Guitarsite News
Yamaha FS730S – Summer NAMM 2015
Yamaha introduces the FS730S, an affordable concert-sized acoustic guitar with rosewood back, sides, bridge and fingerboard. Related Feature:Top 7 Acoustics Under $300! This guitar is essentially a rosewood variation of the company’s popular FG730S model, carrying over the same shape and specs but with upgraded tone and looks. When it comes to acoustic guitar bodies, rosewood is considered by many as a step-up when compared to the more common mahogany. And as such, it is normally only found on premium prized instruments. Thankfully, we have mass production experts like Yamaha, who can equip their guitars with premium features without jacking up the price too much. The Yamaha FS730S starts off with a solid sitka spruce top, the most commonly used tonewood for acoustic guitars because of its great tone properties and elegant appearance. As mentioned earlier, the back and side of this guitar are crafted from rosewood, which is known to improve the guitar’s clarity and nuance. The body of the guitar follows Yamaha’s concert shape, which is smaller than the conventional dreadnoughts. Body length is 19 9/16″, body width is 14 15/16″, and body depth is 3 15/16″-4 3/4″. This small body shape makes it ideal for for younger
Washburn WCDM55K
Washburn’s Comfort Series has a new 3/4 size dreadnought acoustic guitar with koa top, back and sides, the WCDM55K. Related Feature:Acoustic-Electric Parlor Guitars This guitar is part of Washburn’s three new 3/4 size small body guitar, which target students, beginners and players who prefer smaller instruments. Many of the 3/4 size acoustics in the market today come with conventional designs and stripped down aesthetics, but the new WCDM55K is meant to go against this norm. Straying from the “usual” basic designs, this guitar comes with a distinct shape as found on the bigger Comfort Series guitars, it does not compromise on aesthetics, and more importantly does not skimp on tone. The Comfort Series offers a more convenient and comfortable take on the traditional acoustic guitar body, and as such it is the ideal shape for young players or for those who are learning the instrument. The next logical step is to then make this design available in a more compact size, and that is exactly what they did with the WCDM55K. Like the bigger Comfort Series models, this one features a beveled strip of rosewood at the lower bout that serves as a forearm rest. And it’s not just mere
Yamaha FG850
Yamaha introduces an the FG850, an all-mahogany dreadnought from their revamped FG acoustic guitar line. Related Feature:Best Acoustic-Electrics under $500 This guitar combines the louder and punchier sound of the updated FG series with the warmth and woody tone of an all-mahogany body, resulting in an instrument with more emphasis on the lows and richer mids, without compromising volume. Yamaha’s FG Series started back in 1966 with the release of the FG180 and FG150 targeting the entry level / student market. The company then followed up with release after release as the FG Series list of guitars grew long and went on to be among the world’s top selling acoustic guitars. After more than 50 years since its introduction, the FG Series have gone through many developmental changes, and have produced over 200 FG models. But it doesn’t stop there because Yamaha again improved on the design of the entire line, by introducing new bracing designs that their R&D Division came up with – and the new FG850 is part of this new line. Yamaha’s official website said: “A new FG has louder and stronger sound in the low- to mid-ranges, thanks to cutting-edge acoustic analysis technology developed by the
Decibel Eleven Dirt Clod Overdrive Distortion Pedal
Decibel Eleven introduces the Dirt Clod, an all-analog dual clipping overdrive and distortion pedal with preset control. Related Feature:Finding The Best Distortion Pedal This new pedal is their first guitar effects pedal and marks their entry into the distortion and overdrive pedal market, going beyond their current line up of signal path loopers, switchers and MIDI controllers. The Dirt Clod is described as having two styles of clipping that allow for a wide range of overdrive and distortion flavors. Further tone shaping is then provided for by the pedal’s EQ controls. To make full use of the pedal’s versatility, Decibel Eleven equipped the pedal with the ability to store up to 10 presets that can be easily recalled. DB-11 vice president of product development Chris Hern said, “As our first official Decibel Eleven guitar effects pedal, we understood that aside from providing unique memory presets, the sound quality of the overdrive distortion had to be exceptional. Guitarists of various styles and genres have provided phenomenal feedback, confirming that we accomplished our objective.” Decibel Eleven was able to fit the pedals complexity into a regular stompbox with a straightforward interface that merely utilizes four knobs and two foot switches. The pedal’s
T-Rex Mean Machine Distortion Pedal
The T-Rex Mean Machine is a pedal with two channels of distortion designed for high gain metal players. This high gain distortion pedal’s main feature is its two independent distortion channels that come with controls that are easy to use. If you think the discussion about wood and its effect on your tone is complicated, you should know that it is just the tip of the ice berg. Picking the right overdrive flavor is another complicated matter which with the wide variety of distortion and overdrive pedals could be outright confusing. Thankfully drive pedal manufacturers like T-Rex have been making distortion pedals that cater to specific music styles, like the Mean Machine pedal. T-Rex justified their various distortion pedals by saying: “Ever wonder why T-Rex Effects has launched so many distortion pedals over the years? And why they all deliver such rich, exquisite-sounding drive, and yet all sound so unique? Well, the second question answers the first. We keep giving the world distortion pedals because there are a thousand shades of drive, and no one pedal can capture them all.” So instead of letting you shape the tonality of the Mean Machine via EQ and other filters, the pedal instead
DOD Boneshaker Distortion – NAMM 2015
Harman Digitech introduces the DOD Boneshaker, a high-gain distortion pedal with versatile 3-band parametric EQ. Related Feature:DOD Bifet Boost 410 This latest pedal is co-designed by Mark Wentz of Black Arts Toneworks, specially tweaked to better handle the lower frequencies of extended-range guitars, baritone guitars and even electric basses. Modern rock and metal players have become more picky with their distortion effects, preferring those that work well with their particular style of music, which essentially focuses more on having solid mid to low frequencies. The popularity of 7-string and more recently 8-string electric guitars further stretched the need to provide good distortion at even lower frequencies. As expected, guitar pedal manufacturers are up for the challenge, producing distortion effects that are especially suited for modern metal and rock applications. The Boneshaker pedal is DigiTech’s latest entry into this emerging market. DigiTech marketing manager Tom Cram said, “The DOD Boneshaker is designed to be the definitive distortion pedal for metal, hard rock, alternative and other styles that demand pummeling low-end power. It’s voiced for down-tuned guitars, 7- and 8-string guitars, baritone guitars and works equally well with bass. By itself, or stacked the Boneshaker lives up to its name.” For a
Amptweaker FatMetal Pro Distortion Pedal
Amptweaker introduces the new FatMetal Pro, an update to the original FatMetal distortion with expanded controls. Related Feature:Best Distortion Pedals This new distortion pedal follows a similar format as the TightMetal Pro pedal, only this one is voiced to have a thicker and buzzier gain. It is ideal for players who prefer a warmer metal tone, or are looking for a metal-friendly distortion pedal that complements brighter guitars and amplifiers. The original FatMetal distortion pedal was released last year, and according to Amptweaker, they received many requests for a two button version with extra features – and that is exactly what they did with the new FatMetal Pro pedal. The most notable feature of this pedal is its multiple boost control, where it lets you adjust the boost setting in three ways. First of which is a knob that lets you add boost before the distortion effect, the second one is a button that boosts the middle frequencies, and last but not the least, another boost knob that adjusts the boost levels after the distortion effect. This versatile configuration gives you in-depth control over the resulting tone and output, much like having a distortion pedal with multiple boost pedals in
Black Guild Starfire Guitars – NAMM 2015
Cordoba Music Group will be exhibiting Guild branded guitars at NAMM for the first time this year, and part of their display will be Guild Starfire Guitars in black finish. Guild Starfire V Black Related Feature:Fender Sells Guild Brand to Cordoba According to the company, this is the first time in decades that the Guild Starfire III, Starfire IV or Starfire V are available in black finish. This release is meant to satisfy one of the most common requests that they’ve been getting from fans and customers. It is quite sad that the once great brand that competed with Martin Guitars in the ’60s, ended up being tossed around by bigger guitar companies. I guess this is still better compared to their entire line ending. After being acquired by Fender in 1995, and sold to Cordoba just last year, it is reassuring to see new releases. When the news that Fender was selling the Guild brand to Cordoba, I thought that the future for this instrument line was bleak, much like how the Hamer brand ended. Thankfully, it looks like Cordoba intends to keep its promise to grow the American brand. They have continued production and are now coming up
Guild CE-100D Capri with Bigsby
Guild brings back the now rare CE-100D Capri, first released in the late ’50s, it now comes equipped with Bigsby vibrato. Related Feature:Guild Starfire V with Bigsby The original design was meant to rival the popular ES-175, having a slightly slimmer body that made it more convenient to play, preempting the arrival of other slimmer archtops that are now popular among musicians. This new production model comes at a time when demand for vintage Guild electric guitars continue to rise. They are probably attempting to sway potential vintage buyers into buying a new production model. And I can see the wisdom in this move, the new CE-100D Capri gives you the same vintage look and sound at a relatively affordable price, and you won’t have to deal with problems that comes with worn out parts. Like most archtops, this guitar features a laminated maple body. The Capri’s all-maple body features an arched top and back with a comfortable 3 1/8″ depth and sharp-looking Florentine cutaway, with dual f holes and elegant ivory white body binding and black/white purfling. The guitar is finished in gloss polyurethane Antigua burst to give the guitar an aged/vintage look. The body is joined to a
Guild Starfire V with Bigsby – NAMM 2014
Guild expands their Newark St. Collection by bringing back another classic – the Starfire V with Bigsby. Related Feature:Guild Custom Shop Tour The Newark St. Collection brought back Guild’s old electric guitar designs from the ’50 and ’60s, featuring authentic body shapes, neck profiles along with vintage style pickups to complete the look and sound as found on vintage counterparts. These guitars satisfy the demand for these rare instruments. The new Starfire V with Bigsby features a 335-esque double cutaway body, much like the Starfire IV. It features an arched top and arched back design with the body made from laminated mahogany. Completing its semi-hollow design are two f holes and a center-block bracing. The body is wrapped in gloss polyurethane transparent cherry finish. The guitar has a 3-piece mahogany/maple/mahogany neck carved into a vintage soft “U” profile. It is topped by a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard. The scale length of the guitar is 24.75″, while the nut width is 1.65″. The guitar follows traditional dual humbucker configuration, with two Guild “Anti-Hum” Dual-Coil pickups. These pickups replicate the versatile tone of vintage Starfire IV and Vs, note that the sound is one of the main reasons why this old model has
Guild S-200 T-Bird
Guild re-introduces the asymmetrically shaped S-200 T-Bird, a replica of the ones released back in the mid ’60s. Related Feature:Guild Starfire VI Looks like Guild’s production is now in full swing, two years after the brand was acquired by Cordoba, and it appears that they are looking to their roots for inspiration. This peculiar looking instrument is the latest to come out of their production line, carrying over vintage correct specs while applying modern improvements to the design. The original S-200 T-Bird was first produced in 1964, and were in production until 1968, its asymmetrical shape makes it easily standout from the usual symmetrical designs prevalent in the era. Now that it’s back in production, its peculiarity still stands even after decades of absence, which just goes to show that conventional guitar design hasn’t gone too far from how it were back in the ’60s. While it does look odd, the unique looking body is actually carved from conventional tonewood, namely mahogany. So in terms of materials, this guitar is really not that much different than regular shaped guitars. Still the shape of the body is definitely unique, and to my eyes, it appears like a Strat (with its upper
Fender Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS
Fender introduces the Fishman TriplePlay Stratocaster HSS, featuring Fishman’s wireless MIDI pickup system. Related Feature:Fishman TriplePlay 1.1Software Update Aside from the versatile guitar sounds that you can get from the HSS configuration pickups, this guitar will expand your sonic palette by emulating other instruments or creating new sounds. Its MIDI capabilities will give you full control over your favorite virtual instrument or music production software, giving you sounds that regular guitars can’t provide. As the name implies, the distinctive feature of this Strat is the built-in Fishman TriplePlay MIDI pickup system. The Fishman hex pickup, MIDI volume and the TriplePlay D-pad controller are mounted into the front, removing the need for the bulky controller as found on stand-alone TriplePlay systems. The wireless controller is mounted on the back for convenience. The hex pickup wirelessly transmits MIDI data to your computer via the included USB transceiver. This turns your guitar into a versatile MIDI controller for playing whichever virtual instrument you prefer. A nifty clip on the back of the headstock is provided for keeping the USB transceiver when not in use. The internally mounted TriplePlay wireless controller is powered by a built-in battery that is charged via the included micro-USB
‘Vo Wand – Handheld Synth and Sustainer for Guitar
