I am interested in buying a cd player and mixer...anyone have any advice and/or suggestions on certain brands, features, etc. ??? Any help would be much appreciated!

Pioneer is the best when it comes to CD players, but there's also Denon and Tascam, which are superb too...
The features you'll need are Pitch bend, pitch, and a Jog wheel.
I'd suggest you the Pioneer CDJ-100's... it's pretty cheap, very good quality, reliable, durable and very comfortable.
if you have more cash then get a Pair of Pioneer CDJ-500II's or a Tascam CD-302... the Pioneers have better quality but less featurres and the Tascam has pretty good quality, very much features and they're both very very reliable and durable.

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Thanks for the information, alonzo....I will definitely look into those players you suggested!....