Buzz Harmony Let Us Build Buzz about You Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:56:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Buzz Harmony 32 32 How To Read Guitar Chords And Become A Better Player Right Now Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:56:13 +0000 Learning how to read guitar chords and implement them is an essential part of any guitarist's journey. They are arguably even more important than scales.

The post How To Read Guitar Chords And Become A Better Player Right Now appeared first on Buzz Harmony.




What Are Chords?





Guitar chords



Basic chord theory






More chord types

Other common chord types include seventh chords and suspended chords.





How to Read Guitar Chords

headphone on top a paper with guitar chords

​Image Source: Unsplash




How to read guitar chords: Chord names








How to read guitar chords: Frets, strings, and fingers















Using Chords

woman playing guitar

​Image Source: Pixabay

Congratulations, you now know how to read guitar chords!


Learning new songs




















Taking It Further

musician playing instruments

​Image Source: Pixabay


Always remember, practice makes perfect!


​Featured Image Source: Pixabay


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Yamaha P115 Review: 88 Keys Of Portable Perfection Thu, 31 Oct 2019 04:00:00 +0000 The piano was once considered the king of instruments. Its commanding voice, stately presence, and high versatility made it the favored instrument for composition. Many innovations in technology separate us from the time of Mozart, and the piano has grown with them. Computer circuitry has fused with the king of instruments to give us many […]

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The piano was once considered the king of instruments. Its commanding voice, stately presence, and high versatility made it the favored instrument for composition. Many innovations in technology separate us from the time of Mozart, and the piano has grown with them. Computer circuitry has fused with the king of instruments to give us many modern marvels of music making. Today, we will examine a shining example of that fusion in our Yamaha P115 review.

There have been a lot of positive reviews surrounding the Yamaha P115, but we wanted to know if all the hype is well-deserved. We set out to answer that question in this Yamaha P115 review. We narrowed the Yamaha P115's competition down to three worthy competitors and then compared the four models.

Each entry was scored based on its price, key features, performance, design quality, and warranty. We even summarized these points in an at-a-glance pros and cons lists. We will soon dive into our scores, but first, let us analyze the standard against which the digital pianos must measure.


With 88 gloriously designed keys, the Yamaha P115 brings top-of-the-line quality at a middle-of-the-road price. This digital piano uses the Pure CF Sound Engine to deliver an incredibly clear piano sound. It even includes the sound of Yamaha's CFIIIS 9' grand piano, meaning you can sound like a virtuoso without having to make space for a concert piano.

The built-in voices and rhythms allow for endless variation and exploration. The keyboard can even be controlled by an app, making pre-sets and other quick changes available through your iPad or iPhone.

In our Yamaha P115 review process, we found that this model appeals to beginners just as much as it does experts. The duo mode, which splits the keys into two equal parts with two middle C's, is great for people learning to play. It can also make for excellent duets on the 88 keys.

Besides the features and high-quality sound, the keys themselves produced just the right amount of weighted action. One could easily transition from traditional keys to this digital keyboard or vice versa.


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The Yamaha P115 utilizes Yamaha's GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action to produce a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end. This means that your digital keyboard reacts like the hammers inside an analog acoustic piano. Even the matte black finish on the black keys feels like a traditional piano. This has the added benefit of making them less slippery even after extended play.

Yamaha recently tweaked their tweeter design so that the high end better aligns with the ears of the user. Compared to earlier models, you can hear how the instrument sparkles in the high range.

We've mentioned the app in our summary, but the "Digital Piano Controller" really expands and enhances the functionality of your digital piano. From basic rock to shuffle and swing beats, the built-in rhythms allow you to simulate a whole band at your disposal. You don't have to share groupies with a virtual drummer.

The port game is on point with the Yamaha P115. This keyboard comes with the essential AUX jacks and a USB host port which means the keyboard can be directly hooked up to your PC or iPad.

The Yamaha P115 weighs about twenty-six pounds and measures 58.2 by 16.1 by 11.8 inches.


This full 88-key digital piano can be purchased for around $400. Competitors generally fall within this same price range, although some ask around a hundred more or less. This amount can make a big difference when deciding which is the right piano for you in this Yamaha P115 review.


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  • Korg B1SP 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano
  • Roland Compact 88-Key Digital Piano
  • Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Home Piano


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Duo piano mode, several voice types, all the right plug-ins, and an app to boot: the Yamaha P115 gets a 5-star score for features.


The keys have just the right weight to give your performances that swing.

Design Quality:

We were blown away by the look and feel of this digital piano.


Good luck finding a better warranty on a digital piano than the three-year parts and labor limited warranty the Yamaha P115 comes with.


  • Duet mode
  • Many voices
  • High quality piano sound
  • Weighted keys feel great
  • High-quality design
  • Great three-year warranty


  • Can be difficult to play 16th notes above 160 bpm
  • Buttons to change parameters can require two touches

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Though many of the classic Korg digital pianos come in a garish red, the Korg B1SP 88 Weighted Key Digital Piano looks striking in black. A fitting competitor, our Yamaha p115 review would not be complete without mention of this Korg.

Few digital pianos nail the weighting of their keys, but Korg has with their B1SP. The built-in stereo sounds great and the 8 naturally recorded voices do a great job competing with an acoustic piano. Unfortunately, it does not provide as many features as the Yamaha P115, and it asks up to two hundred dollars more.


The features offered by the Korg are great; there just aren't many of them.


If emulating a traditional piano with a few extra features is your game, then the Korg will perform excellently.

Design Quality:

This is really a handsome digital piano.


Korg is vague about their warranty, which is a bit concerning.


  • Expert key weighting
  • Great sound through 8 realistic voices
  • Performs excellently


  • Fewer features than the average entry in this Yamaha P115 review
  • Pricier than other options on this list

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The Roland Compact 88-key Digital Piano almost sounds like a contradiction of terms. Having 88 keys and being “compact” might seem impossible. After trying this piano out, we know that it is.

This piano is so pretty in both its black and white varieties, that you might wish it took up more room. Its proprietary voice technology allows it to capture an unprecedented range of a concert piano's sound.

The built-in speaker of the Roland Compact 88-key Digital Piano is unparalleled for 88-key digital pianos. Not only can this model imitate an acoustic piano, but it comes packed with 305 additional voices. That means it can produce the sound of electric pianos, strings, guitars, organs brass, synthesizers, drums, bells, and even more.

So what's the catch? The Roland Compact 88-key Digital Piano costs up to three times more than the Yamaha P115.


The Roland Compact 88-key Digital Piano comes stuffed to the brim with features. The only thing it doesn't have is a dedicated app.


This piano sounds as good as it looks, and you will look and sound great playing it.

Design Quality:

We have to hand it to Roland for meeting the height of design quality with this piano.


Roland provides 5-year parts and 1-year labor warranty on this digital piano.


  • 88 keys and still compact
  • Beautiful design in both black and white
  • Many voices make for highly variable play
  • Excellent base recordings
  • Natural feel to keys


  • Very expensive versus other entries in this Yamaha P115 review
  • Warranty covers only one year in terms of labor

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Whereas our last entry attempted to slim down the 88-key design, the Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Home Piano did not. This piece of digital piano technology has an impressive stance, and an impressive sound to match. The whole thing fits into most home spaces, but it also weighs nearly 100 pounds.

The name of the game with the Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Home Piano is the subtlety of sound. The sound quality ought to please the harshest critics and audiophiles. The problem is, to get these features, you will have to pay about twice what Yamaha asks for their excellent sounding P115.


Casio does not fall short on its overall features, but you'll pay for them.


The Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Home Piano can transform your home into a concert hall.

Design Quality:

This is an impressive piano with a great ebony and ivory feel.


Casio only provides a 1-year warranty on this product.


  • The keys feel great in touch and weighted action
  • Nuanced sound quality is excellent
  • Impressive visual stance


  • 1-year warranty
  • Expensive
  • Heavy

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a person playing a piano

Image Source:

Overall, we gave the Yamaha P115 a 5-star rating. Other digital pianos in the same price range could not compare to the Yamaha P115 in terms of features. Digital pianos that offered comparable features cost at least twice as much as the Yamaha P115. The Yamaha P115 is a great value and a solid choice in digital pianos.


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Sennheiser HD1 Review: Quality That Sounds Like Music To Your Ears Fri, 18 Oct 2019 05:07:53 +0000 Imagine being able to listen to your music on your way to work without hearing the outside world. Most importantly, wouldn't it be lovely to be immersed in your private bubble of high fidelity? Since you're seeking out a Sennheiser HD1 Review, chances are that's exactly what you're looking for. Quick Navigation ​Sennheiser HD1 Review: […]

The post Sennheiser HD1 Review: Quality That Sounds Like Music To Your Ears appeared first on Buzz Harmony.



man with headphones

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The truth is: Noise-canceling wireless headphones will enable you to enjoy your music the way you are meant to experience it -- in peace. Because that's the way you're meant to enjoy headphones.

It sounds too good to be true. But it is possible. The Sennheiser HD1 headphones will allow you to enter your very own little world without the distractions offered by our increasingly noisy surroundings.

But what makes the Sennheiser special?

Sennheiser HD1 Review: An Introduction

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These mid-priced headphones are wireless and will easily connect to your Bluetooth devices, allowing you to stream music seamlessly.

More importantly, clever noise-canceling technology eliminates all those annoying background sounds which so rudely interfere with your music.

The HD1 works by using active noise-canceling technology to reduce background sounds.

Further technological miracles ensure that every sound streamed from your device through the headphones is crisp and detailed, while the large diaphragms are used to produce rich sound and powerful bass.

Besides that, they look good too.

Beautiful ​Craftsmanship

man with headphones

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The Devil is in the detail, and detail is key. It is here where the Sennheiser HD1 headphones triumph over other models, such as the Bowers & Wilkins P5 and the Cowin SE7, which look clunky by comparison.

The Sennheiser HD1 headphones have been crafted with skill with an eye for the aesthetic as well as an ear for superb sound because care and passion go into the making of each set.

The sliders are made from stainless steel and therefore give a rather satisfying, almost space-age look to the design. The closed cups are cushioned with beautiful leather to lend a luxurious feel.

Besides that, thoughtful detailing in the designer stitching of the leather complements the overall look of the set. It's almost like looking at the interior of a Porsche.

The crafters of the Sennheiser HD1 headphones had comfort in mind while designing this headset.

The ear cups are attached to ball joints, which connect to collapsible sliders made from brushed stainless steel. Therefore the headset is adjustable and durable.

In addition to offering superb wireless connectivity, the Sennheiser HD1 headphones come with an optional jack plug cable. The design of the jack allows for a low profile. So, they are perfect for use with your mobile devices.

And ​Here ​Comes ​Some ​Techno ​Stuff

phone and headphone

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  • Wireless, over-ear design with Bluetooth 4.0 technology and immediate pairing to smart devices
  • NoiseGard hybrid active noise cancellation for isolation and high audio performance22-hour battery life
  • Two built-in microphones working together to improve voice quality and remove external noise from phone calls
  • Attachable audio cable, in case Bluetooth connectivity is not permitted

The ​Proof ​Is ​In ​The ​Reading

people with shaped papers

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Customers overall seem to love the headphones. Users on Amazon mentioned in their Sennheiser HD1 review that they love the vintage look of the Senns.

They also liked the build quality and said the sound quality was great as well. They weren't too fond of the noise cancellation feature, though.

Although it wasn't the worst at keeping out sound, these headphones weren't the best either in this regard. And some customers went on to say that they just stopped working altogether.

How ​We reviewed

I have not had the pleasure of using the headphones myself, therefore I used the internet to look for information to help me create this Sennheiser HD1 review.

Amazon is an invaluable resource for reviews on products. I read through a great many reviews to find those which best expressed the pros and cons of the headphones.

The Sennheiser website itself also gives a fantastic overview of the headphones with detailed specifications which were vital in compiling this Sennheiser HD1 review.

Another fantastic site I found was The Master Switch, which offered a balanced, in-depth look at the Sennheiser HD1 headphones.

Both Amazon and The Master Switch offered excellent information with regards to what is good, and what is not so good about this set. Therefore, I have tried to build a balanced view of the headphones during the course of this Sennheiser HD1 review.

How Does It Stack Up

So, in the spirit of being fair, no Sennheiser HD1 review would be complete without comparing them to their competition.

Compared to other brands, such as Bose QuietComfort35 11 and the Sony WH-1000XM3, the Sennheiser HD1 offers exceptional value in the mid-range price point. But there are a few points to consider.

It's important to note in this Sennheiser HD1 review that all these headphones employ a nifty gadget called APTX.

That's a clever piece of wizardry because it compensates for any drop out of quality that may occur while streaming to deliver CD-quality audio at all times.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II Wireless Headphones

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Bose, the leader in quality headphones, makes this high-quality set that allows you to adjust the amount of noise cancellation you require. Bluetooth prompts for hassle-free wireless connections.

They're also Alexa-enabled and comfortable to wear. Here are some more great features:

  • Offers almost 20 hours of battery life as opposed to the 19 hours from Sennheiser
  • Volume optimized EQ makes your music always sound its best
  • Includes a noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear phone calls

In all, customers love the quality and the sound of these headphones. When you take a look at the reviews on Amazon, customers love the sound quality and the noise cancelation feature.

Some customers, however, didn't care for the quality and had problems with the Bluetooth soon after purchase.

The Bose headphones earned 4.4 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Canceling Headphones

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Another leader in the audio world is Sony. Their WH-1000XM3 wireless headphones feature SENSE ENGINE which gives you smart listening.

Not only that, but they're comfortable too. They have deep, soft earpads which sit nicely over your ears and keep the world out. Plus, the headset is foldable for easy storage and transport. Here are a few more amazing features:

  • Offers almost 29 hours of battery life
  • Built-in Alexa
  • Quick attention mode lets you have conversations without removing your headphones
  • Great sound quality from Liquid Crystal Polymer drivers

The overall impression by Amazon customers is that they offer superb sound and comfort and are easy to use.

But again, a few customers did bring into doubt the firmware which seemed to hamper the sound cancellation properties of the headphones.

Regardless, Amazon customers graced this headphone set with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

Beoplay H8 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

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This headset boasts memory foam ear pads for the ultimate in comfort, and it's clear the design with aluminum and leather is of the utmost importance.

Designed by Jakob Wagner, these chic headphones possess an honest, authentic charm that you can feel in their clean lines and premium materials.

And they're not just pretty to look at, they have great features too. Here are some of the features:

  • Active Noise Canceling (which can be turned off)
  • Offers 14 hours of battery life
  • Lightweight, so they're comfortable to wear

Amazon customers are clearly impressed with the build and look of the headphones, and, in most cases, the sound. But there are quite a few complaints about the reliability of the Bluetooth connectivity.

Even so, overall, Amazon customers liked the Beoplay headphones, giving them a respectable 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.

The Good, ​The Bad, ​And ​The Not ​So Ugly

Any Sennheiser HD1 review worth its salt should give a balanced opinion, right? So let's start with the good because there is plenty of it.

And here is the not so good.

  • The noise-canceling feature cannot be switched off
  • Wire detail at the sides detracts from the beauty of the set
  • The headband could have been better padded because it was a little uncomfortable
  • The headset is outdated in comparison to newer models

Excellence ​At An Excellent Price

In the course of this Sennheiser HD1 review, I have found a lot of technical information about the headphones, but at the end of the day, are they any good?

The Sennheiser HD1 headphones look good with a build that speaks of quality. When you read the many reviews about this set, there is always one consistent thread that units them. They work -- and they work well.

Sound quality, ease of use, and superb connectivity make these an excellent investment for the price-point.

Some reviews point out that the noise-cancellation doesn't turn off, you have to wonder if you would want to do that in the first place.

And at what cost?

I can only say that if I was in the market for such a pair of headphones, then I would certainly have the Sennheiser HD1 noise-canceling wireless headphones at the top of my list.

The price is good, and besides which, the positive feedback about the product is superb. And because there are so many overwhelmingly good reviews, I would certainly consider them.

Do you have any experience with these headphones? If so, why not add your reviews and comments to this Sennheiser HD1 review? We would love to hear from you.


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What Is a Synthesizer? Studying the Device That Makes All of the Best Sounds Possible Mon, 30 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000 What is a synthesizer? How does it work? What can it do? These are good questions for the person wanting to learn more about synthesizers or maybe even buy one for themselves. Synthesizers have a lot to offer musicians and want-to-be musicians because they come in many sizes and price ranges. When you buy a synthesizer […]

The post What Is a Synthesizer? Studying the Device That Makes All of the Best Sounds Possible appeared first on Buzz Harmony.



Synthesizers have a lot to offer musicians and want-to-be musicians because they come in many sizes and price ranges. When you buy a synthesizer you are, in a sense, buying every instrument in the band. From its keyboard and other accessories, a synthesizer can produce the sound of almost any instrument in the band.

What Is a Synthesizer?

vintage synthesizer

Image via Pixabay

You ask, “What is a synthesizer?” Well, in its most basic form a synthesizer is an electronic instrument centered on a keyboard that produces a wide variety of sounds. Need a violin? A trombone? An electric guitar? Synthesizers have them all.

To synthesize something means to put existing elements together to create something new. In that sense, the synthesizer is aptly named, because it combines signals from frequencies to create new sounds, from instruments to footsteps, to howling wind.

How Does a Synthesizer Work?

To answer the question, what is a synthesizer, we need to be able to answer the question, what is sound? Synthesizers create and mimic sounds. What does that mean?

modern what is a synthesizer

Image via Pixabay

Understanding Sound

Sound is a combination of energy waves that travel from something moving or vibrating. Sound waves travel on a plucked guitar string or a vibrating drum head. An energy wave naturally expands and contracts (rarefactions and compressions) the surrounding air, so air is necessary for sound.

What do these energy waves sound like? Well, it all depends on how fast the wave vibrates (frequency) and how much energy the wave carries (amplitude).

Musical Features

If a trombone and a saxophone play the same note (with the same frequency and amplitude), why do they sound different? The answer is because the sound waves are not the same. Many of their features, such as shape, harmonics, and wave envelope, are still very different.

The shape of sound waves vary dramatically from zigzags to triangles to squares. On a tuning fork, the sound wave will curve. The same note on any other instrument will take a shape similar to that instrument.

Now, wrap your mind around not one single sound wave but a combination of many soundwaves at once to produce one musical note. This is the idea of harmonics. Harmonics are measured in frequencies (Hz), and each instrument has unique harmonics.

Each instrument and its unique harmonics varies in volume over time. A musician can change the volume of his playing gradually or abruptly. This changing volume pattern is an instrument's wave envelope, and no two are the same.

So what is a synthesizer, and how do these musical features affect our question? A synthesizer electronically controls sound waves, including shapes, harmonics, and envelopes, to create or mimic sounds.

How Does It Do That?

What is a synthesizer oscillator? Essentially a sound tone generator, it can produce waves of different shapes and combine them to make new sounds. It can also vary shapes, harmonics, and envelopes to mimic the sounds needed by a musician.

It is easy to think of a synthesizer as combining various sound waves to create something new, and this is often true, but synthesizers also use subtractive synthesis.

In other words, often a synthesizer will start with a large collection of sound waves and eliminate all those unnecessary to produce the required sound. Synthesizers can start from scratch and build sounds, or they can start with a very large collection and eliminate sounds.

Types of Synthesizers

To thoroughly answer the question, “What is a synthesizer,” one must address the type of synthesizer you are talking about.

Modular Synthesizers

Earlier synthesizers were made to generate and combine real sound waves. These are known as modular synthesizers and are sometimes referred to as analogs.

Modular synthesizers used a combination of modules that created certain sound waves that were then connected together. These modules led to the name, modular synthesizer.

Digital Synthesizers

Rather than working directly with actual sound saves, digital synthesizers utilize computer chips. The chips can generate and combine sounds. An advantage of digital synthesizers is their ability to work cohesively with a musician's computer through a digital interface.

Other digital synthesizers, through the use of samplers, can input real sounds such as a thunderstorm that is recorded and downloaded, and manipulate it into other music.

How Do You Use a Synthesizer?

If you can answer the questions, what is a synthesizer, you may be itching to ask, “How can I use a synthesizer?” That is a fair question. The first thing you will need is access to a synthesizer.

The variety of synthesizers and their features can be overwhelming. It is wise to find one synthesizer and stick with it until you are a competent synthesizer musician. If you already have a synthesizer, great! If you have access to one, be sure you will be allowed to use it consistently without switching all the time.

If you are determined to invest in a synthesizer, be sure to pick the right one for your needs.

a man toy over the synthesizer

Image via Pixabay

Choosing a Synthesizer

You should strongly consider purchasing a subtractive synthesizer. You already know a subtractive synthesizer begins with a large collection of sound waves and eliminate those unnecessary to produce the sound you want.

We live in a digital age, and the subtractive synthesizers have endless possibilities with digital technology. Your options will grow as long as your aptitude for the synthesizer grows.

However, it will serve no great purpose to make your first synthesizer a high-end selection of every bell and whistle other than to make you spend more money than you need to and leave you hopelessly overwhelmed.

Sequencer Selection

Sequencers are sometimes built into a synthesizer. They allow it to arrange notes for playback. This can be very useful for your first synthesizer because you don't have to fuss with an external sequencer.

As you move on in your synthesizer journey, especially for digital synthesizers, MIDI sequencers can pull together various sound sequences (even from different synthesizers) and play them back as an ensemble in a single sound module.


You will need to determine if effects are important to you and how many you want built into your first synthesizer. Effects can include reverberation, distortion, and other things to alter the sound in your module.

At a later time, you will always have the option to add an effects pedal to your synthesizer setup. They are surprisingly cheap and come with a lot of sound options.


A multi-timbral synthesizer can play different sounds on digital channels and synthesize them to create a combined sound in one channel. This would be useful with a standalone sequencer (as opposed to a built-in option) that can handle multiple channels.

Finding Familiarity

Once you have access to a synthesizer, you need to familiarize yourself with the device and the sounds it produces. Find your favorite sounds as well as those you think you will need.

Are you a percussionist at heart? Then find the best snare, toms, bass drum, and ride and crash symbols available to store them away.

Are you a brass enthusiast? Identify your trumpets, trombones, and tuba.

Need a whole jazz band? Load up your best brass, woodwinds, and rhythm section. The main thing is to know where they are and how to access them.

Preset Tracks

Speaking of the rhythm section, there is a good chance your synthesizer already has complete tracks pre-programmed and ready for memory status. You can have an entire rhythm section playing a swing tune and all you have to do is start adding some melody overtop.

Be careful. This is a great synthesizer feature, but it can also be a crutch. At some point you have to be able to create tracks from scratch, so be determined to graduate beyond preset tracks.

Other Considerations

Much like buying a car, your practical side tells you to look at fuel efficiency, safety rating, and warranty. Yet somewhere deep inside you want a particular color, body style, and eye-catching wheels.

Similarly, you can begin your synthesizer search with concerns for sound quality and durability, but you also may have ideas about your preferred aesthetics and features you may or may not need.

Sound Quality

Simply stated, some synthesizers sound better than others. If you are buying a new synthesizer, overall sound quality in the 2019 market is solid. The question becomes how good you want your sound to be.


Regardless of where your synthesizer came from, at some point a person made an investment. You should be thinking about protecting your investment by making sure you purchase a durable synthesizer.

Their very nature lends itself toward mobility, and that presents pros and cons. A cheaper synthesizer may wear out on its own, but one expensive model may be more susceptible to drops than another.

Be sure to consider the quality of a synthesizer to avoid breakdowns and accidents.


Every synthesizer has its own style, and like a sporty car, that can be an important factor in selecting a synthesizer. Particularly for the person who is investing his own money in a synthesizer, be sure you like what you are getting. Aesthetics matter.

What color do you prefer? What body design do you find attractive? What are you most comfortable playing?

Do you prefer the feel of a broad, narrow synthesizer? Or a traditional piano/keyboard feel? It's your investment and it will be your synthesizer.


What sort of sounds does your synthesizer produce? Do you have what you need for the disco sounds you grew up on? Or are you an urban musician? Or country? Your ultimate goals related to your synthesizer require the necessary features when you make your purchase.

What about extra features? Do you love touchscreens? Or would the thought of it drive you crazy?

And what about arpeggio? How many musicians even know what it means?


Over a half century ago, an electrician wanted to create sound from scratch. He thought it could be done through electric signals. He went on to create a device that disaggregated the properties of sound and electronically manipulate them.

Furthermore, he knew that sounds were the result of vibrations that affected the surrounding air. So the same sound waves caused by a vibrating drum head could be electrically generated. The repeated oscillations create waves that have distinct shapes and other features.

The very early synthesizers emulated traditional sounds, but in hindsight, they were not very realistic. Also, the waveforms of real musical instruments were much too complicated to be duplicated by early electrical machines. But it was a start.

The original synthesizers were modular because every sound was a distinct module that would have to patched together with other modules. It was cumbersome work.

But like everything with technology, it grew better and smaller. By the 1970s all-in-one synthesizers had no obnoxious patch cords. Instead, they were replaced by internal wiring.

The Digital Age

A key point in the evolution of synthesizers came in the late 70s when synthesizers went digital. You could now program synthesizers by stacking sounds in any combination imaginable to create a wider variety of sounds.

Sounds also became more realistic in digital synthesizers, and a person with no musical skill at all could hit three buttons and have a professional sounding trio. They became increasingly popular in the 80s and strongly influenced a generation of popular music.

Everything Old Is New Again

Fifteen years later, analog synthesizers made a comeback and still stands on an even foot with digital synthesizers today. They are not as precise and consistent as digitals, but much like folks who want to hear their jazz music on a vinyl album, there is an endearing quality to analog synthesizers.

What is a synthesizer? Hopefully you can answer that question on several levels. What it means for you as you begin your synthesizer journey depends on your personal preferences and goals. We hope you now have enough information to effectively begin your journey.

Featured Image via Pixabay


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How to Make a Music Video: 11 Vital Steps to a Visually Appealing Song Accompaniment Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000 Making a successful music video that is true to your vision, visually appealing, and accessible to your audience is one of the most important skills you need as an artist.A well-executed music video brings your song to life and provides a visual narrative for your audience. For that reason, learning how to make a music […]

The post How to Make a Music Video: 11 Vital Steps to a Visually Appealing Song Accompaniment appeared first on Buzz Harmony.


Making a successful music video that is true to your vision, visually appealing, and accessible to your audience is one of the most important skills you need as an artist.A well-executed music video brings your song to life and provides a visual narrative for your audience. For that reason, learning how to make a music video properly is of the utmost importance when you're trying to get recognized as a musician.

There are many factors that go into producing a successful music video and there are many genre-specific guidelines to follow, as well as more universal guidelines you must know to help you successfully put together a show-stopping video.In this article, we'll give you all the knowledge you need to make a music video that will get you recognized in the music industry.

What Is a Music Video?

shooting a music video

Image via Flickr

A music video tells a story inspired by your song and creates a lasting visual image in viewer's minds. You may be an amazing musician, but you also must have an eye for visual design and know the basic principles of film to create a successful music video.

Regardless of genre, all successful music videos will have a clear visual theme and direction that is carried out through the duration of the video to tell a certain story or create a certain atmosphere. Your music video will reinforce the theme and story you are telling with your song through the use of aesthetics and visual imagery.

There are many directions you can take when shooting your music video, but the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple and pick a clear direction that can be maintained through the entire video.

Music videos vary in quality and even great musicians have the potential to make bad music videos, but with our guide you can avoid making this mistake.

To fully understand what makes a music video successful, take a look at some of the music videos we've listed below. They span many genres and styles and give you a good idea of how to approach your music video when it comes time for shooting.

Examples of Good Music Videos

Before starting your music video, consider studying music videos that span every genre, despite the genre in which you actually play. Take what you learn from studying music videos from vastly different genres and apply it to your own to give it depth and universal appeal.

Doing so will give you an opportunity to see what works, what doesn't and what elements you'd like to incorporate into your own music video.

Learning how to make a music video that is successful will take some studying on your part, so take a look at the list of music videos below and take notes of the elements that made them successful and apply that knowledge to your own work.

Beyonce “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”

Like Michael Jackson's Thriller, everybody knows the moves to Single Ladies. This music video solidified an iconic dance routine with only three basic elements: color, choreography and camera use.

This video uses a classic black and white color scheme to further draw attention to the main attraction of the video: the choreography.

