A great Gretsch name is back with the return of Rancher acoustic guitars. The richly resonant Rancher first appeared in the early 1950s with its highly distinctive triangular sound hole and sweepingly elegant pickguard, and Gretsch is now very proud to re-introduce the model. With a great new five-instrument selection of body sizes, styles and features that combine the best of the guitar’s acclaimed past with the best in modern sound, strength, style and playability, Gretsch now gives you the best of all Ranchers. Continue reading »
When KISS hit the stage at Nippon Budokan in Japan in 1977 with guitarist Ace Frehley behind a Cherry Sunburst, three-pickup Les Paul Custom, the entire package—band, guitarist, guitar—embodied the height of glam-rock excess and success for the ’70s. This was the ultimate marriage of pop and heavy rock, driven to meteoric heights by the record industry marketing machine, and ultimately attaining that otherworldly presence that great stadium rock should achieve: unbridled fantasy and party-hard reality rolled into one glorious explosion. In celebration of Ace Frehley’s unquestionable status as a rock icon, and the epitome of glam-rock stardom that KISS represented at this crystalline moment in time in 1977, Gibson Custom proudly announces the release of the Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom, produced in a strictly Limited Edition of 50 hand-aged guitars signed by the artist, with a further 100 hand-aged guitars, and 150 guitars treated in Gibson Custom’s VOS process. Offering everything you’ve come to expect from Gibson Custom’s artist replica guitars, the Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom is a painstaking recreation of Frehley’s modified Les Paul Custom, based on intimate examination of the instrument’s current condition.
More information about the Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom by Gibson can you find on gibson.com. Specs after the break.
Continue reading »
When Dolf decided to design a tube preamp for guitar, he felt it should combine as many high quality features as possible. The result of his effort, is the Pedaltone. Heavy duty components housed in a stainless steel shell, combine two individually controlled channels with a host of options that leave the user with no less than 16 separate sounds at his discression. Channel 1 Clean, Channel 1 Enhanced, Channel 2 Distortion and Channel 2 Distortion Boost provide the first four sounds.
The first three 12AX7 preamp tubes send these classic Koch tones to virtually any input imaginable; from your favorite amp to any type of recording/PA console. The fourth 12AX7 tube acts as a 0.5 watt Power Amp, with its own Gain & Volume controls adding depth and attitude. In the original version this feature was called “Power Amp” but in version II we named it “OTS” (Output Tube Saturation). It has also been redesigned for a fatter tone and relocated, Post effects loop instead of pre effects loop.Combining this OTS feature to any of the first four sounds now gives the user the option of eight individual and unique settings. The final feature on the Pedaltone, the famous Koch Solo/Rhythm control, has been replaced with two separate footswitchable Master Volumes, Rhythm and Solo v9lume. Engaging this feature allows the user two (foot switchable) volume levels per setting (a user controllable ‘rhythm’, and a user controllable ‘solo’ volume) doubling the number of settings available to 16. Last but not least the FX Loop allows the addition of your favorite effects, and the Headphone jack allows the Pedaltone to be used anywhere….anytime.
Specs after the break. Continue reading »
The new Twintone mark III has been re-styled and has also been partly redesigned and improved. But of course the best features of the Twintone I and II have stayed. As the enclosure is slightly bigger the amp has a deeper and warmer low-end but still gives you a that well defined and open sound from its earlier versions. Its compact size and relative light weight, disguise the power, versatility and ease of use this amplifier has to offer.
Two EL34 Power Tubes supply 50 watts of power which can be used to drive any of the Koch extension speakers. The Twintone III has five speaker jacks for connecting 4, 8 and 16 ohm speaker cabinets and/or the internal combo speaker.
The superb sounding ‘Clean’ channel has not been changed in this new version and will again give you the same wonderful warm and crystal clear clean sounds you are used to from this amp.
The Overdrive channel however has been re-voiced. The crunch and lead tones will give you a more complex and rich sound without losing its definition and depth.
With these two channels you can go from a pristine clean sound through exciting ‘crunch’ tones up to saturated overdrive with infinite sustain.
The ‘Bright Clean’ guitar input trims the mids somewhat for humbucking pickups and makes sure the pure tone of the Twintone III is available for all types of guitar pickups.
Also new are the two separate footswitchable Master Volumes on the front panel, Rhythm and Solo Volume. The Presence control has been relocated from the Overdrive channel to the power amp section. This creates a more authentic sparkle when turned open and it now operates on both channels, Clean and Overdrive.
The Accutronics long tank spring reverb has a level control on the back panel for just the right amount of effect. Naturally the amp still has its recording output of which the filter has been improved so the output now offers true speaker emulation for great authentic recording of your favourite guitar sound. Continue reading »
MPC Fly merges unmatched Akai Professional technology with the power of your iPad 2, embodying the legendary capabilities that have made the MPC an industry standard like real MPC pads, MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing.
Its multifunctional, double-hinged design gives you the flexibility to produce tracks anywhere, while also acting as a protective case between sessions and giving you total access to your iPad 2 for normal uses. To get the most out of your MPC Fly Akai Professional made a special app called MPC Fly iPad App. Check the specs of the MPC Fly and the MPC Fly iPad App after the break.
Greta
In the playfully diminutive form of a vintage tabletop radio, the Pawn Shop Special Greta model is quite possibly the most unusual Fender tube amp ever. In fact, nobody would blame you if you saw a Greta and, not yet realizing its true identity, tried to tune in the local weather on it…
But an amp is exactly what it is-a two-watt tabletop beauty with a 4” Special Design speaker, old-school VU meter with “clean to overload” indicator display and simple volume and tone controls. Its charmingly vintage-style enclosure has front and rear wood panels finished in bright red, gold-finished metal top and sides for increased shielding, “Greta” script badge on the front panel and tabletop feet. Under the hood and on the back panel, the Greta features a single 12AT7 output tube and 12AX7 preamp tube, with a 1/4” instrument jack and 1/4” line out jack (for preamp use with another amplifier). Greta produces a variety of low-volume clean and overdriven guitar tones, but even if you never plug a guitar into it, the 1/8” back-panel auxiliary input is perfect for iPod or other media player use, with great mono tube playback sound that’ll have you rocking right there at your desk
Excelsior
Alluringly refined yet harboring tones from polite to raw to raucous, the Pawn Shop Special Excelsior model is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive tube combo amps in Fender history. Its brown textured vinyl covering, smartly stylish “E” grille design and bold crossed-swords front-panel badge convey a decidedly stately vibe with a marked air of cold-war cool.
To say nothing of its admirable tone and power. The 13-watt Excelsior elegantly encloses a single 15” Special Design speaker, with a bottom-loaded primary chassis and top-loaded control chassis for operating convenience and low noise (powered by two 6V6 output tubes and two 12AX7 preamp tubes). Distinctive features include ‘guitar’. ‘microphone’ and ‘accordion’ inputs that each have individually optimized circuitry; tremolo circuit with speed control, bright/dark tone switch (for treble or bass emphasis), volume control and 1/4” internal speaker disconnect that lets the amp drive an external speaker enclosure. For playing at home, smaller gigs and studio sessions, the Excelsior is a class act that brings a fresh and unconventional new vibe to your playing.
PEAVEY ANTARES ANNOUNCE THE PEAVEY AT-200 GUITAR FEATURING
AUTO-TUNE FOR GUITAR TECHNOLOGY
Revolutionary Guitar Provides Perfect Pitch & Intonation,
Forever Changing the Way Guitars Are Played & Recorded
Music and audio innovator Peavey Electronics has partnered with Antares Audio Technologies, the creator of worldrenowned Auto-Tune
pitch-correction technology, to announce the dawn of the new guitar revolution: the Peavey AT-200 guitar featuring Auto-Tune for Guitar, a new musical instrument that electronically self tunes and intonates continuously as you play.
With the simple push of a button on the Peavey AT-200, guitar players can now create music in perfect tune and pitch. The Peavey AT-200 utilizes Antares Auto-Tune for Guitar, a DSP technology that works behind the scenes to bring the clarity of perfect pitch to a quality instrument in an unobtrusive manner. No bulky, unattractive hardware weighs down the playing experience—the Peavey AT-200 looks, plays and sounds just like a conventional guitar, exactly the way it should.
Just as Auto-Tune changed how vocals are recorded, the Peavey AT-200 with Auto-Tune for Guitar will forever change the way guitars are played and recorded. Players won‟t have to stop to retune during live performances. Producers and engineers will no longer waste precious time on tuning and intonation issues during recording sessions. With the AT-200 guitar, perfect pitch is the new standard.
The Peavey AT-200 is also the gateway to a growing collection of powerful new Auto-Tune for Guitar features. With its built-in software upgrade capability, new features from Antares can be easily loaded into the AT-200 and controlled by any MIDI source, from MIDI foot switch controllers to iPad or iPhone devices running dedicated Auto-Tune control software.
Combining Peavey‟s 47-year legacy of innovation in music and audio with Antares‟ history of creating game-changing audio technologies is a natural partnership, said Peavey Electronics founder and CEO Hartley Peavey. “Peavey has always been a „different‟ kind of company, one that is driven by the desire to innovate and advance the possibilities in music and audio, while serving players and professionals with attainable, quality products,” said Peavey. “Partnering with Antares to bring their revolutionary Auto-Tune technology to guitars is the gateway to the next generation of music creation. As always, we‟re proud to be leading the way.”
As countless players and producers know, less-than-perfect intonation can seriously muddy a guitar’s tone. The Peavey AT-200 guitar with the Antares Solid-Tune intonation system constantly monitors the precise pitch of each individual string and electronically makes any corrections necessary to ensure that every note of every chord and riff is always in tune, regardless of variables like finger position or pressure. The technology is even smart enough to know when players intend to manipulate pitch, so bends and vibrato sound as natural as they always have. As a result, listening to a guitar with Solid-Tune is a revelation, offering a purity of tone that has simply never before
been possible.
“We knew that our Auto-Tune had the power to change the sound of guitars, creating sonority and clarity,” said Dr. Andy Hildebrand, founder of Antares Audio Technologies. “Partnering with a company revered for quality and reliability like Peavey was very important to this project. Peavey has been a leader in musical instruments for decades, and the AT-200 with Auto-Tune for Guitar is a high-quality guitar that any musician can appreciate.”
Peavey‟s legacy of innovation includes pioneering the use of computers in guitar making and in creating the first digitally configured and controlled audio system. In addition, Peavey‟s ReValver amplifier modeling software has changed the way musicians and producers think about recording guitar tone forever.
The Peavey AT-200 electric guitar will be available in July 2012 from authorized Peavey retailers.
Please visit www.peavey.com/dealerlocator to find a dealer near you.
About Antares Audio Technologies
Antares Audio Technologies is the worldwide leader in the development of unique vocal processing tools. Having revolutionized vocal production with the ground-breaking Auto-Tune pitch correction technology, Antares is committed to providing producers, engineers, sound designers and musicians with powerful, innovative, easy-to-use tools for enhancing and manipulating the human voice. Now, with the introduction of its revolutionary Auto-Tune for Guitar technology, Antares is profoundly expanding the flexibility and creative potential of the electric guitar. Antares Audio
Technologies is located at 231 Technology Circle, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. Email: info@antarestech.com Web: www.antarestech.com
About Peavey Electronics
Founded in 1965, Peavey is one of the world‟s largest manufacturers and suppliers of musical instruments and professional sound equipment. Peavey has earned more than 180 patents and distributes to more than 130 countries. Peavey and its MediaMatrix, Architectural Acoustics, Crest Audio, Composite Acoustics and Trace Elliot brands and affiliates can be found on concert stages and in more than 10,000 airports, stadiums, theme parks and other venues around the world. To find out more, visit www.peavey.com.
Super ChampTM X2
The Super Champ X2 combo amplifier combines 15 watts of rich, dual-channel tube amp sound with modern extra such as versatile amp voicing and a wide selection of digital effects. It’s simple, toneful and flexible, and with its easy computer connectivity you can also custom tailor your amp’s voicing and effects to your personal taste. Your rehearsal and recording sessions will really come alive with the unlimited tones that can be created with the Super Champ X2.
Made in Ensenada, Mexico, the Super Champ X2 features a single 10” Fender Special Design speaker, voicing knob for selection of 16 different amp types (tweed, Blackface, British, metal and more), 15 effects with level control, dual-channel switching (footswitch optional), tap tempo control for precise delay time adjustment, 1/4” line output, external speaker capability and USB output for speaker- emulated digital recording. Fender FUSETM software (available as a free download) allows even more tonal versatility, with customization of amp voicing and effects defaults, effects parameters deep editing, and online access to free Fender community content.
Super ChampTM X2 HD
The Super Champ X2 Head offers great low-power tube sound in compact design that presents the same great features as its 15-watt, dual-channel combo sibling. It’s designed for use with the new SC112 Enclosure or other 8-ohm speaker enclosure.
Made in Ensenada, Mexico, the Super-Champ X2 Head features a voicing knob for selection of 16 different amp types (Tweed, Blackface, British, Hot Rod, metal and more), 15 effects with level control, dual-channel switching (footswitch optional), tap tempo control for precise delay time adjustment, 1/4” line output and USB output for speaker-emulated digital recording. Fender FUSETM software (available as a free download) allows even more tonal versatility, with customization of amp voicing and effects defaults, effects parameters deep editing, and online access to free Fender community content.
Super ChampTM SC112 Enclosure
The new SC112 Enclosure mates perfectly with the Super Champ® X2 Head or other quality amplifier. Made in Ensenada, Mexico, it’s compact and rugged; rated at 80 watts RMS (at 8 ohms) and featuring a single 12” Celestion® G12P-80 speaker for tight, defined tone and a closed-back design for increased bass response.
Specs after the break
Cort Guitars announced today the brand new Gene Simmons AXE Guitar. The GS Guitar AXE-2 is the latest addition to the series of signature instruments from Gene Simmons and Cort Guitars. The guitar will officially be unveiled at the 2012 NAMM show next week in Anaheim, California. Fans and players alike have been buying up the previous two bass models (The GS-AXE-2 and the GS-Punisher-2) and guitar players have been asking for something of their own.
Specs after the break
Moog Music has announced the release of Minitaur, the newest addition to Moog’s Taurus Bass Synthesizer family. Minitaur is a compact and powerful analog bass synthesizer that features a classic ‘One knob per function’ layout. Most notably, it is the first instrument in the Taurus family that does not have foot pedals. At only 8.5” x 5.25” and less than 3lbs, the Minitaur puts powerful analog Moog bass into a package designed to fit seamlessly into today’s performance and production environments. The Minitaur will be introduced at Winter NAMM.
More info and specs after the break
