Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V P.A. System Package

   If you play in a smaller live band such as a 2 to 4 person group then I’m sure you understand the need for a smaller P.A. system. A lot of acoustic duos will go out and play with a small amp, a couple mics and a pair of small speakers. But with a larger 3 or 4 person group I’m sure you’ve learned that you need more than just a  little 4-channel powered mixer head and a couple of speakers.

   I’d like to talk about an excellent P.A. system for smaller groups of two to four people. The Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V is a complete P.A. package that will have your smaller group completely covered for all your P.A. needs. At the heart of the system is an dual-channel, 500 Watt per channel, powered mixer that has 8 total microphone inputs. The really nice thing about the EMX512SC is the added bonus of four of the eight channels being able to function as either mono microphone inputs or stereo line inputs. This gives the amp/mixer a total of 12 input channels.    

   Four of the input channels are dedicated, phantom powered mic inputs while the other four can be used for either more microphones or as stereo instrument inputs. A great way to set this mixer up is to use 4 mic inputs for vocals and then stereo inputs for a guitar, keyboard, drumset and bass. This amp head really does have your whole band covered if you’re using an electronic drumset. It seems like it always has just enough inputs to get a small band hooked up.

   Another thing I really like about this powered mixer is the built-in compression control for the 4 primary microphone channels. Everyone knows that vocals can get out of control with wild dynamic swings and the built-in compression control will tame down peaks while giving you the ability to boost the vocal volume to the front of the mix. That’s really invaluable and it’s a nice addition to the built-in effects unit which includes reverb, echo, chorus, flanger, phaser and even distortion.

   This mixer is also loaded with two graphic Equalizers, one for each 500 Watt channel. The built-in FCL (Feedback Channel Locator) system will help you custom tailor your EQ settings to any room you play in. It gives you visual indicators for which frequencies are causing feedback so you can set your EQ’s to eliminate feedback problems.

   The Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V P.A. package comes with two Yamaha S115V club speaker that feature a 15″ woofer and 2″ tweeters. These are proven speakers in live situations and they give excellent frequency response. The speakers are perfectly matched with the powered mixer. I love the fact that you also get two SM12V 2-way floor monitor wedges with 12″ drivers and 2″ tweeters. Having excellent floor monitors like these will really help your band stay together and keep in tune. Also included are two speaker stands for the main P.A. speakers that will help you direct your sound for the best audio performance.

   The Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V P.A. package comes with four decent Audio-Technica M4000S handheld dynamic microphones. These are good, solid microphones that will certainly get the job done in most live situations. Please remember that there are no mic stands included in this package so you’ll want to pick up any mic stands you may need.

   To round everything out, you get all the cables you need to hook up the microphones, the main speakers and the P.A. speakers. That’s a lot of cable and it’s a great deal that they’re all included in this package.

   Yamaha is known for excellent quality musical products which are extremely reliable. The Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V P.A. package is one sweet system for your band and it should last for years. Everything you need for your band P.A. system is included and I highly recommend it.

Yamaha Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V PA Package with MonitorsWe’ve put together this great PA package to serve the needs of musicians with demanding ears and impoverished budgets. Combining selected components that integrate seamlessly and represent excellent bang for the buck, this package consists of a Yamaha EMX512SC 8-channel 500W powered mixer, a pair of Yamaha S115V 2-way Club SRS V speakers, 2 Yamaha SM12V 2-way 12″ Club Series monitors, 4 Audio-Technica M4000S dynamic mics, 4 Livewire 25ft 16GA speaker cables, 4 Musician’s Gear 20ft LO-Z mic cables, and 2 Musician’s Gear standard speaker stands.Yamaha EMX512SC 8-Channel Powered MixerThis durable, lightweight mixer has dual 500W amps, 16 Yamaha SPX effects, built-in graphic EQs, and loads of input options.

Yamaha Yamaha EMX512SC / BR15 PA Package US $1,199.99 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 10:43:33 PDT   | Watch this Item

Item image YAMAHA EMX 512SC 500 WATT 12-CHANNEL POWERED MIXER EMX512 US $499.99 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 16:37:15 PDT   | Watch this Item

Yamaha EMX512SC Powered Mixer 500 Watts 8-Channel New US $569.99 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 19:49:47 PDT   | Watch this Item

AC Power Cable Plug 4 Yamaha EMX512SC EMX 512 Mixer Amp US $8.99 Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 19:45:28 PDT   | Watch this Item

Yamaha EMX 512SC Powered Mixer 500 Watts per Channel US $549.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 3:41:57 PDT   | Watch this Item

YAMAHA EMX512SC EMX312SC ATA Medium Duty Carpet Lined CUSTOM Mixer Case US $139.95 Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 10:41:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Yamaha EMX 512 SC Powered Mixer *Layaway Available US $395.00 Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 14:31:33 PDT   | Watch this Item

YAMAHA EMX512SC POWERED MIXER US $300.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 18:30:58 PDT   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Complete Portable P.A. System Yamaha EMX512SC/S115V

Shure Beta 58A

  I’ve written many times on Live Musician Central about how important it is for every band member in a live band to do some singing. Whether you’re taking time on lead vocals or simply singing backup, your voice is too valuable of an instrument not to use in your band. There’s one piece of equipment that most musicians always seem to skimp on, and that’s their vocal microphone.

   That’s whay I’m suggesting a vocal microphone package as a gift for musicians this year. You’ll be doing the musician in your life a big favor by spending a little cash on a good vocal microphone, mic cable and mic stand. This is a great three piece package for your musician and it’s a gift that will be used for years to come.    

   As I said before, musicians are notorious for being cheap when it comes to their vocal microphones. I’m going to suggest a microphone that’s affordable, extremely durable, sounds excellent and is perfect in a live band situation. The mic I’m suggesting is one I’ve written about on Live Musician Central, it’s the Shure Beta 58A vocal microphone.  The Shure Beta 58A is a perfect combination of quality, performance and value in a vocal microphone.

   With your microphone purchase you should remember to buy a quality XLR micropone cable. I suggest the Monster Cable S-100 30 Foot XLR Microphone Cable. It’s the perfect length for stage use and this microphone cable can take some serious abuse without shorting out.

   Finally you want to pick up a good microphone stand. I use a boom stand as it stays out of my way while I play guitar. I suggest the Proline MS220 Tripod Boom Microphone Stand. They’re good quality so you know your new Shure Beta 58A won’t tip over and these mic stands won’t break the bank.

   So there you have it, the perfect set of gifts for musicians!

Shure Beta 58A MicIf you want your vocals to be heard, the Shure Beta 58A Mic is the one for you. Its consistent supercardioid pattern results in exceptional gain before feedback at all frequencies, maximum sound source isolation, and minimum off-axis coloration. Neodymium magnet provides high sensitivity and output. Also features rugged steel mesh grille, advanced electropneumatic shockmount, and humbucking coil to reduce unwanted noise. Frequency response: 50Hz-16kHz.

ProLine MS220 Tripod Boom Microphone Stand BlackThe ProLine MS220 Tripod Boom Microphone Stand safely and securely maintains the position you set for your microphone to capture the perfect sound. The mic stand features die-cast metal clutches and nonskid legs that keep the stand where you set it. Boom adjusts from 1″ – 23″. Height adjusts 40″ – 67″.

Monster Cable S-100 XLR Microphone Cable 30 FootThe twisted-pair construction of the Monster Cable S-100 XLR Microphone Cable reduces audio bandwidth distortions for better clarity. New Monster Cable heavy-duty, molded connector design increases the durability and damage resistance of these microphone cables.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

A Suggestion On Gifts For Musicians

Swirlygig Chrome Drink Holder

   How many times have you reached for your drink at a gig only to find it kicked over on the floor? I’ve spilled so many drinks over the years it’s amazing I haven’t been electrocuted! That’s why today I’m suggesting the Swirlygig Chrome Mic Stand Drink Holder for yourself or as a gift for anyone who plays in a live band.

   I’ve spilled drinks down my amplifier and I’ve spilled them right into plug bars. Let me tell you the light show from the exploding plug bar was cool but it sucked when the power went out because of a spilled drink. The Swirlygig drink holder will hang right on your mic stand keeping your drink within easy reach while keeping it away from your valuable amplifier and electrical outlets.  

   The Swirlygig drink holder is big enough to hold glasses, cans or bottles. It will hang off any piece of inch or half-inch tubing so you will have some hanging options around the practice area too. It will hang off the leg of a bar stool as well which is great when you’re practicing your guitar or playing a gig seated on a bar stool. So pick up a Swirlygig drink holder today and start enjoying the convenience of having your drink within easy reach!

Swirlygig Chrome Mic Stand Drink Holder Fits 1 Inch TubingBuilt to accommodate most common microphone stands and beverage containers, the stylish Swirlygig Drink Holder will put an end to the days of trying to find a convenient, yet safe place for your cup or glass. With this microphone stand accessory, you’ll discover what millions of people have known for years – convenience is good.The chrome SwirlyGig Drink Holder is built to fit on roughly inch or half-inch tubing. Try it on mic stands, music stands, lawn chair, etc. The SwirlyGig will hold cans, bottles, glasses as well as odds and ends! Chrome plated. Beverage not included.

Drink holder clamp on to microphone mic stand drink holder beer pop cup stand US $9.95 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 15:44:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

COOLIECADDIE STAINLESS LEATHER MIC STAND DRINK HOLDER!! US $39.95 Auction Ends: Saturday May-26-2012 9:12:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

Microphone Mic Mike stand Drink Cup Holder FREE Sticker US $15.95 Auction Ends: Friday Jun-01-2012 9:24:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

Hydrator Mic Stand Cup Holder Can Drink Holder Black US $17.99 Auction Ends: Tuesday Jun-05-2012 13:46:54 PDT   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Musician Gift Suggestions – Swirlygig Chrome Mic Stand Drink Holder

Click Image To Buy Shure Microphones

   Today on Live Musician Central I’m going to put up some eBay links to my favorite Shure Microphones. I am an avid user of both the Shure SM57 instrument microphone and the Shure Beta 58A Vocal Microphone. Both of these microphones represent the best return per dollar spent on them. They are both amazingly affordable and they perform their job extremely well. I’ve never had any trouble with my Shure microphones and I’ve been using them for years. My Shure SM57 microphones have been used at hundreds of live shows as well as studio sessions and they still sound fantastic. I’ve had my Shure SM57 mic’s for about 14 years now. I started using the Shure Beta 58A vocal microphone about 3 years ago and it has been wonderful to use live onstage. Again, I’ve never had any trouble at all with the Beta 58A and it sounds incredibly good for live vocals. Just follow the links below to find the very best deals on the Internet for these two fabulous microphones.

Shure Beta 58A Microphone Beta-58 Beta58A Beta 58 US $159.00 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 9:21:03 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shure Beta 58 A Hand held Vocal Microphone US $105.00 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 9:46:11 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shure Beta 58 A, SM 58, AKG D 880, Crate Dynamic, Carvin 57.+++++ ALL ONE PRICE! US $82.00 (24 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 11:21:54 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shure PGXD24/Beta58A Digital Wireless System with Beta 58A Microphone US $499.00 Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 12:47:05 PDT   | Watch this Item

Shure Beta 58A Wireless Microphone Head US $52.62 (9 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 12:52:23 PDT   | Watch this Item

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Get Great Deals On Shure Microphones

SingStar PS3 Bundle

   I’m always looking for good ways to practice my live performance. You can only sing along in the car for so long before you’re bored to death and there’s really no way to practice your stage moves while driving. It’s also not a lot of fun to do boring old Karaoke especially at home without an audience. That’s where SingStar the video game comes in extremely handy.

   If you’re not familiar with SingStar it’s a singing game that you can play on your Playstation 2 or Playstation 3. It’s a step up from Karaoke and it will help you work on your live performance in several different ways. The game basically has a selection of songs along with the original artists music video for the song. SingStar is much better than Karaoke simply because it uses the original artists music rather than a cover band playing the music. To play you just plug in the microphones, select a song and start singing. The lyrics appear onscreen with a pitch indicator that shows you how well you’re singing in tune. The game will score your performance which gives you a good idea about where you need to improve your singing. SingStar also records your voice while you sing along with the song so you can play the track back and listen to your performance. It will also show your pitch tracking during playback so you can see where you get out of tune. This is extremely valuable for practicing singing in tune. You can also save these performances to play back later in case you really nail it and want to show off your extreme vocal skills. This could be a good way for a singer to record a cheap and easy singing demo to give to an agent or a band.

   Another way that SingStar can really help you to practice your live performance is by doing a video capture of your performance. If you have a Playstation 3, all you have to do is attach the Playstation 3 Eye and you will be able to do a video capture while you’re singing along in SingStar. You may feel foolish doing your stage moves in the living room but I’m telling you, it’s an extremely valuable way to evaluate how you look and come across onstage. You can feel free to try some new moves on camera to see if you will look cool or stupid pulling them off during your bands live performance. If you’re really feeling good about how you look during your living room performance you can upload the video to the SingStar community. Who knows, you could become world famous!

   Another great feature is the ability to download extra songs from the hundreds available at the online SingStore. This is a fantastic feature because it gives you an affordable way to expand the game and get some songs that fit what your band may be playing live. There are different play modes in the game that let you perform solo, challenge friends to a sing-off or perform harmony in duet mode. SingStar really is a great and fun way to practice your singing. You should start out with the basic SingStar bundle that includes the microphones. There are also many different versions of the game available such as SingStar 80′s so choose the one that fits your era and have fun! You can check out various versions of SingStar in the Live Musician Central Store Games Section. Check out the Playstation 3 SingStar trailer below:

SingStar Rocks Trailer

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Make Singing Practice Fun With SingStar The Video Game

Celemony Melodyne Studio 3 Screenshot Collage

 A while ago I wrote a post on Live Musician Central about working with Celemony Melodyne Uno to pitch correct your vocal recordings. Melodyne Uno has been a great tool for fixing out of tune notes on my studio recordings. I have really enjoyed working with Melodyne Uno but I finally decided I wanted more features and the ability to work with multiple tracks simultaneously. So I went ahead and upgraded to Celemony Melodyne Studio 3.

   Melodyne Studio 3 has been fantastic to work with. As I said, my main motivation for upgrading was the ability to work with multiple tracks simultaneously. It does this perfectly and the ability to work with multiple tracks at the same time means that my recording projects get completed a lot faster. It’s so nice to be able to compare two, three or more harmonies together while having the ability to shift individual notes in any of the lines. Being able to bounce between tracks instantly and then being able to hear how the harmonies play back is really a huge time saver.   

    Another thing Melodyne is world famous for it’s incredible sound quality. It’s ability to shift and transpose pitches without sacrificing sound quality is unparalleled. With Celemony Melodyne Studio 3 you get the added ability of being able to work with harmonic material such as rhythm guitar or piano parts. You can now transpose, speed up, slow down and quantize full chords! All with the incredible Melodyne sound quality.

   A feature that I’ve really enjoyed as well is the ability to take a standard melody line and have Melodyne automatically harmonize it. You can have Melodyne Studio 3 harmonize it into multiple harmony lines as well. There are powerful macros built into Melodyne3 that will make correcting intonation and timing errors a snap. I have been really happy with my upgrade to Celemony Melodyne 3 Studio. It’s one upgrade that has been worth every penny!

