"Have you ever played along with your CD player and wanted to tell it 'Stop right there! What was that? Loop that little phrase for a minute! Hey not so fast. I want that phrase played really, really slowly! And tune up to me. Or put that phrase in the key of C, not Bb. And don't ask me to take my hands off my ax when I'm cooking like this just to put you on pause. Let's go outside for a minute, just you, me and my ax, so we won't bother anyone.'"? was the opening sentence of the letter that came from Slim Richey of Ridge Runner.

Well, of course you haven't. You don't talk to inanimate objects! And besides, CD players can't do all that, can they? Not usually, but Slim went on the explain....

• Would you want to loop 4 measures, 4 seconds or 4 notes?
• Would you like to have your 4 notes (or 4 measures or the whole track) come back 50% slower without a pitch change?
• Would you want to have your 4 notes come back in any other key without a tempo change?
• Would you want to start and stop a CD with a foot switch, while keeping your hands on your instrument?
• Would you like to an easy way to master difficult riffs, licks, phrasing of your favorite pop or classical player?

I'm talking about a 100% portable CD player that will do all of the above plus more, designed for the purpose of transcribing music!

I'm offering a portable CD player (2 inches tall, 10 inches long by 7 inches deep!) designed for the purpose of transcribing music. It works on batteries, has an optional case that looks like a hard shell briefcase. It's so intuitive that even beginners can operate them. It's the model PSD 230 Music Study CD player.

The PSD 230 is a portable, professional-quality CD player that lets you change the key or tempo of any audio CD. Simple button controls let you quickly decrease or increase tempo up to 50%. Slow down a music track on your favorite CDs to learn by ear from the pros (the way the pros learned, but easier). The PSD 230 also lets you change the musical key to any key up to one octave higher or lower, without changing tempo. This makes learning hot solos a snap.

A segment of a track can be selected and continually replayed until mastered. Step through an entire track or CD by making the endpoint of one loop the beginning point of the next one. An optional foot pedal allows easier control when hands are occupied with your instrument.

The PSD 230 includes many other professional features, such as analog and digital stereo outputs for connection to powered speakers or a recording device, 3-band EQ for tone balancing, CD-TEXT display, 3-way power (batteries, optional rechargeable battery pack), as well as built-in speaker and headphone jack with volume control.

You can play compilations recorded on CD-R or CD-RW (re-writeable) discs. A mic/line input on the PSD 230 that accepts either a *² or XLR connection allows a microphone or an instrument to be plugged in and mixed with the CD, for playing along with the mix.

You can take the battery-operated PSD 230 anywhere in its optional hard shell carrying case (with extra storage for CDs, foot pause switch, etc.).

In addition, a voice reduction system within the unit effectively reduces the lead vocals on many CDs, allowing a practising musician to better hear the instrumentalist or a vocalist to sing along as the new lead.

Speakers are built in. Or you can listen through headphones, through powered multimedia speakers, through you stereo system or a variety or other ways.

The PSD 230 includes many other professional features, such as analog and digital stereo outputs for connection to powered speakers or a recording device, 3-band EQ for tone balancing, CD-TEXT display, 3-way power, as well as built-in speaker and headphone jack with volume control. Play compilations recorded on CD-R or CD-RW discs.

While the PSD 230 was designed specifically for learning music by ear, there are many features that music teachers and students are buzzing about, there are appealing features for vocal students and teachers as well as dance students and teachers."

OUTSTANDING FEATURES OF THE PSD 230

• Change tempo without affecting key.
• Change key one octave (up or down) without changing tempo.
• Step-through A-B loops Voice reduction circuit takes out lead vocals on many CDs

I have used different devices and methods to learn from recordings myself. Half speed tapes and vinyl recordings drop the music an octave and aren't that easy to manipulate, although the ones I used would tune to my guitar with a pitch control. I've sold digital music study recorders such as the Slo-Mo Encore II (by Ridge Runner; hey, that's me!) and the TR 1000. They're great but, if you're learning from CDs the PSD 230 outshines them in ease of use and clarity. The digital recorders will go slower but being able to play one note at a time replaces the need to slow something down to 1/6 speed. Besides, you have to record into the digital recorders first, an extra step, extra wires, hook-ups, less portability! Computer programs are nice because of the screen and mouse stuff but it takes a long time and a lot of trouble to get the job done. Software programs are my least favorite ways of learning licks. At least with the Encore II you got a foot switch for once you get started and the ability to loop from the foot pause. When you first use your PSD 230 you'll get a great feeling! The wonderful thrill you get when you unlock a secret! Like when you discover how some professional musician is playing his hottest licks! Or when you realise that you've got the key! The secret! The tool to do it yourself! There's nothing like it! It's exhilarating! And a whole lot of fun!

There¹s nothing easier or better than the PSD 230 for learning the hardest music played, not just pop music but jazz, country, blues, bluegrass, and even classical! Anything! You can pick up the music of any lead instrument! Guitar, keyboard, banjo, fiddle, Dobro, sax, harmonica, anything! All you have to do is listen. Then copy what you hear! Music will never again be too fast to hear. Make it slow down! Still don't catch it? Loop each note one at a time! Find each note on your instrument. One at a time!

You can order on Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express by calling my toll free order line: 1-800-FRET-PRO (800-373-8776). So order as soon as you can. Or you may send a check or money order for $699.95 plus $8 shipping. Texans pay $747.200 (including tax) plus $4 shipping. Personal checks take at least 10 banking days to clear. My information line and fax line is 1-512-847-8833. You may Write to me at ps00@ridgerunner.com

There is no easier and quicker way to learn the hot phrases and licks of your favorite musical star than with your PSD 230. It's the best machine for learners and professional transcribers. Learn to play today's hot music styles at once! Learn the day the CD is first released. Don't wait a year or more for the release of tab books and instructional videos. In one intimate evening with your PSD 230 you might learn more than you'd learned in the previous year by other methods. Surprise your friends or members of your band. Learn new stuff in the afternoon. Play it at the gig the same night!

Get inspired to play whatever you want. Pick the ideas apart. Learn the notes lesser players always leave out. If you love learning new music, find the new stuff before others do. This is the fastest and best possible way. The PSD 230 is the most exciting product to come along in a long time.

Best Regards,

Slim Richey @ Ridge Runner

Write to: slim@ridgerunner.com http://www.ridgerunner.com

Phone Numbers: Order Line: 800 373 8776 Overseas and Alternate Order Line: 512 847 8605 Information and Fax Line: 512 847 8833 Extra Line: 512 847 5631

I really fancy one of those... Do I deserve a free one? Ed. <gx&x xgtx;

1st July 2001