Roland Announced TAIKO-1 Electronic Version of Japanese Taiko Drum

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Roland announced the TAIKO-1 Electronic Taiko Percussion, a portable electronic taiko drum with a versatile range of Japanese percussion sounds. As a Japanese company, Roland has always maintained a strong desire to contribute to its country’s historic taiko culture by helping bring the dedication and artistry of traditional Japanese music to a wider audience.

Born and made in Japan, the groundbreaking TAIKO-1 infuses the classic taiko experience with the benefits of modern music technology, making playing Japanese percussion more fun and accessible than ever before. Completed to coincide with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Roland is proud to introduce TAIKO-1 and share their passion for Japanese drums with the world.

Japan’s taiko drumming tradition has been deeply woven into the country’s culture since ancient times. Over a million people in Japan play the taiko, and the instrument’s popularity is spreading around the globe. However, the giant sound, large physical size, and regular maintenance needs of taiko drums make them impossible for many people to play and learn. Professional taiko performers face challenges as well, as the drums are hard to carry, costly to ship, and difficult to amplify in some venues.

TAIKO-1’s physical design is based on the katsugi okedo daiko, a popular taiko drum carried on a sling over the shoulder. But the modern digital sound engine expands the instrument’s range much further, providing a large array of taiko percussion sounds at the touch of a button, plus the availability to import WAV sounds via USB. Roland’s legendary mesh heads deliver authentic playability, with dual-zone trigger technology and positional sensing providing wide tonal range and full dynamic response.

TAIKO-1’s mesh heads also offer acoustically quiet performance for practicing anytime and anywhere, something that’s impossible with a traditional taiko drum. Users can plug in headphones and enjoy big, dynamic taiko tones with barely a whisper heard by family members and neighbors. Traditional ji-uchi backing patterns are available for timing practice and performance accompaniment, while built-in Bluetooth allows users to stream backing music and lesson content wirelessly from a smartphone.

The Roland TAIKO-1 is expected to be available in July 2020 for $1,500.00.

Yamaha Introduced Newest Addition to Concert Bass Drum Series

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Yamaha introduced the 24” CB-7024 concert bass drum, the newest addition to the 7000 Concert Bass Drum series, and the BS-5100 concert bass drum stand.

The bass drum includes a Darkwood stain finish that matches other Yamaha concert bass drums and concert toms, a shell made with the company’s unique Air-Seal System, and a REMO NUSKYN drumhead. The stand was designed to fit a variety of concert bass drums, ranging from 24” to 36” models, and is height adjustable.

“This new addition to the concert bass drum series is really special in that school band programs on a tight budget can still enjoy the quality craftsmanship and elegant sound that Yamaha is known for,” said Troy Wollwage, marketing manager, Percussion, Yamaha. “We at Yamaha are confident that these instruments will inspire the next generation of music-makers to keep practicing and creating.”

The CB-7024 (MRSP – $1,282.00) and the BS-5100 (MSRP – $210.00) are now shipping.

Nikon Released the D6 Digital SLR Camera

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Nikon Corporation announced the release of the Nikon D6 FX-format digital SLR camera, a new flagship model that responds to the needs of professional sports photographers and photojournalists. Development of this product was announced in September 4, 2019.

With the new D6, Nikon has realized the most powerful AF performance in its history through significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nikon D5 (released in March 2016). All focus points in the new, densely packed 105-point AF system utilize cross-type sensors, and all are selectable.

The AF sensor built into the D6 is approximately 1.6x denser, and supports three times the number of selectable cross-type focus points than the D5, demonstrating superior focusing performance. The group-area AF option so popular with users of the D5 has evolved even further with support for 17 custom arrangements from which users can choose depending upon the scene or way the intended subject moves for precise capturing of decisive moments.

The new dedicated AF engine developed for the D6 enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 14fps with all focus points working to keep the subject in focus for improved subject-tracking performance. In addition, adoption of a new algorithm enhances the camera’s ability to maintain focus on the intended portion of a subject without responding to those that pass through the frame.

