STASH PICKS Stash Picks, Inc., makers of durable picks in original designs, has created a new display to accommodate their new Classic pick and new marketing strategy. The Classic was presented last year’s NAMM Show, and since it comes in four different gauges (0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, and 1.4mm), Stash Picks, Inc. revisited the original display configuration. The latest arrangement includes more pegs to accommodate all the company’s offerings, and a new container at the bottom for the signature Stash Tin. The top of the display advertises Stash Picks, Inc. using their tagline “Surprise Your Strings” and drops the gargoyle to the middle of the display back. The bag tags have also been redesigned to communicate each pick’s unique feature or benefit to the buyer, and also include the new overall market communication strategy.
STORY & CLARK QRS Music Technologies, Inc. has announced the introduction of The Manhattan, a piano uniquely suited for metro lifestyles and in keeping with current home furnishing trends.
“QRS is firmly established as a technology leader and innovator; our next goal is to begin positioning Story & Clark as a leading style authority in the piano market,” said Tom Dolan, president and CEO. “This may sound like an odd concept to some dealers, but innovative designs and fashions are what continue to breathe new life and sales into many industries from cars and computers to furniture and home improvement; style is an important factor.”
“Price is a key consideration,” continued Dolan. “There are some beautiful and unusual pianos out there but they are all over $60,000. This is not where the bulk of the sales in this industry are. Our pianos are all under $20,000 and are designed to complement today’s lifestyles and home décor.”
The
Manhattan
piano is ebony with bird’s-eye maple accents and will be introduced as a 4’11” baby grand. It is part of the company’s new Signature Series Collection which features styles, scale designs, and specifications determined exclusively by and for QRS. The entire Signature Series Collection will be unveiled at the NAMM Show.
TAKAMINE
Takamine’s LTD2008 2008 limited-edition guitar celebrates our world in a view that few have ever seen. The LTD2008 depicts Earth, as seen from the surface of the moon, suspended in space and illuminated in crescent by the rising sun. The land, sea and atmosphere -- fashioned from semi precious stone, shell, and wood inlay -- adorn the LTD’s soundhole. Its neck features a blazing sun rising as it ascends the fretboard. Other features of the NEX body shape guitar include a gloss black finish top, back and sides, solid cedar top with solid mahogany back, mahogany sides, ebony fingerboard, and CT4B preamp. Retail: $2,499 including case.
TAMA Tama was first major drum maker to craft all-bubinga drumsets, as the rich-grained but difficult to work with wood had previously seen use only as a drum veneer. Now Tama debuts the Starclassic Bubinga Cordia series, which will be the same price as the Starclassic Bubinga Series that features a premium maple outer-ply. The shells are eight inner-plies of bubinga with one outer-ply of cordia (natural finish.) There is a choice of chrome-plated, black nickel-plated, or brushed nickel-plated shell hardware. It features die-cast hoops and a star-cast mounting system.
TANGLEWOOD
UK Tanglewood Guitar Company
UK
announces the launch of Heritage and Evolution, two new series of guitars. The high-end Heritage Series features solid spruce tops, ebony fingerboards and bridges, walnut or flame maple bindings, abalone rosettes and inlays, and B-Band A5T electronics on acoustic-electric models. The TW70-H Grand Auditorium Heritage guitar showcases a solid cedar top, three-piece solid rosewood with flamed maple insert back, solid rosewood sides, and deluxe four-ring abalone rosette with herringbone accents. Prices range from $1,099 to $1,599. The entry-level Evolution series features five laminate and solid cedar top dreadnoughts, ranging in list price from $239 to $399.
TASCAM
Tascam gives its digital Portastudios an update with a new look, new effects, a new display, and a new price point. The DP-02CF records to compact flash media and includes a pair of XLR mic inputs with phantom power, eight-track recording at CD quality, and two-band EQ per track. It includes a 1GB card as an introductory offer, for plenty of recording time without purchasing additional memory. The DP-02 records to a 40GB hard drive instead of compact flash, and includes a multi-effect processor, stereo reverb, and CD burner for CD masters and song backup. Both units feature a Portastudio-style interface so that musicians can mix with knobs instead of digging through menus.
TAYLOR Taylor
has released three new SolidBody electric guitar models. The SolidBody Custom (sapele body with an inset top of figured walnut and Venetian cutaway) will retail for $3,098; list price for the SolidBody Standard (sapele with a flame maple inset top and Florentine cutaway) is $2,398; and the SolidBody Classic (swamp ash with crushed pearl pickguard and Florentine cutaway) will list for $1,748. All three guitars feature new proprietary pickups: Style I, a ˚-size humbucker design for Custom and Classic models, and Style II, an open-coil humbucker for the Standard model. Other Taylor-exclusive touches include the T-Lock neck; a sculpted, completely adjustable all-aluminum bridge and volume and tone knobs that are specially contoured for maximum control.
ULTRASOUND Ultrasound Amplifiers of West Des Moines, Iowa, has announced a modular high-performance music system specifically designed for acoustic artists in a performance situation. The DSX amplifier with the XTC extension cabinet offers twice the number of speakers and double the amount of power as the company’s popular DS4 model.
The DSX Amplifier with XTC extension cabinet has four specially designed 8” dual-cone coaxial speakers with 100 watts of RMS power. The dual cabinet design offers performing artists a high-performance ergonomic solution to the problem of toting heavy amplifiers to a venue. UltraSound’s products are currently being used by acoustic artists including Thom Bresh, Duck Baker, Muriel Anderson, Nokie Edwards, Jim Messina, John Pizzarelli, Leo Kottke, and Brad Davis, among others.
"The DSX amp with the XTC cabinet blows away anything out there for acoustic artists,” notes Ultrasoundˇs acoustic engineer Greg Farres. "Our amps are compact yet offer a robust sound for the performing artist, and they truly deliver the best tone in the industry."
"This is the first modular music system for acoustic artists," notes Dean Markley, president of UltraSound, "We believe this will be wildly popular with artists who need a big sound with true tone reproduction that lets the real sound of the music come through."
VANDOREN Vandoren now offers Flow Pack packaging for every reed in its line. Every box of 10 or five now contains reeds in individually wrapped Flow Packs.
“The new design is simple by design,” says sales manager Andy Blanco. “We wanted a display that was efficient, and blended in with any store design the dealer has. We upgraded the way the product by using a device that actually pulls the product forward rather than push it. We found these new ‘pullers’ were easier to load and moved the product forward much more evenly.” In addition to the new look, the Vandoren point-of-purchase displays are also versatile with the VPOP5 doubling as a mouthpiece display for all Vandoren mouthpieces.
VIC FIRTH Vic Firth unveils the new Vinnie Paul Signature Stick. Heavy metal drummer and producer Vinnie Paul is most known for his work with Pantera, Damageplan, and Hell Yeah. His reputation for playing with power and speed is legendary. While designing his stick, Vinnie commented, “I have always liked playing with the American Classic Rock model. However, I always wanted a little more overall length and a larger tip. Thanks to Vic, I now have my perfect stick! The length, strength, weight, and durability are exactly what I was looking for.”
The stick is made of hickory and designed with a full-sized shaft and an enlarged teardrop tip. Length is 16-7/8” and diameter is .630”. The MSRP is $15.
VOYAGE-AIR The Voyage-air guitar is the only full-size acoustic guitar that fits in the overhead compartment of all major
U.S.
airlines. This ease of travel is made possible by a patented hinge that allows the neck to quickly and easily fold over the body without the use of any tools or the removal of strings. Starting at $1,499, the standard model OM comes with mahogany back and sides,
Sitka
spruce top, a 14-fret 1˚” neck, and a travel backpack case.
Voyage-Air Guitar now debuts The Stealth, a carved-top electric inspired by military aircraft. The Stealth is fitted with the same patented hinge as the acoustic, allowing the neck to quickly and easily fold over the body for safe storage in the overhead compartment.
WASHBURN Washburn Guitars announces the addition of the custom-made Joe Trohman Idol series. Showcasing the passion of Fall Out Boy's guitarist, the guitar is a modern electric single-cutaway style. Dual humbuckers and voice contour control (VCC) allow for a range of tones. The guitar also features a solid basswood body, rosewood fretboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and Grover tuners. It is available in both black and white and retails for $419.90.
WOOD VIOLINS Wood Violins, headed by electric violinist Mark Wood (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celine Dion) has developed three new products: The Stingray SV-4 electric violin, the WVA-10D Wood Electric Violin Amplifier, and the WWP-1 Wood Wah.
WYMAN PIANO CO. The Wyman Piano Co. has announced the new Wyman/Pianoforce CD2 factory-installed player piano system. The system is installed at Wyman’s factory, and a quality-controlled custom installation is done on each model. Features include on-screen help, wireless Internet connection, multiple playback sources, 8-gig internal music library, and microphone inputs.
The Wyman/Pianoforce CD2 player piano system is available on the Wyman model WG145 (4’ 9”), model WG160 (5’ 3”), model WG170 (5’ 7”), and model WG185 (6’ 1”) grand pianos, and in all available styles and finishes.
X2 X2 Digital Wireless Systems releases the XDR955 Handheld Digital Wireless Microphone. The system ships standard with the Audix OM3 capsule. Features include: high and low RF power mode, user-enabled mute function, and lockout mode for the controls. All modes are accessed via custom back-lit LCD which automatically darkens seconds after setup.
The XDH4 handheld transmitter features polycarbonate material to house the unit’s circuitry. Signal transfer from the microphone capsule is handled by mechanical connection and arrives at the A/D converter millimeters from the capsule, resulting in vocal clarity. The MSRP is r$999.
X-TEMPO DESIGNS X-Tempo Designs introduces their flagship foot controller, the pok. The pok is a wireless control surface pedal board that allows musicians, DJs, producers, liver performers, and other DAW users to remotely foot-control their computer while at the computer keyboard. For home studios, it allows computer recording and playback sessions to be controlled from an Iso booth or other location outside the control room. Bands and DJs using a DAW can use it to foot-operate track playback on stage. The pedal button functions are customizable, and support popular Mac of PC-based DAWs including Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Cubase, and others. The MSRP is $599.
YAMAHA BAND & ORCHESTRA Yamaha introduces the YTR-9335VS Allen Vizzutti Signature Artist Model trumpet in the key of Bb, developed by Yamaha trumpet artist Allen Vizzutti and Yamaha Artist Services Band & Orchestral Atelier director Bob Malone. Although similar to the New York Artist Model trumpet, the new horn features a number of specialized design features, including brass valve stems and
gray finger-button pearls. In addition, the third valve slide stop screw includes a solid screw head, which improves the instrument’s overall feel and response. Similarities to the Chicago Artist Model trumpet include placement of the first valve slide brace and third valve slide. The YTR-9335VS will retail for $4,500.
YAMAHA DRUMS Yamaha Drums, which earlier last year resurrected the venerable Rogers Drums brand name, is adding new size configurations and finishes to the Trailblazer and Prospectordrum kits. Both sets come with heavier-duty hardware and competitive specifications at their respective price points.
The first new Trailblazer Drum Set will be available with a 20” bass drum, 10” and 12” toms, a 14” floor tom and a matching 14” wood snare drum. The second Trailblazer set will come with a 24” bass drum, a 12” tom, a 16” floor tom and a 14” x 6.5” 10-lug steel snare drum. The new Prospector configuration includes an 18” bass drum, 12” tom, 14” floor tom and a 14” matching wood snare drum.
Along with these new sizes,
Rogers
will offer three new finishes: Brushed Copper will be added to the Trailblazer Series, Stonewash Blue and Brushed Steel to the Prospector.
YAMAHA PIANO Yamaha Pianos adds two new instruments to its Modus line of digital pianos, which make their debut at the NAMM Show.
Previously known as the Yamaha “Slimline” piano, the instruments will now carry the brand name Modus F01 and Modus F11. These models join the Modus H01 “contemporary grand”-style digital piano to round out the product line.
The Modus model F11 features player piano-like moving keys and offers Yamaha XG technology, an expanded voice library for fully orchestrated sound, a USB port for computer connectivity and record and playback functionality, as well as a LAN port to enable access to the Internet-based ModusRadio.
ModusRadio elevates streaming radio to the level of a live performance. Each station includes a
MIDI
feed, enabling the Yamaha piano to play live with moving keys, accompanied by specially recorded ensemble parts, for remarkable realism and accuracy.
Yamaha Modus owners who subscribe to ModusRadio can choose from a range of music stations including Broadway, Classical and Semi-Classical, Country, Great Piano Solos, Jazz, Pop, Rock and Classic Rock, Soundtracks and Standards. Non-subscribers can access 30-second clips of channels, and can stream a complimentary channel featuring full-length, public domain songs. ModusRadio streams selections to Internet-connected Modus pianos, offering nonstop entertainment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Modus F01 and F11 models in closed position reveal a streamlined configuration that resemble console tables from America’s finest furniture collections. Both models feature a back plate in one of four designer colors: Polished Blue, Polished Ebony, Polished Orange, and Polished Red. Standing flush against the wall, the back plate frames the piano like a work of art. The instrument also offers 88 natural wood white keys and a choice of hard, medium, soft and fixed touch sensitivity.
In an industry first, customers now have the option of customizing the look of their Modus F01 or F11 piano by submitting an image of a favorite design or photo to appear on the back plate of the instrument.
ZILDJIAN Zildjian rolls out new crash ride cymbals for the K Zildjian Series. The 21” and 22” K crash rides feature a brilliant finish and a medium-thin weight. These new models now become Zildjian’s largest crash ride cymbals available and offer an explosive crash sound. Developed with Zak Starkey, who has been using them in his set-ups with The Who and Oasis since 2000, they feature a brilliant finish that helps to smooth out the sound and add extra high-end sparkle. They are based on the famed cymbals Kerope Zildjian made in the 19th Century, but augmented for contemporary needs. While once thought of as primarily a jazz cymbal, K Zildjians are being used more and more by rock and pop drummers as well. The MSRP of the 21” is $589, the 22”, $644.
ZOOGEE WORLD Zoogee World Inc. announces a new way to customize picks, the “Rick Rock Guitar Pick.” The company offers a photo-quality custom print captured inside a transparent three-dimensional dome. It is produced with a special liquid resin and made to produce superior sound and brighter tones; longer pick durability; and production in any shape or size without die charges. It is available to be put on key chains, necklaces, zipper pulls, and cell phone attachments. The company is seeking retail and promotional distributors worldwide, including guitar manufacturers and distributors.
PALATINO PIANOS With a modern European design and world-class features, the new Palatino Rounded Vertical Piano (PUP-124)has smooth edges around its body, nickel-plated brass hardware, and a lid that’s hinged in the middle for easy access.
The black-gloss finished model also features a solid spruce soundboard, hard rock maple bridges, Renner-style action, high-quality felt hammers, Mapes strings (U.S.), Roslau strings (Germany), and all-maple action parts.
PAUL REED SMITH GUITARS Paul Reed Smith Guitars, Ltd. introduces 12 guitar models at the 2008 NAMM Show:
The DGT - David Grissom Trem is the result of more than 20 years of collaboration between Paul Reed Smith and David Grissom. The DGT was inspired by Grissom’s wish to take all of the best elements of his PRS guitars and combine them with an extra volume control, a nitro topcoat, vintage colors, his favorite neck shape, large frets, and .011 gauge strings. Grissom’s signature model features special pickups, special wiring, a special neck shape (smaller than a wide-fat neck), bigger frets, and heavy-gauge strings that complement rhythm and solo tones.
The PRS Mira is a 24-fret guitar that features a 25” scale length, 10” radius, regular or wide-thin neck shape, locking tuning pegs, PRS Stoptail, abalone moon inlays, optional bird inlays, East Indian rosewood fingerboard, a solid mahogany body and neck, Mira Treble and Bass pickups, volume, tone, three-way blade switch, and mini toggle coil tap. The Mira model is offered in Vintage Cherry, Orange, Vintage Mahogany, Black, Wild Mint, Lilac, Seafoam Green, Powder Blue, and Sandstorm.
Korina has come to be known as a rare and legendary tone wood amongst manufacturers and players over the years, and PRS now adds the McCarty Korina to their model line. The new model features an all- korina body with a korina neck and headstock, an East Indian rosewood fretboard, and is offered in several colors.
The McCarty II is the successor to the McCarty, the PRS guitar model named for industry icon Ted McCarty. The instrument comes standard with a carved figured maple top with a mahogany back body, 25" scale length, 22-fret mahogany wide-fat neck with rosewood fretboard, moon inlays (new birds optional), PRS Stoptail, vintage-style tuners, McCarty II truss rod cover, and a new Mastering Voice Control. The Voice Control is fully variable from clean, clear vintage tones to powerful heavy metal sounds.
The electronics include new McCarty II Treble and Bass pickups with covers, volume and tone control, three-way toggle pickup selector, and a mini-toggle for turning the Voice Control on and off.
The Santana IV is the evolution of the Santana I, II and III models. Carlos Santana and Paul Smith have been working together for more than two years on this new instrument and its new sound. The instrument has most of the appointments of the Santana II and III models but with two major differences. The knobs are now in McCarty positions, and the instrument includes a special Mastering Voice Control. This Voice Control provides an early-1960s sound and clarity to the instrument and turns on and off with a mini-toggle.
PRS is now offering a 300-piece run of a large, full-scale hollowbody guitar. Previously, the SCJ Thinline was only produced in small quantities inside the Private Stock department. This newly offered, limited-run model will feature two different bridge/tailpiece setups, a custom-made Bigsby, as well as a PRS-designed ebony/curly maple unit. The model also features a select grade maple top and back, mahogany middle and neck, and a Macassar ebony fingerboard/headstock veneer with gold mother-of-pearl birds and signature.
Solid alder is once again being used by PRS Guitars with the introduction of the CE 22/24 Alder model. Alder has not been used by PRS since the earlier ‘90s, and the body of this new model, the successor to the CE Mahogany, is made from solid alder without a maple top. The bolt-on neck is hard maple, and both contribute to a unique CE 22/24 Alder tone.
After the success of the PRS Hollowbody series, PRS has extended the line to include the Singlecut Hollowbody. The guitar is offered in two models: the SC Hollowbody Standard and the SC Hollowbody I, both featuring PRS Stoptail bridges and 22-fret necks.
The SC Hollowbody Standard features an all-mahogany body and neck, 25" scale length, 22-fret mahogany wide-fat neck with rosewood fretboard, moon inlays, PRS Stoptail, PRS low-mass locking tuners, Archtop Treble and Bass pickups with covers, volume and tone control, and three-way toggle pickup selector.
The SC Hollowbody I features a maple top with a mahogany back, sides and neck. All other specifications are the same as the SC Hollowbody Standard.
In addition, PRS will unveil four new SE Models at the NAMM Show: the SE Baritone, SE Custom Semi-Hollow Soapbar, the SE Singlecut, and the SE Soapbar.
PEARL The PFP-105E Piccolo is a reasonably priced composite-bodied instrument. The Pearl Piccolo looks, feels, and plays like a wooden instrument, but has none of the drawbacks associated with wood. The composite body is impervious to temperature or humidity extremes; it will never crack and the tone-holes will never warp. The high-wave embouchure cut enables a clear and projecting tone across the whole instrument. The PFP-105E has a MSRP of $1,500.
PEARL DRUMS Pearl Drums unveils a variety of new drum products at NAMM. The Jimmy DeGrasso Signature Snare Drum is a 14” x 5.5” hammered brass snare drum with gold-plated hardware, ideal for loud, amplified music. DeGrasso has laid the foundation for such hard rock acts as Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Suicidal Tendencies, and most notably, Megadeth.
The Mike Mangini Signature Snare Drum features a six-ply, 100% birch shell in a unique 10” x 6.2” size, complete with “Phi” graphic covering. Mangini, a Berklee College of Music professor and international clinician, worked with Pearl to create a drum based on the ancient architectural phenomenon that is the Greek-based mathematical “golden ratio.” This snare features Swivel Tube Lugs, SuperHoop II hoops and an included OptiMount holder.
Also new from Pearl is the Morgan Rose Signature Snare Drum, made in cooperation with the drummer for the band Sevendust. The model is a 14” x 5” steel drum with stainless steel tension rods, and a green metallic finish with glow-in-the-dark “Alien” graphic.
PETERSON Peterson’s BodyBeat is described as the first metronome that produces a pulsing vibration that allows musicians to easily internalize the beat. The BodyBeat clips onto the belt line and a small separate “vibe clip” transmits the beat, in the form of a pulse (including subdivisions and accents), directly to the user.
Research has shown that separate neural pathways to the brain exist for tactile impulses and visible/audible information which is why musicians find that tactile pulses are quickly internalized, allowing them to concentrate on reading and listening to the music without the constant distraction of an audio or visual metronome. Feeling the beat, not having to listen to clicks or look at blinking LEDs makes it much easier to focus on the music and playing in correct time. The BodyBeat can also be used like an ordinary metronome with audible and visual modes. An A440 reference tone is also featured. It is suitable for all musicians and has a MSRP of $129.
PHONIC Phonic announces the overhaul of a number of their FireWire-enabled products. Both the Firefly 302 and Firefly 808 will be released in new USB-enabled versions incorporating the same features, but making them more accessible to the average PC user. The USB 302 is a revamp of the Firefly 302 and is a portable USB-enabled multi-track recording device. It features a number of 1/4”, XLR and MIDI inputs/outputs, allowing guitars, microphones and other instruments to be recorded anywhere, anytime.
The Firefly 808 has been recreated in the USB 808, a 16-in, 16-out USB-enabled recording preamp with a 192 kHz sampling rate. The USB 808 features a 8 1/4” and XLR inputs and outputs, however also includes a number of digital (AES, S/PDIF, MIDI) inputs and outputs to maximize its appeal.
PIONEER ELECTRONICS Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. Professional Sound and Visual Division unveils the SVM-1000, billed as “the world’s first reference audio and video combination mixer designed for elite DJs, VJs, and club venues to enhance their audio/video performance and provide their patrons and fans with an all-encompassing sensory experience.” In addition to mixing audio and video, the mixer incorporates a built-in 11” LCD touch-panel display, symmetric channel layout, four-channel audio and video inputs, Still Image Sampler, and hundreds of combinations of video effects. Features and audio mixing capabilities of the SVM-1000 are similar to the Pioneer DJM-1000/800 mixers, which give DJs and VJs the creative freedom to build and create synchronized visual effects to accompany their audio mix for a complete entertainment encounter.
