Gibson Announces Billy Gibbons Ultimate SG
The girls go crazy for a sharp dressed guitar.
Gibson has announced a brand new collaboration with ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons, the Ultimate SG. Crafted in the Gibson Custom Shop, the Ultimate SG takes inspiration from class car design and features a two-tier top, gold hardware and a '61-style vibrato unit. The two Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates humbuckers, dual volume and single tone control deliver characteristically raw tone.
The included hard case is hand painted by artist James Willis, and every guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Billy Gibbons himself.
Dean Dimebag Signatures Now Fitted With DR High Voltage
The pointiest guitars now come fitted with the voltageiest strings.
Dean Guitar models such as the Dimebag, Razor Bolt, Razorback and Stealth Floyds will now ship with DR’s Hi-Voltage series, Dime’s strings of choice. Released in 2003, DR’s Hi-Voltage were the first guitar strings to utilize a protective wire treatment for longevity, durability and strength without sacrificing edge or tone.
Vinnie Paul, Darrell’s brother and band mate in Pantera and Damageplan, welcomes the partnership. “DIME knew the importance of every aspect of playing the guitar. That’s why he used DR, the best strings out there!!”
TC Electronic announce HyperGravity Compressor Pedal
A remarkably versatile Compressor from TC Electronic.
Today TC Electronic have unveiled another new pedal addition to their successful TonePrint series, and continuing recent form it's an absolute corker.
Introducing the TC Electronic HyperGravity compressor. Inevitable, I know, as it was just about the only standard line effect that TC hadn't bothered to put in a stomp box, but despite the predictability of its production it is, in fact, a wonderfully unique pedal within the world of single stomp box compressors.
TC boast that it'll, "make any guitarist's tone go from good to great" which is about the most uninspiring tag line I've ever read, but nonetheless it's true, if anything it's a gargantuan understatement, for the Hyper gravity isn't just an ordinary compressor, it's a multi-band compressor, the circuit is meticulously designed after TC's very own MD3 compression algorithms featured in the widely popular studio processor System 6000, so they're not lying when they say that it really is probably the most advanced compression circuit ever to be put into a stomp box format.
It features 3 modes; TonePrint and 2 very individual compression types. A vintage mode that allows the player to dial in a very dynacomp-cum-Boss CS-2 muddy, dark sounding squash; exactly the sort of compression a lot of classic and rock players look for. The second is a more modern truly dynamic mode that allows you to compress each frequency range independently much the same as you would be able to using an in studio compressor/limiter rack unit.
It's this mode that really sells the pedal. A lot of players looking for that classic compression will no doubt stick with brands that demonstrate a little more rock and roll kudos than TC. The dynamic mode is far more aimed at funk, country and a player looking for true sonic definition, clarity and transparency; exactly the sort of thing session players will have been gagging for, and of course this has always been more TC's market place.
As always the TonePrint feature is there allowing players to try out compression presets designed by some great players (mostly session), upload your own, and of course, it gives you access to the TonePrint Editor app, a great addition for players looking to really sculpt their tone, the App allows the manipulation of quite a few control ranges and presets, letting you get right down to the nitty-gritty.
The HyperGravity is all in all a very dynamic and wonderfully unique addition to the compressor world. If that wasn't enough it looks like it's going to hit shelves at around £99: critically cheap.
SUMMER NAMM 2015: TC Electronic unveil BodyRez
An Acoustic Pickup Enhancer for the masses.
From the press release:
The sound of resonating wood is what gives an acoustic guitar its particular sonic allure – something that doesn’t always translate well when you amplify an acoustic instrument using a piezo pick-up system.
Based on the very same unique technology first available in TC-Helicon’s Play Acoustic, BodyRezis designed to sweeten the tone of an acoustic guitar’s piezo pickup making it sound much more natural and realistic: the way a beautiful full-bodied instrument rightly deserves.
Just like having a sound engineer in a box, BodyRez is housed in a truly simple-to-use and compact pedal that’s perfect for every electro-acoustic performer.
Main Features
Studio-quality live acoustic guitar tone
Restores natural playing feel
Built-in feedback suppression
Simple to use and ultra-compact design
Complete with region specific 9V power supply
SUMMER NAMM 2015: Roland announce Jazz Chorus JC-40
The 40 watt amp to celebrate 40 years of lush tone.
