No comments about Casio CTK2000 Premium Pack with Power Supply, Keyboard Stand and Professional Closed Cup Stereo Headphones.

1 comments about Olympus CB-USB5 / USB6 Compatible USB Data Cable w/ Ferrite, Black.

1. It was surprisingly hard to find this item, partly because USB cables are so common but the varieties of connectors are poorly represented or described in ads. Stores that carry the Olympus cameras that use this cable (mine is a Stylus 600), do not carry the cable separately. Very pleased and may order a second.

5 comments about TDK 120 Minute Standard Video Tape (10-Pack).

1. As VHS tapes go TDK is one of the most reliable and versitle I have found. Highly recomend and buying from Amazon is fast and easy.
   VRW



2. VERY GOOD PRODUCT, FOR A SOON 2 B OBSOLETE ITEM GETS MANY SATISFACTORY USES AS IN THE COPY OVER PROCESS



3. TDK manufactures excellent six hour blank VHS tapes for all purpose general recording of audio-visual media. As long as you have the right kind of equipment, these tapes record television programs off TV or they can be used to make copies of a non-copyright protected VHS tape. These tapes have up to six hours worth of blank recording space; and this is useful when recording television shows, for example.
   
   In addition, you can record onto these tapes using different speeds so that the tape records two hours worth recording time, four hours worth recording time and six hours worth of recording. (You use your VCR to set this.) The best image quality will be at two hours worth of recording time but many people say they're satisfied with the image they get using the six hour recording time speed.
   
   The tapes allow you hours upon hours of viewing enjoyment because you record onto them over and over again countless times although after some use the picture quality will eventually begin to gradually deteriorate.
   
   Unfortunately, these tapes cannot produce the same quality recording reproduction as a digitalized copy would give you. This means that if, hypothetically, you were to copy a DVD-R onto another DVD-R instead of a TDK blank VHS tape, the quality of the audio-visual media on the DVD-R copy would be sharper and clearer than a TDK tape or any other brand of video tape could give you. Moreover, VHS tapes can break if not handled with care. These shortcomings frustrate me and therefore I will have to take off one star to make this a four star review.
   
   The tapes have small pieces of plastic on the narrow front edge of each VHS tape which you can punch out easily so that accidental recording over an existing recording is impossible. If you do wish to record over an original recording then you can merely place a small amount of regular tape over the hole. The VHS tape is now ready to record a fresh recording.
   
   Overall, TDK makes a great choice when you want reliable blank VHS tapes to record television shows or anything else that you wish to record. I have used this brand for many years and I cannot think of any major complaints. I highly recommend TDK six hour VHS tapes for you to use when you need to record something onto a VHS cassette tape.



4. These TDK tapes are fine. Price was good and the fact that they were available in stock was plus--as many companies are no carrying VHS tapes. We use them as backups to our Tivo, which seems to get filled quite quickly.
   
   Was disappointed with the Amazon shipping, however. These are normally a blister-packed 10, to a package. Ten of the tapes were put in the box as individual tapes and two of them were damaged so badly in shipping that they had to be thrown away. Hey shipping dept. . .have you heard of using plastic 'peanuts' to shield the shipment?



5. I am thrilled with the service and the TDK tapes work great. It was i great value for the money

5 comments about Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone.

1. This is a really nicely designed travel microphone. I'm really impressed at the way it swivels around to sit either on top of a laptop screen or at any angle on a desk. And the sound quality is great too. I use this for making web videos and it's the best gadget I've bought in ages.



2. It is a good design, but I find myself not liking it as much as others seem. It looks cute, for sure, but is also quite obviously flawed.
   
   
   Pros:
   
   (1) Convenience and mobility. No need to wear a headset or handhold a mic.
   (2) Sound quality much better than built-in microphones.
   (3) Built-in soundcard (A/D converter) with quite good quality. No need to worry about the humming noises of laptop internal sound cards, and no need to mess with external sound cards.
   (4) USB compatibility. Truly plug-and-play.
   (5) Pretty good build quality, better than most consumer products.
   (6) Good-looking.
   
   
   Cons:
   
   (1) Picks up too much ambient sound. Even a slight wind generates unacceptably high level of background noise. Completely unusable outdoors. Consider to use it only in a quiet room. This microphone is supposed to be unidirectional, but its ability to reject ambient sound is not even remotely close to that of handhold microphones I've used, not to even mention microphones that have noise cancellation mechanisms.
   
   I believe this microphone was designed with conflicting goals which forced compromises. When it comes to microphones, there are two very different types of uses. The first type is the recording of a single source from a single direction (such as an individual speaker's voice), the second type is the recording of multiple sources from multiple directions (such as a conference room). These two types need very different types of microphones, namely unidirectional for the former and omnidirectional for the latter. I feel the maker of the Snowflake would like to have both type of buyers with a single design. Not a good idea. I think they should give an option of two different types to the Snowflake, either using a modular system or using a switch. In addition, because the Snowflake is intended for mobile use, they should also consider adding noise cancellation feature to deal with ambient noises. With the present design, this limitation alone makes the Snowflake nearly useless to me because I intended to use it on my laptop mostly in the backyard.
   
   (2) In addition to the unacceptable ambient noise level, inherent noise (self-noise) level is also higher than a good handheld microphone or good headset. (The inherent noise is the noise generated from the microphone and the circuit even when there is no ambient noise.) When used at the supposed placement in relation to the user, this microphone is clearly not as clean as the high-quality microphones I've used. This may not be a problem for noncritical recordings, but it is something to be remembered if you are recording demands high-quality. Personally, I want to use it for voice recognition, which I believe is a much more challenging environment than casual recording. Based on my short experience, I am somewhat satisfied, but not without reservation because of the noise. I just hope the noise does not significantly impact the recognition accuracy. So far, it does not appear to be a serious problem, but the higher noise level is obvious and I am concerned. Of course, this is talking about dictating in a quiet room. If there is any appreciable amount of ambient noise, the Snowflake is completely unusable as I discussed above.
   
   (3) Aside the noise issues, the sound quality is not as good as professional microphones used with a good sound card. The recorded sound is simply not as round, tight and solid. The sound quality is in the middle between microphones built in laptop computers and a decent headset, a handheld or studio microphone. I say this based on testing with actual recordings, not speculation. While the Snowflake is noticeably better than a built-in microphone, it is noticeably inferior to a good handheld microphone or a quality headset (such as those used in wireless microphone sets).
   
   (4) There is an annoying bug when used with voice recognition program NaturallySpeaking. Whenever you put the computer in sleep and later wake it up, the USB Snowflake will not come out of the sleep. You will have to unplug the microphone and replug it to make it work. This happens only when voice recognition program is running. I'm not sure what causes the problem (the microphone, the voicerecognition program, or the computer operating system?), but this shouldn't happen. I use Vista. Other external USB devices all work fine in this respect. Regardless what the cause is, this is quite annoying because I put my laptop in sleep frequently. Because the problem may not be caused by the microphone, I don't mean to downgrade the microphone by this problem. But those who consider to use this microphone for voice recognition should take notice of this issue.
   
   (5) The joint of the microphone head is very loose, hardly able to hold a position firm. This makes you nervous all the time, and in fact do cause frequent adjustments. This is clearly an overlook and must be improved in the next iteration of this product (if there will be one). Nothing affects the user experience like unreliability.
   
   (6) There is no tightening nor adjustment mechanism for this thing to be clamped over the edge of the computer lid. It just loosely and barely hangs there. Not very stable, and easily falls off with any laptop movement. I eventually decided to place the microphone aside the computer. This works well (but does require a support surface), because thankfully the metal case can be flipped over to become a standing frame. Very convenient.
   
   (7) I wish they made the microphone head (the ball part) completely detachable from the box so that one can comfortably hold it in hand if needs to (for example, if you really need a low noise level for recording). With the current design, if you want to handhold this microphone, you can only hold it with the entire metal frame, which is not only heavy but too edgy and uncomfortable to hold for very long.
   
   (8) I feel the whole thing is a bit too heavy for its intended type of use. Is it possible to make it lighter without sacrificing the integrity? I don't know. I kind of like the feel of its metal make, but still think lighter would be better.
   
