Seiko

The basic synth is called the DS202 , with two expansion – the DS310 digital synthesizer and DS320 sequencer. Once everything mounted on the synth, the size is quite impressive. A sturdy and well-conceived gear, for a total 16 to 17 lbs. No MIDI out. Basic sounds (namely PIANO ORGAN HARPSICHORD FLUTE STRINGS ELECTRIC PIANO JAZZ ORGAN VIBRAPHONE CLARINET BRASS) are crystal-clear. They can be edited using the LPF filter, Envelope Selectors 1-4, 4 sounds that can be saved and two chorus effects. The delay (off, short or long) and sustain attack and release can be set using the ‘Time” sliders which happen to be very precise (values include 0, 0.01, 0.02 , 1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 seconds). Every parameter can be set using the LCD screen, the 4 envelopes available can be visualized as well as the spectrum settings (over 16 harmonics). Effectwise, there’s a Chorus 1 that offers a slow cycle around 0.7 Hz, while Chorus 2 is around 1.7 Hz.,and a Vibrato effect can be added. The keyboard can be transposed. Many variations are available, so as a consequence the user bank is bit short. The key’s touch is pleasant, it’s easy to use but the sequencer and digital synth still require reading the manual. As for the rhythms, the drum machine provides a Roland CR78-ish sound. The “one-finger” bass auto-backing is very cool. I haven’t had an opportunity yet to use it during one of my sets, so let’s wait and see… This synth is so rare that it’s a real collectible, with these options it cost around 1000 MARKS back in the days but I got it for 200€ + 75€ per module, and that’s a purchase I clearly don’t regret.

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I use this to tune my steel-string acoustic guitar. It is very easy to use with both an LCD "analog" meter, and low-correct-high LEDs (red-green-red). Uses a 9-volt battery. It quickly steps through A-A#-B-C-C#-D-D#-E-F-F#-G-G# by pressing the "Note" button. You can also choose any specific frequency from 435 Hz to 446 Hz in whole-number steps. Automatically accepts octave tunings (Set it for "A" and it will read "correct" when it hears 440 Hz or 880 Hz.) I'm no musician, which is why I needed a tuner. But I can use audio gear. Playing a 440 sine wave from my signal generator, the tuner locked onto the green "correct" LED. At 441, it flickered between the green "correct" and red "high" LEDs. Pros: Accurate, easy, light weight, small, long battery life. Cons: Grey-on-black lettering and case are a bit hard to read.

Purchased from a Small Music Store in Ladysmith, South Africa. Paid about R 150 (South African Rand) for it. This unit has made my life so much easier when tuning up. In the past I have used other brands of guitar tuners but I have found the one that I stick with. The Unit is simple to use, with both auto tuning mode and manual tuning mode. Guitar and Bass modes are included. The best thing is that you can use this baby on stage because it has both line in and out jacks and almost no noise when it is connected. The battery life is quite amazing, even when you leave the unit on all the time. It needs some kind of back lighting. Fortunately the next generation of this great little tuner has just that. The unit is made of high quality plastic. It is robust. I have had my tuner for a couple of years now and it has taken quite a few knocks, drops and abuse over the years. No problemo... Spend your money on this tuner. You will not be dissapointed. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Seiko SQ44 Metronome is a small electronic metronome, designed for uses of all types. It is powered up by a nine volt battery and has a stand on the back of it so you can set it down easily. It has a mini 1/8" jack for using it with headphones if you so choose. In addition it can play a tone at A 440 Hz for tuning purposes. It has two different modes to choose from, including beat, which makes click noises for your tempo, and a light mode which is just the flashing lights. It has a built in speaker that is pretty loud as I have never had a problem hearing it over what I'm playing, but if you were playing drums with it you would probably need headphones. The tempos on the SQ44 range from 40 bpm to 200 bpm, and they go in increments ranging from two to eight, but most of the tempos are in increments of three and four. While I'm definitely used to having every possible beats per minute available to me with the world of Pro Tools, so I generally only use this for practicing to a click rather than to actually find the right beats per minute of a piece. I might use it to get an approximation, but I like to get exact most of the time. This is the only hardware metronome that I keep around, and it isn't something that I use all of the time since I usually have Pro Tools available to me just as quick. I don't really know how much this will cost, as I got one of these second hand from a friend, but I'm sure that if you could find one that you'd be able to get one without much money. While they definitely have newer digital metronomes that are more versatile and can be set to every possible bpm, for what this is, the Seiko SQ44 will get the job done, but I would still recommend getting a newer metronome if you can...