Guitarsite News
Charvel Limited Edition Guthrie Govan
Charvel unveils the Limited Edition Guthrie Govan signature, sporting a new Britannica Red Black Burst finish. Related Feature:Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature This limited run version will still have the same specs and features as the original model which was first introduced in 2014, the main difference being its distinct finish that will make this guitar easily stand out. Guthrie Govan is simply put a guitar player’s guitarist, and is easily one of the most popular virtuoso’s of this era. And it’s not just his skills that are top notch, because his in depth knowledge of the workings of his instruments have made many guitarists curious about his gear selection. So it wasn’t really surprising when there was so much hype during the development of his original signature guitar for Charvel. Now two years after the original release, Charvel has revisited the Guthrie Govan Signature with a limited run release. And since they didn’t want to fix what is not broken, they stayed with specs and features of the original release, while introducing a new look to the guitar, more specifically, they wrapped it in what they describe as Britannica Red finish, with black burst trimming on the edges. The Limited
Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature
After teasing with prototypes for quite a while, Charvel finally introduces the Guthrie Govan Signature guitar. Related Feature:Guthrie Govan Officially Joins Charvel The guitar has been in development for almost 2 years, it underwent extensive road testing by Guthrie himself that resulted in various changes. There are even a few more last minute modifications that needs to be done before it starts shipping on May! For now the production models that were shown at the recently concluded 2014 Winter NAMM Show have features similar to the last prototype that Guthrie showed off August last year. As revealed at the NAMM Show, the guitar has a basswood body and comes with either a Birdseye maple top or flame maple top. The body is wrapped in a thin clear matte finish and comes with a specially contoured heel without a neck plate that allow for easy access to the upper reaches of the fingerboard. The lightweight “San Dimas” shape body is paired with a “caramelized” or “cooked” quartersawn flame maple neck with graphite reinforcement, understandably made to survive the Govan’s busy schedule. It has 24 jumbo frets as preferred by the artist and features unique maple dot inlays with ebony borders that
How to Un-rattle an Amp
Peter Blue gives some tips on how to un-rattle a Fender Blues Junior amplifier. The Blues Junior is a handy little tube amp that gives you a lot of sound for little money. I bought one for my studio, in addition to the big rig I usually play. The sound of a small tube amp cranked up cant be beat, but there were other sounds as well…. Almost every note was accompanied by a buzzing and rattling noise that came from somewhere within the amp. I had read lots of complaints about this in many reviews on the web. Rattling and buzzing not unfamiliar with combo amps. I once had a vibrolux reverb that made strange noises when played loud. Close miking the Blues Junior was no problem, but a room mike was impossible to use due to the noise. Somebody had suggested to tighten the screws. I tried that but it did not help. Some investigation had to be done. This is what I found out: 1. The back cover of the amp vibrates against the chassis 2. The panel where the knobs are is a piece of chrome metal that vibrates against the chassis. Both areas needed damping.
Lollar Staple P-90 Pickup
Jason Lollar introduces the new Staple P-90 pickup, based on vintage “Staple” P-90s found on ’50s era Les Paul Custom. Related Feature:Affordable Electric Guitar Pickups This pickup adds to Lollar’s growing line of P-90 style pickups, providing players with another voicing option to choose from when upgrading their guitar. It is hand built following the same quality and attention to detail as Lollar’s other boutique pickups. The company describes this pickup as being a straight reproduction of the sound of the neck pickup of a ’50s Gibson Les Paul Custom. Jason Lollar expounds, “It was the mid-80s, someone loaned me an original late-‘50s Les Paul Custom for a gig. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated with the sound of the original P-90 staple pickup. We modified the design of the original Gibson P-90 staple pickup so it fits most soapbar routes with no modification to the guitar. Though the design is updated, I voiced it to sound just like the legendary Les Paul Staple pickup that was loaned to me.” The original “Staple” pickup is different from a standard P-90, specifically because it doesn’t have actual bar magnets, rather it uses the pole pieces themselves as individual magnets, much like
Railhammer Hyper Vintage Chrome
Railhammer now offers their popular Hyper Vintage humbucker pickup in chrome plated finish.
PRS \m/ Pickups – High-Ouput Humbuckers
Paul Reed Smith introduces the \m/ Pickup, new humbucking pickups designed for high-gain metal music. This high output pickup expands PRS Accessories, which seems to be covering more tonal ground with every release. The symbol \m/ is a text representation of the “horns” or “metal salute” hand gesture that people do during concerts, especially on rock and metal events. Using this symbol as the pickup’s label, PRS is implying that this pickup is their salute to rock and metal music. They also made it clear that this humbucker is designed to meet the high output needs of guitarists who are looking to add more aggression to their tone. These pickups are specially wound using ceramic magnets to provide the hottest output possible while still retaining clarity. PRS describes the pickup as having “full, powerful and crystal clear tones”. Aside from high-gain distortion applications, the pickups are also designed to sound good when played clean, ideal for those mellow breaks that are found on many popular metal songs. The \m/ pickup is PRS answer to the many aftermarket high-gain pickups, meant for guitarists who want aggressive and articulate tone. Obviously, these pickups are designed to work with any Paul Reed Smith
Lollar Gold Foil Pickups
After two years of research, testing and development, Lollar Pickups releases the new “Gold Foil” single coil pickups. Related Feature:Basic Pickup Winding With high demands for the now rare and expensive gold foil type pickups, Jason Lollar decided to make his own recreation featuring custom made parts. Vintage “gold foil” pickups are sought after because of its unique look and big single coil sound, commonly associated with slide guitar playing. Jason and his team decided to recreate the classic look and sound while implementing their own 3D tone flavor. Although it looks much like its vintage counterpart, these new pickups utilized modern parts that are built to strict specs. According to Lollar Pickups: ” We use custom made parts, built to our specs. We hand stamp the foil inserts, one at a time – even the rivets holding the pickup together are custom made. As with all the pickups we make, every aspect of the design has been scrutinized and tested – to sound right and last a lifetime.” This new single coil pickup comes in a humbucker sized housing that feature gold foil appointments, of which its name was derived from. It is built using rubberized ferrite magnet with
Lollar releases the Supro-style Steel Guitar Pickup
Lollar Pickups has announced the release of a Supro-style string through steel guitar pickup. The pickup features Alnico 5 magnets, dual split coil humbucking construction with adjustable poles. The pickup requires a small route 1/8″ deep or it can be surface mounted on top of a pickguard. For guitars with taller bridges, shims are available to raise the pickup. From the Lollar Pickups Website: This is an exact copy of the Supro/ Valco/ National string through steel guitar pickup as used on the “Coodercaster.” The pickup is humbucking yet it sounds exactly like a single coil. Output is remarkably high yet it has all of the clarity of a low output pickup. The steel plate that goes over the strings spreads the magnetic field to surround the strings. This increases the pickup's sensitivity and reduces magnetic pull on the strings which increases sustain. For more information, please visit www.lollarguitars.com This is a Press Release Related News: Lollar Staple P-90 Pickup Supro Amps Re-Imagined B-Band Crescent Series Preamps Lollar Gold Foil Pickups Custom Handwound Pickups from The Creamery Basic Pickup Winding by Jason Lollar
Fender Stratocaster Turns 60!
2014 marks the 60th anniversary of the Stratocaster. In line with this, Fender takes us back through time to share how the Strat continues to affect our musical landscape decades after it was first released. Related Feature:Fender Factory Tour A Strat is Born Leo Fender worked on the Strat after the introduction of the Telecaster and Precision Bass guitars in 1951. Both were successful instruments in their own right, but the company founder had his eyes set on a bold new design. The resulting guitar debuted in 1954 and was named by Fender sales chief Don Randall as the “Stratocaster”. The design was “perfected” by 1957 and impressively, it remained largely unchanged ever since, a testament to the guitar’s credibility and the genius of its designer. The Stratocaster with its improved tonal palette, visual appeal and playability then easily captured the hearts of many players. Fender rightly claims: “An extraordinary new guitar with several ingenious design innovations, the Stratocaster proceeded to revolutionize popular music as an indispensable tool of phenomenal creativity…” Although the Stratocaster wasn’t really the first of its kind, it is the first that come to mind when people think of an electric guitar. It has the archetypal
Fender Contender Challenge
Fender and Country Summer music festival announces the Fender Contender Challenge, a talent competition open for country music acts. Related Feature:G4 Experience 2015 This event is Fender and Country Summer’s way of helping out deserving up and coming country music artists by boosting their exposure and at the same time provide financial assistance via the prize money. The winner of this competition will be opening North California’s Country Summer Music Festival 2015, and will receive a special cash prize. The competition requirements are pretty straight forward, participants should be over 18 years old, plays great country music, has a fan base, and upload a recorded performance video that is less than 5 minutes long. Country Summer Executive Producer Alan Jacoby said “We encourage aspiring country music acts from around the globe to participate. With the help of our fans who will determine the winner, we’re looking to discover country music’s next big break-out star.” Note that submission deadline is set on March 31, 2015, because the elimination process will begin early April. Out of all the entries, the Country Summer judging panel will select the Top 10 qualifiers. Country music fans and the general public will then be voting for
Free Tune Up and Guitar Strings from Fender
Fender will be providing free guitar tune-up services and guitar strings as they tour North America for the month of July. Related Feature:Acoustic Guitar Strings All you have to do is show up with your guitar or bass at their scheduled appearances and you can avail of their free offerings. While they work on your instrument for free, you can check out the many Fender guitars that will be showcased at each of their scheduled events. This promotional tour is called “Fender Tune Up”, launched to bait you with freebies in order to get you to try and possibly buy their guitar products. It is set to start on July 2 and is expected to run until the first of August, note that participating dealers will only offer the free strings and tune up on the day scheduled. The tune-up and free Fender strings offer is only applicable to acoustic steel-string guitars and electric guitars, and covers both 6 and 12 string versions. The inclusion of 12-string guitars is quite special, especially if you have a 12-string guitar and you’ve been putting off changing the strings because a new set costs more and setting up can be quite troublesome. The
MXR Il Torino Overdrive
Jim Dunlop welcomes the Il Torino Overdrive to their MXR line, featuring switchable Boost and Overdrive modes. Related Feature:MXR 40th Anniversary Legacy This latest drop in the ocean of dirt pedal releases leans toward the classic tones, it is specifically designed to replicate the feel and sound of tube amps. The new MXR Il Torino Overdrive is co-designed by Carlo Sorasio, a custom shop engineer that is said to be a boutique amp and pedal builder that is based in Italy. Sorasio and the rest of MXR’s Custom Shop team built this pedal using MOSFET technology, this type of circuit is known for its smooth tube-like grit as it recreates the gain structure of old tube preamps. The resulting pedal is described as having a “sweet, touch responsive saturation and natural sounding compression”. Instead of just going for a straightforward overdrive, this pedal comes a Boost/OD toggle switch. This means that you get two different effects in a regular sized stompbox. Boost mode adds more volume to your output to increase dynamics while retaining a cleaner sound that adds some amount of compression and sustain. As expected the Overdrive mode showcases a more aggressive tone that behaves in the same
Ibanez RGKP6 with Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2S
The Ibanez RGKP6 is a guitar with built-in electronic music effects courtesy of the top-mounted Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2S. Related Feature:Ibanez AT10P This design is an interesting combination that will allow guitarists of all styles to incorporate EDM (electronic dance music) effects into their playing, and do it all without the need for 3rd party hardware. This instrument is basically a single humbucking pickup Ibanez RG with a mounting hole right beneath the pickup for attaching the Korg Mini Kaoss Pad 2S. This configuration allows for quick picking-hand access to the touch interface of the pad, allowing for expressive real time control over the various effects of the Kaoss pad. At the core of the RGKP6 is the familiar double cutaway mahogany body that comes in the same shape as other Ibanez RG guitars. It is attached to a maple neck with rosewood fretboard. It has 24 jumbo frets with a scale length of 25.5″, nut width of 1.6929″ and neck radius of 15.75″. The guitar currently only comes in cosmo black finish. Instead of the usual multi-pickup configuration, Ibanez equipped the guitar with a single-coil sized humbucker, called the IBZ-KP. This bridge pickup has passive circuitry and utilizes
New guitar models from Ibanez
Here's a look at three new electric guitars Ibanez showed off at Summer NAMM. There's the Mikro (GRGM51HP), the RG Prestige (RGR1570), and the RG Tremolo (RGR320EX). Ibanez Mikro Perfect for anyone wanting a compact guitar or for little people (kids and leprechauns). Definitely not a toy though Ibanez assures us and I tend to agree from the looks of it. Specs: Neck: GRG Mikro 22.2” neck NeckType: GRGM 22.2″ Body: Mahogany body Frets: Medium frets Fingerboard: Rosewood Inlay: Sharktooth Bridge: Fixed bridge MiddlePU: PSND2 bridge pu EQ: A=440hz tone & Selectable Clean – Distortion 4 step sounds RG Prestige Ibanez regard the RG Prestige as the ultimate guitar for someone who needs “sonic lethality and the devastating power,” and what potential Ibanez buyer doesn't want sonic lethality and the devastating power? Specs: Neck: 5pc Wizard Prestige neck NeckType: Wizard Prestige Body: Basswood body Frets: Jumbo frets Fingerboard: Rosewood Inlay: Pearl Dot Bridge: Edge Pro bridge NeckPU: IBZ V7 neck pu BridgePU: IBZ S1 mid pu MiddlePU: IBZ V8 bridge pu RG Tremolo Metal. All Metal. Specs: Neck: 3pc Wizard II neck NeckType: Wizard II Body: Basswood body Frets: Jumbo frets Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood Inlay: Sharktooth Bridge: Edge III bridge
Ibanez Mick Thomson Signature MTM1BK
Ibanez introduces the MTM1BK, the latest iteration of the first signature guitar they created for Slipknot’s Mick Thomson. Related Feature: Ibanez RGKP6 with Korg Mini Kaoss Pad As the label implies, the MTM1 is the first guitar to come out of the MTM line, based on the popular Ibanez RG series with important build changes that follow Mick’s preferences. Mick Thomson solid timing and drop tuned riffs are the foundation of Slipknot’s unique sound. And there’s no denying that his guitar work and tone has influenced many players, including his contemporaries. His band is among the pioneers that helped shape the sound of today’s metal music. First introduced in 2006, the original MTM1 featured a neck-through-body construction, making it stand out from the usual bolt-on neck super strats that were prevalent at the time. This noteworthy feature is carried over to the 2015 version of the MTM1, along with the mahogany body wings that make up the double cutaway and curved shape. Originally, the MTM1 came with EMG pickups, but they were replaced 2 years later with Seymour Duncan Blackouts. This was also the same year when a black finish version was made available, while still retaining the two humbucker
7-String Ibanez RG Premium RG927QM
Ibanez introduces the RG927QM, the new 7-string electric guitar to join the Ibanez RG Premium series [Click to Enlarge] Ibanez have answered the prayers of 7 string axemen worldwide and unveiled a new 7-string electric guitar The RG927QM. It carries with it the same features of the RG Premium Series with that additional string for our 7 string brothers to rock on. And being a member of the RG Premium family, you can be assured that this guitar is no toy. It is a workhorse designed by Ibanez for hardworking musicians. Which means that you can push this guitar to its limit every night and it will continue to provide the professional sound that you require. The RG927QM is a 25.5″ scale guitar and has the same smooth, fast and thin neck profile that made the RG series popular. If you dread the tuning problems of having a floating bridge tremolo, you shouldn’t worry much with this RG premium, because the installed Edge Zero II-7 Tremolo is more than capable of keeping your 7 strings in tune and ready for action. The RG927QM is equipped with 2 humbuckers (DiMarzio IBZ-7N and DiMarzio IBZ-7B). The current model “RG927QM” sports a fiery
Ibanez – Please Don’t Add This To Your RG Lineup!
These guys are skating on thin ice with their modified Ibanez electric guitar… Related Feature:Maton Guitar Boat Bad puns and click bait titles aside, the following video of some guys converting an old Ibanez they bought off craigslist and turning it into a skateboard has gone viral with well over 500,000 views. If you’re a skater then you probably think this video is RG (really gnarly), but if you’re a guitarist it can be painful to watch as this guitar gets destroyed in a local skate park. Personally I think their behavior was disgraceful and displayed a total lack of respect for a fine instrument as they shredded the Ibanez – they should have done it to an Eastwood Airline Map instead 🙂 So without further ado, here is the video so you can judge for yourself… Remember to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the hard hitting guitar news here on GuitarSite.com Related Articles: Ibanez RG Iron Label Guitars 2016 Ibanez is featured in our Best Electric Guitar Brands list!
Ibanez RG Iron Label Guitars 2016
Ibanez expands their popular RG series line with a fleet of new Iron Label models that feature sleek and flat black finish. Ibanez RGIR38BFEBKF Related Feature: Eight Cool 8 String Guitars When it comes to electric guitar, the RG Series is still Ibanez’ bread and butter, and its sharp double cutaway is the first guitar design that normally comes to mind when you hear the brand Ibanez. As such, Ibanez continues to expand this guitar line with new models, and this year they have come up with ones that are designed for metal heads. The RG Iron Label line is described by the company as “made-for-metal“, so this new guitar models for 2016 follow after the same design principles, while incorporating new features, some of which were requested by fans and players alike. There are five new models to choose from, all of them start with the label “RGIR3“, indicating that they are part of the RG Iron Label series. The new guitars include two 6-string electric guitars, two 7-string electric guitars, and an 8-string model for those that want to go even lower. The 6- and 7-string models are available with either hard tail Gibraltar II bridge, or with
Positive Grid Bias Desktop Now Available
Positive Grid Bias for desktop now available, along with it comes the much anticipated “Amp Matching” technology. Related Feature:Positive Grid Bias for iPhone The company unveiled two versions, the top of the line “Bias Professional” which features Amp Matching Technology and 3 amp design expansion packs, and the stripped down “Bias Desktop” version, which surprisingly does not come with Amp Matching. With the success of the iPad and iPhone versions of Bias, many guitarists have been looking forward to the desktop-friendly plug-in version of Bias. And with the promise of making “Amp Matching” technology more affordable and accessible, this makes the anticipation even greater. Bias’ amp modeling and amp designing capabilities are good enough by themselves, as evidenced by the numerous positive feedbacks that the iOS app versions are getting from their users. But the ability to digitally clone actual tube amps is a welcome bonus, especially since the app can do it at a much lower price point when compared to current hardware guitar processors. Finally after 2 years of development and half a million lines of new code, the plug-in version of Bias is now available. Although there is a minor plot twist as I mentioned above, you
Positive Grid BIAS – Amp Modeling App
Positive Grid enters the iOS amp modeling arena with the new BIAS app, an amp modeler, designer and processor in one. Related Feature:Three Cool iOS Apps from Positive Grid Aside from playing with modeled amps, Bias lets you build your own virtual amp from scratch with impressive control over a variety of parameters. Positive Grid has built up quite the reputation with their musician friendly iOS apps: JamUp Pro and Jam Player. However it looks like they are planning to fry even bigger fish with this amp modeling app, signaling their entrance into a market currently dominated by big name companies. Note that they are coming into this saturated market with guns blazing, even describing the app as “the world’s most complete, accurate and versatile guitar amplifier modeler and designer”. It may sound like a ridiculous claim, but reviews have been consistently good. Bias starts out with 36 amp models that are based on popular vintage and modern amplifiers. Some of the amps that were modeled even come from the 1940s. Every amp model is said to be meticulously engineered to have immediacy, sensitivity and realism. Having these modeled amps at your disposal, you are then given the choice to