Kaspar CB1 Clarinet Barrels from Chedeville

Chedeville’s new Kaspar CB1 Clarinet Barrels are designed to add power and projection to the clarinet sound while decreasing resistance. The unique hourglass shape of the outside of the barrel was inspired by the interior shape which is the design element most influential in the sound projection of the barrel. The outside hourglass shape increases resonance by reducing the thickness of the material at the center of the barrel. A third design element is the material itself from which the barrel is made which is Hard Anodized Aluminum. This gives the Kaspar CB1 Clarinet Barrels their powerful sound. This hardness of material also adds to the barrel’s greater projection, and because it’s aluminum, it is also lighter than traditional barrels. Available in 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67mm lengths. MSRP: $159
www.chedeville.com

D’Addario’s New String Sets

D’Addario XT Strings are D’Addario’s most technologically advanced series of strings created for electric, acoustic, classical, bass, and folk instruments. D’Addario XT Strings combine high carbon steel cores and D’Addario’s most popular alloys with an extended lifespan treatment on every string in the set, giving players enhanced break resistance, pitch stability, and long-lasting performance – all while preserving the tone and feel of their favorite uncoated strings. XT will available for Acoustic, Electric, Bass, and Classical Guitar, as well as Mandolin and Banjo.
www.daddario.com

Casiotone Series Keyboards

Revamped to hit a high note with music lovers of all ages, the new Casiotone series of keyboards consists of three models including the CT-S200 (black, red and white), CT-S300 (midnight blue) and LK-S250 (black). Weighing in at just six pounds, the new models offer a refreshed design including a slim chassis and 61 keys, ideal for playing at home or on the go. Each keyboard is packed with 400 tones, 77 rhythms, 50 patterns for Dance Music Mode, USB Midi, a rechargeable battery, adaptor, and more. Additionally, all three models are compatible with the Chordana Play app, while the LK-S250 also boasts Casio’s Step-Up lesson system. The Casiotone CT-S200 (MSRP: $109), CT-S300 (MSRP: $139), and LK-S250 (MSRP: $159) will be available at select music dealers nationwide later this year.
www.casio.com

New from TRX Cymbals

TRX has announced an expansion and upgrade to its exclusive special edition line: the Special Edition KX Thunder and AX Lightning Crash cymbals. Offered in 16˝ and 18˝ models, the new, vented cymbals bring TRX’s popular, specially designed hole pattern to its midpriced line. The cymbals have a unique, trashy sound when used alone or stacked and are recommended for everything from traditional jazz and R&B, to rock, pop and metal.
The new “Deacon” cymbal packs from CRX offer the professional sound and performance of B20 Bronze cymbals at a B8 price. This combo is now available in Classic (dark) and Xtreme (bright) series and a choice of two popular configurations: The “Old Testament” Pack, which includes 14” Hi-Hats, 21” Ride and 18” Crash with bag ($499.99 street), and the “New Testament” Pack, which includes 10” Splash, 14” Stacker and 16” Crash ($199.99 street).
www.trxcymbals.com

Alfred Music’s ‘The Musician’s Lifeline’

Written by Peter Erskine and Dave Black, The Musician’s Lifeline represents the combined experience and knowledge of the authors gained through their lives in music. In addition, it includes advice from over 150 of the best musicians the authors have the honor of knowing, with topics ranging from sight-reading, learning, listening, auditions, the music business, practice, musical aesthetics and performance, to general travel and life wisdom. $16.99
www.alfred.com

The jHorn from Nuvo

The jHorn is the latest addition to Nuvo’s expanding range of innovative pre-band instruments. Designed specifically to suit young students trying out brass for the first time, the jHorn is compact, lightweight and durable. With standard horn fingerings, the jHorn plays the same register as a baritone horn or euphonium but has a unique multi-cup mouthpiece to allow students to experiment with low, middle and high brass embouchures. It can also be played with a standard trumpet, alto horn or small bore trombone mouthpiece.

With piston-type actuators, the patented rotary face valves are low maintenance and require no valve oil. The whole instrument can be flushed out frequently and quickly with hot soapy water. The jHorn is tuned in the key of Bb but has a set of C tuning slides. This means it can be converted to play in concert pitch to play along with the other instruments in Nuvo’s pre-band program, WindStars.

www.nuvo-instrumental.com

Retro-Rack Series from Gator Cases

This series of vintage amp-style wooden rack cases from Gator offers modern protection with a classic appearance for the stage or studio. This series pays homage to the ‘50s and ‘60s style with three colored tolex options: Seafoam Green, Tweed, and Black. Fit your favorite processors and recording equipment into 2U, 3U, or 4U rack-size options with 12.5 inches of rackable depth. $159.99
www.GatorCases.com

Hunter’s HOB6449WB Oboe

Hunter’s HOB6449WB Oboe is a heavy-duty bell, designed for professional oboists. Musicians who play it can produce a warm, reedy, and rich tone, and feel the prominent ease of blowing. All of the professional mechanisms and trills are standard on this model, plus silver-plated keys.
www.huntermusical.com

Kendor Music’s New Releases

Kendor Music’s Volume 39 String Orchestra music features 18 new pieces at the grade 1-4 level, many of which are available on SmartMusic. The Volume 39 Jazz Ensemble music features 16 new charts from Kendor Music and 15 new charts from Doug Beach Music, many of which are also available on SmartMusic. Free recordings, full scores and descriptions for both books, as well as SoloMate recordings, are all available from the Kendor Music site.
www.kendormusic.com

The Jazz Rhythm Section from Rowman

The Jazz Rhythm Section introduces the basics of this very important part of the jazz ensemble. They are the foundation of any jazz group, so improving the rhythm section will result in a stronger sounding band. This book is intended to be a practical guide with chapters on each of the primary instruments in the rhythm section: bass, drums, piano and guitar. Key topics include equipment and setup issues and performance practice, including tips on constructing walking bass lines, learning voicings and comping rhythms and creating drummer’s setup fills. Additionally, there is a chapter on the rhythm section itself that details all of the inter-relationships, suggestions for count-offs and metronome exercises that will help improve your band. The Jazz Rhythm Section is intended for novice directors, but directors of all levels will benefit as well.
www.rowman.com