Unique, iconic choreography is a key element of many music videos and if you're an artist in this genre, you really need to nail this. This video showcases this ability to an expert degree, and even musicians with tight budgets can pull this off.

Missy Elliot “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”

Missy Elliot is known for captivating, visually striking music videos complete with strong dance numbers, and this video is no exception. The image of Missy Elliott rapping in a trash bag is something many young adults remembering seeing on MTV, and it shows how to create an iconic image through the medium of a music video.

It brilliantly showcases her iconic futuristic style and demonstrates how to use close-up camera angles and unexpected images to create a memorable video.

Childish Gambino “This Is America”

Childish Gambino created a video that is a strong example of how to make a music video that tells a captivating cultural narrative. The video itself is disorienting and jarring in exactly the way it is supposed to be. It was made to evict an uncomfortable, visceral response from the audience and it did that in a genius way.

It achieves both shock value and well-received cultural commentary. If this is the direction you want to go with your video, it's important you are clear in your message and present it in a manner that pushes the envelope without alienating the audience.

Nirvana “Smells like Teen Spirit”

This music video is a good lesson in establishing a specific atmosphere. The dingy, garage lighting and ironic use of cheerleaders all scream “grunge.” It was simple enough and revolutionary enough at the time to get cement Nirvana's place in the music industry.

It is a good example of creating a mood and tone that is consistent throughout both the music and the music video itself.

Lauryn Hill “Doo Wop Doo That Thing”

This music video celebrated women's empowerment and featured the use of a split screen to show Lauryn Hill singing at a New York block party in both the modern age and in the 1960s.

There are many cultural implications behind this and it proved her point in a brilliant way. Going this route for your music video requires little more than a great video editor and some creativity on your part.

Tool “Sober”

This music video is an excellent example of the use of claymation to tell a story. It can be used in most genres and is usually a budget-friendly way to tell a narrative or story.

You can get creative and artsy using clever symbolism and metaphors without breaking the bank on expensive special effects or CGI. Conceptual art can easily go from visually striking and intriguing to so complex that it becomes boring.

If your goal is making a video using elements of conceptual art, just know it easily can become so vague and distracting to the audience that your video becomes boring and hard to follow if you don't have a clear message.

The Fugees “Ready or Not”

This music video is a good lesson in the strategic use of shadow, darkness and light and unexpected imagery. It features the group in a submarine with a variation of images from swimming fish to dark shots of each member rapping.

The distinct darkness and shadow play uniquely and cohesively tied the music video to the atmosphere of the song itself. This is a good example of techniques making a music video of any genre successful by creating a moody atmosphere with lighting and shadows.

David Bowie “Life on Mars”

This is another great example of how to establish an iconic image within a music video. The video simply features David Bowie in a full face of brightly colored make up, singing into the camera in front of a blindingly white room. It serves as further proof that the simpler you keep your music video the better and more memorable it becomes.

Plus, this is another perfect answer to a low budget need and can be applied to virtually any genre if done correctly. An expert video editor and film director should be used when doing something this simple.

Every small detail matters and rookie mistakes like a shaky camera can completely kill the mood and overall vibe of the video, and it will quickly go from simple genius to utter failure.

The White Stripes “Seven Nation Army”

This is a good lesson in the branding of your band and music. The White Stripes strategically used red, black and white colors and images consistently throughout their albums and music videos, which serves to establish a memorable identity in the minds of the audience.

Going this route requires commitment, but if you're in a band that already has a cohesive image you can easily play off of this to create a unique brand of yourself as a band. This video is simple, features the band's signature color scheme and is a great use of light and sound editing.

My Chemical Romance “Welcome to the Black Parade”

This is a great example of telling an epic story with your music video. My Chemical Romance, and the entire genre of which this music belongs, is well known for the elaborate stories contained within their videos, and this particular video a shining example of this.

It's the type of music video of which people will talk and recommend. It's inextricably tied to the song and tells a clear story with simple, visually striking images. If this is the route you want to go with your music video, make sure you keep the story concise, easy to follow to reinforce the overall theme of your song.

Kendrick Lamar “Humble”

The imagery Kendrick used in this video is striking, genius and unexpected and the symbolism fit into the music video brilliantly. This is a great example of working with symbolism and religious scenes to make pertinent cultural observations and statements.

The images of Kendrick looking at the camera from below with black men bowing their heads, or Kendrick looking head on at the camera with roped men with their heads on fire behind him is just a small example of the creative genius and aesthetic eye you must have if you choose to go in this direction with your music video.

First Aid Kit “Cedar Lane”

This music video is an excellent example of creating and establishing a distinct mood with color, lighting and camera use. The saturated color scheme of the video goes perfectly with the dreamy atmosphere of the song which results in a perfectly executed mood and atmosphere.

Certain colors evoke certain emotions from the audience that can be used to  tell a story subtly and establish the mood of the video.

Going this route is yet another way around a low budget and is one of the best ways to captivate your audience. This particular song and music video combination is genius because it perfectly brought to life the dreamy, hazy mood of their song with their use of color scheme, lighting and camera tricks.

The Pixies “Velouria”

This music video truly shows what you can do on a low budget. The entire music video features the band running down a cliff side in extremely slow motion.

It is a clever way to get around shooting a high budget music video and really lets your music shine. It just goes to show you can easily come up with a clever, ingenious way of getting around making a high budget music video and produce something that is so simple it's genius.

What Makes a Good Music Video?

We've taken a look at 13 different music videos that are considered good videos in the industry. The key to these artists' success is their use of an organized formula that results in a genius end result. Anyone can make a music video, but there are very specific elements that a good music video will have that unsuccessful ones do not.

Regardless of your particular genre, there is a formula for you to follow if you want to know how to make a music video that will get you recognized as an upcoming artist.

We've all seen music videos that have blown us away with their ability to convey a narrative and storyline, such as the ones listed above, and learning how to make a music video that is impactful comes down to certain key aspects.

take a shoot of music video

Image via Flickr

Have a Clear Message

Good music videos need to convey a message and ignite an emotional response from the audience, otherwise they will fail to be memorable.

The best videos have a clear, focused direction and a message that's consistent throughout the video. Think back to some of the iconic music videos we've listed. All these videos succeed because they have a clear message the audience can recognize immediately.

Whether you want to fill your music video with conceptual art elements such as symbols and visual metaphors or take a more literal route, you must make sure your music video clearly defined and easy to follow. Your audience should be able to sum up your music video immediately after seeing it, so make sure it maintains consistency.

Focus on the Basics

Remember to always focus on the basics of filming and apply the principles of design to your music video. Things like jarring camera angles or inappropriate lighting for the mood can really detract from a potentially good music video. Having a director with a good eye and experience filming will help to eliminate these rudimentary mistakes.

If you are new to filmmaking, you'll need to learn everything you must know about the basics of it if you want to know how to make a music video that is successful. This includes everything from what camcorder to use to the camera angles and image composition of every frame.

You could always save yourselves the hassle of learning how to shoot a film and find either a friend who knows how to shoot a film or room in your budget to hire a professional cameraman.

Either way, learning everything you can about proper filmmaking will keep your music video looking professional, which in turn, will make people take you and your band seriously as artists in the industry.

Nothing reveals your inexperience more than a poorly shot video, so make sure you can film your music video professionally no matter what route you choose.

What Do I Need to Know before Making a Music Video?

Before you're ready to shoot your music video, there are many steps you need to follow to make sure you are prepared and have a clear direction.

Before beginning the production process, you'll need to make sure you know how to choose the perfect song for your video, what direction you want to take, how much money you have to work with and where you want to shoot your video.

Consider this stage the 'rough draft' of your music video and focus on getting everything organized before the day comes to shoot your music video.

Choosing Your Song

This is quite possibly the most difficult decision you'll have to make throughout this whole process of how to make a music video, but it's important you and your band members work together to pick the song that will get you the most exposure as an artist and the most listeners.

When deciding on a song, objectively consider all the songs on your album and pick the one that will be transferred easiest to a visual medium. Although you may be tempted to include your epic, 10 minute song, you may be better off keeping it simple and starting with a shorter song at first.

It would probably be best to ask people outside of your band to help you pick the best song to make into a video, after all this is who will be buying your music. Plus, music videos aren't a cheap enterprise, so picking a song that will get people to buy your music is of the utmost importance.

Decide on a Direction

Although much of what you will and will not be able to accomplish with your learning of how to make a music video will be determined by your budget. It's important to decide in what direction you want to go with your music video and what you want to convey to your audience with it.

No matter what your genre, you must decide if you want to create an artistic storyline or keep it simple and focus on the musicians and the music itself.

If you are new to making music, keeping it simple at first is probably the best option. Focus on certain aspects of your music video like lighting, color scheme and environment to convey a certain mood or atmosphere in place of expensive special effects.

Choose one unique visual element and carry it throughout the entire video, this will get your message across and save you money in the long run.

Know Your Budget

Despite what you may think of learning of how to make a music video, making a successful music video doesn't have to cost you a fortune. In fact, it probably shouldn't. Realistically know what you and your team can put towards the music video and go from there. There are a lot of things you can do to make a visually striking music video on a budget.

Experimenting with camera angles, location, color schemes and lighting can all have a huge impact on your video and can create an emotionally powerful atmosphere for your video.

Instead of trying to add dramatic (and expensive) special effects, consider collaborating with a skilled video editor to create a certain mood by editing the video in a particular way.

Scout Out a Location

One of the most important things or steps of how to make a music video, you need to establish it before shooting your music video is the right location. You must make sure it has the lighting you need to establish the mood of your video and the potential to enhance the overall theme and quality of the music video.

