Issue 201
Christmas/Hanukkah 2012 are behind us, and New Year’s Day 2013 is ahead of us, so we’re in the middle of the holiday season. And as this is often a time for reflection, we too would like to reflect on something: The power of music.
Some people don’t seem to consider the arts as all that important, but think about it. Nothing unlocks memories of holiday seasons past like Christmas carols. On New Year’s Eve, people don’t read books; they sing Auld Lang Syne. Baseball games open with a musical performance of the Star-Spangled Banner, not a recitation. And to raise money for Hurricane Sandy's victims, people weren’t invited to a movie screening or video game competition—but to a benefit concert.
With music. Played by musicians.
Music is the soundtrack of our lives, the key to fortifying the visuals in movies, and even a form of therapy. It’s a language that’s understood around the world, and a common touchstone that transcends cultures. Once when conversing with Quincy Jones, he referred to music as “food for the soul.” I couldn’t agree more; it consoles us when life is difficult, expresses our joy when life is good, and in some cases, even takes us closer to the Divine.
Don’t ever think that your playing music doesn’t matter—it does. And to a greater or lesser degree, you’re changing the world. Let's see if, as musicians, we can change it for the better in 2013.
From all of us here at Harmony Central to all of you, Happy New Year!
—Craig Anderton
Headliners
Review
Sony DWZ Digital Wireless Systems (Guitar/Bass and Vocals)
by Craig Anderton
Sony enters the affordable wireless arena with multiple digital offerings—including versions for guitar/bass and handheld mic, designed especially for musicians
Review
Akai Professional EWI USB
by Phil O'Keefe
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If your band was going to do a cover, what would it be? Are covers an artistic cop-out, a cheap trick to get audience attention, or a way to expose people to music you love—and a chance to put your own spin on things? Join the discussion in this lively thread. |
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Affordable Wireless Systems for Guitar A wireless system can free you of the limitations imposed by guitar cables, but how do you pick the right one? Range, channels, reliability, price—what should you look for in a good wireless system, and what are your options? Find some great suggestions right here. |
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All About Band T-Shirts “Merch” is important to a band: It gives the fans something they can take home, and helps spread your name. When should a new band consider buying t-shirts? How much should they cost? Can they be done DIY? This thread has the answers. |
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World’s Highest-Paid Musicians 2012 Income streams are changing, with less emphasis on record sales and more on ads, endorsements and touring—so you might be surprised by who made the most money this past year. Did any of your favorites make the list? |
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Short Scale Guitars They can make life for people with smaller hands much easier, and playing the guitar much more enjoyable, but sometimes they can be a bit tricky to keep in tune. This thread lists several models worthy of your consideration, as well as setup and performance tips. |
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Best Music Notation Software? Music notation has been the written language of music for hundreds of years, and it’s still useful today. Need to get it down on paper? This thread has the details about all the latest, and hottest, music notation programs. |
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Fuchs Audio Technology Announces Addition of New Amplifier to Mantis Line The Mantis Jr. is based on the ODS/Casino-sized chassis platform, has two channels with a shared Bass, Middle, Treble tone stack, a passive effects loop, and 4-8-16 ohm outputs; it will also include a 2-way foot switch for channel switching and gain boost. |
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“Shredding the Blues” Released by Alfred Music Publishing This book + DVD set brings together blues and heavy metal shred guitar techniques. Written in standard music notation and TAB, covered techniques include sweep picking, tapping, hybrid picking, and string skipping. |
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Guitar Center Opens New Store On Boston's Massachusetts Ave. The new location at 165 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115 is Guitar Center’s 240th retail location; it’s in close proximity to the renowned Berklee College of Music, and also located near both the New England and Boston Conservatories. |
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Allen & Heath Launches OneMix Personal Monitoring iPad App for iLive iLive OneMix is an iPad app that gives musicians wireless control of their personal monitor mix. Derived from the iLive MixPad app, OneMix locks control to a single Aux mix, providing instant access to a customized, easy-to-use monitor mix environment. |
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Native Instruments Launches Holiday Giveaway Until December 31, two special gifts are available for download from the Native Instruments website as a thank you to all registered users: DRIVER, a filter distortion effect designed for subtle to drastic sound manipulation, and five new Remix Sets for TRAKTOR's Remix Decks. |
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Fishman Begins Worldwide Distribution of Asterope Cables Fishman has begun worldwide distribution of Asterope cables, including instrument and XLR audio cables for the music instrument and pro audio markets, to retail outlets throughout the United States and 70 countries worldwide. |
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Editorial
Craig Anderton | Editor in Chief
Jon Chappell | Senior Editor
Phil O'Keefe | Associate Editor
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