Celemony Melodyne studio bundle Software This Melodyne studio bundle offers 2 great Celemony products in one: studio and editor. Melodyne studio helps in the correction, shaping, and arranging of digital audio on multiple tracks—as many tracks as you want. editor refashions the music in your recordings and samples intuitively—with outstanding sound quality—all the way down to the individual notes.studio Melodyne studio gives you all the functions that have made Melodyne one of the most valued tools in professional music production. Enthusiastic users, euphoric test reports, and numerous awards all attest to the uniquely powerful, intuitive, and musical editing possibilities it possesses — no matter if you're using it for the correction of errors or the creative refashioning of your audio material.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Advanced Vocal Pitch Correction With Celemony Melodyne Studio

**This Offer Has Expired** Check out other great offers from Music123!

From now until November 26 you can get 15% off your entire order at Music123. Music123 is an online music store that caters to every type of musician whether you play live or just like to record. I’ve always had good experiences ordering from Music123. Here’s an experience I had recently when I ordered a product. I had ordered several different types of guitar picks to experiment with including the Jellifish Chorus Guitar Pick. Somehow, the Jellifish got crushed during shipping and all the wires on it got bent. I called Music123 and they sent me out a brand new one, completely free without making me return the damaged one. Now that’s customer service! So make sure you check out the great sale and excellent products at Music123.

Now is the perfect time to get your big ticket items for Christmas. These top items sell out regularly and can be hard to get closer the Christmas. I recommend these top selling products from Music123:

Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany Electric Guitar Faded CherryThe most affordable carved-top Gibson LP! The Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany brings together old and new Les Paul features to create a unique and special guitar. The round warmth of a carved mahogany top on a mahogany back first debuted in the famous 1957 Custom Black Beauty. Now we’re bringing this fabulous wood combo back with the added vintage edge of Gibson’s Alnico V BurstBucker Pro humbuckers.

Rickenbacker 4003 Bass FiregloThe classic Rickenbacker bass!

Electro-Harmonix 12AY7 Tube Microphone Preamp StandardEquipped with a 12AY7 EH tube and a 12AU7 EH driver, it gives microphones the widest dynamic range with the warmest possible tone and accuracy. 200V supply delivers up to 50dB gain. Special FET current-balancing circuit eliminates noise and hum. Extra TRS output can be used as a splitter or an aux send for monitoring. Balanced XLR I/O and 1/4″ TRS balanced buffer out, phase reverse switch, +4dBm indicator light for setting optimal mic levels, and 48V phantom power.

Roland TD-9SX V-Tour Electronic Drum Set StandardAdvanced TD-9 module with expressive new sounds, real-audio songs and patterns. Comfortable mesh-head tom and snare pads with rim triggering. Three-way triggering for ride cymbal. Scope function with graphical LCD display. USB host for audio-file (.wav) playback. Special cable for easy pad connections. Sturdy drum rack (MDS-9) with newly designed ball-clamps for the snare and cymbal arms and a new hi-hat mount for maximum flexibility. The TD-9SX components include:. 1 TD-9 Percussion Sound Module with multi-pin cable harness and module mount. 1 PD-105BK Mesh Pad. 3 PD-85BK Mesh Pads. 1 KD-8 Kick Pad. 1 CY-5 Dual-Trigger Cymbal Pad. 1 CY-8 Dual-Trigger Cymbal Pad. 1 CY-12R/C V-Cymbal Ride/Crash Pad. 1 FD-8 Hi-Hat Control Pedal. Drum set rack. Clamps and arms for both the pads and cymbals. Bass pedal not included.

Roland RD-700GX Digital Piano StandardThe flagship RD-700GX is a leader in the market with its SuperNATURAL instruments and a PHA II “Ivory Feel” keyboard with Escapement.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Music123 Sale, 15% Off Your Entire Order

Save 15% On Hearos Ear Plugs

   There’s a couple of really good deals going on at Music123 that I wanted to make you aware of. Right now all the accessories ship free on orders over $49. That’s half the usual amount to get free shipping. You usually have to order $99 to get free shipping but for the accessories you only have to order $49 worth of stuff to get free shipping.

   Second, there’s a great coupon code that you can use to get a 15% discount on all accessories. You can save a bunch of money by entering this coupon code during checkout when ordering accessories. Just click this link: 15% Off All Accessories with Coupon Code: B2S15 at Music123.com That’s a great deal and it’s not going to last forever. So if you’re a live musician, now is the perfect time to pick up some much needed accessories for you and your band.

