WHAT IS IT?
The Q Chord, made by SUZUKI describes itself as a digital guitar though in my view such a title is a misnomer.
A Q is a Q!!
In simple terms I would describe it as a digital Autoharp with additional features. In shape it is mini guitar like. In sound, think of a keyboard. In playing think of a button accordian ie you press buttons. Then finally think of how you strum a guitar & you have the famous "Strumplate" of the Q which you stroke, tap or strum to produce within chord sounds.
The Q can be played in three styles :
1. Like the rhythm (left hand) of a keyboard producing a full "orchestra" of sounds from drums, bass, guitar etc. The "orchestra" is determined by the rhythm selected. It comes with in built rhythms - Bossa, Ballad, Jazz etc but in addition can be extended by a push in rhythm cartridge to add 30 more selections. Additional buttons allow for knocking out bass etc
2. EZ style - this is a chord only,strumplate enhanced "easy" style. I find this a very effective and simple "joining in" facility if my audiences lead the singing in a song of their choice.
3. MELODY (equivalent to keyboard right hand). This is the hardest style of playing but often the most satisfying. When playing melody you can achieve wonderful colours and tones by adjustment of the sustain & reverb. Add this to the note bending wheel & it can be anything from a tremelo guitar to a string ensemble.
|
MIDI
This is a midi compatible instrument and as such can slave or master other midi instruments. Personally, I have not yet found the time to master this, but others claim to have done so.
Being MIDI, the Q, can "imitate" 99 different instruments (or combinations thereof eg ensembes, sections of an orchestra) - pianos, strings, guitars, brass, woodwind etc and some of its sounds are quite breathtaking. As with all digitally produced sounds, some need fine tuning with reverb , sustain etc to get the best out of the instruments, whilst others, such as bagpipes, I've never yet heard digitally reproduced anything like the original.
SONG CARTRIDGE
For people new to music, or those wanting a particulat "authentic" sounding song, SUZUKI have produced song cartridges of well known songs - country, pop, ballads etc that you simply plug in and strum/sing along to. I have never used these but I can see the market for them.
As a multi instrumentalist & entertainer the Q hit me like a sledgehammer, Within a few minutes of handling it I knew I had to have one and for gigging it is just so simple, so different yet equally so professional.
Beginners or pro's, check it out at a SUZUKI nominated store (see SUZUKI website).
You could be another "Q"er.
As a parting shot, there is a growing internet "group" of Q players where we exchange knowledge & ideas, so you're never on your own & the support from SUZUKI UK is excellent. If you would like to buy a CD of Q based music please eMail me below with the title Q CD & I will send a PAYPAL link. The CD is entirely Q, used in a One Man Band setting with other instruments played live at the same time eg guitar, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, spoons, tambourine, Drum, teapot etc.
|
