Yo Bruh, the details you provided in this review was the best I have ever seen. I like that you actual showed what your fingers were doing while playing. You really knocked this out of the park. Others should take notes from you on how to give a solid review on a product. I appreciate you. Thanks
Excellent video! I like your delivery; you get straight to the point. I just bought the EWI-5000, it should arrive tomorrow. From what I’ve read, the 4000 has a synth engine, and the 5000 is sample based, closer to mimicking acoustic instruments. I’m actually looking more to use it as a controller for my modular synth, so the internal sounds are less of a concern. We’ll see, if I run into any problems with the lithium ion battery, I’ll let you know.
Thanks DeMarius- this was the most useful review for me as a clarinet and flute player considering an electric instrument :) particularly being able to transpose was one of my questions!
Very informative, nice playing and amazing video! Really like how you talk to the camera, very fluid and very funny without losing the "seriousness" of a review!
Demarius this is a great video review man. You made it fun to watch because of your lively personality and sense of humor ....the bit about nobody needing a case becaus ain't nobody going on an airplane anytime soon. That was the biggest laugh of the day, stuck in the house as I am unable to go anywhere or play in public.
This is so cool I miss playing the clarinet, haven't played one in years. But played it for ten years. Love how far technology has come for music. Probably easier to learn this first I bet.
Have you heard of the AMAZING Patchman Music soundbank that is specifically designed for the 4000s? I think you should do an updated review with those sounds instead of the default presets.
Bill Bernardi developed the Lyricon which was the only expressive way to use both breath pressure and lip movement to add expression to a synthesizer. Yamaha “borrowed” his ideas to create the WX-7. All of these use modified Bohem woodwind fingerings. Why did you think that you could play this without practicing long hours? These wind controllers are not toys, they are unique instruments capable of great musical performances.
I'm really struggling to choose an EWI. Between the 4000s, the 5000, and the Solo. Everyone I've seen recommends the 4000s as it's a true synth instrument, whereas the 5000 and solo are both samplers, and prone to bugs. But it's no longer in production, and is expensive on the used market. It's frustrating.
There's currently an EWI 4000s listed on Reverb that's brand new. If you're still looking for one I'd jump on that deal. Hard to come by one in good condition nowadays, let alone brand new.
WOW very detailed video. I love the way you are showing us how the octave system works and how the fingering scale goes up and down. I have a question. The 4000s has 100 sounds. Can i connect it with my PC and cubase program and play more sounds from a vst plugin via midi in?
🙋♂️ Do you try and play EWI solo and if yes What do you think about the Pitch Band (right thumb). I've seen people complain about the hook-shaped top terminal (thumb rest) preventing them from doing accented pitch bands. It's as if the pitch wheel of a keyboard was slow to react, not great for the groove 😅
I'm a retired sax player and I'm interested in the EWI. What I'm really interested in is getting big, fat sounds , like David Gilmour's guitar sound, and other non woodwind sounds. I know there's lots of woodwind samples available. Do you have any thoughts about this? I'm just starting to explore this. Of course I.ve seen Michael Brecker's EWI stuff, which, of course, is outrageous. Any advice you have would be great!
I was in same situation, "be caught" on Breckers video... Reality was different, I have bought patchman soundbank, and still not satisfied of sound... If you regularly have played sax, I am not sure, you will be satisfied... my advice: first try in real, for an hour... with good repro and patchman sound bank... for me it is in-comparable with tenor sax... I like on it everything (on sax) - brass, made of, fingering, effort to press reed, need of breath, vibrato, bending tones... EWI is for me just an occational toy.. but somebody could like it, why not...
Great video! At the end, you said you'd recommend this mostly if you're familiar with a wind or valved brass instrument. The only instruments I've really played are piano and some trombone, so any kind of valve or fingering system is kinda new to me, so would you still recommend this if I'm wanting to get into wind instruments? I've always loved the synth sound mixed with the more natural control, so the EWI has stood out to me as an interesting choice for learning a wind instrument
Personally, I think it'd be great, mainly because it has the ability to play like.. idk but a lot of different instruments. And from the research I've done, it's price is about half of a trumpet (in some cases).
@@Declan8878 I've now been playing the EWI solo for over 2 years now and it's been a blast! Definitely recommend, although if you can get your hands on a 4000s I'd go for that for better sounds, I use the Solo as a MIDI controller mostly
yes... definitely sax, not ewi... fingering, breath support, strengthen your lips/face muscles... I have both... ewi 4000s, tenor sax... EWI have synth sounds, can argue as much as can, it is not sax, or clari, or trumpet... I play also flute and a year started trumpet... so sounds are not as good as original instrument, (I bought Patchman sound bank, not big help)... I am so unsatisfied (if I am talking about original instrument sound replacement not fully synth sound), that did not play on it years... much much better enjoy original instruments... Yes, on sax, living in flat, play at midnight is problem.. So I started trumpet, and trumpet has a marvelous sound(!) - much difficult instrument than sax, but: can be fully silenced.. and still you cab play your beautifull original instrument (silencng for example with Yamana Silent brass SBX 7, etc.)... So my opinion: EWI is good, if you play in band, and need several instrument intermix and do not have several players.. band in pub, disco, whatever... or solo at home: just to play like with a toy, enjoy syntetized music, during drinking cafe, or watching tv... For me is classical trumpet/sax/flute sound like a fresh meat of just killed deer, and ewi is like a prefabricated canned meal.. :-)
The sax is organic you feel it when you play and it is a real sound physically produced, and the sound is shaped by you, which develops over years. The EWI produces it's sound electronically so is much easier to play but does not have the presence of an acoustic instrument. You can learn to play tunes on a saxophone by practicing the EWI but you need a sax to learn how to play a sax. The internal synth is poor you are much better off with an external synth. Even the sound card on your computer might be better. I access mine by playing thru band in a box. I have the forte dx plug in for it and it sounds ok for home. Brecker had some serious hardware for his. If you are very good e.g. playing patterns etc. then the EWI will sound much better that if you just play a straight tune on it. It can sound lame playing simple lines but if you can play with flourish then it's the opposite, it's a fantastic character. Check out Michael Brecker and Mike Phillips.
Your video is great. But man this ain't the one. I bought a roland aerophone ae10. In 10 minutes i was able to play songs on it right out of the box. Plus it has a case. Considered the akai 5000. To steep learning curve. Love your site. Keep the vids coming.
@@DeMariusJackson Right? I think it's sort of an error for Akai. They should have revamped the 4000s with a rechargeable battery and wireless. It's a completely different instrument than the 5000. The 5000 is more a sample player, where as the 4000 you get to do synthesis with it.
@@ericdano Maybe that's why they brought in the new EWI Solo, to kind of fill that gap. As you can very freely roam around with the EWI Solo with the inbuilt speaker
Lol something cheap a soprano sax case. Use a fishing case for just the instrument, lead and sling. Fit it with acoustic foam. There should be room to leave a gap in the foam at one end for the lead, sling and psu. If you need more storage in the case for midi interface etc. a shotgun case is good and lockable. Throw away the original sling and get a Rico one.
Yo Bruh, the details you provided in this review was the best I have ever seen. I like that you actual showed what your fingers were doing while playing. You really knocked this out of the park. Others should take notes from you on how to give a solid review on a product. I appreciate you. Thanks
Excellent video! I like your delivery; you get straight to the point. I just bought the EWI-5000, it should arrive tomorrow. From what I’ve read, the 4000 has a synth engine, and the 5000 is sample based, closer to mimicking acoustic instruments. I’m actually looking more to use it as a controller for my modular synth, so the internal sounds are less of a concern. We’ll see, if I run into any problems with the lithium ion battery, I’ll let you know.
Thanks DeMarius- this was the most useful review for me as a clarinet and flute player considering an electric instrument :) particularly being able to transpose was one of my questions!
Very informative, nice playing and amazing video! Really like how you talk to the camera, very fluid and very funny without losing the "seriousness" of a review!
Thank you very much!
awesome job i have been playing the talkbox for 9 years and I'm getting really good at it
Demarius this is a great video review man. You made it fun to watch because of your lively personality and sense of humor ....the bit about nobody needing a case becaus ain't nobody going on an airplane anytime soon. That was the biggest laugh of the day, stuck in the house as I am unable to go anywhere or play in public.
This is so cool I miss playing the clarinet, haven't played one in years. But played it for ten years. Love how far technology has come for music. Probably easier to learn this first I bet.
Fantastic review!!
I would love to see your review of the new Akai EWI Solo
One of the best reviews I have seen on any subject. Well done and thank you.
Thank you!!
Just bought a 4000s - appreciate your helpful run through- thanks
This is an awesome video! Super high quality and in depth. Thanks for the info!!
Have you heard of the AMAZING Patchman Music soundbank that is specifically designed for the 4000s? I think you should do an updated review with those sounds instead of the default presets.
Uploaded 2 weeks ago? Such great timing and thank you for the review!
This review is super informative - thanks for taking the time to make it!
Glad it was helpful!
I think this is the fastest I've ever clicked on a video
That was great,very good review,well presented,thank you.
Bill Bernardi developed the Lyricon which was the only expressive way to use both breath pressure and lip movement to add expression to a synthesizer. Yamaha “borrowed” his ideas to create the WX-7. All of these use modified Bohem woodwind fingerings. Why did you think that you could play this without practicing long hours? These wind controllers are not toys, they are unique instruments capable of great musical performances.
Excellent review DeMarius -- thank you!
I'm really struggling to choose an EWI. Between the 4000s, the 5000, and the Solo. Everyone I've seen recommends the 4000s as it's a true synth instrument, whereas the 5000 and solo are both samplers, and prone to bugs. But it's no longer in production, and is expensive on the used market. It's frustrating.
There's currently an EWI 4000s listed on Reverb that's brand new. If you're still looking for one I'd jump on that deal. Hard to come by one in good condition nowadays, let alone brand new.
Ive the USB and 4000s models...this is the best video on them Ive seen (sorry Bernzilla). Get an EWI...whatever your bias.
WOW very detailed video. I love the way you are showing us how the octave system works and how the fingering scale goes up and down. I have a question. The 4000s has 100 sounds. Can i connect it with my PC and cubase program and play more sounds from a vst plugin via midi in?
I’m glad you enjoyed it. It does have a midi option so you should be able to use programs like cubase!
🙋♂️ Do you try and play EWI solo and if yes What do you think about the Pitch Band (right thumb). I've seen people complain about the hook-shaped top terminal (thumb rest) preventing them from doing accented pitch bands. It's as if the pitch wheel of a keyboard was slow to react, not great for the groove 😅
I'm a retired sax player and I'm interested in the EWI. What I'm really interested in is getting big, fat sounds , like David Gilmour's guitar sound, and other non woodwind sounds. I know there's lots of woodwind samples available. Do you have any thoughts about this? I'm just starting to explore this. Of course I.ve seen Michael Brecker's EWI stuff, which, of course, is outrageous. Any advice you have would be great!
I was in same situation, "be caught" on Breckers video... Reality was different, I have bought patchman soundbank, and still not satisfied of sound... If you regularly have played sax, I am not sure, you will be satisfied... my advice: first try in real, for an hour... with good repro and patchman sound bank... for me it is in-comparable with tenor sax... I like on it everything (on sax) - brass, made of, fingering, effort to press reed, need of breath, vibrato, bending tones... EWI is for me just an occational toy.. but somebody could like it, why not...
Check out the third of my three solos on Bob James “Macumba” from the Hands Down CD
Great video! At the end, you said you'd recommend this mostly if you're familiar with a wind or valved brass instrument. The only instruments I've really played are piano and some trombone, so any kind of valve or fingering system is kinda new to me, so would you still recommend this if I'm wanting to get into wind instruments? I've always loved the synth sound mixed with the more natural control, so the EWI has stood out to me as an interesting choice for learning a wind instrument
melodica is a wind instrument .. just saying.
Personally, I think it'd be great, mainly because it has the ability to play like.. idk but a lot of different instruments. And from the research I've done, it's price is about half of a trumpet (in some cases).
