Inexpensive Inroads into Musical Adventures -  Part Three

The fun is coming!

We are returned! Huzzah!

So what's next I hear you ask? Well, we've looked at a load of instruments for €300 and under and then we checked out a bunch of goodies for €400 or less. If you missed either of those and are interested in some inexpensive but awesome gear, I would advise checking them out. But now, I think we need to take it up a minor leap and see what festive intrigue is available for €600 or less. This, I know, will give us some amazing instruments for beginners and intermediate players alike.

Let's check it out.

Piano Please!

Let's start with pianos for once because they are indeed, often overlooked. Considering the huge range of beauty, melody and colour that keys players can bring to any musical situation, it's only right they get their time in the sun. Also, this price bracket allows us some really excellent technology and beautiful sounds, so here we go.

Roland FP-10BK - Compact Piano

When the muse of music comes knocking, take a seat at Roland's latest addition to the FP piano series: the entry-level FP-10. This budget-friendly digital piano is always at the ready, offering an authentically delightful experience with its 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard. It's accompanied by Roland's captivating SuperNATURAL piano tones, which can be enjoyed through the onboard speakers or by plugging in your headphones.

Designed to be portable and space-efficient, the FP-10 is your go-to instrument for home-based endeavours. Whether you're refining your skills in the spare room or entertaining your audience in the living room, this piano fits the bill. What's more, it's equipped with Bluetooth® connectivity and boasts powerful onboard features that you won't find in any other digital model within this price range. For the more seasoned players, the FP-10 serves as the perfect second piano, adding an extra layer of musical magic to your repertoire.

Alesis Prestige 88 Hammer Action Digital Piano

Unleash your creativity with the Alesis Prestige Artist 88-Key Digital Piano, a remarkable instrument that stands out in the digital piano realm. This isn't your typical digital piano; it boasts incredibly realistic multi-sampling technology for all of its 30 voices. It's like having an orchestra at your fingertips, and you can explore various playing styles with the Layer and Split modes.

But what truly sets the Alesis Prestige Artist apart is the natural piano feel it offers. The graded, hammer-action keys provide an authentic acoustic piano experience, with a nuanced touch that mimics the resistance of lower keys on a traditional piano. This means you'll develop the correct hand positioning and technique, preparing you to play any acoustic piano with weighted keys. Plus, it comes with a sustain pedal, allowing you to practice advanced pedal techniques.

With an extensive 256-note polyphony, your notes can ring out freely, creating a rich and impressive sound. The voices are multi-sampled to capture every nuance of your playing, offering an acoustic-level of expression. To do justice to this incredible piano sound, the Alesis Prestige Artist features a 50W micro-array speaker system that delivers crystal-clear sound on any surface. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pianist, this digital piano is your ultimate creative companion.

Korg B2-BK Digital Piano, Black

Discover the Korg B2 digital piano: where sound and playability unite in perfect harmony! It's the ultimate piano for everyone, whether you're just starting your musical journey or you're a seasoned player. Thanks to the Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keybed, it feels like you're playing a real acoustic piano. At the core of the Korg B2 are 12 top-notch sounds, including five pristine acoustic pianos. You've got German and Italian-style pianos to choose from, so you'll always have the perfect sound for any performance. Plus, with those robust 15-watt speakers, it's like diving into a musical wonderland.

But that's not all – the Korg B2 is here to help you become a piano superstar. You'll get a software bundle that includes a three-month premium trial for Skoove, the ultimate platform for piano learning. It's time to unlock your piano-playing potential.

Step into a world of 12 sensational sounds that promise to bring your music to life! The B2 is packed with an array of high-quality voices, anchored by two distinctive pianos that offer a spectrum of sonic possibilities.

First up, the legendary German piano, celebrated for its exceptional dynamic range and vibrancy. With brilliant highs and powerful bass, it's your ticket to an expressive musical journey. Whether you fancy the grandeur of the "German concert piano" or the intricate charm of the "Classic piano" for softer tunes, the B2 has you covered. Then there's the Italian piano, radiating with bright expression and lush resonance. Take your pick from the lively "Italian concert piano," the bright and jazzy "Jazz piano," or the deeply resonant "Ballad piano."

And that's not all – the B2 is a playground for all musicians. You'll find electronic piano sounds, strings, harpsichord, classical and electronic organs. No matter your style, the B2 has the perfect sound for you.

Guitar Goodness

Guitar gifts are pretty much the second best gift on earth. We all know drums are just that little bit better but, nevertheless! This price range opens up vast universes of choice and variation and personal preferences and details begin to become very important indeed. That said, I'll do a little overview and, as before, will choose one steel, one nylon, one electric and one bass guitar. Oh and maybe a hollowbody, because it's Christmas. Nearly.

Manuel Rodriguez Academia Series

Nylon String: Manuel Rodriguez - ACADEMIA Series AC40 C 4/4 Size Classical Guitar

ACADEMIA, the esteemed series in Manuel Rodríguez's guitar range, boasts a royal class feature—the original Spanish heel construction method. In this unique approach, the one-piece neck seamlessly extends into the body, forming a direct connection with the sides, back, and top. This not only ensures remarkable stability but also facilitates optimal vibration transmission, resulting in faster response and extended sustain.

All ACADEMIA instruments are meticulously handcrafted in Europe, offering exceptional features within this affordable price range. These include a mahogany neck with an Ovangkol fingerboard, nut and bridge inlay crafted from oiled vintage bone, and a water-based eco high-gloss varnish.

