Authentic African Bongo drum

Have had this little "bongo" african drum for a long time and it's very fun to mess around on, not really worth a whole review but if your looking for a cheap good bongo / african drum this is the one I recommend.

Casio LK-100 Lighted Keyboard with Premium Accessories Package

This is a great keyboard at a great price!

Have had mine for 5+ years now and it works great and I use it daily.

No complaints, if your looking for a great keyboard get this, just make sure you
know you can turn off key lighting if it bothers you.

Overall Rating:
**********
10 out of 10


FEATURES

• Auto Accompaniment: Simply specify a chord and the keyboard automatically produces the matching rhythm, bass, and chord patters. One-touch fill-ins make accompaniments sound interesting and natural.
• Easy-to-understand on-screen indicators help to simply keyboard play, even for novices
• 50 built in auto-accompaniment patterns
• 100 built-in Song Bank tunes for playback enjoyment or play-along practice
• Transpose function instantly changes the key of the keyboard
• Connecting to another MIDI device lets you sound notes on both this keyboard and the connected device by playing on this keyboard
• Connect a commercially available microphone and you can sing along with Song Bank tunes

Specifications

• Keyboard: 61 Standard-size keys, 5 octaves
• Key Light System: Can be turned on and off (up to 10 keys can be lit at the same time)
• Tones: 100 presets
• Polyphony: 12 notes maximum
• Lesson System: 3 Step Lesson System
• Playback: 1 tune repeat playback
• Musical Information Function: Tones, Auto Accompaniment, Song Bank numbers and names, tempo; 3 step lesson display, chord name, fingering, timing indicator, key lighting, voice fingering
• Speakers: 10 cm diameter x 2 (Output: 2W + 2W)
• Headphones/output: Stereo standard jack (Output is monaural)
• Microphone/input: Standard jack (with microphone volume knob)
• Power: DC 9V, or 6 AA batteries (approximately 4 hours of continuous use)
• Dimensions: 37-1/4 x 14-11/16 x 5-5/16 inches
• Weight: 10.4 pounds

Egg Shaker

Thought I would put up something that was affordable playable by anyone.

This is a great little toy to make your own music, adds to the rhythm of any style of music and is a great gift for kids or general musicians.

Heavy Guitar Bible

I Picked this gem up at a thrift store for $3.95
and what a deal that was!
This is one of the greatest books on guitar I have
ever seen, and I have seen a lot of guitar books.

You can usually find The Heavy Guitar Bible:
A Rock Guitar Instruction Manual online for around
$15-25 in good or brand new condition, I would
recommend picking this book up as it has everything
a beginner or intermediate player needs to become a more
advanced player.

Take a look at the book online


Overall Rating:
**********
9 out of 10

Features :

• Amazing diagrams that show you EXACTLY where to put your hand and what to play.
  
• Talks about getting the most out of your guitar and equipment (covering pick-ups to pedals to cabinets and more)
  
• Two pages of most used chords and movable (barr) chords
  
• Great for all styles: blues, rock, heavy rock, punk etc..
  
• Full fretboard diagrams, tab. no notation, not needed.
  
• More than the usual; talks about inspiration, improvisation, transposing,using tape recorders and records/cd/tapes and more...
  

What good about The Heavy Guitar Bible? :

• Over 100 pages of diagrams and tabs and explanation of how to take your playing further for rhythm and especially for solo guitarists.
• Details graphics really show you exactly how and where (and even why) to put your hand on your guitar.
• Starts simple (but informative and attention keeping) and builds quickly on its self in a clear manner to keep you from getting lost or bored.
• If theory is your thing and you really want a good grasp then this book is a great start.
  

Whats not so good about The Heavy Guitar Bible?

• The main down side is that it could have been a little bit longer and covered a few more things, but over all it will show you everything you need to know how to play some crazy lead and good rhythm.
  

Online Questions and Top Myths Dispelled :

• There don't seem to be any, in fact the only thing I found was "Heavy Guitar Bible isn't bad but you need to be able to read music."
  