The D6 offers increased usability while inheriting the D5’s operability and reliable hold. Usability has been refined with improved connector arrangement and increased visibility for the top control panel and LCD monitor when button illumination is used in dark situations, providing professional photographers with even greater support.

In addition, the D6 not only offers the strength and durability, and dust and drip resistance that allow Nikon flagship models to continue working in even the tough environments, but has also been equipped with a security slot that supports connection of anti-theft cables that can keep the camera safe during remote operation.

Leica Camera Delivers Leica S3 to Retailers

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Leica Camera has delivered the latest model of its medium format system to retailers worldwide – having previously announced the development of the Leica S3 at photokina 2018. The outstanding excellence of the Leica S and its lenses is rooted in a well thought-out system in which every component represents an integral element of the recording process.

In addition to the most obvious improvement – an increase in resolution from 37.5 to 65 megapixels – the medium format camera features a number of technological advances. Just like its predecessors, the Leica S3 also utilizes the Leica ProFormat developed especially for the Leica S-System.

With its dimensions of 30 x 45 millimeters, it corresponds to the classic 3:2 aspect ratio of the 35 mm full-frame format, but offers a 56 percent larger sensor area. In comparison with its predecessor, the new 64 megapixel sensor developed exclusively for Leica offers a 71 percent increase in resolution, a dynamic range of 15 f-stops and a maximum ISO sensitivity setting of 50000 – thereby providing sufficient reserves to be ready to handle any imaginable lighting situation and fully exploit the strengths of the medium format.

Subjects can be composed in the large and bright SLR viewfinder, focused sharply with the fast and reliable autofocus and captured at a continuous shooting rate of three frames per second. In addition to all other essential exposure settings, an electronic levelling aid (horizon) can also be displayed in the viewfinder.

Whenever required, the LCD screen displays a Live-View image with a refresh rate of up to 60 fps is available in both still picture and video recording mode that also allows focus peaking, brightness and exposure data, a clipping warning, grids, and a histogram to be superimposed onto the image.

As with other members of the Leica S – System, the Leica S3 is constructed using superior-quality and extremely resilient materials: examples include the magnesium body, the Corning Gorilla Glass cover plate of the 3-inch monitor screen as well as the lens bayonet, which is made from particularly solid stainless steel.

Furthermore, the numerous seals that protect the camera against the ingress of moisture, dust, and other foreign bodies contribute to the reliability and long service life of the camera when shooting on location.

Buy a Helix – Get a Free Helix Backpack

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Line 6 offers a free Helix Backpack with the purchase of Helix Floor or Helix LT Guitar Processor. This promotion is being offered for a limited time, and will end on March 31, 2020. The offer is good only in the United States.

The Helix Backpack is a rugged, go-anywhere custom-designed carrying case made especially for Helix Floor and Helix LT guitar processors. The same care and attention to detail that went into those Helix processors are in the backpack. From its luggage-grade construction and closed-cell foam padding, to its rugged, molded rubber carrying handles and water-resistant zippers, the Helix Backpack will protect your gear for years to come.

For the ultimate in convenience, the Helix Backpack also provides ample room for additional items such as sheet music, cables, small pedals, power supplies, and other accessories.

From March 1, 2020 – March 31, 2020 purchase a Helix floor or Helix LT guitar processor and get a Helix Backpack Free – $169.99 value!

Some Terms and Conditions include:

  •  This offer is only available to Line 6 customers with mailing addresses in the United States
  • Eligible Product: Helix floor or Helix LT guitar processor only
  • Limit one (1) Free Gift per customer
  • Sales tax, if any, is the sole responsibility of the customer
  • Eligible Products must be purchased as new from an authorized reseller in the United States. Offer not available for remanufactured, demonstration, or non-new products. Purchases from online auctions are not eligible.
  • Line 6 is not responsible for misinformation about this promotion that you may have received from other sources
  • Available only while supplies las. Offer limited to Eligible Products in stock during the Promotion Period.

