Guitarsite News
Boss ME-70 Guitar Multiple Effects now shipping
BOSS has announced that the guitar multiple effects ME-70 is now available in stores. Building upon the popular ME-50, the ME-70 is a floor-based processor that offers the compact design and simplicity of a stompbox. With dedicated knobs for each section, a new, high-quality COSM?? engine derived from the GT-10, and added EZ Tone and Phrase Loop features, the ME-70 is the ultimate easy-to-use floorboard powerhouse. In addition to its superb Overdrive/Distortion section, the ME-70 now features a new Preamp section with the latest sound-modeling COSM engine for the most natural response and sound quality. The ME-70 is made to play, and the hardware now adds a fourth footswitch for even more real-time effects control. The ME-70's dedicated knobs for each effect section allow full, fast control over sound creation, just like a stompbox. The knobs make the ME-70 incredibly easy to use compared to traditional multi-effects units. Users will also love the new Phrase Loop function for sound-on-sound creation, with up to 38 seconds of recording time. Its EZ Tone function allows for fast and easy tone creation via simple effects presets, so players of any level can create superb tones of any genre within seconds. With a friendly
Boss RC-300 Loop Station
Being the most powerful pedal-based loop station from Boss, RC-300 continues to be the most sought after looper in the market today. Its combination of looping, effects and deep real-time control helped it win the top spot in our Best Loop Pedal Roundup. Looping has opened up a myriad of sonic texture possibilities for musicians, manufacturers have noticed this interest and have started offering various types of looper pedals, from straightforward stompboxes to complex loop stations. To handle the needs of complex multi-track real-time looping, Boss used their experience with floor-based multi-effect pedals to create their flagship loop station, the RC-300. It boasts of impressive features, most notable its three synchronized stereo looping capability with dedicated volume knobs and transport-control footswitches for each track. This opens up the possibility of building up and triggering multi-track loops in real-time. The unit comes with an XLR input with phantom power, this allows you to plug-in your bass, guitar, keyboard, microphones and use them as part of your loop. The RC-300 can let you record up to three hours of looping into its internal memory, more than enough for a typical song or set performance. It also comes with unlimited Undo and Redo
Radial Tonebone Bumper
Conveniently switch between multiple instruments (up to four), with the new Radial Tonebone Bumper. Related Feature: Radial JDI Stereo This pedal provides a simple and reliable solution if you want to switch instruments around during performance or recording, and since everything is already connected, you don’t have to worry about unplugging and plugging cables. I for one know the hassle of manually switching guitars when performing, so most of the time I end up carrying a maximum of two guitars (an acoustic and an electric). But with the Radial Bumper, you can now setup up to four different instruments and have them plugged into your rig all at the same time, and it lets you switch between your guitars in realtime. More than just merely letting you connect multiple instruments into your guitar rig, the Tonebone Bumper has some interesting features that make switching even more convenient. First of, it has Radial’s Class-A buffer circuit, the same one found on many of their popular preamps, switches and DI boxes. This ensures sound quality is kept high and not degraded. In addition, the Tonebone Bumper has a built-in load correction circuit which you can adjust via the “Drag” control. This lets
Radial JDX Reactor module
The Radial JDX Reactor module, a combination direct recording interface and speaker simulator, has been released by Radial Engineering Ltd. The JDX Reactor module is a special amp interface that can capture a direct guitar signal or capture the sound of both the guitar amp head and the speaker cabinet. Just like the stand alone Radial JDX Reactor, it introduces a reactive load which allows users to capture the sound of the head and the electromagnetic impulse from the back of the loudspeaker. This audio signal is then processed by a proprietary multi-stage band pass filter, simulating the tone of a 4×12 half stack cabinet. The standalone JDX Reactor was known for it’s stage use and is currently being implemented by popular bands ranging from Megadeth, Radiohead to Rascal Flatts just to name a few. And even bassists implement the JDX Reactor, like Michael Anthony, of Van Halen fame, which is now sharing the stage with Joe Satriani in Chickenfoot. The good news is that the JDX Reactor module adds options for recording use. It has a low frequency extension that can replicate the tone of a 15″ driver for recording bass, a high output mode that pumps up the
Gibson Grace Potter Signature Flying V at Summer NAMM 2012
Gibson unveiled the Grace Potter Signature Flying V at Summer NAMM 2012, featuring upgraded pickups and nocturnal brown nitrocellulose finish. Grace Potter Gibson worked together with the multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter, to create a Flying V that gracefully rocks, just like its namesake. The singer and guitarist of Grace Potter and The Nocturnals is known for her rocking stage presence, soulful voice and guitar playing. Her signature Flying V does not stray too far away from the standard, but it does bear distinctive and stylish marks that’s all its own. This signature guitar is based on the classic second wave of ’60s Flying V guitars. It has a solid mahogany body with a glued-in mahogany neck that features a “Slim V” profile that measures .800″ at the 1st fret and .850″ at the 12th. Instead of the usual Indian rosewood, the neck is topped with a dark brown chechen fingerboard and is equipped with 22 medium-jumbo frets. The strings run along the guitar’s 24-3/4″ scale length and are held in place by a PLEK-slotted Corian nut and vintage-style TonePros tuners with pearloid keystone buttons. It has a comfortable 12″ fingerboard radius. The Grace Potter Flying V is equipped with Gibson’s BurstBucker
Gibson Rudolf Schenker Flying V
Gibson introduces the Rudolf Schenker Flying V, with artist approved specs and a striking black and white finish. The Flying V has been Schenker’s main axe throughout his career, so it would only make sense that it was picked for his signature guitar. For those not in the know, Rudolf Schenker is the German guitar wizard who founded the iconic band Scorpions in 1965 when he was still in his teens. The band’s mixture of melodic ballads and hard rock sound helped it gain worldwide commercial success, of which Schenker’s licks, tones and style where on the front lines. Now Gibson honors his musical achievements by having his name and approval stamped on his Gibson Signature Flying V. The body of the guitar follows the typical Gibson Flying V configuration, having a solid mahogany body carved into a V shape. This shape gives the guitar a rock friendly look and makes it lighter. Rudolf specifically requested that the solid-mahogany neck be carved into his preferred profile, measuring 0.775″ at the 1st fret and 0.900″ at the 12th. The fretboard is crafted from Granadillo hardwood and runs up to 22 frets. The headstock is made smaller than the original, as per
Epiphone Ltd. Ed. Björn Gelotte Les Paul Custom Outfit
Epiphone introduces the new Ltd. Ed. Björn Gelotte Les Paul Custom Outfit, equipped with EMG active pickups. Related Feature:Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor-II PRO This is the first signature model for the In Flames guitarist, and as such is built to his preferred specs and designed to deliver the gritty tones that his metal guitar style requires. Starting out as a drummer for the Swedish band In Flames, Björn Gelotte switched to fulfilling guitar duties when the original guitarist left. This move started a chain of events that led to Björn’s current reputation as a revered guitarist in the metal genre, with one magazine even including him in their greatest guitarists in metal list. Now Epiphone has assimilated Gelotte into their fold, and their first collaboration resulted in the new Ltd. Ed. Björn Gelotte Les Paul Custom Outfit. This new guitar gives metal players another active-pickup equipped Les Paul to choose from, expanding the brand’s lineup of shred friendly instruments. This new signature guitar is an exact replica of Gelotte’s Gibson Les Paul that his been using for years. It sports all the same hardware and specs as the original guitar, with the main difference being the Epiphone logo and that
Epiphone Les Paul Custom 100th Anniversary
Epiphone celebrates the 100th birthday of Les Paul with the new Ltd Ed Les Paul Custom 100th Anniversary Outfit. Related Feature:Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor-II Pro The most notable feature of this special run instrument is its gold plated hardware, other cosmetic appointments were also added along with a more versatile coil-split capable pickup 2015 is a special year for Gibson and Epiphone, with this year marking what would have been the 100th birthday of the iconic guitarist and inventor Les Paul. As such, Epiphone has come up with a limited edition version of the most popular signature guitar in the planet in honor of Les Paul’s contribution and success. Epiphone and Les Paul have a long history, with Les being a regular visitor to Epi Stathopoulo’s factory in Manhattan. The story goes that this is the same factory where Les made the first prototypes of the “Les Paul” guitar, The Log. And Les continued to be a fan of Epiphone through out his long career. Les Paul is quoted saying, “I knew Epi Stathopoulo and the Epiphone people very well and loved their instruments., Working on Sundays, I took a length of 4×4 Pine, put an Epiphone neck on it,
Epiphone Bret Hinds Flying-V Custom
Mastodon’s guitarist/vocalist gets an Epiphone signature model, called the Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom. Related Feature:Kirk Hammet Flying-V This newly introduced limited edition instrument follows after the recent Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award that Brent received for his guitar wizardry and influence on other guitar players. Brent Hinds is well known for his metal guitar lines and fiery vocal work with his band Mastodon, he also had a recent appearance in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. So it is only logical for Epiphone to take advantage of his recent award and TV show appearance, by releasing a signature guitar with his name on the label. As expected, Brent had a say on the design process of this newly unveiled instrument, from the finish to the pickups, including the neck profile and action. The result is a Flying-V that suits his playing style, which will be appreciated by fans and guitarists who play rock and metal. To start off, the Epiphone Brent Hinds Flying-V Custom comes with a historic V shape mahogany body based on the first ones released back in the late ’50s. It is then wrapped in a nice looking silverburst finish and topped with a 5-layer black
Kirk Hammett Flying V by Gibson
Gibson honors Metallica’s lead guitarist with a limited run Kirk Hammett signature Flying V, based on his first ever Gibson. Kirk Hammett Only 150 guitars will be made available, with the first 50 signed by Kirk himself – the #11 in Rolling Stone’s “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”. Kirk Hammett’s original 1979 Flying V was digitally scanned by Gibson Custom to carefully mimic the guitar in full detail. This series also follows the current “aged” look hype – capturing the dents, scratches as closely as they can. The guitar itself is basically the same as a regular Gibson Flying V – it has a body crafted from a single chunk of mahogany with a glued-in, three-piece, quarter sawn mahogany neck. The rosewood fingerboard is littered with 22 jumbo Jescar frets and pearloid dot inlays, as it was in KH’s original Flying V. The headstock showcases the same ’70s V headstock with no headstock veneer, with the Gibson logo being engraved on the truss rod cover. The neck profile is shaped to follow Hammett’s original, with 1.562″ nut width and widening to a 1.975″ at the 12th fret. The body is then hand-sprayed with a black ebony nitrocellulose lacquer
DigiTech Obscura Altered Delay – Musikmesse 2015
DigiTech unveils the Obscura Altered Delay pedal, featuring four delay types with extended control over the shape and timing of the repeats. Related Feature:Digitech TRIO Band Creator This is essentially a 4-in-1 delay pedal that can switch between Analog, Tape, Lo-Fi and Reverse modes, all of which can be distorted, darkened or even obscured to cover everything from lo-fi tape emulation to backwards playback to out-of-this-world space echoes. The new Obscura Altered Delay is an ambitious attempt by the company to cover all bases when it comes to delay, and at the same time provide enough experimental edge for players that are looking to go beyond the conventional use of delay effects. DigiTech Marketing Manager Tom Cram said, “The Obscura can sound pretty, but is also has the potential to sound pretty crazy. With the Obscura Altered Delay, straight-ahead repeats are just the starting point for twisting and morphing your delays upside down, inside out and into uncharted sonic territory.” The switchable four modes cover three traditional effect types – Analog, Tape and Lo-Fi, while the fourth mode provides modern Reverse echo delay. The first mode provides basic delay tones as expected from analog delay pedals of today, and it
Digitech TRIO Band Creator
DigiTech introduces the TRIO Band Creator, a smart auto-accompaniment pedal that automatically generates bass and drum parts based on your playing. Related Feature:DigiTech Mosaic 12-String Effect Instead of merely playing through a selection of canned “loops” or backing tracks, this innovative pedal can modify the rhythm section to match your playing, by analyzing the chords, notes and timing of your playing. As the name implies, “TRIO” will let any guitarist have his own “trio” by adding bass and drum parts in realtime. Instead of tweaking knobs or pressing buttons to find the right bass line or drum beat, all you have to do is press the footswitch to “teach” the pedal by playing the chords and rhythm part on your guitar. After playing, just press the footswitch again and it will start up your very own band. DigiTech Marketing Manager Tom Cram said, ““TRIO is like no pedal ever created – it’s an entirely new type of musical accompaniment device. With TRIO, one musician can now sound like a full band. It’s an incredibly creative and useful performance tool for solo artists, or just a great way to have fun while practicing and jamming.” Going beyond the typical looper /
EHX Pitch Fork
Electro-Harmonix introduces the Pitch Fork pedal, a pitch transposer with +/- 3 octave range. Related Feature:EHX Slammi Pitch Shifter An interesting feature of the pedal is the ability to have both the upper and lower octaves playing simultaneously, via the mode switch. There’s quite a lot of things that this pedal can do. To start with, you can use it to change your pitch up to 3 octave ranges both higher and lower than what you are playing. It also has three modes that will let you transpose your pitch up, down or both, simultaneously. The pitch shift amount can also be controlled via an expression pedal, for real time adjustments. Controls are kept simple, starting with the 11-position Shift switch which lets you select the maximum transposition interval ranging from D (Detune), a shift of 17 cents, through Minor 2nd, Major 2nd, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Major 6th, Minor 7th, 1 Octave, 2 Octaves and finally 3 Octaves. The shift switch works in conjunction with the three position mode switch. This will let you toggle the transpose position up, down or both. In Dual mode, the pedal will output two pitch-shifted signals. One follows the shift knob
DigiTech Drop – Instant Drop Tune Pedal
DigiTech unveils Drop, a dedicated polyphonic pitch shifter pedal designed for instant drop tuning. Related Feature:DigiTech Bass Whammy Drop is capable of lowering your tuning from one semitone to a full octave, allowing for quick drop-tuning without having to actually tune or change guitars. This pedal does not mechanically change the tuning of your guitar, rather it utilizes polyphonic pitch shifting technology to transpose the sound of your guitar in real-time. It utilizes the same technology used in the Whammy DT pedal, which also carries a down-tuning feature. The obvious downside for this method is that the “acoustic” sound of the actual strings will be different from the effected sound, but sonic dissonance will be negligible in loud band settings. Guitarists that play modern down-tuned riffs will find this pedal beneficial, while bassist can use it to get even lower sounds. DigiTech marketing coordinator Tom Cram said, “Our new Drop pedal makes down-tuning and changing keys literally as easy as stepping on a switch. But the Drop also has cool dynamic performance capabilities by using the switch in momentary mode to add accents or trills with your feet.” The pedal lets you set the drop tuning to 8 semitone intervals
Rainsong introduces Hybrid Series Line
RainSong has introduced The Hybrid Series, a new line of composite guitars designed to provide exceptional value. The Hybrid Series combines Carbon fiber with Glass fiber construction to achieve the signature RainSong sound and road tough stability at an attractive price point. The H-WS1000N2 The Hybrid Series is built using construction techniques that are identical to RainSong’s highly-successful Classic Series. Expensive Carbon fiber has been strategically replaced in select areas of the body construction with more cost-effective Glass fiber. The Hybrid Series uses Projection Tuned Layering for the crystal detail, warmth and volume of the classic carbon sound. The instruments are bright, balanced and punchy – capable of cutting through in any acoustic setting. Glass fiber, while retaining the imperviousness to humidity and temperature changes, is not as stiff as Carbon fiber. The Hybrid Series sacrifices a small amount of projection compared to the Classic Series for a much more attractive price. The H-OM1000N2 In keeping with the design goal of making the Hybrid Series value-based, ornamentation has been scaled back – the rosette is a simple pinstripe and the fretboard inlays are white dots. As with all RainSongs, the Hybrid Series features a UV-protective polyurethane finish that has been
New aluminium, carbon fibre models from ThreeGuitars
ThreeGuitars out of Italy has introduced their brand new guitar series made with evolutionary patented technology. Both the Dima guitar and Meta guitar feature an aluminium body and carbon fibre neck, which ThreeGuitars say offers brilliant and warm sounds, as well as reliability and stability. Pictured: The Dima guitar body and the Meta guitar body. “After many tests, the technicians and guitar builders found this metal (multilayer aluminium pressed) the best metal to transmit the best quality sounds” Gioele Asioli from ThreeGuitars said. “The neck in carbon fibre gives a great stability, temperature resistant, maintenance free, always reliable and great feeling in your hands when you play it.” Pictured: The Dima guitar headstock and the Meta guitar headstock. The differences between these two models are: 1. The pickups ( Dimarzio DP166 on the Dima. SD Custom at Bridge and 59 at neck on the Meta. ) 2. The design 3. The whammy bar and bridge ( added on Meta ) Find out more information about the Dima and Meta at http://www.3guitars.com/ A third model guitar with three single coil pickups will be available soon. Related Articles: 660 Aviator AV27 Aluminum Body Guitar Bohemian Boho 2.0 Series BlackBird Carbon Fiber Nylon
660 Aviator AV27 Aluminum Body Guitar
660 Guitars introduce the AV27 “Aviator” guitar, a modern all-aluminum body take to the classic Flying V shape. Related Feature:Electric Guitar Wood – Myth Busted? The guitar’s entire classic V shape body is constructed from metal, more specifically, aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes the body later and more durable, both of which are simply not attainable through traditional wood builds. If you’ve had a traditional guitar for a couple of years, then you know first hand of its sensitivity and fragility. You always have to be aware of and avoid mishandling, extreme humidity, temperature changes and the effect of the ever changing weather on your instrument. The guys at 660 Guitars decided that guitarists deserve an instrument that is more reliable and requires less maintenance, and ended up with all-aluminum body designs. Since pickups and electronics have the biggest affect on electric guitar tone, the use of unorthodox materials like metal and plastic on the body have become justifiable for those that prefer reliability and durability. While majority of guitar players still prefer the feel and sound of wood on their instruments, there continues to be growing demand for more modern and reliable guitar builds like the 660 Aviator AV27. The
Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015
Gibson’s flagship model gets an update, here we look at what’s new with the Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015. Related Feature:Les Paul Supreme 2014 As expected from their top-of-the-line model, the company equipped it with their very best tonewoods and hardware, allowing this guitar to reign supreme as the best production line Les Paul you can buy for 2015. Since we have featured last year’s version, it is only fitting to put the spotlight on the successor and see what Gibson changed. I’m still not sold to the semi-hollow body design that deviates from traditional Les Pauls, especially since they already have very good semi-hollow guitars like the ES-335. Still, there’s no denying that the added f-holes add to the premium appeal of the instrument. The Les Paul Supreme 2015 has some interesting changes over the previous model, most notable of which is the use of a wider neck and fingerboard. From 1.695″ last year, the new nut width is 1.795″, which according to Gibson improves the playing comfort for solo playing techniques that include hammer-ons, bends and pull offs. Interestingly, even though the neck is wider, the string spacing is retained, so you won’t have to relearn your favorite
Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Top
With so many variations, there is literally a Les Paul for everybody’s taste, the latest of which is the Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Top. Related Feature:Robby Krieger 1954 Les Paul Custom This guitar is meant for players who prefer the look, weight and feel of traditional LP design, but prefers having a mahogany top over the usual maple. The label “Traditional” means that the body of this Les Paul is unrouted, just like how old production models were made. It does not have the modern weight reducing chambers that are now implemented on current production models. Although the effect on tone should be unrecognizable according to a study, some players claim that having they can hear the difference and that a true solid body Les Paul sounds and sustains better. The Limited Edition Gibson Les Paul Traditional Mahogany Top brings this classic design for today’s player to enjoy, and adds a minor twist by employing a carved maple top. According to the company, this combination gives this particular model improved punch and sustain, and that could be debatable – but what’s undeniable is the elegant and earthy look that it gives to the instrument. The neck of is carved from
Gibson Brian Ray SG Standard
Brian Ray gets a signature guitar from Gibson for 2015, a Bigsby vibrato with Vibramate equipped SG Standard. Related Feature:Gibson Diamond SG Guitar The new Gibson Brian Ray SG Standard has a very unique “Silver Fox” finish, something beyond the usual color combinations that we see on SGs. It follows classic design elements and combines them with modern appointments as approved by the artist. Brian Ray is a multi-instrumentalist popularly known for his guitar/bass work with Paul McCartney. He joined Paul’s touring group in 2002 and has been a mainstay ever since. On top of that, he continues to do session work with many big name artists, and as such he has more than enough experience and expertise to know what he is looking for in a guitar. And what he wanted was given to him in the form of the new Brian Ray SG Standard. The guitar starts off with the usual SG double cutaway body design that features sharp cutaway edges. The body is crafted from a single piece of mahogany and finished in special Silver Fox finish in thin wet-sanded nitrocellulose lacquer. The body is where the genuine Bigsby vibrato is installed using Vibramate hardware, which allows