  • Well this isn't true at all, NO traditional music notation is found in the book (if you can read tab, or can LEARN how to then your set!) but at the same time, anyone is ABLE to read music if they can pick up a guitar.
    

Summary and Overall :
********** 9 stars out of 10
If your trying to figure our what you need to learn next on guitar, or are just
starting out, or want to learn lead guitar then get this book.

It is aimed at the beginner and getting her up to speed with what the
more advanced guitarists already know (and lots you didn't) and then
continues from there.

What I don't like about The Heavy Guitar Bible:
-I can't find anything wrong with this book, it could be longer though only 102 pages.



What I like about The Heavy Guitar Bible:
-Lots of illustrations showing you EXACTLY how and what to play.
-Starts quickly but simply and progresses quickly in an explanatory way.
-Explains more than just the guitar talks about:

guitar pedals, guitar amps
truss rod adjustment, pickups, rounded vs. flat frets, arched
vs. flat fret boards, string gauges, cabinets, hollow body vs. full
and more.

Korg TM-40 Tuner and Metronome

I have had the Korg TM-40 tuner & metronome for over 2 years now (same time as I bought my epiphone LP) and I think its a great price for a metronome and tuner in one, I use more than any other tuner but I used to use my Korg KORG MA-30 for my metronome (click track) as the TM-40 has an "annoying beep!" sound that would mess me up while practicing as opposed to the TM-40, but after sticking it out and using the TM-40 (with the beep) I am now comfortable playing with the beep and I don't get lost in the sound anymore; I would recommend this approach.

Overall Rating:
**********
8 out of 10

Features :

• Large LCD Display with digital meter for precision time and tuning
  
• TAP Tempo for metronome
• 1hz steps for calibration (410Hz 480Hz)
• Reference Tone of One octave (A-Ab/G#)
• Patch cord input(3/4") & Normal headphone output (1/4")
• Very Long battery life (2AAA)
• Tempo range from 40-208
• Built in microphone and speaker
• Many rhythms to choose from

What good about the Korg TM-40 tuner/metronome? :

• Ultra light (6.4 ounces) and compact (4.8 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches)
• Cheap! for a tuner and metronome the price is perfect!
• Sturdy (I dropped mine twice and stepped on it once, still A-OK.)
• All you need for practice or performance in one gadget.
  

Whats not good about the TM 40?

• It has that annoying "BEEP!" sound instead of a "CLICK!" sound, but you get used to it and it works just the same as a click.
• It takes 2 AAA batteries, triple A's sucks but they have lasted for over 2 years in this thing!
• Not sure if it's just my TM-40 but for some reason when you plug-in head phones only one side has a metronome beep? could be seen as good but it annoys me.
  

Online Questions and Top Myths Dispelled :

• The only beep is annoying as hell, don't bother.
  

  • It's true, when you first start practicing with a beep instead of a click sound it can be very annoying, but so can forming your first chord or your first solo or whatever; If you practice it will get easier and feel like second nature, I think the beep could be seen as a good practice tool in itself.

• The display timing is off and the tuner is not accurate.

  • I completely disagree. The timing is 100% with my TM-40, change your batteries or get a refund.
    

• The tuner can't pick up high notes
  

  • Again, I completely disagree. My Korg TM-40 picks up high notes, as long as there is not a tone of background noise or if you plug it in.
    

Summary and Overall :
********** 8 stars out of 10
This is a great and metronome & tuner in one for the price, it's very strong, light-weight and feature rich, the beep is annoying but you get used to it with practice and it can even teach you
to play in time with a more "digital-sounding noise".

I would recommend the Korg TM-40 to anyone, if you have really tried metronomes with
a "Beep!" noise and can't get used to it the I recommend the KORG MA-30.

What I don't like about the KORG TM-40:
-Again the beep is annoying at first but you practice to train your ear
to get used to it.
-AAA batteries are a hassle, but the TM-40 makes them last.



What I like about the KORD TM-40:
-Ultra light.
-Sturdy design.
-Tuner & Metronome in one.
-Large LCD with visual meter.
-Great Price.

