sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any help you can give me!
I really enjoyed the sounds factory uploaded. The use of pressure to change volume and the bending ability of the reed shows they cater to reed players and understand how we think while crafting our sounds. Roland has always made outstanding instruments and I value your first impressions as unbiased and genuine as they are! Thanks as always!!!!! You rock, Jay!
YOU are the reason you are not behind in band class and are one of the best players. Your success is a direct result of your own efforts. I'm glad you like my videos though.
I bought the AE-10 after watching you and am taking your email lessons. You’re amazing and a great resource to musicians everywhere. Your success is deserved.
I'm a mostly classic rock/classic metal guitar player, but I love all instruments and most music genres. I play several instruments but main instrument is guitar but I still love this channel . Great interesting videos.
Fantastic synth sounds but the noisy buttons and high price kills it for me, which is a great shame because I thought Roland would have been far more conscious of this and would have used much higher quality buttons. Roland is synonymous with quality - I have one of their electric pianos which is outstanding - but the ae30 may buck the trend with these controls.
Hello.. I would like to learn sax and saved some money, for reasons of originality because even with all its risks, one would like a real sax because I have never had it.. But this Ae30 puts me in doubt, since it has different octaves in addition to others effects, what do you recommend? What would be good, to buy a real alto or tenor sax or this new artifact
@@identificador1952 if you wanted to learn sax, go for a real one. In the future, if you want you can play the ae30 but you won't be able to play the saxophone at a proper level if you don't practice each day with a real saxophone due to the embouchure and the key activity. Now, between tenor and alto, I would say it's up to you which one you like the most, even though most people prefer to begin with the alto (it's less heavy and more compact for small hands).
Hey Jay...what about the follow up video on this Roland AE-30? What are your thoughts as i am torn between this and the Yamaha-120. Btw i am a sax player...
I'm with you on the roller situation. I have had an AE10 for 3yrs and whilst the key clacking is annoying I am more p*ssed without the rollers. You'd have thought in this modern era of micro engineering it wouldn't have been too difficult an issue to resolve, especially for the price!!
I can't really see the point of the AE-30. I bought the AE-05 (after watching BetterSax video). I love it. Its compact, and allows me to practice certain things anywhere and time. I use the flute sound because everything else sounds genuinely awful. The fingerings took all of 2mins to get used to coming from tenor, its the same layout just obviously a little artificial. But it's great for learning new parts as the muscle memory is identical. When I can't play my horn (too late or too early) I focus on learning solos etc, and when I can play the horn it allows me to focus on sound. I can't see that the AE-30 or the AE-10 really offer anything over the AE-05.
I like the synth sounds that are available and that it is a fully programmable synth, which is awesome. I use my akai ewis ( of which I have 4, lol) primarily for theater work. I am a woodwind doubler that doesn’t play double reeds and I have found acoustic emulations of bassoon, oboe, english horn a godsend for those times when the theater budget doesn’t allow for the full orchestration set to be used. I also use the bass clarinet and Bari sax emulations when space is at a premium. I have been using Audio modeling for those emulations. It would be nice to eventually have excellent acoustic emulations available in the instrument itself rather than hauling around a computer for those emulations. As a soloist in small group jazz settings , all I use are synth sounds. I ask that you don’t short change us pit folk by applauding the company for ignoring the sounds that are my money makers, lol. Love your channel, keep it up!
This was great. I was wondering whether the keys were touch only, and this is the first video I've seen that talks about that, and the octave keys, in detail. Appreciate that. This looks a lot more intriguing and appealing than the YDS-150 digital sax. I could see using this for recording or maybe on stage. Will be interested in your later video when you've had a chance to play with it and get familiar with it.
I have an older model Aerophone myself, and use it mostly for the trumpet and muted trumpet sounds. I like to record with another instrument jamming with me (jam sessions are hard to come by my way), so improvising with the Aerophone, with my sax and trading 4’s is fun for me. This new Aerophone seems like it’s worth every penny by what I’ve seen and heard, Jay! Hope you enjoy it, and looking forward to hearing your future thoughts on it
If you´d like to jam, try out Jamulus or Jamkazam or Sonobus. I´m using these online jamming platforms for 10 months now and I´ve never played so much music before in my life. You´ll find players of any level there from all around the world. Latency can be an issue sometimes but in general it works fine.
Seems like a nice instrument overall, but I have to say, I don't like the clacking of the keys. Seems like that will happen regardless of the user. Thoughts? I really like my Akai 5000, so that's what I'm comparing it to. The big Achilles heel for the Akai, in my opinion, is the lack of diverse sounds, which seems to be remedied on this Roland. Choices choices!
Actually... Brecker did have a sample of himself that he would pull out occasionally. Saw him play samples of himself in 1989 in the last section of "Original Rays." I might have the bootleg somewhere. :)
Thanks for all your hard work, Jay. Gotta say that the noise from the key action is noticeable; might be from the proximity of the mike, but it sounds like someone working their PC keyboard.
I'm a clarinet player who has also been playing the Akai EWI 4000s. I like the relative simplicity of the Roland Aerophone Pro AE 30, but the key clicking would drive me crazy.
Curious what the professional use-case is for this thing. You seem at least very entertained by it. In my mind, it seems like these effects could be produced with another tool. I feel like if it were 200 bucks i might pick one up today as a novelty and an impulse purchase. Maybe I'm missing the point of it though.
Sounds like typing class in school. Plastics engineers need to study wool felt and silent ways of making little things move without those noises. This will not work in a small combo at acoustic levels of sound. In a Hammond organ the keys are fixed on spring hinges not teeter tottering on pivots. The beat organ key ever made.
I've been playing the Yamaha wx5 for more than a decade and the keys are totally silent. The very noisy keys and octave mechanism issues is a deal breaker for what could have been a great new EWI.
Thanks! I understand that in an amplified situation, that would not be a problem (gosh, musicians donʼt hear each other, sometimes...), but I _think_ that the loud clicking keys would drive me mad. Quiet room, open headphones (Grado SR-325, Sennheiser HD600) and low- to medium-level via loudspeakers. But then, thereʼs the word *_Pro_* after _Aerophone_ ...
I have a Yamaha WX11 which has served me well for many years. I find the key spacing to be the most comfortable and sax-like. I love the "WTH is that thing!?" question I get from audiences when I play it out at gigs. My response? "What do you want it to be?" as I gesture to my rack mounted Yamaha Motif.
Hi Jay, they will need to reduce the key click sound. I think the click feel is important, but the click sound came through even after you connected directly to the computer.
Hey Jay, thanks for this video! Did you do a follow-up? My primary question is do you think the AE-30 is worth paying double the price of the AE-10? Appreciated! - Seth.
Great content as always Sir. At 16:06 I thought you were about to start riffing on the Blade Runner theme :) How far away from the stage on a quiet tune do you think you would need to be to not hear they keys? And would that sound start to annoy you while performing? Hope all is well with you and family and Best Regards.
I love Roland synths. I use a GAIA analog synth as part of my keyboard set. I do find the key clicking noise to be a bit noticeable but is a great way to get keyboard sounds from a wind instrument.
Nice unboxing and first impressions video. This thing has been blowing up all over my IG the last couple of days. Sounds like they've got some nice upgrades. My questions for your full review... is it worth it to upgrade from the AE-10? I'd also like to hear a lot more about the articulations and breath control, judging from the beginning playing examples, it sounds like it is a lot more sensitive. It's definitely still got the clickity clack. Nice job, Jay!
Very interesting, could you do the same with the Yamaha YDS-150 ? Please ??? :-) Great synths sounds ! But I would be looking for a quiet synth sax practice instrument.
I i still love my ewi4000s. Had a 5000 for 3 days and got rid of it. I had an ewi1000 with the 2000module when it was new. Brecker suggested it at an after concert talk.
Funny, I think I had a 5000 for 3 days also, before returning it. I'm sticking with the 4000 also. I've a a WX5 & WX7, as well as an earlier EWI (3000?). Using the 4000 with the Roland XV2020 module works for me, but I wish they would come out with an EWI with great built-in sounds. Still not there yet!
@@bettersax While you're at it Jay, maybe talk about the patchman sounds for wind synths and the exponential potential of better sounds you can get from them?
Just got my yds150 today. It is a fun toy, for sure...but that’s why I’m watching this video. The sounds are SO limited and so NOT realistic. If all you’re gonna have is Sax sounds....they should probably sound like a sax? Can’t upload or truly customize any sounds. Sad. But the feel, fingerings and fingering customization are pretty cool....not sure it’s for me though. Pretty interested in this, though. Jay - are any of the wind sounds realistic? Thanks for the great videos!
Thanks for this great demo! Do you know if they'll incorporate any of your suggestions before releasing? eg: position of palm keys, resistance of octave keys etc Thanks again!
As you probably know the previous Aerophone ae-10 had a sustained function where you could play sustained notes and assign it to one of four buttons or all 4. Does this feature exist on the ae-30 I’m very curious I would like to find out.
AE-30 vs AE-20, AE-10. If you want to use an EWI as a soft, hard synth controller, the AE-30 gives you more I/O options. Older computers and hard synths are not bluetooth low energy compatible. Moreover, the only way to connect is through the standard 5 pin connector. In that case, the AE-30 is the way to go. Plus I think it has more options for expressivity. Admittedly I was put off by the AE-30's plastic construction, especially on the plastic painted silver. Seems to me, it could have been constructed with aluminum. Pretty damn cheesy considering its retailing normally for $1400 - $1500. Glad I got a very good deal on a used model from Sweetwater.
Jay, have you tried the new Yamaha TDS-150 yet? I'm pretty happy with my AE-10, which I use mostly for those times when I need to practice quietly. But while the keywork is reasonably sax-like, it does have some issues. I don't much like the palm keys--they just don't feel right--and the little Bb bis key is too far from the left index-finger key--sometimes it actually pinches! The Yamaha looks like the keys might be much closer to those on a real sax. But I'd be really interested in hearing your take on this. How about doing a comparative video on the AE-10, AE-30, and the TDS-150?
You're right. There needs to be a cushion to cease the sound of the buttons / keys....unless you're recording via the USB, I guess. Or a "de-esser" like something to quieten the sound of a guitar pick. Play one of them REAL ONE's in the background to compare.
First, I'll be reviewing the instruments that get sent to me as I have a couple others lined up. I may have to buy the Yamaha if they don't send me one, and I'm not particularly excited about that instrument.
Thanks for the insights! A couple people have mentioned it here already, and I'd also be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha YDS-150. I'm looking to pick up saxophone without bothering the neighbours, and would love to know more about my options
Great video. Can't wait for the follow ups. Lots of comments on reviewing the Yamaha YDS 150, I agree.. I keep getting pop up ads on something called a TravelSax. Could you review that one as well? I'm looking for something that will give me silent practice options and MAYBE a performance instrument someday when there are gigs again. Thanks Jay.
Unpacked the plastic, my first thought was...this looks like a new starwars intergalactical battlecruiser rsrsrs :). Btw that key noise could be a problem. Sounds are not bad but also not impressive.
Those buttons are so loud that its not only a distraction to the player but it truly drives the band nuts. We don't even let it on stage anymore. We compare it to a person in am elevator texting with their keyboard ticking sound on. The music just can't drowned out. I love the synth sounds. I pray they mute the buttons so I can use it. Until then the keyboard gets to have all the fun and im just the sax player again lol but not lol.
Been playing a Yamaha WX-7 since 1988 and I do, indeed, play the acoustic instruments almost exclusively. Agreed that Stan Getz would not play a wind synth sax patch, but there are situations (e.g., church & pit orchs) where a wind synth and handful of good patches can get the job done. I've spent many years tweaking patches to capture the characteristics of acoustic instruments. It's unfortunate that synth and sample playback modules have largely disappeared from the market. The emphasis on canned sounds in wind synths is one reason they aren't taken seriously for emulating acoustics.
Lo primero es pedir disculpas porque escribo en español pero sentía la necesidad de expresarme en mi lengua natal. Hace unos 5 meses envié mi instrumento AE-30 a un técnico de Roland para cambiar las gomas por las de 2º generación , lo consulté y me dijeron que si sin problema que me ponían las nuevas , pues bien me devolvieron el Aerophone con una avería que nadie sabe de dónde viene (Notas que se quedan colgadas y otras que no suenan) para que mencionar que la gente que trabaja en Roland España no tienen ni idea de estos instrumentos y ni son músicos ni nada , después de más de 4 meses a la Sra. En cuestión se le ocurrió contactar con un especialista y al parecer tienen la solución pero claro ahora hay que esperar a que vengan los repuestos y quizás otro mes o dos más , les pedí que me dieran una solución ya que 7 meses sin instrumento es demasiado y no tengo otro ya que por problemas de salud tuve que vender los saxos porque no podía tocarlos más , el verano ya empezó y estos Sres. Me han dejado colgado y ni siquiera tienen la delicadeza de facilitarme otro instrumento de cortesía mientras reparan el mío aunque sea de la gama más baja y eso sin contar que nadie sabe y ellos tampoco que la solución al problema sea la que ellos piensan , sinceramente una vergüenza , no se puede dejar a un trabajador sin su herramienta de trabajo en pleno verano y no asumir ninguna consecuencia Si vas a un taller mecánico con el coche te dan uno de cortesía y esta gente me deja a mi sin instrumento 7 meses y a saber que pasara, vaya empresa Sres. de Roland que están haciendo ¿? Nunca me había sentido tan poca cosa como estos meses, falta de empatía , falta de profesionalidad ¿?
Do you tend to use the motion tracking function when playing? I'm a tenor player looking for quieter alternative to practice. Motion tracking is the one function that might enhance the experience of the instrument that isn't available in the AE-20. Thank you!
Thanks, I will look forward to the update! Question: You mention the "E-Wind" setting (I think) as being better than the "Sax" setting. What settings/adjustments do you advise to achieve the same effect on the AE-10?
He said EWI (short for Electronic Wind Instrument). EVI is the (Electronic Valve Instrument). He meant that because EWI fingerings can be logically built and do not require adherence to physical acoustics, they provide very natural flexibility to allow performance of otherwise impossible passages with relative ease by using common sense adjustments to standard saxophone/clarinet/flute styled fingerings. In short, the EWI fingerings take the acoustic trill key and empower it to trill everything, not just F# G# or Bb.
Great video. I was going to get the AE-10 and review on my channel but decided to wait a bit. I knew that Roland could not stop at just the AE-10. Glad the upgraded AE-30 is out. Can't wait to see if this is THE electric wind controller that I have been waiting for.
Wow that is awesome. I am seriously thinking of buying one. Thanks again for this and all your videos. I was wondering if you ever did a video on Prez tonguing or muted tonguing ? Can you do one ? I am a little confused as to what part of the reed is best to place the tongue when muting the notes and if this is used on straight eights as well. I play the tenor and I have been working on this type of articulation for a few months. Thanks for your awesome knowledge, and for being so generous : )
Depends on how you use it. If it's just for practicing, the AE10 is probably all you need. If you are doing paid gigs with the Aerophone this may be worth the upgrade. I have to play on it for a week first before I can say though.
@@bettersax totally agree, I use it exclusively for practice, either to learn and memorise as per your advice or practicing improv. Allows me to practice repetitive stuff in silence = longer practice sessions without annoying the neighbours too much. Love your course and TH-cam vids, keep them coming 🎷🎷
@@WKFSaxPlayer Agree. I am ok with my ae 10 if these are the synth sounds. Even more now that I bought the external bluetooth device. Thanks for the pre-review Jay
@@grrrlrock I very rarely use it in Sax mode. I use the trumpet tone if I’m playing a Bb tune or adjust the key if it’s concert. The violin tone is good for classical pieces
Hi Better Sax . digital saxophone interest me is Yamaha YDS-150. Yet there are no (!) independent review exist on the whole youtube , only some short play and videos from ambassadors . If you have a chance getting hands on this instrument , would be awesome listening your opinion. Many thanks, and looking forward ...
Thanks, for the detailed demo and unboxing! Love your videos. I was really excited about the prospect of getting the 30, but, the clicking keys and the synth sounds left me cold. Just not applicable to the more standard jazz I play, rather than fusion, The sounds are like they came from 1980s Roland synths, in my humble opinion.
Hi Jay! I’m currently an aspiring 8th grader that plays a student Selmer alto sax. (This could be in your next Q&A video) Do you know when I should switch to an intermediate or even professional sax in the future? Maybe I shouldn’t switch the sax, possibly the mouthpiece? Thanks!
Jay, I was considering buying the roland but managed to snag a Yamaha YDS-150 instead. I am a first time sax (wannabe) player. I dont have the wind for a real sax, which is why I bought a synth. Do you think I would benefit in taking some of your courses, seeing as how I will be trying to play the YDS-150? Thanks in advance, I really dig your channel !
Are they using Cherry MX Red keyboard switches? I run with MX Blues for my work keyboard on purpose - I can type faster with the clackiness as opposed to an el cheapo keyboard... But an instrument shouldn’t clack unless it’s a percussion instrument that’s supposed to clack. I could hear the keys every time you pressed them. Roland, Roland, Roland - did you put this in the hands of any musicians before you approved it for manufacturing?
I don't really think any company has nailed a good feel on the octave keys. The old Yamaha wind synths had the same design these Rolands now have and I found them manageable but awkward. The Akai rollers took me awhile to get used to and keeping that light touch as I would glide over the top of them. I will still glitch sometimes going over breaks. This thing has some very cool synth sounds. Does this synth have the ability to really edit the sounds or have the capability of loading new sounds entirely? Thank you for the demo and all the great content on your channel, Jay!
Jay. I looked at the comments and one said you didn't do any sax sounds. But dream with me here. Is it midi where you can possibly get Warren Hill, Everette Harp, Eric Marienthal etc. sounds from keyboard programs? Another one Does it have trumpet keys on the side?
I keep reading about bad keys not returning/ sticking on Roland site and in buyer comments (ae-20 too) that Roland repair isn't timely returning units . I really want one but thinking getting used 10, Go , until this is fixed. I haven't read any news on updated 20, 30 to fix this...
Oh my gosh I am laughing right now after seeing this video. Not only is these good examples but wow as a working pianist myself hahaha i find this funny that a sax can do this and you were so intertaining. This was freaking amazing!!! The things I can do on a digital piano and synthesizer you are doing on an electric sax. Lol!!! This video seriously got me laughing hard. Hahahahaa!!😅❤
Greetings Better Sax et. al, I came to TH-cam looking to find a how-to video on how to unblock the spittube on my AE-10 (It's not letting me blow through it now without great force.), and this lovely channel popped up ... Well, now I have a brand new AE-30 coming from Sam Ash on Amazon: I guess I just couldn't resist, lol. Anyway, can anyone tell me, please, how to fix the problem of my AE-10 not letting air pass through my synth without great force (I noticed a few weeks ago, that saliva was not accumulating on my leg, that's why I think it's a spittube blockage rather than an accidental change of breath-sensitivity settings.)? Thank you! :)
I think it's less spit but more condensation...warm, humid breath into cold instrument...miniature rainstorm. I can see what my problem with this instrument would be, same as with my computer synths; spending hours choosing which of the thousands of sounds I want to use for the part I'm writing/recording. But, I gotta have one. It's worth the money even if I only use it for one piece.
That's really cool. I've never played a wind synth and I'm wondering, do you need to have a tight embouchure like a saxophone to play it? Or can ya just pick it up and blow like a recorder? Do you need to have your top teeth on the mouthpiece?
Jay I have the Yamaha WX11, and I do love the fingering action better than the Casio DH100 that I had. I'll be honest to say that the DH100 is no where near comparable to the WX11. Coming from a saxophone, like myself, how is the fingering action of the short clicky keys oppose to the longer action keys of a real sax? I have been training myself to keep the fingers on the keys lightly during the scale exercise, to save abuse of the keys and speed up reaction when I need them. I really do love seeing the feature of the Aerophone synth, but have heard that those who love the WX love the fingering action. You played both a real sax and this Aerophone. What are your thoughts?
Nice review Jay. I still prefer my Yamaha WX5, even though you have to connect to a voice module. Great Roland sounds though, but it looked like the flow and fluency of a real sax has not really been reproduced here...
@@vocaldjiane WX7/VL70-m player here too - I agree on the clicky buttons but recording or on stage who cares? That said I'm not convinced this sounds better than my Patchman VL70m.
Hmmm does it reaaaaally need the bottom tailpiece type thing that extends beyond the right hand keys, I wonder? Would be nice to see some mechanical switches being used in these too, so there is a nice feedback when a key fully engages.
Well this an interesting instrument. Not going to give up my ae10 though. I've programmed the ae10 to get just about the same synths plus some of my own. I'd like to get that case.
Do these Wind Synths transition simply from a Acoustic instrument. Or do they require additional practice and learning. I wonder! Because I won't buy one for myself, (maybe for a relative), because attaining more musical skill might not be an option right now. Thank you.
I’ve never seen such a musically talented hand vacuum cleaner.
sorry to be so off topic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly forgot the login password. I appreciate any help you can give me!
@Ricardo Braylen instablaster ;)
lmao
@@ricardobraylen1014 Remember your password and try to login again
It looks like a katana to me.
If that was released in the '80s it would be a big seller.
It was, it was called the WX-7 and I STILL play mine often (an original from the 80s, my synth is a modern VL70m)
@@ross-carlson So, so cool. I'd love to hear you play!
I really enjoyed the sounds factory uploaded. The use of pressure to change volume and the bending ability of the reed shows they cater to reed players and understand how we think while crafting our sounds. Roland has always made outstanding instruments and I value your first impressions as unbiased and genuine as they are! Thanks as always!!!!! You rock, Jay!
I like the factory installed sounds too. I am now exploring the ways we can modify them.
Jay ur the reason y im not behind in my band class. Now i'm one of the best players. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH
YOU are the reason you are not behind in band class and are one of the best players. Your success is a direct result of your own efforts. I'm glad you like my videos though.
@@bettersax thank you soooo much
I bought the AE-10 after watching you and am taking your email lessons. You’re amazing and a great resource to musicians everywhere. Your success is deserved.
Did the same : thanx again Jay
Thank you! I hope you're enjoying the AE-10. I'll be comparing these 2 in my next video for anyone who's wondering if it's worth upgrading.
@@bettersax yes, that would be very helpful. By the way, just bought the Kessler bari
@@bettersax that will be great!
Please How much paid you for aerophone ?
Wow. Guess that answers the question "what did Roland do with all their digital sound modules from 1986".
Hahahahaha 😂🤣
Lmao
Yeah, as a keyboard player, the internal sounds are BAD! Get an instrument without them and plug into something that actually sounds good.
I can connect earphones and not bother my neighbors?
@@pinkypromise111 yup, but it has volume control too, so you can turn it right down and only just hear it.
Brecker DID play bamboo flute, Miles trumpet, bass clarinet, distorted guitar, and other emulative type sounds with his EWI.
I'm a mostly classic rock/classic metal guitar player, but I love all instruments and most music genres. I play several instruments but main instrument is guitar but I still love this channel . Great interesting videos.
Cool story bro
@@AvenjaysGuitar captivating right? Haha
@@jasonjones7461 absolutely mesmerising
18:33 almost the licc
Fantastic synth sounds but the noisy buttons and high price kills it for me, which is a great shame because I thought Roland would have been far more conscious of this and would have used much higher quality buttons.
Roland is synonymous with quality - I have one of their electric pianos which is outstanding - but the ae30 may buck the trend with these controls.
Hello.. I would like to learn sax and saved some money, for reasons of originality because even with all its risks, one would like a real sax because I have never had it.. But this Ae30 puts me in doubt, since it has different octaves in addition to others effects, what do you recommend? What would be good, to buy a real alto or tenor sax or this new artifact
@@identificador1952 if you wanted to learn sax, go for a real one. In the future, if you want you can play the ae30 but you won't be able to play the saxophone at a proper level if you don't practice each day with a real saxophone due to the embouchure and the key activity. Now, between tenor and alto, I would say it's up to you which one you like the most, even though most people prefer to begin with the alto (it's less heavy and more compact for small hands).
They should’ve used you in the R&D stage. They would’ve benefited from your suggestions, like the buttons being way too loud acoustically
Hey Jay...what about the follow up video on this Roland AE-30? What are your thoughts as i am torn between this and the Yamaha-120. Btw i am a sax player...
I'm with you on the roller situation. I have had an AE10 for 3yrs and whilst the key clacking is annoying I am more p*ssed without the rollers. You'd have thought in this modern era of micro engineering it wouldn't have been too difficult an issue to resolve, especially for the price!!
This looks like the EWI I've been waiting for my whole life. I can't wait to get my hands on one!
I can't really see the point of the AE-30. I bought the AE-05 (after watching BetterSax video). I love it. Its compact, and allows me to practice certain things anywhere and time. I use the flute sound because everything else sounds genuinely awful. The fingerings took all of 2mins to get used to coming from tenor, its the same layout just obviously a little artificial. But it's great for learning new parts as the muscle memory is identical. When I can't play my horn (too late or too early) I focus on learning solos etc, and when I can play the horn it allows me to focus on sound. I can't see that the AE-30 or the AE-10 really offer anything over the AE-05.
I like the synth sounds that are available and that it is a fully programmable synth, which is awesome. I use my akai ewis ( of which I have 4, lol) primarily for theater work. I am a woodwind doubler that doesn’t play double reeds and I have found acoustic emulations of bassoon, oboe, english horn a godsend for those times when the theater budget doesn’t allow for the full orchestration set to be used. I also use the bass clarinet and Bari sax emulations when space is at a premium. I have been using Audio modeling for those emulations. It would be nice to eventually have excellent acoustic emulations available in the instrument itself rather than hauling around a computer for those emulations. As a soloist in small group jazz settings , all I use are synth sounds. I ask that you don’t short change us pit folk by applauding the company for ignoring the sounds that are my money makers, lol. Love your channel, keep it up!
sorry. I'm not yet sure how good the acoustic emulations are but will demo them soon.
This was great. I was wondering whether the keys were touch only, and this is the first video I've seen that talks about that, and the octave keys, in detail. Appreciate that. This looks a lot more intriguing and appealing than the YDS-150 digital sax. I could see using this for recording or maybe on stage. Will be interested in your later video when you've had a chance to play with it and get familiar with it.
thanks glad it helped.
I have an older model Aerophone myself, and use it mostly for the trumpet and muted trumpet sounds. I like to record with another instrument jamming with me (jam sessions are hard to come by my way), so improvising with the Aerophone, with my sax and trading 4’s is fun for me. This new Aerophone seems like it’s worth every penny by what I’ve seen and heard, Jay! Hope you enjoy it, and looking forward to hearing your future thoughts on it
If you´d like to jam, try out Jamulus or Jamkazam or Sonobus. I´m using these online jamming platforms for 10 months now and I´ve never played so much music before in my life. You´ll find players of any level there from all around the world. Latency can be an issue sometimes but in general it works fine.
Hi Jay you don't have any video about growling do you? It would be nice to learn from you the proper way to do it. Thanks
not yet, but it is on my list.
@@bettersax I could never get the growl to speak on my bari in HS so I used to cheat and roll my tongue. It worked great! lol.
This is basically just Sonic the Hedgehog: the instrument and I think I'm in love
Damn...ran the ewi down the road! Sax men and women, take notes! USB capacity, ouch😎👍✈️🎶
I would love a review of the AE-05 with SWAM Saxophone audio modeling. Just might be the best all around wind synth saxophone sound and value.
Seems like a nice instrument overall, but I have to say, I don't like the clacking of the keys. Seems like that will happen regardless of the user. Thoughts? I really like my Akai 5000, so that's what I'm comparing it to. The big Achilles heel for the Akai, in my opinion, is the lack of diverse sounds, which seems to be remedied on this Roland. Choices choices!
Actually... Brecker did have a sample of himself that he would pull out occasionally. Saw him play samples of himself in 1989 in the last section of "Original Rays." I might have the bootleg somewhere. :)
Thanks for all your hard work, Jay. Gotta say that the noise from the key action is noticeable; might be from the proximity of the mike, but it sounds like someone working their PC keyboard.
I'm a clarinet player who has also been playing the Akai EWI 4000s. I like the relative simplicity of the Roland Aerophone Pro AE 30, but the key clicking would drive me crazy.
Vangelis called and wants his blade runner sax back.
Major blade runner vibes, i need one!!!
Curious what the professional use-case is for this thing. You seem at least very entertained by it. In my mind, it seems like these effects could be produced with another tool. I feel like if it were 200 bucks i might pick one up today as a novelty and an impulse purchase. Maybe I'm missing the point of it though.
The new akai solo has a built in speaker. Would like to see your review of that instrument.
Sounds like typing class in school. Plastics engineers need to study wool felt and silent ways of making little things move without those noises. This will not work in a small combo at acoustic levels of sound. In a Hammond organ the keys are fixed on spring hinges not teeter tottering on pivots. The beat organ key ever made.
Would like to hear your opinion of the Yamaha YDS-150, which would seem to be a direct competitor with this Roland
I've been playing the Yamaha wx5 for more than a decade and the keys are totally silent. The very noisy keys and octave mechanism issues is a deal breaker for what could have been a great new EWI.
Thanks! I understand that in an amplified situation, that would not be a problem (gosh, musicians donʼt hear each other, sometimes...), but I _think_ that the loud clicking keys would drive me mad. Quiet room, open headphones (Grado SR-325, Sennheiser HD600) and low- to medium-level via loudspeakers. But then, thereʼs the word *_Pro_* after _Aerophone_ ...
I have a Yamaha WX11 which has served me well for many years. I find the key spacing to be the most comfortable and sax-like. I love the "WTH is that thing!?" question I get from audiences when I play it out at gigs. My response? "What do you want it to be?" as I gesture to my rack mounted Yamaha Motif.
Hi Jay, they will need to reduce the key click sound. I think the click feel is important, but the click sound came through even after you connected directly to the computer.
Hey Jay, thanks for this video! Did you do a follow-up? My primary question is do you think the AE-30 is worth paying double the price of the AE-10? Appreciated! - Seth.
I don’t think it is worth the extra for 98% of people.
Great content as always Sir. At 16:06 I thought you were about to start riffing on the Blade Runner theme :) How far away from the stage on a quiet tune do you think you would need to be to not hear they keys? And would that sound start to annoy you while performing? Hope all is well with you and family and Best Regards.
I don't think the key noise is an issue during performance. It is probably similar to the key noise on a real saxophone.
I love Roland synths. I use a GAIA analog synth as part of my keyboard set. I do find the key clicking noise to be a bit noticeable but is a great way to get keyboard sounds from a wind instrument.
Nice unboxing and first impressions video. This thing has been blowing up all over my IG the last couple of days. Sounds like they've got some nice upgrades. My questions for your full review... is it worth it to upgrade from the AE-10? I'd also like to hear a lot more about the articulations and breath control, judging from the beginning playing examples, it sounds like it is a lot more sensitive. It's definitely still got the clickity clack. Nice job, Jay!
Thanks Scott I’ll definitely be addressing all those things in the follow up.
I'd like to thank my parents and my friends and my phone notification to get here early😂
Very interesting, could you do the same with the Yamaha YDS-150 ? Please ??? :-) Great synths sounds ! But I would be looking for a quiet synth sax practice instrument.
I i still love my ewi4000s. Had a 5000 for 3 days and got rid of it. I had an ewi1000 with the 2000module when it was new. Brecker suggested it at an after concert talk.
Funny, I think I had a 5000 for 3 days also, before returning it. I'm sticking with the 4000 also. I've a a WX5 & WX7, as well as an earlier EWI (3000?). Using the 4000 with the Roland XV2020 module works for me, but I wish they would come out with an EWI with great built-in sounds. Still not there yet!
Jay where’s the yds 150 review?
Best regards
Been waiting for Yamaha to send me one. Might have to thrown down $900 bucks myself though...
@@bettersax that would be cool! I was thinking of getting one
@@bettersax While you're at it Jay, maybe talk about the patchman sounds for wind synths and the exponential potential of better sounds you can get from them?
Just got my yds150 today. It is a fun toy, for sure...but that’s why I’m watching this video. The sounds are SO limited and so NOT realistic. If all you’re gonna have is Sax sounds....they should probably sound like a sax? Can’t upload or truly customize any sounds. Sad. But the feel, fingerings and fingering customization are pretty cool....not sure it’s for me though. Pretty interested in this, though. Jay - are any of the wind sounds realistic? Thanks for the great videos!
@@RonBowmanMusic can the YDS150 be a MIDI controller?
Thanks for this great demo! Do you know if they'll incorporate any of your suggestions before releasing? eg: position of palm keys, resistance of octave keys etc
Thanks again!
I can only hope to have this kind of instrument but sadly I can't afford one. You are so lucky sir. MORE POWER TO YOUR Chanel.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha YDS 150. I am really enjoying mine.
As you probably know the previous Aerophone ae-10 had a sustained function where you could play sustained notes and assign it to one of four buttons or all 4.
Does this feature exist on the ae-30 I’m very curious I would like to find out.
AE-30 vs AE-20, AE-10. If you want to use an EWI as a soft, hard synth controller, the AE-30 gives you more I/O options. Older computers and hard synths are not bluetooth low energy compatible. Moreover, the only way to connect is through the standard 5 pin connector. In that case, the AE-30 is the way to go. Plus I think it has more options for expressivity. Admittedly I was put off by the AE-30's plastic construction, especially on the plastic painted silver. Seems to me, it could have been constructed with aluminum. Pretty damn cheesy considering its retailing normally for $1400 - $1500. Glad I got a very good deal on a used model from Sweetwater.
I really like the sounds and look but man that key sound drives me nutty!
Jay, have you tried the new Yamaha TDS-150 yet? I'm pretty happy with my AE-10, which I use mostly for those times when I need to practice quietly. But while the keywork is reasonably sax-like, it does have some issues. I don't much like the palm keys--they just don't feel right--and the little Bb bis key is too far from the left index-finger key--sometimes it actually pinches! The Yamaha looks like the keys might be much closer to those on a real sax. But I'd be really interested in hearing your take on this. How about doing a comparative video on the AE-10, AE-30, and the TDS-150?
You're right. There needs to be a cushion to cease the sound of the buttons / keys....unless you're recording via the USB, I guess. Or a "de-esser" like something to quieten the sound of a guitar pick. Play one of them REAL ONE's in the background to compare.
If I make this investment! Which one of the Roland aerophones do you consider to be the better?
Are you going to review the Yamaha YDS-150 at some point?
Yes please Jay! I've been thinking about getting this but I am on the fence.
The Yamaha has absolute garbage sounds ....oh and they seem to be marketing it for intermediate and beginners maybe they’ll come out with a pro later?
First, I'll be reviewing the instruments that get sent to me as I have a couple others lined up. I may have to buy the Yamaha if they don't send me one, and I'm not particularly excited about that instrument.
Thanks for the insights! A couple people have mentioned it here already, and I'd also be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Yamaha YDS-150. I'm looking to pick up saxophone without bothering the neighbours, and would love to know more about my options
Great video. Can't wait for the follow ups. Lots of comments on reviewing the Yamaha YDS 150, I agree.. I keep getting pop up ads on something called a TravelSax. Could you review that one as well? I'm looking for something that will give me silent practice options and MAYBE a performance instrument someday when there are gigs again. Thanks Jay.
Unpacked the plastic, my first thought was...this looks like a new starwars intergalactical battlecruiser rsrsrs :).
Btw that key noise could be a problem.
Sounds are not bad but also not impressive.
Those buttons are so loud that its not only a distraction to the player but it truly drives the band nuts. We don't even let it on stage anymore. We compare it to a person in am elevator texting with their keyboard ticking sound on. The music just can't drowned out. I love the synth sounds. I pray they mute the buttons so I can use it. Until then the keyboard gets to have all the fun and im just the sax player again lol but not lol.
Been playing a Yamaha WX-7 since 1988 and I do, indeed, play the acoustic instruments almost exclusively. Agreed that Stan Getz would not play a wind synth sax patch, but there are situations (e.g., church & pit orchs) where a wind synth and handful of good patches can get the job done. I've spent many years tweaking patches to capture the characteristics of acoustic instruments. It's unfortunate that synth and sample playback modules have largely disappeared from the market. The emphasis on canned sounds in wind synths is one reason they aren't taken seriously for emulating acoustics.
Lo primero es pedir disculpas porque escribo en español pero sentía la necesidad de expresarme en mi lengua natal.
Hace unos 5 meses envié mi instrumento AE-30 a un técnico de Roland para cambiar las gomas por las de 2º generación , lo consulté y me dijeron que si sin problema que me ponían las nuevas , pues bien me devolvieron el Aerophone con una avería que nadie sabe de dónde viene (Notas que se quedan colgadas y otras que no suenan) para que mencionar que la gente que trabaja en Roland España no tienen ni idea de estos instrumentos y ni son músicos ni nada , después de más de 4 meses a la Sra. En cuestión se le ocurrió contactar con un especialista y al parecer tienen la solución pero claro ahora hay que esperar a que vengan los repuestos y quizás otro mes o dos más , les pedí que me dieran una solución ya que 7 meses sin instrumento es demasiado y no tengo otro ya que por problemas de salud tuve que vender los saxos porque no podía tocarlos más , el verano ya empezó y estos Sres. Me han dejado colgado y ni siquiera tienen la delicadeza de facilitarme otro instrumento de cortesía mientras reparan el mío aunque sea de la gama más baja y eso sin contar que nadie sabe y ellos tampoco que la solución al problema sea la que ellos piensan , sinceramente una vergüenza , no se puede dejar a un trabajador sin su herramienta de trabajo en pleno verano y no asumir ninguna consecuencia
Si vas a un taller mecánico con el coche te dan uno de cortesía y esta gente me deja a mi sin instrumento 7 meses y a saber que pasara, vaya empresa Sres. de Roland que están haciendo ¿? Nunca me había sentido tan poca cosa como estos meses, falta de empatía , falta de profesionalidad ¿?
Can you do a review on Yamaha YDS 150 as well? Competitor in a similar category
I have to agree with Dobie
Do you tend to use the motion tracking function when playing? I'm a tenor player looking for quieter alternative to practice. Motion tracking is the one function that might enhance the experience of the instrument that isn't available in the AE-20. Thank you!
Thanks, I will look forward to the update!
Question: You mention the "E-Wind" setting (I think) as being better than the "Sax" setting. What settings/adjustments do you advise to achieve the same effect on the AE-10?
He said EWI (short for Electronic Wind Instrument). EVI is the (Electronic Valve Instrument). He meant that because EWI fingerings can be logically built and do not require adherence to physical acoustics, they provide very natural flexibility to allow performance of otherwise impossible passages with relative ease by using common sense adjustments to standard saxophone/clarinet/flute styled fingerings. In short, the EWI fingerings take the acoustic trill key and empower it to trill everything, not just F# G# or Bb.
I own the AE-10, and use it a lot! I want the Pro!
Disappointed with the key noise, Akai wins again.
Show me the Akai
I have the wind controller but I’m yet to hear a good amount of Charlie parkers Improvisations to see if it’s possible with this digital instrument
Great video. I was going to get the AE-10 and review on my channel but decided to wait a bit. I knew that Roland could not stop at just the AE-10. Glad the upgraded AE-30 is out. Can't wait to see if this is THE electric wind controller that I have been waiting for.
Soon, there will be another, and another and another, with more features and better performance. Buy it if you have use for it right now.
Ok where do you put the sim card :)
Wow that is awesome. I am seriously thinking of buying one. Thanks again for this and all your videos.
I was wondering if you ever did a video on Prez tonguing or muted tonguing ? Can you do one ? I am a little confused as to what part of the reed is best to place the tongue when muting the notes and if this is used on straight eights as well. I play the tenor and I have been working on this type of articulation for a few months. Thanks for your awesome knowledge, and for being so generous : )
Don’t think I’d change from my AE10, hopefully you’ll review the YDS 150 at some point 🎷
Depends on how you use it. If it's just for practicing, the AE10 is probably all you need. If you are doing paid gigs with the Aerophone this may be worth the upgrade. I have to play on it for a week first before I can say though.
@@bettersax totally agree, I use it exclusively for practice, either to learn and memorise as per your advice or practicing improv. Allows me to practice repetitive stuff in silence = longer practice sessions without annoying the neighbours too much. Love your course and TH-cam vids, keep them coming 🎷🎷
@@WKFSaxPlayer Agree. I am ok with my ae 10 if these are the synth sounds. Even more now that I bought the external bluetooth device. Thanks for the pre-review Jay
@@grrrlrock I very rarely use it in Sax mode. I use the trumpet tone if I’m playing a Bb tune or adjust the key if it’s concert. The violin tone is good for classical pieces
Hi Better Sax . digital saxophone interest me is Yamaha YDS-150. Yet there are no (!) independent review exist on the whole youtube , only some short play and videos from ambassadors . If you have a chance getting hands on this instrument , would be awesome listening your opinion. Many thanks, and looking forward ...
Thank you for your helpful videos! I'd really like to hear something from you about the Yamaha YDS-150, can you make it possible? Thx again!
Is the reverb adjustable?
Thanks Jay best review out there so far!!
Thanks, for the detailed demo and unboxing! Love your videos. I was really excited about the prospect of getting the 30, but, the clicking keys and the synth sounds left me cold. Just not applicable to the more standard jazz I play, rather than fusion, The sounds are like they came from 1980s Roland synths, in my humble opinion.