@@Declan8878 I've now been playing the EWI solo for over 2 years now and it's been a blast! Definitely recommend, although if you can get your hands on a 4000s I'd go for that for better sounds, I use the Solo as a MIDI controller mostly
I’m a guitar player that’s been looking into learning saxophone. Would you recommend this? Or should I just get a sax?
I probably say to get a sax
yes... definitely sax, not ewi... fingering, breath support, strengthen your lips/face muscles... I have both... ewi 4000s, tenor sax... EWI have synth sounds, can argue as much as can, it is not sax, or clari, or trumpet... I play also flute and a year started trumpet... so sounds are not as good as original instrument, (I bought Patchman sound bank, not big help)... I am so unsatisfied (if I am talking about original instrument sound replacement not fully synth sound), that did not play on it years... much much better enjoy original instruments... Yes, on sax, living in flat, play at midnight is problem.. So I started trumpet, and trumpet has a marvelous sound(!) - much difficult instrument than sax, but: can be fully silenced.. and still you cab play your beautifull original instrument (silencng for example with Yamana Silent brass SBX 7, etc.)... So my opinion: EWI is good, if you play in band, and need several instrument intermix and do not have several players.. band in pub, disco, whatever... or solo at home: just to play like with a toy, enjoy syntetized music, during drinking cafe, or watching tv... For me is classical trumpet/sax/flute sound like a fresh meat of just killed deer, and ewi is like a prefabricated canned meal.. :-)
The sax is organic you feel it when you play and it is a real sound physically produced, and the sound is shaped by you, which develops over years.
The EWI produces it's sound electronically so is much easier to play but does not have the presence of an acoustic instrument.
You can learn to play tunes on a saxophone by practicing the EWI but you need a sax to learn how to play a sax.
The internal synth is poor you are much better off with an external synth. Even the sound card on your computer might be better. I access mine by playing thru band in a box. I have the forte dx plug in for it and it sounds ok for home.
Brecker had some serious hardware for his.
If you are very good e.g. playing patterns etc. then the EWI will sound much better that if you just play a straight tune on it.
It can sound lame playing simple lines but if you can play with flourish then it's the opposite, it's a fantastic character.
Check out Michael Brecker and Mike Phillips.
Wow man, great video!!
need a gig bag? No problem! Go for a bag made for expensive telescopes or photo stuff. They are perfect for the ewi!
Your video is great. But man this ain't the one. I bought a roland aerophone ae10. In 10 minutes i was able to play songs on it right out of the box. Plus it has a case. Considered the akai 5000. To steep learning curve. Love your site. Keep the vids coming.
how about the strap?
Excellent video. Very helpful.
Did he mention these are no longer being made?
Awwww. That explains why the prices are super expensive!
@@DeMariusJackson Right? I think it's sort of an error for Akai. They should have revamped the 4000s with a rechargeable battery and wireless. It's a completely different instrument than the 5000. The 5000 is more a sample player, where as the 4000 you get to do synthesis with it.
@@ericdano Maybe that's why they brought in the new EWI Solo, to kind of fill that gap. As you can very freely roam around with the EWI Solo with the inbuilt speaker
They may replace the 4000s one day. Hopefully…
does it have built-in speakers?
No it doesn’t!
@@DeMariusJackson thank you, and is it now only available on the used market?
Good review. Have you reviewed the roland aerophone ae10?
Lol something cheap a soprano sax case. Use a fishing case for just the instrument, lead and sling. Fit it with acoustic foam. There should be room to leave a gap in the foam at one end for the lead, sling and psu.
If you need more storage in the case for midi interface etc. a shotgun case is good and lockable.
Throw away the original sling and get a Rico one.
На Али экспресс можно заказать футляр для удочек для рыбалки. Длина футляра должна быть 70 см.
I have an ewi 5k i like it better than all the other versions...can you do a video that addresses the vocodor capabilities on the ewi please
I saw some videos of Chad LB using it...I’ll look more into it!
DeMarius Jackson yep Quamon has a video about it too but nobody ever shows the setup that they use
excellent review
Glad you liked it
This looks pretty cool!
Fingerring system
WARNING: Do not purchase the EWI USB. Too many issues. Just ask me. GARBAGE.
*Sounds awful...*