Epiphone Les Paul 100 Electric Guitar

I have Had a left handed Epiphone Les Paul 100 for over 2 years now
and it is one of the best sounding guitars I have bought for the price if
you are looking for a bargain and a Gibson feel with an Epiphone price
the LP100 is the guitar I recommend and use for recording and playing
most if not almost always.


Overall Rating:
**********
7 out of 10

Features :

• 2 Open-Coil Humbuckers.
• 3 way Switch for bass and treble pick-ups
• 2 volume and 2 tone switches
  
• 22 frets on mine
• Rosewood Fingerboard.
• Classic Les Paul design / tone.
• Tune-O-Matic bridge.

What good about the LP100? :

• Solid body, great sound for a guitar for under $400.
• Double Humbuckers.
• Looks like a Gibson and sounds pretty close (really can't tell a difference).
• Mine came in Sunburst, also comes in Ebony and some other color I don't remeber or dreamt.
• Almost everything is ajustable I changed the action on mine as it was too high for my liking and I like some buzz.
• has a bolt on neck which I like for traveling, don't wanna check my guitar on a plane.

Whats not good about the LP100?

• It's pretty heavy, but thats standard in a solid body LP style guitar, some of the Gibson guitars are really heavy
• I never liked the jack-in to be on the bottom of the guitar, I like the top side in-jack but thats a personal preferance (as most everything).
• Not really much else, it's as good a lowend Gibson in my oppinion.

Online Questions and Top Myths Dispelled :

• Many reviewers have said that they would have prefered a set neck so the screws wouldn't come loose after years of vibrations.

  • If this is a problem for you then at the begining of every practice session get a screwdriver, or if practicing is your problem then remember to practice everytime you tighten your screws.

• Many reviews have said the input-jack screws up and will be choppy or cut out.

  • I have experienced some of this actually and I blame it on the jack being on the bottom edge of the guitar as opposed to the face, this has been a slight problem when pressure is applied but when standing it's all fine.

Summary and Overall :
********** 7 stars out of 10
This is a great guitar for studio or live as it looks pretty decent and like you have a bank roll
(after you remove the ugly pick guard, 2 screws on the sides) resembles a Gibson LP in look and sound so if people ask you if its a Gibson and when you tell them its not they'll be surprised especially if you tell them what you paid for it.

I wouldn't recomend this guitar to a beginner for daily practice as it's heavy UNLESS you are wanting to record (why I bought it) or preform live (same), other wise I would go with a Fender Starcaster Electric Guitar Pack with Amp and Accessories

What I don't likeabout the Epiphone Les Paul 100 :
-Too heavy for beginners to practice daily without strain or injury (as the input jack is on the bottom so you need to be standing to plug in).
-Input jack in edge not face of LP100.



What I like about the Epiphone Les Paul 100 :
-Double Humbuckers.
-Great for home or studio recordings and gigs.
-Strong and durable.
-Good Tone, low end Gibsonesk look and sound.
-Great Price. ($299 last I checked)




Here is a Video of somebody playing his LP 100 guitar:



Another LP 100 Video:

Yamaha DTXPLORER

Hey, Just bought a new Yamaha DTXplorer and it's really awsome.
I did a TON of research before buying this and looked across the whole internet and watched tons of videos on the Yamaha DTxplorer and after all of that I was still slightly unsure, so I rented it and it seemed like a great deal for the price and after a month I bought it!

