Also, as a keyboard player and programmer, I want to turn fellow players onto Roland’s A88-MKII controller. I’m quite particular when it comes to the feel of a keyboard or piano’s “keybed” and while there are a ton of options when it comes to keyboard controllers, none hold a candle to the way the A88-MKII feels. The keys feel like an extension of your fingers, your body. The ability to have the level of expression in this instrument is spectacular. I can say that I’m a better player when I touch the keys of Roland’s offering. Don’t sell yourself short on a mediocre controller… your playing and creativity will suffer.
In order to properly house the A88MKII, I had to find a way to support it and keep it ergonomically sorted in my studio. So I looked to Buso Audio for a solid solution because I had heard many individuals speak so highly of them. The Netherlands-based Buso Audio was founded in 2012 for designing and producing state of the art studio furniture. And no matter what size space you are working out of, they have options that cater to musicians, producers and artists of all levels (and room-size requirements). Their desks, racks and monitor stands can be found at: busoaudio.com.
I told you that I have spent the past many months focusing on my photography and there are two companies that I want to turn you on to. One company that I recently discovered is called Field Optics Research. While my personal photography straddles several genres, when I get hired to shoot, my photography is primarily focused in two arenas— portraiture and real estate. These two photography segments demand head-and-tripod solutions that are dependable at all times and “FOR” has several solutions no matter what your level of shooting. I personally use their FBT5436C tripod and FPH-ULP head and this combination is rock-solid! And if you need to carry your kit (regardless of size)— you honestly need to check out ThinkTank. I have used ThinkTank products for 10+years and I’ve never once been disappointed. Their quality is top-notch and every single ThinkTank product I use is still going strong. Depending on how much gear I travel with, I currently use either their FirstLight 20L or Essentials Convertible Rolling Backpack. I have all my bases covered with these two bags— and if you’re looking for some smaller gift ideas, check out all of their photo accessories from memory card wallets, battery holders, lens cases or laptop/tablet options. Also, their many CableManagement™ options are killer for anyone— not just photographers! (Considering how many cables we use in our lives, photographer or not— everyone could benefit from multiple sizes of packing cubes to throw in their car, their briefcase, their suitcase…
There is one more gift idea that I want to share with you— and this can either be a (luxurious) stocking stuffer or a stand-alone gem. Bluetooth earbuds have become a mainstay over the past few years— but I find that most of them are either: a) uncomfortable or don’t fit well or b) sound average at best. This is not the case with Sennheiser’s MOMENTUM True Wireless 2 earbuds. Not only do they feel fantastic for long periods of wear but they are sonically AMAZING! If you— or your “someone special”— truly care about how their music sounds, you really need to seek these out. With customizable controls, voice assistant support and up to 28 hours of play time, you will thank me as you ride the sound waves into 2021! (…and what better way to put the drama of 2020 behind us than to lose ourselves in an audio-embrace.)
So, that wraps up my holiday gift-recommending newsletter. If you want to stay up-to-date on career and personal happenings that are posted more frequent than newsletters, follow me on:
Instagram: TheOfficialTonyVincent
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Twitter: TonyTheVincent
I pray that you and the ones you hold dear stay well, remain healthy and enter the new year with promise and a sense of purpose and hope. —God knows we need more hope than we possibly ever have!
Seasons greetings—
Tony Vincent
