Songs in the key of Crescendo

MANILA, Philippines -Crescendo, which opened in 2010, is the premier retail channel for Casio electronic keyboards and digital pianos, as well as home to the Gibson and Epiphone guitars in the Philippines. It caters to all levels of musical interest and skills.

For beginners, Casio’s innovative key-lighting keyboard features a self-teaching function enabling users to learn playing short tunes by following the lighted keys and guide indicators on a built-in LCD screen. Likewise, for those starting up on string instruments, Epiphone guitar packages are their best bet. They can choose from either a PR-4e acoustic-electric guitar or a Les Paul solid-body electric guitar package that includes a 15-watts amplifier, tuner, cable, strap, picks, and an instructional DVD with downloadable guitar lessons.

Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands and has been a leader in its unwavering quality and innovative guitar designs offered at affordable prices.

For professional musicians, Crescendo offers a wide range of Casio high-grade keyboards designed for studio recording and composing sessions. The WK and CTK pro keyboard series is packed with powerful features that provide total support for stirring performances and original music production.

Recently, Casio launched its Privia PX-5s stage keyboard and XW-P1 performance synthesizer which boasts new sound technologies unique to Casio professional keyboards. For intermediate guitar players, Gibson’s iconic Les Paul and SG solid body electric guitars are a favorite of working musicians and enthusiasts alike, catering to almost every musical genre. Played by legendary guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Slash, Joe Perry, Eric Clapton, Zakk Wylde, Angus Young, and Ace Frehley among others, the Gibson Les Paul and SG are two of the most widely celebrated guitar models of all time.

Gibson’s semi-hollow and hollow-bodied arch-top guitars best suit jazz and blues musicians, with ES-335 as the most sought-after model in this category. For Epiphone, the John Lennon Casino and the ES-335 (aka “The Dot”) are the most popular of the brand, heard on some of the most revered records in music history.

On the other side of the spectrum is a distinctive Gibson sub-brand catering to heavy metal fanatics, Kramer. With its shred-certified looks and hard-rocking appointments, guitar design is taken to the next level. For bass players, the Epiphone EB- series, Toby V-string, and the lesser-known Thunderbird are the most affordable and feature-packed rig.

Alternatively, guitar collectors can find the most treasured and historic gems of guitarville through Gibson Custom Shop models, with the 1959 and 1958 Reissues, being the most-prized collectibles. Similarly, piano playing is achieved at its finest through Casio’s Celviano and Privia digital pianos. The closest you can get to the sound and feel of a grand piano, Casio’s innovative AiR sound technology mimics the rich resonance of a true acoustic piano. With other notable features such as the grand piano lid simulator, hammer response keyboard, simulated ebony and ivory keys, and audio recording function though a USB flash drive, Privia and Celviano ranks at the top its class in the digital piano category.

Crescendo continuously collaborates with local artists and musicians from various genres and advocates the development of a lively Filipino music scene. Equally, this music store aims to encourage musical inclination among the youth by introducing them to quality musical instruments.

Currently with 17 branches in Metro Manila and provincial areas, Crescendo continues to expand its selection of topnotch instruments and bring them closer to musically-passionate Filipinos.

For details and a list of branches, visit www.crescendo.com.ph. Follow Crescendo on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CrescendoPhils) or or call 961-0403.