One noteworthy characteristic of all Manuel Rodríguez 4/4 guitars is the GEWA armrest, which brings two significant benefits. Its rounded shape ensures a particularly comfortable playing experience and allows the top to resonate freely across its entire surface by preventing damping caused by the right arm resting on it.

The Sigma DMC-15E Dreadnought with Fishman Electronics

Steel String: Sigma DMC-15E Dreadnought Semi Acoustic Guitar

The Sigma DMC-15E Electro Acoustic, Natural is a versatile guitar designed for working musicians. Its all-mahogany construction and dreadnought cutaway body, combined with Fishman electronics, make it an excellent choice for stage performance. The solid mahogany top provides natural compression, resulting in strong fundamentals and a clear, focused sound. The mahogany body enhances mid-range tones, delivering a punchy, woody, and warm character with excellent resonance. The real bone nut further contributes to the guitar's sustain and overall tone. The D-14 fret cutaway body ensures ample volume and projection, making it suitable for various musical styles. With a Fishman Isys+ preamp system, you can easily adjust your sound for live performances and rehearsals.

The Epiphone Les Paul Junior with P-90 PRO Pickups

Electric Solid Body: Epiphone Les Paul Junior Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone Les Paul Junior, part of the Inspired by Gibson Collection, pays homage to the 1950s classic rock icon. Crafted with a Mahogany body, 50's neck profile, a powerful P-90 PRO™ single-coil pickup, simplified controls, Lightning Bar wrap around bridge, and dependable Epiphone Deluxe Vintage tuners. This model retains the iconic Kalamazoo headstock, features a comfortable rolled neck, GraphTech® NuBone™ nut, vintage-style wiring, and CTS pots. You can opt for a hardshell or EpiLite Case. The guitar is available in the timeless Vintage Tobacco Sunburst finish.

The new G2622 Streamliner CB Double Cut

Electric Hollowbody: Gretsch G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail, Fireburst

Check out the G2622 Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with V-Stoptail from the Streamliner™ Collection. This guitar is all about bridging timeless elements with modern innovations to bring you exceptional performance, sound, and style at an unbeatable value.

Designed for the guitarists who crave more than just the ordinary—more power, more style, more volume—yet still cherish the classic Gretsch essence. The G2622 combines classic charm with a contemporary punch.

Built with an arched maple body, this guitar features a brand-new center block design. This innovative addition strikes a balance between lightweight comfort and robust sound. It enhances attack, sustains notes longer, and effectively rejects feedback. All in a package that won't weigh you down.

The classic vibe Jazz Bass, a beginner's introduction to a timeless instrument

Electric Bass: Fender Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass, Laurel Fingerboard - 3-Colour Sunburst

Transporting you back to the era of its birth, the Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass pays homage to its iconic playability while unleashing the colossal tone and versatility of its dual Fender-Designed alnico single-coil pickups. Its player-friendly attributes encompass a sleek and cozy "C"-shaped neck profile, complemented by a user-friendly 9.5"-radius fingerboard and slim-tall frets. It boasts a vintage-style bridge adorned with threaded saddles. This Squier model also flaunts the headstock markings that hark back to the 1960s, nickel-plated hardware, and a suave vintage-tinted gloss neck finish for an authentically old-school vibe.

Drums, Drums, Drums

Finally, the greatest gift possible for any human being at Christmas, or absolutely any time. The gift of rhythm, the root of music. The backbone and the source. Nothing could demonstrate your love more deeply.

Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit

The Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit offers an ideal solution for drummers eager to enhance their skills while maintaining a low noise level for practice. This compact electronic drum kit caters to both beginners and returning drummers, designed for a quieter playing experience. The kit features a mesh dual trigger pad on the snare, ensuring a lifelike feel and rebound, a crucial aspect of the kit. The toms and cymbals, on the other hand, utilize rubber pads.

The TD-02 module included in the kit boasts 16 expressive kits that cover everything a beginner needs, delivering quality sound. It also incorporates a coaching feature that helps you monitor your progress as you develop your drumming skills. The kit's compact size and thoughtful design make it perfect for smaller spaces, and its robust four-post drum rack provides stability even during intense use. Ideal for home practice, this cost-effective and space-efficient drum kit is an excellent choice for drummers, including younger players, thanks to its easily adjustable height.

Mapex Tornado 3 Compact Kit 5 Piece with Cymbals - Black

The ideal starting point for drumming enthusiasts. The Mapex Tornado is renowned for being the top choice in entry-level drum kits. This series delivers remarkable quality at an affordable price, without the need for additional purchases. You'll find everything required to dive into drumming in one box: a comprehensive 5-piece Mapex Tornado III drum kit, complete with cymbals, hardware, a stool, and drumsticks. Instantly ready to rock!

Why should novice drummers settle for anything less than the best? The Tornado drum shells are expertly crafted from hand-picked, thick basswood, resulting in vibrant, resonant tones with a lively attack in any musical setting. This versatile 20" Fusion setup suits a wide range of music genres, so you'll have no trouble finding your groove. The accompanying double-braced hardware offers both the robustness and dependability necessary for countless hours of practice and live performances. The drums are a unique instrument, and with the Mapex Tornado, you'll soon discover your passion for drumming that will last a lifetime.

Well, there it is ladies and gentlemen. A varied and colourful collection of inspirational musical toys, all for less than €600.

I could truly go on for days but I will try and keep it concise. That said, if you have ay questions about the instruments in this article or you heard about something that isn't featured, please get in touch with us in Musicmaker. Our friendly and knowledgable staff is always here to help.

See you next time.

I probably need to explore some violins.......