The new Alesis SR18 drum machine follows in the tradition of its ancestor the SR16. The SR-18 is loaded with cutting-edge drum kits, electronic drums, hits, and up-to-date percussion sounds for any modern drummer. From hip-hop, to country and everything in-between, the Alesis SR18 has you covered.

The integrated effects engine includes Reverb, EQ and Compression for customizing the sounds to your liking. Since the SR18 can be powered by AC or batteries, it ensures that whenever you need to lay down a groove, you’re fully-equipped.  The Alesis SR18 drum machine will be available in the second quarter of 2008.

Alesis has introduced the Performance Pad tabletop and kit mountable drum pads with a built-in drum machine. Performance Pad features 233 drum sounds from the Alesis SR-16 percussion module, 50 Presets and 50 User definable drum kits. A large LCD display is included with an easy-to-navigate interface that Alesis believe will reduce configuration time and increase playing time.

The Alesis Performance Pad is a really great practice and performance instrument. For the first time, percussionists can have great drum sounds, incredibly responsive pad performance and a compact footprint size at a breakthrough price.

Alesis includes inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPod, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to complement playing.

Performance Pad comes with 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads that utilize Alesis’ Dynamic Articulation technology to add nuance to the feel of every drum hit. In addition, there are industry-standard mounting holes on the bottom for easy attachment to an existing drum kit rack.

The 24-bit, high-quality headphone output on the Performance Pad insures a no-compromise playback experience without disturbing others while connection to keyboards and sound modules is made simple thanks to the integrated MIDI output.

The Alesis Performance Pad will be available in late 2007.

Yamaha continues to blur the lines between technology, creativity and musical fun with the debut of the DD65 Digital Drum, the latest addition to the line of Yamaha DD Series digital electronic drum machines.

The Yamaha DD65 has a number of built-in features that will appeal to the beginner, the casual musician or even the serious player, regardless of age. Highlights include a new streamlined design and eight touch-sensitive drum pads that can be played with drumsticks or the hands, providing endless options for expressive performance.

The ultra-realistic sonic palette includes 50 pre-programmed drum kits, 100 pre-set songs, Master EQ, reverb and 230 voices – including a number of orchestral and “world” percussion sounds – that can be assigned to any pad. A “hand percussion mode” brings both the sounds and the feel of international percussion to your fingertips (literally), and adds even more realism when playing with the hands. Users can record up to five original songs (up to 10,000 notes) and view song information on the LED display.

The DD65 electronic drums can be enjoyed through the onboard, bass-ported stereo speakers, or through the privacy of headphones. The package also includes drum sticks and a pair of foot pedals that can be assigned to kick drum, high hat, or any other voice. AUX IN, personal USB MIDI and General MIDI I/O connections allow the DD65 to interface with computers or other MIDI-compatible instruments, and allow the user to download up to 373k bytes of song data from the Internet.

Despite its compact, lightweight size and super simple user interface, the DD65 is not a toy – it’s a serious musical instrument, and a springboard to musical creativity. The Yamaha DD65 operates on six size C batteries, or AC adaptor.

For additional information on Yamaha products, visit the musical instrument music store at www.AndysMusicOnline.com.

The new Roland HD 1 V-Drum Lite digital drum kit is forged from the same technology as its predecessors, but it’s much simpler to use. The HD1 is also incredibly quiet, thanks to the newly designed kick beater, cushioned tom pads, and snare head. The Roland HD-1 is also conveniently compact and stylish — perfect for every home, school, or studio, and it’s priced for the masses. Most of the HD-1’s components are mounted on one stand for easy setup and transport, and for a clean look. Just take it out of the box and play.

The HD-1 is equipped with an external input for connecting CD-players, iPods, and other audio devices. Jam along with your favorite songs, and control the blend of music and your live drumming through headphones or an amplifier. The Roland HD 1 will be available in late July 2007.

As the year comes to a close, all of us here at Andy’s Music want to thank our customers for their continued support, and to wish you and your family a very holy, happy, and prosperous new year.

With the beginning of a new year, musical instrument manufacturers announce new products that will be introduced at this years NAMM (National Assoc. Of Music Merchants) Show in Anaheim, California. Here are a few new products from Yamaha.

The new Yamaha Motif XS synthesizer series includes the Motif XS8, XS7, and XS6 synthesizers. The Motif XS series features Xpanded Articulation sounds, Performance Recording with 4 intelligent arpeggiators, and a new large color LCD. They will be available in April 2007.

Yamaha also announced a new addition to the Motif series, the MM6 “Mini Mo”. It features sounds from the Motif, but it also has the quick edit knobs and arpeggios to control them. The MM6 lets you jam over the top of the street-smart grooves with layered or split sounds in Performance mode. It also has an onboard sequencer, USB connectivity, and comes bundled with Cubase software. Plug in, turn on, and jam all night! Available soon.

Continuing with keyboard announcements, there is a new arranger workstation keyboard called PSR-S500. The Yamaha PSRS500 has category buttons for Voices and Styles, USB storage and gives you more control over the Styles, including four sections with fills, and three intros/endings. Available January 2007.

The Yamaha Pro Audio Division announced a new portable PA system, the STAGEPAS 500. The Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 portable pa systems offers performance well beyond its size and complexity. The powered mixer can accept up to ten inputs including microphones, keyboards, CD players, and even PC audio can easily be accommodated. Other features include phantom power for condenser microphones, switchable compressor/limiters, and two 250-watt digital power amplifiers. Available soon.

Yamaha also announced three new electronic drums, the DTXPRESSIV Special, DTXPRESSIV, and the new DD65. The Yamaha DTXPRESSIV Special digital drum set features an all-new voice bank with samples of Yamaha’s most popular drums including the Oak Custom and Maple Custom. It is equally at home in the studio or on the stage, and features 50 preset and 20 user kits, 427 drum and 22 keyboard voices, 3-zone snare pad with controller knob, and programmable click with Groove Check and Rhythm Gate. Available January 2007.

The Yamaha DTXPRESSIV Standard digital drum set is essentially the same as the Special, but has a different snare pad, hi hat pedal, and one less cymbal pad. The Yamaha DD65 digital drum is and updated version of the DD55, and features touch sensitive pads, an AUX IN for playing along with an MP3 player, built-in ported speakers, and a USB computer connection. Available July 2007.

A trio of very affordable electronic keyboards was also introduced: PSRE213, PSRE313, and EZ200. All feature 61-keys, while only the Yamaha PSR-E313 and EZ200 have touch sensitive keys. The EZ200 is a lighted key keyboard, similar to the EZ150 and EZ250i.