Vinyl Record Players Ranked

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Rega Research: Rega Research is highly regarded for its high-quality turntables known for their excellent sound reproduction and craftsmanship. Rega turntables often receive positive reviews for their precise engineering, minimalistic design, and attention to detail.

2. Pro-Ject: Pro-Ject is a well-established manufacturer of turntables that offers a wide range of models catering to different price points and needs. Pro-Ject turntables are known for their excellent value for money, build quality, and sound performance. They often receive positive feedback for their user-friendly features and wide availability.

3. Technics: Technics is known for its iconic turntables, particularly the Technics SL-1200 series. Technics turntables are recognized for their exceptional build quality, precise speed control, and accurate sound reproduction. They often receive positive reviews for their durability and reliability.

4. Audio-Technica: Audio-Technica is a reputable brand that offers a variety of turntables suitable for beginners and audiophiles alike. Audio-Technica turntables are appreciated for their affordability, solid performance, and user-friendly features. They often receive positive feedback for their ease of setup and versatility.

5. Denon: Denon produces a range of turntables that blend modern features with classic design elements. Denon turntables are recognized for their solid build quality, smooth operation, and good sound reproduction. They often receive positive reviews for their ease of use and integration with other audio systems.

6. Pioneer: Pioneer offers turntables that combine modern technology with vintage aesthetics. Pioneer turntables are known for their solid performance, durable construction, and user-friendly features. They often receive positive feedback for their affordability and ease of setup.

Guitars

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Fender: Fender is widely recognized as one of the most reputable guitar manufacturers in the world. They are known for iconic models such as the Stratocaster and Telecaster. Fender guitars often receive praise for their versatile sound, solid build quality, and historical significance in popular music genres like rock and blues.

2. Gibson: Gibson is renowned for its high-quality electric and acoustic guitars, including models like the Les Paul and the SG. Gibson guitars often receive high regard for their rich tones, craftsmanship, and their association with legendary guitarists across various genres. They are known for their iconic designs and their historical presence in rock music.

3. Martin: Martin is highly regarded for its acoustic guitars and has a long-standing reputation for producing exceptional instruments. Martin guitars often receive high praise for their resonance, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They are recognized for their warm, balanced tones and have been favored by many professional acoustic guitarists.

4. Taylor: Taylor is known for its high-quality acoustic guitars and innovation in guitar design. Taylor guitars often receive positive feedback for their playability, tonal clarity, and modern construction techniques. They are appreciated for their consistent quality and a wide range of models catering to different playing styles.

5. PRS (Paul Reed Smith): PRS guitars are recognized for their high-end craftsmanship, attention to detail, and versatility. PRS guitars often receive positive reviews for their comfortable playability, excellent build quality, and a wide tonal range suitable for various genres. They are appreciated for their combination of traditional and modern design elements.

6. Ibanez: Ibanez is known for producing a wide range of electric guitars favored by players in rock, metal, and jazz genres. Ibanez guitars often receive praise for their playability, ergonomic design, and value for money. They are recognized for their versatile pickups, fast necks, and a wide variety of models catering to different playing styles.

 

Pianos

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Steinway & Sons: Steinway & Sons is widely regarded as one of the most reputable and prestigious piano manufacturers. They are known for their handcrafted pianos that have been favored by professional pianists and used in prestigious concert halls around the world. Steinway pianos often receive praise for their exceptional sound quality, responsive touch, and meticulous attention to detail.

2. Bösendorfer: Bösendorfer is recognized for producing high-quality pianos with a long history of craftsmanship. Bösendorfer pianos are renowned for their warm and rich tone, exceptional build quality, and their unique addition of extra bass notes (extended keyboard). They are favored by many pianists and have a reputation for their meticulous attention to detail.

3. Yamaha: Yamaha is a well-known and respected piano manufacturer that produces a wide range of pianos suitable for various skill levels and budgets. Yamaha pianos often receive positive feedback for their consistent quality, reliable performance, and versatility. They are appreciated for their well-balanced tones, responsive action, and innovative features.

4. Kawai: Kawai is recognized for its high-quality pianos, both acoustic and digital. Kawai pianos often receive positive reviews for their clear and expressive tone, excellent touch response, and advanced craftsmanship. They are known for their attention to detail, durability, and technological innovations in the digital piano realm.

5. Bechstein: Bechstein is a reputable piano manufacturer with a long history of crafting high-quality instruments. Bechstein pianos often receive praise for their warm and expressive tone, precise action, and fine craftsmanship. They are known for their dedication to traditional piano-making techniques and their use of premium materials.

