Recently I detailed a hot new Portable PA system which was about $829.00 dollars. Today I thought I would share with you a slightly pricier option which packs a whole lot more punch. For $1999.00 you can get the AMS Full Gig Portable PA System. This system was built to be set up within a few minutes with the capability to play hours strait without ever missing a beat. The mixer is a capable 1200 watt with loads of input capabilities. The sound system included in this package is perfect for small and large gigs alike. The best part of the package is the Behringer EP1500 Europower Amp which gives you 2 x 700 Watts into 2 Ohms or 1,400 Watts into 4 Ohms bridged. This Amp rocks the richest and crispest sound for the price. It will keep you rocking all night long without ever mixing a beat. If quality is your concern, look no further than the Behringer.
This system is on sale for 42 percent off as part of a summer special.

If you are looking to upgrade from your current PA system or if you just want to do it right the first time, this is an investment you will never regret.

Here is what is included:
2 CBI American Made Guitar Instrument Cable
1 Behringer Europower EP1500 Power Amplifier
2 JBL JRX112M Stage Monitor
2 JBL JRX125 PA Speaker
4 Stagg Speaker Cable Speakon to 1/4 Inch
4 Audio Technica ST90MKII Dynamic Vocal Microphone
1 Behringer Europower PMP5000 Powered Mixer
4 CBI LowZ Microphone Cable

I can’t even begin to describe all the specifics of this gear.


Check it out - AMS.

For today’s post, I have two of the coolest guitars I have ever seen for you to consider. The first is the Dean Cadillac 1980 Electric Guitar. This guitar is a reproduction of the classic version from 1980 which has a mahogany body and neck just like the original. The Cadillac won’t disappoint easily at just 499 on AMS. That’s down from a list price of 998. Furthermore this guitar has 2 humbucking high output pickups as well as a Grover Rotomatic tuner.
To see more, click here.

Specs as taken from AMS:

* Reproduction of a Classic Dean Design
* Set Neck Construction
* Fully Bound Mahogany Body and Neck
* Rosewood Fingerboard
* Pearl Block Inlay
* 2 High-Output Gold Covered Humbucking Pickups
* Grover Rotomatic Tuners
* Gold Hardware

The second guitar for today which is even more budget friendly without any sacrifice to style and class is the Ibanez Artcore AFS75TD Hollow Body Electric Guitar. For less than 300 bucks you can’t beat this guitar. This guitar is perfect for absolutely every genre of music. It churns out powerful and unique tunes which will leave you coming back for more. This guitar has large frets as well as a maple body.



To learn more, check out AMS

Here the specs for this guitar from AMS:
* Neck Style: 1 piece Artcore
* Neck Material: Mahogany
* Body: Maple top, back and sides
* Frets: 22, large
* Bridge: ART2 tremolo
* Tailpiece: VBF70
* Neck Pickup: ACH1
* Bridge Pickup: ACH2

Since I haven’t made any bass recommendations yet, I thought I might take this time to educate you on one of the best deals out there – the Yamaha RBX4 A2 Electric Bass Guitar. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newbie this Bass will satisfy every need you have. And for only 300 bucks, you will be left with money to grab some extra equipment. First and foremost, this guitar is constructed with revolutionary technology known as Alternative Internal Resonance or AIR. Traditionally you have to have a heave guitar to merit better, stronger sound. However Yamaha has pioneered a way to give you a lighter bass guitar with the same value and quality of sound. Yamaha mixes lightweight and resonant softwoods between tonewoods which allows for strong musical tones and high quality sound. You can now have the best quality sound without all the dead weight.
Here are some specs for the RBX4 from AMS:
* Proprietary A.I.R. (Alternative Internal Resonance) construction body
* LED lit cylindrical die-cast volume and pickup selection knobs
* Yamaha Custom Shop Designed Single Coil pickups
Normally this guitar runs for 859. However you can grab it now on AMS for 299.97. Furthermore they will even let you finance that and make three payments of 89.99. For the struggling musician, a payment plan can be your new best friend. Trust me, you aren’t likely to find a strong, quality Bass guitar like this for less than 4 or 500 bucks. This is truly a steal.
To check it out, visit AMS.

