stand by Casio

 

 I just got this keyboard and playing for the first time felt and sounded outstanding. It sounds so much nicer than my upright piano (granted, it hasnt been tuned in quite some time.)
It's a little confusing to figure a few things out at first, but the instructions book really helped me.
This thing has 600 different tones and they all sound great!
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a portable keyboard.

Yamaha YDP161 Digital Piano with Bench

 

 I am an absolute newbie with sight-reading experience from my former choir singing days! I wanted to learn to play a piano but did not want the tuning and expense of owning the real McCoy and then find i didn't want to play it. Especially living in an apartment there were the neighbors to consider as well as the premium floor space. Then I came upon the digital piano and this form solved all my problems in one quiet swoop. You get what you pay for, so do some research on your must have and budget. I just knew that i wanted a brand name in the world of music so the yamaha was a given. Now I was deciding between the 161 and the 141, both new models released on 2010. I finally went with the 161 for the better hammer action and that it offered the 128 notes polyphony. These might be minor issues for you, but my passion to learn made me decide that rather than upgrade later, I would splash out a little bit more now and have the piano for a lot longer. If you live in an apartment like me, the bigger speaker offered by the 161 was not a huge selling point as I practice most of time with the head phones. Only when I wanted to show piece a well practiced piece do I unplug the headphones. The size of this piano is awesome and compact in depth and with the 88 keys, you have the grand piano sound without taking up a lot of space.

Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar

 

I played a Johnson dreadnought in highschool and was told that my fingers would stop hurting eventually. They never did do to the really high action (distance from fretboard to string). After 2yrs I finally gave up guitar. Recently I was having a 1/4 life crisis (im 25) and wanted to learn guitar. I broke out the old johnson from the closet and played for 2 weeks and again the finger problem. I went to Guitar Center and talked to a couple of the guys and started playing as many guitars as i could. I found that every single one was easier on my fingers than the johnson. I tried out the yamaha and a few others in this range. The yamaha just felt so much better. The action was perfect for a newbie but after asking another customer to test it for me (guy was freaking awesome on a guitar) I realized this one was amazing on really advanced stuff and you could strum the heck out of it and it still sounds amazing. Please if you are looking at playing guitar. PLEASE start with something like this instead of the $99-189 range... This is a 350 guitar hiding behind a 199 price tag. I know most ppl just want a guitar now but if you get a cheaper one you will quit playing because you can only take so much pain.

Pearl Forum FZH725/B33 Drum Kit, Pure White

 

 I ordered this set for my son and me for Christmas. At first I was a little worried, the first set was lost in shipment and it was getting very close to Christmas. Amazon sent out a new one and paid for two day air so we could have the set in time for the holiday. We are both beginners so I was looking for a mid range set that would be a quality product at a reasonable price. That is exactly what I got with this set! Everything from the shells to the included hardware exceeds my expectations. The Kit did not come exactly as pictured. I received a white kit, but the hardware and the drum head rings on the drums came in black instead of chrome as pictured. No problem for me, I prefer the black instead but to some it might make a difference. In short, you will not be disappointed if you purchase this drum set! Great quality, great price, great brand! Good job on Amazon's customer service for reacting to my issue and getting my set to me in time for Christmas!

New Drum Set Black 5-Piece Complete Full Size with Cymbals Stands Stool Sticks

 

This drum set exceeded my expectations in every way. It came complete with cymbals, drum sticks, all stands/hardware, and a drum stool. Was pretty easy to put together with the supplied web site and video (took approx. 1 hour from start to finish). It has a sharp look to it, and has a good sound - it's definitely loud! My neighbors are going to love me. It appears to be very sturdy. Really can't think of any negatives, and I'd highly recommend it to anybody looking for a beginner/starter set. 

Epiphone Les Paul Special-II Electric Guitar Performance Package, Vintage Sunburst

 

The guitar came quicker than expected. It is a beautiful set. The switch was broke off when i got it but it would be a cheap fix and i actually like it broke off better. It still works perfectly and doesnt stick out as far. Sounds very nice unpluged. 

RST CAR LH Left Handed Red Electric Guitar Package with Full Size Electric Guitar, Amp, Carry Bag, and Instructional DVD

 

Extremely happy with this purchase. This is a quality guitar for a surprisingly good price. It's no Strat, but for 120 bucks this is a quality guitar. It was shipped promptly, and arrived within a few days of placing the order. Also I was very pleased to learn that it came with an electronic tuner, which is indispensible for us rookies.

Fender Starcaster Electric Guitar - Sunburst - Includes: Guitar Planet Waves cable, Strap, Ultra Stand, Qwiktune Tuner, EXL110 strings, Planet Waves/GO-DPS 16 Pick Sampler (#PW-SAMPLER) & 15-Watt Starcaster Guitar Amp

 

The guitar looks beautiful- a fiery maple sunburst finish on a sturdy, well-finished wooden body; and it sounds even better, especially when hooked up to the amp! The strings take some getting used to, at least when one is a beginner, but they sound clear and crisp when plucked. The amp clarifies the sound enough that one can tell exactly which notes were hit and if a finger so much as brushed against the wrong string, magnifying the smallest vibrations produced by pick or fingers at the fret. And the tuner will help narrow down the correct tension in the string to produce an accurate note, although it sometimes takes a minute to work and seems to have trouble identifying the notes or the string. The pics cover the entire color spectrum. The stand and carrying case work perfectly. So far I have not used any extra strings, but they will probably be easy to affix when necessary and sound just the same as the original strings. The DVD that comes with it is OK, but it only has part of the tutorial included in the complete instructional DVD, which I bought separately for an extra 20 bucks. Overall, the package is an excellent deal for the money, and it is worth it if one is interested in learning to play the electric guitar! 

Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone

 

 The latest addition to my desktop is the most flexible recording device I've yet found: The Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone. Long known for their line of high-end condenser microphones, Blue is increasingly known for their computer-ready USB microphones, like the Snowflake and the Snowball, and the Yeti is their latest and certainly greatest computer-ready microphone yet.


Advertised as the first fully THX-compliant (a standard devised by Lucasfilms) microphone, the Yeti is a large (12" tall on its removable stand), hefty, multi-pattern microphone suitable for recording, podcasting, or any other computer-related audio activity. It features four switchable patterns- omni, carodid, figure eight, and stereo- a built in headphone amplifier, gain control, headpohone volume, and a mute button. For even more flexibility you can remove it from its desk stand and mount it on a standard 5/8"microphone stand or boom.

Snark SN-2 All Instrument Clip-On Chromatic Tuner

 

I bought this just to see if it would work as the reviews say. I was surprised that it really does work. I even ordered another one. Just clamp it and forget it. I use it on my ukuleles, from the soprano, concert, tenor to the baritone it works on all of them. I also like the fact that it has a metronome, no sound but just a little heart that flashes, which you can set the tempo also. I like it better that the Lanikai Chromatic & Ukulele LUT-1 Tuner. I like the fact that it is lighted so you can see the screen in low light settings. Try it you will like it.
I also wanted to add that by using this you can also learn the fret board. Just choose a fret and strum or pick the string and it will show you what the note is.
I will post more later on after I have used it some more and after I see how long it holds up to everyday use.. 

Wasting Light

 

This is a slightly edited review, as I have now had a few days with this album, and yes, I've listened to it quite a few times. It's striking how much you can see the FF, and Dave Grohl, have grown as artists. Their ability to craft a tight, full sound with impossible-to-resist rock-n-roll hooks is better than ever, and it was never bad. Dave Grohl's lyrics have matured as well, bringing both edginess and depth. I was a bit smitten with the album when I wrote the title to this review the first night I heard it, but I'm going to have to stick with it, because it is, after all, perfectly true from my perspective.

And it's recorded on all-analog equipment in Dave's garage, which adds a whole other level of awesome.

Bridge Burning: sorry, didn't feel this one. Perhaps the picky intro picked at my psyche a little too annoyingly. Good hard rocking tune but ... meh. Not my favorite.

Rope: Early single release for a reason -- one of those things that instantly becomes an ear worm, with catchy melodic hard hooks. Enjoy.

Ceremonials [Deluxe Edition, Extra tracks]

 

When I was a teenager, I used to sit in my bedroom for hours and listen to music. Sometimes I'd draw, sometimes I'd do homework, sometimes I'd read, but listening to music was the primary activity. As I have gotten older, less and less music has inspired me to devote my full attention to it. Now music has become more of an accompaniment to my life, a sort of background thing.

Florence + The Machine changed that- when "Lungs" first came out, it took back my whole attention. Every time I heard it, I found something new. Every few weeks, my favorite parts of the album would change. I'm still listening to it all the time.

Now I feel EXACTLY the same way about "Ceremonials"- I can't stop listening to it, every time I do I hear something new, and several of the songs give me goosebumps. When I'm away from it, I sing the songs to myself and get excited about being able to turn it back on again. It's sort of like a place I want to keep visiting- I know that sounds hokey, but it's been so long since I've felt so excited about music, I am kind of giddy about it.

Own The Night

 

 "Own the Night" is the third studio album by Lady Antebellum and picks up right where they left off with last year's "Need You Now." They have an impressive track record which includes being awarded Top New Group by the Academy of Country Music and New Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association in 2008. They were then nominated for a total of 4 Grammy Awards in 2009 and 2010, winning one of them for Best Country Performance for the song "I Run To You." In 2010 they won Top Vocal Group and Song of the Year ("Need You Now") at the ACM Awards and took home 5 Grammy Awards in 2011.

The first track, "We Owned The Night" is the perfect start to the album: An upbeat tune that has lots of energy and will make you jump out of your chair and start to dance. The lyrics are nothing short of poetic and inspired by dreams of a once in a lifetime moment of passion. Singer Hillary Scott says the album was named after these sentiments. The mandolin that Dave Haywood plays adds an amazing texture that enhances the song with charisma and a hint of bluegrass influence. "Just a Kiss" was the first single and made its debut last spring on American Idol. It debuted at number 7 on Billboard's top 100, the highest debut by a country artist in over 52 years. "Dancing Away With My Heart" was co-written with Josh Kear, the same person who helped write "Need You Now." The song is everything a country tune should be: deep, meaningful lyrics, excellent musicianship, and passionate singing and playing. The song is so familiar I was humming away with it the first time I listened. Another highlight is "As You Turn Away," a song with a catchy hook and incredible vocal melodies and harmonies. If you liked Lady Antebellum's two previous albums, or if you're a fan of country music, you'll love this. Highly recommended!!

Give Us Rest

 

David Crowder and his band have led us on a merry journey over the last 7 albums, from upstarts who sounded like nothing else out there to the go-to guys for some of the best, most creative praise and worship rock around. Crowder's amazing, idiosyncratic voice and the unfailing songwriting always kept our eyes on Jesus. I am sad that this is the last planned Dave Crowder Band album. I am happy that it is so fantastic. Like Rich Mullins wonderful liturgical influenced work (A Liturgy, A Legacy, and A Ragamuffin Band), Crowder uses the Requiem as the touchstone in this album. But there is hardly a trace of sadness here-this is a requiem full of thankfulness, of joy, of worship. Finishing the album up with hymns like "Because He Lives" gives me absolute chills every time I hear it. This is a wonderful album, full of real and genuine adoration, full of hope and full of the ingredients that make Crowder's music so creative and special. I am thankful that we have this final document of an amazing band--perhaps most amazing because they never seem to want to keep the focus on them, but only on Jesus. Highly, enthusiastically recommended. 

Michael Jackson - Dangerous: The Short Films (1993)

 

As we all know, Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP! This number-one film was in the Guiness book of World Records as the highest selling music video on '94!! Containing never-before-seen footage, behind the scenes action, unreleased videos, and all are full-length. This price is also a bargain. Pick it up even if you're not a die-hard. It is so worth it!! Dangerous is one of MJ's greatest albums with some record-breaking fantastic music videos! "The Short Films" contains: The Teaser (you have to see it!!), the controversial full lentgh Black or White (complete with The Simpsons ending and the face morphing and dance sequence), The Superbowl Heal The World performance (excellent), Remember The Time (starring Iman, Eddie Murphy, and Magic Johnson), also has behind the scenes (great dancing!!), Will You Be There, In The Closet (with Naiomi Campbell- the best MJ video ever!!)(with behind the scenes action also,) Gone too Soon, (A tragic remembrance of AIDS victim Ryan White), Jam (a awesome video with Michael Jordan, Kris Kross, and Heavy D.), Heal The World (donate to the foundation! It's a worthy cause!!), Give In To Me (featuring Slash from Guns n' Roses), Who Is It (such a great beat!!) and last but not least, concert footage to the Dangerous Tour. This movie is something. You have got to see it. The album is legendary, the beats are ear-piercing and jammin'!! All of these perfect music videos have such a story to tell. Michael Jackson is the KING OF POP!!!! 

Off the Wall (Spec) [Extra tracks, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered, Special Edition]

 

This has to be one of Michael Jackson's top 3 all-time greatest albums. Before Michael became strange this album captures what the "King of Pop" is best at: Pop/R&B. Carefully chosen tracks from proven songwriters (Carole Bayer Sager, Rod Temperton, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney)and a few tracks of his own added to a brilliant producer are all the ingredients of a great album.

Now, this disc has also been remastered par excellence! I have never heard such a great sounding remastering job in my life and believe me I've heard too many pretenders and alleged remastering jobs that even sound worse than the pre-remastered version.

The best tracks are the title track, "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough", and my favourite "Rock With You" but the other tracks, written by great hall-of-fame songwriters are great too and make the whole package cohesive and overall just a great album.

Trio in Tokyo (Newly Expanded Edition)

 

The jazz setting that Petrucciani used to play in with horns was stripped to the bare essence for this album and I must say that the result is most gratifying. Usually a drummer or a bass player is giving the directions in a tune, but on this album Petrucciani is definitely in the drivers seat with his crystal clear and most-sensitive playing. He does not waste any time on lengthy intros or stretched solos, he almost immediately starts telling his story or better, the trio almost immediately starts telling their story and it is a story you have never heard before, since their names are Petrucciani, Gadd and Jackson. This is one of those rare albums that can move you to tears during its highlights like the tune "Home". Petrucciani sadly passed away from us too early, but this giant will not be forgotten. 

Adele 19

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I found Adele about year ago on Myspace. I was instantly taken with the single Best for Last. I searched online for the CD because I had to here more from the person who posessed this voice I can only describe as "chunky butter"; unexpected and smooth. I absolutely couldn't find her anywhere not even in the record stores. I waited patiently because I knew she would not get away in the age when her type of music is such a breath of fresh air. I've had the CD in my hands for 3 days now and it's been all I expected. I can't stop listening to it. I still enjoy Best for Last but I seem to repeat Chasing Pavement, Make You Feel My Love which was one of my faves from Garth Brooks. But, I'd have to say Melt My Heart to Stone and Right as Rain are my favorites and touch me personally. I haven't listened to a CD this much since Corrine Bailey Rae. I didn't think to compare Adele to Amy Winehouse until I read a comment here.

ADELE 21

 

 Adele's 19 was strong. 21 is simply timeless.

In the past two years, Adele has refined and reinvented her unique sound that always puts her aching yet powerful vocals and lyrics at the forefront. These are songs that could have been released in the 60s as easily as 30 years from now. Adele has injected her trademark piano ballads with the best from several different musical genres including Americana roots and country, r&b, blues and gospel. The music is exciting and simply is. It lives, breathes.

There are a few tracks towards the middle that are remarkable only because Adele sings them-- and while they aren't quite filler, they aren't as memorable as standout tracks like "Rolling in the Deep," "Set Fire to the Rain," "Someone Like You," and "Turning Tables." Adele set the bar so high with these songs that anything else short of magic, is sort of a letdown. However, as a whole--this album so involves you that you can feel these stories as your own.