Hi Jay! I’m currently an aspiring 8th grader that plays a student Selmer alto sax. (This could be in your next Q&A video) Do you know when I should switch to an intermediate or even professional sax in the future? Maybe I shouldn’t switch the sax, possibly the mouthpiece? Thanks!
I just bought my AE-10G less than a year ago. Looks nice! Makes me think Beskar Steel 🙂.
Jay, I was considering buying the roland but managed to snag a Yamaha YDS-150 instead. I am a first time sax (wannabe) player. I dont have the wind for a real sax, which is why I bought a synth. Do you think I would benefit in taking some of your courses, seeing as how I will be trying to play the YDS-150? Thanks in advance, I really dig your channel !
Are they using Cherry MX Red keyboard switches? I run with MX Blues for my work keyboard on purpose - I can type faster with the clackiness as opposed to an el cheapo keyboard... But an instrument shouldn’t clack unless it’s a percussion instrument that’s supposed to clack. I could hear the keys every time you pressed them. Roland, Roland, Roland - did you put this in the hands of any musicians before you approved it for manufacturing?
Very helpful unboxing review! Big thank you!
I don't really think any company has nailed a good feel on the octave keys. The old Yamaha wind synths had the same design these Rolands now have and I found them manageable but awkward. The Akai rollers took me awhile to get used to and keeping that light touch as I would glide over the top of them. I will still glitch sometimes going over breaks. This thing has some very cool synth sounds. Does this synth have the ability to really edit the sounds or have the capability of loading new sounds entirely? Thank you for the demo and all the great content on your channel, Jay!
Jay. I looked at the comments and one said you didn't do any sax sounds. But dream with me here. Is it midi where you can possibly get Warren Hill, Everette Harp, Eric Marienthal etc. sounds from keyboard programs?
Another one
Does it have trumpet keys on the side?
Damn Jay I caught that shade thrown at the oboe 😭😂 Still love ya but I won't forget about that
I keep reading about bad keys not returning/ sticking on Roland site and in buyer comments (ae-20 too) that Roland repair isn't timely returning units . I really want one but thinking getting used 10, Go , until this is fixed. I haven't read any news on updated 20, 30 to fix this...
Oh my gosh I am laughing right now after seeing this video. Not only is these good examples but wow as a working pianist myself hahaha i find this funny that a sax can do this and you were so intertaining. This was freaking amazing!!! The things I can do on a digital piano and synthesizer you are doing on an electric sax. Lol!!! This video seriously got me laughing hard. Hahahahaa!!😅❤
Greetings Better Sax et. al, I came to TH-cam looking to find a how-to video on how to unblock the spittube on my AE-10 (It's not letting me blow through it now without great force.), and this lovely channel popped up ... Well, now I have a brand new AE-30 coming from Sam Ash on Amazon: I guess I just couldn't resist, lol. Anyway, can anyone tell me, please, how to fix the problem of my AE-10 not letting air pass through my synth without great force (I noticed a few weeks ago, that saliva was not accumulating on my leg, that's why I think it's a spittube blockage rather than an accidental change of breath-sensitivity settings.)? Thank you! :)
Thanks, do you have a link for the mouthpiece guard?
Why is the gig bag/soft case so huge? The sax is going to rattle around in there like crazy.
Roland thinks big is better.
Nice electronic sax tool! Thanks for review and greetings from Russia! Waiting for your next review and your opinion as experienced user.
I think it's less spit but more condensation...warm, humid breath into cold instrument...miniature rainstorm. I can see what my problem with this instrument would be, same as with my computer synths; spending hours choosing which of the thousands of sounds I want to use for the part I'm writing/recording. But, I gotta have one. It's worth the money even if I only use it for one piece.
Have you seen the EMEO?
That's really cool. I've never played a wind synth and I'm wondering, do you need to have a tight embouchure like a saxophone to play it? Or can ya just pick it up and blow like a recorder? Do you need to have your top teeth on the mouthpiece?
You can just blow into it.
no teeth necessary...
Im so exited. I really wanna buy this
Jay I have the Yamaha WX11, and I do love the fingering action better than the Casio DH100 that I had. I'll be honest to say that the DH100 is no where near comparable to the WX11.
Coming from a saxophone, like myself, how is the fingering action of the short clicky keys oppose to the longer action keys of a real sax? I have been training myself to keep the fingers on the keys lightly during the scale exercise, to save abuse of the keys and speed up reaction when I need them. I really do love seeing the feature of the Aerophone synth, but have heard that those who love the WX love the fingering action. You played both a real sax and this Aerophone. What are your thoughts?
Great video - very interesting!
It would be nice if you had a playlist of your wind synths so we can easily find them please 🙏🏾
Nice review Jay. I still prefer my Yamaha WX5, even though you have to connect to a voice module. Great Roland sounds though, but it looked like the flow and fluency of a real sax has not really been reproduced here...
Not impressed with this one. Can’t get over the clunky buttons.!
yeah I was hoping that would be better.
I'll stick to Bogani alto from reverb
Yes. It's awful. Sticking to my WX7/VL70-m
@@vocaldjiane WX7/VL70-m player here too - I agree on the clicky buttons but recording or on stage who cares? That said I'm not convinced this sounds better than my Patchman VL70m.
Hmmm does it reaaaaally need the bottom tailpiece type thing that extends beyond the right hand keys, I wonder? Would be nice to see some mechanical switches being used in these too, so there is a nice feedback when a key fully engages.
Well this an interesting instrument. Not going to give up my ae10 though. I've programmed the ae10 to get just about the same synths plus some of my own. I'd like to get that case.
PS. These instruments still is no match for my Buescher True Tone tenor and alto saxophones. As an old programmer they're fun though.
Do these Wind Synths transition simply from a Acoustic instrument. Or do they require additional practice and learning. I wonder! Because I won't buy one for myself, (maybe for a relative), because attaining more musical skill might not be an option right now. Thank you.
Whats your meaning on the EMEO digital compared to this Roland?