Steve Swonder

Okay, so that was weird. I posted this and then discovered that I had attached the wrong MP3 file. Took me a few minutes to figure out how to delete it. Hope I didn't confuse anyone.

This is my first use of Band-In-A-Box (BIAB) from PG Music (Canada) and I'm happy with it. "I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me" is a simple little ditty by Jimmy McHugh and Clarence Gaskill, published in 1926, and leant itself well to my first BIAB project. The sax solo is generated from the software from tracks created by an in studio musician. I love this software. It's not too pricey, but the add-ons (additional live musicians called RealTracks) can add up. I used my Casio PX-350 for the piano. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me.mp3

My rather sparse version of Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." Slow and not a lot going on, but my friends seem to like it. Recorded using Mixcraft 6 Pro and Casio Privia PX-350 as midi controller. Virtual instruments native to Mixcraft. New York State of Mind.mp3

Me playing "Fever" by John Davenport and Eddie Cooley on Casio Privia PX-350, using keyboard as MIDI to Mixcraft 6 PRO. The rhythms, percussion, etc. are original to the Casio (edited) then reassigned in Mixcraft. Fever.mp3

Well, the response to my Harold Arlen number was, so far, positive, so I might as well take a chance on Henry Mancini. This is me playing the theme from Peter Gunn TV show on Casio Privia PX-350 digital piano with virtual acoustic bass, percussion and brass. Peter Gunn.mp3

My first upload. A little nervous here. Me playing "Over The Rainbow" by Harold Arlen on Casio Privia PX-350 digital piano with virtual French Horns and Flute. Over the Rainbow.mp3

I have not been able to create the guitar strumming effect as described in the User Manual (Appendix A-3). Any tips on how to create a strumming and/or drumming effect would be most appreciated.

A little over a year ago I bought the 330. Two months later I bought the 350. I have many questions and just joined this forum today, so you'll be hearing more from me soon. I love the feel of the instrument. It feels and sounds like an acoustic piano. I have made several recordings - some just piano and some with accompaniment, which I play at work (I'm a bartender). My customers cannot believe that this is a digital piano and is light enough to carry. I have it mounted on the optional furniture stand with the 3-pedal board. I think the user manual could use some improvement; a comprehensive index would be a logical first step. I think the thing that I most like is the ability to edit the programmed rhythms. There are certain rhythm settings I prefer, i.e., Slow Swing and Bossa Nova, that I like to apply to various songs. The ability to edit the rhythms makes my recordings sound less automated and allows me to tailor the instrumentation to the mood I'm trying to create in a particular song. Am I satisfied with my PX-350? Absolutely. I had not played a piano of any kind for at least 25 years (I'm 60). I feel like I did as a teenager when I was in a rock band. As I said, you'll be hearing more from me soon. I have many, many questions, particularly regarding MIDI functions. I use the 350 alone or connected to a PC running Mixcraft 6 DAW. I'll post a recording made with the 350 soon. Steve