   Here’s a list of links to accessories that you can buy using the 15% discount code.

Horizon Concert Series 24-Channel/4-Return Stage Snake Standard

Mogami Gold High-Definition Neutrik 1/4″ Straight Instrument Cable 18 Foot

Mogami Silver Series Microphone Cable 50 Foot

Nova 12-Pair Hickory Drumsticks Wood Rock

Roc-N-Soc NRX Nitro Rider Drum Throne Black

Furman PM-8 II Power Conditioner with Digital Volt And Current Meters Standard

Yamaha Portable Keyboard Survival Kit B Standard

Drum One Shield Two Drum Shield Standard

Fingerease Guitar String Lubricant Standard

Fender Instrument Care Kit by Meguiar’s Standard

Big Bends Nut Sauce Tuning Lubricant Standard

Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Humbucker Pickup Black

EBow PlusEbow Electronic Bow for Guitar Standard

Clayton Acetal Standard Guitar Picks .80MM 1 Dozen

Dean Markley 2556 Blue Steel Regular Gauge Electric Guitar Strings Standard

M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal Standard

   That’s just a small sampling of the types of accessories that you can get right now at Music123. With the combined discounts of 15% off the price of the accessory and free shipping on orders over $49.00 you can save a bundle. So make sure you get in on the sale while you still can!

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

Save Money On Accessories With Coupon Code From Music123

Hohner Blues Harp

   Mathias Hohner started making harmonicas in his kitchen in Trossingen, Germany. Amazingly, Hohner harmonicas are still made at a factory in Trossingen, Germany after all these years. I don’t think there’s any question that the Hohner Harmonica has had a profound influence on American music. The harmonica is one of the easiest and most fun instruments I have ever learned how to play. I play the awesome Hohner Blues Harp harmonica.

   I became aware of how cool the harmonica was listening to John Lennon play it on early Beatles recording. Bob Dylan also used the harmonica to great effect. Other great rockers that play harmonica are Roger Daltry, Robert Plant, Steven Tyler, Ozzy Osbourne and Mick Jagger. I’m not saying that they’re great harp players, but they play. It’s an easy instrument to learn, but like all instruments it can be hard to master.

   What really turned me on to the harmonica is the old blues recordings specifically by Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs. To hear a gifted blues player play inspired blues on a harmonica is truly a great experience. To hear a learn a little bit about Little Walter check out his Rock-N-Roll Hall Of Fame induction video.

   So naturally with the instument being so inexpensive to buy I wanted to learn to play the harmonica. So I picked up a Hohner Marine Band harmonica. I liked it, I learned to play some songs but I couldn’t play the blues on it. I couldn’t bend notes on it like I wanted to. So I asked around and found out about the excellent Hohner Blues Harp. Finally, I had an instrument that I could play harmonica blues on. The Blues Harp is so easy to bend notes on that it almost bends itself. The tone is classic and the harmonica is a very easy instrument to learn to play. I practice the harmonica by playing along with I-IV-V chord progressions and it’s always a lot of fun.

   One last bit of trivia for you, even President Abraham Lincoln played the harmonica. He used to carry a harmonica around in his pocket and would often whip it out and play a tune or a jig. I like to say I play like Honest Abe.

   Today I’m recommending to all you aspiring harp plays, the Hohner 532/20 Blues Harp. I’ve also put some links to some books that will have you playing blues harp in no time.

