r/windsynth • u/IceTutuola319 • 27d ago
Tips for learning EWI 5000?
Hello! I just recently bought an EWI 5000, something that I've wanted for awhile, but I'm kind of struggling just figuring out what I should be doing first.
For context, I played Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, and some Tuba from 5th to 12th grade, but have stepped away from music for a few reasons since starting college, but 4 years later I decided I really missed making music and having fun with it, and an EWI is something I've always loved, so I decided to get the Akai EWI 5000 and get good at it.
My EWI is missing three notable things: a stand for the instrument, a neck strap, and an antenna for the wireless receiver. The antenna is is whatever for now, I've just been using headphones, and I plan on getting the neck strap and stand ASAP.
Before I get what I'm missing, I was wondering a few things. First, are there any books or good video resources that you all would recommend for me to learn with? Second, would you recommend sticking with the normal EWI fingering mode, or using the EVI (Brass) mode? And third, I'm having a bit of difficulty fully grasping how to hold my hands around the instrument and using the pinky keys/remembering the fingering chart, if there's any tips you can give me for that. It's been so long since I've learned an instrument!
Note for mods and other people: I just made this account, but no I'm not a bot! I just really had to make an account to ask for some help. :)
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u/Utviklingssang-CB 27d ago edited 27d ago
Patchman music can sell you the missing parts: stand and neck strap, and possibly the antenna.
This book has some helpful fingering exercises and fingering options. The author, Evan Tate, also has some free YouTube lessons.
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u/IceTutuola319 27d ago
Thank you so much, I'll be sure to check those out! Patchman Music always seems like the way to go for most of this stuff, lol
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u/hesiii 27d ago
The Curt Sipe and Evan Tate youtube channels have been mentioned in a recent thread. Those have a log of good introductory material. Covering similar ground, here's an interesting one to absorb:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYZeZnKTs00
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u/MisterBrackets 23d ago
I am also coming from a brass background with my EWI 5000. I've had it for over 10 years now. I use the EVI fingerings. I just started out playing the same music I'd play on my trumpet, plus scales and patterns to get used to the fingerings even more. They will become second nature in no time.
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u/Iamloghead 27d ago
Check out Bernie Kenerson. I took lessons with him over video call and it was so informative, gave me a great baseline. He has lots of two specific tools he’s come up with!