Overall Rating:
**********
8 out of 10

Yamaha DTxplorer (DXPL) Features:

• Complete Five Piece Electronic Drum Kit
  
  • The DXPL has a snare pad, three tom pads, a kick pad, hi-hat and two cymbal pads. The kit even includes a bass drum pedal.
• 32 Factory Kits, 10 User Kits, 214 Voices
  
  • The 32 factory programmed kits give you a wide variety of kits that can be used in almost any musical situation. The 10 user kits allow you to build custom kits using any of the 214 voices.
• Groove Check with Rhythm Gate
  
  • The DXPL module has our popular Groove Check function, but takes it to the next level as a learning tool. You can engage the rhythm Gate so that when you play out of time the module will mute the drums until you get back in time with the click.
• Multi Zone Inputs
  
  • The snare input will accept a three-zone pad giving you the head, rim shot and cross stick sounds. The cymbal inputs will accept dual zone cymbals and allow cymbal choking. (Not till you Buy them)
    

Yamaha DTXplorer PROS and Cool Features in my opinion :

• Comes with Bass Pedal, something most other cheaper kits don't contain (and roland doesn't make pedals).
• Plugs into any amp or just through headphones at 4am.
• Can turn the high-hat pedal into a double bass pedal!
• Midi Output so I can have endless drum voices via my laptop!
• Ability to add-on better drum heads
• Sturdy frame and semi-realistic feel, a little to much bounce if you ask me.
• Ability to tweak: drum sounds, responce time, delay, reverb, etc.
• Cheaper than almost anything other electric drum kit.
  

Yamaha DTXplorer CONS and Limits in my opinion :

• No rim shots with the original drum heads (only a limit of money).
• No Cymbal choking without upgrade (same as above).
• You can't add new drum voices (unless via my midi-computer workaround).
  
• No Throne, had to buy my own stool (got a Gibralter).
• The Bass drum would suck on hardwood cause you would have to screw it down prolly, it's great on carpet though, doesnt shift a bit. (you could screw it and the pedal into some ply wood or rubber though.

Online Questions and Top Myths Dispelled :

1. "No Dynamics?" Actually the pads for the electric kit are responsive to fairly light to heavy pounding and are spot on time even though lots of reviews state otherwise, to be sure do: hold shift+drumkit/trigger till you see "TRIG 1" and change it to Dynamic, if you still can notice a difference return your kit cause its broken.
2. "Is there Delay? can I keep time?" I hope you can, I seem to be able to do just fine and I don't notice any delay at all even when I drumming fast.
   
3. "Pads don't have Rebound?" Yeah of course they don't feel like Real Drums but they actually have just a bit more bounce back then "Real Drums" in my opinion.
4. "All the Sounds are Hokey?" Not at all, there are some real nice sounding sets in there and if your not against messing around with them more you can get some amazing sounds, but yeah there is some real electric fake sounding kits in the mix, but not as many as some other sets I have heard, yuk.
   
5. "Does it break down fast?" Well, I have only had mine a month now and I am not the best drummer but I pound the crap out of it and it still looks like I just took it out of the box (if anything changes then so will this text).
6. "Is the Highhat pedal really hit and miss?" Just tighten up the deal on the front with a drum key and it'll be about 99.9% for you, only time I have problems is with the double kick but rarely.
7. "Can it be upgraded?" Yeah the Pads can be replaced with 3 zone pads and the cybals can be switched for chokable ones, only thing is I would have liked another input for extra pads.
   

Summary and Overall :
********** 8 stars out of 10
I think that with some slight tweaks and a future upgrade of better pads I will have an amazing digital recording kit at a steal of a price. The Yamaha DTXplorer is a great entry level drum kits suited for practice or recording (who plays electric drums live? def leppard?),

Amazon had them for $699 new (check above) most electric drum kits are well over a grand so the price is right.

I think anyone looking for a kit for practice or the studio will really enjoy this kit.

I Don't Like:
-Drum pads and cymbals should be upgraded.
-No extra pad input.
-No throne.

I Like:
-Comes with bass pedal.
-Highhat can be double kick.
-Midi out allows me tons more sounds via laptop.
-Lots of good to great sounds that can be tweaked even more.
-Drum pads and cymbals can be upgraded.

Buy The Yamaha DTXplorer from Amazon Brand Spanking new for $699
if you buy a Used Yamaha DTXplorer and get new pads and chokable cymbals your set! (all you need for this is the brain and the frame.)

Buy it from here to help me out, thanks
Photos of my DTxplorer:



















Video of some guy playing his DTxplorer: