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13 Reviews
Best "thing" I ever bought?
We had an English teacher who hated the word "thing" because there was always a better word to describe an object than "thing", or so he said. With the myriad voices and settings on the Aerophone AE-10, I'm sure even he would agree there is no better word to describe this pan-musical object than "thing".
I bought the graphite model. It's quite attractive. I've only had it a few weeks and I've been so busy playing it, I haven't even scratched the digital surface yet.
On the design; if you know how to play woodwinds, it's close enough so that it's very easy to play after only a little practice. Real keys are a very nice touch. The bite and breathe sensors really are quite realistic. The mouthpiece and playing the Aerophone mimics an acoustic woodwind close enough to be useful practice, IMO. And with a pair of good headphones, you can do pracitce anytime, anywhere in total silence!
That's all good because I can't put it down.
It will also take some time to get used to - and to get through - all of the voices and settings. But that's all part of the fun. Luckily, Roland included an easy return to factory settings selection for when you feel the need to get the voices back to home base.
I updated to the latest Version 3.0 firmware as soon as I took it out of the box. It comes in a nice compact padded soft case with accessories including power cord, neck strap, mouthpiece cover, cloth bag for the Aerophone,"scrunchy" to absorb moisture below the mouthpiece, and a case strap. The instrument drains condensation efficiently through a weep hole at the bottom. I also blow through it after turning it off and wipe it gently. And rinse and dry the mouthpiece then let everything air dry with the case open like I would my sax.
You have to provide your own USB cable and jack cord. I have a little 5 watt tube amp and all of the voices sound truly amazing through tubes and a 12" speaker.
I like the overall physical design and electronics (Roland's voices are fantastic) but they could have placed the control buttons and screen out of the way of the right thumb. I'm used to the placement now but Roland should include a key combination to "lockout" the control buttons to prevent unintentionally changing settings while playing. An adjustable thumb hook would hve been nice. And a low battery warning on the screen. It would have been really nice if you could use your own mouthpiece, maybe with a synthetic reed, but I guess that's really too much to ask, isn't it?
Little picky stuff like that doesn't detract from the sheer joy of playing this instrument. The Aerophone frees you to express yourself musically in ways you never imagined.
There are instruments in there whose names I had to Google. And it's so lightweight (only 2 pounds with six AA rechargeable batteries installed) I can play it for hours with my SaxHolder. It's physically much easier to play than an acoustic saxophone, sitting or standing. Only time will tell but I realize it won't last anywhere near as long as a good saxophone. Considering what I'm getting for the street price, that's fair enough, IMO. I'd definitely buy another one if this one ever stops working. Who knows what Roland can dream up for Aerophone 2.0?
I'm going to play more now. I don't "game" but I'd say the Aerophone is the closest you'll ever get to musical gaming. My acoustic sax is getting jealous.
Best thing I ever bought? Quite possibly, yes.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: frontrowelectro...
Great breath control and sounds...
I haven't been able to play with it much yet as it was just for Xmas but the breath control makes all the difference. If you are serious about using it for music, even practice...you need breath control to be expressive. This has it and the fingerings work great for a saxophe player. I play soprano and mostly tenor. This isn't going to replace either but will open up all kinds of new music and ideas and the sound is quality through a speaker...don't judge by the built in speaker.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: rebound.discount
AE10 Aerophone, a synthetic wind instrument by Roland.
Roland has done it right with the AE10. Fingering and keys are immediately familiar to a sax player, and the range, tonal quality, response, even reed pressure for bending notes is perfect. The 100 "voices" are extremely authentic.
Roland should increase it's on line technical-assistance presence, and not just let users sort things out through a forum. But the product is highly recommended.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: japan_atmarket
Great fun!
I love this thing and all it can do! It is a different instrument than a real sax for sure, and has it's own learning curve, but what a blast!
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: gigasonic-outlet
Sick
The Aerophone is sick. Totally impressed. I was playing high f# wrong my whole life and didn't realize until I went to play it on the aerophone and no sound came out... consulted the fingering chart and voila.Also been playing at night while the fam is asleep. Some people hate on the sounds but I think they are fantastic, especially through a PA or headphones Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: bestbetbuys
Excellent
Excellent as a controller and has some pretty good internal sounds. Plays very musically.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: cholubaz
Versatile alternative to traditional saxophone
The AE-10 is a versatile wind synthesizer for every level of play with authentic tones. The AE-20 or AE-30 is the next level for a more professional experience, but at a much higher cost. It does comes with an onboard small speaker which is convenient for practice. A quality speaker or stereo system is recommended for performance to get the full sound of this instrument. It is lightweight and does not need to have reeds changed. The plastic reed mouthpiece will last for years,although I did purchase a backup. There may be a slight clicking noise when keys are depressed, but that sound is not heard through an amp. The AE-10 is fun to play and it creates the opportunity to expand your musical; experience. Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: minnow18
I think it's a major breakthrough in electronic wind instrument.
I am an absolute beginner so I can't say much but I am really enjoying it.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: kms_win_winds
Best edition to my sax collection ever!
Incredible instrument! A definite must have for anyone that enjoys playing the sax!
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: frontrowelectro...
Like new!
Very good condition. Nice that it comes with padded carrying case.
Verified purchase: Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: cloudnine_gaming