Guitarsite News

JHS Crayon Pedal

JHS introduces the Crayon pedal, a stripped down version of the Colour Box, with the same direct-to-console fuzz. Related Feature:JHS Muffuletta Distortion/Fuzz This is a dirt box inspired by the popular Beatles tune “Revolution 1”, but this one is made more compact, guitarist friendly and with more sonic versatility. Like its bigger brother, the Crayon pedal mimics the piercing fuzz tone that was employed by the Beatles on “Revolution 1”, which is the slower but equally rocking arrangement of their popular song as heard on their White Album. It is said that Harrison and Lennon’s guitar signal were routed to two microphone preamps in series, both of which were overloaded to just below the point where the mixing console would overheat. The result is what we heard on the track, a biting fuzz sound that has become as memorable as the song itself. This “direct to console” distortion sound inspired the JHS Colour Box which was released in May of 2014. As expected some guitarists wanted a simpler dirt box style version without the 3 band EQ, or XLR connectivity, and this prompted the company to design and produce the Crayon pedal. Instead of being a studio-preamp like the original

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Peavey ValveKing II Tube Amps

Peavey Electronics update their affordable ValveKing line of tube amps with four new models that feature modern performance and recording capabilities. Related Feature:Sub-$500 Guitar Amps The four new amp models have started shipping this month, namely the ValveKing Micro Head, ValveKing Head, ValveKing Combo 20 and ValveKing Combo 50. Launched in 2005, the original ValveKing line quickly rose to fame, thanks to its boutique-like features and affordable price tag. Now Peavey is taking this design even further by expanding the amp’s tonal spectrum, improving reliability and injecting modern features that simplifies recording and live performance. To expand your tonal palette, the new ValveKing amps feature their proprietary “Vari-Class” knob that lets you tweak the amp class characteristics from Class A to Class A/B and everything in between. It works with the amp’s variable power control to let you tailor your sound regardless of volume level. These modern features work on top of the amp’s two independent footswitchable channels and dedicated EQs, which means that you have a wide variety of ways to shape your tone. The next generation ValveKing amps now come with USB direct recording output, sending mic’ed amp tones directly to your computer. This is made possible by

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Peavey Joe Satriani JSX Mini Colossal amp now available

Peavey and guitar hero Joe Satriani proudly introduce the JSX Mini Colossal, an authentically vintage, miniature class-A marvel. The Mini Colossal is the third amplifier in the popular Peavey JSX Series. The JSX Mini Colossal combines a 12AX7 preamp tube and an EL84 power tube in a class-A topology that has no negative feedback. The new Peavey-exclusive Power Sponge™ output attenuator continuously adjusts the power output of the amplifier from 5 watts to 0 watts while maintaining the distortion characteristics of the class-A power amp at any volume level. A built-in transformer-balanced XLR direct output with a unique microphone simulator allows players to send the amplifier signal to a recording device or front-of-house mix without the use of a microphone, while an onboard optical tremolo circuit with speed and intensity adjustments adds a vintage-amp vibe. “There’s a dynamic thing happening with class-A amps that is completely different from modern-style amplifiers,” said Satriani. “A modern amp like the JSX Head allows you tons of gain, regardless of the amount of pressure you play with, but when you play through a class-A amp and hit a note very lightly, it doesn’t sound like it has any gain behind it. With each little

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Peavey 50th Anniversary Amps – NAMM 2015

Peavey unveils two limited edition commemorative amplifiers that will only be available for 2015, the 50th Anniversary 6505+ head and 50th Anniversary Classic 30 112 combo. Peavey 50th Anniversary 6505+ These two amps are part of a long list of new products that the company will be showcasing at the 2015 NAMM Show, which include new guitar and bass amplifiers, speakers and mixers. Related Feature:Peavey Valveking II The company’s beginnings is traced to have started over 5 decades ago in Hartley Peavey’s basement, and it was founded in 1965 after Hartley have had enough experience building amplifiers. From it’s humble beginnings, the company has now grown to become one of the largest music gear production company in the world. In honor of this landmark golden anniversary, the company is releasing commemorative versions of two of their most popular amplifiers, and limiting their release to just within the year 2015. Peavey 50th Anniversary 6505+ As expected the popular 6505+ amplifier head gets the commemorative treatment. This amp is the successor to the Van Halen signature Peavey 5150 and carries with it the familiar high-gain tone that helped shape the way we hear rock guitars today. The 50th anniversary 6505 Plus head

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iRig UA – Audio Adapter for Android Devices

IK Multimedia announces the availability of the new iRig UA digital effects processor and audio interface, designed for connecting your guitar or bass to an Android device. Related Feature:Guitar Effects Software This multi-instrument compatible interface comes with onboard Digital Signal Processor (DSP), allowing for zero-latency real-time audio processing for almost all types of Android smartphones and tablets that are running version 4.2 or later, OTG USB mode. Apple’s iOS devices have for years been able to do real-time recording and effects processing, and it is only recently that finally guitars can actually be plugged into an Android device and add effects and record audio in real time. The first few that were able to do this were the expensive top tier phones from Samsung, which defeats the purpose of Android being a more affordable and accessible alternative to iOS devices. Now IK Multimedia has developed a workaround for the hardware limitations of Android phones, that is to install a “Digital Signal Processor” within the adapter itself so that the phone will simply accept an already converted analog signal. This means that all the audio processing load are handled by the iRig UA, freeing up the limited resources of your Android

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iRig HD

IK Multimedia introduces the iRig HD, the sequel to their popular guitar interface, now with improved compatibility and digital audio quality. The new iRig HD now lets you connect your favorite instrument directly to your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC computer while retaining studio quality sounds. Boasting of over half a million units sold worldwide, there is no doubt that original iRig is immensely popular. Rig was one of the pioneers that took mobile guitar playing seriously, revolutionizing the mobile guitar interface industry and allowing guitarists to use their iOS devices as their software amp or effects modeler. Now IK Multimedia is taking the iRig’s compact and simple design to the next level, by employing digital to analog audio conversion. Like the original, iRig HD is compatible with AmpliTube and a wide range of amps, effects and music production apps for the iOS format. With this compact device, you can conveniently play with the sound of your favorite modeled amplifiers and effects, compose entire songs and record your ideas or performances – right on your phone, tablet or computer. Now with built-in 24-bit digital to analog converter, iRig HD sports an enhanced the audio quality and is able to provide

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Keeley Katana Blues Drive

Keeley Electronics is now shipping the Katana Blues Drive, featuring active tone controls and “layered” overdrive. Related Feature:Keeley Magnetic Echo This pedal is based on the company’s popular Katana Boost pedal, with some modifications for improved overdrive tones at lower volume levels. According to the company, this pedal is designed to capture the touch sensitivity and dynamics of tube overdrive while allowing the full tonal range of your guitar signal to pass through. To achieve this, they have taken the JFET stages of the Katana Boost pedal and mixed it with a special overdrive circuit that showcases the company’s experience with overdrive pedal modifications. Said to be 13 years in the making, Keeley Electronics combined their experience, expertise and customer feedback to build the Katana Blues Drive. They describe the pedal has having rich, thick and transparent tone. The pedal is equipped with basic controls for adjusting the output level and drive, allowing for tones from slightly dirty to medium-gain. The description speaks of a special overdrive circuit that creates “layers” of overdrive, but not much else was explained about it. Two “Active” tone shaping knobs are also provided for improved control over the highs and lows frequencies. Check out

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eTipbook Guitar Apps

Looking to buy guitar gear? Here are three eTipbook apps that can help you in picking up your next guitar, bass and other related gear. Related Feature:Best Guitar Effects Software The three new apps are the eTipbook Acoustic Guitar, the eTipbook Electric Guitar & Bass Guitar, and the eTipbook Amplifiers & Effects. All of which are based on actual books that Tipbook have published, converted into an easy to use app format. The Tipbook Series covers a wide range of musical instruments, along with music playing techniques. These apps are meant for guitar players, their easy to understand interface makes them ideal for beginners, while retaining enough depth that even some advanced users might appreciate. The company assures that the tips they provide are unbiased and straight to the point. Each Tipbook is designed to answer important questions about musical subjects and your favorite instruments. They are like reference guides or manuals that covers multiple brands of gear, providing information with as little bias as they possible can. Everything from instrument selection, style, and even accessories are dealt with in detail, with dedicated chapters for maintenance, setup adjustments, and tuning. eTipbook Acoustic Guitar, The eTipbook Acoustic Guitar is the app

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JamUp Multi Effects Guitar App Update

Positive Grid updates JamUp Multi Effects, their flagship guitar and bass iOS app, with three new expansion packs and other extra features. Related Feature:Positive Grid Bias for iPhone Three New Expansion Packs are Vintage Effects, Acoustic Pro and Gurus Amps. The update also include Bias app integration with a free customizable amp, new preset manager, improved GUI and a new JamUp Store. JamUp XT and the commercial version JamUp Pro XT are now updated to version 3.5.0. The app continues to provide guitar and bass players with the amp and effects tones that they need right inside their iPhone or iPad. Recreation of vintage effects are quite common in the digital modeling world, but the Acoustic Pro expansion pack that brings with it acoustic modeling is quite special. The team up with Guru Amp is also something to look forward for in this update. Positive Grid Marketing Manager Jaime Ruchman said, “New JamUp is the celebration of three years since the original JamUp hit the market, so we created a full blown new version. Musicians can now revive the classic tone and feel of vintage amps and effects, and this time we were able to collaborate with Gurus Amps to

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AmpliTube Mesa/Boogie

IK Multimedia has just assimilated Mesa/Boogie into their amp modeling software AmpliTube, set to release five amplifier and cabinet models. Related Feature:AmpliTube Orange This expands AmpliTube’s lineup of virtual amplifiers, giving users the option to use Mesa/Boogie approved models of their high-gain amps and cabinets. Mesa/Boogie is known as one of the pioneers of high-gain amp, made popular by the longer sustain that the Mark I Boogie can produce. The company was able to achieve this by cascading tube preamps, which by then was not as common as it is today. Up to this day, they follow the same concept albeit with modern enhancements and improvements. If you’re not familiar with Mesa/Boogie, then these ’70s era artists should help you remember: Carlos Santana, Pete Townshend, Keith Richards, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Grateful Dead and many more. Their modern “scooped” tone was heard on many radio hits in the ’90s, including songs by Limp Bizkit, Korn, Linkin’ Park, Creed and others. Not one to shy away from technological advancements, Mesa/Boogie has teamed up with IK Multimedia to recreate their popular amps and cabs in digital model formats, which is a first for the company. Included in

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Dunlop Reproduces the First Wah Pedal

Dunlop introduces the Clyde McCoy Cry Baby CM95, a modern reproduction of the first wah wah ever made. Related Feature:Dunlop Cry Baby Wah This pedal is described as a modernized classic, featuring the same throaty voicing and sweep of the original while utilizing modern production methods for improved reliability and consistency. It’s quite surprising to know that the first production wah wah pedal ever built had the signature of a jazz trumpeter! The pedal was named after the famous American trumpeter because the effect somewhat resembled McCoy’s “wah wah” trumpet mute technique. To this day the wah pedal continues to be an important tool used by many players, and is a staple in every guitar rig – be it virtual or analog. Dunlop shared the a quick story behind this remake: ” Years ago, we inherited the original tooling and machinery used to design and manufacture the first Clyde McCoy pedals from the Thomas Organ Company and Jen Electronica. Combining these resources with our own 30+ years of experience developing and manufacturing wah wahs allowed us to create the most fitting tribute to the original Clyde McCoy Wah Wah.” To get the same vocal quality of the original pedal, Dunlop

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Source Audio Reflex Universal Expression Controller

Source Audio introduces the Reflex Universal Expression Controller, a MIDI capable and programmable expression pedal. Related Feature:Source Audio Vertigo Tremolo This is far from your ordinary expression pedal, having the capability to send up to three standard expression or CV (control voltage) signals, MIDI continuous controller messages and six LFO wave shapes. Utilizing their experience with their Hot Hand expression controller, Source Audio set out to build a seemingly traditional expression pedal with complex connectivity and control features built-in. The Reflex Universal Expression Controller is the result, featuring modern versatility to handle any type of guitar rigs, from the straightforward, to the most complex. To achieve what to them is acceptable flexibility, they packed the Reflex Universal Expression Controller with a wealth of connectivity options and controls. From the get-go, you have three 1.4″ expression jacks that have dedicated DIP switches for adjusting each of their plug configurations or CV (Control Voltage) output mode. This allows the Reflex to work with any type of effects pedal with an expression input. In addition to Control Voltage features, there is also a MIDI 5-pin DIN connector built into the pedal, which you can use for sending MIDI CC messages. This makes the

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Woody Guthrie London House Model Southern Jumbo

Gibson honors folk music legend Woody Guthrie by building guitars made from the wood of his childhood home. Related Feature:Gibson 1965 J-45 The Donovan The limited edition Woody Guthrie London House Model Southern Jumbo is hand built using wood from Woody’s boyhood home, The London House, in Okemah, Oklahoma. To create this special guitar, Gibson teamed up with “This House is Your House”, giving Gibson’s luthiers the clearance to incorporate parts of the London House into 8 instruments. The non profit organization says: “Tailored from wood carefully extricated from the first floor joists of Guthrie’s childhood bedroom, this is the actual wood that created the home where Guthrie began his journey into becoming the man we all know and love… and a man who defines the spirit of the American artist.” All eight guitars will feature solid AA-Sitka spruce top and solid Honduran mahogany back and sides that follow Gibson’s Woodie Guthrie Southern Jumbo signature guitar design. To makes each one even more special, luthiers from Gibson’s Montana acoustic facility crafted the fingerboards and bridges from the red oak floor joists of the London House. This means that each time you fret the guitar, you are literally fretting on a

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Gibson LG-2 American Eagle

Gibson introduces the LG-2 American Eagle, a short-scale acoustic guitar designed for folk, blues and finger style. It is a traditional looking guitar that emphasizes clarity and playability, featuring a comfortable body shape and neck. The LG-2 combines traditional acoustic flattop construction with a short scale neck, resulting in a playable instrument that retains classic acoustic tones. As expected from a Gibson brand acoustic, this instrument comes with the same level of craftsmanship as their other acoustic guitars. Gibson employed the stereotypical combination of solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, for its body. The body shape is distinctively compact compared to traditional flattops for portability and convenience. The guitar also comes with a scalloped top bracing for better top resonance and reliability. Aesthetic enhancements include a multi-ply top binding, single ply back binding and a traditional rosette on the sound hole. Another distinctive feature of this instrument is its scale length of 24.75″ and its nut width of 1.725″ – this configuration gives enough room for fingerstyle while still being comfortable enough for lead breaks. The glued-in neck of this acoustic is made of mahogany and is carved into a V-profile shape. It is topped with a

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Gibson Maple Hummingbird

Gibson introduces a new breed of Hummingbirds, this time featuring maple wood for the neck, sides and back. The Gibson Maple Hummingbird features the same appointments as the original, with the brighter tonality of maple wood. The Hummingbird is Gibson’s first flat-top dreadnought acoustic, introduced in 1960 to compete against other dreadnought manufacturers. Its overall artistic look was soon embraced by many popular guitar players, the instrument’s adaptable sound was found to be capable of handling folk, country and rock guitar duties. To give a fresh new twist on this classic acoustic guitar, Gibson decided to go beyond the traditional pairing of Spruce top and mahogany, and opted for using maple for the back and sides. This instrument offers a unique tone option for those that want the Hummingbird design, but prefer the brighter resonance of maple. Although the tonal effect of this wood maybe debatable, it is hard to deny that maple simply looks amazing on guitars. Aside from the maple back and sides, the guitar also uses maple for the neck, with a round profile that measures 1.725″ at the nut. It is topped by a rosewood fretboard that has a scale length of 24 3/4″ and a

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Gibson 1965 J-45 The Donovan Acoustic Guitar

Gibson expands their premium acoustic guitar line with a new signature model, 1965 J-45 The Donovan. Related Feature:Gibson Maple Hummingbird This guitar is based on the J-45 folk guitar that singer songwriter Donovan used to create many of his popular hits. This new Custom Shop signature model follows the specifications found on J-45s from ’60s, complying to Donovan’s preferences. The labels inside the guitar come with the artist’s signature of approval along with a personal letter. The body of this custom shop guitar follows traditional wood combinations, featuring a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides. Gibson describes the body as “authentic ’60s style radiused”. The top features a thin nitrocellulose Cherry Sunburst finish that recreates the “textured” appearance of the original. Other aesthetic additions to the body include traditional double ring rosette and multi-ply top/single-ply back bindings. The neck is made of mahogany, with a modified round profile and a period correct nut width of 1.75″. The headstock shape follows Gibson’s traditional CF-100 with a gold block decal. The guitar has a “belly up” rosewood bridge with adjustable tusq saddle, paired with 3 in-line white button tuners. The LR Baggs Lyric bridge plate-mounted microphone system adds a useful

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Paul Brett Signature Viator Travel Guitar with USB

Vintage Guitars introduces the Paul Brett signature travel guitar VTR800PB-USB “Viator”, featuring classic looks with modern USB connectivity. Related Feature:Paul Brett Signature Acoustics This is the updated version of Paul Brett’s first signature with Vintage Guitars, now equipped with a Fishman Sonitone USB pickup, for convenient direct to computer/smartphone/tablet recording anywhere. Like the first Paul Brett signature, this guitar features vintage appointments similar to parlor guitars of the past, featuring a nice looking natural antique finish. The Viator can match the aesthetics of elegant old furniture, making it an ideal center piece and couch guitar for any living room. But being a travel guitar, this one is not limited to just the couch, because it can easily be carried around inside its padded travel bag. More than just an eye candy, this guitar follows the traditional wood specifications, featuring a solid sitka spruce top supported by sapele back and sides. This particular combination is the go-to formula that many guitar manufacturers use in building guitars, because of how spruce resonates and how sapele complements the sound much like mahogany. The resulting sound is balanced and punchy, and it’s much louder than what you’d expect from a small guitar. The neck

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Acoustic Guitar Humidifier

Prevent cracks and warps, keep your beloved guitar within optimum humidity with an acoustic guitar humidifier like one of these. Guitar humidifiers are simply devices that have a spongy or clay interior which can hold water. This water is then allowed to gradually evaporate to humidify the guitar, or in some cases absorb moisture when humidity is high. 45% to 55% relative humidity is the ideal, and if it gets too dry or too damp, your guitar can either warp or crack, or worse it can break to the point where it cannot be repaired. Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier This is a very simple and affordable guitar humidifier from Planet Waves. It’s basically just a sponge and a thin sponge holder that sits between the strings of your acoustic guitar. Its design allows it to release moisture inside the body while not actually touching the insides of your instrument. The high absorption sponge maintains proper humidity levels and is easy to refill. Manufacturer: Planet Waves | Retail Price: $7.99 Dampit Original Guitar Humidifier Dampit is a popular guitar humidifier manufacturer which started in 1966, known for their economical and efficient designs. It comes with a soundhole cover and humidity

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Second Strat Ever Made?

A Sam Ash employee claims that they have in their hands the second Stratocaster that was ever made. The question and song to ask is – could you be my #2? Is this the actual second Fender Stratocaster, or is this just another hyped up vintage guitar? A guy apparently from Sam Ash made a bold statement at Reddit, saying that they have found the “second Stratocaster ever made”. The story begins with a 94 year old man and his son coming to a Sam Ash branch to sell a beat up Fender Stratocaster guitar. We can deduce based on the pictures that the guitar was sold to a Sam Ash branch. The old man then told the story that he used to play with Count Basie and Les Paul back in the day. The old man wanted money for his family and since his son doesn’t know anything about guitars, he decided to sell it instead of leaving it unused. Sam Ash employees easily recognized that it’s a genuine vintage Fender so they bought it from the old man for a price that they did not disclose. Could you be my #2? According to the guy who posted it

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Fender American Standard Stratocaster HSS

Fender expands their popular US-made electric guitar line with the new American Standard Stratocaster HSS. Related Feature:Fender Fishman TriplePlay Strat HSS This beefed-up version is part of the expansion of the American Standard series, which debuted in 1986 and considered to be the core guitar line of the Fender brand. The new American Standard Stratocaster HSS doesn’t stray too far from the design of its predecessor, but it does have some updated features. Most notable of which is the use of aged plastic parts, which now also come standard with other American Standard instruments. This means that owners of new guitars won’t have to artificially age the plastic parts to achieve a broken-in look. Another important change introduced in this updated model is the use of Custom Shop Fat ’50s single coil pickups for the neck and middle position. These are the same pickups found on more premium Custom Shop built instruments, but are now equipped in this mid-priced line. Fender equipped the bridge position with a Diamondback humbucking pickup, described as having a moderate output ideal for HSS configurations. The pickups are wired to the usual 5-way pickup selector and three knobs setup. The first knob lets you adjust

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