Inexpensive Inroads into Musical Adventures - Part Two
The Wonder! The Sheer Joy!
Aaaaaaand we're back! Time marches on and it seemed only prudent that we keep this series going in the interests of information and planning. Forward thinking is what we are.
So, here's the second instalment in our, nearly, festive selection of some fairly inexpensive instruments for beginners and enthusiasts alike. All available for €400 or less. It's that easy.
What have we got?
Here Come the Drums!
As is only right, proper and decent, it's time we gave the drummer some. For under €400 you have the option of a couple of amazing electronic kits. Brilliant for beginners, these kits feature all sorts of handy educational tools, while also being a good deal quieter for those of us who may not be able to make as much noise as we would like.
Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
Featuring robust all-mesh heads, the Alesis Turbo Mesh Electronic Kit emerges as the ultimate choice for budding drummers eager to hone their craft. With its mesh heads, solid aluminum frame, 15 top-tier drum kits, and a comprehensive array of accessories including pedals, sticks, cables, and a drum key, this electronic kit is a dream come true for beginners and those at an intermediate level.
The Alesis Turbo boasts a resilient aluminum rack, allowing you to configure the mesh pads for the most comfortable playing experience possible. What's more, these mesh heads are ingeniously engineered to replicate the responsiveness of an acoustic kit, making it ideal for precise practice of rudiments and dynamics.
The snare drum is no slouch either, featuring dual-zone technology that ensures rim-shots and differing strokes resonate with crystal clarity, delivering an astonishingly authentic playing experience.
Inside the module of the Turbo, you'll discover 15 practical, ready-to-play kits encompassing a total of 120 drum and cymbal sounds, meticulously sampled to seamlessly mirror your dynamic performance. For the more adventurous, the Turbo Mesh is fully USB/MIDI compatible, allowing it to effortlessly sync with computer software or other musical equipment, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
Roland TD-02K V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
The Roland TD-02K V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit, my friends, is the ultimate launchpad for all you budding drummers embarking on your rhythmic odyssey. Compact and brimming with potential, this electronic drum kit, the baby of the V-Drums series, caters to both novices and returning maestros of the drumsticks. Crafted to deliver a low-volume soundscape, the TD-02K kit boasts four remarkably responsive drum pads and three equally dynamic cymbal pads. These rubber pads, engineered from a durable rubber material perfected over the years, provide a lifelike rebound and tactile sensation that mimics an acoustic drum kit.
But wait, there's more! The TD-02 module that accompanies this kit unveils a treasure trove of 16 expressive kits, serving as your comprehensive toolkit for a top-notch beginner's experience, complete with sound quality that won't disappoint. What's truly noteworthy is the onboard coach integrated into the module, a helpful mentor that tracks your progress and hones your skills, ensuring your growth as a drummer.
Compact in size, the kit seamlessly nestles into the corners of most rooms, taking up minimal real estate. It's designed with the flexibility to adapt to your space – whether it's in a bedroom, living area, or tucked into a cozy room corner, the Roland TD-02K effortlessly accommodates your surroundings. And don't let its petite frame fool you; it's built like a tank, featuring a sturdy 3-post drum rack that stands rock-solid during intense jamming sessions. Perfect for honing your skills at home, this cost-effective, space-conscious drum kit is the ideal launching pad for any drummer. Plus, its easily adjustable height makes it just right for the younger rhythm enthusiasts in the making.
The Guitars
Well, the options for guitars once you go over €300 start to get pretty expansive, especially where acoustic guitars are concerned, so I'll try to keep this concise and do roughly one example of each style of guitar. As ever, feel free to check out our wider range here and please, if you can, call in to the shop to try some of these wonderful instruments out for yourself.
Tradicion Series 4/4 Size Classical Guitar
Nylon String: Manuel Rodriguez TRADICÍON Series T-65 4/4 size Classical Guitar
Allow me to introduce you to the Manuel Rodriguez TRADICÍÓN Series T-65, a classical guitar that exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and heritage from Spain's second-oldest guitar maker, in continuous operation since 1905. Luthier Manuel Rodriguez III, shaped by both California and Spanish influences, has artfully blended tradition and modernity in these classical guitars, a true testament to his cosmopolitan outlook.
This particular gem, the TRADICÍÓN Series T-65 4/4 size Classical Guitar, exudes sheer elegance and fine craftsmanship, immediately captivating the eye with its impeccable design. The T-65 is graced with a solid Canadian cedar top, delivering a warm and resonant tone, and a rosewood fingerboard that ensures exceptional playability and responsiveness.
But it's the meticulous attention to detail that truly sets the T-65 apart. The guitar showcases an intricate rosette design encircling the soundhole, a tribute to the skilled artisans who have poured their expertise into every facet of this instrument. And not to be outdone, the gold-plated tuners not only add a touch of opulence but also ensure the precise tuning that every discerning musician craves. The TRADICÍÓN Series T-65 is a work of art, resonating with rich sound, history, and timeless beauty, echoing the legacy of a masterful luthier since 1905.
The classic Spruce/Sapele BT1 Baby Taylor
Steel String: Taylor BT1 Baby Taylor Acoustic Travel Guitar
Solid spruce-top serenades paired with roadworthy resilience. Immerse yourself in the resonant sound of a solid spruce top while enjoying the durability and climate-resistant disposition of a layered body. With a solid top, you have a sonic companion that matures with every strum, bestowing richness and articulation upon your music. Renowned for its expansive dynamic range and a clear, robust, well-defined tone, spruce stands as the ultimate choice for versatility. It's time to play with unbridled freedom, knowing that the rugged, laminated sapele body can withstand the rigours of life on the road and adapt to various climates.
This extraordinary instrument combines the powerful, rumbling dreadnought sound with unparalleled comfort. Play with boundless versatility, whether you're strumming blues, country, rock, folk, pop, or venturing into other musical realms. Its exceptional responsiveness ensures you can compose your own music, embracing your dynamic spirit without hesitation.
The Taylor Baby BT1 offers a silky-smooth playing experience, delivering a player-friendly feel that's simply delightful. Furthermore, its compact 3/4 size is a boon for younger musicians seeking comfort and traveling troubadours in need of a lightweight, roadworthy companion. Rest assured, you'll find the renowned Taylor quality in both sound and feel, an instrument you won't want to part with.
When it comes to quality, Taylor sets the bar high. Each Taylor model is meticulously crafted to exacting standards, ensuring an irresistibly immersive playing experience. No matter which Taylor Baby series guitar you choose, it comes with an official Taylor gig bag, a testament to the brand's commitment to delivering excellence.
Epiphone Power Players SG in Ice Blue
Solid Body Electric: Epiphone Power Players SG Including Gig bag, Cable, Picks - Ice Blue
The Epiphone Power Players SG is a youth-sized electric guitar, taking inspiration from Gibson's legendary SG model—a beloved instrument favored by rock icons such as Angus Young of AC/DC, Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, and Frank Zappa. This scaled-down beginner's guitar is meticulously crafted for young, aspiring musicians who are eager to kickstart their musical journey with a stylish and rock-ready axe. It's not merely a "first guitar"; it's a lifelong companion in the making.
Crafted to a high standard and featuring a feature-set reminiscent of its authentic Gibson counterpart, the Epiphone Power Players SG stands out from the crowd of starter guitars with its enhanced specifications, exceptional feel, and impressive playability. With a slightly undersized Mahogany body and a manageable 22.73" scale length, this guitar strikes a balance between being lightweight and easy to play, while the high-quality components ensure reliable tuning stability and a bold, inspirational sound.
The Power Players SG doesn't come alone; it arrives with a gig bag, strap, picks, and a guitar cable. All that's left for you to do is plug into an amp, and you'll be ready to rock. While it may come at a slightly higher price point than other beginner instruments, the Power Players SG's perfect size, striking aesthetics, and remarkable tone will bolster your confidence, accelerate your learning, and make every penny well worth it.
Squier Affinity Series PJ Bass Guitar. Superb Fender Craftsmanship
Electric Bass Guitar: Fender Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ Pack, 3-Colour Sunburst, Gig Bag, Rumble 15W Amp
Step into the illustrious world of Fender with the Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ, an ideal entry point for aspiring bassists. This P Bass encompasses the essence of Fender's timeless design and quintessential tone, providing a solid foundation for today's novice bass players. With a range of player-friendly enhancements, including a slender and lightweight body, a comfortable slim "C"-shaped neck profile, and vintage-style open-gear tuning machines for precise and smooth tuning, this bass offers both comfort and performance.
Equipped with a Squier split single-coil P Bass neck pickup and a single-coil J Bass bridge pickup, this model delivers a versatile array of tones, ready to lay the sonic groundwork for players at any stage of their musical journey.
