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12stringer
 
 
 
12stringer's stats
 
  • Review count
    16
  • Helpfulness votes
    132
  • First review
    February 15, 2011
  • Last review
    July 13, 2017
  • Featured reviews
    0
  • Average rating
    2.9
 
  • Review comment count
    2
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First review comment
    February 16, 2012
  • Last review comment
    January 6, 2016
  • Featured review comments
    0
 
Questions
  • Question count
    0
  • Helpfulness votes
    0
  • First question
    None
  • Last question
    None
  • Featured questions
    0
 
  • Answer count
    5
  • Helpfulness votes
    6
  • First answer
    June 5, 2015
  • Last answer
    March 13, 2016
  • Featured answers
    0
  • Best answers
    1
 
 
12stringer's Reviews
1 2 >>
 
Dell Inspiron Laptop: Work and play with this 15.6-inch Dell Inspiron notebook computer. The Intel i3 processor is paired with 6GB of DDR4 RAM for speedy performance, while the HD display and stereo speakers with MaxxAudio provide crisp sound and sharp video. This Inspiron notebook computer has two USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfers to and from your other USB devices.
 
  • My Best Buy® Elite Plus Member
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Worthless as a PC. Makes an expensive paperweight
on July 13, 2017
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I purchased this a week ago. Since then I have had it freeze up at least three times a day where I have to do a "hard crash" and then reboot to get it to function.
Today--it took over five hours and three factory restores to even get it to boot up and now it takes 10 minutes to boot up and over a minute for web pages to load.
The only way I would recommend this to a friend would be if I no longer valued that friendship.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Store and manage your digital life locally with this Seagate Backup Plus Slim STDR1000100 hard drive, which lets you back up content from select social networks or media stored on select mobile devices. The slim design facilitates portability.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Overpriced junk.
on March 15, 2016
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
First off, I purchased this to replace a five-year-old WD that only had 500 GB. Big mistake. The software needed for this to operate in a Windows OS simply doesn't work. I have had to delete it and reinstall it on a weekly basis to keep from getting error messages that it has shut down. And this is going back to when I purchased the thing six months ago.
Second, when I transferred data into this, I lost several years' worth of critical legal documents. Yes I was able to rescan them from hard copies--but I should not have had to if this thing had functioned properly.
Contacting Seagate's tech support was an exercise in futility as they never responded.
I have since replaced it with a new WD Passport and put the Seagate to the only useful purpose it really has--a target for a Sig Sauer.
The only reason this gets one star is because I had to give it something. Really, it deserves no stars.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+4points
5of 6voted this as helpful.
 
Capture HD video and crisp, clear audio with this Zoom Q8 camcorder, which features a CMOS sensor for sharp images and a 4-track audio recorder with interchangeable microphone capsules. The 3" rotating LCD touch screen simplifies navigation.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great camera for shooting music videos.
on March 13, 2016
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
This has so many pluses, I don't know where to begin.
First off, it has the ability to shoot in multiple formats. In video quality, this ranges from an ultra-hi-def 3M HD30 @ 24Mbps to a low-def WVGA/3 @ 5Mbps. I record video at a medium HD 1080/30 @ 16Mbps, which is the best compromise between high def quality and trying to keep the file size small.
Secondly, the audio can be recorded using WAV 96kHz/24-bit resolution all the way down to an .mp3 (AAC) 64Bps resolution, with 9 settings in between. I use a CD-quality WAV 48kHz/16-bit resolution.
When recording audio, the Zoom is very flexible. Unlike other camcorders in this price range, the mics on this are interchangeable, and Zoom offers several different mics which can be used with this camera--including a shotgun mic which can be indispensable if one is wishing to record sporting events from the sidelines. In addition, the unit features two combo [XLR and 1/4"] inputs for hooking up external microphones or doing a direct input with an instrument. It also contains a built in four channel mixer for mixing the sound levels of the four mics or one can disable the attached mics to only use outboard mics. GoPro certainly won't give you this much flexibility or the sound quality this offers.
Finally, it is very easy to use. Within 45 minutes of opening the box, I had recorded two short music videos.
It accepts SDHC cards up to 128GB in capacity. Although no documentation is available to show how much recording time one can expect, Zoom anticipated this and explained that in the display, the camera will tell the user how much recording time is available based on the video and audio quality selected. I use a 64 GB card in mine and based on the settings, can expect to get about 7-1/2 hours of recording time on one card.
The only drawback I can see to this unit is that it does not offer a remote control. I contacted Zoom about this and was informed that their engineers were already looking into it.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
I would recommend this to a friend!
+29points
30of 31voted this as helpful.
 
Canon PIXMA MX922 All-In-One Printer: Print, copy, scan and fax documents and create borderless photos with this all-in-one printer, which uses the ChromaLife100+ system to extend the lifetime of printed images. You can print directly from your smartphone using Google Cloud Print or Apple® AirPrint and add fun filters to your photos with the included My Image Garden software.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Worst in category
on October 31, 2015
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I cannot give this a good review because none of the features this offers [all-in-one multifunction, individual ink tanks] make it an outstanding value--especially since other manufacturers [Epson, Brother, and HP] all offer the same features and functions in this price range.
The one feature it offers that few others offer is the capability to print directly on CD/DVD/BD discs which have the finish for inkjet printing. What makes it a poor value is the software--which only allows printing labels from a menu of pre-formatted and designed labels and does not provide a user with any advanced features for designing his/her own labels. Nor is the unit compatible with any third party software. I tried several: Roxio, Nero, Avery, MediaFace, and ExpressIt and none of them worked. The only workaround is to design the label in a third party software, print it as a photo, and then copy and print to the disc--a process which yields visibly inferior image quality.
My advice for anyone who needs a printer with the capability of printing to disc is to purchase Epson or Brother--brands which offer far superior design software.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+3points
5of 7voted this as helpful.
 
Create an organized workspace with this Comfort Products Inc. Freeley 50-1010QA computer desk, which features 3 shelves that provide space for a keyboard, speakers and computer tower. The folding design makes storage and transport quick and easy.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great for small spaces
on July 16, 2015
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I purchased one of these about seven years ago. I use it for my home recording setup in one corner of my man-cave. it is great because if I need the floorspace for something else, I can pack my equipment up, fold this up and put it in my storage closet until it's needed again.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
8of 8voted this as helpful.
 
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Worthless
on June 5, 2015
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
Two weeks after purchasing this, I took it back to the store because the sound went out on one channel. I thought it might be the wiring but hooked the speaker wires up through a cable tester and had no problems. I reversed and the problem remained--so I knew the problem was with the amplifier, not the speakers or wiring. Best Buy claims their Insignia branded electronics are made by reputable manufacturers like LG and Samsung. I'm skeptical.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
7of 15voted this as helpful.
 
Learn more about the New WindowsWith a 500GB hard drive, this Asus X551CA-SI30403X laptop makes it simple to take important files with you on the go. The SonicMaster and AudioWizard technologies ensure high-fidelity audio is projected through the two 2W stereo speakers.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Overpriced substandard computer
on June 7, 2014
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
This has so many flaws it's hard to say where to begin listing them.
I guess the starting point would be the construction--the keyboard seems flimsy and the touchpad can best be described as temperamental--sometimes it responds to slight touch [when you don't want it to] and sometimes it requires a heavy touch [again, when you don't want it to].
The USB ports are barely adequate--there are only two--so if one is using a lot of peripherals, plan on purchasing a hub to use with it.
The open button on the optical drive is also temperamental--it requires a heavy touch to get the drawer to open.
The soundcard, mic, and webcam are also substandard compared to what is offered in comparably priced models from Toshiba, Dell, and even HP.
The software is also substandard. There is no software for controlling the webcam--it has to be downloaded aftermarket from Asus' website. Even then the software offers poor performance:
The first, and most egregious problem is that it is sold with Windows 8. Most laptops now offer Win8.1--but not Asus. For that, the user has to add a bunch of memory hogging updates before the laptop will allow for an upgrade.
Another proof of flawed software engineering is the software for operating the webcam. The only software it comes bundled with for the purpose is the proprietary Windows software--which is about as useless as screen doors on a submarine. To get "better software, Asus recommends their own "LifeFrame" software, which is only marginally better than the Microsoft software. Lifeframe records at a storage-hogging 100 MB per minute of recording time. Neither software package will recognize external microphones [such as a GoMic or other type of external USB mic]--and audio is distorted and tinny sounding at low volume levels.
Having had so many negative experiences with HP products over the years, I did not believe any manufacturer could build worse computers--until now.
My wife spent considerably less for her Toshiba and it offers 10 times the performance this one does....
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
What's great about it: Lightweight
What's not so great: Windows 8:1, lack of USB ports, substandard soundcard, sluggish performance
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Display
2 out of 5
2
Performance
1 out of 5
1
-2points
9of 20voted this as helpful.
 
Learn more about the New WindowsWith AMD Radeon HD 8240 graphics, this HP 19-2014 all-in-one computer lets you stream stunningly clear visuals on its 19.5" high-definition display. The built-in wireless LAN allows simple Internet connection.
 
Customer Rating
1 out of 5
1
Typical HP product -- a lemon
on May 22, 2014
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I purchased this 2 days before Christmas.
Less than two months after purchasing it, I had to replace a defective keyboard because the scroll keys quit working....
Now, less than 5 months after purchasing, the optical drive does not work. It was sent in for repair--with no indication as to when I can expect it's return. Every time I have purchased an HP product it has turned out to be a lemon and has required extensive repairs under warranty. This will be the last HP product I ever purchase.
What's great about it: compact size
What's not so great: Substandard hardware, Windows 8.1
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Features
1 out of 5
1
Performance
1 out of 5
1
+2points
3of 4voted this as helpful.
 
Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18–55mm and 55–200mm Lenses: Capture a variety of scenes with the 2 included lenses, whether it be as a still or a full 1080p HD film. The accuracy of the viewfinder along with the 11-point autofocus helps you get the exact shot you want.Memory card sold separately.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great starter DSLR
on July 5, 2013
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I purchased this a few weeks ago to replace an aging Sony superzoom that was almost worthless--five pictures and time to change the batteries. This has been a most pleasant surprise. So far I've shot over 400 photos and the battery meter is still showing it as being fully charged. Last night I even managed to shoot our city fireworks display.
I first started out in photography 35 years ago with a 35mm SLR. The conversion to digital SLR photography has been eased by my previous experience. Learning to navigate the menus is challenging, but so far it has been easier than learning the Sony menu system.
Having two lenses, one with wide angle and one with telephoto capability also helps. I just wish one had macro focusing [I like to shoot close-ups of flowers]. I also wish the telephoto lens was a 75-300 zoom instead of a 55-200--but that can wait until another year.
My Best Buy number: 2012095975
What's great about it: Ease of use, long battery life, picture quality, two lenses.
What's not so great: Not found anything, no macro focusing on lenses.
I would recommend this to a friend!
 
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
SanDisk - Ultra 16GB microSDHC Class 10 Memory Card
4.8 out of 5(826)
 
 
 
52mm UV Lens Filter
4.6 out of 5(465)
 
 
 
52mm Circular Polarizer
4.5 out of 5(147)
 
 
 
 
 
Picture Quality
5 out of 5
5
Ease of Use
5 out of 5
5
Features
4 out of 5
4
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
 
Zoom 20 Preset Accoustic Pedal 4 Guitar
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
A must buy for the gigging acoustic guitarists
on July 11, 2012
Posted by: 12stringer
from Missouri
I've owned one of these for about three years now and I consider it indispensable for gigging.
This fits a niche none of the other multi-FX pedal manufacturers are attempting to fill in that: (1) They either do not make a multi-FX pedal voiced for acoustic-electric guitars [DOD, Line6, Vox]; or (2) if they make a multi-FX pedal voiced for acoustic-electric guitars, it does not have as many features and is more expensive [Boss, Fishman].
One of the really great pluses of this unit is that it offers the capability for 6-band EQ, which comes in really handy for EQing out that annoying piezo "quack."
The construction is heavy duty and the switches are the heavy-duty button type instead of the flimsy solenoid type switch. But the switches are responsive so there is no need to "stomp" on this box to change through the settings.
It comes with 40 user editable patches and it is easy to customize the patches. I had made 25 different patches in less than an hour and a half.
It can be powered off either "AA" batteries or AC current [the adapter is included with the unit]. I prefer to use the batteries [I use rechargeables] instead of the little spaghetti wire to wall wart AC adapter.
The only downside to this unit is that unlike other multi-FX units, the reverse delay effect is found in the modulation cluster of effects instead of being in the delay/reverb cluster. This means if you wish to try some Beatlesque-type psychedelic fx [like reverse delay + flange] one is going to have to either purchase an outboard flanger pedal or an outboard delay/reverb/echo pedal with a reverse function. But this is a minor flaw. I've been told Zoom plans to change this in the future.
What's great about it: Ease of use, sound quality, features for price
What's not so great: Reverse delay effect is in modulation cluster instead of delay cluster
I would recommend this to a friend!
Sound Quality
5 out of 5
5
Durability
5 out of 5
5
0points
1of 2voted this as helpful.
 
