Seymour Duncan has announced the release of the latest addition to our popular Blackouts Humbucker series the Blackouts AHB-3 Thomson EMTY. Like its predecessors (The AHB-1 and AHB-2), the Blackouts AHB-3 EMTY provides distinctive, screaming metal tones, packing a serious mid-range punch, thicker, darker chords than other humbuckers and hard-hitting driving leads. The 9-volt active Blackouts are designed specifically for more aggressive playing styles including players using extreme low tunings. The EMTY takes it a step further, created to meet Mick Thomson's personal specs and metal desires. Mick asked for tighter bottom, and more searing top end cut, and Seymour Duncan delivered. The AHB series conveys a less compressed tone, with a more extended frequency response helping to cancel hum by using balanced inputs. Blackouts are up to 14dB quieter than any other active pickups, while producing more lows, more highs, and more output. Simply put, Blackouts have more tone than other active pickup. And players have noticed the benefits of the reduced hum, especially during recording. Thomson was already an avid fan of the Blackouts when he met Seymour Duncan Head of Artist Relations, Evan Skopp during a discreet backstage meeting at the 2008 Loud Park festival in Japan. Mick stayed involved every step of the way from the precise wiring configuration to the logo and printing on the pickup including his renowned "seven" imprinted right on the side of the cover. Now he depends on EMTY to execute his completely psychosocial tone that defines the Slipknot sound; because to play extreme metal, you need extreme metal tone. AHB-3 Blackouts EMTY are available as Mick's two-humbucker set, or in individual neck and bridge models to mix and match with other Blackouts and Livewires Classic II active pickups. All versions come with all necessary mounting hardware, including pots, jack, and a battery clip. For players with active pickups already installed, the EMTY can plug right into the quick connection harness, making it a snap to unplug the old pickup and plug in the new EMTY. For more information, please visit www.seymourduncan.com
The TLC Compressor is designed to give musicians the ability to control their dynamics in a flexible and musical way, making it an invaluable musical tool for both recording and live use. Our proprietary Trans Linear Control (TLC) circuit enables us to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in a small package. The TLC Compressor features a four-knob layout to provide a full set of important features. Using a wide range of attack times and variable threshold and slope levels, you’ll be able to dial in just the right sound. Aguilar’s TLC Compressor gives you a range of control usually found only in expensive studio compressors. Features: The TLC Compressor will be released in January 2010 and carries a US MSRP of $269. For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
- Slope control: variable from 2:1 to infinity
- Attack control: variable from 10ms to 100ms
- Level control: -infinity to -3dBu
- Low Distortion: (<0.2 %)
- Gig-saver bypass (signal passes even if your battery dies)
- Power: Nine-volt battery or optional universal power supply
- Heavy Duty steel construction
- Battery life >100 hours
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Peavey Electronics has announced that its new IPR DSP Series of power amplifiers will be the first amplifiers to use the acclaimed Waves MX5010 semiconductor. The Waves MX5010 features such proprietary Waves technologies as MaxxBass Bass Extension, MaxxTreble High Frequency Enhancement, 7-Band Paragraphic MaxxEQ, MaxxStereo, MaxxVolume Level Control and much more. Waves is the industry leader in professional audio digital signal processing technologies, heard on hit records, major motion pictures and popular video games the world over. Boasting a net weight of just 7 lbs. on the lightest model, the groundbreaking Peavey IPR Series utilizes an advanced design that allows Peavey engineers to dramatically reduce weight while increasing reliability, thermal efficiency and output power (up to 6,000 watts at 2 ohms stable). IPR Series amplifiers are designed with a resonant switch-mode power supply and a high-speed class D topology that yields the highest audio resolution and efficiency available. Four DSP-equipped models feature 32-bit, floating-point digital signal processing with program-specific EQ presets that make common sound-reinforcement EQ treatments easy to perform. The revolutionary Peavey IPR Series DSP power amplifiers are the first to integrate Waves technology, in particular MaxxBass, which uses psycho-acoustics to create precise harmonic overtones that give the perceived effect of adding low frequencies to the mix. MaxxBass resides in the amplifiers' 32-bit DSP section and can be adjusted from 0% to 100%. The Waves MX5010 semiconductor integrates a high performance 24-bit DSP core with pre-programmed MaxxAudio algorithms for a powerful and cost-effective sound enhancement solution. The benefits of utilizing the MX5010 in the IPR Series are numerous. Providing processing at 24 bits at up to 48kHz and 100% clean bypass guarantees the MX5010 DSP preserves audio quality at its most pristine form. Aside from MaxxBass, the MX5010's other proprietary technologies provide wide-ranging sound enhancements. MaxxVolume will protect the speaker and electrical components from electric surges and speaker fatigue without requiring a dedicated limiter. The unit's Delay function can be used to create programmable speaker arrays and delay towers without an external delay module. MaxxTreble can be used to enhance high frequencies dynamically without "painful" high end. MaxxEQ and MaxxBass can be used for designing efficient and programmable active crossovers for both amplifiers and powered speakers. The MX5010's router section can be used to control levels for multiple speaker outputs, also allowing the user to create presets for various I/O scenarios. For more information, please visit www.peavey.com and www.maxx.com
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The Loar has reintroduced the vintage-inspired LH-200 guitar for players looking for an affordable classic blues guitar design. Carefully assembled in the same hand-carved workshop where the best-selling LM-600 and LM-700 hand-carved mandolins are built, The Loar LH-200 has a classic pre-war body style, outstanding features, and the warmth and projection typical of a much-larger guitar. From the vintage sunburst finish to the open geared butterbean tuners, The Loar LH-200 is modeled after classic small-bodied flat top acoustic guitars from the 1930's. The guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, grained ivoroid body binding and a rosewood fretboard. The LH-200's smaller body size is great for songwriters and touring musicians who want an acoustic guitar that travels easily and sounds great consistently. Blues players will love the classic tone, reminiscent of the historic blues boxes of the 1920's and 30's. The guitar's vintage sound, looks and features make the LH-200 a perfect choice for all styles of playing. The LH-200 has a list price of $699.99 and is available now. For more information, please visit www.theloar.com
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AXL has introduced an all-new PlayerPac with everything beginner players need to get started, all packaged in a great-looking point-of-purchase box. The AXL Electric Guitar PlayerPac (AS-BOX) offers players a beginner guitar that looks and sounds great, and makes learning fun. The double cutaway guitar has a basswood body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, for that classic electric guitar style and tone. With 3 single-coil pickups and a 5-way selector switch, players can choose from a variety of tonal options. The classic-style tremolo bridge makes for great string-bending action, and the guitar's sealed tuners keep it in tune even for demanding players. The package also includes the AXL Compact 10 amp, a loud 10-watt amp with volume, tone and drive controls and a 1/4" headphone jack enabling quiet practice for students AND parents. With the included tuner, picks, strap and gig bag, beginning players have a complete kit that they won't grow out of quickly. With the perfect combination of guitar, amp and accessories, all in one box, the AXL Electric Guitar PlayerPac is an easy choice for parents, and has great margin for dealers, making it a must-have for the holiday shopping season. AXL Guitars also builds the Badwater Series of guitars and basses, the AXL Wavepoint and the AXL Jacknife. For more information, please visit www.axlguitars.com
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Hagstrom Guitars has announced that its full line of electric guitars and basses is now available on Amazon.com for online purchase. Amazon will feature the full Hagstrom line, including the popular Viking, Swede and Super Swede models. Hagstrom guitars and basses have an avid following among musicians and collectors, who admire them for their classic styling, versatile sound, and great playability. Current artists who play Hagstrom include Pat Smear (Foo Fighters, the Germs); Dweezil Zappa (Zappa Plays Zappa), Ryland Blackinton (Cobra Starship), Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo (Gym Class Heroes), Forrest Klein (Hellogoodbye), Robert Morris (The Hush Sound) and more. For more information, please visit www.hagstromguitars.com
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Skiers have another reason to celebrate the opening of this season. The Gibson Guitar Corporation has teamed with Marker Völkl USA to produce a series of unique electric guitars reflecting the feel, graphic elements and quality performance of the distributor of Völkl skis and Marker bindings.
Völkl’s newly redesigned Gotama ski model serves as the inspiration for a black Les Paul Custom, while Marker’s “Rule The Mountain” slogan blazes across the Flying V model.
"We're incredibly proud to be associated with Gibson," said Chris Adams, Marker Völkl’s promotions director. "Their craftsmanship has always set the benchmark in quality, so to partner with them on one-of-a-kind instruments is really exciting, especially because the guitars will ultimately help some good causes."
The themed guitars are currently in production at Gibson’s Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. They will be on display through the winter and then go up for auction following the SIA Show in January.