The accompanying Rumble 15 amplifier is a 15-watt powerhouse, serving up pure Fender bass tone through an 8" Fender Special Design speaker. It boasts a three-band EQ for sound shaping, a headphone jack for silent practice, and an aux input jack for connecting media devices. The package also includes a padded gig bag, strap, and a 10' cable, ensuring you have everything you need to transform your affinity for music into a lifelong passion.
Keyboards & Digital Pianos
This price range gives us some really lovely option in the keyboard/piano world. From Rolands GO series to a semi-weighted offering from Alesis, the technology available should excite and inspire.
Alesis Concert 88 Key Semi Weighted Digital Piano
The Alesis Concert is a comprehensive digital piano equipped with 88 full-sized semi-weighted keys that offer adjustable touch response. It boasts a versatile selection of 10 realistic built-in voices, encompassing Acoustic Piano, Bright Piano, Electric Piano, Harpsichord, Drawbar Organ, Church Organ, Synth, Strings, Bass, and Clavi. These voices can be customized by combining any two simultaneously in Layer Mode, resulting in a rich, full-bodied tone. Alternatively, they can be assigned exclusively to the left or right hands in Split Mode. For further sound refinement, adjustable Reverb and Chorus effects are at your disposal. With robust 20-watt built-in speakers and a maximum note polyphony of 128, the Concert delivers an ultra-realistic sound, ensuring a truly immersive playing experience.
In addition to its remarkable sound capabilities, the Alesis Concert offers powerful educational features. The standout "Lesson Mode" function divides the 88 keys into two zones, each with the same pitch and voice. This feature facilitates a seamless interaction between the student and teacher, allowing them to play together without the need for turn-taking or awkward reaching over. Furthermore, the Concert provides a ¼” (6.35mm) headphone output that silences the internal speakers, making it ideal for quiet, private practice.
Casio CT-X3000 61-key Portable Arranger Keyboard
The Casio CT X3000 boasts an all-new, elegant design and a powerful speaker system, coupled with a user-friendly display. With the addition of a pitch bend wheel and a USB host port, the CT X3000 has become more versatile and flexible than its predecessors. Packed with a wide range of features, it's the perfect choice for budding musicians.
At the heart of the CT X3000 lies the revolutionary AiX Sound Technology. This cutting-edge sound engine excels at reproducing the intricate tonal nuances of acoustic instruments with remarkable detail, setting it apart from other mid-range keyboards. Thanks to this advanced technology, you'll have the power to create remarkably realistic renditions of instruments like trumpets, guitars, pianos, string orchestras, and more. It's like having your very own orchestra at your fingertips.
Becoming a keyboard virtuoso is made easier with the Casio CT X3000. The innovative technology is readily accessible through features like Music Presets, which recommend optimal sound settings based on your chosen music style. Additionally, Registration Memories help you quickly and effortlessly locate the right sounds. It couldn't be simpler!
The CT X3000 comes equipped with a diverse array of 100 built-in voices, spanning a wide spectrum of instruments, from grand pianos and saxophones to guitars and trumpets, among others. Furthermore, you can split the voices, allowing the top half of the keyboard to play a different voice than the bottom, an excellent feature for creating a captivating sense of ensemble playing.
When embarking on a journey to learn the piano, the presence of 88 keys can make a significant difference. While smaller 61 or 76-note keyboards are portable and convenient for younger players, an 88-note full-size keyboard plays a pivotal role in helping you develop the correct technique and become a more expressive pianist. Many keyboards often force you to make a choice between performance and portability, but Roland's GO:PIANO88 masterfully delivers on both fronts.
This mobile instrument is not only lightweight and road-ready but also offers the option for battery power and private headphone use. Its standout feature is the full-size 88-note keyboard, ensuring that you can practice with the right technique and expression, which is essential, especially for classical music or more intricate compositions. The GO:PIANO88 is also equipped with top-notch onboard Bluetooth® speakers that effortlessly connect to your smartphone, creating a straightforward and compact learning solution.
Once connected, you can dive into a wealth of free online content that accelerates your learning process and makes it more enjoyable. This content includes online piano lessons, karaoke sessions, and tutorial videos for your favourite songs. Alternatively, you can simply stream your playlists and jam along. All you need is a quiet space, your smartphone, and the GO:PIANO88 to kickstart your musical journey.
I feel like that might be enough information for one day. Nonetheless, there it is, a truly glorious collection of instruments all available for €400 or less monies.
As ever, we at Musicmaker are here to help. If you have any questions about these or any other instruments, please get in touch. We are always here to help. Check out our full ranges online or pop in to the store to try things for yourself.
There will be more.
Until next time.