Musical Instruments Archives

5 Best Home Digital Pianos Consumer Reports of 2020

Updated June 1, 2019

Having a digital piano in the home adds a touch of class to your home but that is not all. If you have kids, it is a way to entertain and educate them at the same time as well as to develop a sense of culture in them. Digital pianos are a good choice because they offer a number of features so that there is a lot you can do with them.

Finding the best home digital pianos though may not be very easy since there are hundreds on the market with several different features. This review takes out the hassle of finding the best. All that has been handled and now you can make a choice from the top 5.

5 Best Home Digital Pianos Reviews By Consumer Reports of 2020;

#1. Yamaha P45B Digital Piano

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This is ideal for beginners and students but works just as well for professionals. It is possible to combine different sounds together, for example, string sound with that of an organ. You can use stored sounds as accompaniment while you play. The touch keys are designed like those of an acoustic piano with lighter touch in the high ends and heavier touch in the low end, this makes it easier to build the right finger technique for playing professionally.

It has 10 voices which provide a wider range of types of music you can create with this digital piano there are grand piano voices, harpsichord, vibraphone, strings and pipe organs. It is just perfect for practicing and improving a students techniques and very easy to switch the voices.

#2. Yamaha DGX650B Digital Piano

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This piano will respond to any skill level so that anyone can comfortably play well with it. It is a good digital piano to learn how to play your favourite songs including pop songs. It is like having an instructor to guide you. It will make recommendations for the best accompaniment for the song you may want to play so that even for someone new at playing, the technicalities will be nothing to worry about so you just concentrate on playing the right keys. The sound produced is also professional acoustic sound thanks to the positioning of the speakers.

It comes with a number of connection ports so that you can store your music on a USB drive, share your performance online, connect an iPod and use your stored music as accompaniment or even connect your phone and another Keyboard. There are so many fun things you can do with this DGX650B.

#3. Yamaha P115B Digital Piano

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One of the most outstanding features of this P115B is how user-friendly it is. The sound too have been improved to create a really good quality output. Its compact design makes it ideal for home use but it is also just as good for concert performances. It is equipped with Grand Hammer Standard which gives lighter touch in the low end and heavier touch in the high end. It has been specially designed to ensure your fingers do not slip while you play for a long time. To keep up with the times, there is a special App which you can use to control the different functions using your iPhone or Ipad. You can even save particular settings and access them easier and quicker.

Another really cool function is the ability to play different instruments at the same time. It makes it sound like 2 people are playing as you play one voice with one hand and a different voice with another.

#4. Casio Privia PX160BK 88-Key Full-Size Digital Piano

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This digital piano has undergone some very awesome transformations. One of the most outstanding is the speaker design and positioning. The speakers have been designed to make the sound much better and more natural so that you have better enjoyment of the 18 authentic piano tones and sounds. Since not everyone in the home and the neighborhood may want to hear you practice, there are 2 slots to connect headphones so that the teacher and the student can both enjoy quiet listening. It can also be connected to bigger speakers for performances. You can also easily connect it to a Mac computer without the hassle of downloading drivers. This is a really amazing digital piano in performance, features and design.

#5. Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Home Piano, Black

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A lot of work must have gone into enhancing the AiR technology in this PX860. The sound is really amazing. Use it to create a great musical atmosphere in your home. It sounds like a real grand piano and looks very nice in the home. Even if you may not know how to play, it is a nice item to have in the house thanks to its design.

Casio keeps up with advancements in technology and that can be seen in the different options for connectivity to the piano. There are a variety of devices you can connect to the piano to do much more with it.

This review only summarizes some of the features of these best home digital pianos. As you get acquainted with your new purchase you will discover many more interesting features that make them great to own.

It is a good idea to determine what other things you may want to do with the piano before you purchase it so that you can get one that has that particular feature. When you choose one of these 5 you will definitely be impressed.

5 Best Guitar Tuners Reviews By Consumer Reports of 2020

Updated May 30, 2019

This goes to all musicians in the house. To all musicians reading this. Music is a big deal in our lives. Everyone agrees to that and subscribes to a certain kind of music, or to all kinds of music. One of the most crucial elements of music/instrument of music, is the guitar. It probably is the most popular one.

People just cannot get enough of them and ladies just go nuts over guys who play them. I have an idea why, but that’s probably a story for another day. Right now, nothing better to talk about than guitar tuners. We need that sound, and we need it fine like wine.

5 Best Guitar Tuners Reviews By Consumer Reports of 2020;

#1. Snark SN-8 Super Tight All Instrument Tuner

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Where should I start? The fact that it has a screen off its own, the fact that it has its own automated energy saving mode the fact that it has an amazing look, or the fact that it might as well be the best tuner out there? This tuner has an automated system of sound detection and backlight control on its screen. Plus it has this ferocious look to it. Its really firm and guarantees you amazing tuning when on your guitar.

#2. Snark SN-1 Tuner

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So this one is really easy to use. It is as well an amazing throwback blend. Just clip it on and you can rest assured that there are absolutely no dead spaces along the strings that could have been missed once clipped on. The screen to this device is fully colored. Almost headed to HD if I may say. It has an extremely high sensitivity to any form of vibration, so you can be sure whenever you pluck the strings with the Snark-1, the high sensitivity vibration sensor 360 will capture it.

#3. D’Addario NS Micro Clip-On Tuner

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First of all, is it just me or does this tuner look so much like a gun. A really tiny gun. That makes it really subtle. It can hardly be seen by an audience when performing. With a far much better accuracy and recognition of notes, this piece of technology is sure to do right by you against all odds. It has a large range of calibration from 410-480, giving you 100% assurance of precision beyond imagination on every single instrument.

The D’Addario is as well quite relaxing for the eyes because of the display color choice that it has(red to indicate out of tune, yellow when it is just close to being in tune and green when well in tune.) which as well makes the device very visible to the stringer wherever, whenever.

#4. Fender FT-004 Chromatic Clip-On Tuner

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For starters, its small format clip on tuner is very easy to operate anywhere, including the darkened stages. Wit its super sensitive vibration sensors, you are able to get accurate tuning even in noisy places. Its LCD screen shows you whether or not you are in and out of tune.

Some other cool features that make this tuner so much cooler are that it is just small enough and compact one-handed swivel clamp. It as well has various tuning modes, that is the guitar, the chromatic, the bas and as well as the ukulele and the violin.

This little guys has a tuning range lying between B0-B7

#5. Sinsun FT-11 Tuner for Guitar, Bass, Chromatic and Violin

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From the guitar to the violin, to the ukulele, to the bass and the chromatic, this machine can basically take your experience all the way round the world of music. So this simple tool has a tuning rage that allows you to turn from a high pitch to a higher one without altering your playing fingering.

Another thing about it is that it is so easy to use and quick release. You can use it on either an acoustic guitar or any other 6 strings guitar.

Its tuners display has the capacity to give 360 degrees for convenient viewing.

This would be one great gift for someone in love with music and the guitar in particular. Of course, you would have to make sure that they have a guitar to start with.

Well, I may not be much of a musician or an instrumentalist for that matter, but I can tell a good thing when I see one and when I hear one. I live with a guy who plays in a band and more often that I may know, he is on his guitar just stringing along.

So, if you are looking for a fine tuner, well, your array of the finest of tuners just came your way. All you have to do is make a pick, and you will be set to go.

5 Best Acoustic Guitar Stands Consumer Reports of 2020

Updated June 2, 2019

Though sometimes guitar stands can be viewed as an extravagant expense by most guitarists, they prove to be a crucial musical asset that can be very handy when securing your guitar, sometime they will save you of the unthinkable risks, your lovely guitar could fall and break or get its tuner damaged. All these dangers can be easily avoided by investing in a simple classic guitar stand that will always prove to be your companion securing your precious guitar when it isn’t under your watch or when you need a little rest.

