Best Electric Wind Instrument & Best EWI Brands
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Are you a musician looking for the perfect electronic music instrument? This instrument is perfect for musicians who are associated with jazz and rock music, and even more recently new-age music. The electric wind instrument or EWI is a truly versatile instrument. The air pressure allows for a considerable dynamic range and has a tonal range that can extend up to 8 octaves.
If you are someone who is currently a wind instrument player, this electric wind instrument would be the good buy. Most weigh no more than 2 pounds, so they are portable, and are usable by anyone of any age. They are great for a gift or for personal use.
Why You need an Electric Wind Instrument
The electric wind instrument uses the computer to generate all of its luxurious sounds. All one needs is a Mac or PC computer and the USB software and you are on your way to practicing, performing, and recording with a full collection of wind instrument sounds. This amazing instrument has been played by many notable artists like Michael Becker, Bob Mintzer, Jeff Kashiwa, Dave Koz, and Steve Tavaglione. All of these artists have used this instrument to the best of their abilities and so can you.
There are so many electric instruments like the electric guitar, the electric base, electric drums set, and even an electric kazoo! But this specific product is a great and imaginative tool that brings together technology and art. The sound is unlike anything ever heard of. For more than 20 years the electric wind instrument has been revolutionary in changing the way we listen to music.
Electric Clarinet, Electric Oboe, Electric Flute and Electronic Saxophone?
Early models, created by Nyle Steiner, consisted of two simple parts: a synthesize in a rackmount box and a wind controller. Now many brands combine those 2 parts into a single piece and using the Boehm fingering system which helps the electric wind instrument to sound similar to that of a saxophone. However, those who are clarinet players would have no issue with the fingering. In fact, newer models allow for recorder players to switch between oboe, flute, and saxophone fingering modes.
What are the Best Electric Wind Instruments to Buy?
When using an electric wind instrument, one would not be able to tell the difference between it and a normal, non-electric instrument. It is very true to sound and play. Even the least tech-savvy person could use this instrument. It is an amazing instrument, and when in the right hands makes lovely music that all would love to enjoy!
Electric Wind Instruments Come in Many Different Brands!
Electric wing instruments come in many different styles, colors, sizes, and brands. There two top brands and they are Akai Professional and Roland. Each brand and electric wind instrument is unique to the brand and how the user intends to play the instrument. Depending on what you are specifically looking for, you can find the one that has the best sound that you are looking for and right “look” that you are trying to achieve.
4 Best Electric Wind Instrument Reviews and the Best EWI Brands
1) Akai Professional EWI5000 Electronic Wind Instrument with Wireless Audio Receiver & USB MIDI Control
This is an amazing electronic wind instrument that gives flawless wind-instrument performance as well as responses known in this digital era that we live in. It boasts 3G of beautiful acoustic and progressive sounds generated by SONiVOX.
It will automatically adapt to how you like to play your traditional wind instrument. Besides, this instrument offers wireless audio, which will allow you the freedom to move around as much as you would like. It has a 1/8-inch headphone output and ¼ inch audio output.
This specific electric wind instrument comes with a neck strap, charger, USB cables, and a wireless receiver. The sound is unlike any instrument on the market today. There are 100 factory presets built into the EWI5000, and there are is 100 user presents available. This specific electric wind instrument is an experience that is next level and built for the contemporary player.
Pros:
- Lightweight at exactly 2 pounds
- Can play music and listen to it while connected with a headphone
- Comes with free software so no need to purchase more
- Very sturdy compared to other brands
- Wireless
Cons:
- No built-in speakers
- Some issues with sound output
- Not the BEST for live performances
2) Roland Aerophone AE-10 Digital Wind Instrument
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The Roland digital wind instrument comes with flexible onboard sounds. It has fingering capabilities with acoustic saxophones, other wind instruments like the clarinet, flute, and the trumpet.
The mouthpiece comes with a sensitive breath sensor reed that acts just like a reed on a traditional wind instrument. It allows the user to have control over things like vibrato and pitch.
It provides a realistic sound experience for not only the user but also the listener. This instrument is a game changer on this list, being that this list has three Akai electric wind instruments.
This instrument has great speakerphones and sound quality unlike many other electric wind instruments on the market today. This instrument is good for first-time users, as it gives the good experience like using a traditional wind instrument.
Pros:
- Suitable for first-time users
- Sturdy
- Has onboard monitors as well as headphone output playing anytime and anywhere
Cons:
- Not as portable as other electric wind instruments
- Significantly heavier, coming in at a whopping 6.9 pounds
- Requires 6 AA batteries without the option of an electric charger
3) Akai Professional EWI USB Electronic Wind Instrument MIDI Controller with Included Sound Library
This versatile electric wind instrument, made by Akai, has an amazing plug-and-play USB connection to Mac or PC which allows for ease of use. It also has custom Garritan Aria Player software, which contains numerous wind instrument sounds.
It boasts multiple fingering modes like saxophone, traditional electric wind instrument, flute, oboe, as well as an electronic valve instrument, or EVI. This EVI allows for a fingering mode that allows brass players to play the electric wind instrument. It takes only a short time of practice to be able to understand and use all the octaves.
This is great option for first-time buyers as it is top of the line, yet still easy to use for novice users. This is a wonderful alternative for people looking to downsize their instruments as it is very small and portable. It can replace numerous wind instruments, while still for the most part keeping the integrity of the sound.
This instrument boasts the following:
Pros:
- Comes with CD for sounds
- Removable, dishwasher safe mouthpiece
- Lightweight; it weighs less than 2 pounds
- Easy to learn and master
But also has a few shortcomings:
Cons:
- Software and program not as strong as other brands
- Can be difficult to tell between instruments
- Keys can be overly sensitive
4) Akai Professional EWI4000S Electronic Wind Instrument MIDI Controller with Built-In Sound Module, Headphone Jack & MIDI I/O
This Akai Electric Wind Instrument on our list includes electronic valve instrument that many other electric wind instruments fail to include, which are very helpful for brass instrument players.
This electric wind instrument boasts octave rollers and touch-sensitive keys for quick playing. It has a great breath sensor for expressive playing, and good for more experienced players. It comes with a built-in analog modeling synth sound module, and works for both Mac and PC editor software which allows for the storing and quick recalling of internal sounds!
This amazing instrument allows musicians the opportunity to plug in MIDI (Musical Instrument digital interface) or audio system into the base of the instrument, which allows them to move freely along the stage. This beautiful and high tech instrument deliver amazing versatility, mobility and melodic expressions of creativity during this electronic music revolution.
Pros:
- Long battery life, up to 8 hours with 4 AA Batteries
- Has the option of a power adapter
- Lightweight, just below 2 pounds at 1.9 pounds
- Great for performances and professional use
- Extremely durable
Cons:
- No specific synthesized sounds
- No specific instrument is set for the electronic wind instrument
Choosing the Best Electric Wind Instruments from the Best EWI Brands
Trying to find the best electric wind instrument for your personal requirements can be difficult but not impossible. Lots of brands are now coming up with electric wind instruments that actually work and are very easy to learn and get comfortable with.
It would be wise to do research and read online reviews before you actually buy one. Also, it is important to make sure that this is something you would like to invest in for the long haul.
Don’t hesitate to check out our recommended electric wind instruments. They are worth every penny and great for downsizing your instrument count and having numerous amazing instruments into one small, versatile instrument!
These electric wind instruments will change the way you listen to music and how you play music as well. They are versatile and good for anyone, novice or professional.