I have an Akai EWI got it years ago its great to play when you dont want to bother other people. That had a thumb sensor on the back to change octaves. But its a lot more like an instrument in the feel and price. Interesting video 2x👍
What ever happened to the EVI? (Electronic Valve Instrument). I saw a few pro brass guys (pop horn section) with them back in the 90’s. They had 3 buttons and I believe a thumb key.
There is the NuEVI from Berglund Instruments. It is a fairly expensive MIDI controller(no internal sound source) and I think there is still a pretty long waiting list. Many of the currently produced Electronic Wind Instruments (EWI) feature a valved instrument fingering setting.
You really left out the most interesting thing about it which was on the cover of the box, and that's that it's a MIDI controller, i.e., it can control synthesizers either through a computer or a MIDI interface using USB. As far as it being superior to a recorder (without the MIDI part), now you're selling the recorder short. the recorder is a far more responsive and expressive instrument, the ONLY thing this does better through its little speaker is dynamics, and that's without any change in tone color, it's just like a volume knob, so not such a big deal. but back to MIDI again, if you use its midi capabilities, it's quite amazing and the LEAST expensive MIDI controller out there, even less than many plastic recorders.
Never thought I’d see you cover an EWI on this channel! I use an AKAI EWI 4000s, which is basically a professional version of this. 8 octaves, built in virtual analogue synthesiser, biphonic playing, portamento etc. The newer AKAI models use sampled instruments which aren’t great but get the job done. Older models had a dedicated synth module which, despite all the menu diving, were quite powerful. 4000s is right in the middle. Roland has the Aerophone series which apparently is quite good, though I haven’t gotten to try them out yet. Same goes with Yamaha’s old WX series.
I believe the pronuniciation is ee-wee Also as a note, an EWI was used for the solo in Sungazer's track "Drunk", showing exactly just how capable these are.
سلام دوستان عزیز من در ایران زندگی میکنم و خیلی علاقه دارم به این ساز ولی پول خرید اونو ندارم .لطفا اگه کسی میتونه این ساز رو بهم هدیه بفرسته و منو به آرزوی خودم برسونه
They should have added a 12th-up button to mimic instruments like the clarinet at least. There are other venting options too that change the register of a wind instrument.
From the point of view of a recorder player who wants to practice without disturbing others, I can't recommend the Vangoa instrument. The recorder sound is awful. and the way to play sharp, flats and octaves is different. For this purpose, I find that the Blackstar Carry On digital recorder is much better. It is identical to a recorder, you play sharps flats and octaves the same way, the recorder sound is so much better than the Vangoa, and its built in speaker has much more volume.
An important point would be what kind of connections are included in this instrument. If there's a jack for a phono plug, then it would be easy to connect it to effect pedals. Alternatively, if there's one for a a phone plug, then an adapter can be used. Another point would be how strong the signal is. For example, I have an electronic keyboard with a jack for a phone plug but I have to amplify the signal in order to drive most of my effects. I've seen instruments like this before, and although I like experimenting with electronics, have never been motivated to buy one. In most cases, with electronic instruments, what they mostly do is create a signal. While I find the idea of using my breath to actuate the signal is somewhat interesting, in practice I've found that it doesn't make that much difference how you do this: by pressing a key, a button, plucking or bowing a string, etc. To anyone who thinks recorders are one-dimensional, I would recommend trying a really good recorder. There is no comparison to something like this. Admittedly, a single recorder isn't as versatile as, say, a piano or a violin, but you don't have to play only one. Once you've learned it, it's not difficult to adjust to the different sizes and they sound great played as an ensemble. Similar to brass, in fact. The different models, e.g., Renaissance vs. Baroque, also have quite different sounds, not to mention the different woods. I really don't think that making recorders out of woods like grenadilla or rosewood is a good use of a disappearing resource, but they are available, as well as ones made of all kinds of other woods and, of course, plastic. I think a good quality recorder made of plastic would probably be more satisfying in the long run than this instrument.
While the Akai EWI's sound a lot more like a real instrument, I can think of a few uses of this where the particular children's toy piano preset sounds would actually work quite well.
The difference is within the last 2-3 years, these instruments can be produced to be sold in the $200 or less price range with the advent of super small single board computers. There are a good amount of electronic software instruments that can run on tablet and mobile smart phone devices.
Thanks for the video. Thanks for mentioning the manual. I think you are the first to even mention it out of the 4 videos I have viewed on UA-cam. For the physical manual I suspect there was a packaging limitation. However Vangoa can make it available online if and when they add the product to their web site. It would be nice if they also produced a larger format users guide type manual.
Interesting to see the knockers having fun! I’ve played trad flute for 40 years and I’ve just ordered one of the updated versions of these instruments, knowing the internal sounds are ‘not-of-the-highest-quality’, because of the ways it can be used as a midi controller for a proper synth module for jamming/gigs and as an input device to a DAW… plus it’s fun to take down the beach and make silly noises! Don’t knock an instrument in comparison to another instrument - glory in what it can actually do for you and your music - and have fun with it!
Many years ago I owned an EMI sax with several voices. It was a fun device, but after it ceased working I never got another one. This looks like it would be fun to learn on and to noodle about.
One thing I wish could be added to this instrument is the ability to tune it to the outside world. Regular instruments you can detune to match other instruments. I don't think that would be too hard to do.
@@timglazner1519at the moment, the only one actually in production is Berglund Instruments’ NuEVI. You’ll have to fork out a bit of money though, it’s a professional instrument
@@snspi1 The NuEVI is awesome for sure and I definitely recommend it, but there is another one: digibrass Tilt. I haven't tried it--but you change the octaves by tilting the thing. Plus you can use "EVI" fingerings on all akai EWIs and on all Roland aerophones.
Hey Trent, I need help with a decision that may greatly impact my future. I am stuck between choosing a contrabass trombone, versus a bass trombone. Now obviously, the contrabass can play much lower than the bass, but given its higher register being questionable, should I play a bass trombone or contrabass trombone? Thank you.
100% bass trombone. The contrabass is a niche instrument. The contrabass trombone also doesn't really play any lower - the lowest pitch I can get on a contrabass is only a couple of steps lower than my lowest note on a bass trombone, and both are so low that they've never needed to be used.
@@TrentHamilton Hello again good sir! I have gratefully taken your advice and acquired a lovely bass trombone! I love everything about it, however, I am looking into expanding my low range and the mouthpiece that it comes with simply does not allow me to do so. Recently, I borrowed my friend's Vincent Bach 1G mouthpiece which allowed me to play much lower than I could with my current schiller mouthpiece. This lead me to begin looking into other mouthpieces. I'm not sure what mouthpiece I have, although I do believe that it is around the size of a 5G. Once again, thank you.
Recorder has limitations but I would disagree with anyone who thinks it is one dimensional. You could buy two plastic yamaha alto recorders for the price or almost get a tenor. I think an alto recorder would give anyone more lasting enjoyment.
The recorder is one dimensional in the sense that with reeded woodwinds it is easy for the beginner to achieve advanced playing techniques like squeaking and grace notes. With both reed and brass instruments you can simply detach the mouthpiece and you get a new and different instrument. It’s like getting two instruments for the price of one!!! Seriously recorders, just like almost every other musical instruments, achieve additional dimensions based on the player putting in more practice and gaining a better understanding of the instrument. Even though I am not a member, Go Team Recorder!!!
@@rjones1357 oh I agree completely. Ive been playing recorder almost three years and picked up baroque flute less than a year ago and I find baroque flute easier to play (well) than recorder. I also find reeded instruments easier to play. Recorder is deceptively simple looking but hard to play well.
Yes but it is a pretty old instrument. If you were involved with stage band competitions in the 1980(?) you probably got see one in action. I think Wayne Shorter of Weather Report recorded with it a little.
@@rjones1357 once, on Black Market as I recall. A band called Landscape also used it a bit. But it is/was an electronic wind instrument in the generic sense - this new EWI isn't the first of a kind.
While watching the video, I thought I need this as MIDI input for musescore. But the price of 100€ (with shipping) is holding me back. Luckly, Christmas is less than half a year away.
Originally i was a woodwind player but you got me into brass by insulting woodwind. Im now playing trumpet cornet and tennor horn
Welcome to the family
@@Thetrumpetfromtha801 thank you
I have an Akai EWI got it years ago its great to play when you dont want to bother other people. That had a thumb sensor on the back to change octaves. But its a lot more like an instrument in the feel and price. Interesting video 2x👍
What ever happened to the EVI? (Electronic Valve Instrument). I saw a few pro brass guys (pop horn section) with them back in the 90’s. They had 3 buttons and I believe a thumb key.
There is the NuEVI from Berglund Instruments. It is a fairly expensive MIDI controller(no internal sound source) and I think there is still a pretty long waiting list. Many of the currently produced Electronic Wind Instruments (EWI) feature a valved instrument fingering setting.
@@timglazner1519 They never took off because the Akai EVI 1000 looked like a shower head.