Proceeds from the Gotama Les Paul auction will support Protect Our Winters, an organization of Snowsports athletes and industry professionals dedicated to raising awareness of climate change.
Proceeds from the Marker Flying V auction will go to the family of Shane McConkey, a professional skier who suffered a fatal accident in March.
"We`re thrilled to be partnering with Völkl and we`re grateful for the opportunity to raise contributions for POW with it", said Jeremy Jones, founder of POW. “The money raised will be re-directed toward a number of climate change initiatives we’re supporting this year.”
Fans can get a glimpse of the finished product at www.volkl.com, www.markerusa.com, or right here at www.gibson.com.
Details about the auction will be available Nov. 1.
"These guitars are stunning," said Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewicz "We know there has always been a strong association between music and skiing, particularly in the ski films, so to be part of this with another top tier manufacturer like Marker Völkl is very exciting for us."
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Last week, Guns N’ Roses announced it would finally hit the road in support of 17-years-in-the-making Chinese Democracy – a mere year after the album was actually released.
Now we get word on the support acts for the trek, which so far only includes 13 confirmed dates in Canada. According to Live Nation, GNR will be touring with the support of former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and three-piece Canuck band Danko Jones.
Bach is an old friend of the band’s, having opened several dates for them in 2006 and frequently jumping onstage to sing help Axl Rose sing "My Michelle."
The VH1 reality show star also contributed backing vocals on the Chinese Democracy track "Sorry,” while Rose sang on three tracks from Bach's last solo release, 2007’s Angel Down , including a cover of Aerosmith's “Back in the Saddle.”
Guns N’ Roses Canadian Tour Dates:
Jan. 13 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre
Jan. 16 - Calgary, AB - Pengrowth Saddledome
Jan. 17 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall PlaceJ
an. 19 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre
Jan. 20 - Regina, SK - Brandt Centre
Jan. 24 - Hamilton, ON - Copps Coliseum
Jan. 25 - London, ON - John Labatt Centre
Jan. 27 - Montreal, PQ - Bell Centre
Jan. 28 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre
Jan. 31 - Ottawa, ON - Scotiabank Place
Feb. 01 - Quebec City, PQ - Colisee Pepsi
Feb. 03 - Moncton, NB - Moncton Coliseum
Feb. 04 - Halifax, NS - Metro Centre
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While guitar players are bombarded with reissued classic amps, we humble bassists are seldom offered such vintage-inspired choices. Our interest was piqued, then, at the news that Fender is revisiting one of the most famous amp models in history: the Bassman. Designed originally for bass in the early 1950s, it was then hijacked by guitarists later in the decade and, in 1959 narrow-panel guise, has been dubbed by some luminaries as the best electric guitar amp of all time.
The control complement is also given a modern twist reflecting that bass amp technology has come a long, long way since the '50s. The bright chrome panel supports a single channel with a second input offering optimum connection for active basses.
"The upgraded power rating cuts it with the big boys."
It's simplicity itself with an input gain control, master volume and three rotary tone controls, enhanced with deep and bright switches for expanded tonal range. With a dog bone handle, chicken head-style control knobs, removable casters to help in transportation and a powerful output, this is definitely built for jobbing bassists – this lacquered tweed is a great deal hardier than you might think.
Gone is the old open-backed design, replaced by a ported rear panel that allows every bit of the bass sound to come into play. Practical additions include a balanced XLR DI out on the back panel and even a mini-sized cooling fan. A slavish reissue this ain't!
Sounds
Fender bass combos have always had a purity of tone that's both clean and dynamic, making them ideal in the studio. The bigger models in the early days were extremely good at projecting the sound, although their power rating was soon overawed by the sheer force of an overdriven guitar combo. But not any more.
This Bassman TV Series may feign a pleasingly ancient personality, but the upgraded power rating cuts it with the big boys. Much of the signature sound and purity remains, however. It's the less-than-perfect nature of the humble valve that gives enhanced depth to any selected tone, providing the fatter and indeed warmer elements that bass players seek.
The solid-state power stage anchors it all well, offering up a classic-voiced tone that'll fit roots, blues and rock tones, reproducing the solid foundation and percussive click of a good Precision Bass, for example, with aplomb.
There's a very reliable, robust delivery throughout the tonal range, with the true Fender bass amp sounds achieved by using just the three tonal rotary controls, so it's lush and warm even at lower volume. With the sensible addition of the bass and top boost switches you can open out the sounds, giving it a more modern edge and greater versatility. The results are huge and dynamic – it certainly lives up to the legendary name.
While the two smaller models in the range are attractive options, it's the Bassman TV Duo Ten and TV Fifteen that are the full-on gigging combos. With a pair of 10-inch speakers the Duo Ten is the most expensive in the range and favours the funkier, modern styles of playing.
For sheer all-round rock versatility, though, this 1 x 15 TV Fifteen is a mighty good friend to own. No external speaker out is surprising, as this powerful beast would feed the extra spread without difficulty. Other than that, this retro-modern belter holds bags of new-old appeal.
Verdict
Eminently practical, yet classically sexy. We bassists may like innovation and progress, but this is true retro love.
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As if the mid-range monitor market wasn't competitive enough already, M-Audio has revamped its line-up with the introduction of two new designs which it claims work particularly well in difficult acoustic environments.
These CX5s are the smaller of the two new Studiophile models, both of which stick to the tried and tested two-way ported enclosure design. With a five-inch low-frequency driver and 1.25-inch silk-domed tweeter, the CX5s look familiar as soon as you pull them out of the box and feel incredibly weighty and solid with a high quality finish. The only design feature that sticks out is the Kevlar-coned woofer.
Sound
Initial listening tests are instantly impressive, with the CX5s reproducing a variety of material with clarity and accuracy. The bass response is excellent for such a diminutive driver, producing clear notes way down the frequency range and a powerful thump more usually associated with far bigger speakers.
Starting to work with some rough mixes, the Studiophiles continue to impress, reproducing soloed tracks with a revealing accuracy while maintaining a good overall balance that makes mixing straightforward.
"Whereas the majority of monitors in this range tend to offer basic adjustability, the CX5s really go to town."
M-Audio is keen to point out the way that the CX5 can be made to suit any environment, offering a level of adjustment not often found at this level. That vital tweakability factor comes in the form of a series of toggle switches round the back, and this could just be the area where the CX5s offer a significant advantage over their rivals.
Whereas the majority of monitors in this range tend to offer basic adjustability, the CX5s really go to town. Alongside the usual RCA and combo input sockets you'll find controls for low frequency cutoff, mid boost and high trim and an acoustic space switch. Together, this should be enough to help tailor the sound to most rooms.
Our only minor complaint about the rear panel layout is that the volume control is unnecessarily small and fiddly. Plus, it's only detented at the half way point, which makes balancing the levels of the two monitors much more tricky than it needs to be.
Summary
The sound of the CX5 is certainly comparable with its rivals. For five-inch bass drivers, the low-end response is particularly impressive, offering bottom end thump and musicality which you wouldn't expect from such a compact nearfield. What's even more unusual is the way that these monitors seem equally comfortable with any style of music; whereas some small nearfields are noticeably better with acoustic music or struggle with bass-heavy dance, the CX5s don't show any weaknesses no matter what you fed them.
Of the excellent tone controls, the mid boost control is particularly interesting, allowing a peak to be introduced at around 2kHz in order to increase focus on the midrange while mixing. Some might argue that it's unnecessary, but it offers you plenty of options to help make sure you get the right sound for your room and ears.
At this price point, the market is already crowded with good monitors from a variety of manufacturers. The CX5s are in the same range as models like the Genelec 8020As, KRK VXT4s and the outstanding Adam A5s.
Verdict
Excellent compact monitors that can certainly compete with the best at this price level.
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If your instrument is too precious for just an ordinary stand then Cooperstand has the answer with their handcrafted wooden stands. These are designed and engineered by Daniel Cooper, an award winning sculptural artist, guitarist, and songwriter. Cooperstand is not the same old thing. It is a uniquely contoured, and finely hand crafted enhancement, to the instrument that sits on it. In addition, it provides a professional overall appearance to the performer. Key Cooperstand Features: * Convenient: opens and closes with one hand. * Versatile: accommodates acoustic or electric guitar, bass, banjo, or mandolin. * Portable: fits in the headstock of a guitar case or gig bag. * Compact: folds from full size down to a 4" x 9" x 1-1/2" area! * Stable: wide 4-footed base, low center of gravity. * Secure: non-slip neoprene padding protects your instrument, holds it in place. * Safe: no exposed sharp edges that could damage your instrument. * Durable: light weight and flexible design easily absorbs impact. Suggested retail price for the Cooperstand wooden guitar stand is $89.95. Street price ranges between $69.95 and $79.95. www.cooperstand.com
Cooperstand addresses the typical stringed instrument support device in a non typical way. It's a great choice for the performing musician looking for a professional stringed instrument stand that securely supports acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, banjo, or mandolin. Cooperstand has full sized, function, compatibility, flexibility, portability, good looks, and versatility. All of this is now available in one very small package.
