Introduction
Gigajam Recommended Instruments
We want all our users to get the most from Gigajam’s Online Music School. The following Gigajam recommended instruments are suggestions that we know will work well with our Online Music School.
Gigajam users vary enormously. Gigajam learners can be studying at school, college or, university, with a tutor from our Music Teacher Network, or independently at home. There are an increasing amount of devices, so we have assembled a short list of appropriate suggestions that should suit where and how you learn your instrument. If you would like to seek alternatives, use these as a basis for comparison of cost, quality and features.
We would be very happy to discuss any alternatives that you are considering so please get in touch if you have any questions or suggestions and we happily provide our advice as well as share with our users.
Gigajam are partners with Normans Musical Instruments and we are delighted to be able to recommend them to you as an excellent musical instrument provider with experience of supplying to consumers and home users as well as educational establishments. We have provided links to specific instruments, as well as links to their full range of instruments that they offer for: guitar, bass, keyboard and drums.
Keyboard Guide
Gigajam compatibility
Windows PC Xtractor 
Playback, Record, Analyse, Upload, Automatic Scoring and ePortfolio
The Casio CTK range of 61 note keyboards can be connected directly to your Windows PC so you can record and analyse your performances in our Gigajam Xtractor and Analyser software.
You can play along, record, analyse and save all of your performances automatically from the majority of Casio CTK range of Keyboards. All performances are automatically marked by our system and you can upload to your portfolio directly from our software, making it it the fullest interactive experience on offer from Gigajam Online Music School.
The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Electronic Keyboards
Casio have a range of 61 note and full size keyboards kits that connect via a simple USB connection seamlessly to your Windows computer that enable you to record and analyse your performances with Gigajam.
Benefits:
- 61 note and size keyboards
- Headphones for silent practice
- MIDI connection to Gigajam’s Window Desktop Software (Xtractor/Analyser) with single USB cable
We recommend the Casio CTK range, as it well priced and works seamlessly with Gigajam for those models with USB connectivity such as this example.
Link to Normans Musical instruments Casio 61 Note CTK
Link to Normans Musical Instruments Portable Electronic Keyboard Range
Drum Guide
Full Size Digital Drum Kit
Gigajam compatibility
Windows PC Xtractor
Playback, Record, Analyse, Upload, Automatic Scoring and ePortfolio
The DTX range of full sized drum kits can be connected directly to your Windows PC so you can record and analyse your performances in our Gigajam Xtractor and Analyser software.
You can play along, record, analyse and save all of your performances automatically from the DTX. All performances are automatically marked by our system and you can upload to your portfolio directly from our software, making it it the fullest interactive experience on offer from Gigajam Online Music School.
The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Digital drum kits
Yamaha have a range of full size drum kits that connect via a simple USB connection seamlessly to your Windows computer that enable you to record and analyse your performances with Gigajam.
Benefits:
- Full size drum kit
- Headphones for near silent practice
- MIDI connection to Gigajam’s Window Desktop Software (Xtractor/Analyser) with single USB cable
We recommend the DTX450k, as that comes with a bass pedal, as opposed to switches.
Compact Digital Drum Kit
Gigajam compatibility
Windows PC Xtractor
Playback, Record, Analyse, Upload, Automatic Scoring and ePortfolio
The DD75 compact, portable drum kits can be connected directly to your Windows PC so you can record and analyse your performances in our Gigajam Xtractor and Analyser software.
You can play along, record, analyse and save all of your performances automatically from the DD75. All performances are automatically marked by our system and you can upload to your portfolio directly from our software, making it it the fullest interactive experience on offer from Gigajam Online Music School.
The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Compact Digital drum kits
Yamaha have a compact drum kit that connects via a simple USB connection seamlessly to your Windows computer and enables you to record and analyse your performances with Gigajam.
Benefits:
- Compact size drum kit, with pedals
- Headphones for near silent practice
- MIDI connection to Gigajam’s Window Desktop Software (Xtractor/Analyser) with single USB cable
- Portable and ideal for classrooms
We recommend the DD75, as it comes with pedals for hi hat and bass drum.
Link to Normans Musical instruments DD75
Acoustic Drum Kit
Gigajam compatibility
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
Pearl Acoustic Drum Kits
Pearl have, arguably, the best intermediate drum kit in the Export. it is a model that has endured for decades because of its quality and price point.
Benefits:
- Full size drum kit, with Cymbals
- Quality, robust beginner and intermediate kit, that punches well beyond it’s weight
- Versatile and perfect for practice, studio recording and live
Guitar Guide
Gigajam compatibility
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London
NOTE: Currently, there are no suitable MIDI guitars, or basses, nor simple MIDI pick up solutions to use simply with Gigajam Xtractor software. We will update as products are developed.
Secondhand Yamaha EZ-AG works perfectly for both Bass and Guitar with our Windows software and YouRock Guitar works for guitar with our Windows Software, especially with our Xtractor Synth low latency plug-in (more details on our technology page).
Electric Guitar
A great all round package for anyone looking to take their first steps into the guitar world.
The guitar has a solid alder body, hosts a maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and a classic black finish, alongside 3 single coil pickups, a 5 way pick up selector, 2 tone controls, a volume control, an “S” style tremolo bar, die cast chrome machine heads and to give it a real pop, a solid white pick guard. Included is a Jack to Jack cable and a 10 Watt practice amp which can be used with headphones for late night jamming.
Bass Guitar Guide
Gigajam compatibility
Tablet, Mobile, Apple
Play along with audio player, record you tube video, tutor mark, score and feedback and ePortfolio
On your tablet, mobile phone and non-windows PC’s you can play along with our audio backing tracks direct from your browser. Record a video and upload to Youtube and link to your exercise. Gigajam tutors will then mark, provide a score along with some feedback on what worked well and how you can improve. The score is tracked in your e-Portfolio so you can apply for your Music Grades online awarded by the University of West London.
NOTE: Currently, there are no suitable MIDI guitars, or basses, nor simple MIDI pick up solutions to use simply with Gigajam Xtractor software. We will update as products are developed.
Secondhand Yamaha EZ-AG works perfectly for both Bass and Guitar with our Windows software and YouRock Guitar works for guitar with our Windows Software, especially with our Xtractor Synth low latency plug-in (more details on our technology page).
Bass Electric Guitar
A great all round package for anyone looking to take their first steps into the guitar world.
If you are looking for a great bass on a budget look no further. This is a great alternative to the big name J-bass. This sleek black beauty sports a thin, fast neck and low action right out of the box. Great for recording, but also solid enough to take some punishment on the road and stylish enough to be on stage. Great value without the comprised quality. Included in this package is is a Jack to Jack cable and a 20 Watt practice amp which can be used with headphones for late night jamming.
This guitar has some real professional features, classic looks and for the price point is unrivalled!
Link to Normans Musical instruments Beginner Bass Guitar Pack