The Akai Professional EWI 4000s was discontinued in June of 2019, after 14 years of its release, but it is still in very high demand. Many consider the 4000s to be the best EWI (after 16 years of its release in 2005) for its sounds that are not compatible with newer EWI models. It is very hard to get a hold of one these days because of the discontinuation, because there are so many people looking to get this instrument, and almost every existing unit being sold out. It is unlikely that this petition will do anything, but it’s worth a shot to get this legendary instrument back into production.
Sometimes, you just need a good OLD fashioned petition to fix a problem.
Signed. 🙂 The EWI 4000s really is a one-of-a-kind instrument. Such a unique combination of build quality, sound customization, range, etc. That’s part of the reason why I helped create a new patch set for the EWI 4000 inspired by modern music, because the instrument really is capable of so much more than what’s been utilized so far. Would you be interested in writing a review of our patches on this blog? If so just send me an email at alex@ewipatches.com and I can hook you up! I’d love to hear your thoughts on what we’ve made.
Wow, I really like the Lingus patches! Great job.
There is nothing really like a good analogue synth. I’m really hoping that Roland and it’s AE-30 can fill in the gap Akai has left in the EWI synthesis department. There latest firmware/software updates adding a librarian function (ie you can now save patches off the device) is a great step in this direction. Now people can at least share patches they have made. Hopefully the next step would be some sort of editor for their synth engine on the device.
Definitely agree about the Roland AE-30. I’m really enjoying reading through your reviews of the instrument and its software–it’s definitely going to be the next wind synth I invest in.
Honestly, I’m surprised more companies haven’t made analog-based wind synths. My dream instrument would be something with the EWI 4000’s sound generator, the EWI 5000’s hardware (wireless and a rechargable battery), and bluetooth- or browser-based editing software. All that stuff already exists, they’re just not in the same horn! We can only hope an EWI player/electrical engineer creates a kickstarter…
Yeah, I’m puzzled by the LACK of analog synths for wind as well. Like, Akai….what the hell. You went backwards with the 5000s. Why not update the 4000s with wireless and rechargeable battery? But no….the Solo comes out. And it’s even worse now…..it has a SPEAKER on it…..
A….speaker…..
Like, is it a Saxoboom? No, it’s supposed to be “professional”. Does akai offer “speakers” on it’s “Professional” keyboards? No….they do not. So why….akai…..why?
I think the Roland AE-30 is real real close. They just really need to make a great editor for it. The editor right now sucks. AND they need to address the keys on it (not my favorite….but as I play it its getting a little better).
Signed petition.
I just discovered this online community. Looking forward to getting more familiar with it.