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Ultimate riff power is yours with the FullBore Metal Distortion pedal from MXR. This compact but powerful device is all you need to unleash the most devastating contemporary metal guitar tones ever heard. The FullBore pedal turbocharges your guitar signal with lethal amounts of ultra high gain. This is combined with a built-in Noise Gate to knock out the noise associated with extreme gain levels while also adding definition and tightness to syncopated metal riffs. Extensive EQ controls, with Bass, Mid, sweepable Mid-Freq, and Treble knobs let you sculpt your tone with fiendish precision. The additional Scoop switch provides an instant high and low frequency boost that'll rumble the room while also adding clarity. Available from MXR, the world leader in analog pedal technology. For more information, please visit www.jimdunlop.com
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Last weekend at the Arlington Guitar Show in Dallas Texas, Grosh Guitars have announced their first ever Amp - The Grosh Reserve Limited Edition DG-50 Amplifier. Here's what they have to say about it and a picture! The Grosh DG-50 amplifier delivers legendary Grosh quality in a 50-watt British style head. As the Grosh Retro Classic represents a traditional California style guitar taken to the highest possible level, the DG-50 is a classic amplifier with every practical detail improved upon. The result is an amplifier that is simple and versatile, brimming with best-in-class tone. The DG-50 features immaculate hand-wired build quality and high tolerance recreations of period-correct components. Every part used is very simply the best available, from the SoZo signal caps and Heyboer magnetics to the military spec potentiometers. The result is an articulate signal path, full of sparkling harmonics, with enough touch sensitivity to hear the ridges of your fingerprints. The key to making the most of this amp is realizing that with no master volume, there are usable tones through the entire range of the preamp volume controls. With 50 watts from the Winged “C” EL-34’s, the amp can be pushed into power amp distortion at usable sound levels. Channel I is voiced like a traditional 1969 lead circuit. It goes from tight and twangy through a quick break up. The middle of the dial yields classic 70’s arena rock bite. Dimed out, it delivers an authoritative brown sound, bristling with crunchy overtones. Channel II is mellow and less aggressive, but brighter than a stock bass channel to be more usable throughout the range of the preamp. With more headroom, it starts clean and glassy, has a smooth spongy break-up, with warm and wooly overdrive. A 4-input amp, both channels sport high and low sensitivity inputs for added versatility. These can be used separately with an A/B box, as wet/dry inputs, daisy chained with other amps, or jumpered to combine the tones of both channels. Despite its versatility, the DG-50 is not a bells-and whistles amplifier. Like Grosh guitars, it is a traditional offering, improved upon through a meticulous tone-oriented design process and executed with uncompromising detail. The result is an amplifier that finally does justice to the nuances of a Grosh guitar. Amplifier Specifications Check for updates on http://www.groshguitars.com/
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arshall Amplification is proud to introduce its all-new MA Series guitar amplifiers. At a budget-conscious price point, they offer entry into the realm of all-valve amplification. True to form, the MA Series amps are dressed in the traditional Marshall black and gold, and emblazoned with the white Marshall logo. While accessible to all, the MA Series amps are far from stripped down.
Each of the two channels – Clean and Overdrive – features independent volume control and its own three-band EQ for serious tone shaping. The Overdrive Channel is equipped with an additional Gain knob, a Boost switch, and Crunch Balance knob. The Gain knob adds an additional level of gain staging, providing the classic Marshall crunch sound. Engaging the Boost switch delivers a mean Marshall grind for effortless soloing or powerful metal riffing. The Crunch Balance knob sets the level difference between the Overdrive and Boost levels, effectively yielding a three-channel sound. An included footswitch allows switching between the current channel settings.
This is a Press Release
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PRESS RELEASE: East UK, famous for developing drop in pre-amp and EQ modules for workhorse bass guitars has developed Tone Lifter, for the Fender Stratocaster.
Tone Lifter features a Stack Knob which replaces the middle pick-up tone control (lower control) offering substantial mid or combined bass and treble boost, with continuously variable frequency adjustment. A switch on the upperknobactivates a high quality relay to bypass the electronics, reinstating the original pure, passive sound. The relay will bypass the electronics automatically in the event of low battery.
