From: be726@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joseph A. Ellis Jr.)
Newsgroups: rec.music.synth
Subject: Re: MIDI Wind Instrument
Date: 10 Sep 1992 14:55:50 GMT
Organization: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
Reply-To: be726@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Joseph A. Ellis Jr.)
NNTP-Posting-Host: hela.ins.cwru.edu


In a previous article, ccavers@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca (Cam Cavers) says:

>I'm orginally a clarinet and saxophone player who has never really learned how
>to properly play the keyboard; while I will eventually get keyboard lessons, I
>would like to play music the way I know the best.
>
>So, can anyone give me any info on any or all of the MIDI wind instruments out
>there? Approximate price, features, on board voices, etc would be nice. I don't
>really need anything fancy, as I would mostly like something to play a lot of
>real-time input into a sequencer with, but don't hesitate to respond if you
>have anything in the $1000 plus range, too...
>
>So far, I have heard a bit about the Windjammer, I think, and some Casio
>horn...
>
Well, the Windjammer and Casio DH-100 are likely to give you a _little_ trouble
on the learning curve. The Windjammer uses (if I remember correctly) recorder
fingerings. The Casio actually has _two_ fingering systems. One is similar to
recorder fingerings that you can get by, but gives only 2 1/2 ocatves. The other
doesn't seem to follow ANY logical pattern for a wind player, but gives you
access to 5 or 6 octaves. The Casio has a built in speaker, headphone out
(can be run through an amp, which _does_ improve it's relatively cheesy 
onboard sounds) and a MIDI out. 6 onboard voices, and a +-12 halfstep 
transposition. Portamento (slide), and breath control on-off switch.
It IS rather sensative to banging around, the switch contacts are not always
good, and there is no case available. Oh, well! For the money ($50 to $70
now) though, it can't be beat as a wind controller!

I'm NOT real familiar with the Windjammer, so will not extend my comment above
except to say that it has no onboard sounds... it connects to a module.
 
I've been using a Yamaha WX-7 for a couple of years, now. (The newer model is
the WX-11. Most obvious difference is that the -7 is straight, and the -11
has a bend in the neck.) At the time I got mine, the -7 was about $1000, without
a module. This is a professional level instrument. Full saxophone-type fingerings, (a few un-needed keys ommited), six octave range (three up and two down from
"normal", through thumb octave keys) pitch bend, program change, and harmony
function on right thumb. Responds to breath velocity, aftertouch (volume),
and embrouchre changes (pressure sensor on plastic 'reed' on mouthpiece)
it connects to a belt battery pack that also sends data on to a MIDI device.
I've used it with a great deal of success on both live concerts and recording
situations. It has NO onboard sounds... strictly a controller, but a VERY nice
one. Comes in a plastic hard-shell case, with extra mouthpiece/reed and cap, and cables.

I'd buy another one!
>!   *  *  * *    *    ! Cam Cavers: ccavers@ersys.edmonton.ab.ca !SakeSake
>!   *   *      ****** ! **************************************** !SakeSake
>!  *     *      *   * ! Member of B.A.K.A.: Banzai Anime         !SakeSake
>! *      *     *   *  !                     Klub of Alberta      !SakeSake!
>

-- 
 Joe Ellis  o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~    |     TesserAct Studios
     Internet:   usr6184a@tso.uc.edu        |       P.O. Box 18577
        GEnie:   J.ELLIS22                  |     Fairfield, OH 45018
    All filked up and no place to sing!     |   New Dimensions In Filk!
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