Uh.. has anyone actually tried this? The last time I tried the keyboard over computer was here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_Piano_Teaching_System

I played with this a bit at CES last year. I can't play piano but found this to be really cool and I think it would really help me learn if I was so inclined. This one may be better suited for young kids with the small keyboard...they make a version with more keys that might be for the more serious minded.

30 bucks is certainly worth it in my book.

Here're some reviews from you guessed it Amazon http://www.amazon.com/APPRENTICE-25-note-Lighted-Keyboard-iPhone/product-reviews/B004YHTNVC

There are some "gee this great for my kid".
The negatives seem to be around size of keys and power source. You can download the app free and see what songs etc it has.

Does not work with Android tablets. Bummer.

I was ready to take out my wallet to give money to woot for the first time in over a month, and then I realized you need an Ipad.

Cool concept though :\

Guybrush01 wrote:Uh.. has anyone actually tried this? The last time I tried the keyboard over computer was here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_Piano_Teaching_System

SWEET MERCY, I'm so happy someone remembers that--I came here half to comment about the same system. :D I had (actually, have) it for the SNES. As a musically-inclined kid I never could get past triplets--I wound up with a music degree years later and always have wanted to go back and try it again to determine if it was user error or a glitch!

For $30, maybe this system would be fun for tinkering around for a small child. The disclaimer is that I haven't actually used this system--but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone wanting to learn from this. 25 tiny keys isn't going to do much for you (and that list price for this is ABSURD). IMO, you'd be better off putting that money towards actual lessons with a real person (especially if you live near a college, where music majors are always looking to make money and will give you lessons for cheap!).

CowboyDann wrote:I was ready to take out my wallet to give money to woot for the first time in over a month, and then I realized you need an Ipad.

Cool concept though :\

I'm also bummed that it doesn't work with Android products, but you don't need an iPad specifically. You can use a touch and iPhone too.

skispeakeasy wrote:I'm also bummed that it doesn't work with Android products, but you don't need an iPad specifically. You can use a touch and iPhone too.

Yeah put me in the party that doesn't use iStuff because reasons.

$41 shipped on Amazon. $35 shipped here.

I kinda wish I had an iPad just so I could play with something like this. I'm pretty happy with my Android phone though.

CowboyDann wrote:I was ready to take out my wallet to give money to woot for the first time in over a month, and then I realized you need an Ipad.

Cool concept though :\

Looks like you can use a iphone or ipod touch also. I am getting one for my kids to use with my old 3gs

These were $100 at our local Target for a long time. They went on clearance about a month ago and only got down to $39.

CowboyDann wrote:Yeah put me in the party that doesn't use iStuff because reasons.

LOL. 'Because reasons', a classic CD response!

I bought one of these from Amazon for my 5 year old (for about $50).

It is definitely more geared towards adults. My son didn't have the patience for the lessons because they didn't have any aspect of fun or games. And the keyboard doesn't work with any other apps that I have found.

Finally, I should note that one of the keys didn't play or light up and we returned the keyboard.

Save your money,get a B-3.

If this were for Android, I'd buy one in a minute.

CowboyDann wrote:I was ready to take out my wallet to give money to woot for the first time in over a month, and then I realized you need an Ipad.

Cool concept though :\

yeah, me, too...I have a budding artist...actor, singer, dancer, musician...he's already learning the guitar and I think I might get him a keyboard for Christmas

Does anyone know it will work with Garage Band on iPad? That would make it worthwhile for me for sure.

-Andrew

adauria wrote:Does anyone know it will work with Garage Band on iPad? That would make it worthwhile for me for sure.

-Andrew

It says that it is CoreMIDI compliant, which Garage Band is, so my informed guess is yes.

FYI - I just ordered it after reading [I thought] that it had a headphone jack... but now having found the actual ION site with a PDF QuickStart Guide (http://www.ionaudio.com/downloads/Ion_Piano_Apprentice_Quickstart_Guide_1-1.zip) I see that you must use the headphone jack on your iPad/iPhone/touch.

Does anybody know if the built in speakers will play music or sounds from other apps when the dock connector is plugged in? I am an Elementary school music teacher who occasionally has to travel to other buildings and teach in spaces other than a music room. I am thinking this would be a great unit to travel with as both a keyboard and speakers to play music for the class that I have on my iPod & iPad.

amemait wrote:Does not work with Android tablets. Bummer.