So you have considered playing a few different gigs have ya? If you have ever played at more than one location, you will soon find it can be cumbersome to transport and set up all of your needed equipment. That’s where the Portable PA system from AMS comes in. This system offers everything you need to set up for any gig you can imagine. It comes complete with all equipment for bringing your show on the road down to the last cables to hook it all up. My favorite part of this system is the Behringer XENYX 2442FX mixer. This item has so many routing capabilities and I/O options. I would be remiss if I failed to give credit to the solid B212A 12 inch two way speakers.
Your probably thinking this little setup might break the bank right? It will if you hit up your neighborhood guitar shop. However you can grab it for 50 percent off right now at AMS for just 869.97. All said and done, that is an unheard of deal. I challenge you to find a better one, as I don’t believe it can be done!

Here is what this baby includes as taken from AMS:

* Behringer XENYX 2442FX Mixer: Features onboard effects and 24 total inputs - and includes a USB Audio Interface!
* Two Behringer B212A Eurolive 12-inch, 400-Watt Powered PA Speaker
* Three Audio Technica ST90MKII Dynamic Microphones with Clips
* Two OnStage SS7761B Tripod Speaker Stand
* Three Whirlwind MC20 XLR 20 Foot Microphone Cables
* Two CBI 30 foot Microphone Cables


To learn more or to place an order check it out at AMS.

If you are looking for a new stereo power amp, I have got a treat for you! This item has been recently reduced to closeout prices at AMS. Instead of paying 459 like you would at your neighborhood music shop, AMS will grant you this beauty for just 179.95. What does the Alesis RA500 do you ask? Good question. First and foremost this Amp is perfect for powering near or medium field studio monitors. IT is also great for PA speakers. These amps were designed and made for recording studios as well as live events and broadcast and post-production rooms. They also act as a power amp for any PA system. For less than 180, you can’t go wrong with this amp.

This amp has two channels which have 250 watts per channel. The coolest feature of all is how quiet this amp is. It is perfect for recording studios because it is convection cooled instead of using noisy fans like most amps. This device has the highest power supply of any of the Alesis amps on the market – yet you can get it for less than all the others right now on AMS.

Here are some specs as taken from AMS:

• XLR, 1/4 inch TRS and RCA inputs
• Speaker protection circuit
• High Quality Power Supply
• 3 rackspaces
• 250 Watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms
• 125 Watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms
• 500 Watts RMS bridged into 8 ohms
• Signal to noise >105dB
• 10Hz-70kHz frequency response
• Distortion of <0.02%>
• Fanless convection cooling
• Matches the power needs of most studio monitors
• A great amp in the studio or the P.A. rack.

Every now and then its fun to dream. I like to dream so much that I wander over to Ebay and check out the collectors guitars which are selling. This week I have a few that might make you salivate. First and foremost is the Steve Hackett 1957 Gibson Les Paul gold Top- Genesis

This sucker is available for your delight for the price of 125,000. While most of us won’t rush out to buy that bad boy, I would still recommend looking at it. This guitar carries with it a signed book of authenticity as well as the opportunity to meet Steve Hackett when you get the guitar. He will actually hand it to the buyer personally.

To check out another current listing, you can grab a Vintage Fender Stratocaster Telecaster Amp Collection for the prime price of just 190,000.

Here is another VINTAGE 1957 GIBSON LES PAUL GOLD TOP ELECTRIC GUITAR for 80,000.

The last guitar is a Fender January 1954 Telecaster Blackguard which is only 6 3/4 lb

It is a true beauty. I would highly recommend checking out this guitar.

For those of you who are interested in checking out famous guitars on ebay visit EBAY

Let me know what you think of these guitars and if you can find one that is even better!

If you love music you will love the Gear Pulse podcast available on AMS. Gear pulse is a radio show which takes listeners questions and answers them with in depth details while providing tricks of the trade. Every show they also cover the latest music equipment and how you can use it. Let’s face it, we all have technology that we are not using to the fullest extent. That is why you can’t afford to miss these guys. They help you get the most out of whatever technology you are working with. Basically anything musical is discussed on Gear Pulse. They cover most instruments as well as the equipment which can really jack up your performance. To check out Gear Pulse, visit AMS. For those of you who would like to send a question or request a walk through on some type of technology or instrument, you can email them at gearpulse@americanmusical.com To listen to the podcast you can visit AMS or you can grab it on Itunes. I almost forgot, they also have frequent interviews with equipment and instrument manufacturers to let you know about the latest gear as well as upcoming specialties which you won’t want to miss. Lastly they feature other product technicians to help you get a broad perspective of musical guidance. Whatever you enjoy playing, they cover it all on Gear Pulse.

If you are even a little interested in music, I would recommend checking it out.

If you’re new to mixing, I have a great product for you which runs
just under 30 bucks at AMS. The ION MixMeister allows you to use your
existing MP3s to create your own mixes. This program has easy to use
drag and drop features so you can have your playlist up and running
right away. You can professionally EQ and level the audio with the USB
interface. This product also has a microphone input so that you can
lay vocals over your tracks.
For convenience, you can load your mix directly onto  your ipod with
the MixMeister.
Here are some features as taken from AMS:
• Includes MixMeister Express Software
• Included USB Audio Interface Allows You to Transfer Music From Your
Computer to Your Audio System
• Level Control Slide Fader
• Bass and Treble Control
• Portable MP3 Player Input
• Microphone Input with Level Control
• 2 x Stereo RCA Outputs
This system really is perfect for the novice mixer who wants to test
out mixing. To me, you can’t get a good basic mixer for any less than
this. If you have any interest, I would recommend checking it out. You
never know what untapped talents you might discover.
For those of you who need a more professional grade mixer, check them
out here at AMS.

I have talked a lot about recording options both expensive and cheap. However here is an option which fits into the middle of the road category. It is relatively inexpensive but certainly not cheap. The Tascam DR1 Field Pack Portable Digital Recording Package is a sweet deal running for just 349 on AMS. That’s down from 498.
I have actually talked about this recording device before. It runs for about 200 alone. However this kit comes with a flexible microphone which greatly enhances the quality of sound you are recording. This device records in both WAV and MP3 formats for your convenience. You can use overdub effects so that you can add on and modify any of your existing recorded music. This device has the capability to pick up background sounds or to cut them out completely. It is one of the most customizable portable recording options you will find. This product is strongly recommended for the traveling musician as it is so portable and easy to use.

Here are some specs as taken from AMS:
* Portable, Handheld Recording
* Built-in High-quality Stereo Condenser Microphone
* Variable Angle Microphone Mechanism with A/B Configuration
* 48 or 44.1kHz 24-bit Recording Resolution
* MP3 and WAVE file Recording and Playback
* Switchable Low Cut Filter
* Analog Auto Gain Control
* Analog Limiter
* Rechargeable/Replaceable Lithium-Ion Battery
* USB 2.0 Connection to Computer
* Built-in Tuner and Vocal Cancel Features
* Overdub Feature to record narration, singing or instruments over an existing recording

If you are interested in learning more, check this product out at American Musical Supply.

Yesterday I described one of the nicest digital pianos on the market. Today I thought I would write something of interest to the budget minded piano enthusiast. First and foremost, if you only have a couple hundred bucks to spend, you are still in luck. The first option is just 85 bucks – the Casio CTK2000 61 Key Personal Keyboard. Granted its not a piano, it’s a keyboard. However this unit will deliver some quality sound for the budget friendliness. Ordinarily this thing sells for over 120 dollars but you can grab a non factory sealed model for 85 bucks at AMS. If you want the factory model, you can still pick that up for 99 dollars at AMS. This keyboard has 400 tones as well as 150 rhythms which range from pop rock to global music. This keyboard also includes a step up learning system which helps you to learn your favorite songs.
The second option is not a piano either – rather it is the Native Instruments Akoustik Piano Software. Before you write this software off, read on. This technology uses multi-sampling and sophisticated emulation of soundboard resonance and pedal behavior in order to recreate the sound you would experience from an acoustic piano. This software allows you to choose from three different famous pianos.

