Guitarsite News
GuitarJack Model 2 by Sonoma Wire Works
Sonoma Wire Works introduces the new GuitarJack Model 2, a new multi featured iOS audio interface specifically designed for guitars. GuitarJack is Sonomo Wire Works response to the ever increasing demand for quality guitar related audio interface for iOS devices. The guys at Sonoma Wire Works claim that this costlier adapter was built with premium parts and is sturdier and better sounding than the cheaper alternatives. The primary purpose of GuitarJack is to let you connect your guitar to your iOS device, and GuitarJack Model 2 is able to accomplish this in style. It matches the sleek form of iPhones and iPads and is a nice looking accessory. Although designed for guitars, it is in no way limited to just one instrument. You can connect a wide variety of instruments, microphones, and other audio hardware to your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch via the 1/4 inch instrument and 1/8 inch stereo mic/line inputs. Once connected to GuitarJack, you can then turn your iOS device into your pocket amplifier or effects unit with the many available guitar amp modeling iOS applications. Sonoma Wire Works is also developing their own guitar amp application called GuitarTone which can fully utilize the GuitarJack hardware.
AmpKit App & AmpKit LiNK Guitar Interface Review for iPhone and iPad
No doubt you are totally aware of the iRig and Amplitude combination from IK Mulitmedia, but you may not be aware that there are a number of alternative options out there both for the hardware to connect to your iOS device, and for the software you can run on it. The following videos provide a thoughtful review of the guitar amp, cabinet, pedal and mic modeling app AmpKit from Agile Partners, plus the AmpKit LiNK hardware from Peavey Electronics that lets you plug your guitar or bass into an iPhone or iPad. One of the features of AmpKit LiNK is the fact that it is powered – sure that means you have to supply batteries instead of it simply being powered by the USB supply, but that means you don’t end up with the electricity supply causing interference to the audio signal from your guitar. Another one is that LiNK utilizes metal around the jack sockets, whereas iRig only has plastic. Although neither of these two guitar interfaces have been around long enough for the final word to be spoken, my first guess is that the metal option provides for sturdier hardware that will last longer – but time will
RiffWorks celebrates worldwide distribution with RiffRumble VII song contest
RiffWorks Standard by Sonoma Wire Works, distributed by IK Multimedia, is now available from resellers worldwide. More RiffWorks users than ever have the opportunity to participate in Sonoma Wire Works' RiffRumble VII song contest. Even users of Sonoma's free RiffWorks Demo can participate. There is no purchase necessary and no contest entry fee. Three guitar players can win over $700 in prizes from IK Multimedia, Sonic Reality, Disc Makers, CD Baby, and Recording Magazine. RiffWorks users have from April 4 – 17 to submit an original song to RiffRumble VII. The public and judges will vote for their favorite songs April 18 – 24. Winners will be chosen in three categories: Popularity, Contestants' Choice, and Sonic Reality's Choice. Three prize packs will be given away. Each pack includes IK Multimedia's AmpliTube® 2 (or RiffWorks Standard with AmpliTube 2 Live), 5 InstantDrummer sessions from Sonic Reality, a $200 coupon and 100 blank CD-Rs from Disc Makers, a one-year subscription to Recording Magazine, and a free CD Baby membership. Click here for more details about RiffRumble VII: http://www.sonomawireworks.com/riffrumbleVII RiffWorks Demo users can participate in RiffRumble VII. The demo offers most of the same features as the complete version – intuitive recording interface,
Free Taylor EQ App for iOS devices
Sonoma Wire Works has teamed up with Taylor Guitars to create the free Taylor EQ app: an input EQ for enhancing the sound of a Taylor guitar when played through GuitarJack on an iOS device. Related Feature:The Best EQ Pedal Roundup Select from a range of EQ presets that complement Taylor’s signature guitar body shapes, including the Grand Auditorium, Grand Symphony, Grand Concert, Dreadnought, T5, or the new GS Mini. Each EQ preset was custom designed by Taylor Guitars’ engineers to optimize the tone of each body shape for use with the GuitarJack. Customize your own presets and play along with songs from your iTunes library, making the Taylor EQ the perfect practice tool for any guitar owner. Taylor EQ is the first free app to include the GuitarJack control panel, which allows users to configure the GuitarJack settings. While the Taylor EQ app will work with most iPhone guitar adapters and any acoustic guitar, it is optimized for use with the GuitarJack and Taylor guitars equipped with the company’s Expression System for the highest quality sound. The Taylor EQ is the first free app to include the GuitarJack control panel, which allows users to configure the GuitarJack settings and
Sonoma WireWorks GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini
Sonoma WireWorks introduces their latest studio quality multi-platform audio interfaces, the GuitarJack Stage and the StudioJack Mini. GuitarJack Stage Related Feature:Amp Modeling Software These are the successors to the company’s popular GuitarJack Model 2, with improved features and compatibility, while retaining the reliability and quality of their predecessor. The company describes these next generation interfaces as the ultimate mobile and computer music creation tool, compatible with major recording platforms that include Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and even Android systems. The GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini are designed to cater to your need to practice, record and play live anywhere with a computer or mobile computer device. Sonoma Wire Works’ new generation of studio quality interfaces provide the ultimate mobile and computer music creation experience on compatible Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android systems. StudioJack Mini The smaller StudioJack Mini is meant to be a versatile and portable audio interface, where musicians can record, practice, and even perform live anywhere with a computer or mobile device using popular audio software. It has a compact form factor that makes it easy to carry and position anywhere, be it on top of an amp or rig, or on a
Fender Mustang Mini Amplifier
The Mustang Mini Amplifier is Fender’s latest portable, ultra compact amplifier with built in effects and amp modeling, and is nominated as one of the best practice amps. [Click to see Control Panel] The Mustang Mini Amp is the latest addition to the Mustang amplifier line. Only this time, Fender decided to make a Mustang that is compact, mobile, battery powered and USB compatible. You have instant noodles then you have this, your instant Fender amp. Without even going into much detail of its specifications, take one glance at this baby amp and you will immediately fall in love with it’s cutesy look. It still has that macho fender mustang amp design with it’s carbon-tweed cosmetics, but in a cuter package – think Japanese “Chibi”. At a mere 7.25 lbs, the Mustang Mini will literally be your baby, lightweight and compact, you won’t have to strain your back lugging it around for gigs, and with the Fender logo, you’d be a proud dad or mom where ever you go. Don’t be fooled by it’s cute looks though, because it does pack a good punch. Packed in with the 6.5″, 7 Watt speaker, are electronics loaded with 8 digital amp models
Eric Clapton Signature EC Series Amplifiers from Fender
Fender unveils its first artist signature amplifier, the EC Series Amplifiers which carries with it the name, ideas and specifications of Eric Clapton. [Click to Enlarge] The EC series amps were built under the exacting scrutiny and specifications of Mr. SlowHand himself, based on ’50s era Fender Amps. For years, Eric Clapton’s legendary guitar tone has been the standard go-to tone for Fender Tweed amps. So Fender consulted and collaborated with Clapton, and using his decades worth of experience and expertise, has come up with a new breed of Fender Tweed Tube amps. The three amp models are the EC Twinolux (2×12”) which is based on the ’57 Twin, the EC Tremolux (1×12”) which is based on the ’57 Deluxe and the EC Vibro-Champ (1×8”) which is based on the ’57 Champ. The EC series are specially and meticulously Handmade – rather SlowHand made – in the United States. They all have hand-wired all tube circuitry eyelet boards, with nothing but premium components installed. The EC series amps all have Groove Tubes installed, 6v6GT for the EC Vibro-Champ and EC Tremolux, while the EC Twinolux uses 6L6GE. Other common features are a switchable power attenuator for lower volume practice use,
Tele Servo Bender – Guitar and Pedal Steel Hybrid
The Tele Servo Bender has generated quite the buzz in Reddit’s guitar section and it’s easy to see why, this DIY guitar features four servo motors that bends the A, D, G and B strings via foot pedals. Related Feature:Gibson Min-ETune – Automatic Tuner The man behind this impressive contraption goes by the alias Gr4yhound, he announced his invention at Reddit, posted photos of how he built the instrument and shared a video demo that showcased the authentic pedal steel sounds of the guitar. I’ve always envied the convenience of the keyboard’s pitch wheel, and was hoping that it could soon be available for guitar so this was pretty exciting. After the successful implementation of mechanical tuners like Tronical’s MinETune, I was kind of disappointed when they just stuck to basic tuning and did not implement mechanical pitch bending capabilities. At first I was skeptical, but just a few pedal steel licks into demo video and I was convinced. The Tele Servo Bender shows that mechanical pitch bending is indeed possible, with some modification on the instrument. According to the inventor, the guitar has four servo motors installed on the bridge which bend the A, D, G and B strings.
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor-II PRO
Epiphone expand their archtop line with the updated Joe Pass Emperor-II PRO, now with coil-tapping pickups. Related Feature:Archtop Jazz Guitars This updated version builds on the original by utilizing coil-tapping capable Probucker pickups, allowing for single coil style sounds while retaining the traditional HH configuration, allowing for more tone options without drastically changing the look and feel of the instrument. The Joe Pass Emperor guitar is a staple signature instrument in Epiphone’s line up, and thanks to its namesake artist, this guitar helped build the brand’s reputation and recognition when it comes to archtop jazz guitars. The original was co-designed by jazz legend Joe Pass, who is considered a the “President of Be Bop Guitar”. His virtuosity, popularity and influence over modern jazz music is without question, and this prestige carried over to the signature guitar that he approved. While the original version continues to be in demand, the company has decided that they need to update the design to make it more relevant to the needs of today’s players, and the result is the new Joe Pass Emperor-II Pro. The most notable change is the use of Epiphone’s Probucker pickups and the inclusion of coil-tapping circuitry, this would give
Epiphone Blueshawk Deluxe
Epiphone introduces the Blueshawk Deluxe, a semi-hollow guitar that was previously part of Gibson’s lineup. Related Feature:Epiphone Gary Clark Jr Signature The Gibson Blueshawk were first produced in 1996 and run in production for ten years, and was known as the thinline Les Paul, now Epiphone is bringing back the discontinued model with added modern features and at a more affordable price point. Although it does have the same silhouette of the Les Paul, the Blueshawk’s specifications and design is actually far from being another LP. It has long scale length, contoured back and string-through-body that resembles a guitar from its rival company, the Thinline Telecaster. Because of its different specs, it is not far fetched to think that this guitar is actually meant to compete with the Thinline Tele when it was conceived. Still it remains as one of the few truly unique Les Paul inspired designs to come out from Gibson, thankfully Epiphone has taken over and will be making this cool design more accessible. The new Epiphone Blueshawk Deluxe carries over the same chambered mahogany body with contoured back and maple top. It is shaped like a Les Paul with a single cutaway and upper bout curve.
Microphone Mania
A New Prospective on Microphone Technology by Dean L. Farley. Over the 35 years since I took up playing the guitar, I have been continually intrigued and mystified by a microphone’s ability to dramatically and (sometimes) drastically affect your guitar’s sound in both recording and live performance applications. For this review, we decided to concentrate on three key areas: Acoustic guitar miking, amplifier/cabinet miking, and ambient room miking for both electric and acoustic guitar. Related Feature: AKG Microphone Reviews The other $64,000 question pondered was, “How much QUALITY sound can you get for the least amount of money?” We contacted several manufacturers to assist and participate in our quest(s) with three highly respected firms keenly responding with a battery of microphones for our perusal; Audio-Technica, AKG and Conneaut Audio Devices (CAD a.k.a. Equitek). Our study was conducted over the course of a nine month period and was (saying the least) very exhaustive and INTENSE. Much time was spent with each and every one of our test mics. This, in itself, was extremely time consuming but well worth the effort, because hopefully, it will give our reading audience some new insights into just how incredibly crucial the microphone’s role is in
LR Baggs Lyric Classical Acoustic Microphone – NAMM 2014
At the upcoming NAMM 2014, LR Baggs will be introducing the new Lyric Classical transducer – designed specifically for nylon string guitars. Related Feature:VO-96 Acoustic Synthesis This new microphone and preamp system is a follow up to the Lyric Acoustic Guitar Microphone, employing the same design but tweaked for classical guitar applications. LR Baggs utilized their “Tru-Mic Technology”, which replaces the typical piezo pickup with an actual microphone that is supposed to accurately represent the voice of your acoustic instrument. Like the acoustic guitar version, the assembly is lightweight and easily mounts to your guitar without having to add any modifications. All you have to do is attach the featherweight microphone to the underside of the bridge plate via a peel & stick adhesive and it will work its magic. The mic is designed to leverage the “pressure-zone” principle, with its capsule positioned just 3mm from the surface of the top to let the mic hear the entire soundboard resulting in a more balanced and even tone. The proximity also allows higher gain before feedback, working together with the built-in noise canceling technology that rejects reflections inside the body of the guitar. According to LR Baggs, the resulting sound is
Yamaha TRBX505 5-String Bass
Yamaha introduces the TRBX505 5-String Bass, featuring a solid mahogany body with active/passive preamp switching. This bass is designed to be comfortable and at the same time provide a wide spectra of tones via the availability of both passive and active circuitry. The TRBX505 comes with a 3D sculpted solid mahogany body that provides a balance between tone, looks and equal weight distribution. You will notice that the cutaway extends up to the end of the neck, this should make it easier to reach the higher frets. The 5-pc maple/mahogany neck provides the stability required to handle the stress of five bass strings. It is bolted into the body with a scale length of 34″ and is topped with a Rosewood fingerboard. What makes the TRBX505 interesting is its active/passive preamp design. With just a flick of a switch, the two HHB5 Alnico V pickups can work as a conventional passive pickup or as an active pickup for more aggressive lows. The multi-polepiece pickups are designed to drive the active circuit in active mode, or to capture the nuances of your playing style when in passive mode. The technology behind this preamp switching automatically matches the output level as you
Line 6 Now Under Yamaha
Music gear giant Yamaha announces acquisition of popular amp and effects modeling manufacturer Line 6. Related Feature:Variax HD Upgrade This is big news for the guitar community because it expands Yamaha’s guitar processing products and pro-audio equipment and it lends Yamaha’s global presence and years of experience to Line 6. This is expected to result in faster expansion for both companies. Being one of the pioneers of digital amp modeling, Line 6 continues to be a major player in this field, and has since expanded into guitar effects modeling, wireless systems and even professional audio equipment like mixers and speakers. This new agreement will still see Line 6 operate as before with its current management team, only this time Yamaha will be overseeing their operations and they will be lending their deep pockets and global reach to the Line 6 brand. Mr. Takuya Nakata, President of Yamaha Corporation, said: “I am very happy that Line 6, which has been creating innovative products and creating new market opportunities consistently over its history, will become a member of the Yamaha group. We look forward to accelerating our growth strategy by pursuing the beneficial effects from both companies and by utilizing Line 6’s
Guild M-140E
Guild Guitars introduces the M-140E an all-solid-wood acoustic-electric guitar with ’60s style design and cosmetics. Related Feature:More Sub $1000 Acoustic Guitars It is part of their new Westerly Collection of instruments that are inspired by the designs the company used back when they were building guitars at their Westerly, Rhode Island facility, a period considered to be the golden era of the company. This is an interesting move by the company, especially now that the brand was just sold by Fender to Cordoba. Going back to their pre-Fender designs will hopefully bring back the Guild acoustic identity to help build the brand back to its once strong market position. Guild President Jonathan Thomas said, “We had three things in mind when developing The Westerly Collection: give players an incredible all solid wood acoustic guitar between $649-$1099 MAP, offer dealers great margins, and capture Guild’s iconic design and styling that has made it one of great brands in guitars for so long.“ As part of their rebranding, the Westerly Collection will be using an improved naming convention that will better indicate the guitar’s wood composition and shape. In the case of the new M-140E, “M” signifies Concert,
Bedell Guitars 1964 and Coffeehouse Series
Bedell Guitars pays tribute to the ’60s era folk/rock movement with the 1964 Series and the Coffeehouse Series. Bedell Coffeehouse TBCH-26-SB These guitars are meant to reproduce the organic feel and sound of old guitars, inducing ’60s nostalgia with their look and tone. These two new series from Bedell oozes with the spirit of Peace, Love & Rock n’ Roll – 100% made in the USA and featuring sound and aesthetics that is reminiscent of a very important era in guitar music. Both the 1964 and the Coffeehouse Series feature a vintage look, feel and sound. They feature all-solid tone woods, Adirondack “X” scalloped tone bars and dovetail neck joints that result in a expressive and playable instrument. Each of the guitars feature top quality materials starting with the use of a solid one-piece mahogany wood for the neck. The fretboard, bridge and headstock veneer are crafted from solid African ebony. The 1964 Series come with solid Sitka spruce tops matched with solid mahogany back and sides, while the Coffeehouse Series feature solid Engelmann spruce tops, paired with solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Even the binding on each of the guitars are made from solid wood. Bedell Guitars is
Gibson Trini Lopez ES-335 Ebony 2015
Gibson Memphis releases a limited edition Trini Lopez ES-335 for 2015, distinguished by its ebony finish. Related Feature:Gibson Dave Grohl ES-335 Although not as popular as other signature models, the unique look of the Trini Lopez provides a breath of fresh air especially when viewing the company’s semi-hollow guitar line. Gibson and American singer/guitarist Trini Lopez worked together in the early ’60s to design and produce the original Trini Lopez signature, and the guitars were in production from 1964 to 1971. Today, vintage Gibson Trini Lopez guitars are sought after and prized by professionals and collectors. Even Dave Grohl based his signature Gibson model from the Trini Lopez, and it ended up being well received and were quickly sold out! Following up on its success, Gibson releases a limited run version that also carries some of the improvements that were implemented across their 2015 line of instruments. The elegant black finish of the Trini Lopez ES-335 Ebony 2015 will easily appeal to blues and rock players who are willing to pay the premium for a special run guitar. The most distinct feature of the Trini Lopez signature is its six-a-side headstock, which is based on the Gibson Firebird. It provides
Gibson Eden of Coronet Diamond Guitar
Gibson teams up with jewelers to create “Eden of Coronet”, an SG guitar embellished with $2 million worth of diamonds! Related Feature: Gibson Les Paul Supreme 2015 The guitar now holds the Guinness World Record as the most expensive guitar ever created, and is currently on display at the 2015 Baselworld international trade fair for jewelry and watches at Switzerland. Even more interesting than its $2M price tag is how the guitar is getting a lot flak from guitarists online, many of which comment that the Diamond-Studded SG does not look as impressive as expected from it’s price tag. The response from guitarists is quite ironic, especially since the guitar was designed and crafted by a group of arts and crafts specialists, which include sixty-two artisans, three product development specialists and two project managers. It is said that it took a total of 68 people and 700 man-days to complete the project! Love it or hate it, the guitar did achieve what it was meant to accomplish, become an interesting centerpiece for Aaron Shum’s Coronet brand and become a Guinness World Records title holder. Aaron Shum gave credit to the other parties that helped
DigiTech JamMan Solo XT Looper
The JamMan Solo XT is the newest looper from DigiTech, a standard size pedal with true stereo looping and Micro SD support. Other features that were packed into this compact pedal include Dial-in BPM, Auto-Record, Auto-Quantize and DigiTech’s JamSync. DigiTech has years of experience when it comes to providing guitarists with a working and great sounding looper. Their JamMan brand of loopers is highly regarded by many guitar players. With the new JamMan Solo XT, they are adding into their already successful design with modern features. While other loopers have time limitation, the Jamman Solo XT can store over 35 minutes of stereo, CD-Quality loops in its internal memories. An optional mini SDHC card can store even more loops, adding over 16 hours of CD-quality loops. If all this memory is not enough, you can use the built-in USB port to connect the pedal to your computer and use the JamManager XT software. This software lets you create virtually limitless loops by allowing you to save your loops and organizing them into usable presets which you can access anytime in live situation. You can literally load multiple instruments and and turn this pedal into a virtual song accompaniment. JamSync Another
Line 6 introduces the JM4 Looper
Line 6 JM4 Looper is included in our Best Loop Pedal list. Line 6 has introduced JM4 Looper, a looping stompbox that combines a complete palette of vivid guitar sounds and explosive jam tracks performed by world-class studio musicians. Packed full of recorded jam tracks featuring Jason Bonham, Tony Franklin, Carmine Appice, Gregg Bissonette and many others slamming the drums, thumping the bass and strumming guitars, JM4 Looper boasts more than 100 jam tracks in over 10 different styles from country to heavy metal. The organic, entirely human jam tracks will send players' pulses racing and their fingers craving their fretboards. Plus, JM4 Looper can loop its jam tracks endlessly letting players shred for hours. Perfect for practicing and songwriting, JM4 Looper also facilitates performance. Ideal for on-the-fly recording at home or onstage, JM4 Looper features 1/4-inch instrument and aux inputs, an 1/8-inch CD/MP3 input and a balanced XLR microphone input for sound-on-sound loop recording of guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals. Complete with an extensive collection of famous guitar sounds, JM4 Looper gives players access to 200+ artist-created presets, 150+ song-based presets, 12 original Line 6 amp models, seven guitar effects, vocal effects and 36 banks for saving user-created tones.