I am more of a fan of Ibanez than ever. They keep turning out some of the sexiest, high quality, low priced instruments on the market. My newest Ibanez find is the RGR420EX Electric Guitar. This guitar is just 300 bucks but will play with the best of them. It has one of the catchiest designs I have seen in quite some time. Check out a pic here. The RG has a history as one of the premier metal guitars on the market. For those of you who are bent on owning a Fender and a Fender alone, don't be. Ibanez is every bit as good as Fender but costs a fraction of the price. Granted I love Fender - I am just saying, open your eyes and try out an Ibanez. I guarantee that if you try it, you will love it.

This guitar fast, flat necked, has perfect pickups, and perfect pickup placement. This guitar is exceptionally lightweight providing the versatility you need to rock out the stage.

I checked around and this Ibanez model was cheapest on AMS for just 299. This item will ship on 10/15 as it is brand new to the market. Check it out and enjoy the high quality and low price of Ibanez.

Here are some specs:

Neck: 3 piece Wizard II neck
Neck Type: 3 peice Wizard II neck
Body: Basswood
Frets: Jumbo frets
Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood
Inlay: sharktooth
Bridge: Edge III Tremolo
Neck Pickup: IBZ V7
Bridge Pickup: IBZ V8
Hardware Color: Black

If you want a brand new Les Paul at your local shop, you’ll pay to the tune of 1950 including tax. However AMS is selling these suckers off for just 1319 for a BRAND NEW Gibson Les Paul. These guitars are the most coveted guitars in guitar enthusiast circles. They have unmatched reliability and capability with an iconic image that you won’t find anywhere else. You truly feel like you a part of history when you play one of these guitars. Not ready to break the bank for 1319 bucks? Well you can grab one with a scratch on it for 1019! Yea, I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. That is basically half price for a Les Paul. I think anyone with a lick of common sense should grab a scratch model, no one will even notice when you are playing on stage. Trust me, these guitars get nothing but GREAT reviews. Check out some reviews here. If you want to learn more about the legendary Les Paul check out some information here. Good luck and enjoy one of the finest guitars I have ever seen at the finest price!

Customer account:

The sound is amazing. You'll sound like a pro just by playing this guitar.
-Dennis K. From Shippensburg PA

Sounds perfect. I am not changing a thing!
-mayes213 From Poseyville, IN

I've had a hard time putting it down since I got it. Sounds awesome!
-Joe L. from Overland Park

Tired of the same old composition with traditional instruments and sets? If you want to add a truly unique feel to your music, which will help brand you and set you apart, you have to think outside the box. You can’t simply use the same exact guitars and instruments that everyone else is using. You MUST be BOLD and try something different to get the attention of your listeners. Even if you are playing for your own satisfaction, break out of your shell with the Hofner HCT5001 Violin Electric Bass Guitar. This guitar is a stellar version of one of the famous violin bass. Not only does it sound great and pure, it looks so unique and powerful. Take a look at a picture here.

Hofner crafts quality bass guitars at a fraction of the cots. This violin bass guitar boasts deep-resonating bass sounds with flair. This guitar was developed using state of the art manufacturing processes to ensure top notch quality. Here are some specs and features:

22 fret Rosewood fretboard

• 30 inch scale Maple set neck
• Ebony bridge with movable metal saddles
• Brass trapeze tailpiece
• Select German Spruce top
• Flamed maple back and sides
• Hofner Staple humbucking pickups
• Mother of pearl inlay dots
• Body: Maple

• Top: Spruce
• Back and Sides: Flamed maple
• Construction: Set Neck
• Neck: Maple with Zero Fret
• Scale Length: 30 inch
• Nut Width: 1 5/8 inch
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Pickups: Original Höfner Staple-Top (511B)pick-ups
• Controls: Volume; Solo Boost
• Bridge: Ebony with Trapeze tailpiece
• Binding: Neck and Headstock
• Pickguard: Celluloid pickguard
• Tuners: Pearloid button tuners
• Hardware: Nickel Plated

If you haven't played a specific guitar before, how will you know whether or not you will enjoy the guitar? One great way is to listen to reviews like I post every day. The other great way is to follow the numbers. Look at guitars which are consistent best sellers such as the Gibson Les Paul. While everyone knows this to be a great guitar, it is also pretty expensive. However understand what I am saying – popular guitars are popular for a reason – they have a reputation for quality, versatility, and reliability. A great way to find your perfect guitar at your perfect price is to check out the AMS front page which lists the most popular guitars. I know you might see yourself as an individualist but guitars that don't sell well do so for a reason. Stick with what is tried and true, especially if you aren't able to test drive your guitar first. One such example of a tried and true bestselling guitar on AMS is the Fender Standard Upgrade Stratocaster Guitar Package with Gig Bag - Rosewood Fingerboard, Midnight Wine

If you are in need of a new bass guitar, check out the Schecter C4 Custom Electric Bass Guitar. This item is on closeout which means it is selling for 54 percent off the list price. You can grab this Aged white bass guitar for under 400 bucks. It also comes in black.

This guitar features a solid Mahogany body with a 34 inch scale. The pickups are dual EMG 35HZ with active 2-band EQ and Master Volume/Master Blend with complete adjustment knobs.

This guitar is the real deal. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you will enjoy this beauty from Schecter.

The fingerboard is made of Rosewood with an aged multi ply binding.

I would hurry and jump on this offer – as a closeout item, AMS is selling these off fast. They only have a limited number so I would grab one soon.

If you want to see other cheaply priced guitars, check out AMS

Here are some specs for the Schecter C4 Custom Electric Bass Guitar

· Construction: 6 Bolt on

· Body: Mahogany

· Neck: Multi Laminate Maple and Walnut

· Scale: 34 inches

· Fingerboard: Rosewood

· Frets: 24 Jumbo

· Inlays: offset dots

· Binding: Aged Multi Ply

· Pickups: EMG-35HZ

· Electronics: Master Volume/Master Blend/EMG Active 2 band EQ

· Bridge: Schecter Custom String Thru Body

· Tuners: Schecter

· Hardware: Black Chrome

The Propellerhead Record DAW Music Production Software is available for 249. The Record program comes complete with top of the line mixing equipment and allows you to record as many audio tracks as you want. The interface is excellent and the whole system consistently receives excellent reviews for ease of use, functionality, and quality. To check out some reviews, look here.

The Record software is an innovative mix of recording and a high class mixer console. It also comes with audio processing equipment which allows for total customization. Additionally record comes with a sequencer to allow you to manage your tracks.

This software is perfect for novice to intermediate players. I wouldn’t recommend it for someone at the professional level because there are more expensive sets which will do a slightly better job. However this thing is perfect for most anyone with standard recording needs. You won’t find a recording setup which offers you the opportunity to customize for this price. Normally you will pay over twice this much, so check it out here.

This software runs on both Windows and Macs.

Recently I wrote about the Schecter C4 electric Guitar. While that guitar is a sound investment, take a look at the Schecter C1 Classic Electric Guitar. This guitar is loaded with sex appeal and playability. It’s selling for just 499 on AMS.

One reviewer stated, “It’s made very well. If this were a fender or les Paul u would pay $1000.00 or more for it!

There are a few color variations for this model. I have to recommend the three tone sunburst model. Check out a pic here.

This unit has a quilted maple and mahogany body. The Vine of Life inlay spans through the entire neck which adds some true punch to the guitar. The humbuckers are top of the line made by Seymour Duncan. It comes with a rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets.

Take a look at this guitar, I guarantee everyone will be blown away.

