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I went to our local Radio Shack to find out about recording devices, and found they have one that I can record on and then plug into my computer (no USB cable required), It just plugs into one of the ports. The clerk said I could then burn a CD if I wanted to.

It is an Olympus WS-100. Small, and under $100.
The clerk assured me that it has "Great tone quality." I am not sure, as it is no bigger than the remote I have for my TV.

Does anyone have any information about these recording devices. I want it so that I can record my playing and if I every get good enough, to be able to share it with you so that I can get your suggestions on my playing. Gaby Tu

The Olympus WS-100 is a voice recorder, it would be a very poor choice for your intent.
I would steer clear from Radio Shack, especially when making purchases regarding music.
You could search the forum for recording advice and I'm sure others will chime in.

gabytu, the microphone I use is a Samson USB condensor mic, designed to record music, and it plugs directly into the USB port of my laptop (no extra cable needed). While I'm not 100% satisfied with it and will probably upgrade to a two-mic system or that neat new Kawai recording system in the future, it serves its purpose for the time being, and you can find it online for about $75. Check out my recital pieces to see the exact model number (and to hear what it sounds like); I don't remember offhand.

p.s. Whatever mic you buy you will probably also need a mic stand, which you can get for about $25.

yea a mic stand...don't try to use your siblings...lol Right Monica??

That's right, Monster! I gave up on using my daughter as a microphone stand when she mutinied after the 12th take.

Thanks all of you. I will steer clear of the Olympus voice recorder, and now understand the need for something that will record music.

Monica, your system is great. I checked out your recital pieces and they sound wonderful. Nice quality of tone. By the way, love your playing.

My big problem is that I do not have a laptop, and my computer is way down the hall in another room far removed from my piano. Too big and cumbersome for me to tote into the other room, especially as I would have to unplug a scanner, 2 printers, speakers. keyboard, mouse, etc..

Guess I had better start giving serious thought to getting something that will record music with good fidelity, in the room where the piano is and then plug it into my computer.

I am really giving serious thought to getting the new Kawai recording device. However, it will have to wait. Property taxes due next month,and a couple of other big expenses coming up. Nothing like home ownership for setting one's spending priorities.

Also, maybe the price on the Kawai recorder will come down from its current price of $1,500..

I understand Roland makes one that sells for around $600. Don't know a thing about it, but will check it out.
Gaby Tu

Gabytu, did you read the thread in the main forum on the Kawai system?

New system for recording your piano thread

About halfway through it, people started suggesting alternative systems for recording, including a couple of box-like things that you wouldn't need to have your computer right there. I suspect if you got one of those recording devices, and then an inexpensive mic, it would serve you well until you could spring for a pair of expensive microphones.

Anyway, the thread is well worth reading. I found myself concluding that I really liked the plug and play ease of the Kawai system. But I don't know anything about the Roland system. I'll let you do all the research work and report back to us.

Can't you just get a consumer-level device that records digitally, such as a Minidisc (or whatever is available these days)?

Gabytu,
I have an Olympus Voice Recorder, but have never considered using it to record my piano. I could try it and share the result if you like. I only offer this to help deter you from such a purchase. That is a serious offer, though.

Definitely check out all the previous posts on recording setups, there are lots of different approaches used by PW forum members. Maybe you could share with us your unique scenario. How close is your computer to your piano? How much can you afford to spend? How much are you willing to spend? Sometimes those numbers are different. What kind of quality are you expecting to obtain? Does your computer have firewire? How comfortable are you with learning new computer tasks? I am pretty sure you play an acoustic. If that is incorrect you should point that out. I can't think of anything else to ask right now.

Sorry, I guess I type slowly. You answered most of my questions while I was typing up a response...

My pc is in the next room, I poked a hole in the wall - the wife doesn't like it much...go figure- and run my firewire thru it to the pre-amp. I have to walk down the hall to control it when I do the record/stop record routine...although I do need the EXTRA EXERCISE. For the mean time, it works fine for me. My equipment

Monica, I read thru the entire thread you suggested. Lots of pros and cons, detailed discussions---some so technical they were way over my head.

Posted a question of my own. Depending on the reply, I have decided that I will get the Kawai PR-1 sometime in the near future.

It does not require all the technical know how required by sophisticated recording--special mics placed just so far from the piano, editing equipment etc.

CD's are cheap. I have a box of 100 ( a special at Office Depot).

From reading the various posts I can see that setting up your own recording system can save money, but then one has a lot of extra equipment to set up each time, and it all requires specialized knowledge as to how best to use it.

Thanks again to all of you who took time to advise me on this. Gaby Tu