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Aylmer
11-04-2008, 11:49 AM
Not at all game related, but I know there are some music players here, so...

Here you can see what I believe to be the coolest non-battery powered pocket device ever. It is a Suzuki harmonica, but it is unlike any harmonica you've ever seen or played. So different that they have a patent on it.

It's called the Overdrive, and from the pix you can see it's a bit strange. But strange in a good way! Each hole on the body represents a sound chamber for each individual reed (upper and lower). What's more, the holes can be blocked so you can (relatively) easily overblow and cross-harp way more than the standard 19 notes available on a diatonic harmonica, with the out of key notes sounding so pure you won't believe it. Alternatively, you can use the holes to do separated notes like arpeggiated chords with your fingers that you could never do with your tongue (unless you are a snake perhaps). Plus other things that you could never do with a 'normal' harp.

But beyond that, this is the sweetest sounding and easiest to play harmonica I've ever seen. I've only been playing seriously for less than a year, and right out of the box I could blow and draw on every hole without any hassle. And, you can make the softest sounds imaginable on a harmonica, as well as wake up the neighbors if you want.

I have two Hohners, and the build quality on this harp is unreal in comparison, surpassing the Hohners in every way. It is solid, with a good heft to it. Awesome JP quality throughout (the black body is metal). Stellar sound.

I have already acquired another one (key of F) and plan to get a couple more. If you are looking to make music on the go, this is damned hard to beat. MSRP on it is $60, but you can find it on the web for $40 plus shipping.

Cuddly Knife
11-04-2008, 09:44 PM
Very interesting, but ultimately not for me. LOL, I had to read your post twice before deciding that it wasn't spam. I almost thought someone hijacked your account and was posting spam.

I am however, looking to buy a new drumset, as the one I'm using now is just about beat to sh!t. I'm torn between these three.
ddrum
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/4/5/570545.jpg

Gretsch Catalina Club
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/9/7/457597.jpg

Traps
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/0/4/6/540046.jpg

I like the Traps because it looks like nothing, but it would sound and look killer when playing a metal show. i'm leaning towards the ddrum set though, because I would like to be able to reposition the low tom on the left side of the snare.

I also got Acid 6 recently from my bass payer, so i'm thinking about buying this. http://www.bluemic.com/products/snowball
http://www.bluemic.com/images/take_a_look/41.gif

http://www.bluemic.com/images/take_a_look/44.gif

Aylmer
11-05-2008, 06:34 AM
The Traps looks nice, as does the mic. I was looking at the Sony Acid software on the store shelf the other day. I use their Vegas video editing software, but for audio I use Cubase and Absynth.

For me, the harp is the polar opposite of what I usually do musically, which is MIDI, software and hardware synths, and electric piano, all tied together with a Mackie mixer. But I'm finding that I can get sounds out of these weird harps that I never thought were possible. I'll work a melody out on the keyboard, using the limited range of a diatonic harp, and then, after notating it, work on replicating it on the harp itself.

Cuddly Knife
11-06-2008, 07:57 PM
So what do you do when you learn a new instrument and have some skill at it? Do you go to an open-mic night and tear it up? Or do you just keep it to yourself? I've been planning to do some solo stuff sometime this coming year with me on vocals and guitar. Granted, I can't play but a few licks on the guitar, but through the wonders of Guitar Pro and Ultimate Guitar Tabs, I am slowly learning some Deathcab for Cutie songs to play someday at an open-mic deal. I used to enjoy doing solos on the French Horn and percussion in High School and College, and I've been getting an itch to do something a little left field. Playing guitar and singing is as out as i can get.

And fyi, I ended up buying the Ddrum set. Got it white with white hardware.
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/5/4/8/570548.jpg

Pretty.

Aylmer
11-07-2008, 12:02 PM
I do music for boring stuff like training videos, presentations, etc. I've never played live, nor do i have any desire to.