As a budding musician, you need to have a range of music accessories that can help you enhance your musical skills. Whether you are a parent of a child who is interested in learning music or a professional musician, there are certain must-haves that can help you pull off the best performance possible.
Plugins
A plugin is a piece of software that you can use to enhance your audio recording and mixing. Often found in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and other music production software, plugins come in many shapes and sizes, from simple EQs and compressors to more advanced virtual instruments and synthesisers.
Plugins are great for adding extra effects to your tracks, such as reverb, delay, and saturation. They are also a fun way to add creativity and flair to your musical creations.
There are many free VST plugins available, which can be a great way to get started in the world of musical instrument accessories. However, it is important to be mindful of how much plugins can clog up your computer’s hard drive, so it’s best to stick to stock plugins that will help you craft a solid mix.
For example, a simple EQ can be very useful in creating the perfect sound for your guitar track. Using a good EQ will make your guitars sound more realistic and natural, so it is important to find the right one for you.
Another popular type of plugin is distortion. Distortion is a way to add more saturation to your guitar tone, which can be a good addition if you are going for a certain style of rock.
One of the best distortion plugins is Decapitator by Soundtoys. This plugin comes with 5 different types of saturation modes based on analog models. It also has an EQ section to control the tone of the saturated signal.
Studio Monitors
When you want to produce a high-quality recording that sounds exactly as it should, it’s important that you use the right audio equipment. This includes studio monitors, which are designed to reproduce all the frequencies of your recorded music accurately.
They can come in near-field, mid-field and far-field configurations. You should be able to find one that’s perfect for your listening preferences.
These can be a little more expensive than standard audio speakers, but they’re well worth the investment. They’re more refined and detailed, with precision engineering that ensures they give you a natural, accurate sound.
The main drivers in studio monitors include woofers (bass), midrange, and tweeters. Two-way monitors typically have a woofer and tweeter, while three-way models will have an additional midrange driver.
A quality set of studio monitors will also have low total harmonic distortion, or THD. This measurement is important to make sure that you don’t add too much noise to your recordings.
They should also be decoupled from their supporting structure to prevent undesired transmission of sound and vibrations. This is best achieved by placing them on dedicated monitor stands with isolation pads.
XLR Cables
XLR cables are an essential tool for musicians and audio engineers, and they’re commonly used in professional recording studios. Whether you’re playing a concert or recording a podcast, a good quality XLR cable is necessary for clean, accurate sound.
Unlike the standard 1/4” or 1/8” cable that you find in a headphone jack, an XLR cable is designed to carry a balanced signal. This helps prevent unwanted noise from picking up on the signal and creating an audible hum.
High-quality XLR cables are also less likely to experience signal degradation with heavy use. This can help you to record a clear, high-quality audio signal that will be easy to listen to for years to come.
The quality of an XLR cable also has a direct effect on the performance of your musical instrument. If you want to get the best possible sound from your guitar, bass or keyboard, you’ll need a well-made XLR cable.
XLR cables are typically made of a high-quality copper wire that delivers a solid, consistent signal, so you can enjoy better sound quality. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of different styles and lengths. You can even find XLR cables for other applications, such as distributing digital DMX lighting control data. Whether you’re looking for an XLR cable for a new microphone, a patch cable to connect your pedal board or speaker cables for your band, Monoprice has what you need!
Tuning Key
A tuning key is a device that allows you to adjust the tension of strings on your guitar or bass. This results in a change of sound and is used for a number of reasons. The most common reason is to get the strings to play softer or tighter, which can make your playing much easier.
Another use for tuning keys is to change the scale of your instrument. This is especially useful for musicians who like to switch between different keys – e.g. Don Helms of Hank Williams Band and Henry Kaleialoha Allen play a C6 tuning; Harmon Davis prefers an E7 tuning; David Gilmour uses an open G6 tuning.
Tuning keys can be made from a variety of materials and are available in many shapes and sizes. Some are screwed into the headstock while others don’t require screws.
Some are designed to lock the string in place, which is useful for guitarists with tremolo or vibrato arms. They typically clamp the string around a post that is threaded with an elastic or nylon strap, a spring, or a cam-operated clamp.
There are also staggered-height tuning keys that allow you to tune the high and low strings in the same direction. They’re a great choice for beginning musicians or visual people who find it difficult to hear pitch. Some of the top manufacturers of quality tuning keys are Gotoh, Sperzel, Planet Waves, Schaller, and Kluson.
Carrying Case
A carrying case is a type of box used to organize and transport a collection of items for future use. Carrying cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the items being transported and their final purpose.
The basic requirements for a carrying case are that it be durable, flexible, and easily carried. Some varieties of carrying cases are made from a combination of materials to enhance endurance and strength.
Hardcases are generally more robust than softcases and offer the most protection. This makes them ideal for musicians who need to travel with their instruments.
These cases are usually made from a combination of strong, sturdy fabrics and lightweight metals. They are also often padded to provide extra protection against bumps and knocks.
Some types of hardcases are made with neoprene, which is a non-conductive rubber that maintains its strength and resilience in harsh conditions. Neoprene is also a very good protector from moisture and oil exposure.
Another style of case is a gig bag, which are usually made from nylon, leather, or polyester. These cases are much easier to carry than hardcases, and they can be more affordable as well.
These cases typically have a guitar compartment and an accessory compartment. The guitar compartment is generally padded to protect the instrument, while the accessory compartment may be larger and can hold accessories such as picks, strings, tuners, and cleaning supplies. Some guitar bags also have extra pockets for sheet music and other small items.
Classy Leather Bags
If you’re looking for a way to keep your musical instruments safe while on the go, classy leather bags are an excellent choice. They offer superior protection, and many models also come with pockets and compartments that make it easy to store picks, strings, tuners, and other accessories.
These classy leather bags are a perfect accessory for musicians who are always on the go. They’re incredibly durable, and they’ll last for years with proper care. Plus, they’re an affordable option that won’t break the bank.
Classy leather bags come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your instrument perfectly. They’re also incredibly stylish, and they can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
If you’re a professional photographer, you may want to invest in a special small leather camera bag to protect your expensive equipment from bumps and spills while traveling. These bags are crafted with premium full-grain goat leather that looks rich and vintage while ensuring the utmost quality.
Legendary American instrument brand Gibson has partnered with luxury leather goods company Lifton to create a range of vintage-style guitar cases. The collection includes a brown leather knapsack, priced at $399, and a matching duffle bag, priced $799. These cases are designed to look like the Lifton 5-latch guitar cases used by Gibson in the 1950s, and they feature a C-shaped handle and locking latches.