It also is important to consider whether you want to use a green screen for your music video. This would keep things simple location wise, but if you go this route, you should make sure you have a very skilled video editor on your team to avoid looking cheesy and inexperienced.

guitarist on beautiful location

Image via Pixabay

Hire a Crew

Since you're still in the planning process of how to make a music video, now is the time to decide whether you will be hiring a crew. This can include cameramen, video editors and actors. If you are on a budget, ask your friends to help you with the acting portions and save your money on the professional cameramen and video editors for the best end result.

How to Make a Music Video

video. No matter how you decide you want your video to turn out, or the elements involved in it, you should follow this process for every video you make.

a video maker

Image via Pixabay

Start with a Storyboard

First things first, you will need to start with a storyboard. This is both the first and most important step in the process. Being organized will keep you on track and let you begin to see how your music video will be brought to life before you actually start shooting.

Your storyboard will be your visual guide to how your music video will be shot. It should be extremely detailed and describe the visuals, camera angles and any acting that you want to take place shot by shot.

You should include notes describing what is happening in each shot and scene so that everyone involved in the project will know how to make a music video that is cohesive and coherent. A very detailed storyboard also will help your video editor piece together you music video in exactly the way you want.

There are many storyboard templates available on the internet for you to download, but they usually will be made up of square boxes with a room for text underneath them. From there, you will fill in your storyboard with the visuals you want recorded from start to finish.

Laying out your storyboard scene by scene will help keep you on track the day of shooting. It will be easy for you to record each and every scene included in the story board and check them off when they are filmed successfully.

Shooting Footage

Thanks to all your thorough and successful planning beforehand, the day of your shoot should be a breeze. There can be a lot going on the day of your shoot, so make sure to follow your storyboard exactly to make sure you are not missing any key scenes or moments during filming.

Checking your storyboard constantly while filming will help you and your team stay on track.

If you're shooting the video yourself, make sure you have thoroughly studied all the rules of filmmaking and image composition. This will make or break your shoot, and you don't want all your hard work up to be ruined by a shaky camera or jarring camera angles.

If you want to know how to make a music video with dynamic imagery, a great way to add in original footage would be to add in footage of your live performances. It's cost-effective and easy to obtain – given you have a good cameraman on your team.

You also can use stock footage to get a similar feel by adding interesting footage that suits your music video without paying in time or money. Keep in mind that using movie footage is often copyrighted, so if you want to add in dynamic images make sure you're not violating copyrighted material and are only using images that are public domain.

Edit Your Final Video

This is where all the magic happens and all the hard work you've done will finally be brought to life. At this stage of in the game of how to make a music video, you will want to add your music to the video and see how it all came together.

The true feel of the music video will be implemented at this stage, and it will probably be helpful to refer to your storyboard to make sure you include all the elements that you planned to include in the video.

Be careful not to edit your video too much, especially during scenes where you're singing and performing. It may look too fake if there are constant, swift camera angles while you're performing. Also, be prepared to do a lot of editing if you included live footage in your video in order to maintain a cohesive feel throughout the video.

video editing how to make a music video

Image via Pixabay

Promote Your Video

After you learn of  how to make a music video and now that you're done shooting your video, you may think your work is done, but this couldn't be further from the truth. This is the time to start promoting your video to get people watching and talking about your music.

Your video could be the next great hit of the decade, but it won't gain exposure overnight. You still must put in the work and promote your video to the public through every means available to get your music out into the world.

There are so many social media platforms available to musicians now and posting your videos to these sites will serve as free advertising and get you much needed exposure as a musician.

Know your audience and where they go for new music and start by posting your videos there. If you want to gain popularity and traction, posting them to social media sites is a great place to start.


Music videos are an important medium to master and can really help spark your success as an artist. Learning how to make a music video that will appeal to your target audience and leave them with a lasting visual impression of your music will really help your career take off.

Now that you know how to make a music video and how to craft a creative visual masterpiece with your music, go out there and get to work!

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What Does a Music Producer Do? Understanding Their Role in Creating Your Favorite Songs Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:00:00 +0000 Are you interested in a career in music production? If you have already taken the initiative and poked your head into the countless resources on the Internet regarding this career and feel dazed, daunted, and confused, you are not alone. That is how most of us feel as we explore new career paths. That being said, […]

The post What Does a Music Producer Do? Understanding Their Role in Creating Your Favorite Songs appeared first on Buzz Harmony.



That being said, congratulations are in order, for you have made the first step into a successful career, and the first step is as big as the last. Follow along, and we will guide you through your next ones. What is music production? What does a music producer do

What Is Music Production?

music mixer what does a music producer do

Image via Pixabay

Before we can even broach the question of "what does a music producer do?", there are more basic questions about the field at large that will form the foundations of an accurate and holistic understanding of this career. First and foremost, what is music production?

Music production is the exciting industry that is responsible for the music we all enjoy. It is a field that encompasses the various tasks and skills that are needed to record and produce tracks, singles, and records. Its myriad facets include marketing, recording, editing, song writing, audio engineering, and so much more.

1. How Do I Know if Music Production Is Right for Me?

This is, ultimately, a decision you will have to make for yourself, and you cannot make that decision without a clear understanding of what this potential career move has in store for you. Reading up on the industry will help you gain that understanding, but even more valuable is experience.

Stop by your local recording studios, ask around, and you will be surprised by how open employees can be in sharing their own experiences and pearls of wisdom. Better yet, apply to jobs at these studios and see the industry for yourself.

You may also want to consider visiting nearby music schools, where you can find advisors and counselors who would be happy to answer the questions of a prospective student.

In the meantime, there are a few other considerations you can make that will help you decide if this is the right field for you. Music production is an industry that requires a great deal of flexibility, especially when starting out.

It is a highly competitive field, which means career success may necessitate sacrifices in other aspects of your life, such as your social life.

As a new music producer, you may find your earnings to follow a "feast or famine" progression, meaning your income can be liable to fluctuations. This means you need to be on top of your game when it comes to managing your finances.

Also, keep in mind that music production is just as entrepreneurial as it is creative. Many people dive into the world of music production, spurred on by their creative passions, only to find that they do not actually enjoy the work due to how much time and effort they must spend on tasks outside of simply producing music.

Often, these are some of the most talented individuals, but just because one is talented does not mean it is a suitable career choice.

2. How Can I Get into Music Production?

Getting your foot into the door of music production will usually require a certain amount of training, formal or otherwise. Many music producers begin their professional journey by attending a trade or music school. They lay the foundations of their careers by receiving a formal education in recording, engineering, and production.

In addition, many often boost their chances of success by seeking apprenticeships with established producers who guide their first steps into the profession.

3. Should I Attend Audio Engineering School?

So, what does a music producer do when they have no experience? Often, the answer lies in audio engineering school, a route that any up-and-coming producer should consider.

Audio engineering school will arguably provide the most comprehensive educational experience to newcomers of the field. It is many opportunities bundled up in one, exposing students to a wide variety of professionals in music production.

Audio engineering school also has the advantage of providing concrete pathways into the industry. When you leave school, you will leave with an arsenal of professional connections, many of which will serve you for the rest of your career.

You will find that there is also a never-ending need for letters of recommendation and references. This is another reason why you should consider an audio engineering school.

Types of Music Producers

The reason why the question of "what does a music producer do?" is tricky is that it depends on who you ask. Music production is a fluid field that rarely ever boxes its professionals into rigid roles.

It is a career that offers people a huge amount of control and flexibility as to what they do in their day to day work. The advantage of this aspect of the field is that it means you can carve out your own niche as you progress through your career.

That being said, there are five basic types of music producers. What does a music producer do? Well, here are five different ways to answer that.

what does a music producer do

Image via Pixabay

The Engineer

Ask the average person, "So, what does a music producer do, really?" and he or she is likely to envision the engineer. This type of music producer spends much of their time working with soundboards and deals with topics like compression settings, reverb tails, and equalization. The engineer is knee deep in the technical side of music recording.

The Mentor-Producer

The mentor-producer cultivates strong relationships with the artists they work with, taking on more of a coaching role. Artists depend on mentor-producers for wisdom, motivation, and support.

A famous example of a mentor-producer is Rick Rubin. You will often find, as you do with Rubin, that mentor-producers focus less on the technical aspects of production and more on the artist him or herself.

The Musician-Producer

The musician-producer, simply put, is a musician who also produces. This type of music producer takes on a highly involved role in the recording of tracks. They often play instruments and have a heavy hand in the orchestration in their tracks.

The Artist-Producer

In some cases, an artist will take on the role of producer as well, giving them complete control over their album. As this is no small feat, most artist-producers already have a track record of successes and a long history of experiences in music production and recording.

When you think of the artist-producer, think of Prince, who was famous for wearing many hats, juggling the tasks of production, arrangement, composition, and performance all himself.

The Phenom

Some music producers are known for being in a league of their own. They have what people in the industry call "the magic touch," and they are well known for their near-perfect track records for success.

What causes this success? Sometimes it is a matter of strong networking skills. Other times, it results from a highly reliable intuition for what sort of songs will become crowd favorites. Often, it is a complex mixture of skills and talents that is difficult to replicate.

When you think of this magic touch, think of Dr. Dre, who is famous in the industry for his almost guaranteed success.

Role of a Music Producer

sound producer

Image via Pixabay

What Does a Music Producer Do?

The more time you spend developing your career, the more you will find that the answer to the question, "What does a music producer do?" is one you can craft for yourself. This flexibility is one of the most daunting, yet appealing facets of the field.

When starting out, you may find yourself becoming frustrated with the liberal definitions of your role. You may wonder if you prefer the traditional structure that most normal jobs provide.

As your music production career grows, however, you will gain a clearer understanding of what you want your role to be and how you can make it come to be.