Paul Vo is cooking another innovative guitar gear, the Vo Wand, an innovative handheld controller that manipulates string vibrations to produce synth like guitar sounds. Related Feature:VO-96 Acoustic Synthesis Behaving like a sustainer or e-bow on steriods, the Vo Wand utilizes the same acoustic synthesis technology that was used in the Vo 96 guitar, which impressed guitarists, inventors and other musicians world over. The technology behind this invention is called “acoustic synthesis”, it utilizes electro-magnetism to control the amplitude of the harmonics of vibrating guitar strings. By controlling the harmonics and vibration of the strings, the Vo 96 serves as both a sustainer and a pseudo synth effect that applies the effect directly on to the physical strings. Obviously, this innovative invention has captured the interest of many world over. The Vo 96 had a successful Kickstarter campaign, thanks to its unique ability to turn acoustic guitars into synthesizers. At the recently concluded 2015 NAMM Show, it is no surprise that Paul Vo’s booth was widely visited and talked about. The primary reason for this is his impressive invention called the Vo 96, which literally transforms the acoustic guitar into a totally new instrument that is capable of producing an
VO-96 Acoustic Synthesis
The Vo-96 acoustic synth is literally an acoustic guitar with synth capabilities, featuring technology that controls the physical vibration of strings. This is the latest innovation from Paul Vo, the inventor of Moog Guitar, using a technology which he refers to as Acoustic Synthesis. The Vo-96 uses acoustic synthesis technology to modify the amplitude of the harmonics in vibrating objects, which in this case are acoustic guitar strings. By precisely controlling the vibrations, this technology will let you tap into previously unused harmonics that are naturally found on acoustic instruments. Basically the Vo-96 adds synth-like harmonic sounds to your acoustic guitar’s natural voice without having the need to plug into a pedal or an amp. According to the inventor, the numeral 96 refers to the number of individual harmonic control channels. Each channel is capable of controlling the behavior of one harmonic partial of a string’s timbre, and it has 16 channels instantiated per string, which gives it a total of 96 channels. Paul Vo explained that with acoustic synthesis, any acoustic musical instrument or any object that makes a sound, can be enhanced to bring out its hidden acoustic voice. It is a versatile technology that can revolutionize the
Willcox Atlantis Thinline HexFX Edition with Optical Pickups
Willcox Guitars introduces the Atlantis Thinline HexFX, featuring an optical pickup and a 13-pin DIN connector. Related Feature:Vox Wand Handheld Guitar Synth This electro-acoustic chambered body guitar features Wilcox’ own LightWave optical pickup system, and combines it with MIDI capability via the HexFX 13-pin output. The most notable feature of this guitar is its unique pickup system called LightWave, which utilizes infrared light to sense string vibration instead of conventional piezo. According to the company, this better captures the sound of the instrument, and also allows for individual string processing. Getting each of the strings isolated in turn results in better synth/MIDI compatibility. The pickup is designed in such a way that each string has a dedicated transducer, and since light is used for vibration detection, string isolation is achieved without any electrical or mechanical spill over. Now this is an interesting technology, however its a little concerning because the cross talk between strings is essential in forming the guitar sound that we are all familiar with. Still, this pickup system allows for deep control over your tone, articulation and string to string balance, something that’s not possible on traditional pickups. Taking further advantage of the string isolation, Willcox introduces
Expressiv Infinity MIDI Guitar
Rob O’Reilly (ROR) Guitars introduce the Expressiv Infinity, a MIDI guitar with improved latency and control. Related Feature:Sensus – Guitar Synthesizer Hybrid ROR Guitars describe it as “the worlds most advanced MIDI guitar system”, combining traditional guitar design with modern tracking for expanded ways to control music. The idea behind the Expressiv Infinity, is to give guitarists the ability to better control synth and other sound modules with their guitar. While this is already possible via MIDI guitar pickups, this instrument takes it a notch higher by integrating extra control features into the guitar itself. A quick glance at the ROR Expressiv Infinity and you immediately get a clue that this is not your average guitar. While it does have the usual headstock, neck, and body configuration, along with steel strings and pickups, it definitely is outside the norm with its unconventional body shape and interesting light patterns that make the center of the body look like a deep hollow hole into a different dimension. Since it has all the elements of a basic electric guitar, it can do basic guitar functions with its two single coil pickups, but it would be quite interesting how it sounds because the pickups
Sensus – Guitar Synthesizer Hybrid
Mind Music Labs released a new demo video showcasing the expressive control and synthesizer features of Sensus. Related Feature:VO-96 Acoustic Synthesis Sensus is an interesting take on the tired old guitar design, packed with the latest in sound processing technology, complete with different types of real time expression controls that are just not possible with conventional instruments, along with convenient wireless connectivity. Regardless of how you feel about the extra features, the company describes Sensus as a real guitar, complete with the usual guitar parts that include a wooden body with a modified single cutaway shape, a neck with a fingerboard and frets, steel strings, tuners and it has a bridge. But what separates it from the pack is the technology packed within, which allows for interesting new ways of expression and connectivity. At this time, the information available about Sensus is still very limited, no mention of the specifics of the wood used, neck profile, and other hardware. The company however provided details some interesting details about the instrument, and as mentioned released a demo video that better showcases Sensus’ features and capabilities. Mind Music Labs puts it this way, “Sensus is at the same time a real guitar,
Collings T Series Guitars
Collings have introduce their new T Series acoustic guitars, designed to reproduce the tone of vintage guitars from the ’30s, similar to the way most Parlor Guitars do. Related Feature:Best Acoustic Guitar Brands This new line of dreadnought and OM size guitars are co-developed by guitarist Julian Lage with the help of vintage expert Jim Baggett, under the direction of 40 year guitar builder Bill Collings. The company describes the new T Series as traditionally voiced instruments, delivering “strong projection and a warm, fundamental tonal response characteristic of vintage guitars from the 1930s era”. Each guitar that will come out of this new line will feature selected premium tonewoods that are glued together using animal protein glue. These tonewoods will be adjusted for weight and thickness along with the bracing, to specs that the company developed. The resulting sound is described as having full rounded highs and a present low midrange. And since its from Collings, these instruments will retain the quick attack and crisp projection of their other guitar models. While it’s not mentioned, tonewoods will probably be limited to familiar spruce, mahogany and rosewood combinations, in keeping with the “Traditional” label. Although it wouldn’t be surprising if some
Vox Starstream Type-1 Modeling Guitar – NAMM 2016
Vox unveils the Starstream Type-1, a dual humbucker guitar equipped with built-in instrument modeling. Related Feature:Vox VTX Amplifiers This new guitar follows after the previous Starstream model with built-in electronics, only this one comes with the latest modeling technology from Vox, and has a sleeker modern three dimensional contoured body design. Having been a pioneer of adding onboard electronics into guitars, the new Starstream Type-1 is not much of a surprise. It is basically a guitar that is fitted with Vox’ VET (Virtual Element Technology) modeling, as found on some of their latest amplifiers. The guitar’s dual humbuckers allow for traditional electric guitar sounds, but as mentioned there is more than meets the eye. The two pickups are complemented by a piezo pickup system to allow for acoustic guitar tones. This pickup combination already allows for plenty of sonic variations, but because of the modeling electronics built into the guitar, you can get even more sounds. The new Starstream Type-1 lets you switch between 27 instrument modeled sounds that include various electric guitars, acoustic guitars, other stringed instruments and even synths. This versatility makes it ideal for players who play a wide variety of musical genres, and those who are
Gittler Guitar
Gittler Instruments introduces the newly improved Gittler Guitar, a unique cylindrical guitar made entirely from Titanium. Gittler Guitar Headstock This unique instrument feature unconventional design, with cylindrical and ergonomic features manufactured from 6AL-4V aircraft grade Titanium. Here at Guitarsite, we love innovative guitar designs that go beyond the norm, the Gittler Guitar is certainly among these rare standouts. Only 60 original Gittler guitars were produced back in the ’80s, and now this unique modern guitar is back in production – ideal for guitarists that are looking for unique instruments that are fully functional. The Gittler Guitar is invented by Allan Gittler, he aimed to banish all traditional notions of guitar building and create great sounding guitars using a completely new approach. He did this by removing parts of the guitar that are unnecessary and redundant. He literally stripped down the guitar into its essential elements and improved the design of these important parts. The result is a super tough guitar with a unique and minimalist design. Allan Gittler responded to the question – “When were you satisfied enough to seek a patent?” with “When I found I could take nothing more off.” Perhaps the most striking feature of this guitar