Here are some specs

• Construction: Neck-Thru Body
• Body: Mahogany/Quilt Maple
• Neck: 5 Ply Maple/Walnut
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Frets: 24 Jumbo
• Scale: 25 1/2 inches
• Inlays: Vine of Life
• Bridge: Tone Pros
• Binding: Creme: Neck/Head
• Tuners: Grover
• Hardware: Chrome
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan JB/Jazz
• Electronics: Vol / Tone / 5-way Mega

Whether you have parents, a roommate, or neighbors, none of them will tolerate you jamming late into the night. That’s where the JamHub BedRoom Silent Rehearsal Studio comes in handy. This device allows for up to five musicians to plug in and hear their music as loud as they want so that you can get better without making a ton of noise. This state of the art technology allows you to record music too. Using a set of SoleMix controls on the Jamhub, each musician is allowed to customize his or her sound which they hear in their headphones. Now you can jam anywhere you like and hear it just how you want it.
Here are the features

* 15 audio channels for up to 5 musicians

* 5 individual sections each with a unique mix.

* The R section is designed for recording or for connecting an MP3 player (or both).

* SoleMix controls in each section, Each member creates their own mix

* One SoleMix remote connector (Remote sold separately)

* 1-R switch for quickly monitoring the recording mix from section 1

* Stage control for giving each player a virtual location in the studio

* Built in 24-bit, stereo effects including reverbs, delays and modulation effects

This is one of the coolest innovations I have seen for playing music with your band. I encourage you to check it out HERE.

Labels: bands, best, jam, recording equipment

Singers you can’t afford to miss this one! The Samson VR88 Velocity Ribbon Microphone from AMS is on sale for just 119.95 (73 percent off!) This is the best deal I have ever seen on AMS. The VR88 by Samson is part of a limited production of hand-crafted velocity ribbon mics. This mic features sturdy construction of aluminum so that it can withstand the toughest abuse. The mic is suspended in a Neodymium field which enables the best possible response which is crystal clear. This mic can handle high SPLs up to 138 dB meaning that you can use it for singing or to amplify your instruments.

Why is this little item so cheap? It’s part of the nine day long sale going on at AMS. However the sale will be over in just a couple of days and the items will revert back to normally discounted prices. I would grab one of these before they run out. For this price you may want to grab two. To learn more, visit AMS.

Here are some specs and features from the Samson VR88

• Active Velocity Ribbon Microphone
• 2.5-inch long, 2-micron thin, 99 percent pure aluminum corrugated ribbon element
• Element set in a precise flux field created by a precision tooled, neodymium magnet
• Bidirectional, Figure-8 pick-up pattern
• Active head amplifier with 48 volt phantom power operation
• Capable of handling signals with high (135 dB) SPL’s (Sound Pressure Levels)
• Smooth and transparent sound reproduction great for warming up digital tracks
• Internal shock-mount
• Solid die cast construction
• Shockmount and swivel stand mount included
• Samson Tourtek 20-foot right angle XLR cable included
• Aluminum carry case included

• Frequency Response: 30 ~ 16000 Hz
• Polar Pattern: Bi-directional (Figure 8)
• Element Type: Velocity Ribbon
• Ribbon Thickness: 2 microns
• Sensitivity: -40 dB/Pa
• Maximum SPL: 135 dB
• Equivalent Noise Level: 17dB
• Impedance: 200 ohms
• Minimum Load Impedance: 1000 ohms
• Power Supply Voltage: Phantom power 48V +/-3V
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 7 x 2.125 x 2.125 inches (175 x 54 x 54 mm)
• Weight: 1.1 lbs (500 g)

A Free studio would be nice wouldn’t it? Well this one isn’t free but it might as well be for just 219 bucks. The AMS Deluxe Recording Support Package is marked down from 544 dollars. This is a great entry level package which features some pretty sweet stuff to get you started. Check out what’s included below.

* Behringer MS40 Digital Studio Monitors (Pair, 40 Watts)

* CAD GXL2200 Studio Condenser Microphone with Shock Mount

* One set of Nady HP03 Closed Back Stereo Headphones

* On Stage Stands 7701B Tripod Boom Microphone Stand

* Whirlwind MC20 20 Foot Microphone Cable

* Music People ASVS6GB Microphone Pop Filter

* 50 Memorex CDR80 Blank CDRs on Spindle (52x, 80-Minute, 700MB)

Buying these items separately or from another site will cost over 500 bucks.

This deal is part of the 9/9/09 sale at AMS which is only lasting for 2 MORE DAYS! If you want to learn more, visit AMS to make your order. Also on AMS is a handy customer review section for every product which features detailed, rated customer reviews of every product being sold. This product has consistently high ratings as users agree that the ease of use, features, reliability, sound, and quality are all superb.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you need a studio, feel free to post some questions here on this blog. Also you can chat LIVE with experts on AMS by clicking HERE.

If you liked the Amp recommendation yesterday (70 percent off) you will love this 70 percent off deal – the M Audio MicroTrack II Portable Digital 2 Track Recorder is temporarily on sale for 149.95 marked down from 499. This is your chance to grab a state of the art portable track recorder for 150 bucks! This device delivers the highest quality mobile recording capabilities on the market today. This is the device that film professionals consistently turn to because of its tiny size but huge capabilities. The new edition transfers files faster than ever and features extended input gain range. You can record WAV, BWF, and MP3 files in a snap. You can then drop your recordings onto your computer via USB and edit them right away! I highly recommend this portable recorder. This product consistently receives great user reviews.

To learn more visit AMS

Here are some features:

• 2-channel WAV, BWF and MP3 recording and playback for pro recording, capturing live shows, songwriting, training, education, worship and more
• Immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac via high-speed USB 2.0 mini-connector
• Seamless recording of files greater than 2GB
• Easily add markers to BWF files
• Professional balanced 1/4 inch TRS inputs capable of mic or line-level signals
• Extended input gain range
• Analog input limiter with bypass
• Separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators
• Dual microphone preamps with 48V phantom power for studio microphones
• 1/8 inch TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)
• S/PDIF coaxial input for digital transfers
• Monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8” stereo headphone output
• Monitor S/PDIF input via headphones while recording
• Customizable folders for organizing files
• Dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power
• Storage via convenient CompactFlash or Microdrives (sold separately)
• Built-in CompactFlash speed test ensures optimal card performance
• Large LCD with backlight dimmer
• Output level control
• Hibernation mode
• Powered via USB, built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery or included power supply
• Includes electret t-shaped microphone, software for editing and file format conversion, carrying pouch, 1/8” stereo extension cable with lapel clip, power supply, and USB cable

Here are your specs:

• MP3 recording: 96 to 320kbps at 44.1 or 48kHz
• PCM recording: 16 or 24-bit at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz
• Storage capacity: variable based on data rate and storage medium

Whether or not you need a new Bass Combo Amp, you have to check out the Trace Elliot 715 Bass Combo Amplifier for 399. This amp is marked down 70 percent from $1349. Normally you couldn’t get one of these used for 399 bucks. It’s part of the 9/9/09 sale at AMS which is only lasting for a few more days. This amp is a 200W bass combo amp with unbelievable sound and reliability. It comes with a high-frequency tweeter and a 7-band graphic EQ so that you can truly personalize your sound. If your band has been missing a unique resonance, this might be just the ticket to give you the sound you are looking for. For 399 bucks, it can’t hurt to try. This thing is so cheap you could resell it used for more than you paid for it.

I would check it out quick because this deal WILL sell out soon. Unfortunately when AMS has sales this insane they typically run out pretty quick. To check out this deal visit AMS.

Here are some specs for the Trace Elliot 715 Bass Combo Amp:

• 450 output stage watts
• Preshape circuit
• 7 band classic Graphic Equalizer
• Compressor with self-adjusting program dependant Attack/Release times
• Series effects loop
• Output Mute switch, active on all outputs except Tuner Out
• Electronically balanced XLR DI outputs for Pre and Post Preamp
• 15 inches (382mm) special design Celestion speaker
• High frequency horn
• Footswitch allowing control of Preshape, Graphic EQ, Compressor and Output Mute
• Additional speaker output (8 Ohms minimum load)
• Cabinet tuned, with bottom unobstructed slot, to 42Hz
• Lightweight poplar plywood construction
• Original classy black pimple covered
• Metal handles and protective corners
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 24.5 x 19.3 x 13.2 inches (622 x 491 x 335 mm)
• Weight: 62 pounds (28.1kg)

This amp also comes with the TE amp cover and the BFC4 foot switch!