Here are some specs for this software as taken from AMS:
* Three famous grand pianos and one upright piano
* Exceptionally high sound quality including complete sustain and release phase
* Extremely intuitive and clearly structured user interface
* Integrated convolution module delivers controllable acoustics for four distinctive rooms: studio, jazz club, concert hall and cathedral
* Sophisticated and authentic emulation of the soft, sustenuto and sustain pedals
* Layer Morphing Technology ensures a consistent timbre and seamless velocity gradient
* Highly advanced audio engine including Direct from Disk (DfD) functionality
* Adjustable string resonance and mechanical noises of pedals and keys
* Integrated metronome, MIDI file player and recorder, export to WAV, flexible 3-band EQ and various tunings
* Keyboard dynamic range and velocity curve allows response to be adjusted to different master keyboards

If you are a serious Piano player, you have to check out the Roland V Piano which is completely digital. This piano was the winner for Best in Show at NAMM 2009. It is one of the most sought after Pianos today and for good reason. This piano can be tuned, adjusted, and played without you ever realizing it isn’t an acoustic Grand Piano.
Here are some specs as taken from AMS:
* Revolutionary living piano core that breaks the digital-sampling barrier in a stand-alone instrument
* Stunning pianos onboard, from grand-piano classics to never-before-heard futuristic hybrids
* All pianos are customizable
* Newly-developed 88-note PHA-III Ivory Feel keyboard with Escapement
* Analog (XLR and 1/4 inch) outputs, digital output (coaxial), USB Memory port and MIDI I/O
* KSV8 Keyboard Stand included

This Digital piano was made to trick the ears of even the most experienced acoustic piano player. It has replicated the sound development process of a traditional acoustic Grand Piano. It replicates the sound of the hammer hitting the strings. The sound you hear directly corresponds to the pressure of your fingers on the keys. This is truly the first Digital Piano which was made for the traveling musician and capable of replicating even the most intricate of details from a traditional acoustic piano.

To learn more check out AMS. While this unit is a little pricey, you won’t find it for a better deal than AMS. Once you are playing the big gigs, you have to have the right equipment. You can sacrifice quality in the beginning but the further along you go, the more you will need a quality digital piano like this.

So you’re in the market for a quality, cheap electric guitar. Can quality and cheap really be attributed to the same guitar? You can with the Ibanez RG350MDX Electric Guitar which is available for 319.99 on AMS. Normally you can’t grab one of these for under 530.00 However, this guitar has a scratch on it which allows it to sell for 80 less than the undamaged version. If you can’t live with the scratch, paying 400 for this guitar is still a steal. This is a great guitar for beginners or experienced musicians alike. This guitar was developed with rockers in mind to accommodate for speed and range in tone.

I am a big fan of Ibanez guitars. They have steadily gained in popularity since the late 50s. They typically craft their guitars light so that you can have full range of motion with your instrument. The RG line from Ibanez which was developed for rockers and metal fans have a nice and thin neck which allows you to go into higher frets easily.

If you are interested in learning more, check it out here for the best deal at AMS.

Here are some specs as taken from AMS:

• 3-piece Wizard II neck
• Maple fingerboard with Black Shark Tooth inlays
• Basswood body
• 24 Jumbo frets
• Edge III bridge
• Neck Pickup: IBZ INF3 humbucker
• Middle Pickup: IBZ INF3S single coil
• Bridge Pickup: IBZ INF4 humbucker

This has to be one of the coolest guitars I have ever seen. If you are in the market for a new guitar, or just feel like doing some window shopping that might make you salivate, check out the Gibson Robot Flying V at AMS. This thing has that classic look and feel with a sound so crisp it will knock your socks off. Additionally it has the revolutionary robotic automatic tuning system. This is honestly one of the nicest guitars money can buy. Normally this sucker runs 3800. However you can grab it right now on sale at AMS for 1699. If you are slightly more adventurous you can grab the same striking red V guitar for 100 less and a small scratch on it. Furthermore AMS offers financing on all their products which allows you to break up payments. Right now you can finance this model and make five payments of 340.
The robotic tuner on this guitar is the best on the market. It uses a central processing unit that analyses the pitch of each string. This info is then transmitted to the built in tuning machines which then adjust the string to find the perfect tune.

Here are some specs as taken from AMS:

Body
• Body Species: Solid Mahogany
• Body Style: Flying V
• Top Species: Mahogany
• Back Species: Mahogany
Neck
• Species: Mahogany
• Peghead Pitch: 17 degrees
• Nut: Corian, Pre-radiused
• Neck Joint: Set-Neck Construction
• Truss Rod: Adjustable Truss Rod
• Truss Rod Cover: Black and White Bell
Fingerboard
• Fingerboard Species: Ebony
• Inlays: Acrylic Trapezoid
• Fingerboard Binding: White
Hardware
• Plating Finish: Chrome
• Color: Chrome
• Tailpiece: Powertune
• Bridge: Powertune
• Tuners: Satin Powertune
Electronics
• Neck Pickup: 496R ceramic magnet humbucker
• Bridge Pickup: 500T ceramic magnet humbucker
• Controls: Black Top Hats (Silver Master Control Knob)
• Control Pocket Cover: Smoky Transparent Acrylic
• Other Electronics: Charger and Power Plug, Battery Pack
Case
• Interior: White Plush
• Case Exterior: Black Reptile Pattern Hardshell
• Silkscreen: Silver Gibson USA' logo
Strings
• Type Brite Wires
• Gauges: .010-.046

If you’re looking to get a new guitar, now is the time. Right now American musical is having some insane sales on both electric and acoustic guitars. Furthermore if you are willing to put up with a small scratch on your instrument, you can get even deeper discounts. Have you ever thought about getting an Epiphone Les Paul 3 Pickup Black Beauty? Normally these run just under 1300 at your local music supply shop. However check out AMS to see that you can pick one of these bad boys up for 729. Furthermore if you are willing to put up with a scratch on your instrument you can grab one now for 589. I am so excited for this sale because you can get 53 percent off just for a scratch on the guitar. For the most part the people you are playing for will not see the scratch and they certainly won’t hear it! This is the kind of sale you have to take advantage of to make sure that your bands funds go the longest way possible. If you pay full price for everything, you are going to have to sell quite a few records to have the equipment you like. If you buy online with AMS and shop their sweet sales, you can get more equipment for your buck.

If you have never considered the harmonica, I would highly recommend trying it. The harmonica can add a blues sound to your band that might offer the distinction you have been looking for.
One great site to check out is www.harmonica.com
This site offers tips and tricks for how to play the harmonica while also offering harmonica tabs.
If you are interested in purchasing a harmonica, check out http://www.americanmusical.com/ItemSearch--search-harmonica--srcin-1

American Musical Supply offers a great selection of harmonicas to fit whatever need you may have. My personal favorite is http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-HOH-PPGM-LIST
This harmonica set features equal tempered tuning which is necessary for melody playing. While the above set of 7 harmonicas is pretty pricey, you can find single harmonicas for sale for about 5-35 dollars at americanmusical depending on what style and quality you are looking for.
I am a big fan of instruments like the harmonica because they can elevate your band to a new level for only a few bucks. If you want a guitar for your band it will cost you hundreds. However if you want to mix it up with a harmonica, it will set you back less than a meal at a fast food joint.
Anyway I am into the whole teach yourself mentality with music. So check out these links for harmonica lessons.
www.harmonicalessons.com
www.bluesharp.ca/lessons/harmonica_lessons.html
www.harmonicast.com/

Youtube

Did you ever play the recorder as a kid? I didn’t own my own but every Tuesday and Thursday of my third grade life I would wander over to the music room of my elementary school around 10:00 AM. My classmates and I would then play the recorder for 45 minutes. Recently it has come to my attention that music funding for schools is at an all time low. Most elementary schools aren’t even offering music programs that are as basic as the one I had. I’m not going to sit here and say that recorders are the greatest instrument – they just aren’t. However it was a great way to get my feet wet with music. I am in favor of schools teaching kids music from an early age. Recorders offer an easy and cost effective way to let kids experience music at an early age. If we take away that, kids will be left to find music on their own.

I looked online and found plastic recorders which sell for 2.29 a piece. You can’t beat that price. Wooden recorders which deliver a little better sound can be found for about 50. If your child’s elementary school has no music program, you might consider petitioning the school board to institute a music class with recorders. The cost is extremely low and usually they can have a music teacher come in on an hourly basis a couple times a week.

To learn more about the recorder, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recorder