Thanks for the Android heads up - I was about to buy it...

bwiderski wrote:FYI - I just ordered it after reading [I thought] that it had a headphone jack... but now having found the actual ION site with a PDF QuickStart Guide (http://www.ionaudio.com/downloads/Ion_Piano_Apprentice_Quickstart_Guide_1-1.zip) I see that you must use the headphone jack on your iPad/iPhone/touch.

Thanks for the link! The info there also indicates that THERE IS NO MIDI H/W INTERFACE! I wonder what good claiming MIDI compliance is without the ability to interface. ...unless there is an iPod cable to MIDI adapter.

Any other uses besides this app? (on an iPhone?)

GreatJorge wrote:Here're some reviews from you guessed it Amazon http://www.amazon.com/APPRENTICE-25-note-Lighted-Keyboard-iPhone/product-reviews/B004YHTNVC

There are some "gee this great for my kid".
The negatives seem to be around size of keys and power source. You can download the app free and see what songs etc it has.

Um, yeah, 12 songs, I'll pass.

TnBill47 wrote:Thanks for the link! The info there also indicates that THERE IS NO MIDI H/W INTERFACE! I wonder what good claiming MIDI compliance is without the ability to interface. ...unless there is an iPod cable to MIDI adapter.

"Core MIDI" is what they call the MIDI emulation interface software library for iOS. Other apps that use Core MIDI ( Garage Band, likely others ) should "just work" with this as a result. So, oddly enough, MIDI without a cable or recognizable MIDI-spec hardware does have a meaning and even serves a purpose.

One does wonder how much cost a pair of in/out MIDI ports would have added to this, but let's face it, if you are considering that, this is not your keyboard.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the point in such a small keyboard. That severely limits what you can learn in terms of octaves and general play. Yes, it has the "home octave," which is where you start, but most pieces you'd want to learn have a range of notes, even in the beginner stage.

nicepairofwooters wrote:These were $100 at our local Target for a long time. They went on clearance about a month ago and only got down to $39.

They hit $19.99 at a few of the stores in my area - and they still had them in stock at the Palm Bay Target Saturday. So... others might still have a few.

Can one of the Woot staffers tell me if the shipping to Hawaii uses the US Postal Service? (Or, if not, if there is a way to specify only USPS as the delivery mode?)

Thanks!

http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=ION+Piano+Apprentice+Keyboard&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories

Target is $62.99 plus shipping. 10/17

aaronf wrote:They hit $19.99 at a few of the stores in my area - and they still had them in stock at the Palm Bay Target Saturday. So... others might still have a few.

Target was $62.99 just checked. Plus shipping, online only.

ROGETRAY wrote:We use a variety of shipping methods such as drop shipping (direct from vendor), FedEx, USPS, and Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA).

We moderators don't have access to shipping knowledge/methods and couldn't tell you how exactly your package will be delivered.

You're welcome to email us at service@woot.com and they'll be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have about ordering.

Sincerely,
Woot Staff

Thanks for the reply. I did drop them an email but it doesn't look like they will be able to reply in time to order today's item. Oh, well ... maybe it will roll around again soon.

javaxman wrote:"Core MIDI" is what they call the MIDI emulation interface software library for iOS. Other apps that use Core MIDI ( Garage Band, likely others ) should "just work" with this as a result. So, oddly enough, MIDI without a cable or recognizable MIDI-spec hardware does have a meaning and even serves a purpose.

One does wonder how much cost a pair of in/out MIDI ports would have added to this, but let's face it, if you are considering that, this is not your keyboard.

Many thanks for the background. Was looking for a small keyboard input for Encore composition app. Something smaller than the Kurz.

Guybrush01 wrote:Uh.. has anyone actually tried this? The last time I tried the keyboard over computer was here:
I owned one... For about a week. Tiny keys more like child sized than for adults. The light up key trainers are cool though.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_Piano_Teaching_System

theguruguys wrote:LOL. 'Because reasons', a classic CD response!

haha glad you liked my response, Here is the inspiration.

I have 2 new 16 month old twin grand boys and I think this is a GREAT Woot for them to tinker with...they just like things that make noice and the price is RIGHT. Thank you Woot for this grandparent approve toy to occupy these boys time while grandpa watches a little football :D