12stringer's Review Comments
 
This acoustic folk guitar features a Sitka spruce top, nato sides and back with a high-gloss finish and features a balanced design that resonates with amazingly beautiful sound.
 
Overall5 out of 55 out of 5
Amazing!
By shedzeppelin from Saginaw, MI
I've been playing for 4 decades, half of that professionally. I have a room full of guitars that looks like a music store and can't BELIEVE the quality of this instrument. Right out of the box I was impressed with the look and balance of it, (12-strings have a tendency to be nose-heavy). The intonation's dead-on, the action is low without buzzing and the sound is as big as a train. In the upper registers it sounds like a cross between a harpsichord and a music box. In the lower it's... LUSH. It's an absurdly low price for a guitar of this
quality. I bought it to have something to play while I was refretting my B45-12 but I think I'll ebay the Gibson when it's done and keep this, plays and sounds better for a sixth the cost.
Customer Avatar
12stringer
Missouri
February 16, 2012
If you still have not found a case for your Yamaha 12-string, I recommend the Wolfpak hybrid case.
Because it's a hybrid case (rigid polyfoam) it provides a little more protection than a gigbag, but without the backbreaking weight of a hardshell case. The Wolfpak also comes with a built-in hygrometer for monitoring humidity levels, something no other hybrid case in its price range includes.
I have one for a Breedlove, which, like the Yamaha guitars, also tends to be a bit wider in the lower bout than a standard dreadnought guitar. I've tried my Yamaha in it and it fits like a glove.
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
Canon PIXMA MX922 All-In-One Printer: Print, copy, scan and fax documents and create borderless photos with this all-in-one printer, which uses the ChromaLife100+ system to extend the lifetime of printed images. You can print directly from your smartphone using Google Cloud Print or Apple® AirPrint and add fun filters to your photos with the included My Image Garden software.
 
Overall4 out of 54 out of 5
Printer is great for DVD printing
By sdurham
The print prints on DVDs and that is the reason I got this one. The program it comes with to create DVD labels was not as good as I would have liked. I ended up not using the program. the printer is nice.
Customer Avatar
12stringer
Missouri
Label software
January 6, 2016
I agree with you, the included software is very poor for label design.
Have you found any third party software that works with this printer?
0points
0of 0voted this comment as helpful.
 
12stringer's Questions
 
12stringer has not submitted any questions.
 
12stringer's Answers
 

Is there a camcorder that can also be run as a webcam?

I want to use a camcorder with skype. Is there a camcorder that will do this?
the Zoom Q8 and Q4 can be used as webcams.
8 years ago
by
12stringer
 

what hd video cameras are compatible with mac computers

the Zoom Q8 has downloadable drivers for Windows and Mac OS
8 years ago
by
12stringer
 
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
 

Does this unit play cassette tapes?

No, it does not play cassette tapes
.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
12stringer
   Missouri
 
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
 

Does this system have split channels for split track accompaniment CDs?

I need to be able to turn the vocals down and only hear the instrumental for choir practice.
Short answer--no it doesn't. There are no balance controls on this unit. It also is not a very well-built unit. The CD drawer is very flimsy. I purchased one and had to take it back to the store for a refund because it quit playing CDs less than 10 days after purchasing.
8 years, 8 months ago
by
12stringer
   Missouri
 
Play back audio from a wide range of sources with this Insignia™ NS-SH513 compact shelf system, which features Bluetooth technology, a USB port and a CD player for flexible use. The FM tuner features 30 presets for simple station recall.
 

How is it powered?

Does it come with an AC adapter? Does it run on batteries?
It does not run on batteries. It has a standard AC cord hardwired to the CD Player/receiver/amplifier.
8 years, 9 months ago
by
12stringer
   Missouri