6. Roland: Roland is renowned for its digital pianos and electronic musical instruments. Roland digital pianos often receive positive feedback for their realistic sound and touch, extensive features, and versatility. They are appreciated for their portability, durability, and innovative technology.

 

Cellos

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Stradivarius: Stradivarius cellos are widely regarded as the pinnacle of cello craftsmanship and have an unparalleled reputation. Antonio Stradivari, an Italian luthier from the 17th and 18th centuries, is renowned for producing some of the finest cellos in history. Stradivarius cellos are highly sought after for their exceptional tonal quality, projection, and resonance.

2. Montagnana: Montagnana cellos, crafted by Venetian luthier Domenico Montagnana in the 18th century, are highly regarded for their powerful, rich tone and exquisite craftsmanship. These cellos are prized for their projection, depth of sound, and responsiveness.

3. Guadagnini: The cellos made by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini, an Italian luthier from the 18th century, have gained a strong reputation for their warm and balanced tonal characteristics. Guadagnini cellos are appreciated for their playability, projection, and unique personality.

4. Goffriller: Goffriller cellos, made by the Venetian luthier Matteo Goffriller in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, are esteemed for their warm and sonorous tone. Goffriller cellos are recognized for their responsiveness, projection, and excellent craftsmanship.

5. Testore: Cellos crafted by members of the Testore family, an Italian dynasty of luthiers from the 17th and 18th centuries, have gained a reputation for their refined craftsmanship and warm, resonant sound. Testore cellos are valued for their versatility, playability, and expressive capabilities.

6. Stradivari School: Apart from the renowned Stradivari cellos, there are cellos crafted by luthiers from the Stradivari school, which includes apprentices and followers of Antonio Stradivari. These cellos, while not bearing the Stradivarius label, are often recognized for their craftsmanship and tonal qualities reminiscent of Stradivarius instruments.

Violins

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Stradivarius: Stradivarius violins are widely regarded as the pinnacle of violin craftsmanship and have an unparalleled reputation. Antonio Stradivari, an Italian luthier from the 17th and 18th centuries, is renowned for producing some of the finest violins in history. Stradivarius violins are highly sought after for their exceptional tonal quality, projection, and resonance.

2. Guarneri del Gesù: Violins crafted by the Guarneri family, particularly Bartolomeo Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù, have gained a strong reputation for their powerful, rich tone and expressive capabilities. Guarneri violins are valued for their distinctive tonal characteristics, responsiveness, and projection.

3. Amati: Violins crafted by the Amati family, who were prominent luthiers in Italy during the 16th and 17th centuries, are esteemed for their refined craftsmanship and elegant design. Amati violins are recognized for their clear, balanced tone, and have historical significance as predecessors to the Stradivari and Guarneri violins.

4. Bergonzi: Violins crafted by the Bergonzi family, particularly Carlo Bergonzi, are appreciated for their craftsmanship and tonal qualities. Bergonzi violins are known for their warm, sweet tone, and their instruments have gained recognition for their quality and playability.

5. Vuillaume: Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, a 19th-century French luthier, is highly regarded for his violins. Vuillaume violins are appreciated for their craftsmanship, tonal qualities, and historical significance. They are valued for their warm and balanced tone, as well as their playability.

6. Modern Makers: Apart from the renowned historical makers, there are numerous modern violin makers who have gained reputations for their craftsmanship and the quality of their instruments. These makers include David Burgess, Joseph Curtin, and Stefan-Peter Greiner, among others. Modern makers have contributed to the advancement of violin-making techniques and have produced instruments that are highly regarded by professional violinists.

 

Trumpets

By Chaz G. T. Patto

Saying decisively that a certain product is "the best" can really vary year by year as styles change and models get updated, become obsolete or are discontinued. But major companies also have reputations to consider.

Ranking the reputations of manufacturers is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, specific categories, and customer experiences. The reputation of manufacturers can be influenced by factors such as quality, craftsmanship, design, durability, customer service, and value for money. While it is a difficult process to provide an all-encompassing ranking, here are several well-regarded manufacturers with a stellar reputation:

1. Bach (Vincent Bach): Bach trumpets, particularly those from the Stradivarius series, are widely regarded as the gold standard for professional trumpets. They are known for their excellent craftsmanship, superior build quality, and rich, resonant tone. Bach trumpets are highly sought after by professional musicians in various genres.

2. Yamaha: Yamaha is a reputable trumpet manufacturer that produces a wide range of models suitable for different playing levels. Yamaha trumpets often receive praise for their consistent quality, reliable performance, and versatility. They are known for their excellent intonation, response, and durability.

3. Schilke: Schilke trumpets have gained a strong reputation for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. They are appreciated for their precise intonation, superb projection, and clarity of sound. Schilke trumpets are favored by many professional players in classical and jazz genres.

4. B&S (B&S Markneukirchen): B&S is a German manufacturer known for producing high-quality trumpets. B&S trumpets often receive positive feedback for their excellent craftsmanship, rich tonal characteristics, and responsive playing experience. They are recognized for their versatility and are favored by professional musicians worldwide.

5. Getzen: Getzen is a respected trumpet manufacturer that offers a range of models suitable for different playing styles and skill levels. Getzen trumpets often receive praise for their solid construction, excellent valves, and warm, focused sound. They are appreciated for their consistency, playability, and value for money.

6. Schagerl: Schagerl is an Austrian trumpet manufacturer known for its innovative designs and craftsmanship. Schagerl trumpets often receive positive reviews for their unique features, expressive capabilities, and distinctive tonal qualities. They are favored by professional players seeking a distinct sound and versatile performance.

 

Moving Product Reviews to LilithPress.ca/Shopping.html

Hello Frequent Shopper!

If you are reading this it is because we have decided to move (copy) many of our most popular posts to the following website:

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Shopping.html

Going forward, all new Product Reviews will be posted on the Shopping section of Lilith Press Magazine. Or possibly both PRC and Lilith Press Shopping.

Also to avoid understanding that doesn't mean we are deleting this website. By moving, we really mean we are "focusing" on the new website and "copying" our most popular posts over to the new site.

 

We may also continue to do short snippet reviews on PRC and possibly some longer ones too.

 

So if you want to see more Canadian product reviews, written for Canadians, go visit Lilith Press and bookmark the website for future use.

Plus Lilith Press has separate sections for the following topics:

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Art.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Books.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Entertainment.html (Games, Movies, Television)

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Fashion.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Food.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Music.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Sports.html

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Tech.html (Cellphones, Computers, Tablets, etc)

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Transportation.html (Cars, Bikes, Trains and More)

http://www.lilithpress.ca/Travel.html

So technically not everything will be in the Shopping section. Quite a bit will be spread around in the Books, Food, and other sections. But we will cross-list anything that fits in multiple topics.

Now please note, we do have over 440 product reviews on here... so it will take some time to copy the old reviews to the new website. We have decided to prioritize the most popular reviews.

Also, if you could be a doll, please tweet, facebook and link about our new website. We could use the extra advertising.

Thanks for visiting and supporting Product Reviews Canada!

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Learning a Musical Instrument

How to Get Your Kids Interested in Learning a Musical Instrument

Kids are naturally drawn to music, mostly for the beat, but sometimes for the message. If you want to encourage your kiddos to take their music appreciation a step further, follow these guidelines to inspire your youngsters to learn a musical instrument.

Introduce Music Early

Scientific studies point out how great music is for babies in their mothers’ wombs. So, start early with a bit of premature music appreciation. Play tunes, sing your favorite songs, and interact with touches and melodies. Babies remember the sound of your voice, so make it a harmonious one.

Encourage Kids to Develop Their Own Love for Music

Love for music starts from a personal space of emotion and need. Music can get you through anything with meaningful lyrics and a rhythmic, heartfelt beat. So, encourage your kids to find music that they love. It might be Justin Bieber or one of the numerous boy bands that grace the magazine covers. Or, it might be Beethoven and Motley Crue. You never know. But music is music, and an appreciation for it has to start somewhere.

Learn to Play a Music Instrument Yourself

Monkey see, monkey do—as the saying goes. To get your kids interested in learning a musical instrument, perhaps pick one up and learn for yourself. It can be anything that strikes your fancy, from drums and guitars, to violins and tubas. Educate yourself with beginner music theory books, then move onto creating big-time melodies with your own two hands. Have fun with it. Once your kids see you taking an interest and having fun, they might be inclined to join you.

Have Fun Quizzes on Music Trivia, such as Name That Tune

Name That Tune is a music-loving family favorite. Download a few instrumental mp3s and keep score to see who knows the most about music from today and yesteryear. Or, have the kids quiz the adults with song midis.

Bring Home Different Instruments

Some kids simply need to have access to a musical instrument to take an interest in it. So, rent a few instruments from your local music shop. Bring them home and let your kids play around with tunes and quirky melodies. If there is passion for instrument and music, it will shine through when your kiddo picks up a violin, piano, drum, or whatever else you bring home.

Music can be full of so many emotions, from passion, to anger, to happiness, and more. Encourage your youngsters to learn a musical instrument so they can better express themselves through harmonies.

Vinyl Record Stores in Toronto

It recently occurred to me that I could get an unusual gift for my mother for xmas...

A vinyl record.

Thus I went looking for vinyl record stores...

The vinyl record stores in Toronto are a true phenomenon since very few prophets would have predicted so many stores would still selling LPs, EPs and 45rpm records over a decade after the millennium, especially since in the 1990s collectors were shedding their records, and vinyl was selling by the pound.

Nobody could have predicted vinyl's survival years and decades later.

After its effective extinction by the compact disc, never mind the Napster and mp3 revolution... the revival of vinyl among young collectors who've embraced the iPod and brought back the turntable and effectively put the stake through the CD's heart. You will still find CDs in all the music stores like HMV, but they're not selling like they were during the 1990s.

But it is vinyl that will survive the test of time. CDs have lost to mp3s, but to the true music collectors vinyl is still king.

After all, what's a CD these days except one extra step between you and your mp3?

The vinyl revival is a sign of what is happening right now. It is a re-injection of new, quality, heavy weight LP pressings into the marketplace, and not just new titles, but classics and obscurities as well. Record store owners expected a surge in demand for classic rock, with a new generation discovering Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin on twelve inch black plastic... and instead they're seeing sales in a wide variety. Everyone it seems is going back to vinyl.

Here is a list of Toronto's best vinyl record stores:

Rotate This
Hits & Misses
She Said Boom
Play De Record
Cosmos on Queen/Cosmos West Records
Vortex Records
Planet of Sound
Kops Records
Slinky Music
Paradise Bound
Second Vinyl
Pandemonium

So there is quite a few and they're mostly in downtown Toronto, which means for fun you could just do a walking tour of all the vinyl shops and make an afternoon of it. No plans today? Go for it!

Canadian Music

Looking for music which is quintessentially Canadian, but still good quality and won't annoy the younger generation?

Alanis Morissette, Canadian singer-songwriter. If you haven't heard of her already you must be living in a cave.

Ashley MacIsaac, a professional fiddler from Cape Breton Island. Best known for "Sleepy Maggie", with vocals in Scottish Gaelic by Mary Jane Lamond.

Avril Lavigne, Canadian singer-songwriter. Best known for "Sk8er Boi", "I'm With You", "My Happy Ending" and "Girlfriend".

Barenaked Ladies or BNL, a Canadian alternative rock band with multiple hits, including the theme song from 'Big Bang Theory'.

Chantal Kreviazuk, a Canadian pianist / singer-songwriter of adult contemporary. Examples: "God Made Me", "Believer" and "Wayne".

Choclair, Canadian rapper. Best known for "Let's Ride".

Great Big Sea, a Canadian folk-rock band from Newfoundland and Labrador, best known for performing energetic rock interpretations of traditional Newfoundland folk songs + original material. ie. "Its the End of the World as we Know It"

k.d. lang, a Canadian pop and country singer-songwriter, with multiple hits including "Constant Craving" and "Miss Chatelaine".

Moxy Früvous, a socially conscious and politically satirical folk-pop band. My favourite is their rendition of "Green Eggs with Ham".

Nelly Furtado, Canadian singer-songwriter. Best known for "I'm Like a Bird", "Promiscuous", "Maneater", "All Good Things (Come to an End)" and "Say It Right".

Our Lady Peace, an alternative rock band. Best known for "Starseed" and "Somewhere Out There".

Priestess, Canadian heavy metal / stoner rock band. Best known for "Blood" and "I Am the Night, Colour Me Black".

Sarah Harmer, Canadian singer-songwriter and activist, former lead singer of Weeping Tile. Notables include "Chicken", and "You Were Here".

Sarah McLachlan, Canadian musician, singer and songwriter. If you haven't heard of her already you must be living in a cave.

The Tea Party, a Canadian rock band with blues, progressive rock, Indian and Middle Eastern influences. Best known for "Heaven Coming Down".

Tom Cochrane, Canadian musician and humanitarian, best known for his hit songs "Life Is a Highway", "Lunatic Fringe" and "I Wish You Well".



Enjoy!