Howdy, all.

I thought I'd pass on a few holiday gift ideas (yes, I bought the toys
for myself.)  This year it seems like all of the "stocking stuffers"
are $100.  =)


1. QUICKSHOT MIDI COMPOSER. ($99.)

This turned out to be a surprisingly well made MIDI controller keyboard,
intended to be used with a PC's internal sound card.  (This is a perfect
companion to the Creative Labs AWE-64 Value sound card, which is also
about $100.)

Features:

>    Bundled with Cakewalk Home Studio software (16 bit)
>    49 full-size keys with variable touch sensitivity
>    Built-in MIDI-adapter interface for Sound Blaster
>    Uses existing sound card's sounds and effects
>    3-digit LED display and data entry slider
>    MIDI-out ports
>    Pitch bend and modulation wheels
>    Includes cheesy plastic sustain pedal
>    Includes over 300 MIDI files (!)

Found in MEI/Micro Center catalog: 1-800-634-3478
Item #396754 (Made in China)


2. Animated Looney Tunes Xylophone. ($99.)

This is another in the series of "Mr. Christmas" mechanical collectibles.
Five of the Looney Tunes cartoon characters play 20 holiday tunes on a
real 10 note xylophone.  The plastic characters strike the metal bars
with tiny mallets.  The arrangements are quite ingenious, though after a
while the sound is quite irritating.  (No Ragtime jokes, please.) Still,
I had to have one, as it's the closest I'll ever come to owning a
Wurlitzer.

Found in MUSIC STAND catalog: 1-800-717-7010
Item #13842 (Made in China)

I'm told that Sears and K-Mart may also be stocking it.

Cheers!
Pete Woodworth