What makes it "Digital" vs. "Electric"?
We call it "Digital" because the sounds are generated by a tiny computer inside the sax. This is different than an electric guitar, which generates sounds by converting the vibrations of the strings into electric pulses but doesn't have any computer parts. The Digital Sax has no moving or vibrating parts (except for the small speaker).
Why touch sensors and not real buttons?
Real buttons break. And they're noisy. They're also slow. Touch sensors detect your finger movements the instant it touches the key (or leaves the key), allowing you to play faster.
I play Sax. How long does it take to learn to play the Vindor?
5 seconds to find the on/off switch, and 3 seconds to place your hands and no time to start playing. The Digital Sax has button placement and function identical to a traditional Sax. While the Digital Sax doesn't have all the keys that you find on a traditional Sax, it does have all the essential ones used by beginning and intermediate players.
Can it do Clarinet or Flute fingering?
Yes. Changing from Sax to Clarinet or even Bagpipes is done via a software setting. A different mouthpiece is available with a 90 degree bend to allow for holding the Digital Sax like a flute. The anatomy of the hand dictates the placement of keys in most instruments and then it's just of matter of different programming for what key combinations produce what notes.
Is it really easier to learn to play? Why?
The Vindor comes with web-based software. It follows the playing, pinpointing mistakes and playing an accompaniment to help keep tempo. Our library features pop songs and classical music for every taste.
It has fewer keys and buttons than a traditional sax - just the essential ones used by beginning and intermediate players - which makes learning simpler.
It doesn't have a reed -- instead, it analyzes changes in air pressure. This means you start playing good tones, and are in tune right away, minimizing the initial frustrations. Even though it doesn't have a reed, it a real mouthpiece, so students get used to the feel of the reed and can practice tonguing and modulating air flow. This makes the transition to a real instrument very intuitive.
How does this compare to the Yamaha or Akai wind controllers?
There are many differences, so we'll just hit the highlights here. Both the Yamaha and Akai are aimed at professional players. The Vindor Digital Sax is for beginners and intermediate players.
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The Yamaha uses physical buttons and requries a MIDI synthesizer to produce sound.
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The Akai uses touch buttons and only the high end model can generate it's own sound.
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Neither has a rechargeable battery, wireless option or headphone jack.
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Only The Vindor comes with easy-to-use learning software.
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The Vindor is less expensive, at $99. The Yamaha costs $800 and Akai costs $300 for the low-end model (no sound) and $800 for the high end.
Why is it so much smaller and lighter than Yamaha or Akai?
The Digital Sax takes advantage of the latest integrated microcontrollers and sensors that reduce size and cost dramatically. It was designed to fit in a backpack and be lightweight to avoid tiring out young players. The Yamaha and Akai controllers are based on dacades-old technolgy.
Can I connect to a guitar amplifier or effects pedals?
Yes. The audio jack can dynamically sense the type of device connected to send the appropriate signals for either a headphone or an amplifier or a line-level receiver. It should sound fine on any effects pedals you use. Because you can alter the type of waves generated (through configuation software), you can also create special effects without pedals, or use special waveforms that enhance the effects of pedals.