Stick Australian Wind Instrument

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.

Sturdy construction for wind. Nice use. Can be converted to selfie stick for mobile use.

Use it any time it need a dependable stick mic. Seldom need a wind screen. Reporters drop it all the time and keeps working fine. When the finish gets dinged up you can send it in to be refurbished.

This stick allows me to put the Rode Wireless unit on it with a wind screen and give me a hand mic. Waaaay cool!

Does the job, takes no space in your bag, or stick one in your pocket. Nothing fancy but they are well designed and not expensive. Shooting in rain, snow, wind, beach, dusty places, foul weather, wind blowing off the water - low ground shooting, you get the idea. Small light they fit in your pocket.

This is an excellent unit, my only criticism is that as this unit was sent to Australia it would have been nice if an Australian power adapter had been included.

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

Fine instrument, does what it should do and more. I recommend it.

I bought this HD3 Circular Polarizer for my Fujifilm kit and use it in bright Australian sun conditions to enhance photos in particular landscape conditions and above water photos. It is tough, optically superb and easy to use. B&H offered a great price and fast dispatch as always. I highly recommend both.

I love this company ( originally called Gobe ) they're an Australian based company and make solid filters for the money, I haven't had any issues with any color casting and the filters are made out of glass. This is my first Variable from them and I am not dissapointed.