Guitarsite News
Eureka Buitar and Baitar – Hybrid Guitar and Bass
Eureka releases Buitar OMB1 and Baitar OMB2, bass and guitar hybrids that play like standard guitar. Related Feature:Gittler Guitar There have been many attempts to mix electric bass strings with standard electric guitar strings in one fretboard all to gain extended bass note range. Eureka’s aim is to make hybrid instruments that require as little adjustments to playing as possible. The brand defines their hybrid instruments as “a novel combination of bass and guitar, that play like a standard 6-string guitar.” Both models feature familiar 25.5″ scale length and regular EADGBE tuning so that fingerings, scales and chord shapes are retained – while the lower frequency range of the instrument is extended by one octave. Buitar OMB1 is as close to the guitar as possible, the only difference is that it features a single low E bass string. Baitar OMB2 takes it a notch further by replacing the low A string with another bass guitar string. Buitar OMB1 and Baitar OMB2 represent the brand’s second design iteration, featuring upgrades and changes based on actual user feedback. The body of the guitar is made of Alder woods carved into an offset shape. According to the brand, a thinner coat of urethane
DBZ Guitars introduces the new ‘The Dark Side of Dean’ Guitar Line
DBZ Guitars has announced a new series of distinctive metal guitars, “The Dark Side of Dean.” This line is a new offering of uniquely carved masterpieces straight from the darkest depths of legendary guitar builder Dean B. Zelinsky's mind. “The Dark Side series is designed for the sophisticated player, who is searching for the ultimate 'over the top' metal instrument,” says the CEO and DBZ Guitars founder. Zelinsky is no stranger to metal. His guitar creations are played, and have been played, by metal & rock royalty on stages across the world for decades. Armed with 30 years of knowledge and experience, DBZ has created a guitar line like no other specifically for his fans and fans of the genre. “Great tone, feel, and incredible playability have always been the bottom line. But now, by embracing advances in woodworking technology, we can create anything we can imagine. 'The Dark Side' line is no exception. We've pushed the boundaries to create sculpted masterpieces with more tone, feel, and magic than anything I've ever created,” he says. The “Dark Side of Dean” consists of three unique and darkly ornate models: DBZ Bird of Prey – The Bird of Prey is a carved
Seymour Duncan 805 Overdrive Pedal
Seymour Duncan unveils the 805 Overdrive Pedal, featuring active 3-band EQ and wider gain range. Related Feature:Seymour Duncan Dirty Deed Distortion This pedal is based on the classic 808 Tubescreamer chip, but loaded with more gain and added tone shaping controls. Seymour Duncan designed the 805 to have more sonic flexibility while maintaining the the organic and transparent sound of classic OD pedals. To achieve this, they expanded the gain range and split up the tone control into three small knobs that lets you adjust the lows, mids and highs. For better control over the resulting tone, the 805 comes with active 3-band EQs. These allow for better fine tuning of the low end, mids and highs. Aside from the new EQ, the company mentioned that they improved on the classic pedal’s note articulation. They also modified the voicing by adding more sparkle to the high frequencies, and tightening up the bottom end. What resulted is a pedal that they are proud to introduce as truly versatile. The official press release says, “It’s so versatile that you can use it for a smooth, lyrical bluesy overdrive one minute and a modern metal crunch the next…Whether you’re after ringing cleans, a
Seymour Duncan Studio Bass Compressor
Seymour Duncan introduces the Studio Bass Compressor, a soft-knee compressor effect pedal designed for bass guitars. Related Feature:Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster The company describes it as a studio-grade compressor, and as such it comes equipped with a hefty amount of tone shaping controls to achieve a wide range of compression effect, from “subtle smoothing” to over-the-top “squished and pinched” tones. Although only subtly used, the compressor effect has become a mainstay in both recording and live music productions, and it is available for both the sound engineers and the musicians themselves. The Seymour Duncan Studio Bass compressor brings this effect to bassists who are looking for precise control over their sound. The Studio Bass Compressor has a unique Low/Full/Mid switch that will let you restore specific dynamic ranges that were lost in compression. You can pick between the low and mid frequencies that are specifically tweaked to favor bass instruments, or select the full range. This feature helps fatten up the compressed signal, which is ideal for musical styles that require thick and heavy bass parts. You can also use it to make the compressed tone sound more like your bypassed tone, even when the compression is dialed higher. Another
Seymour Duncan Shapeshifter Stereo Tremolo
Seymour Duncan welcomes another addition to their expanding guitar effect pedal line, the Shapeshifter Stereo Tremolo. Related Feature:Seymour Duncan Vapor Trail Delay This pedal builds on the company’s original Shape Shifter, with more tone shaping features, stereo inputs/outputs and better visual monitoring, all packed inside a significantly smaller metal stompbox enclosure. The Shapeshifter Stereo Tremolo is designed to be versatile, covering classic tremolo sounds to modern choppy tremolo and backward swell effects. To accomplish this, the pedal is equipped with LFO shape and wave controls, stereo phase control and a speed setting that can be controlled in three different ways. The Wave and Shape knobs work together to let you tweak the tremolo effect behavior. They let you adjust every dimension of the LFO from wave symmetry to shape, allowing for a wide range of possible sounds. By adjusting the wave knob, you can blend from sine to triangle to square wave, and use the shape control to choose the parts of the wave that you want to emphasize. The Depth knob functions as expected, letting you set the depth of each tremolo to your liking. When connected to stereo setup guitar rigs, the Phase knob will let you adjust
Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster
The Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster Pedal is back in production, with increased drive capability and a new look. Related Feature:Seymour Duncan 805 Overdrive Pedal Like its predecessor, the most distinct feature of this pedal is the resonance switch, which lets your single coil pickup sound like a humbucker. The new Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster features improved gain capabilities, achieved via a discrete output stage that can be accessed via the push-pull gain knob. With this new feature, you can turn down the gain knob to unity (0dB) without affecting your signal chain, even when using long cables. On top of transparently boosting your signal, this pedal is designed to give you different pickup tones by interacting with your pickups. As such, it will have to be the first stompbox in your signal chain. According to the press release: “Many guitarists want to be able to boost their signal without adding noise or altering their tone. With its class A, low-noise circuit design, the Pickup Booster can do just that and is exceptional at emphasizing a guitar’s natural sound while adding some muscle and fatness”. The Resonance Switch gives you three different pickup flavors. The “0” setting is the most transparent,
Seymour Duncan Palladium Gain Stage Pedal
Seymour Duncan introduces the Palladium Gain Stage, a pedal designed to replicate high-gain tube amps. Related Feature:Top 10 Distortion Pedals The company claims that this is the first pedal to genuinely reproduce high-gain tube amp characteristics in a compact pedal form factor, and this is a big claim considering the many analog and digital effects are claiming the same thing. The Palladium Gain Stage pedal goes beyond conventional pedal designs because of its unique architecture, which is designed by Seymour Duncan to reproduce the full-bodied depth and character that high gain tube amps bring about. Max Gutnik, SVP of products and CRO of Seymour Duncan, said, “We are very excited about Palladium. We wanted to create a pedal that brings the richness, depth and versatility of a superior high gain tube amp, without the tonal compromises that typically go with distortion pedals. We believe guitarists will love the complement of sounds they can get from Palladium.” And it’s not just about providing generic high-gain tones because this pedal was designed with sonic versatility in mind. The Palladium Gain Stage pedal features three gain stages, the first one lets you control overall saturation, then there’s a resonance control for shaping the
Washburn Heritage Series Acoustic Guitars – NAMM 2016
Washburn Guitars unveil their new Heritage line, an expansive collection of acoustic guitars that cover multiple wood configuration and shape. Washburn HJ40SCE Related Feature:Washburn WCG187CE 7-String Acoustic The current line up is divided into four series of guitars, the Heritage 10 Series being the most affordable and feature basic specs. The other three include Heritage 20, Heritage 30 and Heritage 40, each one offering improved specs and increased price tags. As the name implies, these acoustics are inspired by traditional acoustic guitar designs, featuring the popular dreadnought shape, along with folk and grand auditorium styles for the 10, 20 and 30 series. The Heritage 40 Series have a jumbo body style, allowing for more acoustic volume and low end. The main difference between the four series of guitars within the Heritage series is the choice of wood for the back and sides, Heritage 10 features mahogany, Heritage 20 has rosewood, Heritage 30 has Tamo Ash and finally, Heritage 40 comes with flame maple back and sides. The Heritage 10 Series comes with 9 models that follow the company’s philosophy of providing quality workhorse instruments at lower price points. This series feature solid spruce tops, which is quite impressive especially considering
Fender Paramount Series Acoustics
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) have a new acoustic guitar line called Paramount, traditional styled instruments with all solid tonewood bodies – all of which are competitively priced. Fender Paramount Deluxe Triple-0 Related Feature:Fender Wayne Kramer Signature Acoustic The company described this new line as just the first in their company’s growing line of performance acoustics, and as such each model is designed to be a workhorse instrument that can be used on stage via built-in electronics. The new Fender Paramount series are said to be designed in the USA, following design elements inspired by instruments from the ’60s while incorporating modern features. The line currently includes three familiar shapes, the Dreadnought, Parlor and Triple-0, all of which were prevalent in the era where the new series drew inspiration. On top of the three guitar shapes, there are also two models to choose from, first of which is the more affordable Standard version with its stripped down aesthetics. Deluxe version is also available which as expected adds extra flair to the instrument. Fender EVP Richard McDonald said, “Fender recognizes a modern musician’s need for an all-purpose instrument that takes them through the entire musical journey, from writing and recording to
DigiTech Whammy Ricochet Pedal
DigiTech unveils the Whammy Ricochet, a pedal version of their popular pitch shifting effect with no foot treadle. Related Feature:DigiTech Drop Instead of giving you realtime foot control, this compact version of the Whammy pedal automatically bends the pitch of the notes you’re playing, based on what you have set on the pedal. In the hands of virtuosos like Joe Satriani, there’s no doubt that the Whammy pedal has changed the landscape of electric guitar music. It allowed for expanded playing expression that would simply be impossible via conventional technique, and as such, rather than just being an effect pedal, it has become an extension of the instrument itself. Because of its success, DigiTech has been making multiple variations of the pedal, to ensure that it can cater to the needs of more guitarists based on their playing style, skill level and pedalboard space. The Whammy Ricochet is the latest in this line of releases, this time streamlining the whammy pedal and turning it into more of an effect that you add to your sound rather than something you control. This is designed for musicians who are looking for a more simple to use pitch bender, and for guitarists who
TC Electronic BodyRez – Summer NAMM 2015
TC Electronic announces BodyRez, an acoustic pickup enhancer pedal designed for under-saddle piezo pickups. Related Feature:Acoustic Guitar Pedals Instead of having to go through trial-and-error tone shaping via equalizer and compression settings, this compact pedal improves your amplified acoustic guitar tone conveniently with just one knob… The TC Electronic BodyRez pedal is a straightforward “instant” makeover kit for acoustic-electric guitars that utilize under-saddle pickups. It is meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution for the common problem of sounding flat, quacky, and tiny when your guitar is plugged straight into a PA. At first glance, I thought that this is simply a DI box under a different name, but it turns out to be more like an effect pedal that actually shapes the tone, and more specifically something more natural sounding. TC Electronic was able to achieve this by utilizing a number of carefully pre-configured filters and subtle compression, resulting in having more of the natural acoustic guitar tone and feel coming through the PA. Note that this pedal does not apply any sort of modeling, rather, it shapes your acoustic guitar sound according to parameters that were specified by TC Electronic. This means that the company worked out the nitty
Carvin DC800 8 String Guitar
Carvin used its experience with 7-string guitar building and came up with the new customizable DC800 8-string guitar. [Click to Enlarge] More than just a guitar with added strings, the 8 string DC800 is redesigned from the ground up as a completely new guitar to support 8 string usage. It is designed to meet the demands of technically savvy guitar player who require the extra range an 8-string guitar provides. It has a F# – B – E – A – D – G – B – E default tuning. The core of the DC800 is a standard alder body, which is a logical choice for most manufacturers because of its relatively lighter weight and good resonance. Alder is the default body because of its attractive grain that looks nice in the many finishes that Carvin offers for the DC800, including solid colors, translucent finishes and metallic solid finishes. You are in no way limited to Alder bodies, advanced guitar players can select their preferred optional wood such as maple, swamp ash, mahogany, walnut and koa. If you are into premium top woods, you can pick from AAAA quilted maple, AAAA flamed maple, flamed koa, flamed spalted maple and California
A New 7-String from Parker Guitars: Maxx Fly 7
Parker debuted the Maxx Fly 7 String electric guitar at Winter NAMM 2012. [Parker Maxx Fly 7 – Click to Enlarge] Parker pride themselves on making distinctive guitars, and now the Parker Maxx Fly 7 string is their latest move into both the premium and 7-string markets. The mahogany body reinforced with carbon fiber glass epoxy is based on the same manufacturing techniques that they’ve used to achieve very light weight guitars in their 6 string Maxx Fly models. The neck position pickup is a Seymour-Duncan Distortion SH6N, and it has a Seymour-Duncan Distortion TB6 in the bridge position. It also has some of the special electronics Parker are known for – Ghost piezo saddles with a MIDI preamp, which allows the guitar to double as a MIDI Controller. The neck is mahogany with a carbon glass epoxy fingerboard and a 25.5” scale with 24 frets and comes with Sperzel Trim-Lok tuners. Parker have said it will go on sale for $5,999. For more information visit parkerguitars.com Related News: Jericho Edge Series Electric Guitars Oakland Axe Factory Falcon Headless Guitar PRS SE Custom 24 7-String A Parker Guitar for the Troops in Afghanistan The Fly Mojo MIDI Guitar
Jericho Edge Series Electric Guitars
Texas based manufacturer Jericho Guitars introduce the Edge Series, double cutaway guitars with distinctly carved edges. Related Feature:Eight Cool 8 String Guitars Not to be confused as a signature guitar of U2’s guitarist, the Edge Series got its name from the elegantly carved edges that give the instrument a unique appearance despite following the tried and tested “superstrat” formula. The most noteworthy feature of this guitar is its distinctly shaped body, crafted from hand-selected walnut. It would’ve been just another double cutaway superstrat variation, had it not been for the addition of the carved edges. And it’s not just about aesthetics because these arched edges are implemented specifically on where the guitar’s body meets the player’s, making the guitar more comfortable to play for longer periods of time. Tone wise, the company describes this walnut body as adding a tangibly sharper attack to the resulting guitar sound, along with sweetened midrange, firm/quick low-end and resonation from top to bottom. They added that all the wood components of each instrument are meant to complement the mentioned sonic properties, including the maple necks which according to them “help define the highs, leaving you with an insanely resonant/strongly defined tone that is unmistakably
7 Strings Good, 6 Strings Bad
I’m sure most axe wielders have given the 7-string guitar some thought. Certainly there is no shortage of opinion from artists in the press. [ Jackson Chris Broderick Soloist 7 Pictured Above – Click here for larger picture ] The 6-string purists are pretty scathing and discouraging in their comments but I wonder how many of them have actually sat down in private and had a session on one? If it has ever crossed your mind to have a go or you feel vaguely dissatisfied with six-strings then read on… Below are some of the considerations facing all the wannabee 7-stringers: 1. The Cons The daunting technical hurdles resulting from the extra bass string and the broader neck. I kid you not; taming the 7-string is serious business. There is significant outlay in terms of time and money – look forward to hours of practice and the possibility of considerable expense for the instrument, the strings and a dedicated amplifier. The blow to your ego as you return to beginner status – this is a definite unless your name is Steve Vai. The shortage of serious literature for study-I have yet to come across a serious tome written by an
Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent Signature
Ernie Ball Music Man introduces the St. Vincent Signature, co-designed by Grammy-award winning guitarist Annie Clark. Related Feature:Ernie Ball Global Warming Guitar This guitar has a distinct angular shape meant to be light and comfortable while providing the sonic versatility that Annie Clark (a.k.a. St. Vincent) needs for her music style. The unique look and style of this signature guitar matches the artists eclectic approach to music, crafted perfectly to fit her form and playing style. This guitar is expected to appeal to fans of her music and playing, and other guitarists who are looking for a distinct standout instrument to make their music with. This guitar features an African mahogany body carved into a distinct offset shape that has a thin central section and interestingly it allows for good upper fret access without having a cutaway. The body comes wrapped in traditional looking black or Vincent blue, a color specially designed by Annie herself. Both colors come finished in high gloss polyester. Instead of going for conventional mahogany or maple, the neck and fingerboard of this signature guitar is crafted form rosewood, hand-rubbed to provide a comfortable playing feel. The scale length is surprisingly traditional at 25.5″, while the
Ernie Ball’s one of a kind Tony Levin Bass
Ernie Ball is auctioning off a 20th Anniversary Stingray 5 bass made for renowned bassist Tony Levin. The auction ends on May 20. This Trans Black work of art was commissioned at the 2007 Winter NAMM show for Levin to use on his upcoming tours with Todd Rundgren and Peter Gabriel. The Ernie Ball Music Man 20th Anniversary bass made for Tony Levin. Along with the bass, signed by Levin on the control cavity cover, the auction winner also receives two tickets to one of Levin’s upcoming performances (in a location closest to the winning bidder), autographed copies of his latest recorded music utilizing Ernie Ball Music Man basses, his CDs Resonator and Double Espresso (double live) and his book “Beyond the Bass Clef.” Features of the bass include an ash body with bookmatched figured maple top and mahogany “tone block” underneath the pickups. The bass also features a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, patented compensated nut, Schaller Tuners and two massive Humbucking pickup with Alnico magnets that provide rich powerful tones while retaining the warmth and sparkle that only a Music Man can provide. As an added bonus, this bass will ship with six sets of Ernie
ErnieBall MusicMan Armada
ErnieBall MusicMan comes up with a unique looking neck-through-body guitar with a V-shape maple top, the Armada. The MusicMan Armada’s flamed maple V-Shape top turned quite a number of at the recently held 2013 NAMM Show. The Armada joins ErnieBall/MusicMan’s 2013 catalog of guitars featuring eye catching aesthetics and embellishments. The guitar features a mahogany body with a single cutaway shape. Its most distinctive feature is the top of the body, it features a flame or quilt maple V-shaped bookmatched top that gives the Armada series a retro sci-fi appeal. Connected via neck-through-body design is its Honduran Mahogany neck. It is topped by a Rosewood fretboard that has 22 frets. It has a scale length of 24.75″ with a neck radius of 12″. The neck matches the bodies color while the headstock matches the color of the V-shaped maple top. Adding to its already impressive aesthetics are even more embellishments, it has a 4-ply Cream/Black/Cream/Black binding that wraps around the body, v-shape top and the headstock. Chrome hardware further accentuates the color combination of the instrument. Wrapping up its eye candies are custom made mother of pearl inlays and a single ply cream binding on the neck. The guitar is
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man unveil the 2016 version StingRay guitar, featuring an off-set body and vintage spec humbuckers. Related Feature:Ernie Ball Valentine Signature Guitar This 6-string electric guitar version of their popular bass guitar brand combines classic and familiar designs with subtle differences that make it unmistakably inspired by the popular Stingray Bass. The new StingRay electric guitar continues the company’s expansion into the electric guitar market, applying their experience with their popular bass instruments and design ideas to instruments for guitarists. And since this one carries the all important StingRay label, Ernie Ball Music Man made sure that it brings about the best that their company can offer in terms of aesthetics, build and tone. It all starts with the African mahogany crafted body that is shaped into a nice off-set double cutaway shape. To my eyes, the design looks like a cross between a Tele, a Jaguar, and a McCarty, with the overall look being unmistakably similar to that of the StingRay bass. The body is finished in high-gloss polyurethane finish and is available in Black, Ivory White, Vintage Tobacco Burst and Chili Red. The neck is carved from select maple and is topped by either rosewood or
Michael Kelly announces Patriot Black electric guitar
Michael Kelly Guitar Company has announced that they have begun shipping the all new Patriot Black electric guitar. The single cut, set-neck Patriot Black was designed to growl with heavy tones that are at once dark and at the same time full of articulation and definition. The Patriot Black. Michael Kelly specified direct-mounted Rockfield Fat Ass humbuckers to deliver this signature mix. These pickups feature custom designed bobbins that house larger pole pieces which increases the transfer of string vibrations from pulls, bends and leads, resulting in less tonal drop off and better note definition. The string-through-the-body design insures maximum vibration transfer, providing lasting sustain. Other notable features include Grover tuners, ebony fretboard and a mahogany body with a solid 1/2″ deeply arched maple cap. Color choices are of course, Black and Black (gloss or satin). The Patriot Black in Gloss (left), Satin (Right) Available now. MSRP: $625 Specifications: CONSTRUCTION: Set-neck BODY: Mahogany TOP: Maple Cap NECK: Mahogany FRETBOARD: Ebony FRETS: 22 medium jumbo SCALE: 24-3/4″ BINDING: 5-ply white & black INLAY: Grey dots BRIDGE: TonePros string-through the body TUNERS: Grover PICKUPS: Rockfield Fat Ass – direct mounted ELECTRONICS: One tone, one volume, coil tapped STRINGS: D’Addario HARDWARE: Chrome For