Are you more interested in the technical side of music production? Is it important that you have full creative control in the process? How much do you enjoy the interpersonal aspect of music production? Is it your dream to be a successful musician or to help other musicians find success?

These are questions that will help you figure out what role you want to develop for yourself.


If you only take away one thing from this article, let it be this: music production is a career that provides you with the rare freedom to create your own set of roles and duties.

With that freedom, however, comes immense responsibility - a level of responsibility that many people prefer not to have. It will be up to you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

That being said, music production is a dynamic and exciting career that rewards passion and hard work with open hands. Now that you have the basics of music production down, your next step should be to see the career with your own eyes.

Featured Image via Pixabay


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Good Vibrations: A Synthesizer Timeline Wed, 21 Aug 2019 14:00:56 +0000 The Key to Synthesizers: A Beginner’s Guide You've heard it in progressive rock, new wave pop, and Beverly Hills Cop.  It's been used both to invoke a sense of the future and to hark back to a dated and nostalgic sense of the past. No matter where or how you've heard it, you know the sound: The synthesizer. From Stevie […]

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The Key to Synthesizers: A Beginner’s Guide




The synthesizer.

From Stevie Wonder to Kraftwerk to the Beatles, synthesizers have featured prominently in some of the best-loved and most adventurous music of the late 20th century and some of the most memorable soundtracks from the 1970s onwards.

So just what is a synthesizer?

What a Synthesizer Is

In the loosest sense, a synthesizer is an electronic device which synthesizes electronic signals that are then converted into sound. Hundreds of different keyboard, string, and percussion instruments have been built on this pattern.

For example, US inventor Elisha Gray developed the "Electro-Harmonic Telegraph" in 1876, a simple combination of a basic oscillator controlling tones through steel reeds and played through a crude speaker. 

The early 20th century saw the invention of such famous early synthesizers as the musical saw-like Theremin and the Ondes Martenot, both prominently used in various radio, television, and film productions such as Lawrence of Arabia and First Man. 

The ghostly and unusual tones produced by these instruments struck a chord with listeners accustomed to analog instruments. The strangeness of these sounds was as important a factor in their success as was their musical value. The fact that they relied on electricity to produce and emit sound further bolstered their novelty appeal.


Synthesizers soon dropped out of favor after World War II for cheaper, simpler alternatives. 

But these were still a long way off from the classic portable keyboard synthesizer we want to know about. 

So where did those come from?

To answer that we have to turn to 1964 when inventor Robert Moog used state-of-the-art technology to create the first true synthesizer. Affordable transistors, electronic components used to amplify and switch electric power and signals, had become widely available. 

Moog, who had previously constructed several theremins using much bulkier vacuum tubes, used transistors to create a piano-like electronic device. While not quite portable, they were certainly more compact than earlier electrical instruments such as the 200-ton Telharmonium.

Musician Wendy Carlos used Moog's instruments for her 1968 album Switched-On Bach. After that, inexpensive, reliable synthesizers took the music world by storm overnight, catching the attention of professional musicians and audiences alike.

How It Works

To learn how a synthesizer works, we need to break down the components. 

First, we have to distinguish analog synthesizers from digital synthesizers.


Analog synthesizers, like the first Moog synthesizers we've already learned about, are pretty straightforward. 

Here's a basic model of the function:

Press a key, which activates a circuit, sending an electrical signal through a transistor and then through a speaker as a coded tone.

That's pretty much it.

These were the synthesizers that made a name for the instrument and Moog Music, used by such musicians as the Monkees, the Rolling Stones, the Doors, Pink Floyd, and Stevie Wonder.


Digital synthesizers are slightly more complex. They use a process called digital signal processing (DSP) to produce sound.

Here's what that means:

Audio signals are input to the synthesizer as numerical information, either as an external sample or as a preset synthetic sound accessed through an instrument-like interface like a keytar.

The signal changes via simple commands such as...





That combines the numerical data of the signal with the equivalent information from the input - i.e., the sounds you want to make through the use of a keyboard.

In this way, the musician has greater control of the pitch, length, and variety of sounds at their disposal, since DSP offers far greater versatility than the more basic analog signals of the past.

So now that we know the difference between these two types of synthesizers let's see what they have in common.

Basic Components of A Synthesizer


The oscillator generates raw sound. 

Think of an oscillator as the vocal cords of the synthesizer: just as your vocal cords vibrate when you sing, the oscillator oscillates (similar to vibration) to produce sound.

For example, if you press a half-tone key and A# comes out of the speaker, that's because the key has passed the signal for A# through the oscillator, which then responds with the appropriate sound. 

Modifying the frequency of the oscillator changes the pitch, allowing the player to produce higher or lower sounds.

Oscillators can be voltage-controlled, like those used for the original Moogs, meaning the pitch is changed depending on the voltage used, or they can be digital, in which case the voltage remains constant, and the pitch is changed through presets or specific digital input. 


An envelope is the preset information describing how a sound changes over time. It's based on four parameters using the acronym ASDR: 

Attack: the amount of time from when, say, a key is pressed to when the sound is fully made. If you press a key slowly, the attack time builds equally slowly, while a quick tap of the key results in a more urgent sound.

Decay: the time it takes for the sound to descend to what's called the sustain level.

Sustain: refers to the steadiness of the sound so long as the key is held.

Release: the length of time needed for the sound to cease after the key is released. Just as a slowly activated key results in a slow buildup with the attack time, a slowly released key results in the sound slowly dying down.

By building envelopes into a synthesizer, the manufacturer can guarantee uniformity and reliability of sounds, thus making the tasks of composition, transposition, and performance much easier.

Voltage-Controlled Filter

These are really important for a process called subtractive synthesis, in which frequencies are subtracted from sounds to alter them. 

Essentially, a filter is used to stop some signals getting through while allowing others to form the final sound. It's these more than anything else that's responsible for the unique tone of each synthesizer.

These are mainly used in analog synthesizers, but because digital synthesizers largely imitate their predecessors in many ways, digital instruments are usually equipped with near equivalents. 

Low-Frequency Oscillator

Low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) are special oscillators which are used to inject audio effects called pulses and sweeps into sounds. Some common ones are tremolo, vibrato, ripples, or different bass sounds.

A popular one is the "wobble" or "wub" bass effect common in dubstep, a familiar pulsing, throbbing bass. This can be achieved in a number of ways, for example by using LFOs to alter the function of a low-pass filter (see above).


Amplifiers are a bit more significant than their name might imply. While they can certainly be used to amplify output sounds, they can also be connected to just about anything - foot pedal, dial, switch - to create a volume control; to create a wide variety of tremolo effects; and, because they alter volume, they can be used to temporarily modify envelopes for the duration of a performance without permanently changing the sound of the synthesizer in question.

Input Methods

So now that we know what synths are made of, how are they played?

Well, keep in mind that, even if synthesizers seem complicated and futuristic, they're still instruments, and you need an appropriate interface to be able to create music. In digital synths, these are called Musical Instrument Digital Interfaces (MIDI).

So here are a few different ways you can bring out that Devo-esque noise we all love.


The classic. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense to reinvent the wheel, and since the piano is already widely regarded as a near-perfect composition tool, it makes so much sense to use a method that gives the musician three octaves and half tones all the way down.

These were used for the earliest modular (meaning made up of different optional components) synthesizers, such as the ones used by Keith Emerson and Stevie Wonder in the 1970s. Because both of these musicians, like many others, had been taught to play the piano as children, they transitioned smoothly from playing older keyboard instruments to the new ones. 

When the relatively affordable Yamaha DX-7 portable keyboard synthesizer was released, at a cost of $2,000 ($5,150 in 2019), many musicians could easily switch over to a completely new set of sounds and options for effects and modulations, largely because of the popularity of the piano.

Similar to this is the fingerboard, which resembles the keyboard in its layout but lacks keys, and is either touched lightly or stroked for different tones or sounds.


Keyboard+guitar = the wailing, whining symbol of '80s synthesizer…

...famed for its use by everyone from Depeche Mode to Steely Dan and the New Romantics. 

More properly called the MIDI Controller - the original - the keytar, despite its appearance, is a fully portable synthesizer, with a small keyboard input within easy access of the player's fingers and the guitar-like "neck" carrying the different effects parceled out from the various components. 

Notable manufacturers have included Moog, Roland, and Yamaha. 

While this unusual-looking (and -sounding) instruments reached the height of their popularity in the 1980s, at a time when everyone seems to have decided that "the future is right now," they slowly declined in use throughout the '90s, gaining a reputation for being both dated and limited. 

After all, many synth-players realized that their audiences weren't particularly bothered if they couldn't cavort around the stage while playing, especially if they were able to produce more varied sounds with a larger stationary keyboard.

Wind Controller

These are built very similarly to wind instruments, in order for brass and woodwind musicians to use synth technology. They usually create digital or analog input through one of two methods.

One method is best imagined as a wind instrument that doesn't work until it's plugged in. An ordinary wind instrument is connected to a kind of adapter, and once it's connected, the musician plays it normally while the adapter translates their breath input and fingering into sound.

The other takes the shape of a normal instrument but conveys fingering, pressure, embouchure, and a whole host of other signals into the digital and analog input. 

Wind controllers have a couple of drawbacks. 

For one, almost every synth interface available is geared for a keyboard interface due to their enormous popularity and near-synonymousness of "synth" to "keyboard." 

Second, wind controllers are extremely sensitive by necessity, meaning a musician needs to be exceptionally skilled and well-practiced to deliver even a capable performance using one, let alone a great one. For these reasons, they can be daunting but are incredibly rewarding to the artist who manages to succeed with them.

