Free Reed Wind Instrument Played In Blues

I’m not a musician, I can’t read music, and I don’t know music theory. But I can play this and it makes me smile! I’ve had this instrument (yes, it is an actual instrument - not a toy) for close to a month now and I’ve played it almost every day. It’s allowing me to learn to make music while also having fun with music. The strumplate is magical. It feels so nice and accurate. It is sensitive enough to pick up the lightest touch (although, it is not force sensitive in how it plays a chord). The “keyboard” if you will is something you either get used to or may not enjoy. I’ve learned to accept it, as its keys are firm, yet mushy-ish rubber buttons. The body is made of a high quality and strong plastic. It isn’t flimsy feeling in my observations and feels sturdy when you play into it. Once you learn its characteristics, you can be one with the Omnichord and just have a blast! This instrument has many uses too, as it can be used as a MIDI controller! I’ve connected it to my MacBook Pro and have played so many different sounds/electronic instruments through Logic Pro. I’m still learning the ins and outs, but I’m seeing limitless options with how you can play this thing! The onboard sounds are crisp, clear, and this little speaker can play big! Also, knowing it’s part analog, part electronic is neat. You can tell there was a lot of thinking that went into this. Overall, I’d buy this again if I ever needed to (who knows how many Suzuki will make though!) simply because it’s has captured my attention for this long and brings a smile to may face every time I play it. You’ll be the hit of the crowd when you show this off, too! It’s unique, it stands out, and it’s simply a joyful part of my day.

At the time I purchased this bass it was on sale at the price of $199 for the Champagne Gold finish. Although I was not familiar with this specific model line of Ibanez basses, for the price it seemed worth a try. I had played other more expensive Ibanez basses and found them to be made with quality woods and parts. They played well too. When it arrived I was amazed at the quality of this bass. I had thought I might be getting less for the lower price. Even if it had been purchased at the full MSRP of the instrument, I would not have felt slighted. The build quality is excellent. After setting it up with a new set of DR strings it plays extremely well. The tuners and hardware are high quality. The tones I have been able to get out of it with the onboard active electronics alone is pretty staggering for a single instrument - without using any outboard effects. It seems like a bought 7 basses for the price of one. I've been playing it through a DI interface and Apple's Mainstage software for effects and the possibilities seem endless. Truly a surprise for such an inexpensive instrument. Well worth a try. Great for experienced players or beginners.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Loved receiving this product. I never “played” and instrument but so excited to finally learn. I had a keyboard as a kid and self learned some simple songs. This was super easy to set up and has so many different sound qualities I can’t wait to dig I more and learn more piano ?

I got this free when I bought something else. Now I'll be buying 3 more. Well played, B&H!!

I must admit, the first time I unboxed the instrument, I was amazed at the build quality. It has some heft, the keys are properly and ergonomically placed and you know Akai really took their time to perfect this wind controller. But as a long time saxophone player, the first time I actually played some scales, I was quite disappointed - it didn't feel like a saxophone. I was beginning to regret my purchase and thought about exchanging it for the WX5. So I gave it a few more days. Days turned to weeks, and I am beginning to appreciate this instrument. Keep practicing those scales, breathing with the mouthpiece and you realize how this is such an amazing wind controller. I made a mistake thinking that this is a replacement for a saxophone in an apartment situation. In reality, you should think about how this instrument can be an extension to your musical endeavors. The possibilities you can do with the sounds and playability are endless. There are a few usable synths prebuilt, but I suggest using the Akai EWI 5000 Editor to really play and edit your sounds then save it to the user bank. Also there are synths out there that can be used if you plug the EWI as just a midi wind controller; unfortunately you can't upload other synth sounds into the controller. Definitely give it some time to get used to the instrument especially moving from one octave to another. Keep practicing and you'll appreciate that there's hardly any moving parts here. I was opposed at it first since horns have that tactile and key feedback. But with the touch sensitivity, it really felt I was playing an instrument from the future. Again, you just have to get used to it - think about when mobile phones shift from physical keyboards to the modern phones we have today. And here I am today still keeping my purchase and writing a review. I thank Akai for making a top-notch wind controller and continuing the support for the modern electronic wind musician.

To express my experience so far I do not know how. I want to play every album, CD or stream every artist. I know its not possible, I played Earth Wind and Fire's "That's The Way Of The World" it was sounded so warm like the first time heard it the 70's.

Be head I have ever had. High quality and precision. Aaron Reed and B& H came through for me on this one.

In a situation when filming documentaries, we always keep it on outside. Sound is completely wind-free.

Does as advertise and brings out the blues in the sky much better.

Cuts the glare and pumps up the blues in the sky.