For those of you who are new to this blog, www.Americanmusical.com or AMS is pretty big on sales. Therefore if there is ever a holiday taking place, you can rest assured that they will be offering even better than usual specials and sales. Granted their items are always discounted but for this weekend (Labor Day Blowout Sale) things are especially cheap. Here in this post I will give you my favorite picks for the sale items which will only last through Labor Day (September 7^th). After that, prices will be set back to their normally discounted rates.

Here is the general sales page

Here we go . . .

Line 6 Spider Valve HD100 Guitar Amplifier

This state of the art amp is available for just 449 for a limited time. I about laughed when I saw that price since this thing retails for 1259 at most music shops. Normally to get a quality used amp you will still have to spend 500 so this deal is pretty remarkable. Check it out now because there is limited availability!

This is my favorite deal – the Peavey Cirrus 5 BXP 5 String Electric Bass Guitar - Quilt Top Tiger Eye, B-Stock

This high quality Peavey guitar normally sells for 879 but is running for just 349 right now for the labor day sale. That is sixty percent off the suggested retail price! Again a deal this hot will be gone soon so I would check it out sooner than later. Check it out here at AMS.

I will help you out with some more deals tomorrow!

The premier electronic drum set is arriving at AMS! The Yamaha DTXTREME III is one of the most advanced electronic drum sets on the market today. The Standard model is simply a more compacted version of the DTXTREME III Special which has been hugely popular. User reviews point to a perfect combination between sound and function. The DTXTREME III boasts redesigned cymbals, a new kick tower, and an all new module to ensure that you have the best performance possible.

Remember this is a Yamaha so you know you are getting quality at a reasonable price. For just $1599 this set is an absolute steal. This model is set to sell for $4000 retail price. AMS is selling preorders right now for 60 percent off the list price. However these models will likely be sold out soon so I would consider grabbing one early.

If you want to learn more about the Yamaha DTXTREME III Standard Electronic Drum Set, visit AMS.

Here are some specs as taken from AMS:

* DTXT3 (Trigger Module)
* DTT3KSTD1 (Pad Set) includes:
PCY135 (3 Zone Cymbal Pad) x 1
PCY155 (3 Zone Cymbal Pad) x 1
RHH135 (2 Zone Hi-Hat Pad) x 1
KP125 (Kick Pad) x 1
CH750 x 1
SS662 DTT3KSTD2 (Pad Set) includes:
*
TP120SD (3 Zone Pad) x 1
TP100 (3 Zone Pad) x 3
CH755
HS650A RS130 (Rack System)
*

*Foot Pedals are sold separately.

If any of you have demoed this set, let me know what you think!

IF you are looking for the best portable digital recorder on the market today, let me point you in the right direction. The Edirol R09HR Portable Digital Recorder is the closest thing you will find to a sound recording studio which can fit in your pocket. This handheld device sells for just 399 right now on AMS. This professional and high-definition recorder gives you 24/96 fidelity in crystal-clear format. This device supports up to 24bit/96kHz linear PCM recording. This means that you get double the audio resolution you would find on a typical CD. This is absolutely state of the art technology and somehow Edirol has managed to format it to fit this miniature device. User reviews consistently favor this device as being easy to use, great value for the price, and most of all an excellent tool to record music and get your sound out there. You may not be able to afford a professional recording setup but this handheld device comes close. It also comes with a high speed data adapter so that you can get your music on your computer and on the web in just minutes.

If you want to learn more about the Edirol R09HR Recorder, check it out at AMS