From the press release:
Hamamatsu, Japan, July 8th, 2015 — In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the iconic Jazz Chorus guitar amp series, Roland is proud to present the all-new JC-40. Compact and gig-ready, this 40-watt stereo amp features the famous “JC clean” tone and signature Dimensional Space Chorus effect respected by guitarists for decades. The JC-40 also includes evolved features for modern players, including enhanced onboard effects and a front-panel stereo input for stereo pedals, multi-effects, and amp modelers.
First introduced in 1975, the Jazz Chorus series has earned legendary status among pro players as the benchmark in clean guitar tone, and its sound can be heard on generations of popular recordings in every genre of music. The amp series is equally revered for its integrated stereo amplification system and Dimensional Space Chorus effect, which delivers unique dimension and depth that’s unattainable with any other single amp.
With the JC-40, guitarists can enjoy this genuine, industry-standard tone in a scaled-down amplifier with innovative modern refinements. Two independent power amps and custom-designed 10-inch speakers deliver punchy stereo sound that won't get buried in the band, while durable, road-tough construction ensures years of reliable operation on stage and in the studio.
The onboard effects in the JC-40 are all newly refreshed for enhanced performance. The Dimensional Space Chorus now offers selectable fixed or manual modes for increased tonal range, and renewed vibrato and reverb operate in stereo for rich, deep performance. There’s built-in distortion as well, updated with a smooth, satisfying tone that’s great for all types of music.
In addition to a normal mono input, the JC-40 features a true stereo input that allows players using stereo effects devices to achieve wide, inspiring sound without having to carry around two separate amps. The rich JC clean tone is a perfect palette for external stereo pedals like delays, reverbs, and various modulation effects. It’s also ideal for advanced gear that employs amp modeling, multi-effects, and/or synth capabilities, such as the GT-100, GP-10, and ME-80 from BOSS and GR-55 guitar synth from Roland.
The JC-40’s rear panel is outfitted with all types of connectivity. The effects loop works with mono or stereo devices, and offers selectable serial or parallel operation. Line Out jacks provide a convenient mono or stereo feed to a mixing board or recorder, while the headphones jack is great for quiet practice. Users can also connect optional footswitches to turn the JC-40’s chorus/vibrato, reverb, and distortion effects on/off while performing.
SUMMER NAMM 2015: Boss announce DD-500 Delay
Boss extends their delay range with a new triple pedal unit.
From the press release:
Hamamatsu, Japan, July 8th, 2015 — BOSS is proud to introduce the DD-500, the most powerful and versatile digital delay pedal ever made. Filled with newly developed BOSS technology, this amazing stompbox offers 12 distinctive delay modes and extraordinary audio quality, along with deep editing controls, a graphic display, patch memories, MIDI, and much more. Small in size and massive in creative potential, the DD-500 allows musicians to create any delay sound they can imagine, and then some.
The DD-500 delivers its sophisticated sound-making capabilities in a compact design that fits easily on any pedalboard. Each delay mode has been carefully crafted for a unique sonic personality and highly musical tones at every setting, realized by high-powered DSP running at 32-bit/96 kHz.
Included among the DD-500’s 12 modes are basic delays, warm analog and tape echo types, pattern-based effects, and complex modern delay lines that employ pitch shifting, filtering, and other unique processing. The pedal’s Vintage Digital mode offers BOSS’ first emulations of sought-after classics from the 1980s, including the legendary SDE-2000 and SDE-3000 rack units from Roland and the BOSS DD-2, the first stompbox digital delay.
Hands-on knobs allow users to quickly shape essential parameters and create great sounds right away. Each delay type also includes a semi-parametric four-band EQ, modulation, ducking, and many other parameters, enabling a huge range of tonal refinement. The large, integrated LCD fully supports the DD-500’s immense capabilities, providing clear visibility of delay time, patch ID, and more on one screen, plus intuitive navigation for detailed parameter tweaks, naming, and system management.
With its freely assignable controls, the DD-500 offers unmatched creative expression and performance flexibility. By default, the A, B, and TAP/CTL switches provide control for two patches, bypass, bank selection, tap tempo, and more. However, they can be customized to operate in alternate ways, such as providing top-level access to three different delay patches, or controlling various real-time functions like Warp, Twist, and many others. Additional parameters can be controlled via an optional expression pedal or external switches, and MIDI I/O opens up even more options with advanced setups.
Along with its other capabilities, the DD-500 includes an independent Phrase Loop function with up to 60 seconds of stereo recording time (120 seconds in mono). USB is on board as well, providing a simple computer connection for patch backup and MIDI control with DAW software.
SUMMER NAMM 2015: Boss announce RV-6 Reverb
A new reverb from Boss? WHAT?
From the press release:
Hamamatsu, Japan, July 8th, 2015 — BOSS is pleased to announce the RV-6, an all-new compact reverb pedal with studio-grade sound. Powered by cutting-edge technology and the legendary tone expertise of BOSS engineers, the RV-6 makes it simple for guitarists to dial up inspiring reverb tones for any song or style.
With its high-end audio quality, wide-ranging versatility, and ease of use, the RV-6 takes stompbox reverb to a new level of performance. Users can select among eight distinctive reverb types, which feature newly developed algorithms driven by the latest BOSS DSP.
Reverb types include standards such as Room, Hall, Plate, and Spring, providing a broad selection of tones to complement any musical genre. Also on hand are powerful Modulate, Dynamic, Shimmer, and Reverb+Delay types, which offer the lush, expansive reverb sounds sought by many modern players.
Using the RV-6 is quick and intuitive—just select a sound mode, tweak the Time, Tone, and Level knobs to taste, and play. But despite its simple operation, the RV-6’s sound is rich and sophisticated. Each mode includes a huge range of detailed internal reverb parameters, all perfectly tuned for guitar by BOSS with direct input from pro players and sound engineers. Even as the selected mode is adjusted with the Time and Tone knobs, many parameters are simultaneously balanced inside to create the ideal voicing for every setting.
The RV-6’s convenient auto-switching jacks support mono, mono-to-stereo, and stereo-to-stereo operation, allowing users to integrate with any pedal chain. And by plugging into the B input only, the RV-6 outputs a 100-percent wet sound, great for working with more complex rigs that employ parallel processing chains and mixers. There’s also a jack for controlling the effect level in real time via an optional expression pedal.
Wampler Pedals release Low Blow bass overdrive and Latitude Standard Tremolo
The boutique(ish) builder unveils their first bass pedal.
Wampler Pedals have announced two new stompboxes, the Low Blow bass overdrive and Latitude Standard tremolo.
In the works for several years, Wampler's first bass pedal features two clipping modes - Smooth and Jagged. Smooth mode acts as an overdrive with the jagged being more distorted. The addition of a 3 band EQ (Bass, Mids, and Treble) allows a player to have more tonal control no matter what the gig calls for. With the he Notch Filter switch, you can help tighten/clean up common cabinet “woof” without having to turn down.
Check out Wampler's demo of the Low Blow below:
The new Latitude standard has the same “blackface” inspired tremolo as its big brother, the Latitude Deluxe, but in a smaller, stripped down package. This compact trem features the same volume control option as the Latitude Deluxe so your tremolo effect will never get lost in the mix. A constant tremolo speed indicator light, shows exactly where your tremolo will be before you even engage it.
View Wampler's demo of the Latitude Standard below:
Suhr Guitars Sold For $11 Million
The boutique builder has been sold to Avalanche International Corp.
LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwired - June 17, 2015) - Avalanche International, Corp (OTC PINK: AVLP), announced today that it has agreed to purchase JS Technologies, Inc., maker of the world renowned Suhr and other branded musical instruments and electronics for $11 million in stock and cash. The 18-year old U.S. manufacturer of high-end musical instruments and electronics, based in Lake Elsinore, California, has annual revenues of over $10 million with great growth opportunities domestically and worldwide, driven by over 175 dealers in 49 countries and phenomenal brand loyalty and consumer popularity. Suhr is famed for its product craftsmanship, exotic fine woods and unique designs that provide each customer a very personalized experience. Numerous top artists have used and supported the Suhr brand for over a decade. Upon close of this transaction, JS Technologies, Inc. will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company with its own independent management team responsible to its new parent.
John Suhr and Steve Smith, co-founders of JS Technologies, Inc., stated, "We are proud to become a part of the Avalanche International family and look forward to this new chapter in the company's growth. As we pursue our vision, we are committed to provide great instruments and honored to provide such remarkable guitars, musical equipment and components to a very loyal and expanding customer base worldwide. We are proud to be apart of Avalanche International and apart of this incredible legacy."
Avalanche International, Corp., the holding company that specializes in consumer products, signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on June 12, 2015 to purchase all the shares of JS Technologies, Inc. and anticipates the transaction to close over the next several weeks as it finalizes the financing of the acquisition. In connection with the deal, the Company intends to provide new working capital for increased manufacturing capacity and for potential strategic acquisitions that will provide new products, customers and/or distribution globally. The Company will work with its founders and current management through this transitional period as the manufacturer continues business as usual. The Company and JS Technologies is dedicated to maintaining the famous Suhr design, innovation and product quality while expanding consumer choices and service in the future.
Phil Mansour, President and CEO of AVLP, said, "We are very pleased and excited for our shareholders and the Company's future to be acquiring such a high quality product line, management team and state of the art U.S. manufacturing facility. We look forward to providing the necessary resources to help JS Technologies on its mission to expand and grow the company and its products."
Line 6 Announce Helix Multi-Effects Pedal
The new flagship multi-effect features touch sensitive footswitches and a large LCD screen.
Line 6 have unveiled a brand new flagship multi-effects pedal, the Helix. Available as a pedalboard or rack mounted (with optional footswitch), Line 6 claim that the Helix "represents a giant leap forward in guitar processing, as well as a new way of thinking about guitarists and their relationship to technology."
Utilising touch-sensitive footswitches, the Helix allows the player to edit sounds on the fly, without needing to take their hands off the guitar. Each footswitch features a multi-coloured LED ring, and a large LCD screen enables the user to view patch names, effect parameters and the customisable signal chain. Check out a demo of the Helix below:
Expect to see the Helix at the end of summer 2015. Both floor and rack versions have an MSRP of $1499.
J. Rockett Announce Boing Reverb
The Nashville-based brand add to their Tour Series.
J. Rockett Audio Designs have announced the newest addition to their Tour Series lineup. The Boing reverb is a single knob that emulates classic amp reverbs of the past. Simple controls and minimalist design complement a spring reverb that really cuts through the mix.
The Boing has a street price of $159. Find out more at the J. Rockett website.
Win A Bigfoot Engineering King Fuzz
Sign up to the Guitar Nerds mailing list for a chance to win this awesome yellow fuzz.
The good folks at Bigfoot Engineering are giving Guitar Nerds readers the chance to win one of their incredible King Fuzz pedals. Used by the Black Crowes, The Raconteurs and Blur, this yellow box has been has been making some serious waves in the UK and US. Check out Bigfoot's own Rhys Stubbs showing off exactly what the pedal can do:
To win this awesome prize, all you have to do is sign up to the Guitar Nerds mailing list before 9th June 2015. A winner will be picked from the list at random.
Use this handy form to sign up:
Strymon announce DIG Dual Digital Delay
The US company add a versatile 80s style delay to their lineup.
Strymon have announced a brand new dual digital delay pedal, the DIG. With two simultaneous, integrated delays, the DIG offers three different delay characteristics, with one modelled on early '80s adaptive delta modulated delays, one modelling mid-'80s 12 bit pulse code modulation and the third a modern high-resolution 24/96 delay. The two delays can be set to run in series, parallel or ping pong modes and tap tempo is available via an onboard footswitch.
For more information, check the Strymon website.
Maxon Release BD10 Hybrid Bass Driver
A clean/drive blend and two band EQ make the BD10 a bass driver to look out for.
Maxon have announced the BD10 Hybrid Bass Driver. This new model draws on Maxon's 40 years of experience in building overdrive pedals and is aimed squarely at bass players. Drive and clean level controls allow the player to blend in clean signal to retain low end and clarity, and a two band EQ offers a range of driven tones.
Features:
Symmetrical clipping circuit yields heavy yet articulate distortion
Dedicated Clean Level knob with +6 dB max Boost
Dedicated Drive Level knob with +14 dB max Boost
Individual Bass and Treble knobs for precise tonal control
Buffered Bypass Switching
3-Year limited warranty
Made in Japan
For more information, check Maxon's website.
Line 6 Announce AMPLIFi Remote for Apple Watch
Line 6's latest update lets you search for tones using your wrist.
Hot on the heels of the AK Multimedia UltraTuner, Line 6 have announced that their AMPLIFi Remote is now compatible with the Apple Watch. The app, which acts as a controller for the AMPLIFi amps plus desktop and floor units, now allows you to view a tuner, access your preset tones, set master and instrument levels and search for new tones via speech dictation.
For more information, check the Line 6 website.
IK Multimedia Announce UltraTuner for Apple Watch
Accurate tuning with the flick of your wrist...
IK Multimedia have announced that their UltraTuner iOS app is now compatible with the Apple Watch.
The app, which has been available for some time on other Apple devices, provides precision down to .01 of a cent, and claims to be ten times more precise than mechanical strobe tuners. WIth this latest update, users can now use the Apple Watch to display the app's "STAGE" mode or switch to a simpler, note-only, readout.
Music Group Acquires TC Electronic
The Philippines-based company add to a portfolio that already includes Behringer, Bugera and Turbosound.
MUSIC Group has announced their acquisition of TC Electronic. The company, based in Philippines, already owns Bugera, Behringer, Midas, Klark Teknik and Turbosound, and the addition of the TC Group will see them add TC Electronic, TC-Helicon, Tannoy, Lab.gruppen and Lake to their portfolio.
MUSIC Group founder and CEO Uli Behringer commented, "MUSIC Group stands for relentless focus on innovation, business transformation and overall IP creation. Since the acquisition of Midas, Klark Teknik and Turbosound, we have been continuously pursuing brands that complement the mixing console, processing and loudspeaker excellence offered by these historic brands. Throughout our search, TC Group has clearly stood out as the ideal match because of their world-class brands, impressive intellectual property, sterling reputation and first-class team of people. I am very proud to welcome the TC Group team into our family."
TC Group's CEO Anders Fauerskov responded, "We are very honored that during the acquisition process, some of the largest industry players were bidding for TC Group; however we have selected MUSIC Group as they represent the perfect fit in terms of strategic direction, overall synergies and company culture. Our team is thrilled to join MUSIC Group and open a new chapter for TC Group and its prestigious brands. With the incredibly talented people and massive resources of the MUSIC Group behind us, the team is excited to enter a new era of unprecedented innovation and growth."
Earthquaker Devices Launch Levitation Reverb
The pedal wizards team up with Austin's legendary psych festival for a brand new reverb.
The mad scientists at Earthquaker Devices have teamed up with Austin, Texas' Levitation Festival to produce the Levitation reverb. Founded as Austin Psych Fest in 2008, Leviation Festival has become a way to preserve Austin’s psychedelic rock heritage, and with that in mind, Earthquaker have created a variation of the Ghost Echo to honor the reverb-drenched tones of classic psych rock.
With four knobs and a mini-toggle to switch between short and long reverb trails, the Levitation is able of producing everything from small-room slap back tones to reverb drenched infinite spatial oscillations.
Watch Earthquaker's own demo here:
The Levitation ships at the end of May 2015 for around $185.
MUSIKMESSE 2015: Orange Bax Bangeetar Preamp Pedal
The Bax Bangeetar is Orange's first pedal since the 1960s.
For the first time since the 1960s, Orange Amplification have revealed a brand new stompbox. The Bax Bangeetar is a preamp and EQ pedal with a built-in CabSim output for direct recording. Produced in the Orange UK Custom Shop, the Bax Bangeetar is a brand new circuit designed to be used as a pure clean boost or a low gain drive to be used in front of an amplifier. Orange claim that by not using diode clipping the pedal "distorts and behaves just like our amps, with natural-sounding and controllable breakup, and delivers serious punch with no stifling compression."
Available in black or white, the Bax Bangeetar features a parametric EQ, transparent buffered bypass and an internal charge pump that doubles the internal voltage from 9 to 18 volts allowing for a wider dynamic range and higher output volume. The CabSim output models a mic'd up Orange PPC412 and can be used independently or simultaneously to the regular output.