NAMM 2017: Mooer micro preamp pedals
Mooer announce ten new amp-style pedals in tiny boxes.
Holy moley what do we have here? Mooer have dropped a HUGE pre-NAMM announcement on us here with 10 (ten!) new pre-amp models which really appear to have a few interesting little features on them.
First up, just have a *look* at the line-up, there’s been a huge step-up on the aesthetics from what we’ve been used to from Mooer. Secondly, you’ll notice that there are five micro-knobs, as well a single “soft-switch” which is something we’re pretty sure we’ve not seen on a Mooer pedal before.
This soft-switch actually has two functions. Press once, and you switch between two assignable EQ’s, effectively giving you two channels. Press and hold on the soft-switch and you can turn on or off a built-in cab simulator which allows these pre-amps to be used directly into a PA or audio interface.
The actual footswitch on the pedals can be assigned to either turn the pedal on/off, or to switch between the two channels in a more gig-friendly manner than having to press the soft-switch.
Now, Mooer haven’t officially announced what each of these pre-amps are based on (not that we’d expect them to!), but based on the aesthetics it looks like there are models that’ll be designed to sound like Diezel, Marshall, Vox, EVH, Fender, Mesa Boogie and Engl among others. Obviously we’re not going to know for sure what each of these pre-amps are based on until we hear them all, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a Dumble hidden away in there somewhere, especially given the company’s relatively heavy cult following that’s emerged recently.
This really is a pretty big statement for Mooer make in 2017. We’ve not seen anybody release such a comprehensive line-up of “modelling” pre-amps since Tech 21 released their Character series at the start of the decade. Now, no pricing has been released as of yet, but we’re pretty certain these are far more likely to be around Mooer’s sub-£100 price point than the £150-200 that you’d expect to pay for their Tech 21 counterparts.
NAMM 2017: Outlaw Effects announce two new pedals
A new micro tremolo and overdrive for 2017.
Outlaw Effects have announced two new mini stompboxes, the Rocker Box Tremolo and Deputy Marshal Plexi Distortion.
The Rocker Box is an optical tremolo pedal that offers players rich and natural sounding tremolo effects. A Bias control adjusts the tonal complexion of the sound wave delivering everything from smooth and polished trem to the looser, non-symmetrical waveforms of vintage tube amps. Depth and Speed controls offer the ability to further fine-tune the effect.
The Deputy Marshal captures the sound of Plexi-era British tube amps that defined the classic rock era. Standard Gain, Tone and Volume controls allow the player to dial in his or her distortion tone with precision. A Bright/Normal toggle switch offers even more versatility, with beefed-up highs just a flick of a switch away. As with the Rocker Box, the Deputy Marshal offers true bypass operation.
Both pedals retail for $60 and will begin shipping in February 2017.
Shergold Guitars return!
A legendary British brand is resurrected for 2017.
After years in the wilderness, Shergold Guitars are being relaunched in 2017.
With a British legacy reaching back as far as 1968, Shergold Guitars enjoyed their heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s when bands such as Genesis, New Order and Joy Division chose the guitars and basses as their go-to instruments. Now, luthier Patrick Eggle and distributor Barnes & Mullins have joined forces to resurrect the legendary brand.
The first model to return to the market is based around a single Masquerader model shape, and is available with three pickup configurations and in four colour finishes. A solid mahogany body and solid rosewood neck are paired with a custom-designed bridge and Patrick Eggle's personal choice of genuine USA-made Seymour Duncan pickups.
Prices are £765 for the P90 equipped Masquerader SM01SD, £835 for the 2 Single Coil Humbucker equipped Masquerader SM02SD, and £809 for the 3 Single coil loaded Masquerader SM03SD. All three variants will start shipping in early 2017.
Empress Effects Celebrates 10 Years with Limited Edition Pedal
Empress release 10 year anniversary Tremolo!
The Empress Effects Tremolo is 10 years old! Who'd have thought?! As far as we're concerned it's still one of the best Tremolos on the planet; with 8 unique trem rhythms and a separate preset switch, it's one of the most versatile pedals in it's class.
So what's better than an Empress Effects Tremolo? A 10 year anniversary Empress Effects Tremolo of course! The appropriately decal'd pedal has been built to the very limited number of 250 with each one's serial number engraved onto the front of the pedal....cool huh.
Empress Effects being such a cool company they have decided this anniversary effect is an excellent way to support Charity; $10 of every Effect sold will go towards Big Sky ranch, Ottowa's only no-kill animal shelter (What a cool thing to do).
In addition Empress Effects are also auctioning the very first anniversary effect signed by Police's Andy Summers, with 100% of the proceeds going to charity.
If that wasn't enough Empress are also giving away 10 of their fantastic tremolos in various ways between 6th and 20th December 2016. Here's how you can get involved:
- 2 Pedals will be given away to their mailing list. Everyone subscribed to their mailing list on Dec 20th is entered to win.
- 2 Pedals will be given away on instagram. To enter, all that’s required is to post a photo of your pedalboard, tag @Empress_Effects and use the hastag #10YearsOfTremolo.
- 2 Pedals will be given away on Facebook. To enter, all that’s required is to post a photo of your pedalboard, tag @EmpressEffects and use the hastag #10YearsOfTremolo.
- 2 Pedals will be given away on the Gearpage. To enter, all that’s required is to post a photo of your pedalboard on their thread!
- 2 Pedals will be given away on Reddit. To enter, all that’s required is to post a photo of your pedalboard on their thread!
Alternative Brand Spotlight: Kay
In this edition of Alternative Brand Spotlight I take a look at the gorgeously retro, Kay...
The Alternative Brand Spotlight is a brief overview of some of the worlds' most interesting guitar, bass, amplifier, and effects companies offering a worthy and unique alternative to the major brands dominating the world of musical instruments today.
Brand:
What the brand Make:
You may know Kay for cheap 70's copies of classic models like the Les Paul and the Precision bass, but that's not where Kay started; their original incarnation was a fantastic, mostly hollowbody range of unique and brilliant electric guitars and basses.
History:
Kay was a American firm officially first making roads into the world of musical instruments in the 1930's, but really with strong roots in Stromberg, a late 19th century company who were technically responsible for the first ever electric guitar, having released their own model in the same year as Gibson's ES-150.
In line with a lot of guitar manufacturers at the time, Kay built instruments under many names, operating as manufacturer for Sears for some time, making guitars under the name Silvertone (Danelectro) and even Airline for a short time.
In the 60's Kay expanded their range of both electric guitars and amplifiers and made some incredible models, but after being bought and sold a handful of times throughout the decade Kay eventually shut their gates for good in 1968.
A year later Japanese leviathan, Teisco bought Kay (in name alone) and began using the brand name to manufacturer affordable copies of popular models of the time, and did so throughout the 70's.
In 2008 The Fritz Brothers purchased the Kay brand name and happily one again started to make models from the original 50's and 60's Kay catalogues. Whilst now manufactured in the far east, the new reissue models are fantastic quality and a welcome return to my wish list.
You'll love these if you're into:
Kay's current catalogue is for the 50's/60's enthusiast. Think really flimsy bridges, strangely shaped lipstick pick-ups, and scratch plates that look like leopard print. Their range mostly consists of hollowbodies, so their porbably more suited to a Hofner, Gretsch, Guild or maybe Gibson Memphis player who is looking for something super unique that still offers that same traditional woody tone.
What's in the Range:
The range currently consists of two guitar and two bass models, all brilliantly unique, but the one that stands out is the Thin Twin; originally released in the early 50's and then known as the Howlin' Wolf, the Thin Twin gets it's name from two remarkably thin lipstick pick-ups that give the guitar a wonderfully brash, woody, bluesy tone that lead to T-Bone Burnett choosing the Thin Twin to back up Robert Plant during his Grammy performance in 2009.
Unique Features:
The entire range of Kay reissues offer a completely uncompromising attention to 50's standards. The conventions of Kay's instruments are a part of the 1950's aesthetic that has been forgotten, in favour of more common images such as the Telecaster, Stratocaster and Les Paul. The new Fritz brothers have brought back an art deco inspired look in everything from the intensely detailed headstock to the yellow flamed tops.
Alternative Brand Spotlight: Airline Guitars
In this edition of Alternative Brand Spotlight, we check out one of the whackiest 60's styled retro brands of all time; Airline...
The Alternative Brand Spotlight is a brief overview of some of the worlds' most interesting guitar, bass, amplifier, and effects companies offering a worthy and unique alternative to the major brands dominating the world of musical instruments today.
Brand:
What the brand Make:
Airline make some of the most unique 50's and 60's inspired guitars and basses available on the market today. Consisting of both original models and recreations of some classic and legendary instruments. Their catalogue is as substantial as it is brilliant.
History:
The original guitar manufacturing company known as Airline had a short 10 year lifespan between 1958-68 manufactured through Valco Guitars in North America, and sold via mail order for that time period.
The essence and spirit of Airline was reignited in 2000 by the company Eastwood, a manufacturer already specialising in off-kilter reissues and reinventions from the 50's and 60's. Originally Eastwood brought back the legendary JB Hutto only, but due to it's huge success, not in any small part due to The White Stripes use of the guitar in defining their entire image, Eastwood extended the Airline range to include nearly the entire original catalogue, as well as a few unique inspired creations.
You'll love these if you're into:
These guitars are aimed at both 50's/60's enthusiasts and those looking for something completely different. The current catalogue features guitars commonly mahogany, glue neck, short scale, and often with twin humbuckers, favouring a Gibson style player looking for something with a less conventional body shape.
However, if you're able to dig up an original then the famous JB Hutto's hollow fibreglass body and oversized single coil pick-ups offers a much harsher and genuinely totally unique tone.
What's in the Range:
The Current range of guitars and basses available from Airline is too substantial to list in it's entirety, but some guitars worth a mention are the legendary JB Hutto, now appearing in the Airline catalogue as the '59 DLX. The 59 appears in many guises, made famous by Jack White in the early white stripes years, the guitar is available as a one, two or three pick-up model, as well as featuring as a DLX model, with extended tone controls, and as a three pick-up Bigsby fitted model.
If that wasn't enough Airline have recently introduced the Jetson Junior model; a one pick-up budget version of the '59 for just over half the price, that even comes in some incredible finishes, such as Ghoulie Green!
Unique Features:
Eastwood's reincarnation of Airline has conventionalised the guitar range; the introduction of mahogany bodies, standard humbucking pick-ups, modern trussrods have all contributed towards making the current Airline series safe and palatable to the modern guitar player.
Today's Airlines are unique only in their appearance, a world away from the original models of the 50's and 60's. When Airline first hit the shelves they were made from Res-O-Glass (their name for fibreglass). The material gave the guitars a particularly harsh tone and unusual feel and response. This was compounded by their unusual oversized single coil pick-ups, traditionally 60's 'over-enthusiastic' amount of tone controls, and the lack of a modern trussrod.
Gretsch release loads of new Players models for NAMM 2017!
Victory's new models are natural evolutions of their award-winning amplifiers.
There's cool, and then there's Tony Iommi cool...
PRS unveil the new and totally incredible sounding J-MOD, John Mayer signature amplifier!
TC Electronic announce 13 new pedals
Thirteen new pedals all under £50? TC are on fire right now!
It’s easy to forget that it was only six years ago that TC Electronic exploded into the mainstream pedal market with the release of their first run of compact pedals. With three drive / distortions plus a delay, chorus, reverb, vibrato and flanger, they brought out an entire pedalboard in one hit and it really made us all sit up straight and go “hang on, what?”. TC appeared to be mounting a real challenge and they were looking Boss / MXR / Electro-Harmonix straight in the eye. This was some proper Game of Thrones stuff and left us intrigued to see where things would go next.
Over the years, TC have brought out compacts for almost every style of effect going. But not only that, they’ve constantly brought out cool and interesting pedals to go alongside the core line (the Triple Delay and the Alter Ego were particular favourites here at GNHQ).
Fast forward to 2016 and an even bigger shakeup to the range. Earlier this year it was announced that Music Group had bought TC Electronic. As they also owned Behringer, I think a lot of people were expecting TC to release some more “budget” pedals, but I don’t think anybody was expecting this announcement. And what an announcement it is too! Thirteen pedals all topping out each under £50!
EchoBrain Analog Delay
The first thing anybody should notice here is the fact that this delay contains a Bucket Brigade chip; a firm sign of quality for any analogue delay. This has fairly simple controls; a wet/dry blend ‘Mix’ control, plus the regulation ‘Time’ and ‘Repeats’ you’d expect on an analogue delay. With up to 300ms of delay, this pedal offers versatility alongside bags of vibe and cool. Definite one to watch.
Afterglow Analogue Chorus
On the subject on Bucket Brigade chips, you’ll also find them in the Afterglow Chorus! A fairly standard set-up of wet/dry ‘Mix’ plus ‘Rate’ and ‘Depth’. Those chips really sound so earthy and lush. Simplicity is the key here.
Thunderstorm Analogue Flanger
The Thunderstorm also has a neat Bucket Brigade set up. Along with the standard ‘Rate’ and ‘Depth’ controls, you also have ‘Manual’ which controls the centre delay point of the effect, and an active ‘Feedback’ control. The the ‘Feedback’ to the left and you’ll find yourself with glitchy extreme flange sounds, turn right and you’ll be surrounded by a warm, dark resonance. If you leave the control in the centre your effect is more natural sounding. A very cool couple features.
Tailspin Analogue Vibrato
The final Bucket Brigade pedal in the lineup is a nice, simple analogue Vibrato. With just ‘Rate’ and ‘Depth’ here, TC are letting that chip do the talking and for me, I think that’s the right decision. I can see the Tailspin giving the Shaker a right run for its money.
Blood Moon Phaser
OK this sounds absolutely fantastic. Another fairly simple design with ‘Rate’ and ‘Depth’, but with a nice ‘Feedback’ control that allows you to reroute part of the signal of the four-step filter back into the circuit (literally feeding the signal back to the start) to open up a chasm of phase. A really lovely budget phaser.
Rush Analogue Booster
I’m always a little bit skeptical about any pedals that claim to be “clean” boosts. The TC Spark Booster has always been marketed as a “Clean Boost” which I’ve never really understood. Personally I think it’s a great clean *overdrive*, but it adds too much gain for it to be a clean boost. Really keen to see how this one sounds, but all the samples TC have published so far don’t show a transition between on and off. Jury’s out on this one.
Cinders Analogue Overdrive
Regular listeners to the Guitar Nerds podcast will know we’ve always had a huge soft spot for the transparent Mojo Mojo overdrive so this has a lot to measure up to. Simple controls in ‘Tone’, ‘Volume’ and ‘Drive’ offer a familiar set-up and I have to say those preliminary demos sound really promising!
Grand Megus Distortion
In a similar way to how TC handled their initial range of gain pedals (gain, gainier, gainiest), they’ve done the same here. The Grand Megus takes it up a notch at the expense of a bit of transparency from your sound. Everyone is after that “amp in a box” sound right now, and if you want to get that “up to 11” sound at a budget, you could do worse than look at the Grand Megus.
Fangs Metal Distortion
My word, there’s nothing subtle about this one is there? The thing that’ll set the Fangs aside from other Metal pedals is the mid-switch that allows three mid-shaping options that essentially cut from fierce high-mids through to a harsh scooped V sound. You still have full control over bass and treble frequencies plus your gain and volume with standalone knobs. It certainly looks the part too!
Rusty Fuzz
As it’s based on the iconic Silicone Fuzz Face you should know roughly what you’re expecting here. Raw, gated fuzz in a pedalboard-friendly housing. Dynamics are the name of the game here.
Forcefield Analogue Compressor
Like Boost, Compression is another effect that you really need to hear in context to the dry sound to know what you’re getting here. By the sounds of the initial demos, this is more centred around vintage compression rather than a glassy rack compressor. Compression is an effect that TC have done really well in recent years (the HyperGravity was a real surprise for us!), so I’m willing to give this one the benefit of the doubt for the time being!
Skysurfer Reverb
Until the Hall of Fame came along and ruined the party, the EHX Holy Grail really had the compact Reverb market sewn up. Nowadays you’re far more likely to see one of those now iconic firetruck red chassis on your mate’s pedalboard than the old stalwart, so we know TC have form with Reverb. The Skysurfer (I wonder where the idea for the name came from?) offers just the three core reverb sounds in ‘Hall’, ‘Spring’ and ‘Plate’, and the controls may seem a little backwards at first, but I think this is a cool set-up. The ‘Reverb’ knob controls the length of the effect whilst the “Mix” control is actually more of an effect volume, as opposed to a wet/dry blend. I think this could easily become a go-to for people after a more subtle reverb rather than the more extreme splashy verbs that have become popular in recent years.
The Prophet Digital Delay
This is inevitably going to get compared to its older sibling in the Flashback and I think that it does stand up to it as long as you bare in mind you’ve only got the one algorithm in there. Like the Skysurfer, the ‘Mix’ control allows you to adjust the volume of the effect as opposed to a wet/dry blend, which I think it quite a neat little control. You have a three-way micro switch to cut between three options for the subdivisions plus ‘Time’ and ‘Repeat’ knobs. This sounds great!
So there we have it. Thirteen new budget-friendly TC Electronic pedals. It’s worth noting that all of these are True Bypass, and more excitingly they all boast increasingly popular top-mounted jacks. These pedals have certainly been designed for people looking to put together a budget-friendly pedalboard and, honestly (and surprisingly?), there are some pretty great sounding pedals in the range. For me, the standouts are the Echobrain, the Afterglow and The Prophet and I’m really looking forward to spending some time with these to see whether any can live up to the classic TC compacts and become household names.
PRS Release LTD Edition CE24 Satin guitars for UK and Europe
PRS announce some incredible limited edition finishes for their revered CE24 series!
The CE24 has been a welcome addition to the PRS line up since its introduction in 1988, offering 'Fender' enthusiasts a bolt-on version of the classic PRS body shape and build quality. The CE series brought that snap and sparkle to the traditional PRS double cut, and it has continued to be a popular model year after, receiving constant tweaks and upgrades to keep the series moving forward.
This year PRS have taken this one step further by granting the CE24 Satin three separate, mesmerising finishes unique to the UK and European market. These finishes come in the complicatedly named, Grey Cherryburst, Grey Purpleburst, and Grey Blueburst. Each instrument features a beautiful maple cap, elegantly capturing the nuances of the fading burst, gorgeously satin nitro finished mahogany body, slim and comfortably tapered maple neck, and thick wedge of deep chocolate brown rosewood fingerboard.
Topped off with the PRS 85/15 humbucking pick-ups to capture all the sparkle of a bolt-on instrument with extended low end response to maintain the instruments classic PRS tonal girth, and of course PRS' legendary and revered trem system.
Hitting the UK shelves at less than £1,800 these are surely contenders for guitar of the year!
Gretsch release loads of new Players models for NAMM 2017!
Victory's new models are natural evolutions of their award-winning amplifiers.
There's cool, and then there's Tony Iommi cool...
PRS unveil the new and totally incredible sounding J-MOD, John Mayer signature amplifier!
Fredric Effects announce The Accomplished Badger
This Germanium preamp is rather sophisticated indeed.
Fredric Effects have announced the Accomplished Badger, an original two stage boost, with an opamp buffer/boost driving a Germanium transistor gain stage.
Tested for optimal gain and low leakage, the Germanium transistors used are individually selected vintage new-old-stock components. Because of the nature of these two gain stages, the Accomplished Badger can be used as a sparkly clean boost, to just push an amp to breakup, or for a grittier saturated sound like a torn speaker or an overloaded recording desk tone. More versatile than straight clean boosts, the Accomplished Badger promises to be a fantastic "always-on" effect.
The Accomplished Badger is available now for £95.
Electro-Harmonix release the Wailer Wah
A traditional wah from the geniuses at Electro-Harmonix.
Electro-Harmonix have announced the Wailer Wah. Featuring all the tech and tone of the award-winning Crying Tone, but in a more traditional housing, the Wailer Wah promises expressive sounds but in a housing that weighs substantially less than other wahs available.
Check out EHX's demo below:
MXR announce Phase 95
It's a teeny, tiny pedalboard-friendly MXR phaser. No, it's two teeny, tiny phasers in one!
MXR have announced the Phase 95, a new micro phaser that combines the legendary Phase 90 and Phase 45 effects in one mini pedal.
The onboard 45/90 switch toggles between the Phase 45 mode’s subtle two-stage phasing and the Phase 90 mode’s more pronounced four-stage phasing, while the “Script” switch toggles between two phasing styles. The Phase 95 is set to modern style phasing by default, which relies on feedback to create light harmonic distortion and gives the effect a more accentuated swoosh. Engaging the Script switch removes feedback for a lusher, more subdued sound with higher headroom and greater clarity. As with the rest of the MXR phaser range, the speed control sets the rate of the effect.
The MXR Script Phase 95 Phaser is available from November for £106.99
Source Audio announce the Soleman MIDI controller
Is this the ultimate MIDI controller?
Source Audio has released the Soleman, a versatile and highly configurable hardware and software MIDI controller packaged in a pedalboard-friendly housing. Featuring two 5-pin MIDI DIN outputs, a USB port, four programmable footswitches, three powerful modes of control, complementary editing software, a tap tempo switch, expression input, and a high-contrast LCD display with preset naming capabilities, the Soleman has been in development for two years.
When combined with the Neuro Hub, the Soleman acts as the command center for a highly sophisticated Source Audio Neuro Effects System, supplying simultaneous, one-step control of up to five Source Audio One Series and Soundblox 2 pedals. The Soleman also greatly enhances the power of Source Audio Nemesis Delay, providing external access to its 128 presets, individual parameters, routing options, tap tempo, and expression control.
The Soleman's three powerful control modes include "Scene Mode," "Set List Mode," and "Panel Mode." Scene Mode is a simple up/down Program Change (PC) controller. Set List Mode allows users to arrange Program Change messages in up to 64 different running orders, perfect for arranging presets into a custom sequence for a single song or an entire set. In the highly flexible Panel Mode, each of the four footswitches can be fully customized to perform virtually any MIDI function. Each switch can be individually configured with options that include: Switch Action, MIDI Message Types, MIDI Chanel, On/Off Messages, LED state, Tap Tempo, and much more.
The Soleman Editor application (Windows/Mac) is available as a free download at sourceaudio.net. The Soleman Editor provides an easy-to-use interface for editing Scenes, Set Lists, and Panels as well as hardware options, names, setting MIDI Clock BPM, and defining complex MIDI Macros. The Soleman Editor also offers convenient functions for backing up data and exporting settings for sharing with other Soleman users.
See Source Audio's Soleman video here:
Vick Audio introduce the Hypocenter Delay
A classic sounding digital delay that is made in the USA? Yes please.
Vick Audio have announced the Hypocenter, digital delay built around the PT2399 chip by Princeton Technologies. A longtime pedal builder that specializes in reproductions of out of production effects units from the 60’s and 70’s, Vick Audio have created a delay that will work equally well with a clean guitar signal or with distortion.
The Hypocenter Delay is capable of providing a delay time from 25ms all the way to 450ms with a very low noise distortion and repeats all the way from a single repeat to infinitely repeats. The four controls change the pedal's overall volume, the delay time, the mix between the wet and dry signal and the number of repeats. Other features include a 3PDT true bypass switch, Neutrik audio jacks, 9v operation, a powder coated aluminum enclosure, and a hand-wired construction.
The Hypocenter Delay is made in the USA and is retails for $139. See more at http://vickaudio.com
Announcing The Reverend Sensei HB 2016
Flame Maple, Lots of Colours, and a Bigsby!
Each Fall, Reverend Guitars releases a Limited Edition model. This year, the Reverend Sensei HB got the all-star treatment with the addition of a Bigsby and coloured flame maple tops on Reverend’s classic Korina body. Loaded with the company’s Special H pickups, the Reverend Sensei HB LE also features a bound headstock and a 2016 LE Medallion on the back. Reverend CEO, Ken Haas, calls the guitar “the sexiest Sensei ever built.”
On all Reverend Guitars, there is a graphite nut and locking tuners, Reverend’s unique and innovative Bass Contour Control, and a dual-action truss rod – all for maximum performance. You can’t be different if you’re playing what everyone else is.
BOSS unveil new Katana amp range
BOSS latest range of amplifiers offer WAZA tones in giggable sizes
BOSS have just introduced the Katana amp series, a new lineup of guitar amplifiers born of the development process behind the acclaimed Waza amplifier. Offering class-defying tone, touch response, and presence, Katana amps are designed for gigging guitarists who also need a a quality amp for recording and practice at home.
The Katana lineup consists of three combos and a head. The 50-watt Katana-50 and 100-watt Katana-100 are each equipped with a custom 12-inch speaker. The Katana-100/212 has 100 watts of power and is equipped with two custom 12-inch speakers. The 100-watt Katana-Head is designed for use with an external speaker cabinet but interestingly includes an integrated monitor speaker for tone preview and practice.
Each Katana amp features five selectable amp characters: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic as well as 55 BOSS effects, which are customizable using the free BOSS Tone Studio editor software. Users can load 15 different effects in the amp at one time, and use up to three effects at once. The Tone Settings feature in the Katana amps allows players to store amp and effects settings to recall tweaked setups instantly. It’s also possible to connect optional footswitches and expression pedals for hands-free control. The Katana-Head supports control via MIDI as well.
While the Katana amps include many advanced features, they offer intuitive interfaces that allow players to dial in sounds quickly. An innovative Power Control function lets users achieve cranked-up tones at low volumes, a great benefit for playing on small stages and practicing at home.
BOSS announce GT-1 Guitar Effects Processor
BOSS introduce a new portable powerhouse multi-effects unit
BOSS have announced a brand new addition to their effects line up, the GT-1 Guitar Effects Processor, a compact multi-effects unit driven by the flagship GT-series engine. With a huge selection of amps and effects, the GT-1 offers a light, portable package with with a streamlined interface for quick and easy sound creation.
Adopting a sound engine derived from the flagship GT-100, the GT-1 includes staple overdrive/distortions, choruses and delays, and BOSS' own cutting-edge MDP effects. Numerous COSM amps are also included, as well as a looper for enhancing solo playing sessions.
The modern design of the GT-1 makes it easy to slip in a guitar bag accessory pouch and the option of AC or battery power delivers mobile flexibility for performing and practicing anywhere. Up to seven hours of battery life from four AA-size batteries makes the GT-1 a serious contender for the most powerful mobile multi-effects ever.
A straightforward interface, means that the GT-1 is simple to use for both beginners and effects enthusiasts alike. The Easy Select function allows users to quickly find patches by genre, distortion, or effect type, while Easy Edit lets them tweak drive, modulation, and echo tones to perfection with little effort. Coupled with the free patch collections available from the BOSS Tone Central website, the GT-1 has all your effects covered.
The GT-1 supports USB connectivity, allowing users to record and re-amp tones with DAW software and interface with BOSS Tone Central and BOSS Tone Studio.
BOSS GT-1 Features:
- Flagship-class BOSS sound engine squeezed into a light and compact floor unit
- Modern design with no hard edges enables safe transport in a guitar bag
- Easy Select and Easy Edit functions for quickly choosing and tweaking patches
- Four AA batteries provide up to seven hours of playing time for busking and mobile gigs
- Onboard control switch and expression pedal; footswitch/expression pedal jack and USB
- Download ready-to- play pro patches for free at BOSS Tone Central
Italia announced Jeffery Foskett Signature
This new Italia will help you create the Pet Sounds in your head.
Italia guitars have announced a brand new signature model for Beach Boys vocalist/guitarist Jeffery Foskett. Designed in collaboration with the longtime Beach Boy, the ITJF12 features a chambered alder body and ash back, mated to a hard rock maple set neck with 22 fret rosewood fingerboard.
A matched pair of Wilkinson WPM mini double coil pickups are paired with master volume, tone and blend controls, plus individual on/off switches with LED indicators. Furthermore the ‘FosQ’ enhancer switch engages two further controls ‘Jangle’ and ‘Boost’ for even more tonal variation.
“I’ve played thousands of shows and hundreds of guitars in search of ‘my’ sound”, says Jeffery “I wanted the jangle of McGuinn’s and the smoothness of Carl Wilson’s tones, along with a few other features I’ve always dreamed about.”
With a Wilkinson VS50K-2 bridge and a set of Italia locking machine heads completing its impressive specification, the ITJF12 is a fantastic addition to the Italia lineup.
Finished in Cobalt Blue the Italia Jeffery Foskett Signature comes with a luxury padded Italia guitar bag.
SUMMER NAMM 2016: Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz
This USA-built fuzz offers vintage and hotrodded tones.
Veteran pedal builder Black Cat Pedals has announced the Monster K-Fuzz stompbox, the latest edition of their uniquely hotrodded version of the '60s Kay Fuzztone. The new Monster K-Fuzz stompbox boasts all the bells and whistles features of previous version in a pedalboard friendly enclosure at a more affordable price.
The Monster K-Fuzz controls can be set to go anywhere from a vintage Kay to a fire breathing monster fuzz. Expression pedal control of the Fuzz Frequency allows the same functionality as the former treadle based versions. And with a look that pays tribute to the '60s original, the Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz is the ultimate evolution of the Kay Fuzztone.
Features:
- Expression pedal control of the Fuzz Frequency
- 3-way toggle switches for Clipping and Voicing
- Input Gain adjustment control
- "Pedalboard friendly" stompbox enclosure
- 3PDT true-bypass switch and Switchcraft jacks
- Premium quality through-hole components
- Hand-built in the USA
The Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz stompbox retails for $195. Check out Black Cat's website for more info.
SUMMER NAMM 2016: Gretsch Tom Petersson Signature Falcon Bass
12 strings? On a bass?
Gretsch have announced a brand new signature model Falcon bass for Cheap Trick Bassist, Tom Petersson. The model comes in two formats; the USA Custom shop and the standard line G6136B-TP-AWT.
But these aren't just two different quality versions of the same bass, each instrument brings something completely unique to the table. The USA Custom Shop model offers the most obvious marks of originality, offering the bass playing community a completely new type of instrument.
Featuring 12 strings, the Custom Shop model is based on the guitar Petersson has been playing with cheap trick for some time. Set up in a similar method to a 12 string guitar, but with 2 rather than just 1 octave strings for each of the normal 4 bass strings.
A real work out for your finger tips, but rewarding the player with a tone unmatchable and completely original; the Tom Petersson Signature 12-String Falcon Bass is genuinely a new instrument for the bass playing community to sink its teeth into.
The G6136B-TP-AWT standard line version of this bass offers a more conventional 4 string version of this instrument. The twist for this model comes in the pick up formation. Featuring a massive Rumble’Tron pick up in the neck position, the Petersson Falcon offers all the low end you could ever need. Conventionally this would be paired with a bridge pick up to add the zingy high end clarity, but Petersson had other ideas, instead opting for a Seymour Duncan Super’Tron right in the middle of the body, giving the bass a tight P-Bass'esque quality that coupled with soupy sub of the neck pick-up gives the player a huge vintage tone with added mid punch and clarity; an ultimate rock machine.
Rock Stock Pedals announces the Bright Switch USB pedal board light.
This USB light could be the perfect addition to your pedalboard.
The Bright Switch pedal board light from Rock Stock is the perfect tool for players with large pedalboards performing in dimly lit venues. The dual USB design let's you light things up and charge your iPhone, iPad or other USB device at the same time. Have a larger pedal board? Use 2 LED lamps and double your coverage. Use your pedal power supply lead from 9-24VDC and it will be converted to proper 5V USB power. For devices requiring more current than your power supply can handle, a higher current power adapter is included.
Features:
• Small footprint
• 2 USB Connections (switched and always on)
• Indicator LED for switched connection
• Will convert 9-24VDC to 5V USB power
• Includes Mighty Bright® USB LED Light
• 9V 2A power supply included
The Bright Switch is available now for $49.00. See more here.