Guitarsite News

Cordoba GK Studio Limited – NAMM 2015

Cordoba introduces the GK Studio Limited, featuring Fishman Presys Blend Electronics and Ziricote back and sides. Related Feature:Cordoba GK Pro Maple This pickup equipped flamenco guitar joins the company’s other two best sellers, carrying with it slight variations to the features and overall design of the first two GK Studio models. This year’s NAMM will be extra busy for Cordoba, especially since they have acquired the Guild brand and are going to display some of their products for the first time. Thankfully they are not using their recent expansion as an excuse to neglect the guitars that helped place them on the map, with a number of new releases scheduled to take place at the event. With the Cordoba GK Studio Limited, the company is taking advantage of the NAMM event to unveil a different variation to their popular GK Studio line, featuring improved playability, built-in electronics and the use of the exotic tonewood Ziricote. The GK Studio Limited features a solid European spruce top that is supported by Ziricote back and sides. Although not as popular as rosewood, Ziricote is actually quite similar in appearance, with the major difference being the olive green and gray highlights of the grain,

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Guild Arcos Acoustic Guitars

Guild has unveiled the AD-3, AD-3CE and AO-3CE Arcos guitars, the newest acoustic guitar series that feature Guild’s signature arched-back design. As the name Arcos implies, this guitar series will highlight Guild’s arched back body, which is designed to provide enhanced volume, projection and provide better structural stability. The Arcos series have common features which include solid Sitka spruce tops, koa rosette, satin finish mahogany necks, rosewood fingerboards, rosewood bridges and bone material nuts and saddles. Electronics for acoustic-electric guitars are provided by Fishman. AD-3 The AD-3 is the Arcos series basic dreadnought guitar. Its solid Sitka spruce top, laminated mahogany sides and arched back, give it a lush, balanced dreadnought sound with excellent volume and resonance. The koa rosette, pearl inlays and rosewood headcap impart a touch of class and understated elegance. Guild AD-3 AD-3CE The AD-3CE is an acoustic electric dreadnought designed for working musicians. It has a cutaway body design that invites players to venture into the upper regions of its premium rosewood fingerboard. Its Fishman Presys Plus pickup system rounds out the package with a host of performer-friendly features, such as an onboard electronic tuner and anti-feedback control. Guild AD-3CE AO-3CE The AO-3CE is Arcos’ performance-driven,

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Keeley Aurora Reverb

Keeley Electronics introduces the Aurora Reverb pedal, featuring three essential reverb modes – Room, Hall and Plate. Related Feature:Keeley GC-2 Limiting Amp Compressor Instead of going for modern versatility, this pedal focuses on traditional reverb and aims to reproduce each of the three modes as close to studio rack boxes as they possibly can. The Keeley Aurora Reverb pedal is the company’s entry into the psycho-acoustic processing reverb market. It is designed to be intuitive to allow for quick setups while still carrying enough depth for customization via the selected parameter controls, all of which are easily accessible on the front fascia of the pedal. The official description says, “At Keeley Electronics, the Aurora Reverb had to meet certain specific criteria. It had to be affordable with no compromise to audio quality. It had to be easy for guitarists to use and be inspiring. And it had to offer the essentials for tailoring your tone without a dozen knobs to learn. Now achieved, we are proud to offer a true bypass, 100% dry analog path, low noise, 24 bit, high-fidelity reverb processor.” Right at the center of the pedal is a toggle switch that lets you change the reverb mode

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Pandora Mini from Korg

The Pandora Mini multi-effects processor has been let out of the box, and is now available in all good music stores that advertise on GuitarSite.com :). Korg released the battery operated Pandora effect processors in 1995. The latest addition to the improving Pandora line of products is the Pandora Mini (which is now shipping), designed for both bass players and guitarists. Korg’s REMS (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System) powers the Pandora Mini, which has 158 effects, that can be split into seven categories: Cabinet Models Pickup and Dynamic Models Delays Amp Models Noise Reduction Modulation and Filter Effects Reverbs Each of the 400 Programs allows for 7 simultaneous effects. There are 200 User Program slots for saving created sounds or patches, and there are 200 Preset Programs. Of these 200 Preset Programs, 115 are tones based on songs, allowing users to quickly get a working tone that prominent guitar players used in the past. Also users can easily get signature tones from famous guitar players. The Pandora Mini has 100 rhythm and metronome patterns available, this can be used for tempo training, jamming and composing. The Tap tempo button allows for easier rhythm or delay tempo. As usual,