   To be fair, however, the lower sound quality and worse noise characteristics compared to handheld or headset microphones isn't totally surprising, because such characteristics are inherent to the detached type of use in which the microphone is placed at a distance from speaker. The sound quality depends greatly on the distance between the user and the microphone. I tested the Snowflake handholding it close to my mouth (about 3-4 inches away), and found the quality of the recording was quite close to that of a good handheld microphone. But of course this is not how the microphone is designed to be used. Placed over the top edge of my laptop lid (the intended way to use it), the Snowflake sounded decidedly worse. The noise floor is much higher, because at that distance, the recording level has to be raised to the maximum in order to have a decent pickup. Still much better than a built-in microphone, but if you are hoping for very high-quality recording comparable to a handheld or studio microphone, you shouldn't buy this microphone. Especially, if you intend to use it outdoor, I strongly recommend not to buy this microphone. On the other hand, if you would like to have the convenience of not having to handhold a microphone or wear a microphone over your head, I'm not aware of a better USB-based computer microphone out there at this time.
   
   Overall, interesting and promising design that may satisfy lots of users who are not very discriminative in terms of the sound quality, but for those who don't want to compromise too much, don't hope too much. It's very good for indoor use, but are unsuitable for outdoor use, and also not to replace a high quality microphone for high-quality recordings (even in a quiet room). And yes, the sleeping bug and several other flaws do bother me.



3. I purchased this product to use with Remote Classroom Instruction. As an instructor I can't be tethered to my PC with a wired headset. This microphone cost less than wireless headsets and performs as well.
   
   As with all USB devises, the installation is practically non-existent. We have used this constantly for 2 months and have had not problems.



4. This microphone works as well as professional mics that are much more expensive. I use it for my podcast, and the sound quality is much improved over the macbook's internal mic.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3J1X8KTIB7LVG If you are looking for an inexpensive but high quality, small & portable, USB microphone, the Blue Snowflake is a great choice. Blue Microphones Snowflake USB Microphone

1 comments about 50 FT 3-RCA Stereo Audio Video A/V AV Cable Patch 50ft.

1. Heavy duty and long enough that i will never need another cable again!
   Must have

5 comments about Yamaha FC4 Piano Style Foot Pedal.

1. The sustain pedal that comes standard with the Yamaha electric pianos are definately lacking. There're small, light and don't feel quite right. The FC-4 has a good all around feel, more like a true piano pedal. It's also heavier and won't move around the floor while playing. Well worth the money.



2. Pedal works great with my ypt310 keyboard. Bought it to get back into piano playing. greatly recommend it



3. Obviously the item shipped to me was wired incorrectly and they don't make them ALL like this- or else the other reviews would be bad. The pedal shipped to me has crossed wires. With no pedal pressed, the sustain is ON, with the pedal pressed, the sustain is OFF. Totally backwards. I am mostly annoyed because i got the super(slow)saver shipping and waited two weeks to get a crappy pedal that i have to ship back- and then wait another few weeks. Yay.



4. I bought this pedal for a used Yamaha PSR-500 keyboard that I got at an auction. The pedal works fine with the keyboard, providing the ability to sustain the notes just like a regular piano pedal. I've had no problems with it at all.



5. I was happy with this pedal until it just stopped working one day, almost five months exactly from day I ordered it. It completely stopped sustaining notes, pressing on it had no effect. I checked over and over again to make sure it was plugged in and everything. I practice 30-45 minutes a day, I didn't use it every single day but pretty often. I'm disappointed, I thought it would last longer. Instead of ordering another one, I went with the M-Audio SP-2 which so far is working just fine. Hopefully I won't be on here again saying the same thing about that one.

3 comments about Flashcards: General Music by Jane Bastien.

1. This is the best study product I have found for reading notes quickly and accurately. Even a group of college students can have a good time drilling with these cards. We race to see who can get through all of them correctly first. This is one of the best products I have ever found for drilling these skills. And it's a lot neater then when we tried to make our own.



2. I use these flash cards with my piano students every lesson...they are SO clear, and easy to read, and include all the things they learn from beginners through advanced. I HIGHLY reccomend them! I love that on the back of the cards, it has the name of the note, music sign, interval, or dynamic as well as a definition. There is also a keyboard printed on the back of the cards to show WHERE that exact note is. I LOVE THESE!! Great for students and teachers!



3. Well designed & a pleasure to work with. Targeted toward piano, but applicable to guitar. Can't always take a guitar with me, but can always be studying to improve my skills.

2 comments about S-Video Cable 12 ft. Gold Plated.

1. I can see the picture, slightly better than using the composite connection.



2. I have several S-video cables around the house and this one works just as well as my expensive S-video cables that I got from Best Buy.
   
   I use this cable to connect my laptop to the television. Works great! I would recommend this cable and the seller to anyone!

5 comments about Hohner 560/20 Special 20 Marine Band Harmonica, Key of C.

1. This is a nice harmonica in a convenient hard case. It's a good size (like the old Marine Band), it plays easily, and has a good tone. Only problem is a couple of notes keep sticking and won't play. I wedged them open but they stuck again. Oh well, it's still nice.



2. I love this harp. I started out using a "Hohner Big River Harp". That was very nice and I used it to teach me the harp. Then I got a "Lee Lee Oskar Major Diatonic Harp" witch was very nice but I didn't like the feel of it as much as the Hohners. I think they both sound the same and play the same so I went with the feel. I then moved to the "Hohner Piedmont Blues Harp Pack with Case". Love the case ! The Piedmont harps are nice but not as well made as the special 20's so as I get more of the Special 20's I am replacing the blues harps and using the blues harps as backups. As you can see I moved up to the Special 20's after the Piedmont Blues harps and I love them ! It seems like I don't have to blow or draw as hard as I do with the Big River harp or the Blues harp. Also, the metal on the Special 20 feels much better on my lips and makes it so I can play much longer than I could with the Blues harp. It is all the little things that makes the Special 20 fun to use and is what is going to keep me coming back and purchasing more Hohner stuff. I hope this review helps someone out in there purchase.



3. Bought the Hohner Diatonic in C for my wife after she got laid-up with a broken ankle. She loves it. I also bought a Lee Oskar Diatonic in C for myself. They both are quality harmonicas and sound great. Bought them from 'The Instrument Store'. No problems except, my wife now also uses the harmonica to call me when I'm out of vocal range...



4. ...and wonderful sound! It's my first, so I have no point of reference, but it sounded really smooth and great the first time I played it. Now I just have to learn how to really play it.



5. IF you like great feel,CONSISTENT tone, loud tone.This is the one. The LEE OSKARS have a bad TRIANGLE style of cover-plate...POOR DESIGN. If they where made with Honers COVERPLATE DESGIN style, they would be awsome. The LEE OSKARS, have a better GRITTER,GRINDING TONE....but lack in durability with the BLOW reeds 4-6 holes and alway's have trouble, going out. There high notes 7-10, just sound off key compared to SPEACIL 20's. BUT the draw notes 1-5 last much longer then speacil 20's. Which is good for the BLUES, since the low notes are what all the pros play alot. The only exception is that #2 hole, never works properlly compared to the SPEACIL 20. They need to get ride of the rein-forced reeds in # 2. Both of these brands will brake. You can always count on the blow notes on the LEE OSKAERS, going. And the Draw notes on the speacil 20s. TRUST ME , I played both for 3 years. IF EITHER ONE, last more then 3 months.....your not playin them 1 hour, everyday.

5 comments about Glaesel Violin Ultra Practice Mute.

1. This mute is great! It mutes a lot too! You can actually control how much the mute actually mutes your violin by raising it a little bit above the bridge. I usually put it a little over half way on when I am in a concert and it is Con Sordini because I prefer the tonal qualities of this rather than my "two holed mute". A lot better sound than those metal ones, put less stress on your bridge and are a lot cheaper too!



2. This mute works great! It cuts the loudness down by well over half. My husband said he could barely hear me in the next room. Perfect for practicing, late night playing, or people that live with room mates or in apartments. Easy to put on and take off. The rubber won't hurt your violin, bridge or strings. I love it!



3. Its ok, it does reduce your out put sound. Personally, I would not use it on a normal basis because it also greatly affects the sound quality that you would normally not get. You can notice right away if you have played the violin for severaly years or even if you are a novice. Overall it is ok, but I don't use it unless its really late at night, I'm lucky to live in an apartment with people that don't care, like music, and are travelers.



4. I bought the mute for my son and he was smiling when he saw it.
   I like to encourage him, age 16, in his music and when I see that little smile I know he is pleased. "It's good for me to have this," he said.
   The price was right and he has another mute, but, prefers this one.
   Thank you for reading.



5. I got this because I live in an apartment complex and I just started playing violin about a year ago. It does its job well and mutes the violin significantly. If you buy this before you put it on your violin I would recommend you spreading the prongs open a little bit so it is easier to go on.