Violins and other instruments - http://www.theglassviolin.com

Editor's picks

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  ViolinSmart Full Size 4/4 Violin

  Musical Instruments (Generic)
  

  Rating (58 reviews):

  (3.1/5)

  

  Great for the price ***Useful tips for if you do purchase it***

  Like so many others who purchased this, I did so because I have no experience with any musical instruments, but have always been fascinated by the sound of violins. I was very nervous considering some of the reviews, as well as some of the seller feedback. But I tell you what, I am very pleased with my purchase.A few points:Since it is such a well priced instrument it would be great if this seller realized a lot of the purchasers would be very inexperienced users. A small set of instructions would have been very helpful. I.e putting the bridge in, care and maintence, rosining the bow, storage, etc.All and all, when I recieved it, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality. It is a beautiful violin. I did too also note the neck is not stained on the back, but that is not a big deal. My co-worker who is a professional violinist said considering what I paid, and where I got it, it is actually a good instrument. My only gripe is there is a piece of paper... 4/5 A. Nelson (utah) - See all my reviews, March 30, 2007

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  Excellent Beginner's Violin, GREAT Service from this store

  I bought this violin for my nephew as a beginner's violin and was quite pleased with the value for the price, and it was an affordable way for him to have his own instrument and not have to rent or use a second-hand one. My sister did not realize that it takes a while to "break in" a new violin, meaning strings sometimes break, you have to be careful tuning, etc. and when she thought the violin was "no good" I thought it was a case of having to break it in but also contacted the store to see what the return policy would be. They were so GREAT that myself as a musician would buy from them for me personally again, I have played many string instruments for over 30 years and was quite impressed with the response (return no problem). Overall the service was superb they shipped super fast, kept me informed via email and followed up on the initial "problem report" which turned out just fine as the violin "broke in" and is turning out quite nicely for my nephew. I have not encountered this... 5/5 Donna Pearlman (New London, CT USA) - See all my reviews, May 2, 2005

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  Excellent Beginner's Instrument!

  I purchased this violin about a month ago. As a beginning violin student, the previous violin I was playing on was a veritable piece of cardboard with four strings. I wasn't advanced enough for a very fancy violin, and I was tired of renting, so I went online to find a decent violin on a budget. I came across many violins on Amazon, but this one was within my price range and it looked good and came with accessories, like a case, strap, and rosin. I received it about 5 days after I ordered it. The violin looked really good. But it did not come with a bridge attached. I had to put the bridge on myself, which was not all that hard to do. I thought that I would ask my violin teacher to do it, but I managed to do it myself. I started to tune the violin and it seemed okay at first, but the next day when I went to play, the strings were all out of tune again. I had to retune it all over again. I started to get annoyed after doing this a few days in a row. I thought that I had... 5/5 S. Samuelson - See all my reviews This review is from: ViolinSmart Full Size 4/4 Violin I purchased this violin about a month ago. As a beginning violin student, the previous violin I was playing on was a veritable piece of cardboard with four strings. I wasn't advanced enough for a very fancy violin, and I was tired of renting, so I went online to find a decent violin on a budget. I came across many violins on Amazon, but this one was within my price range and it looked good and came with accessories, like a case, strap, and rosin. I received it about 5 days after I ordered it. The violin looked really good. But it did not come with a bridge attached. I had to put the bridge on myself, which was not all that hard to do. I thought that I would ask my violin teacher to do it, but I managed to do it myself. I started to tune the violin and it seemed okay at first, but the next day when I went to play, the strings were all out of tune again. I had to retune it all over again. I started to get annoyed after doing this a few days in a row. I thought that I had... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 14, 2005

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  List Price: $199.99
  

  Maple sides and back

  New Violin 4/4 Full Size Natural Color

  Spruce top, ebony colored pegs

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  New 4/4 Full Size Student Violin

  Musical Instruments (VIOLINSMART)
  

  Rating (24 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  Better than average

  I am a professional musician, music teacher and violin dealer. I had a problem getting beginner violins from my manufacturer in China, so I figured i would look at this Violin. First let me say that 98% of beginner violin selling in the USA for under $200.00 are Made in China. This one is no worse or better than factory violins retailing for over $150.00. Of course before I sell it to a student I change the strings and re fit the bridge. A decent set of strings costs me about $13.00 and a bridge about three dollars. You can learn how to fit a bridge on utube. So I have a total of 65$ in the instrument. I put it next to another mass produced best selling Violin from China retailing at $150.00 and it sounded better, but that is with new strings. This violin should get the beginner student through the first year of playing, then an upgraded violin would be in order, but so many people quit or just want some basic enjoyment that there is no need to spend $200. Slipping pegs can be... 4/5 Celloteacher - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: New 4/4 Full Size Student Violin I am a professional musician, music teacher and violin dealer. I had a problem getting beginner violins from my manufacturer in China, so I figured i would look at this Violin. First let me say that 98% of beginner violin selling in the USA for under $200.00 are Made in China. This one is no worse or better than factory violins retailing for over $150.00. Of course before I sell it to a student I change the strings and re fit the bridge. A decent set of strings costs me about $13.00 and a bridge about three dollars. You can learn how to fit a bridge on utube. So I have a total of 65$ in the instrument. I put it next to another mass produced best selling Violin from China retailing at $150.00 and it sounded better, but that is with new strings. This violin should get the beginner student through the first year of playing, then an upgraded violin would be in order, but so many people quit or just want some basic enjoyment that there is no need to spend $200. Slipping pegs can be... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , September 7, 2011

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  okay

  This is my first violin and since I bought it cheap, I wasn't expecting much. My violin teacher said that it sounded just fine for being what the price was. Me and my violin teacher both think that it would be just fine for a starter violin. It didn't come with a bridge though and my E-string broke on the first try of it being tuned. Overall I was pleased with the violin but I wouldn't give it five stars. I will give it a three because it didn't come with the bridge which is pretty much the most important part of the violin if you want to get any sound out of it. 3/5 Harris - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: New 4/4 Full Size Student Violin This is my first violin and since I bought it cheap, I wasn't expecting much. My violin teacher said that it sounded just fine for being what the price was. Me and my violin teacher both think that it would be just fine for a starter violin. It didn't come with a bridge though and my E-string broke on the first try of it being tuned. Overall I was pleased with the violin but I wouldn't give it five stars. I will give it a three because it didn't come with the bridge which is pretty much the most important part of the violin if you want to get any sound out of it. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , November 3, 2010

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  5 Stars for a violin in this price range

  I'll be honest, I only ordered this violin because I was curious. I have been playing for twelve years and recently decided it might be fun to try a new violin instead of the one I've had since I was a teenager. I ordered a couple of cheapies with Christmas gift card money (yay for gift cards!) and honestly, of the three I got, this was the best.Here's the scoop on this violin package:- The Case.You'll get a rigid foam case. It's not very high quality, but it'll protect your instrument when stored around the house. It has a nice pocket, a zipper, and space for two bows. I won't complain about the case. None of this stuff is very high quality, but look at the price.-Rosin. I like extra dark colophane rosin so I'll probably just throw this away, but that's just my preference. It's nice that it's here. I didn't try using it, but it looks like you'll have to score it a few times with a butter knife to get it going. This is normal.-The Bow... 5/5 Rorschach - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: New 4/4 Full Size Student Violin I'll be honest, I only ordered this violin because I was curious. I have been playing for twelve years and recently decided it might be fun to try a new violin instead of the one I've had since I was a teenager. I ordered a couple of cheapies with Christmas gift card money (yay for gift cards!) and honestly, of the three I got, this was the best.Here's the scoop on this violin package:- The Case.You'll get a rigid foam case. It's not very high quality, but it'll protect your instrument when stored around the house. It has a nice pocket, a zipper, and space for two bows. I won't complain about the case. None of this stuff is very high quality, but look at the price.-Rosin. I like extra dark colophane rosin so I'll probably just throw this away, but that's just my preference. It's nice that it's here. I didn't try using it, but it looks like you'll have to score it a few times with a butter knife to get it going. This is normal.-The Bow... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 30, 2011

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  List Price: $129.00
  

  Also includes bow, rosin and case (interior case color may vary)

  Maple back and sides with solid spruce top

  Full size 4/4 violin

  Alloy tailpiece with 4 fine tuners

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  I Used to Play: Violin

  Book (Carl Fischer Music)
  List Price: $19.95
  

  For adults returning to play

  Rebuild strength and stamina

  Reviews basic music theory concepts

  Exercises to revive your technique

  A wide variety of songs to play

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  Barcelona 3 Series 4/4-Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, Strings, and Shoulder Rest

  Musical Instruments (Barcelona)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (2.0/5)

  

  violin

  I guess one would expect a violin under a hundred bucks to be cheap and this one is. The strings don't stay in adjustment very long since the pegs held in position by wood against wood friction. 2/5 pooj - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Barcelona 3 Series 4/4-Size Student Violin with Case, Rosin, Bow, Bridge, Strings, and Shoulder Rest I guess one would expect a violin under a hundred bucks to be cheap and this one is. The strings don't stay in adjustment very long since the pegs held in position by wood against wood friction. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 17, 2011

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  List Price: $239.99
  Price: $149.95
  You Save: $90.04 (38%)

  Glossed Finish to protect from scratching

  Package comes with hardcase, rosin , bow, bridge, extra strings, and a shoulder rest

  4/4 or Full Size Violin - For violinists age 9 and above with an arm length of 23.5 and up. This is the size for adults.

  Includes everything needed to start playing the violin

  Priced for the beginning player

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  Boss PSA-120S Power Adapter

  Musical Instruments (Roland)
  

  Rating (37 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Requirement

  If you get a Boss product that does not come with this then you need to buy one. I got the BR 600 which takes 6 batteries. Now I don't know about you but I can't afford to be buying 6 batteries every week. 5/5 Ian (Duluth, GA) - See all my reviews If you get a Boss product that does not come with this then you need to buy one. I got the BR 600 which takes 6 batteries. Now I don't know about you but I can't afford to be buying 6 batteries every week. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 28, 2007

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  Save batteries!

  If you use your Dr. Beat as much as I do, then you need to get this. You will save a ton of batteries from landfills and with the long cord, you won't mind being plugged to a wall. 5/5 Michael J. White - See all my reviews, April 7, 2008

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  gotta have it

  This is a must-have item or you will go through too many batteries in one day. 5/5 A. Ceez (Iowa) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Boss PSA-120S Power Adapter (Electronics) This is a must-have item or you will go through too many batteries in one day. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 2, 2009

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  List Price: $31.50
  

  Works with most BOSS pedals

  Industry Standard BOSS power supply

  LED indicator for quick visual verification of on/off status, Power cable length is increased to almost 10 feet, New design which does not cover adjacent power outlets

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  Americana

  Music (Philips)
  

  Rating (5 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Lighthearted, musical fun

  Leila Josefowicz has shown us, through her previous recordings, that she can play all the "heavies" of the violin repertoire with the best of them. Now she's back, with a catchy, fun recording of jazzy American showpieces. Don't let the cover of the cd fool you into thinking this is a pop princess album, it's not. True, the pieces on here are not heavy, they're purely fun, but she still pulls them off with the same flair and panache as she does in her more serious albums. As Leila states in the liner notes, this album WILL bring a smile to your face! Go out and buy this recording--it's wonderful to listen to when your spirits need a lift. 5/5 Jeffrey Lehman (Market Harborough, UK) - See all my reviews, December 12, 2000

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  Good clean fun.

  I have enjoyed most of Leila Josefowicz's recordings very much, but this is my favorite. The songs are mostly in a style more or less like rag-time, and they are a lot of fun besides being impressive.The most amazing piece on this disc is the delightful Yankee Doodle Variations by Vieuxtemps. A fun and virtuosic set of, you guessed right, variations on the song Yankee Doodle. Her perfomence on this piece in particular makes it worth the cost of the entire disc.Ms. Josefowicz's technique is flawless and her tone is gorgeous. The accompaniment equally good, and the recording quality leaves little to be desired. 5/5 Howard Brown (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Americana (Audio CD) Ms. Josefowicz has created an amazing recording. Her style is incredibly spirited and one can tell she is having great fun with the music. These are pieces familiar to many and yet her performance leaves one feeling they are hearing them for the first time. She is to be commended for producing and replicating the enthusiasm of the American musical tradition. The Gershwin pieces are masterpieces in their own right. I would love to see her produce a Gershwin recording. I think you will find yourself listening many times to this amaizing recording. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , February 21, 2002

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  The spirit of American music

  Ms. Josefowicz has created an amazing recording. Her style is incredibly spirited and one can tell she is having great fun with the music. These are pieces familiar to many and yet her performance leaves one feeling they are hearing them for the first time. She is to be commended for producing and replicating the enthusiasm of the American musical tradition. The Gershwin pieces are masterpieces in their own right. I would love to see her produce a Gershwin recording. I think you will find yourself listening many times to this amaizing recording. 5/5 0, July 22, 2001

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  List Price: $16.98
  

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  The Red Violin

  DVD (Universal Studios)
  

  Rating (329 reviews):

  (4.3/5)

  

  THE POWER OF MUSIC...

  This is a superb film in which the star of the film is a violin known as "The Red Violin'. It is a story that begins in Italy in the late seventeenth century and ends in the twentieth century. The violin is crafted by an Italian violin maker for his unborn child and is a work of sheer love. The viewer sees this distinctive red violin travel in time, as it becomes an integral part of the life of a variety of owners, transcending culture, race, class, and talent. It ultimately ends up as an offering at an auction house.The story is told in a series of intricately woven vignettes that are justaposed to the past and present in a series of well placed flash backs and flash forwards. The past is set in seventeenth century Italy, where the viewer sees what happens to a master violin maker's beautiful pregnant wife and unborn child. The present is set in the twentieth century at a posh auction house in Montreal, Canada, where a host of characters, who have a connection to the red... 5/5 Lawyeraau (Balmoral Castle) - See all my reviews, October 5, 2002

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  Meridan Collection--Superb transfer to DVD

  This review pertains to the June 2008 release of the Meridian Collection remastering of "The Red Violin". This well-crafted saga of how a priceless, one-of-a-kind violin is passed onto various owners over time and in several countries, has been beautifully remastered. Presented in anamorphic widescreen and enchanced for widescreen TVs (16x9 aspect ratio, no black bars--the picture fills the entire screen), the picture is crystal clear and the colors are fresh and vibrant.I viewed this DVD on a 46-inch Samsung LCD high definition TV, played on a Toshiba 1080p HD DVD player--and the picture and sound are stunning. If you play this DVD on a player that can "upconvert" a regular DVD (such as this release),the resulting image is already high definition--no need for a separate Blu-ray or HD DVD edtion.The movie is itself, is of course, quite engaging and has more of a European/foreign film flair about it. The only well-known American movie star in this film is Samuel... 5/5 Henry J. Grimm "H. Grimm" (USA) - See all my reviews, June 9, 2008

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  Passion and Music

  Fans of the French piece "Tous les Matins du Monde" (Alain Corneau, 1991) will enjoy this creation of French-Canadian Director Francois Girard, whose prior forays into film include documentaries involving Bach Cello suites and television specials starring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It's no wonder then that Girard was able to capture the sheer majesty and fascination of the violin; in this film we follow this captivation through the centuries. Samuel L. Jackson plays Charles Morritz, an expert in antique musical instruments. The story opens with Morritz' arrival at an auction, where a very significant and unique Bussotti violin is being sold. As the film flashbacks throughout periods of time in the violin's history, we visit its making in Cremona, Italy, its burial in the hands of a young Austrian prodigy, the musical career of a Victorian virtuoso, and its banishment from Revolutionist China. As Morritz studies the famous instrument, he unearths deep secrets about its... 5/5 kerridv (Redmond, Wa) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Red Violin (DVD) Fans of the French piece "Tous les Matins du Monde" (Alain Corneau, 1991) will enjoy this creation of French-Canadian Director Francois Girard, whose prior forays into film include documentaries involving Bach Cello suites and television specials starring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. It's no wonder then that Girard was able to capture the sheer majesty and fascination of the violin; in this film we follow this captivation through the centuries. Samuel L. Jackson plays Charles Morritz, an expert in antique musical instruments. The story opens with Morritz' arrival at an auction, where a very significant and unique Bussotti violin is being sold. As the film flashbacks throughout periods of time in the violin's history, we visit its making in Cremona, Italy, its burial in the hands of a young Austrian prodigy, the musical career of a Victorian virtuoso, and its banishment from Revolutionist China. As Morritz studies the famous instrument, he unearths deep secrets about its... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , April 10, 2000

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  List Price: $24.98
  

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  Schylling Kids Accordion

  Toy (Schylling)
  

  Rating (28 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  Yikes... buying an accordion? Not so fast....

  Buying a kids accordion is probably something your average parent wouldn't even consider; most folks don't like accordion music, and the idea of a kid squeezing and squeezing on one of these things is about as appealing as a hole in the head.However, most people have misconstrued ideas about what this instrument would sound like. First of all, this is a diatonic accordion, meaning it's tuned to only one key. The buttons make different sounds depending on whether you're pushing or pulling on the bellows. Diatonic accordions are popular in Cajun and Zydeco, Irish Music, Tex-Mex and Conjunto, Gypsy Music, and various other forms of world music. They are not the accordions typically used in polka.Because of the diatonic setup, your kid can't play a sour note! It's like giving them an 8-note wide section of a piano, with no black keys. Sure, if they try, they'll still be able to drive you nuts with this thing, but most likely, they'll enjoy trying to pick out... 5/5 Megan Romer (Lafayette, LA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Schylling Kids Accordion (Toy) Buying a kids accordion is probably something your average parent wouldn't even consider; most folks don't like accordion music, and the idea of a kid squeezing and squeezing on one of these things is about as appealing as a hole in the head.However, most people have misconstrued ideas about what this instrument would sound like. First of all, this is a diatonic accordion, meaning it's tuned to only one key. The buttons make different sounds depending on whether you're pushing or pulling on the bellows. Diatonic accordions are popular in Cajun and Zydeco, Irish Music, Tex-Mex and Conjunto, Gypsy Music, and various other forms of world music. They are not the accordions typically used in polka.Because of the diatonic setup, your kid can't play a sour note! It's like giving them an 8-note wide section of a piano, with no black keys. Sure, if they try, they'll still be able to drive you nuts with this thing, but most likely, they'll enjoy trying to pick out... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , December 12, 2005

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  Pleasantly surprized

  I was very pleased with this item. I had not expected such a nice tone from it. My 6 year old grandson was giving "concerts" the same night he opened his present. Amazingly, his "music" is quite nice to hear. This is definitely not another "noise making" toy. You will like it very much. 5/5 0, October 15, 2000

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  Rockin' Accordion

  I've had this accordion for about a year and a half, and every time I pull it out and play a tune, I have far too much fun. While I'd like to be able to play recognizable tunes other than the 3 that came with the accordion, improv is a buch o' fun, and just about anything you do will sound good. I am 18 years old, and it still entertains me, so I'm sure it will be even more fun for younger kids. 4/5 0, January 23, 2000

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  List Price: $24.99
  

  Easy-to-learn instruction booklet included

  Finely crafted accordion

  Sounds, looks and feels like the real thing

  Measures 7.50" wide

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  Cecilio CVN-400 Satin Finish Violin w/ Tuner, 2 Bows, Shoulder Rest, Extra Sets Strings & Lesson Book in 4/4 (Full Size)

  Musical Instruments
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  Good wholesome package..!!

  I bought this as my second violin as i left my original hand crafted violin back in India. I am certainly not a beginner, as i have been playing a violin from almost 10 years, and definitely not a pro as i don't give concerts. I can distinguish between good and bad instruments. After playing this violin for a few minutes, i felt the tone is a bit harsh, but it will improve with time. The package as a whole is a good one with two bows, an extra set of strings, an extra bridge, a tuner, though i would have preferred a roomier professional case and a attachable pickup at a slightly extra price, but not many students would need them. Definitely value for money package for a student.I would also recommend a brass/rubber mute along with the violin. 5/5 adived - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Cecilio CVN-400 Satin Finish Violin w/ Tuner, 2 Bows, Shoulder Rest, Extra Sets Strings & Lesson Book in 4/4 (Full Size) I bought this as my second violin as i left my original hand crafted violin back in India. I am certainly not a beginner, as i have been playing a violin from almost 10 years, and definitely not a pro as i don't give concerts. I can distinguish between good and bad instruments. After playing this violin for a few minutes, i felt the tone is a bit harsh, but it will improve with time. The package as a whole is a good one with two bows, an extra set of strings, an extra bridge, a tuner, though i would have preferred a roomier professional case and a attachable pickup at a slightly extra price, but not many students would need them. Definitely value for money package for a student.I would also recommend a brass/rubber mute along with the violin. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 27, 2011

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  EarMaster 5

  Software (eMedia)
  

  Rating (19 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Great software but...

