Kareoke and Steel

Billy Henderson · From: Portland, AR, USA

In my quest to be the best bedroom picker ever I was wondering what equipment I would need to play a CD with words scrolling across a TV and me playing the steel instead of singing ??? Any help appreciated

Lyle Bradford · From: Gilbert WV USA (deceased)

Billy a lot of the DVD players will scroll the words across a TV and you can buy the Kareoke tracks just for that on DVD. I think some of the cds have the text on them too.

Roy Ayres · From: Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Most Karaoki songs are recorded on a CD-G or CD+G disc. The disk carries the two audio tracks and a graphics track (The "G" in CD-G), although they are not actualiy separate tracks. There is only one track with both the left and right stereo and the video imbedded in the data stream. Some songs can also be found on reguler DVD's like movies -- but these are harder to find than the more common CD-G's. If you play a CD-G on a regular CD player or on your computer, only the sound will come through. In order to display the graphics, you need a special type of disc drive and a special piece of software for your computer. The "Plextor" PX-716UF drive is a one of the best and will record CD-G's as well as read them. The software needed for your computer is MicroStudio V2.610, which can be found at MTU.com. If you don't want to use your computer, you can display graphics and get the stereo on your TV set by putting a Karaoke player in your entertainment system. If you already have a DVD drive connected to your TV set, replace it with a Karaoke machine, and it will also play regular DVD's, show photgaphic files, and more. Go to Google and do a search on "Karaoke Equipment." One of the largest on-line Karaoke dealers is one called "Ace Karaoke" and I think their web site is http://www.acekaraoke.com but that may not be the exact url. The cheapest place to buy the Plextor drive is at Newegg.com.

Hope this helps.

------------------

Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book.

[This message was edited by Roy Ayres on 22 March 2005 at 07:57 AM.]

James Cann · From: Phoenix, AZ

I'm missing something, I know, but why would you need to see the words if you're only going to play along? As said above, CD-G disc should work in any player, so mix the player and your guitar, send out to phones, amp, or speakers, and have at it.

Billy Henderson · From: Portland, AR, USA

Thanks for all the info very helpful. I know nothing about Kareoke and how it works or for that matter how to spell it. I did purchase a Bob Wills CDG and was able to play along OK on the CD player. But I thought if I could see the words as a singer would sing them it would make the song more visual, the timing, fills etc. Maybe not but I want to give it a try. What the heck no one to hear it but me! In fact I could sing along. Thanks

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

Hi Billy,

I use Karaoke CDs to play along and practice with. I love it...closest thing to playing with a real band...and they don't make mistakes!! Trust me, seeing the words won't help you to play any better...unless you're not familiar with the song to begin with. Then, hearing the singer would be the best thing. Some CD-Gs have the various cuts recorded twice...once with a singer (for learning) and once without.

Another thing...all CD-Gs aren't created equal. The good ones have real musicians with real instruments playing just as close to the original as possible. They're a just little more expensive, but very worth it.

The cheap ones are lifeless attempts to make a buck. Ask the store people to demo it before you buy one...most of them will...or at least they will point you to the better disks.

Have fun!

------------------
Every day is a Great day,
Mike
(aka Sideman)

James Cann · From: Phoenix, AZ

Billy Henderson · From: Portland, AR, USA

Thanks to all, I am convinced, based on the advice from the Forum Members, Karaoke is good to play along with. I don't have a player yet but I did buy two good CD's, (CD+G). One is a Hank Williams Sr it has two tracks per song and you can turn off the singer, really a neat deal. The other is a Bob Wills. They are a little pricey but I think in the long run they will be worth it. Still looking and reading up on players. Thanks again to all for your help.

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: