Download - Downbeat

1» Digital Love
Roland has released the RG-1
digital mini-grand piano, a keyboard
with features that mimic
the feel of a real grand. The
RG-1 features Roland’s PHA II
“Ivory Feel” keyboard with
escapement, which absorbs
moisture to replicate the slipproof
feel of ivory keys. The 88
stereo, multisampled keys 5»
yield a heavier touch in the
lower range and lighter
touch in the upper, and
provide lighter resistance
for pianissimo passages and
stronger resistance for fortissimo.
Digital features include a USB
flash memory or optional CD drive to
let users play along to songs in .wav
and standard MIDI files.
More info: rolandus.com
2» More Keys
Korg has made its 512 newly created
sound programs for its flagship M3
music workstation, available as a free
download on Korg’s web site. The
additions will double the internal
EDS programs available on the M3
to 1,024. Sounds include several
vintage electric and reed pianos and
clavinets; acoustic and vintage strings;
brass and woodwinds; guitar sounds
modeled after different amp types and
sizes; and classic analog synths. Along
with the program updates, Korg has also
released a collection of 128 combinations,
which blend the EXB-
RADIAS synthesis option
with the onboard EDS programs
to include a range of
sounds from playable splits
and layers to soundscapes.
More info: korg.com
3» Chick’s Licks
Hal Leonard has introduced a CD/songbook
of 10 compositions by Chick Corea
in its Jazz Play Along series. The book
includes songs like “500 Miles High,”
“Bud Powell,” “The Loop” and “Captain
Marvel.” Inside the book is a CD that features
Corea’s own rhythm section—
bassist John Patitucci and drummer
Steve Davis—as well as pianist Andy
LaVerne. Tracks include multiple choruses
to offer more chances for soloing, as
well as removable bass and piano parts.
MSRP: $15.95.
More info: halleonard.com
Toolshed 4»
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GEAR BOX 3
4 » Hand Coordination
Jamey Aebersold Jazz’s Etudes For
Piano: Conversations Of The Hands
features strategies to develop a
pianist’s hand coordination. Pianist
Emiko Hayashi uses chord-based
exercises that integrate the left hand
into improvisation, then applies them to
various jazz standards to demonstrate
the importance of a strong left hand in
jazz piano. Hayashi incorporates themed
quotes from her favorite jazz
musicians. MSRP: $12.95.
More info: jazzbooks.com
5» New Origins
Arturia has unveiled Version 1.0
of the Origin Keyboard, the keyboard
model of its first hardware
synthesizer. The
Origin features more than
80 modules excerpted
from classic synthesizers
like the Minimoog, CS-80,
ARP 2600, Moog Modular,
Jupiter-8 and Prophet VS,
allowing users to combine new
and classic modules to create original
tracks. The 61-key, velocity response
keyboard is lightweight and portable,
with an adjustable, fold-down front
panel and transportable cabinet. The
Origin contains more than 500 presets
and allows for up to 32 voices of
polyphony. Additional features
include a 40-cm ribbon controller,
three-mode joystick and 5.2-
inch TFT screen. A future
update will make Origin software
compatible with a Mac or PC.
MSRP: $3,499.
More info: arturia.com
6» Snow On-The-Go
Blue Microphones has crafted a
portable version of its Snowball
Professional USB—the Snowflake.
Combining a USB bus-powered
capsule with a class compliant
design, the Snowflake is a plugand-play
instrument that functions
with Mac and PC. The Snowflake
folds into a compact case that also
houses a USB cable for easy transport.
Unfolded, the case serves as a
desktop stand or a laptop clip, allowing
the Snowflake to be used in podcasting,
web calls, home video or music
composition. MSRP: $79.
More info: bluemic.com
64 DOWNBEAT September 2008