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NAMM 2011 – New Eventide Space Reverb Stompbox

Eventide have put out this release for their NAMM product announcement: Today, Eventide announced the newest addition to its stompbox product line: Space. Space features 12 of Eventide’s signature reverb combination effects taken from the H8000FW and Eclipse V4 along with some startling new magic. These unique effects, previously available only in Eventide rack processors, are now available in a compact, roadworthy package. Never before has there been a more dazzling collection of reverb algorithms combined with delays, pitch shifting, tremolo, modulation, and spatial effects in such a compact and affordable package. Space will be available in February at an Eventide stompbox dealer near you. 12 of Eventide’s signature reverb combo algorithms: – Room – Plate – Spring – Hall – Reverse – Shimmer – ModEchoVerb – DualVerb – Blackhole – MangledVerb – TremoloVerb – DynaVerb Wide variety of spatial effects including basic reverbs, delays and unique combination effects Studio quality sound Compatible with any source material – solo instruments, drums, vocals, or complete mixes Software upgradeable via USB 2.0 MIDI control via USB or MIDI in, out/thru Instant program change Real-time control with 10 knobs, MIDI, or Expression Pedal Tap tempo and MIDI clock sync 100 factory presets, unlimited

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6707 Single Coils now available

WB Custom Guitar Pickups 67-07 Single Coils Limited’s are now avaliable. After being road tested and given the big thumbs up. I am proud to offer them. Wound traditional style on my vintage winder. They will come in 2 different output sets. Lo-Drive and Hot Rod. These calibrated sets features staggered beveled Alnico V magnets and the real tone of authentic vintage 60’s wire. These can come straight vintage or with a middle reverse wound option for hum canceling in the #2 and #4 positions. Understand that I will wind the middle pickup for all sets as the order comes in to make sure this can be an option. All the necks and bridges are done for all sets. So please allow 7-10 days for delivery. There will also be only 15 sets of each Low Drive and Hot Rods that will have the Alnico 2 magnets. The number of these start at the number 36 of 50 and can be ordered now and will ship in 7-10 days. The Reverse option will also be available for the A2 sets. Total 50 numbered sets of each outputs will be made only! 50 of the Lo-Drives 6707’s and 50 of the

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Ibanez X Series Falchion XF350

Ibanez recently introduced the new X Series Falchion, inspired by the hand to hand combat sword of the same name. [Click to Enlarge] The X Series is Ibanez way of reintroducing non-traditional guitar shapes into their production. It is also their excuse to turn their radical thoughts into guitars without any form of limitation. The new X Series Falchion continues in this tradition, it is designed to stand out both in visuals and sounds. The XF350 Falchion, according to Ibanez, was inspired by the sword that was used by the Normans during the Middle Ages. It is not only as edgy as the sword, it is also as deadly – in playability and tone. The guitar has a lightweight Mahogany wood body so you can jump and move around while you pound on your riffs. It has a neck-thru construction for stability and playability. The neck – like the blade of a real Falchion – is fast, flat and thin. It is a 3 piece Maple Wizard III neck that will let you bring out your quick and monster chops with ease. The X Series Falchion has the Edge III double locking tremolo system to make sure that you rock

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Positive Grid BT-2 and BT-4 Bluetooth MIDI Controller

Positive Grid introduces the BT-2 and BT-4, fully-programmable MIDI controllers that connect via Bluetooth to your iPad, iPhone and Mac. Related Feature:Positive Grid BIAS This new 2 and four button MIDI controller allows for convenient wireless operation of your favorite iOS/Mac guitar and music apps. These controllers free up the hands of guitarists, bassists, pianists, vocalists and even music producers, ideal for rehearsals, live performances and even in the studio. The new foot controllers are meant to be used with Positive Grid’s iOS apps, namely JamUp and Bias, but they also work with other MIDI capable apps like Garageband, Auria, Onsong and many more. Its main selling feature is wireless connectivity, which means quick setups and less cable clutter. You can use them much like a regular pedalboard controller, just assign each button to particular stompbox effects and parameters that you want to change and you are all set. Aside from pedalboard like behavior, the unit can also be assigned to do other MIDI-supported tasks like volume switching or turn your sheet music without having to touch the screen of your tablets. Both MIDI controllers feature Bluetooth 4.0 technology, allowing for wireless connection with your iOS device or Mac. An

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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.

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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