Korg WDMINI WaveDrum Percussion Synthesizer

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List Price: $430.00
Sale Price: $216.00
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• On-the-go Wavedrum technology with AC or battery power (AA x 6) and built-in speaker
• Play two sounds at once using the dynamic pad for one, and the versatile Sensor Clip for the other
• 100 Professional sounds ranging from acoustic to synthetic; plus 10 audio-enhancing effects
• 100 play-along patterns plus an overdubbing loop recorder for creating rich, complex rhythms
• Includes 1/4" line out, 1/8" stereo headphone out; plus mounting strap, Sensor Clip, and AC adapter

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The surface striking area is large enough. The microphone clip could be more sensitive. Nice to be able to have two different percussion sounds at the same time. One sound on the pad and a different sound on the clip. I plugged it into a micro guitar amp because the internal volume is not very loud.

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The original Korg Wavedrum was a quick success in 1994 for it's unique design and sounds (designed by a father specifically to help his musically challenged son). Sonically richer and programmable, the 2nd generation Wavedrum was introduced a couple years ago. At just 13" in diameter, the updated Wavedrum might have added plastic parts but still feels like a professional instrument with even a tensionable head. Scraping a stick across side ridges are but one aspect of a completely unique playing experience and truly organic sound. Connectors include 1/4" in and out, Aux in, and headphone jack. Alas, it's lack of MIDI ports and clunky interface are limitations. Needing to be plugged in, moreover, limits portability.

Last year's Mini Wavedrum is not just smaller, lighter, and cheaper. It's a wholly different animal targeting perhaps a singer-songwriter looking for accompaniment in a live setting rather than a simple percussion instrument for a studio musician (whether pro or amature). And so, the Mini has a built-in speaker and battery option (6 AAs). It has but a simple cheap and non-adjustable rubber pad rather than the outstanding tactile skin of the fullsized Wavedrum. The completely unique feature of this puppy is the clip microphone sensor that makes every surface (book cover, shoe, table top, etc) a new playing experience. Although sounds can be tweaked, there's no longer the editable instruments (with but a fraction of the big brother's features). Bottom line, it's hard to predict what sounds the clip or the pad will produce (both are velocity sensitive) ... but, this is also it's charm. If you were hoping for a cheaper Wavedrum, you'll be disappointed. But, while the mini is more of just a fun toy it's still a very fun little instument for the spontaneous jam. It makes any table drummer sound like a million (alas, sometimes the hand-strike can be louder than the somewhat unimpressive speaker but headphones work great). Still no MIDI interface and you can't store anything you create.

Both will appeal to musicians who value a truly original performance, or to any beginner simply looking to enjoy playing a musical instrument (what it was in fact designed for).

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I own the Wavedrum and have been totally immersed and mesmerized by the capability of this instrument. When I saw the introduction of the WaveDrum Mini I immediately became fascinated with what I saw from a youtube video taken during a German Music Trade Show. The Wave Drum Mini is so intuitive, battery operated, powerful, lightweight, EASY TO FIGURE OUT, and spawns spontaneous grooves. The real technological advance is the "Clip" attachment which lets you play an 808 bass drum sound simply by tapping your toe on the ground in synch with your rhythm. The pad of the Wavedrum Mini is not pressure sensate like the regular Wavedrum but is velocity sensitive. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this instrument for anyone that is a percussionist or self proclaimed jamming drummer. WaveDrum Mini is a blast to play and makes you feel like you are ready to record a persuasion record that rivals that of Mickey Hart! Get ONE, you need it. A Perfect Gift!!!!!!!!

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This thing is a lot of fun and has a lot of cool sounds, but you have very little control of sound variation. It's not at all responsive like a drum head (higher pitch at the edge, etc.). I'd characterize it more as a toy than an instrument. I actually returned this and went with the Wavedrum instead. Much better piece of equipment for serious percussionists. But to be clear, this thing is a lot of fun as a toy, and you can get some great sounds out of it (although the onboard speaker is pretty low).

While I received a great price to buy this and it came quickly from Japan in about one week (well worth it for the savings) the loudness of the speaker and when you hit the drum head area you want it to sounds like its on. Sometimes it was like there was no connection to the speaker (even though I know it was on). While many of the settingsto choose from were cool. Out of the 100 choices I would say 25 were really different. I wondered if because this is the mini it just does not sound like the full size. However, it has 2 synth buttons to add to the arpeggio and if you can get good base sounds out of you speakers it may be worth it to you. I collect all types of synth's from KB to drum synths so I had to get this. Like I said, I rate it a 6 of 10 and with a price of around $150 it is another interesting toy for us to record with.