The oldest musical instrument ever has undergone some serious technological advancement! For a long time, it seemed like the loudest instrument on stage didn’t need to be reinvented the way keyboards and amplifiers changed piano and guitars. While the traditional drum kit is still popular, electronic drums have become more ubiquitous as they have become better in recent years. They also offer a lot of benefits that you can’t get with traditional drums.

To start with, when electronic drums first came out, the heads weren’t very responsive and the sound wasn’t terrific. One of the more interesting things about traditional drum kids was that every part of every drum was a different kind of sound, and there were different shades by hitting different aspects. Originally, electronic drums had a snare sound for the snare. You could hit the side of it to get that higher pitched tone, but there was hardly variation. Now, hitting the different parts of a good electronic drum gives you more nuances. There’ll be a response in volume for hitting quieter and there are more shades to play which give your music more depth. When it first came out, electronic drums were an interesting novelty that hopeful, forward looking people saw as being a predecessor to what’s available now. Finally, it’s here.

One of the more tangible benefits is the volume and headphone control. Tragically, there must be thousands of would be excellent drummers out there who never picked up the instrument when they were young because their parents didn’t want them drumming in the house. Especially when a drummer is just learning the instrument, it can be quite obnoxious! Now with headphones and volume control that is no longer an issue. This will give novice musicians the ability to practice to themselves before deciding when the time is right to take off the headphones and

From a musical perspective, electronic drum kits offer a wide range of synthesized kits. There might literally be hundreds of kits programmed offering tons of sounds that would otherwise be unavailable-from calypso, jazz settings, Cuban, African, and tons more. They even have tons of variations within these categories. But the biggest thing is the quality of sound. Like the way people felt when they first came out, if the technology was merely a curiosity that didn’t sound good on stage it wouldn’t have exploded the way it has. The primary concern of an instrument has to be its sound, and thankfully the sonic improvements have caught up to the “wow” factor that people felt initially. Of course this varies from one electronic kit to another, the same way it would if it were acoustic, but the highest end electronic kits are excellent and have been used in studios to make big hits that are heard on the radio.

Acceptance at that level stands for a lot. If a list was made of all the songs that used electronic drums, it’d be very surprising! So, hopefully you’ll consider this relatively new technology more favourably.

Trying to learn how to play the guitar? Then consider taking guitar lessons from Long & McQuade – one of Canada’s biggest music stores offering a wide selection of guitars, Gibson guitars and music lessons all across the nation.

Guitars are like cars in that they have their own mythology. Sometimes their reputation is so vast it becomes main stream. Such is the case with Gibson. It’s great to own a guitar that you know is in that company, however, it my have side effect of distorting what you are actually looking for when you go to buy your guitar. When buying a guitar, it doesn’t matter about the name on the neck, but the quality of the work all around, and how this affects tone and sound.

When it comes to acoustic guitars, Gibson is known for their well-rounded tone. It isn’t bass or treble heavy, just clear and mellow. Whether it’s a J45, their bread and butter acoustic, or one of the country models, they’re known for being well rounded, versatile guitars. You may want a very particular sound but to be honest, a Gibson sounds good in any situation! Blues, acoustic folk, country, or straight ahead rock is always happy to be played on a Gibson. Physically they’re noted for their wider necks and for traditionally coming in different bursts and patterns. The Hummingbird model has a beautiful hummingbird on it, but for many people the classic Gibson acoustic is a J45 with a dark burst! BEAUTIFUL!

When it comes to their electrics they are famous too, and for good reason. Gibson has made many technological advancements in sound and to this day they have some of the finest around. The Les Paul’s are the most famous for their sleek, sexy look and sound. Sonically, they might be described as having a powerhouse of crisp distortion, perfect rock and blues and any driving electric music really. Think Led Zeppelin. Somehow, they’re able to sound sharp but very clear, clean and grungy, mellow and rugged. It’s a complicated sound, and really the best way to wrap your head around it is to listen. Their hollow bodies have been used in jazz from an early time and also can be described as mellow and clean. The notes are bold and very warm. It’s hard to stress it in words, but all you really have to do is play a C major for it to sound good.

Whatever kind of sound you want, when you buy a Gibson you can be assured you’ll get a quality instrument made by experts with carefully selected wood and design. Many Gibson guitars may look alike to the untrained eye, but a Gibson has distinct aesthetic features that make it stand out to those who know, and most importantly, the sound that can be recognized anywhere. Make sure that you know what you’re looking for when you buy a guitar-never just buy an instrument, or anything else, because it comes from a respected maker, but in many cases, the ideal guitar really is a Gibson.

Play on it first a lot too, so you know what you’re getting. Plus, it’s fun!

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To the untrained eye guitars look a lot alike. They all have necks and bodies and strings. This is about where the similarity ends. Veteran guitar players can recognize certain features of guitars a mile away, and what looks like two similar products from two different manufacturers is really a different beast all together. Also, what really makes a guitar unique is its sound, and, so long as it’s comfortable to play, this is the aspect of the guitar that really makes the most difference.

Let’s start with acoustics. Martin guitars are famous for their low, booming bass heavy sound. They typically have regular too thin necks and, depending on the year, they’re made of rosewood, mahogany and spruce. They are perfect for playing folk and country, but many famous rock stars use them for acoustic versions of electric songs too. They’re legendary amongst bluegrass. They’re probably the most acousticey acoustic guitars because they have a twang and feel most musicians associate with folk and country. Gibson acoustics produce clear, bold, and well-rounded tones. For this reason it’s a versatile guitar. Again, too many rock musicians play Gibson acoustics to name, and if anything it’s more of a rocker’s acoustic than a folk musicians. They come in gorgeous bursting colours and wonderful designs. They have unparalleled warmth, and perhaps it can be described better as being inviting and welcoming to the ear. Their electronics are excellent, as the company was pioneers in that regard and they’re still making wonderful products.

Larivee is a French Canadian company that makes truly beautiful instruments. The notes ring like bells off that thing! The guitar can be compared to a mellifluous public speaker who articulates clearly so that you can easily understand every word. They’re becoming more recognized around the world for their solid construction, beautiful tone, and the overall value. It’s surprising when you pick one up how light it is, and it truly doesn’t feel like other guitars. It doesn’t sound like them either! Truly awesome.

When it comes to electrics, Fender is a name that even non-guitar players are familiar with. People consider the Stratocaster shape to be the quintessential electric guitar shape, and with good reason! It was Hendrix’s guitar. But now they make great guitars along different price ranges that offer that fiery crunch. They typically have thinner necks than most guitars, but you can get the “V” neck if you ask. It’s worth playing around to get a feel for which one you like.

Gibson Les Pauls are the other standard mental image that is summoned when guitar players and non-guitar players think of what a guitar looks like. Think Led Zeppelin. They offer a wicked distortion tone that’s at once nasty and mellow. The Les Paul is a famous model, as is the SG and ES arch-top hollow bodies. You can expect a fast, responsive action from either one, as well as that classic sustain.

Ranking guitars can feel like ranking children, but overall it’s important to play a bunch of different ones for yourself and see what you like best.

Searching online for local musical teachers? Then make sure to visit Long & McQuade – one of Canada’s largest music stores offering a wide selection of drum lessons Victoria and piano lessons Mississauga see if there are lessons in your area today!