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When the electric guitar came out, it quickly became a staple of popular music, winding its way through jazz, blues, and eventually landing on the main stage of rock & roll. Electric wind instruments, or EWI, took a more subtle path among a niche audience of musicians. But with these newest digital models available online, anyone can start learning, experimenting, and recording right at home.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Digital Wind Instruments
Here’s what to know before getting one for yourself or your studio:
Sound: A great reason to go with a digital wind instrument is the various options for more types of sound, right on the instrument itself – no need to run it through other synth devices or DAWs. With the simple turn of a dial, you can cycle through tones and have the sound output directly into your headphones or out to your audience. There’s also the option for additional effects, and to upload your own.
Keys: If a big reason you’re eyeing one of these is for practicing silently, keep the keys in mind. Noisy keys that have audible clicking and clacking can still disturb another person in the same room trying to study or sleep. This won’t be much of an issue on stage or with headphones on, but for college students sharing a small dorm it’s something to consider before buying. That aside, these all require different amounts of finger strength to operate, especially on some of the octave knobs. They can be resistant and really put a strain on your thumb, and be especially difficult for a beginner to get used to. Sensor keys avoid clicking altogether by feeling the amount of pressure you put on them with each note.
Case: Most of these come with a case, but either way, you’re going to need one. Even if it’s just for storing in your closet for the next time you need it, these are a significant investment and require care and protection. If you’ll be traveling and using it for gigs, having a comfortable shoulder or back strap is a lifesaver, along with thick padding and pockets for things like pedals and sheet music. A case will also help prevent damage when stuffing it into an overhead bin.
What Are the Best Digital Wind Instruments?
Here are our top picks for the best instrument models worth buying right now.