Choosing yourself a good stand will prove valuable when it comes to maintaining your guitar’s looks and conditions. They are very simple to use and do not require any special skill. A good stand should assure you of ultimate stability. Others do have added features such as rubber bands that shield your guitar from scratches, dents and any other physical damages. A good guitar stand will prove its worth when on long performances and when storing your guitar. If you love your asset and really want to keep it in condition this review for the best guitar stands in 2020 will be your ultimate starting point.

5 Best Acoustic Guitar Stands Reviews Consumer Reports of 2020;

#1. On Stage XCG4 Black Tripod Guitar Stand, Single Stand

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This High quality guitar stand for both novice and experienced guitarists around the globe stands tall at the top of the list. It’s well suited for bass, electric and acoustic guitars. It possesses a friction locking knob which locks into a v-groove and also secures it from rotation, the non-slip rubber end caps adds to its stability and its heavy-duty sheet metal leg housing which makes it extra durable are just but some of the features which make it one of the top selling guitar stand.

#2. Top Stage Pro Universal Guitar Stand

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This lightweight professional grade stand comes secured with an advanced secure lock that prevents it from collapsing when in use. It’s assured of durability by its high grade metal which it’s manufactured from. Its design allows it to be easily folded and making it useful during storage and travel. Its specially designed curve yoke secures both electric and acoustic guitars for safe storage indoors and while traveling. Its rubberized backrest adds to its stability soft foam arms keep your guitar off scratches and dents. If you are looking for a quality stand whose worth is evident then this stand is perfect for your choice.

#3. On Stage XCG4 Black Tripod Guitar Stand, 2 Pack

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This professional grade XCG4 stand comes especially as a two pack and is compatible with electric, bass and acoustic guitars. This multi-functional tripod single stand, possess a frictional v-groove knob which not only secures your guitar firmly to the stand but also prevents the rotation of the stand especially during storage. It also has a stepped yoke and a solid steel rod with a locking keyway which adds more to its safety. A non-slip end caps made of a soft protective rubber is in place to protect your guitar from dents, scratches and any physical damage, heavy-duty sheet metal housing adds to its durability.

#4. Musician’s Gear Triple Guitar Stand Black

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This musician’s gear triple stand have been trusted for its reliability in the guitar stand niche, it’s very durable and its strong yet its sturdy design allows it to hold a maximum of three guitars at the same time and will prove very cost effective especially if you have yourself more than one guitar. This stand will come in handy especially when transporting your guitars. Its neoprene tubing can be folded upwards making it easy for transport and its durable neck restraint will secure your guitars preventing them from slipping.

These awesome features including its capacity makes it by far one of the most likable lightweight multi stand and not forgetting of its advanced locking keyway which just adds to securing your guitars more firmly. If you are looking for an effective lifelong multi guitar stand that assures you of flexibility, stability and security of your precious guitar then you need not to look further than for this musician’s gear triple guitar stand.

#5. Signstek Portable Collapsible Adjustable Anti-slip Classic Acoustic Guitars Bass Stands

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This high quality stand is made of ABS material which assures you of extra high strength and will never get broken easily. Signtek classic stand is very appealing and functional for varieties of classic, bass, acoustic and jazz guitars. Its secure design is very firm and will not tumble over easily even when loaded with a guitar. It is also coupled with a non-slip mat which will secure you lovely guitar from slipping even when placed on sloped surfaces.

Its adjustable frames allow you to orient it as you want and also makes it effortless to carry around, this traits together with its affordability have made it a valued asset and it’s a must have accessory for most guitarists around the globe.

When it comes to storage and securing your guitar, then you need a quality stand that you can always trust. Buying a professional class stand for your guitar that assures you of its durability and value is just but one attribute to check when purchasing a guitar stand. Although some other factors such as the number of guitars you own will also kick in, a well-reviewed list as the one I have put up here will be handy when all you want is that quality stand and following this review just but assures you that you’ll be walking away with only the best. After that, you’ll always have a safe place for your guitar to call home.