Unlike many other solutions, the Tone Lifter module includes a bespoke lithium polymer battery which sits inside the guitar and will provide 40 hours of power even at full-gain. Tone Lifter is charged via an external, universal power supply which plugs into the instrument's jack socket. An LED indicates when the battery is fully charged.
Inspired by feedback received from session players who had come across East UK's world acclaimed range of bass modules, John East has developed a module which adds extra character and timbre to even the most modest of instruments.Designer, John East says, "Many famous Strat players have upgraded their instrument electronics to create their individual sounds, the very versatile Tone Lifter helps to imitate many of these, and adds enough scope for players to create their own classic sounds."
Tone Lifter is supplied with clear concise installation instructions and is easy to fit with no soldering required. The self-contained design means an instrument can be returned to stock condition at any time.
Tone Lifter is available now from www.east-uk.com and many guitar outlets priced just £169.95 including VAT. (Includes UK shipping when ordered on-line)
For more information, visit East UK
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Arnoud Faber has started building a newly designed bass in series: The Faber PaddleBass. It is described as a 'pragmatic bass guitar with very distinctive looks, sound and playability'. The main objectives for the design were functionality, ergonomics and sound. Compared to other designer-build basses it's quite affordable, too.
The bass is made of a single piece of mahogany and a bolt-on maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, wich results in a rich sound combined with the two singlecoil pickups. The exact placement is the result of extensive testing and the addition of a series/parallel switch results in a wide and usefull range of sounds. This is further enhanced by a modified tonecontrol in the passive electronics, wich gives extended control over the high frequencies.
The eyecatching design is ergonomically clever, giving the bass exellent balance both in standing and sitting playing positions. The handy ridge on the body can be used as a thumbrest: The strings can be played over the full length of the body very easily. Furthermore, the PaddleBass is an ideal tool for hitting back flying lager in festivaltents.
For more information, please visit www.arnoudfaber.com
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Pedulla Guitars has announced a new addition to their line of bass guitars, the Nuance. The aptly named guitar was designed as a responsive extension for the player's artistic and tonal subtleties and techniques. It has been fully field tested with a number of Pedulla Artists, including Tim Landers, Mark Egan, and David Buda. Tim Landers used the Nuance live and in the studio and sums up the sound saying, "It exudes a boutique quality but with a much more useful array of tones. A bass that not only sounds fantastic on it's own but remains punchy and distinct even through a dense mix, a winning combination for me!”
The Nuance bass was initially designed by Michael Pedulla as an acoustic instrument: A bolt-on-neck design was selected for it’s warmth; a soft maple back with stunning Maple Burl, Arbutis Burl, and Red Heart Quilted Maple tops that add to the distinctive high end; a hard maple two-piece quartersawn neck for clarity and stability; and a unique grade of ebony for the 22 fret fingerboard, which adds a midrange that contributes to the clarity and glassy high end. A fully adjustable brass bridge and the standard Pedulla tuning gears round out the hardware. The electronics are powered by two custom-voiced Bartolini humbuckers, complimented by an on-board active tone system which includes controls for volume, pickup pan, bass boost and cut, treble boost and cut, and a midrange boost and cut switch, all powered by a single 9 volt battery. Other features include an ebony backplate, easy access battery box, and the truss rod/stiffening bar design that is used in all Pedulla basses. A Pedulla oil/urethane finish tops it off.
Available as 4-string or 5-string (5-string with 17.5mm or 19mm string spacing). Options include choice of Maple Burl, Arbutis Burl, or Red Heart Quilted Maple top and choice of black, chrome, or gold color hardware. Available fretted or fretless.
MSRP: $4995.00USD.
For more information, please visit www.pedulla.com
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Taylor Guitars and Taylor Swift announce the arrival of the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar (TSBT), a model that is sure to inspire players of all skill levels with its compact size, full-voiced tone and a top that features Swift's design touches. Aspiring preteen with a Taylor guitar and big musical dreams, country pop superstar Taylor Swift has made her mark on the music industry. After spending much of 2009 on her first headlining tour and celebrating the milestone success of 10 million total albums sold and over 20 million paid downloads, Swift is now adding to her repertoire as a singer, songwriter and actress with her very own signature guitar.
