Musical Instruments

I’m going to be showing my age here, but I was in high school when the CZ-101 was introduced in hardware form. It was one of those little synths that you could easily pass off as a toy, but packed a lot of punch and eventually proved to be one of the iconic “retro” synths that are in demand decades later.

The Roland booth was packed (as usual) and had lots of toys to talk about. The one thing I saw that seemed to be always used and sampled was the HS-5. It’s a session mixer where all of the band members can just bring their instruments, plug in and jam with headphones.

A decade ago, I probably wouldn’t have recommended digital pianos to anyone looking to purchase one for learning the instrument. These days, given the advances in technology and relative prices, I’d say they’re something that one needs to seriously consider. They’re a great option for the modern family who want to start learning and enjoying the instrument.    

We dropped by the Fender booth to visit some familiar faces, listen to some guitars and amps and learn about some new products and promotions they’re planning for the coming year.

Of all the products that Casio has announced this year, I’ve seen much-a-buzz about the new “Millennium Falcon” controller – aka the XW-PD1. And with good reason! There is a lot packed into this little package.

I’m excited and grateful to Best Buy and Casio for asking me to cover NAMM for the second time!   I’ve been keeping tabs on all the rumours and sneak-peaks that have been popping up and it looks as though there are going to be a lot of interesting things to see and experience this year.   Stick around for the ride – it looks like it’ll be fun!

The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show is the biggest annual showcase of musical technology and innovation.  This year’s show runs from January 22nd to January 25th.  Best Buy and Casio have sent two writers to Anaheim to bring you articles, photos and videos of the excitement. This post will be updated throughout the show with links to all of our coverage.

The Fender DG-60 dreadnought acoustic guitar will soon be available at Best Buy. I’ll come out and say it—this is a great guitar for the price. If asked to recommend something for a beginner or as a small-gig instrument, I’d put the DG-60 on the list for sure.  It has a nice look and feel coupled with great playability and a brighter tone that fills the room.

Christmas time should be a time of joy and happiness for everyone – including the musician on your list. Let me tell you from experience, that coffee cup with musical symbols and that piano keyboard scarf are NOT what he or she will be happy to see on Christmas morning. Never fear, I’ve got some ideas from the Best Buy selection that will bring a smile to that muse’s face this December.

The musical instrument selection at Best Buy has grown yet again and this time, it’s expanded into the band instrument realm. A selection of entry-level brass and woodwind instruments have arrived for the budding musician in you or your family.