Hohner 532 Blues Harp MS-Series Harmonica E The Hohner 532 Blues Harp Harmonica helps you dig in deep and experience the raw power and grit of the blues. The Blues Harp is engineered for consistent volume and tone that’s ideal for intense blues playing. The Hohner Blues Harp can hang with the toughest harmonica players on their most serious gigs. The Blues Harp is highly bendable and has a dirty, dark, hard rockin’ sound. One of Hohner’s classic models, the 532 Blues Harp is emphasizes the best qualities of blues harmonica playing. Hohner builds the Blues Harp with a wood comb and thin reeds, allowing for easier note bending. Musicians like Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Lil’ Ronnie Owens of the Grand Dukes have favored the Hohner Blues Harp for its power and bluesy tone. Choose your desired key! About MS-Series harmonicas: The acronym ‘MS’ stands for Modular System, an integrated concept of Hohner’s harmonica designs. MS-series harmonicas benefit from innovations that improve their playing characteristics and also significantly facilitate maintenance and handling. All MS-series parts (combs, reed plates, and covers) can be combined individually. Simple screw connections allow for easy assembly. This benefit offers players the possibility to adjust the instruments to their individual requirements. For example, some players prefer the body of one model and the cover plates of another, and so a “custom hybrid” is possible for the discerning player. Replacement reeds are available (see item: RP565 MS Replacement Reed Plates). About Hohner: Hohner is a family company founded in 1857 in Trossingen, Germany by Matthias Hohner. Hand-made quality and close attention to detail has set Hohner apart from the beginning. A top leading brand in harmonicas, Hohner harps are distributed worldwide. Hohner harmonicas are played on the street by buskers, in intimate nightclubs, on festival stages, and even in Carnegie Hall. Despite a diverse harmonica line used in music from country to classical genres, the most famous Hohner harmonicas are their simple, 10-hole diatonics used frequently by blues, rock, country, and folk musicians.

Music Sales Rock N’ Blues Harmonica (Book/CD)One of the most complete harmonica books ever. Learn to play the harmonica with the Rock n’ Blues harmonica book that uses notation and tab to teach music theory 101, chord progressions, puckering, tongue blocking, octaves, tongue-slaps, head shakes, vibrato, bends, over blows, secrets of great tone, and much more.

Hal Leonard Instant Harmonica Book


Music Sales Bending the Blues Harmonica Book


Mel Bay Blues Harmonica Method, Level 1 Book and CD

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

The Hohner Blues Harp

Complete Lighting Package

   I’ve played in all types of places from basements and living rooms to concert halls and stadiums. I’ve experienced all types of lighting along the way. I’ve played under a single lightbulb as well as rooms using only a lava lamp for lighting. I’ve also played on huge stages that had individual spotlights for each member of the band and full concert lighting. I’ll tell you, the concert lighting was a lot nicer.

   Most clubs that bands regularly play in have woefully inadequate lighting. They usually have a few dedicated stage lights and you’re lucky if more than half of them work. There are exceptions to that rule and I’ve played in some clubs with incredible stage and dance floor lighting. But like I said, those are exceptions and you’ll usually find yourself playing in dim light.

   That’s why my band has it’s own self-contained lighting system. A good light system can really add a lot of energy to your show. Your lights will create the illusion of a lot of onstage movement even when you’re standing still. It’s always a good thing when you can keep your audience looking at the stage. Having a good light system can make things a lot more interesting to look at.

   Modern light systems have really come down in price the last few years. You can get a great light setup for around $600 that will be adequate for almost any club you’ll play in. Special lighting effects have gotten extremely cheap as well. Green lasers for example used to cost thousands of dollars. Now you can get an excellent green laser for $199.
American DJ Green Phantom Laser Standard

   Other great lighting effects such as a fog machine can be had for as low as $29.99
Lighting 400W Fog Machine Standard.

   It usually falls on the Live Sound person or soundman to own and run the lights. A good light system is also an ace for a singer to have when joining a band. You can pick up some complete lighting packages that can be as simple as a few light cans or as complex as a full lighting system complete with fog and other special lighting effects. Buying a light system package is a  great way to get your band a good light system that will really enhance your live show. I’ve posted a few of the excellent light systems below for you to check out.

Lighting Stage Lighting System 2 StandardProfessional-level lighting for pro-minded bands.

Lighting Stage Lighting System 3 StandardPowerful lighting and effects to put any show over the top.

Lighting Complete DJ Sound and Lighting Package StandardA complete pro DJ & lighting setup with all the extras.

Get the full experience at www.livemusiciancentral.com

The Importance Of Stage Lighting