Leica Camera AG Introduces New Variant and Two New Lenses for Leica M

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Leica Camera AG presents three new lenses for the Leica M-System: the silver anodized APO-Summicron-M 75 f/2 ASPH as well as the limited-edition Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH in an olive green “Safari” finish. The technical specifications of the three new lenses are identical to those of their serially produced counterparts. All three lenses are available from the end of Feburary.

The APO-Summicron-M 75 f/2 ASPH counts among the most high-performing lenses for Leica M, and is particularly well suited to portrait photography. Now the lens is also available in a silver anodized finish which perfectly emphasizes its sophisticated design. In contrast to the black-paint variant, the feet markings on the distance scale as well as the focal length engravings are inlaid in red, while all other engravings feature black inlays.

In addition, Leica are producing a limited run of the special-edition Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH with a special, olive green paint finish. Both “Safari”-edition lenses feature red inlaid feet markings on the distance scale and red focal length markings, while all other engravings are inlaid in white – creating a pleasing juxtaposition with the olive green lens body.

Aside from the Leica Summicron-M 50 f/2 released in 2019, the new Summicrom-M 28 f/2 ASPH and APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH are the only M lenses to perfectly match the olive green finish of the Leica M10-P Edition “Safari” – thereby turning the camera into the centerpiece of an appealing collection. The Summicron-M 28 f/2 ASPH Edition “Safari” is produced in a limited run of 500 units; the APO-Summicron-M 90 f/2 ASPH Edition “Safari” is limited to 250 units.

Lekholm Instruments Introduced DM48 Digital Chromatic Harmonica

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Lekholm Instruments, a Swedish company, introduced the Lekholm DM48 Digital Chromatic Harmonica. It is a 12-hole, 48 note, chromatic harmonica that has expressive control over any electronic instrument.

The Lekholm DM48 is a unique MIDI controller that finally gives harmonica players what piano players take for granted: the ability to play any sound imaginable, from realistic brass to deep electronic bass. With the DM48, harmonicists can practice silently, easily make sheet music, and instantly transpose to any key, thereby basically replacing a bag full of harmonicas.

Even non-harmonica players can appreciate it as a novel, innovative, and expressive way of controlling synthesizers. Each of the twelve holes can be assigned to any note, so that any scale can be easily played by sliding along the mouthpiece while varying the breath pressure.

The DM48 is a pure MIDI controller without onboard sound synthesis. Instead of reeds, it is based on twelve precision pressure sensors. It is highly configurable, including MIDI output on a single or multiple channels, mono-/polyphonic models and adjustable response curves. Breath pressure is transmitted as continuous MIDI CC messages at high rate.Together, this puts harmonica players in control of a world of synthetic sounds, silently at night or loud on stage without feedback.

First made available in 2017, the DM48 has now just been released in an updated version, representing what we consider to be its final mature form. The instrument can be purchased directly on the Lekholm Instruments website, where more information and demo videos can also be found. The price is 6400 SEK (Swedish Krona), which is approx. 670 USD, plus shipping.

Flight Announced Soundwave Ukulele with Built-In Effects

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Flight announced the Soundwave Pickup System, a pickup system that uses phenomenal new technology to place control of the preamp and various effects at the fingertips of the player, whether the ukulele is plugged into an amplifier or not.

The Flight Soundwave Pickup System amplifies a ukulele from inside the instrument; reverb, delay, chorus, and volume can be controlled with dials on the side of the ukulele.When the ukulele is plugged into an amp or PA system, the EQ and effects bypass the interior system and send the effects through the output jack.

Performers are often at the mercy of a sound engineer when gigging. The Flight Soundwave Pickup System not only adds a new dimension to acoustic playing, but also gives the gigging musician complete control without the need of additional equipment other than a lead cable and the ukulele in their hand.

Flight offers the Soundwave Pickup System on the Sophia and Diana, which are higher-end solid top spruce and cedar ukuleles with laminated walnut back and sides.

Diana Soundwave MAP is $420 and Sophia Soundwave MAP is $430.

Heil Sound Introduces PR 37 Vocal Mic

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Heil Sound introduced its new PR 37 professional microphone. Designed with the vocalist in mind, the PR 37 produces natural, articulate sound over a wide frequency range. Its excellent upper mid-range response has been designed to cut through a mix whether live or in the studio. It features a 1.5” diameter dynamic element that is mounted in a rugged housing to reduce handling noise. The PR 37 has a frequency response from 50 to 18,000 Hz and output level of -51 dB @ 1000 Hz.

The PR 37 joins an already impressive lineup of vocal microphones, including the PR 22 and PR 35. Heil Sound worked with several FOH mix engineers both with the initial design and the field testing of the new microphone.

John Hopkins, FOH for the bands Sleep, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, stated: “The PR 37 immediately moved to the top of the list for my go-to vocal mic. It’s a super transparent mic and the rejection of stage noise is incredible.” Adam Pike, working with the PR 37 and Red Fang had a similar response, “The Heil PR 37 is a beast! Very rich and smooth low-mids along with pristine high-mids that Heil is known for. This, combined with the excellent rejection is making it my go to vocal mic. The extremely sturdy casing is also a great added bonus.”

The PR 37 represents the next evolution of the Heil Sound brand and will begin shipping in July. Retail price is $269.00 US.

Furch Guitars Announced “Little Jane” Limited Edition Travel Guitar

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Furch Guitars, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium-quality acoustic guitars, announced their one-of-a-kind, solid-wood guitar “Little Jane” as a limited-edition for 2020. This instrument stands-out by combining first-class material, precision craftsmanship and a unique design that offers musicians incredible freedom while traveling.

The Furch Little Jane Limited 2020-LC stems from one of Furch’s favorite and best-selling models. Its unique design features, such as the patented assembly system, allows for quick and easy assembly in to a fully functioning instrument and then disassembly to a compact size which fits in a travel bag the size of a standard backpack. This guitar is always read for adventure.

The main assembly design feature is the robust latching mechanism made from high-quality stainless steel and aircraft-grade aluminum. This provides robust and reliable attachment of the removable neck to the guitar’s body. A special recess in the guitar’s side serves to protect the neck of the guitar during transport. This also enhances the enjoyment for the player by directing a surprisingly projecting sound towards the players ear.

The uncompromising, compact transport size of the instrument is also achieved via removable headstock, which can be safely stored after disassembly in a special pocket in the travel bag. Further convenience is illustrated by a 45mm-wide fretboard (1 3/4”) and 55mm bridge string spacing (2 3/16”), which do not correspond to travel guitar dimensions, but to those of full-size acoustics.

The top plate of the Furch Little Jane Limited 2020-LC is made from rare Alpine Spruce. Its beautiful sound, with slightly pronounced highs, allows for Firch’s special individual soundboard voicing process. The back and sides are exotic Cocobolo. The instrument’s body is coated in our specially formulated, thin, open-pore finish which accentuates the natural visual and tonal properties of the chosen woods.

The overall stylish appearance of the guitar is underscored by a number of decorative elements, namely the Paduk body bonding, Walnut purfling, annular rosette with Abalone inlay and mother-of-pearl side fret markers. A tuning locking mechanism, Furch Machine, is also present and ensures that the guitar stays in tune even after disassembly and reassembly.

The Furch Little Jane Limited 2020-LC production run will be limited to 120 units. As with other limited edition models, the production volume is final and the same configuration will not be used on any other future models. The Furch Little Jane Limited 2020-LC will be available through Furch authorized sellers starting in March. For those interested, pre-orders are currently being accepted.