  I love this software. I'm a pretty crappy guitarist who decided to go back to the basics and learn some music theory (which I'm doing via the "absolutely understand guitar" DVD set by Scotty West -- I recommend that product as well -- the presenter has a tendency to ramble and excessively repeat himself but ultimately the material is solid and a lot of things are starting to click so it was worth hanging in there). Anyway, this software is a perfect complement to your music theory studies. I think that unless you're just lucky to be born with a natural talent, you're going to need some dictation of intervals, chords, scales, and rhythm to atune your ear to how they sound. Playing it on your own instrument isn't as effective because you can't help using your eyes and fingers as a crutch. With this software, you have nothing but your ears to find the answer.Some small nits to pick, which I'm writing here hoping that emedia will read this and include in its next upgrade:... 5/5 demago (Singapore) - See all my reviews This review is from: EarMaster 5 (CD-ROM) I love this software. I'm a pretty crappy guitarist who decided to go back to the basics and learn some music theory (which I'm doing via the "absolutely understand guitar" DVD set by Scotty West -- I recommend that product as well -- the presenter has a tendency to ramble and excessively repeat himself but ultimately the material is solid and a lot of things are starting to click so it was worth hanging in there). Anyway, this software is a perfect complement to your music theory studies. I think that unless you're just lucky to be born with a natural talent, you're going to need some dictation of intervals, chords, scales, and rhythm to atune your ear to how they sound. Playing it on your own instrument isn't as effective because you can't help using your eyes and fingers as a crutch. With this software, you have nothing but your ears to find the answer.Some small nits to pick, which I'm writing here hoping that emedia will read this and include in its next upgrade:... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , March 30, 2010

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  I bought this at the San Francisco Apple Store

  I think it says something that Apple sells this music software at their San Francisco Apple store. That indicates EarMaster Pro has gone through some serious vetting, as Apple does not sell junk. Apple's shelf space for selling software is small. Except for those days when there isn't enough time or I'm too busy, I use the EarMaster Pro software every day for about a half hour. I've been using Ear Master Pro for about four months and am nearly half way through the exercises. EarMaster Pro has an online forum which has been helpful and responsive when I've had questions. In a good way, I have found the EarMaster Pro exercises beyond the starting "easy" ones to be brutally hard. I consider EarMaster Pro to be a program for music majors or for serious musical hobbyists such as myself who are highly motivated and have a strong background in musical harmony and musical theory. The more advanced exercises are so subtle that I ended up (with the help of... 5/5 Robert D. Glover Jr. "robert-g-near-nyc" (Linden, NJ USA) - See all my reviews, December 13, 2009

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  Flexible, wide ranging exercises and excellent support

  I originally posted this review for EarMaster and not EarMaster Pro. I have the Pro version so I am adding the same review here.I like the flexibility of this training software -- the ability to create my own exercises. I use the Tutor to narrow down issues and then construct my own exercises to further focus drills. Of the software I tried this one also has a fairly complete results report. I think this is important because it allows you to overcome your own sense of where weaknesses are when your own sense is incorrect.The only issue I've found is with some of the rhythm drills that depend on the platform on which the software is running to be properly responsive. I find the responsiveness too unpredictable and therefor some of the drills like the rhythm imitation less useful. I do not think this is the fault of EM 5 or any other training software that tries to drill rhythmic input. It's more a platform issue.Another very positive thing about this... 5/5 L. Friedman (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews, February 11, 2010

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  List Price: $59.95
  

  On-screen guitar, piano, violin, bass, and others; variable tone range--from soprano to bass

  Plays in any of 128 instrument sounds; progress reports; designed for all musicians

  Sing, play, or clap answers into a microphone; automatic guitar tuner and metronome

  Ear-training software with instant interactive feedback on answers

  Standard and Jazz tutors with over 650 lessons; customizable exercises

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