Based on the best-selling Baby Taylor guitar, the TSBT is ideal for both promising players and accomplished pickers. At three-quarters the size of a standard dreadnought, with a slim 1 11/16-inch neck and a comfortably compact shape, the guitar is just right for both the littlest player's hands and anyone who likes to pick up and play on the go. With the new model, Swift hopes to inspire others to express themselves through music. "I wanted to share my passion for playing guitar with my fans," she says. "For a beginner, finding the right guitar can be intimidating, but this guitar, it's the perfect size. Even if you've been playing for years, it's a great size to travel with."
Sponsor
Swift, who shares a close relationship with Taylor Guitars and regularly uses a variety of Taylor guitars when both performing and recording, fondly remembers her own Baby Taylor as a go-to guitar during her early days of touring. "I used to sit in the back seat of the rental car while I was on my radio tour at 16, writing songs on my Baby Taylor guitar," she reflects. "I love the sound, and I love those memories."It's not just Swift who is excited about this guitar. Taylor dealers everywhere are also eagerly anticipating its arrival, like Bryan Rankins from Fazio's Frets and Friends in St. Louis, Missouri. "It's not often that I get excited about another 'signature' guitar, but when I heard about the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor, my reaction was much different," Rankins says. "Here you have an incredibly gifted young woman who is inspiring young people through her words and music. When I first saw a picture of the guitar, I knew right away that it would help spawn a whole new breed of young musicians and give them something positive that will stay with them for the rest of their lives."
In addition to Taylor's global network of dealers, the Taylor Swift Baby Taylor is available now for pre-orders at Amazon.com. "We're thrilled to work with Taylor Guitars to make the new Taylor Swift Baby Taylor available to our customers," said Noah Herschman, director of Home Electronics and Musical Instruments for Amazon.com. "Taylor Swift is one of the hottest stars in country and pop music, and her collaboration with Taylor Guitars has resulted in a product that we think our customers will love. Now they can pre-order it and ensure they'll get it in time for the holidays."
Introduced in 1996, the Baby Taylor was designed to be the ultimate musical travel companion and set the standard for how good a small guitar could sound. Delivering impressive volume and tone for its compact dimensions, the Baby Taylor quickly became the favorite "road guitar" for many professional musicians, including rock legends Bono (U2) and Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), pop artist Katy Perry, and country music hit makers Clint Black and Tim McGraw.
The TSBT will be offered at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $398 and comes ready to rock in a cushioned Taylor Guitars gig bag. The Taylor Swift Baby Taylor guitar is available for purchase at authorized Taylor Guitars dealers, Amazon.com and soon, at TaylorSwift.com.
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Bell Custom Guitars has added a new series to it's custom line of handbuilt guitars, the SS series uniquely designed with affordability in mind. Some of the more labor intensive features of the existing CTS series of Bell Custom Guitars have been eliminated from the building process, making the SS line more affordable without compromising the Bell Custom Guitars' signature tone
The SS base-model is priced as shown from $1,300 and may be customized to suit personal preferences including electronics, hardware, and paint. With a maple or mahogany and acrylic fused body, the tone of the wood is maintained while making a more clear, focused sound. This fusion of materials provides crisp, sharp highs and smooth, rounded lows.For more information, please visit www.bellcustomguitars.com
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Washburn Guitars has announced the launch of their new Cracked Mirror Series with the introduction of the PS1800CMK and WV1800CMK guitars. The cracked mirror concept for a guitar originally stemmed from an idea that Paul Stanley had in the '70s. Now, over thirty years later, Washburn has perfected the art of assembling the broken pieces of reflective glass onto the top of a guitar, giving these finely crafted instruments a signature look at an affordable price.
The Washburn PS1800CMK is one of Paul Stanley’s signature models and is carefully crafted out of a mahogany body with a mahogany set neck, a rosewood fretboard, and abalone mother-of-pearl split block inlays. With its Tune-O-Matic bridge, custom star tailpiece, Grover Exclusive tuners, Buzz Feiten Tuning System, Randall UL neck and Ultra XL bridge pickups, this guitar epitomizes the Glam Rock God himself. The $2,079.90 list price includes padded gig bag.
you prefer the look and feel of a flying V, then the Washburn WV1800CMK is for you. It offers all of the same features as the PS1800CMK, but with a stop tailpiece in lieu of the custom star. This guitar is sure to deliver all of the tone that you expect from Washburn, but with a unique cracked mirror look. The list price on this model is $1599.90. Includes padded gig bag
For more information, please visit www.washburn.com
