New Yamaha Keyboard - DGX650

The DGX-650 offers the playability of a real acoustic piano with a comprehensive suite of auto-accompaniment and performance functions that let you give form to your musical inspirations with ease.

Pure CF Sampling - Pure concert grand piano tone

PureCF sampling offers the sound of a Yamaha CFIIIS full concert grand piano, meticulously tuned and sampled under carefully controlled conditions, to reproduce the authentic tone and resonance of this superb instrument with amazing fidelity.

The GHS Keyboard - the real feel of a piano

Developed to capture the essence of an acoustic piano keyboard, Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard offers the acoustic piano expression, allowing you to play with nuanced tone and subtle dynamics. It even duplicates the graded touch of an acoustic piano with a firm feel in the bass register that transitions to a lighter, delicate feel for the keys in the treble.

Live! Cool!, and Sweet! Voices3

Authentic guitars, lush strings, punchy brass… Yamaha’s highly acclaimed Live!, Cool! and Sweet! Voices feature a unique blend of long, stereo and multi-layered samples that capture the essence of each instrument, right down to genuine resonance, expression and vibrato.

Big box speakers - powerful, dynamic sound

The DGX-650’s powerful stereo speakers are housed in large enclosures and feature separate woofers and tweeters that deliver powerful, distortion-free bass and pure treble with excellent dynamic control.

Smart Chord functionality - the perfect backing band

Yamaha’s amazing Smart Chord function offers all the backing you could want, automatically detecting the appropriate chord based on the notes you play with your left hand. You don’t even need to play a chord¾ just play a single note and Smart Chord will do the rest, providing full, professional-sounding accompaniment so you can enjoy performing.

Style Recommender - Styles the easy way!

Style Recommender lets you find styles easily without having to hunt through endless menus to find the right one. Simply play a few notes in the rhythm of the song you want to perform, and Style Recommender will offer a list of matching Styles to choose from.

Easy-to-read score and lyric display

The crystal-clear LCD display is capable of displaying scores and lyrics loaded into the DGX-650 via USB, freeing you from the need to use a music stand when practicing.

USB ports - convenient, digital data transfer

USB ports (TO HOST and TO DEVICE) offer convenient transfer of digital data to and from the DGX-650, making it easy to record and share your music, create your own CDs or edit sounds with your PC. You can even save your data to a USB flash drive to take wherever you want.

AUX-in port

Connect an external device like an iPod to the AUX-in port to listen to your music through the speakers of the DGX-650 in crystal-clear sound.

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Korg Releases Volca Series For Ultimate Leads, Basses and Rhythms

Korg Volca Keys Analog Synth Machine 

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer

The polyphonic synthesizer you've been waiting for

• Three note true analogue synthesis
  
• Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
  
• Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer

• Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
  
• Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
  
• Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use

• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
  
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds. 

Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine 

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Powerful analog drum sounds

• Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
  
• Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
  
• Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
  
• PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  
• Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
  
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
  
• Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing

Convenient functions for incredible ease of use

• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
  
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power

Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca Beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds. 


Korg Volca Bass Analog Bass Machine 

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Powerful analog bass sound

• Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
  
• Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
  
• Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  
• Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
  
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps

Convenient functions for ease of use

• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
  
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power

Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove - the volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation; it's a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive; it's also a powerful way to generate "free form" bass loops that will stimulate your inspiration. 

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Upgraded Fender Solid Top Guitars!

Fender classical instruments are available for a wide variety of players. From the beginner in music class to the seasonsed staged professional, Fender has a model to fit your needs.

CN-320AS All Solid Classical

The new pinnacle in Fender nylon-string design is the elegant CN-320AS, which features all-solid construction, pure classical tone and superior playability. The solid cedar top with traditional fan bracing resonates with balanced tone, and the solid rosewood back and sides produce rich overtones.

Other features include body binding and a beautifully styled new rosette, mahogany neck, 19-fret rosewood fingerboard with bone nut, mother-of-pearl Fender headstock logo, ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle, gold hardware and gloss finish.

CN-240SCE Thinline Classical Solid Top

The CN-240SCE Thinline is a beautifully crafted classical model with a comfortable 2.75"-deep "thinline" body, a slim-profile mahogany neck for easy playability and modern electronics for superior amplified performance.

Its solid cedar top with traditional fan bracing is strong and resonant, with a rosewood back and sides for rich, full voicing. Other features include elegant neck and body binding, traditional classical rosette, 19-fret rosewood fingerboard with bone nut, rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle, gloss finish and Fishman® Isys™ III active pickup/preamp system with volume control, three-band EQ and onboard tuner.

CN-140S Solid Top Classical

Crafted with classical tradition, solid playability and great value, Fender's CN-140S resounds with elegant sound and style, with a solid cedar top and traditional fan bracing for even tonal balance, and a rosewood back and sides for rich overtones.

Other features include body binding and a beautifully styled new rosette, mahogany neck, 19-fret rosewood fingerboard with bone nut, mother-of-pearl Fender headstock logo, rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle, chrome hardware and gloss finish.

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Electro-Voice Launches New ZLX Portable Powered Loudspeakers

Highlights:

•  The next generation of portable powered loudspeakers from EV
•  New EV industrial design
•  Legendary EV sound quality and eliability
•  Great price point
• Single Knob DSP Control with LCD display and application/location presets

EV set out a single goal with the new ZLX: to deliver a high class performance.  ZLX combines EV's decades of proven engineering experience with a bold new look.  It includes user-friendly features that gives it's users an extraordinary amount of control over their sound.

Available in 12- and 15-inch two-way versions and ideal for use as either mains or monitors, ZLX represents the new standard for musicians, DJs, and all performers looking for more from a portable powered loudspeaker.

Key Features:

• EV-engineered components matched with a 1000-W Class-D amplifier for best-in-class sound
• Single-knob DSP control with LCD display and application/location presets – optimize loudspeaker performance to suit your style and space
• Input level meters and independent amplifier control – ensure optimal gain structure in seconds
• Lightweight, super-durable composite construction with unique hi/lo grip design for effortless pole mounting and portability
• Patented split-baffle design for superior driver time alignment – enhanced sonic impact and intelligibility
• Stunning enclosure design

ZLX will be available in April 2013.
Click here for more info!

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Marshall Launches the New SL-5 Slash Signature Model!

The SL-5C is an all valve 5 watt amplifier incorporating various features, but above all else, it includes that unique Slash tone.  Marshall Amplification worked closely with Slash himself after the success of the AFD100.  The SL-5C is an accessible amplifier that is ideal for home or studio use.

The SL-5C has two channels, Clean and Overdrive.  A single volume control for the clean takes you from the authentic Slash clean sound to the Marshall crunch.  The Overdrive channel, consisting of volume and gain, nails the AFD style and tone.  Both of the channels have been approved by Slash.

A master EQ section of Bass, Middle, Treble and Presence is included, as well as high quality custom voiced digital reverb. 

-2 Custom Voiced footswitchable Channels - Clean & Overdrive (footswitch included)
-Green / Red Channel Status LED's
-Full EQ Section
-Presence Control
-Digital Reverb (footswitchable)
-High/Low Sensitivity Inputs
-Celestioon Vintage 30 Speaker
- Dual Output - 5 watts or 1 watt
-8 & 16 Ohm speaker outputs
-Front panel includes Slash signature and fonts

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New from NAMM 2013: Roland Drum Releases

Roland TD-4KP Portable V-Drum

Featuring a small footprint and an innovative folding design for fast breakdown and easy transport/storage, the TD-4KP V-Drums Portable is the ultimate e-kit for mobile drumming and small spaces. The powerful TD-4 sound module is equipped with a wide range of expressive, editable sounds and essential practice features, while the integrated pads provide a satisfying feel and natural playability. Perfect for small venues, rehearsals, lesson studios, bedrooms, apartments, and more, the TD-4KP combines V-Drums performance and features with impressive mobility and stow-away convenience.

- Renowned V-Drums sound and quality in an ultra-portable mobile kit
- Innovative folding design for quick, compact breakdown and easy transport/storage
- Includes TD-4 Percussion Sound Module, loaded with expressive sounds, Coach and Quick Record/Play functions, and more
- Eight pads total: kick, snare, toms x3, hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals; FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller included
- Snare and tom pads feature cushioned-rubber surfaces for natural playing feel
- Options: custom carrying case (CB-TDP); mesh-head snare pad (PDX-6/-8); pad mount (MDH-12); drum accessory package (DAP-3X); drum mat (TDM series)

Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad

The compact and affordable BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad makes it easy to add electronic triggering to any drum kit. With a curved shape that mounts on the side of a V-Drums V-Pad or acoustic drum, it provides convenient playing access without disturbing your existing kit layout. The BT-1 is great not only for playing sounds in a V-Drums module or SPD-series percussion pad, but also for convenient control of a variety of functions like start/stop of backing songs and phrase loops, and much more.

• Compact and reliable single-trigger pad
• Curved shape for mounting on a V-Pad or acoustic drum
• Quick and easy mounting through a drum tension rod; attachment parts for standard rod-type mounts included
• Internal design eliminates false triggering while playing surrounding drums and/or pads
• Use with a V-Drums module or SPD-series percussion pad to trigger sounds and control functions such as start/stop of backing songs and phrase loops, effects on/off, kit selection, tap tempo, and more
• Great way to add electronic triggering to any acoustic kit or additional triggering to a V-Drums set

Additional Triggering for V-Drums Kits

If you’re a V-Drums player, the compact BT-1 makes it simple to incorporate additional triggers without having to add more pads. This gives you access to additional sounds, as well as convenient control of an enormous range of performance features in your V-Drums module or an SPD-series percussion pad. And with its small size, it’s easy to add additional BT-1s as needed to continuously expand the expressive power of your Roland percussion rig.

Easily Incorporate Electronics with Acoustic Drums

The BT-1 is an easy and affordable way to integrate electronics with your acoustic kit. Unlike large round pads and inconvenient foot switches, the BT-1 blends seamlessly with your kit without adjusting your setup or playing style. Simply plug the BT-1 into a trigger input on a V-Drums module or SPD-series percussion pad and enjoy a universe of new possibilities that Roland electronic percussion brings.

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