NEW BEATKANGZ

I think Beatthongs are missing a big chance (actually 2 chances) bigtime here.

They could've created the most epic buzz ever if they

1) would have decided to build a machine with user/customer input from day one of the concept phase and create a big hype around that fact.Not with an email link on a single forum post but with a dedicated, professional website that highlights the "first time ever" aspect of a "user-created", dream machine.Completely with a detailed wishlist contact form, updates and all that shizzle.Instead they decided to build it without the user input but then kinda go back halfassed and take *some" input in the very last minute and even without promoting that on their (poorly designed) homepage.Missed chance No1 i say.

2) alternatively or in combo with 1) would have decided to really build a machine that's specifically aimed at hip hop producers.They way it is right now, i have yet to see where that "culture" aspect is implemented other than a (dated) slang product name and some maybe fitting samples.Does the machine have an MPC-like swing/note repeat/etc functionality? Maybe even swing factors dedicated to some uber producers like a Timbaland/Pete Rock/Questlove- swing buttton or something alike ? Like, where ARE those dedicated specs that are hip hop or "culture" related as they like to call it ?!
Sure, on paper it looks good in a generic way but still it's basically just boosting and combining the thing with features that other machines have as well.Which still is a good thing but i'm missing any dedicated hip hop related features really.Missed chance No2.

And then of course there's the agressive, partially offending way of "promoting it" through let's be nice and say "viral" marketing.You know, all that talk about "keeping it real" reminds me so much of that Dave Chapelle episode by the same name.

Keepin it real ?!

Guess what happens should P.Diddy, Timbaland or some other known cat decide to not just collaborate on a signature edition of some already existing beat machine but decide to step into the market with a machine that's their own brand, that is new and completely directed at hip hop producers ? Someone like Diddy (like him or not, i'm actually not a fanboy of his) would so kick Beatthong out of the market within a fraction of a second.

Don't get me wrong, i'm all for underground startups and all, but why not start underground and be *really* clever at the same time ?

As said, i think some big chances have been missed here.

Oh and one last thing: Don't you think to call yourself/company/products things like "thang" "kangz" and all that is the equivalent of old, grey haired rock dudes ?

The way Hip-Hop and Techno evolves creating a machine with dedicated sounds built in and special looks is just asking for an outdated machine in two to three years. Sure you can add sounds but, the base sounds are still dated and dedicated to a certain style of music. Of course drum machines and sound modules with built in dedicated sounds only last on the market for two to three years anyway. At first I really didn't understand why Akai put flash roms in there newer machines but, I'm sure it helps with selling the products in stores and it was only a handful that really didn't add to the cost of the machine. Remember is takes lots hours to create custom sounds that you might not even want but, are paying for anyway. The problem with putting 3000 sounds in a machine like the BKs did is only so many will inspire the buyers/users. A lot of the sounds like the ones in the Streetboxx were already dated sounding as soon as the machine hit the streets.

Now look at new Hip-Hop and R&B. A lot of it has Techno saws and brass synths sounds in it. This evolution of these styles already makes the Beat Thang outdated from what we have heard so far IMHO. This guys are proud of using sounds from records recorded in the 70's. Sure old school is cool but, trying to sell a modern unique machine with old old sounds in it is sad.

I have friends that use there MPCs for Reggae and Techno and I use mine for Hip-Hop, Industrial and Techno. If a company tells consumers there product is only for Hip-Hop they have already limited the customer base. Bad move. Now if the BKs could change the rom and faceplate like E-Mu did with there Proteus 2000 series Orbit and Phatt modules then they could hit a bigger market. The problem is these guys have closed minds and can only see a small market. Companies like Akai, Roland and gray haired rockers DSI/Roger Linn aim for a bigger market share.

fobedafied wrote:at least we know one day we can get some music gear at BigLots...

burster1 wrote:

MUAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA
But really tho....

Sinamatik wrote:ha rap chips.. what the heck?!?

and 713_Hou you sound like your insecure about your manhood lol... but its OK, you do have a bigger MPC, thats what counts.

lol


No my friend you must remember,


Bigger is Better!


Even the ladies love it.

Ya'll remember this?



No? Well this was aimed at the dance and hip-hop market...where is it now? lol

listen to it's sounds and loops here
http://www.synthmania.com/Roland%20M-DC ... aylist.m3u

you're comparing a sound module to something that's a mpc1000/asrx hybrid.

alpha80 wrote:

fobedafied wrote:at least we know one day we can get some music gear at BigLots...

burster1 wrote:

MUAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA
But really tho....

lmao thats hilarious.

jbraudio wrote:more people doing the "point at photographer" pose:

One more!

My version of the "I'm pointing my finger at you"

Can some1 please explain to me what Hip Hop specific features are?

'The thankg says yo in time with every beat you make'

You're thinking of the "hype man" feature, but I think that was only included in prototype Ver. 2.3, right?

Beat thang sounds are all new and not just hip hop. We mic'd string sections with Neumans and used vinatge gear.. Including neve and 2inch and are working with the guy who produced pink floyds the wall and Signed Jay Z but it's cool we expect to get some people talking trash and making fun of our lifes work which they know nothing about. We appreciate all the support from those who do want to see us make it. All the industry cats doubted hip hop when it first came out too, so what's new. It's been a fight and a struggle to get this far and the odds have never been in favor of some guys like us getting a chance to do this. It's easy to talk on a forum..... Much harder to create an electronics company from scratch and get 59 pages deep on an mpc forum. So it's all good. We are flattered that people have nothing better to do than type long posts and create silly ads. I guess this is something we don't understand very well cause we busy making beat machines, beats and songs.

Much love to ya even if ya hate. Hope you all get a chance to make your dreams happen. Make sure your will is strong, mind is focused and grind determined.

Peace

Ziet Giest.

KANGZ

BEATKANGZ wrote: It's easy to talk on a forum.....

we know, you have demonstrated this quite well thank you

i'd like to introduce a concept, its called "vaporware"

now go back to telling us how many musical greats are involved in your 'design' process

and your 'deal' with apple

god gave u 2 ears and one mouth, i'd take a hint

come back when u have something other than a quazi press release....yawn

off to bed

jaem wrote:god gave u 2 ears and one mouth, i'd take a hint

nuff said. Being 59 pages deep on a mpc forum would be a better pat on the back if the thread actually included more than say, 40 posts of people genuinely looking forward to the Thang. I know, I know- people talking is still buzz but some would say it's a sign of what's to come.

And Heeeeeeeeere's another: