Guitarsite News

Cort MR600F Acoustic Guitar

Cort Guitars expand their affordable acoustic guitar line with the MR600F, featuring Fishman Isys Plus preamp. Related Feature:Cort L300VF Acoustic Guitar Aside from the built-in electronics, this entry-level priced guitar comes with mid-level specs most notable of which is its solid sitka spruce top. Following the typical acoustic-electric format, the MR600F has a dreadnought body with Venetian cutaway, which allows for better access to the upper frets. The guitar’s solid sitka spruce top is supported by advanced scalloped x bracing and is attached to traditional mahogany back and sides. This configuration costs twice more if bought from many of their rival acoustic guitar manufacturers. The neck of the guitar is made of mahogany, topped by a rosewood fretboard. It has a scale length of 25.3″ and has basic dot inlays to guide your fretting hand. The 3-on-3 headstock with die cast machine heads complete the tried and tested dreadnought design of the instrument. Further adding to the value of the MR600F is the Fishman Isys Onboard Preamp System and Sonicore Pickup. This makes the guitar stage and recording ready, utilizing one of the most popular electronics that even their competitors utilize. The official statement says that it is “designed and

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Cort Frank Gambale Signature Acoustic Guitar

Cort assimilates another popular guitarist into their fold, and unveils the new Frank Gambale Signature Model acoustic. Related Feature:Cort MR600F Acoustic This new signature acoustic guitar is set to debut at the upcoming 2016 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in Anaheim, California, along with other new and upcoming Cort instruments. Frank Gambale is a GIT (Guitar Institute of Technology) graduate who eventually performed and also taught at the school. He is known for his use of the “sweep picking” and economy picking technique, both of which influenced many of the shred and jazz fusion players today – but these two techniques are mostly done on electric guitars. So it is quite interesting how Cort ended up making an acoustic signature guitar for Frank, instead of an electric. The press release adds “Frank Gambale has spent nearly four decades playing, writing, recording, performing, and teaching. His sweep-picking technique revolutionized guitar playing and continues to inspire generations of musicians in all genres. A graduate of GIT and former instructor at the music school, Gambale has released numerous instructional books and DVDs, in addition to 20 studio albums, plus live albums and collaborative projects. A prolific and innovative songwriter, he

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Hotone XTOMP Modeling Pedal

Hotone Audio introduces the XTOMP, a compact and versatile pedal with over 300 modeled effects from different eras. Related Feature:Best Multi-Effects Pedals This stompbox lets you switch between a vast array of guitar and bass effect pedals, all of which are modeled using Hotone’s unique digital sound processing method. Controls are simplified to fit into the regular pedal sized unit, and each parameter settings so conveniently via its Bluetooth wireless control capabilities. The XTOMP does not follow the typical multi-effects route where in different effects are available and can be used to form a virtual signal chain, rather this pedal only lets you use one effect at a time (or two depending on the preset loaded). It behaves as though you are like switching out a single pedal every time you change into a different effect type. For something so thin, this stompbox houses quite a lot of effects, covering classic and vintage stompboxes, along with popular and obscure modern pedals that many players look for. The current number of available effects is now over 300, but the company mentioned that the library of available effects is still going to grow. Speaking of library, the XTOMP is paired with a

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New Dan Armstrong stomp boxes released

Grafton Electronics has announced the release of its new line of Stomp Boxes. The new features four original stomp box versions of Dan Armstrong's most popular sound modifiers. For the first time ever, the Orange Squeezer, Blue Clipper, Black Reaper and Green Ringer will be available in stomp box format. These boxes are duplicates of the original Dan Armstrong effects, but also include several new features. “We've been getting tremendous feedback from musicians regarding our original line of Dan Armstrong sound modifiers. One thing we repeatedly heard was a request for a stomp box version of these versatile effects. After months of production and testing we are proud to present an awesome lineup of truly exceptional stomp box devices” Chuck Wojack, Founder of Grafton Electronics said. Website: http://www.danarmstrongeffects.com/ This is a Press Release Related Article: Hotone XTOMP Modeling Pedal Empress Effects Nebulus Pedal

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iRig Stomp

IK Multimedia has unveiled the iRig Stomp for NAMM 2012 – a stompbox interface that allows for easy integration of iOS signal processing into your live pedalboard setup. The iRig Stomp is the first of its kind, utilizing the familiar and compact stompbox shape, housed in a durable yet lightweight aluminum case enclosure. The iRig Stomp is based on the popular iRig interface which lets you utilize iOS signal processing apps like AmpliTube. The stompbox form factor lets you easily connect your iPad or iPhone to your guitar rig via 1/4″ cables. It also gives you essential pedal controls like the engage/bypass button and gain knob. With the iRig Stomp you can conveniently expand your pedal setup to include amp modeling and effects software that comes with your iOS device. iRig Stomp Features: Compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/iPad. Compact, durable and lightweight, can be easily carried on the road. Integrates easily into any traditional pedalboard. iRig Stomp Can be used with effects pedals, amplifiers or PA systems using regular 1/4″ guitar cables, with no need for adapters. Gain knob allows precise adjustment of the signal level. Active battery-powered output circuit improves headroom. The bypass switch integrates with AmpliTube app chain of

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Korg Pandora Stomp

Korg introduces the Pandora Stomp, a full featured multi-effect unit that fits inside a standard sized pedal. Related Feature:Korg’s Pandora Mini topped our selection of Headphone Amps This new pedal is based on the popular Pandora multi-effect units from Korg, carrying a wide range of effects and practice friendly features. The original Korg Pandora, which appeared in 1995, surprised the guitar world by providing an impressive array of functionality in a very small size, beating many existing multi-effects in the pound per sound arena. We even awarded the Pandora Mini the top spot in our list of great guitar headphone amps. Now Korg is bringing the Pandora’s convenience and functionality into a more hands-free and guitarist-friendly stompbox format. On the outside, it looks like a regular die-cast pedal, but on the inside, Pandora Stomp is actually a virtual rig with 158 types of modeling effects and the ability to chain up to seven simultaneously. Out of the box, there are 200 stage presets that mimic popular guitar tones, while an additional 200 user preset is also provided for setting up your own sounds. If the staggering number of presets isn’t overkill enough, then you can also figure in the 100

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Taurus Stomp-Head 5.CE

Taurus Amplification unveils the Stomp-Head 5.CE (Custom Edition), a three channel amplifier packed in a floor pedal. Related Feature:Budget Modeling Amplifiers The original release of this amp/pedal was only available via special order, but because of its good reception and positive reviews, the company decided to have it produced for mass consumption. The Stomp-Head 5.CE is basically a 90W guitar amplifier that you can step on, while still housing the same tone and full set of controls as amp heads and combos. The main advantage of its floorpedal profile, is its portability and convenience, these in turn gives you consistent and reliable tone for your every gig. Taurus Amplification utilized their MTD (Master Tube Design) technology to miniaturize their amp while still retaining tube like tones. This tech reproduces all the significant features of tubes in solid state all-analog format, delivering warmth and dynamics that you’d normally not expect from a compact amplifier, let a long a floorpedal style one. The official description says, “The sound characteristics and power of amplifiers based on our MTD technology are equal to the classic tube amps with the same power rating.” For something so small, this amp comes with three distinct channels that

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Seymour Duncan Nazgul Pickup

Seymour Duncan introduces the Nazgul pickup, high-output humbuckers for 7 and 8 string players. Labeled as a weapon of tonal armageddon, the Nazgul is designed for intense chug-heavy high-gain tones. This high output humbucker uses traditional passive circuitry, its design allows it to retain articulation and pick attack response even at ear obliterating gain settings. The Nazgûl is currently available for both 7 and 8 string guitars, and it comes in passive mount with uncovered/covered coils. If you have a guitar that originally came with active pickups and you want to go the passive high-output route, you can avail of the Nazgul in active mount black soapbar form factor. According to Seymour Duncan, “the Nazgûl gives chords heavy saturation and produces a lightning fast response to your amp”. Here is the official demo video that shows how the pickup works: Based on how it sounds on the demo video, the guitar is ideal for modern metal music that requires a good balance of power and good dynamics. It is especially useful for giving heavy riffs more “soul”. The 7 String Nazgul Pickup has a suggested retail price of $89.95, while the active mount & metal cover version is priced at

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Seymour Duncan Black Winter Pickups

Seymour Duncan announces the worldwide availability of the Black Winter pickup, a high output pickup for metal guitarists. This pickup was originally only available in Finland, Sweden, and Norway, so this release means that the pickup was successful in the said regions. The Black Winter pickup is designed with specific guitarists in mind – those that play metal. It was primarily a limited edition release enjoyed by Scandinavian metal players like Ola Englund, but now it is available for all fans of extreme metal. Seymour Duncan describes the pickup: “As dark as the winters in Scandinavia with excessive grime and aggression; the right balance of mids, treble and bass to instantly take you from annihilating riffs to articulately cutting solos.” They continued by saying that these pickups are meant to “fill the needs of extreme metal guitarists with a tone that provides crushing distortion, punishing mids and lots of aggressive saturation”. Seymour Duncan seem justified by their description, as showcased by the video below: The Black Winter pickups are built using ceramic magnets and it is specially wired to better emphasize the mids and highs. The bridge pickup has a DC resistance of 16.6K while the neck pickup is set

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Seymour Duncan Retribution 7/8 Humbuckers

Seymour Duncan unveils the new Retribution active pickup, co-designed by Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares available for 7 and 8-string electric guitars. Related Feature:Seymour Duncan Dimebag Set This new signature pickups are designed to satisfy the attack, clarity and increased headroom demands of 7 and 8-string rock and metal players like Dino. Cazares is a long time collaborator of Seymour Duncan, he co-designed the EMG 707 back in 1996 and the Blackout pickups in 2007, both of which continue to be popular replacement pickups for metal and heavy rock style guitar players. With the ever increasing popularity of 7 and 8 string guitars, Dino is once again commissioned to co-create a new pickup model for these extended range guitar, the result is the new Retribution pickup. To achieve the sound that Dino Cazares was looking for, Seymour Duncan developed a specially tuned preamp that according to the company has “just the right amount of gain, enhanced attack definition and maximum string clarity”. This new active humbucker follows the standard set by the Blackouts series, described as having a powerful tone that retains its organic open sound. Seymour Duncan also noted that noise level is also set lower while dynamic response compared

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Seymour Duncan Dimebag Set

Seymour Duncan releases the new Dimebag pickup set, consisting of the Dimebucker for the bridge and SH-1 ’59 bridge for the neck. Related Feature:Black Winter Pickups This new dual humbucker set features a high-output blade humbucker bridge pickup for aggressive playing styles, and a warm sounding neck humbucking pickup for fluid solos. The brand describes the set as recommended for rock, metal, hard-hitting solos and other heavy rock styles. The set is created to help guitar players find the perfect match for the hard-hitting Dimebucker bridge pickup, pairing it with what Dimebag actually preferred for the neck position – the slightly hotter SH-1 ’59 bridge. Dimebag Darrell of Pantera collaborated with Seymour Duncan to create the Dimebucker pickup, which has been available for quite a while now. It has reduced metal mass and utilizes a ceramic magnet with stainless steel blades resulting in a hard-hitting pickup that resembles Dimebag’s aggressive playing style. The Dimebucker has high D.C. resistance of 16.25K ohms and high resonant peak of 5.1kHz, allowing for improved low and high frequencies and improved squeal harmonics. Dimebag Darrell was quoted saying this about the pickup: “It’s very saturated–not to the point where it’s overly fuzzy — but it

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Seymour Duncan Whole Lotta Humbucker

Following its successful limited run in Britain, Seymour Duncan’s Whole Lotta Humbucker is now available worldwide. This pickup is a replica of Seymour’s special re-wound PAFs, the ones that went into Jimmy Page’s Les Paul. Seymour Duncan set out to recreate the pickups that he modified for artists such as Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton, when he was still working at the Fender Soundhouse. The Whole Lotta Humbucker is part of that effort, providing modern players with authentic vintage sounding pickup options. When put into guitars with mahogany body and rosewood fingerboards, i.e. Les Paul, the pickup is meant to reproduce tones that are closest to the original pickups that Seymour modified. The pickup’s core components are simple Alnico V magnets and plain enamel wire, what makes them special however is Seymour’s unique winding pattern that improves string to string balance. The resulting pickups offer improved note-to-note clarity with increased output capacity. The bridge pickup output is measured at 8.78K DC resistance, while the neck pickup is at 8.20K – these outputs will let you push your amp to get aggressive tones that would otherwise be not possible. These pickups also improves the sustain by adding subtle compression.

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Cordoba Leona Series Parlor Guitars – NAMM 2016

Cordoba unveils new Leona Series steel string parlor guitars, with unique Spanish-inspired design. Related Feature:Nylon String Parlor Guitar Roundup These affordable parlor guitars feature solid tonewood body construction, carved into a 00 body that combines traditional Spanish guitar designs with classic steel string parlor construction. To start the new Leona Series, Cordoba is releasing two new models, the Leona L9-E and L10-E, both of which aim to provide nylon string guitar players with a steel string instrument that plays and feels familiar. Interestingly, they opted to add the ease and comfort of a slightly smaller body size into the design equation. As such they serve as ideal transition instruments for nylon string players to who want venture into steel string territory. The two models have different tonewood configurations that follow the same design and specs, as such both the look and tone would be different while playing feel would be similar. The more premium model is the L10-E, it features conventional steel string tonewoods that include a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Indian rosewood for the back and sides. This will give the guitar a more familiar look and tone, with a balanced sound and improved sustain, while the

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Taylor readies new Nylon-String Model

Building upon the success of the company’s Nylon Series guitars, Taylor Guitars is set to release a new nylon-string model which embodies all that classical and steel string players alike have come to love about Taylor’s NS line. From exceptional classical tone, to Taylor’s slim and fast ultra-playable neck, the new NS24 offers players the familiar feel and sound of a Taylor NS, all at an affordable price. The NS24e The NS24 features a Grand Auditorium (GA) body shape crafted from satin-finished Indian rosewood laminate back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce top, and a mahogany neck. The slotted peghead is overlaid with Indian rosewood, with a soundhole rosette that features a hand-inlaid geometrical pattern of Mexican cyprus and Myrtle wood. The new nylon-string delivers signature Taylor playability with the company’s patented NT neck and is appointed with stylish yet understated classical chrome tuners with cream buttons. On the inside, Taylor’s classical-style fan bracing produces a clear, bright sound, with strong treble notes and impressive sustain. The model is offered in two styles: as a non-cutaway/electric in the NS24e, a first for the company, or as a cutaway/electric in the NS24ce. Both the NS24e and NS24ce feature Taylor’s proprietary ES-T

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BlackBird releases Carbon Fiber Nylon string guitar

The Blackbird Rider Nylon is a humidity-proof and tough carbon fiber bodied instrument that challenges the notion of the guitar form with every aspect of its design serving to maximize resonance in a highly compact form. Until the Blackbird Rider Nylon's debut, players were left with the option of risking their fragile classical guitar while on the road or substituting it with an inferior travel instrument. Blackbird's patent-pending, one-piece, hollow body, neck, and head construction mark a major departure from traditional guitar design- it transforms the entire guitar into a sound box – enhancing loudness, frequency-range and sustain. To further increase the air volume of the sound box, the guitar's right shoulder extends up to the tenth fret, dubbed the Soundscoop. The Soundscoop also serves as the ideal location for the sound hole, while creating more surface area on the ultra-thin carbon-fiber sound board which further increases tonal response. A secondary sound port projects sound that travels from the soundbox through the hollow neck to the head. These innovations work in harmony to create a seemingly physics-defying voice. “We have a holistic approach to achieve maximum resonance from curve-less shape to the 1/32 thick sound board. Its a big sound,

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Guild Doyle Dykes Signature Nylon Cutaway

Guild expands their artist line with the new Doyle Dykes Signature Nylon Cutaway Electric, featuring a 1-piece chambered mahogany body. Related Feature:Guild Doyle Dykes Signature Guitar Dykes move to join Guild’s stable is proving to be fruitful as he continues to work together with Guild master luthier Ren Ferguson and the team at Guild’s New Hartford factory. This unique nylon string electric instrument is just one of the two new guitar models to carry his name and approval. Like his first signature, Dykes’ exacting specifications were followed, resulting what Guild describes as “a rich, full and balanced sound that will please the most discerning guitarist”. What makes this guitar special is its solid one-piece “chambered” mahogany body, mixing traditional nylon string design with modern thinline body. This results in a traditional sounding instrument that is more playable and comfortable to play and carry. It has a solid Sitka spruce top to give ensure that it does not lose its acoustic resonance and look. The one-piece mahogany neck follows the premium theme of the guitar, carved into Dyke’s preferred “C” shape. It is topped by an ebony fretboard with 24 frets, having a scale length of 25.25″ (which is interestingly close

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Lucero LC235SCE Acoustic-Electric Classical Guitar

Lucero introduces the LC235SCE, an affordable classical guitar with exotic-zebra wood back and sides, and built-in Fishman electronics. Related Feature:Best Classical Guitars This new acoustic-electric classical guitar adds to the company’s expanding line of nylon string instruments, many of which carry mid-tier specs at entry-level price points, including the new LC235SCE. What’s interesting about this guitar is the use of exotic zebra wood on the back and sides, which gives the instrument a premium look that’s normally only available from more expensive models. This guitar is said to be the upgraded version of the LC230S, which does not come with built-in electronics and features bubinga for the back and sides. The guitar’s eye catching back and sides are contrasted by the familiar looking top, which is crafted from solid red cedar. This ensures that the sound of this classical guitar does not stray too far from what we’re all used to hearing, and adds to the overall earthy appeal of the instrument. For the price of just under $400, the guitar’s solid-top and the use of exotic zebra wood for the back and sides make this guitar quite a steal. Note that much like other acoustic-electric models, this guitar has

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Caparison CL15 Custom Line 2015

Caparison Guitars bring back their double-cutaway Angelus guitar as the Ltd. Ed. hand-crafted Custom Line 2015 (CL15). Related Feature:Best Electric Guitars Under $1000 This guitar comes with premium wood and is equipped with special electronics that allow for a myriad of tones that go beyond conventional HH configuration guitars. Caparison is a Japan-based company that builds “boutique” style guitars, established in 1995 by people that were once part of Jackson/Charvel Japan’s design division. I would describe the aesthetics of their instruments as a hybrid between PRS and Jackson, and it is said that their instruments have Ibanez like shred-friendly playability. The new CL15 follows the “boutique” design and build quality that the company has been known for, and it’s main feature being the great looking, hand-selected Flamed Maple carved top that are wrapped in either of the two available finishes, Violin or Lemon Drop. The arched flamed maple top is joined with the mahogany back, both of which form the double cutaway body with increased cutaway at the lower cutaway for better upper fret access. The set-in neck is carved from mahogany and topped by an ebony fretboard. While the body follows the super strat shape, the guitar’s short scale

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Suhr Limited Edition Korina Flame

Suhr unveils the Limited Edition Korina Flame, these are fine looking HSS configuration Strat clones that highlight the elegance of Korina tonewood. The Suhr Korina Flame is set for a limited run of 70, and comes in what Suhr calls “Standard” shape, which means that it looks like a Strat. Suhr guitars is now a well known brand, thanks to its impressive looks and the amazing virtuosos that wield Suhr guitars – most notably Guthrie Govan. Although there isn’t much to see in terms of originality, users have been raving about Suhr guitars’ workmanship and tone, which have satisfied many professional musicians. The Korina Flame is their latest offering, their aim is to tie together classic American strat style with modern HSS pickup configuration versatility. It features the familiar double cutaway body, modified slightly for improved comfort. The body is slightly downsized and feature nice looking edges, as well as a side input jack. According to Suhr: “The Korina neck and body have a balanced tone with a strong midrange growl that allow it to “cut through” ​the mix. The Maple top extends the frequency response, adding brilliance and punch. The Indian Rosewood fingerboard produces a warm and articulate tone

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Esoterik DR3 Hand Crafted Electric Guitar

Esoterik Guitars expands on the Dave Refett signature series with a third and lightweight model, the Esoterik DR3. The DR3 model follows the same super strat construction as other Esoterik guitars, they are handmade in San Luis Obispo California following exacting specs. According to Esoterik Guitars, “every step was taken and improved upon to generate the highest quality guitar that clearly out performs while featuring curves and contours that are undeniably sexy.” One unique feature of the DR3 guitar is its lightweight alder body, shaped into the same double cutaway DR signature body contour. Since DR1 and DR2 utilized mahogany wood for the body, it was surprising to find that Esoterik opted for alder. Having an alder body, the DR3 is closer to the specifications of a traditional Fender Stratocaster. It maintains the same contour as the other guitars in this series. having a carved top and a concave back. For its playability, the DR3 model comes with a 5 piece walnut and figured maple neck that is connected to the body via “neck through” design. Other features come standard with the Dave Refett Signature series: 25.5″ Scale Length and Dual Spoke Wheel Truss Rods. This guitar comes with a

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