Guitar Synthesizer

Just as the name implies, these are synthesizers in guitars' clothing, if only figuratively. One of the older styles of the non-keyboard interface, these offer the same appeal to guitarists that wind controllers offer wind musicians - an easy transition from one instrument to another through familiarity. 

While some are more obviously guitar-based by having strings and a recognizably guitar-like body, some others are entirely electronic, using a touch interface on a screen.

Especially popular in prog rock and jazz, artists as varied as Robert Fripp of King Crimson, Jerry Garcia, and Eric Clapton have made use of these.

Final Notes

Although they've come a long way from the early analog instruments used in late '60s rock and experimental music, synthesizers continue to make a buzz in whatever genre they're played in. So whether you're looking to learn to play one yourself or just listening out for them, keep these things in mind, and you're sure to appreciate the complexity and artistry behind their construction and the musicians who play them.

The discovery process of trying to find the right way to produce that unique sound made way for synthesizers that looked more like workstations and control panels, filled with knobs and dials. 

That's a pretty long way from the sleeker, key-oriented synths we have available today. 

It's been a wild journey for synth manufacturers and musicians, but here's a look at how this amazing instrument has evolved over the years

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How 3D Music Is Changing The Way You Hear Sound Forever Mon, 15 Jul 2019 11:56:58 +0000 After going to a concert, listening to recordings just won't be the same. But the rising trend of 3D music can bring that concert sound to your home.

The post How 3D Music Is Changing The Way You Hear Sound Forever appeared first on Buzz Harmony.


Have you ever been to a concert that was so good you never wanted to leave? Many recordings just aren't the same as the live sound you hear at a concert. But 3D music is here to change that.

With 3D music and 3D audio, music listeners can get that concert experience at home. Musicians can create 3D audio recordings or virtual concerts. And music listeners can feel as if a concert is happening right in their living room.

What Is 3D Music?

people in concert

Image Source: Pexels

More than surround sound

Movie theatres use surround sound to fill the room with sound. That means you can hear a movie's audio from all over. You'll hear it come from speakers in front of you, behind you, and on both sides.

To understand how 3D audio works, we need to understand how regular speakers work. Depending on where the speaker is, one ear might pick up the sound slightly sooner.

If a speaker is on the left, your left ear will hear it before your right ear. That's not necessarily a bad thing. However, it's not the most immersive way to listen to audio.

3D audio aims to recreate sound naturally. It lets you hear the audio as if it was happening live rather than through speakers.

So 3D music can make it sound like you're listening to live music.

In the middle of it

If you've ever been to a live concert, you know that most recordings don't come close to the experience of listening to live music. Listening to 3D music can be an affordable way to get that concert experience every day.

When you listen to 3D music, you can feel like the music is happening then and there. Regular speakers make the source of sound very clear. It's easy to determine where the speaker is located.

However, 3D music doesn't have those same constraints on sound.

Because of this, artists can share their music with more people through virtual live concerts. You don't have to be at a venue to get the amazing experience of live music.

Thank the internet

The rise of virtual reality and the concept of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) has helped fuel the growth of 3D music.

Even though artists aren't creating 3D music themselves, YouTube content creators are taking songs and making them 3D. Just listening to some of these 3D renditions, you can hear the difference.

The experience is best with a pair of headphones, but computer speakers work just fine. No matter how you listen, 3D music takes you on an adventure that can't happen with 2D music.

All of these changes probably wouldn't have happened without the internet. Just as virtual reality turns images into three dimensions, 3D music does the same with audio.

After you listen to 3D music, you won't hear music the same again.

The Future Of Music

woman listening to music with headphone

Image Source: Pexels

The music world is always changing, and musicians have to adapt to new forms of technology. The use of 3D music is no exception.

Musicians can use streaming sites and digital downloads to share their music with more people. However, the limitations of live concerts still exist.

But 3D music could change that, too. It used to be that you could only listen to recordings on a CD or (before that) vinyl. Now you can search for just about any song and find a recording. The same should be true for concerts.

Innovation is necessary

Tech isn't enough

Our new reality

Why musicians aren't making the change

Listen In 3D

woman with white headphone and listening music

Image Source: Pexels

If you want to listen to 3D audio, you don't need much. Some songs have 3D versions on YouTube (sometimes called 8D). However, there are a few things you can get to make 3D music even more immersive.

Once you get into 3D audio, you'll probably want some tools to heighten your experience. Here's what you should consider getting to really make listening to 3D music a great experience.

What you need

For musicians

Where to buy them

Start saving

A Natural Progression

Like it or not, the music world is changing. Everything is becoming more digital from books to music recordings to live concerts.

As more and more musicians start to offer virtual live concerts, they need a way to make the experience as natural as possible. When you're at a venue, you hear music all over.

But at home, it can be hard to recreate that feeling. That's where 3D music can really shine. If you want the experience of being at a concert but from the comforts of home, 3D audio is the perfect solution. It works similarly to surround sound, so you hear music from all angles.

The future of music is here, and 3D music is essential to the development of music.

Have you heard of 3D music before? Have you ever experienced it? Let us know what you think in the comments!


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Why Classical Guitar Is Best Tue, 14 May 2019 13:15:45 +0000 Are you thinking about learning to play the guitar? Maybe you’re just thinking about purchasing a new guitar to add to your collection.Chances are, either way, that you’re interested in learning about classical guitar and why it might be an excellent choice for you to learn and play.Learning or playing a new instrument can be […]

The post Why Classical Guitar Is Best appeared first on Buzz Harmony.




Learning or playing a new instrument can be so wholly fulfilling because it offers you a personal outlet to just exist in the moment.

There are plenty of other reasons to choose classical first over others like acoustic guitars, but you be the judge of that.

Understanding the Differences Between Acoustic and Classical Guitars

There are several differences between acoustic and classical guitars, although many people sometimes think that they’re the same thing. The truth is that although both are acoustic instruments, they’re very different – you just need to know what you’re looking at to tell the difference.

The Way They Sound

Classical guitars

Classical guitars are the reigning sound when it comes to music from musicians like the Gypsy Kings. If you’re not sure who they are, then think about Spanish or Flamenco music sounds like and you’ll be able to imagine what a classical guitar sounds like.

Consider putting that sound into a piece like “Hotel California” by the Eagles. It would probably sound off, wouldn’t it? The reason is because the guitars used in that song are acoustic guitars, not classical guitars.

More often than not, though, guitarists will usually begin playing guitar on a classical guitar and will eventually move to an acoustic.

Stringing You Along

Woman holding guitar

All guitars use strings, but not all strings are created equal among all guitars. Is that confusing enough for you? It can be if you’re new to the guitar scene.

Classical guitars use nylon strings as opposed to acoustic guitars that use steel strings. The sound produced by the two different strings is markedly different.

Nylon strings have a soft, mellow sound that is associated with the romance of Spanish guitar music. They are also more comfortable for beginners to play compared to steel strings. The thicker strings feel better on your fingers.

Steel strings have a brighter sound that has a distinct twang to them. Steel strings also tend to last longer but can be more uncomfortable to play. If you were to look at steel strings, you’d notice that they’re thinner than nylon strings which can feel sharp on your fingers.

The Price of Music

Guitar in the garden

If you’ve decided to add a guitar to your musical talent repertoire, you already know you’re going to need to spend some money, but the question is, how much?

Classical guitars tend to be less expensive than their acoustic counterparts. That cost alone is one of the reasons why classical guitars are a great first guitar.

String replacement is another cost to consider. Steel strings cost more than nylon strings, but nylon strings wear out faster.

Shapely and Uniquely Sized

Guitar with song book

The shapes between the acoustic and the classical guitars are also quite different if you were to compare them side by side.

Classical guitars tend to have a predominant figure-eight shape that is very round on both top and bottom. You may also not have access to the highest frets you would be able to get to on an acoustic guitar because classical guitars join the neck and body at the 12th fret while acoustics join at the 14th fret.

Acoustic guitars have a flatter top and bottom with a dreadnought guitar shape that is meant to provide a richer and louder sound. You also have a greater range due to the frets you can reach on an acoustic.

Classical guitars are also smaller in size along with a wider fingerboard. Due to the construction, these guitars also have the strings spread wider apart. The design makes classical guitars much more natural to hold and handle for many, but if you have small hands, you might have some difficulty.

The Best Guitar for Beginners


When you start learning to play the guitar, realize that there is a reasonable amount of work involved. Having the best guitar that matches your ability is going to give you a foundation for success.

Believe it or not, the guitar can be the problem when you’re struggling as a beginner. That’s why you need to choose correctly.

Nylon strings, as mentioned earlier, are going to be more comfortable on your fingers while you begin to play. This is especially true for children that are just starting to learn to play as well.

At the same time, steel string acoustic guitars can be used in more types of music. If you want to be able to play along with your favorite tunes, you’re probably going prefer an acoustic sound.

If you choose to go with a classical guitar, remember that to play them, you’re going to be using your fingers as opposed to a guitar pick. Steel acoustics use a guitar pick, not classicals.

Things to Consider

Someone holding guitar

Of course, when you make a decision about which guitar you’re going to buy for yourself, you’re going to want to consider what type of music will be played along with the size and age of the student.

Children usually work well with classical guitars because of the strings not being as sharp as steel strings. If you have softer hands, nylon strings will naturally feel better, so classical guitars become an excellent first choice.

Most students also learn reasonably well on nylon because they are comfortable to use. It’s not uncommon to hear a complaint about fingers hurting on a steel string acoustic or on an electric guitar. Not only is it because of the sharpness of the strings, but it is also because of the amount of pressure you need to apply to steel strings.

Did you know that the tension on steel strings can be twice as much as nylon strings on a classical guitar? It’s true. It also means that you’re going to have to press harder to get the same note.

A Few of Recommendations


One of the best classical guitars for beginners is the Cordoba C3M. It is a full-sized classical guitar with a beautifully constructed top, back, and sides. The price tag on this classical guitar is reasonable, too. As an affordable option, this guitar can also be appealing to more advanced musicians.

Another good choice is the Merida Trajan T5 classical guitar. The price point is perfect for those that are budget-minded. It will last a long time and is an excellent choice for young beginners because they can take the wear and tear children will subject their instruments to.

A decent price for a good guitar is reflected in the Etude classical guitar from La Patrie. This classical guitar is made in Canada and has a solid cedar top. It produces warm sounds and has a thinner neck, ideal for smaller hands.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, then you’ll want to check out the Kremona Rose Morena classical guitar. It has a truly classic Flamenco sound that will make you feel like it came straight out of Andalusia, Spain. The guitar also projects very well and is made of traditional spruce and rosewood.

Top of the line instrument manufacturer Yamaha has a nylon-stringed classical guitar that you may enjoy as well. The NCX1200R is a beautiful instrument with a focused sound. What makes this stand out among other classicals is that it also as an electric component – an onboard preamp system. While unusual, this is a great choice for stage performers that want the classical sound but need an amp, too.

Making the Choice for Classical Guitars

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Classical guitars have a beautiful, mellow, swoon-worthy sound. Often associated with romantic music, it’s no wonder why when you hear it.

These types of guitars are also the best when it comes to being a beginner because they’re less expensive, more comfortable to handle, and easier to learn on when compared to other models.

You can’t go wrong with picking a classical guitar over an acoustic guitar when you’re starting out. If you’re looking to add to your guitar collection, you still can’t go wrong with adding a new instrument that brings out the artist in you.


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Carvin Guitars Vs. Yamaha Guitars Mon, 06 May 2019 04:58:16 +0000 If you are in the market for a new guitar, you have undoubtedly heard of both Yamaha and Carvin guitars.Both companies are extremely well known, and make excellent guitars.The question is, which company is the better choice when purchasing a new guitar?We will be discussing the merits of both companies and their guitars, as well […]

The post Carvin Guitars Vs. Yamaha Guitars appeared first on Buzz Harmony.



Both companies are extremely well known, and make excellent guitars.


We will be discussing the merits of both companies and their guitars, as well as the features you should be considering before making your final choice. The process is much easier once you have a side by side comparison of the two brands you are trying to decide between.

How We Choose Our Ratings

Man playing guitar

Image Via ​unsplash

First, let’s discuss what we will be evaluating when looking at these two guitar manufacturers.

It is vitally important to us that our reviews are as honest and accurate as possible. To ensure this, we take a few extra steps when writing out the reviews.

We read and research through customer reviews and testimonials. This ensures that we are getting a broad view of what buyers thought of the product and the company itself. Hence, the review is not biased or only based on a small percentage of customer opinions. It also allows us to pinpoint any widespread issues that may occur with items.

On top of that, we also research the specifications and features of each product thoroughly. As a result, you know exactly what you are purchasing, what dimensions an item has, and any additional accessories that come with it.

Lastly, we consider the reputation of the company making the item. That way, you know you are purchasing from a business you can trust and stand behind.

For this particular review, we will be considering a few different qualities – the overall quality of the company’s products, the pricing and how it compares to the quality, the company’s customer service, and how they compare to other brands beside each other.

What are Carvin and Yamaha & How do Their Products Work?

Carvin was an American corporation that was family-owned, and they manufactured guitar products and audio equipment. They started in 1946, and were known for using plastic in the 1940s, and making electric guitars from Resinox.

In 2015, the corporation split off the guitar parts of the business into the new company known as Kiesel Guitars. They continue to make both acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitars, MIDI synth guitars, and a plethora of other instruments under the Carvin Guitar brand. However, Carvin Corporation closed its doors after over 70 years of business in October 2017.

As of January, 2018, Carvin Amps and Audio did announce that they would be re-launching their website, and creating a new tube preamp guitar pedal.

Yamaha Corporation is a Japanese multinational company and conglomerate that offers an extremely large range of products and services. Predominantly they sell music instruments, sports equipments, and electronics. It is the largest piano manufacturing company in the world.

The corporation was established in the year 1887, originally as a reed organ and piano manufacturer by Torakusu Yamaha. The logo of the company has remained, to this day, as a trio of tuning forks interlocking with each other.

Both companies are well known in the guitar and general musical instrument community, and have decades of experience behind them.

What Makes Their Products Unique?

Carvin Guitars have a lot of unique qualities about them.

Electric guitar on table

Image Via ​unsplash

For one thing, they sell all of their guitars through special order. Unless you are near one of their three physical locations in California, you have to order one online.

The guitar you order is specially made for you, and built from the materials and the design that you request (unless you go with one of the handful of premade instruments they offer). This can be unnerving for guitar players, as they aren’t able to physically play them and try them out before purchasing a Carvin guitar.

Being able to customize every single aspect of your guitar is a fantastic way to ensure you are getting a product that you will absolutely love, and Carvin can do that for you.

They also have a wonderful 5-year warranty, as well as a 10- day money-back guarantee. This is an amazing feature, especially with products that you are specifically having made for you.

Yamaha also has unique qualities to speak of as well.

Hanging guitar

Image Via ​pexels

Their guitars are known to be consistently well made and to have an amazing sound. The company has been making guitars for decades, and really knows how to make a quality product.

Another feature of Yamaha guitars is that many of them are extremely reasonably priced. Yes, they do have some extremely high-end guitars that will cost you much more, but their moderate and lower-end guitars as far as pricing goes are still known to sound amazing.


Overall, their prices for premade guitars are fairly comparable to each other. The acoustic guitars range anywhere from $150.00 to $1500.00 depending on the design you go with, and the electric guitars are similarly priced.

However, the big difference between the two is the fact that Carvin Guitars makes custom made guitars that you can choose everything for. This is where you will spend the most money – typically the ones we see are at least several thousand dollars.

The nice thing about ordering a custom guitar from Carvin though, is the fact that you can order one for as little as 20% down to get started.

Public Perception (Other Carvin Guitars/Yamaha Guitars Reviews)

Now we are going to take an in-depth look at reviews for both companies, to get a better idea of how they are perceived by their customers.

Carvin Guitars

Starting with Carvin, there is a lot of positive feedback for this company and their guitars.

Purple guitar

Image source:


  • their ready-made guitars or the custom designs, customers absolutely loved the product they received
  •  the buyers loved the quality of the parts
  • the rich sound that the products were able to produce,
  •  how intricate and beautiful they looked
  • customers could pick and choose every part that went into their custom guitar from Carvin
  • Most guitar companies stick to premade products, making this an even more sought-after commodity.
  • Having such a unique business model was something that the majority of customers really appreciated about the company and the products they purchased.​​​​​
  • Customers also really loved the company’s return policy and warranty as well.
  • Having a five-year warranty in case anything breaks or goes wrong is a great way to win over skeptical buyers, and it gives customers peace of mind knowing that they have that to fall back on if anything happens. 
  •  The fact that the company also has a ten day money-back guarantee is also a great quality too.
  • Lastly, those who have either had to handle a return of their guitar, or go into one of their physical stores to talk to employees, have had great experiences with customer service. 
  • The employees have been described as friendly, quick, and able to answer any question that you throw at them. This is an incredibly important quality for a company to have, and it looks like they definitely do.


  • that the company does not have any way for you to play the instruments before you purchase them, which can make it really difficult to decide whether you want to purchase a guitar from them or not.
  • pric​ing
  • it does make sense for the type of product you are purchasing, especially a custom made guitar, they are expensive.
  • They aren’t necessarily affordable for everyone looking for a brand new guitar, and that is an important aspect to consider before you purchase one.

 Yamaha Guitars

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Yamaha also has many great reviews to its name as well.


  • One of the top qualities that users mention the most frequently about this company’s products is the vast range that they offer
  • They have so many different styles and options to choose from, that they really do have a product for everyone.
  • Yamaha also has extensive experience in making quality musical instruments
  • Many customer reviews mentioned that they quality of their guitar could not be compared to any other instrument that they have tried in the past.
  • Customers also loved the vast amount of accessories that come with their Yamaha instruments.
  • They offer fantastic gig bags and hard bags, tuners, straps, and metronomes that will fit with your guitar perfectly.
  • Having the same company who makes your guitar make your other instrument products ensures that they will efficiently work together and be a great fit.


  • some of their cheaper designs definitely needed a lot of adjustments for a more advanced guitar player
  • weren’t as worth the money as some of Yamaha higher end guitars.

What We Think: Which Brand is Better?

Overall, both of these brands provide consistently wonderful products. They have both been in the business for decades, and know how to treat their customers correctly.

So which one is better?

Personally, we think that it truly depends on what you are looking for.

For a custom made guitar, you cannot go wrong with Carvin Guitars. They allow you to pick each and every aspect of your product, and have a great return policy in case you decide that you would rather go with something else. Their pricing, while expensive, is well worth the hand crafted, custom guitar that you will end up with.

Now if you want a ready-made guitar, we would be more prone to suggesting Yamaha for your new instrument. They specialize in premade guitars, and they have been making them for decades. Their prices range from extremely affordable, to high–end guitars for more advanced players. They also have a range of accessories that will be perfect for your new musical instrument.

No matter which company and design you decide to go with, we definitely think you will be thrilled with your choice.

If you have either a Carvin guitar or one from Yamaha, would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?


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