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Vox Starstream Type-1 Modeling Guitar – NAMM 2016

Vox unveils the Starstream Type-1, a dual humbucker guitar equipped with built-in instrument modeling.

Vox Starstream Type-1 Modeling Guitar

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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 looking for more sonic palettes to add to their tracks. According to the press release, “Using highly developed DSP logic and fine tuning information from the string itself, Starstream Type-1 provides authentic synth sounds that can be played naturally and without fear of glitches or missed notes.”

To reproduce the modeled electric guitar sounds, Vox employed their proprietary AREOS-D system, which uses the guitar’s traditional magnetic pickups to create the electric guitar sounds. It would seem that this technology is similar to current amp modeling tech, albeit this one transforms the guitar’s natural sound into that of a different guitar, and since it uses the actual magnetic pickups, it should retain playing dynamics for improved realism. This system has a control module that allow for tone-shaping and instrument shifting.

Matching the guitar’s hi-tech electronics, Vox utilized a truly unique looking 3D contoured body design for the body. The body is described as sculpted mango, while the neck is crafted from maple, topped by a 22 fret rosewood fretboard. Vox US Brand Manager Brian Piccolo said, “The unique frame construction of the Starstream Type-1, is the result of advanced ergonomic design practices and the innovative three-dimensional molded frame creates an ultra-modern look. Starstream conforms to your body in a way no wooden guitar can. Its unique shape and form echo the forward thinking offered by its advanced electronics.”

Check out the official video demo of the Vox Starstream Type-1 below:

Brian concludes, “The Starstream Type-1 is an exceptionally versatile instrument, ready to be explored by the modern guitarist. If your goal is to have the flexibility to include a wide variety of instruments to suit your music, your mood or simply to explore new sounds, we’ve put everything you’ll need right in this guitar.

I’ve seen the new Vox Starstream Type-1 currently retailing in the UK for £659.00, US pricing will soon be available. For more information, visit Vox Amps.

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