Roland UM-One USB Midi interface Review

Students often ask our teachers at Do Re Mi Studios for recommendations on inexpensive interfaces. There are many brands in the entry-level market and the right interface really come down to what you want to do. The Roland UM-One USB Midi interface is a one-in/one-out USB bus powered interface that could be just what you […]

Rode NT1-A Microphone: Value For Money?

Rode NT1-A microphone lying flat on a surface

The Rode NT1-A is the microphone we mostly use to record vocals and guitars at Do Re Mi Studios. Many of our students ask us in their music lessons for suggestions on which microphone to buy. Therefore, I thought I would write a review about this microphone. Condenser Mic with shock mount Designed in Australia, […]

Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote Review

Rode VideoMic Pro microphone for recording audio

The Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro Rycote has been our latest purchase at Do Re Mi Studios to record our music lessons tutorials. Prior to purchasing it, I looked at several similar models and chose this one for the reasons explained in this article. The first reason for choosing this microphone was that it offers a […]

Yamaha TRBX174 Bass Guitar Review

Close-up of a black Yamaha TRBX bass guitar body and neck

Looking to buy a bass guitar or upgrade to a better model? It can be difficult to choose the right instrument amongst so many choices out there. An electric bass that definitely stands out from the competition is the Yamaha TRBX174. This is one of the basses our teachers recommend beginners for bass guitar lessons […]

Yamaha CG122MS Classical Guitar Review

Yamaha CG122MS classical guitar showing the body and part of the neck

Parents and students often ask us for recommendations on a suitable guitar that is a step up from a beginner guitar like the Monterey beginner guitar. These are parents with kids that have made good progress learning guitar with us. They are looking for advice on a better guitar that sounds nice but won’t break […]

Blackstar ID: Core Stereo 40 Review

Close-up of a Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 40 guitar amplifier

The Blackstar ID: Core Stereo 40 is the guitar amplifier we have just purchased for our school music rooms. It is a fantastic amp for a beginner or anyone looking for an amp for gigs. It is a stereo amplifier featuring two 20 inch speakers with a total output of 40 watts. Besides a footswitch […]

Monterey Beginner’s Guitar Pack Review

Close-up of the sound hole and strings of a classical guitar

Parents often ask us for recommendations on suitable beginner guitar packs. There are many brands in the entry-level market. Therefore, it can be difficult for the inexperienced to know what to look for. The Monterey beginner’s guitar pack is an excellent choice for beginners. It comes with everything you need to start playing guitar and […]

Casio CTK5200 Keyboard Review

Close-up of the Casio CTK5200 keyboard LCD screen and keys

Instrument recommendations is something often asked by parents and students to our Sutherland Shire keyboard teachers. The Casio CTK5200 is a fantastic entry-level keyboard we suggest. This article discusses the features of the CTK5200 that are important for a beginner. These are: 61 full size keys 61 keys is the minimum any beginner shopping for a […]

Entry-Level Yamaha Pacifica Electric Guitars Review

Close-up of a black Yamaha Pacifica electric guitar body and neck

Parents and students often ask our Sutherland Shire guitar instructors for recommendations on suitable entry-level electric guitars. There are of course many brands and models for those on a smaller budget. The market is so competitive that many brands even save you money on buying an amplifier!  They lure customers by offering beginner packages. Besides […]

Almansa Cutaway 435 Conservatory Guitar Review

Close-up of the Almansa 435 Conservatory Cutaway guitar body and neck

I have just purchased the Almansa 435 Cutaway Conservatory Guitar with Pickup to teach in my Sutherland Shire guitar classes and I must say I absolutely love it. Prior to buying this guitar, I spent a lot of time researching guitars on the web and of course, went to many music stores and tried many guitars. Some […]