I have the EWI-USB and it is definitely a reliable instrument.

You didn’t say that if you have played a wind instrument before, not a controller but an instrument like a tenor sax, trumpet etc., but if you have you have a head start already. I used play trumpet so I picked the EWI over other wind controllers as it has a trumpet type fingering setting. My brother used to play the clarinet and a friend who plays sax and they both played it, with the proper finger settings, with no problem. It’s a little harder for us old has-been trumpet players as we are used to using our embouchure for changing octaves, not octave rollers, plus the fingering is slightly different. It’s not a major problem so don’t get me wrong. The mouthpiece is also different from a trumpet and a woodwind but it very easy to get used to.

You will have no problems with the “keys”. That was the easiest part for me to learn. The hardest part for me was/is the octave rollers. To change octaves you move your thumb over rollers. This is something I still haven’t totally mastered.

If you look at the EWI-USB as a new instrument that you have to practice to master you will be just fine. If you think you can just pick it up and play you will be disappointed, however the learning curve for previous horn players is not that steep. I have found great satisfaction in using mine. It is a lot more expressive than a keyboard and/or a guitar controller for horn parts. I’ve also used it in string and synth parts with great success. Because it’s midi the sky is the limit on what sounds you want to use it for.

I hope this helps and good luck - MarioD

PS – feel free to ask any questions you have and I’ll do my best to answer them.

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64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware