Synthesizer Basics Review

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(More customer reviews)This old book is a series of articles primarily from the 1970's on synthesizers that were written back when the technology was young. However, at a little more than 130 pages it is a very readable introduction to the world of musical synthesis that still has some value. Chapter one introduces the subject in a general way. Chapter two is a great introduction to how synthesis works both from an electronic block diagram standpoint and from a musical one. Chapter three explains the MIDI standard brilliantly in a few dozen pages. Chapter four, on sound systems and components, shows its age more than the first three chapters. However, it has some interesting points to make on the signal processing that takes place in a synthesizer. Chapter five on recording electronic music is pretty much obsolete at this point, but is well written and interesting from a historical perspective. If you have a firm foundation in music and would like an accessible read on the subject of synthesis before diving into the more complex books on the subject, this is a great start, especially considering the low price. I would normally give it five stars, but I felt I had to subtract one star because of the age of some of the material. If you like this book, you might want to pick up another old favorite next - "Musical Applications of Microprocessors" by Chamberlain. It is much more technical than this book.

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Product Description:
Here is the fundamental knowledge and information that a beginning or intermediate electronic musician must have to understand and play todayÕs keyboard synthesizers. This basic primer, newly updated from the classic original edition, offers step-by-step explanations and practical advice on what a synthesizer is, the basic concepts and components, and the latest technical developments and applications. Written by Bob Moog, Roger Powell, Steve Porcaro (of Toto), Tom Rhea, and other well-known experts, Synthesizer Basics is the first, and still the best, introduction available today.

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The Mellotron Book (Music) Review

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(More customer reviews)"The Mellotron Book" by Frank Samagaio offers an in-depth look at a obscure but beloved instrument. The mellotron is a keyboard instrument that used pre-recorded tapes play back the sounds of flutes, horns, strings etc. In a way, it could be called the world's first 'analog' sampler. Many musicians in the mid to late '60s through the '70s used the mellotron including Genesis, Yes, King Crimson and Tangerine Dream. Perhaps the best known users of the mellotron were Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues and of course The Beatles whose "Strawberry Fields Forever" brought the sound of this instrument into living rooms around the globe. All of the above artists are mentioned extensively in this book. Also, Samagaio goes into great detail about the mellotron's history, manufacturing process and inner mechanics.
The book also features an extensive list of albums that all feature the mellotron in one fashion or another.
This book is an excellent history lesson of this revolutionary instrument. Without the Mellotron, the digital sampling heard in today's music would probably not exist. "The Mellotron Book" is definitely a must have.

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The Mellotron was a favorite instrument of such famed acts as The Beatles, the Moody Blues, Tangerine Dream and Mike Oldfield. This legendary organ used pre-recorded tape loops to produce the world's first "sampled" sounds, like the flute intro to the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever." Back in production after a 20-year hiatus, the Mellotron is still one of the most sought-after pieces of vintage musical gear on the market. The Mellotron Book is the first title to explore the unique history and complex inner workings of this one-of-a-kind instrument. Includes many instrument photos throughout, plus old ads and catalog pages, sounds libraries, a listing of albums featuring the Mellotron, and sources for further reading.

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The Mobile DJ Handbook, Second Edition: How to Start & Run a Profitable Mobile Disc Jockey Service Review

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(More customer reviews)it was an ok book. i though it would tell me how to start up as a DJ, but it just told me things about if i had already been a DJ and wanted to build it into a full on business. if your looking for something to tell you how to improve your work and do bigger and better things with something you have ALREADY started... then buy the book.

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The Mobile DJ Handbook, Second Edition continues to be an excellent guide for novice and experienced DJs looking to build a successful career as the owner-operator of a mobile disc jockey service. Complete with practical tips, expert advice, and creative strategies, this book serves as the perfect guide on how to market and sell your services as well as develop and expand your business. This book contains information on becoming a professional, securing bookings, buying equipment and music, and running party dances, contests, and games. Included within the text are sample contracts, an advertisement and brochure, and resource information.The Mobile DJ Handbook is an essential reference guide which offers readers all the knowledge and inspiration needed to run a profitable enterprise.

*New equipment, technology, and practical business advice are integrated
*Includes chapters ranging from performance and professionalism, sales and mareting, dancing and games, to booking opportunities
*Provides essentials forms, contracts, and brochures

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I Believe in Music: Hardcover (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a well written history of the Roland company that gives you a unique viewpoint into the commercial development of electronic musical instruments in the late 20th century. I was surprised to find that a large portion of the book is devoted to offering guidance for those in the music business. It looks like great advice, and it comes from an extremely succesful man, but I skipped a good 100 pages devoted to business structure, management, marketing, etc. that isn't really my focus.

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Product Description:
Published to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Roland Corporation, this is the inspiring and heartfelt memoir of Ikutaro Kakehashi, a pioneering figure in electronic music instruments and the company's visionary founder. From war-torn Japan to his first watch repair business to the dawn of and subsequent enormous leaps of electronic musical instruments, Kakehashi's story is sometimes wry, sometimes touching, always wise. Through it all, Kakehashi has believed in music above else: his first priority has always been an unwavering passion for expanding the potential for artistic expression. Everyone from music aficionados to those looking for time-tested business savvy will enjoy his unique story. The book features fantastic photos throughout, including an 8-page full-color section.Ikutaro Kakehashi founded the Roland Corporation in 1972. He lives in Hosoe-cho, Hamamatsu City, Japan.Robert Olsen worked for 25 years in the international music trade before switching careers to become a college instructor and free-lance author. He lives in Northbrook, IL.

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Remix: The Electronic Music Explosion (Book) Review

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(More customer reviews)Fascinating and quick read. This book is great for anyone with an intrest in the electronic music history and/or anyone trying to get started. The Evolution/history of electronic music section is wonderful and explaines a lot. The coolest part isthe definitions of electronic music genres. Ever wonder what the heck"gabba techno", "old school/old skool", "hardcore", "diva house", "dub", "goa trance", or "bhangra" is? Thankfully, I finally know the distinctions.
There are also sections on history of electronic instruments, gear, getting started djing or creating electronic music, promotion, the internet, and artist interviews.
A great resource and quite interesting.
The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I found a few typos. Oops!

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Remix is an exciting global look at this rapidly growing segment of the music industry. With practical explanations of what actually happens in a remix, along with featured tools of the trade, this book explores the origins of the genre, its trends and its culture along with a detailed look at where it's headed. Features interviews with some of the top producers, artists and DJs on the scene today, like Paul Oakenfold and John Digweed. Learn practical applications such as how to get started, the equipment needed, releasing your own material, and how to promote yourself as a remix artist. This huge underground market has an intricate relationship with the Internet and this first-of-its-kind book takes an in-depth look at everything from underground radio to electronica websites to the proliferation of MP3 files and electronic promotion. Also features extensive contact info, recommended reading and other invaluable reference material.

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The Techno Primer: The Essential Reference for Loop-Based Music Styles Review

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(More customer reviews)I wasn't at all impressed with this book. If you want to know what gear Misstress Barbara uses or if you want to read yet another authors version of "the history of electronic music" then this is for you!

Me, well I sent it back. I had the book less than an hour and I'd already re-packed it up to ship back.

If you want a good reference book for electronic music then go pick up the 'Dance Music Manual: Toys, Tools and Techniques' by Rick Snoman. Now Snoman's book is an 'essential reference', seriously.

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The Techno Primer is a complete guide to the world of loop-based music styles. This book/CD pack contains an enhanced CD with techno music tracks in a variety of styles - as well as video clips and a demo version of the ACID(TM) XPress program by Sonic Foundry , a history of electronic music, and a detailed guide to techno styles. Also includes information on interactive music on the web, digital recording via the internet, understanding MIDI, the art of sound design, the DJ drummer concept and more. Features interviews with leading techno artists, producers and DJs (such as Jamie Myerson, Misstress Barbara, Code 911 and others), plus a comprehensive glossary of terms used in techno culture.

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The Trance Experience: An Introduction to Electronic Dance Music Review

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(More customer reviews)The book is good but not for begginers. It will teach you how to use vst plugins mostly which is very important but, I gave it one star only because the Cds are stored in a really stupid way, uncoverd and face down to the rough surface of internal side of the book hardcover. The result is, all the dvds are totally scratched and three are damaged. the book is expensive, couldn't they pack it in some plastic.

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Trance Composition and Arrangement From song conception and composition to instrumentation and arrangement, down to the ins and outs of breakdowns, fill-ins and mix-outs, you'll walk through each step, up close and personal. Mixing and Production In The Box You'll discover the finer points of mixing and production "in the box." From the basics like instrument and vocal levels and on through to the mastering process, every phase of the process is described in deep detail, so you don't miss a thing. Signal Processing Techniques Since The Trance Experience is an OpenMix interactive course, that means you get all of Torsten's original session files. YouÂ'll see each and every one of the effect settings used to create the tracks. Tweak them gently, take them to extremes or use them "as is" on your own productions! Adventures in Sound Design Want to know how to create a kick drum from a sine wave? Curious about FM synthesis? Or why this string part goes with that guitar pattern? You'll get the information you need in a way that makes perfect sense to beginners as well as seasoned veterans. Get Into the Loop Get the lowdown on loops: Slicing, dicing, or mangling - find out how and then experiment in actual musical settings. Sessions in Three Styles: Vocal Trance, Remix, and Chillout Since electronic music has so many different categories and sub-genres, you'll get an expansive overview of all the leading Trance styles---not to mention practical hands-on experience using three popular genres: Vocal Trance, Remix, and Chillout. Full Multi-Track Sessions for Major DAW Platforms Whether you use Pro Tools, Logic, Sonar, Cubase or Nuendo, The Trance Experience gives you everything you need to simply pop the sessions into your DAW and get started. Sounds and Samples for You to Use As an extra-added bonus, we've included a selection of original copyright-cleared, royalty-free sounds and samples for you to use in your own music. Think of it as a way to virtually collaborate with the author, DJ Torsten Fassbender.

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