5 Best Stage Digital Pianos Consumer Reports of 2020

Updated June 3, 2019

Pianos have grown to be necessity, especially to lovers of music. For you to purchase a piano it must have the key touch and a very fine music tone. A lot of companies are out there to fleece people of their hard earned cash by providing very low quality musical instruments. A lot of people are always complaining of the very poor pianos out in the market. Before you go out there in the store to purchase a piano you should first be able to analyze the entire properties and qualities of a piano. We have different brands of pianos in the market, which include Yamaha, Casio, Korg and many more. Each brand has its own properties that act as its trademark in the market. Let’s sample some of the pianos in the Amazon store.

5 Best Stage Digital Pianos Reviews By Consumer Reports of 2020;

#1. Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Graded-Action USB Keyboard

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The YPG-535 is a robust piano that comes with 88-piano styles in the keyboard. It’s an easy to use piano as it has an education suite that enables even beginners to enjoy playing. The suite breaks down the song into individual components. The piano is also user friendly thanks to its performance assisting technology that will assist you in playing songs without breaking the chords.

The YPG-535 also comes with a USB cable that enables connection to other electronic devices. The 361XGLite voices enable the production of more realistic voices and sounds of all types.

#2. Yamaha DGX650B 88-Key Digital Piano Bundle

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The Yamaha DGX650B has very good acoustic output. It has a 128-polyphony that creates a musical texture consisting of independent melodic voices. The AUX line input enables the piano to connect with other electronic devices including other pianos. The USB audio recorder enables one to capture all his playlist.

The Yamaha DGX650B also comes with a kit that includes a Knox keyboard and piano bench, an 88-note keyboard dust cover, and JVC HARX300 Headphones.

#3. Korg SP170s 88-Key Digital Piano, Black

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The Korg SP170s 88 is a small size which provides a nice and aesthetic look. It is designed in a very simple way and is cool and comfortable to work with. It has a button with which you can be able to access ten internal sounds provided in the piano. The sounds include strings, organs, electric pianos and much more.

It has two sampled sounds that are able to capture the fine details of the user. It has three levels of sensitivity on the control panel to enable the piano to match any playing style or mode.

#4. Yamaha P35B 88-Key Digital Piano in Black Bundle with Knox Double X Style Keyboard Stand, Piano Style Sustain Pedal and Stereo Headphones

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The Yamaha P35B is an 88-key digital piano. I t has 10 voices and is able to merge sounds totaling to a maximum of 32. (32 max polyphony).The voices include organs, electric piano, strings, vibraphone and harpsichord. It has an AWM stereo sampling sound and has up to four levels of sensitivity hence can accommodate any style of play by the user. It has a metronome transpose which can rewrite a piece in another key and musical composition calibration.

In the Yamaha P35B kit includes headphones, Knox double X stand; on stage sustain pedal and a Yamaha P Series P35B.

5. Casio CAS PX150 BK 88-Key Touch Sensitive Privia Digital Piano with Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action

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The Casio CAS PX150 BK is also an 88-key piano, it’s a drastic refurbishment of the Privia previous models. It uses more than three time its memory as compared to its predecessors. It also comes with a new technology which is the acoustic and resonator intelligence .The engine provides a coherent acoustic dynamics.

The piano has also incorporated a tri-sensor scaled hammer keyboard. The sensors capture the performance with speed and precision. It has 128 polyphony with 18 inbuilt tones and a damper resonance that is able to check the level of echoing. It has a heavier touch and provides easy transition of sound.

Personally, I think this are among the best pianos that you will ever get in the market. You should try as much as possible to find a piano that really suits your needs. Consider the cost, acoustic output, quality and the brand. Some of the brands that have been in the market for long have perfected the art of creating quality and meticulous pianos. Some of the pianos which are portable and small in size can be very convenient for persons who move frequently to host different functions.

A piano should also be fun and cool working with. You should try one of these as they have some very good qualities.