You really left out the most interesting thing about it which was on the cover of the box, and that's that it's a MIDI controller, i.e., it can control synthesizers either through a computer or a MIDI interface using USB. As far as it being superior to a recorder (without the MIDI part), now you're selling the recorder short. the recorder is a far more responsive and expressive instrument, the ONLY thing this does better through its little speaker is dynamics, and that's without any change in tone color, it's just like a volume knob, so not such a big deal. but back to MIDI again, if you use its midi capabilities, it's quite amazing and the LEAST expensive MIDI controller out there, even less than many plastic recorders.
Never thought I’d see you cover an EWI on this channel! I use an AKAI EWI 4000s, which is basically a professional version of this. 8 octaves, built in virtual analogue synthesiser, biphonic playing, portamento etc. The newer AKAI models use sampled instruments which aren’t great but get the job done. Older models had a dedicated synth module which, despite all the menu diving, were quite powerful. 4000s is right in the middle. Roland has the Aerophone series which apparently is quite good, though I haven’t gotten to try them out yet. Same goes with Yamaha’s old WX series.
I believe the pronuniciation is ee-wee
Also as a note, an EWI was used for the solo in Sungazer's track "Drunk", showing exactly just how capable these are.
Eeeeee weeeeee
EWI=Electronic Wind Instrument?
@@samcolt5818 yes
سلام دوستان عزیز من در ایران زندگی میکنم و خیلی علاقه دارم به این ساز ولی پول خرید اونو ندارم .لطفا اگه کسی میتونه این ساز رو بهم هدیه بفرسته و منو به آرزوی خودم برسونه
They should have added a 12th-up button to mimic instruments like the clarinet at least. There are other venting options too that change the register of a wind instrument.
From the point of view of a recorder player who wants to practice without disturbing others, I can't recommend the Vangoa instrument. The recorder sound is awful. and the way to play sharp, flats and octaves is different. For this purpose, I find that the Blackstar Carry On digital recorder is much better. It is identical to a recorder, you play sharps flats and octaves the same way, the recorder sound is so much better than the Vangoa, and its built in speaker has much more volume.
I was hoping you were going to play something on it :-(
Yamaha released something like that in the 90s. It was a complete flop.
This sounds like n64 approximations of brass instruments.
How to clean the inside of the midi flute?The entrance is very small.
You’d have to shrink in size and climb in with a mop and a bucket of water to do it.
Connect it to computer with the USB, run a plug-in in a vst host and get mind blown.
An important point would be what kind of connections are included in this instrument. If there's a jack for a phono plug, then it would be easy to connect it to effect pedals. Alternatively, if there's one for a a phone plug, then an adapter can be used. Another point would be how strong the signal is. For example, I have an electronic keyboard with a jack for a phone plug but I have to amplify the signal in order to drive most of my effects.
I've seen instruments like this before, and although I like experimenting with electronics, have never been motivated to buy one. In most cases, with electronic instruments, what they mostly do is create a signal. While I find the idea of using my breath to actuate the signal is somewhat interesting, in practice I've found that it doesn't make that much difference how you do this: by pressing a key, a button, plucking or bowing a string, etc.
To anyone who thinks recorders are one-dimensional, I would recommend trying a really good recorder. There is no comparison to something like this. Admittedly, a single recorder isn't as versatile as, say, a piano or a violin, but you don't have to play only one. Once you've learned it, it's not difficult to adjust to the different sizes and they sound great played as an ensemble. Similar to brass, in fact. The different models, e.g., Renaissance vs. Baroque, also have quite different sounds, not to mention the different woods. I really don't think that making recorders out of woods like grenadilla or rosewood is a good use of a disappearing resource, but they are available, as well as ones made of all kinds of other woods and, of course, plastic. I think a good quality recorder made of plastic would probably be more satisfying in the long run than this instrument.
While the Akai EWI's sound a lot more like a real instrument, I can think of a few uses of this where the particular children's toy piano preset sounds would actually work quite well.
Can I play with baroque recorder fingering?
Paging Team Recorder….
Speak precisely English, pl.
Not to be rude but EWIs have been around for more than 30 years!
I know. I remember Yamaha doing this decades ago.
@@ferretyluv in about the year 1991 I had the privilege of seeing Michael Brecker play one in concert
Pretty sure the first ones showed up in the 70s as EVIs (trumpet style)
The difference is within the last 2-3 years, these instruments can be produced to be sold in the $200 or less price range with the advent of super small single board computers. There are a good amount of electronic software instruments that can run on tablet and mobile smart phone devices.
Surely, someone needs to film a terrible short doing a u-turn while playing one of these. A U-ie with an EWI.
Perfect for a snake charmer 😂😂😂
How can l amplifi the device ta
A friend, very capable reed player got Bells Palsy, a EWI was there route back to musical performance, certainly not a toy!
It's just like a flute. You blow in one end, move your fingers up & down a bit & music comes out there other end.😊
How about showing the thing.
Please do an updated mellophone review
Thanks for the video. Thanks for mentioning the manual. I think you are the first to even mention it out of the 4 videos I have viewed on UA-cam. For the physical manual I suspect there was a packaging limitation. However Vangoa can make it available online if and when they add the product to their web site. It would be nice if they also produced a larger format users guide type manual.
what music did you use in the outro of this video? I've tried to find it but can't find much.
Where is the spit valve?
Interesting to see the knockers having fun! I’ve played trad flute for 40 years and I’ve just ordered one of the updated versions of these instruments, knowing the internal sounds are ‘not-of-the-highest-quality’, because of the ways it can be used as a midi controller for a proper synth module for jamming/gigs and as an input device to a DAW… plus it’s fun to take down the beach and make silly noises! Don’t knock an instrument in comparison to another instrument - glory in what it can actually do for you and your music - and have fun with it!
What’s up Trent?
Many years ago I owned an EMI sax with several voices. It was a fun device, but after it ceased working I never got another one. This looks like it would be fun to learn on and to noodle about.
One thing I wish could be added to this instrument is the ability to tune it to the outside world. Regular instruments you can detune to match other instruments. I don't think that would be too hard to do.
There is also the EVI, which is similar in design to a trumpet.
What brand? I’ve been sort of looking for one.
@@timglazner1519at the moment, the only one actually in production is Berglund Instruments’ NuEVI. You’ll have to fork out a bit of money though, it’s a professional instrument
@@snspi1 The NuEVI is awesome for sure and I definitely recommend it, but there is another one: digibrass Tilt. I haven't tried it--but you change the octaves by tilting the thing. Plus you can use "EVI" fingerings on all akai EWIs and on all Roland aerophones.
Hey Trent, I need help with a decision that may greatly impact my future. I am stuck between choosing a contrabass trombone, versus a bass trombone. Now obviously, the contrabass can play much lower than the bass, but given its higher register being questionable, should I play a bass trombone or contrabass trombone?
Thank you.
100% bass trombone. The contrabass is a niche instrument. The contrabass trombone also doesn't really play any lower - the lowest pitch I can get on a contrabass is only a couple of steps lower than my lowest note on a bass trombone, and both are so low that they've never needed to be used.
@@TrentHamilton Thank you, this was really helpful for me.
@@TrentHamilton Hello again good sir! I have gratefully taken your advice and acquired a lovely bass trombone! I love everything about it, however, I am looking into expanding my low range and the mouthpiece that it comes with simply does not allow me to do so. Recently, I borrowed my friend's Vincent Bach 1G mouthpiece which allowed me to play much lower than I could with my current schiller mouthpiece. This lead me to begin looking into other mouthpieces. I'm not sure what mouthpiece I have, although I do believe that it is around the size of a 5G.
Once again, thank you.
Recorder has limitations but I would disagree with anyone who thinks it is one dimensional. You could buy two plastic yamaha alto recorders for the price or almost get a tenor. I think an alto recorder would give anyone more lasting enjoyment.
The recorder is one dimensional in the sense that with reeded woodwinds it is easy for the beginner to achieve advanced playing techniques like squeaking and grace notes. With both reed and brass instruments you can simply detach the mouthpiece and you get a new and different instrument. It’s like getting two instruments for the price of one!!! Seriously recorders, just like almost every other musical instruments, achieve additional dimensions based on the player putting in more practice and gaining a better understanding of the instrument. Even though I am not a member, Go Team Recorder!!!
@@rjones1357 oh I agree completely. Ive been playing recorder almost three years and picked up baroque flute less than a year ago and I find baroque flute easier to play (well) than recorder. I also find reeded instruments easier to play. Recorder is deceptively simple looking but hard to play well.
it sounds like the old Zelda soundtracks
Anyone else remember the Lyricon?
Yes but it is a pretty old instrument. If you were involved with stage band competitions in the 1980(?) you probably got see one in action. I think Wayne Shorter of Weather Report recorded with it a little.
@@rjones1357 once, on Black Market as I recall. A band called Landscape also used it a bit. But it is/was an electronic wind instrument in the generic sense - this new EWI isn't the first of a kind.
Whens the next stream gonna be????
as im early,,,,,,,, welcome to papa johns, home of the papa john. can i take your order?
I almost downvoted you until I saw the Good Burger reference. Fellow 90s kid, carry on.
While watching the video, I thought I need this as MIDI input for musescore. But the price of 100€ (with shipping) is holding me back. Luckly, Christmas is less than half a year away.