DJs can synchronize audio and video with up to four sources simultaneously. Each of the four channels features independent fading and equalization for traditional mixing techniques. The mixer is also capable of sound-only or visual-only control for creative mixing according to the DJ/VJ style. For enhanced visuals of any mix, the cross fader is capable of various video effects such as Fade, Wipe, and Chromakey.
An Audio Video Effect function enables the user to fully synchronize audio and video effects using the touch-panel LCD display. With up to 30 built-in audio and video effects, users have the ability to quickly create exciting visual treatments orchestrated to music. When video isn’t available from a source, such as a CD, the DJ can still create a visual performance through pre-loaded graphics and images accessed from an animated on-screen icon for quick selection.
The SVM-1000 will be available in February 2 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $5,999.
PERCUSSION PLUS Musicorp offers a new model in the Percussion Plus Three-Piece Junior Drum Set. The set is designed for the aspiring drummer ages three to five. Quality features and design provide a real drum feel and sound, with 13” bass drum, 10” snare, 8” tom, cymbal rod with 8” cymbal, and bass drum pedal with felt beater. The drum set also includes drumsticks and a drum key. It is available in a swirl finish, with a list price of $149.95.
PRO-MARK Pro-Mark has added two new drumstick caddies to its line. The new Pad Bags incorporate a practice pad permanently affixed to the exterior of the bags themselves. This eliminates the need for a drummer to carry a separate pad in addition to his/her stick bag. The Pad Bags are available in small and large. The PB20 is equipped with a sturdy and comfortable shoulder strap. Suggested retail prices are $79.95 for the small and $99.95 for the large.
RANDALL AMPLIFIERS Randall Amplifiers launches a Signature Series stack called the V2 Ninja, which is designed and inspired by Arch Enemy lead guitarist Michael Amott. Amott's style features a wide vibrato, melodic lead lines, sledgehammer riffs, and twin- guitar harmonies. The V2 Ninja Head offers a three-channel head that includes a classic solid-state clear channel, a Randall overdrive channel, and an all-tube pre-amp channel with “attack” and “bright.” It also has a MIDI-assignable six-band graphic EQ and parallel effects loop, a master volume control, power amp, and Ruby 12AX7AC5HG pre-amp tube. The V2 Ninja Head retails for $1,599. The matching cabinet is a G12H-100 Celestion speaker cabinet for $1,199.
RECORDING KING Inspired by the designs of Art Deco, a new banjo from Recording King showcases the decorative craftsmanship and features of the pre-war movement. The Deco King Banjo (RK-R60) is covered with pearloid on the back of the resonator as well as on the peghead. There is also a “deco flower” pattern on both the resonator back and peghead and a deco fretboard inlay in mother-of-pearl. The banjo features a one-piece resonator, a one-piece neck, three-ply maple rim, nickel-plated hardware, a bound ebony fretboard, and American Standard thread hardware. The model has a black gloss finish on the rim, resonator sides, and neck. Each model includes a hardshell case with a brass Recording King nameplate. The MSRP is $1,599.99.
REDLAND MUSIC PRODUCTS Redland Music Products introduces 20 new designs for its AxeMat premium guitar repair mats. These mats feature high-resolution photographic images of popular guitar models, and make for a good work surface for guitar maintenance and repair. The images are permanently dyed into the supple top fabric, and will not crack, fade, or wash off. The mats are backed by high-density urethane to cushion and protect instruments and the work surface underneath. Measuring 19” x 29” to accommodate any size guitar, these mats are easy to clean, lay flat, and easily roll up for storage.
Other Redland accessories recently introduced at NAMM include a complete line of products for guitar care, including Premium Guitar Cleaner, Guitar Wax, and Lemon Oil Conditioner. All of these products are environmentally safe, and contain no harmful solvents or silicone.
REVEREND GUITARS Reverend announces the Roundhouse HB-FM electric guitar featuring a classic single-cutaway tone in a thinner, lighter guitar. The guitar has a flame maple veneer (available in blue burst or faded burst) laminated to a solid maple flat top. The solid-body construction uses resonant korina for an instrument that is rich in harmonics. The bridge pickup is slightly hotter than a vintage PAF, and the neck pickup is slightly cleaner. It also features two Reverend humbucker pickups, a three-way pickup switch, Wilkinson staggered EZ-Lock tuners, 24.75” scale, and rosewood fingerboard with 12” radius and 22 frets. The MSRP is $699.
REVIVAL ACOUSTICS Major Music Supply’s Revival Acoustics is shipping three new Traditional Series guitars: the RG-33 “000” Style Guitar with a Solid Englemann Spruce Top, Solid Walnut Back and Sides, and Satin Finish V Neck along with an Ebony fingerboard and Grover Rotomatic Tuners; the RG-30V Herringbone Model will also have a Satin finish V-style neck with a Solid Engelmann top and Solid Indian Rosewood back and sides; and the RG-31 dreadnought (Vintage Sunburst) also includes a Solid Engelmann top with a book-matched flamed Maple back, sides, and neck.
ROCKANO PRODUCTIONS Rockano Productions presents the Facelift, a custom-cut removable and re-usable vinyl overlay for guitar. It is easy to put on and take off, and does no damage to the guitar. Professional guitarist Rick Parfitt (“Status Quo”) says he got the idea on a UK tour in 2003, and with business partner Mike Hrano, they spent months on the prototype before taking it to Fender, who gave it their okay. Currently their nine different designs are available on the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster, and plans are in the works to include more guitar shapes in the future.
NAMM Exhibit #2511
RODGERS INSTRUMENTS With new organs to be displayed at the NAMM Show, Rodgers Instruments LLC will make its Trillium Masterpiece Series instruments available in two new versions.
Rodgers has created a new Prelude Edition of the two- and three-manual tab stop organs in the Trillium Masterpiece Series. Prelude Edition consoles offer the same sound, technology, pipe compatibility, and range of custom options as Trillium Masterpiece Series, but at a lower price point. The Prelude Edition will expand to selected models in the Masterpiece line in 2008.
In addition, Rodgers is introducing the Trillium Masterpiece Series Medallion Edition. Medallion organs feature fresh samples from prestigious pipe organ installations, wooden keyboards, filled finishes, a piston sequencer, and 100 internal memory levels for organist registrations. Like Prelude, the Medallion configuration will be offered in various console sizes and in both tab and drawknob versions.
Rodgers plans to unveil two additional products at the NAMM Show. The Model 538 is a two-manual organ for organists desiring a smaller specification and more compact pedalboard for smaller spaces, as well as top-quality orchestral sounds and beautiful flute tremulants for gospel music. The 538 runs on a powerful new technology platform that offers outstanding sound, tremendous flexibility, and extensive onboard voicing possibilities.
With a similar technology platform to the Model 538, Rodgers is introducing the Model 548 full-sized console organ built in its Hillsboro, Ore. factory. The new model marks the return of moderately priced console organs being manufactured in the United States.
SABIAN Sabian has turned to aluminum to craft its new Alu Bell. Available in 7” and 9” sizes, the Alu Bell features a dome shape and narrow striking edge. Aluminum creates a clear and musical bell-like response and is very light in weight, which contributes to its ability to produce long, sustaining notes. Because every Alu Bell is individually created using traditional sand casting methods, each piece has a rough surface and is comparatively thick with an unfinished look, but the tone is sweet and musical with great sustain.
sE ELECTRONICS sE Electronics is a US-based microphone manufacturer offering a full line of handcrafted microphones and accessories. sE users have ranged from industry legends such as Santana and Stevie Wonder to emerging Grammy- nominated artists like Amy Winehouse and J-Moss. Multi-platinum producer and Grammy winner Don Was uses the Reflexion Filter with the sE Gemini. Real World Studios in the UK is a longtime user and concludes that sE offers “the best performance for the money”. Other users include LakewoodChurch and Cirque du Soleil.
sE products include tube mics, traditional condensers, ribbons, live mics, stereo pairs, USB mics, and a specialized acoustic guitar recording system.
SEYMOURDUNCAN Seymour Duncan releases a new pedal, the SFX-04 Twin Tube Mayhem, a high-gain guitar pre-amp that uses a duet of subminiature 6205 vacuum tubes. The Twin Tube Mayhem employs a fully encapsulated, toroidal transformer to achieve the high plate voltage required for true tube amplification and maximum dynamic range. Additional gain is achieved with a high-voltage, low-noise Class A input stage. It also features a user-selectable 4dB or 8dB boost, which allows for lead and rhythm levels to be set independently. The pedal also features true bypass with gold relays, over 90 dB of gain, a silent switching circuit designed to eliminate pops and clicks, and a heavy-duty chassis with a nickel-plated chassis and “chicken head” knobs. A 16-volt AC transformer is also included.
SHER MUSIC CO. Sher Music presents The Real Easy Book — Volume 3: A Short History of Jazz. The first two volumes of The Real Easy Book are the only jazz fake books designed for classroom use. They feature easy, but classic, jazz tunes on the left-hand page, and all the things teachers might need to write out for their students on the right-hand page. Volume 3 features five to 10 tunes from each historical era of jazz: traditional jazz, the swing era, classic bebop, West Coast jazz, the Blue Note era, contemporary jazz, “groove” jazz, Brazilian jazz, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Difficulty ranges from very simple blues to deep contemporary tunes, and some great beginning traditional jazz arrangements of “Bill Bailey” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” including separate clarinet and trombone obligato parts. There are also introductory texts on the history of each era of jazz. At over 200 pages, The Real Easy Book—Volume 3 comes in C, B-flat, E-flat, and bass clef versions and retails for $25.
SIERRA GUITARS Sierra Guitars introduces the Sierra Compass ST10, a travel-size acoustic guitar. This scaled-down 34" guitar serves as a travel instrument or a comfortable guitar for beginners. Featuring a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides for a warm and natural tone, the Compass incorporates die-cast machine heads and is available in a natural satin finish. The Sierra Compass also displays a signature compass-shaped inlay on the 12th fret marker, unique to each Sierra Guitar series. A padded Sierra gig bag is included for protection and traveling ease. List price is $399.
SOUND INNOVATIONS Sound Innovations is shipping Kickstand, which attaches to the existing factory strap peg on most guitars and stays. The product allows the guitars to stand the guitar up with no stand, and requires no drilling, gluing, or modifications. It was recently nominated “Best New Accessory for 2007” by Guitar Player magazine. The MSRP is $24.95.
STAGELINE introduces two new Stageline wooden guitar stands. The stands are offered in both acoustic (GS550A) and electric (GS551E) versions. Both are folding guitar stands with metal supports that include black foam rubber padding contact points. With a unique design and attractive look and feel, these stands are suited for displaying a favorite instrument in the living room, studio, or store. The list price is $29.95.
HOHNER Hohner announces a new product aimed at the entry-level acoustic guitar market: the Rockstart acoustic guitar package. The Rockstart package includes everything a beginner needs, including Hohner’s HW350 acoustic guitar (featuring a spruce top and die-cast tuners), deluxe padded gig bag, KORG chromatic tuner, instructional DVD, strap, picks, string winder, and additional strings. The Rockstart package has a retail price of $299.
Also new from Hohner is the Hoodoo Box Harmonica Amplifier, designed specifically for harmonica players. It’s a five-watt, Class A, tube amplifier featuring a single EL84 power tube, a single 12 AX7 pre-amp tube, a single 12AU7 pre-amp tube (in the 2nf gain stage), classic spring reverb, an 8” Celestion “Super 8” speaker, and a balanced XLR direct out which can be used as a recording output or as a send to the front of house PA. The Hoodoo Box retails for $399.99, MAPs for $279 and features retro styling including a black “Rhino-skin” Tolex cover with white pinstriping and special Hohner grille cosmetics.
HUDSON MUSIC Hudson releases KoSA Eleven/Live DVD, which features over three hours of instruction, interviews, and live performance highlights from the 11th edition of the KoSA International Percussion Workshop and Festival. Produced by KoSA founder and artistic director Aldo Mazza in association with Hudson Music, this DVD offers viewers a participant’s perspective on the KoSA experience and represents the highlights of the August 2006 event, which was held in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Memo Acevedo, John Amira, Clayton Cameron, and Kenwood Dennard are among the featured performers. The MSRP is $29.95.
IBANEZ At last year's January NAMM Show, Ibanez Guitars delivered on a renewed focus on its offerings to the metal-minded and continued the attack at Summer NAMM in Austin. At the 2008 NAMM Show, the Ibanez battle for the minds and dark hearts of the metal players shows no signs of abating.
One strong indication is the XPT707FX, the first seven-string in the radically shaped Xiphos models. The Xiphos seven-string features a 5-piece Wizard II thru-neck and DiMarzio D Activator seven-string pickups, which offer the characteristic sound of active pickups favored by metalheads, but without the active circuitry. Unlike the original six-string Xiphos, the new model features a fixed bridge instead of a double-locking tremolo system. The guitar is finished in Grey Chameleon, a color which changes hue at different angles. The suggested list price $1066.65.
JODYJAZZ Jody Espina has developed the DV baritone to complete the DV series of saxophone mouthpieces. With effortless playing, strong projection, and a rich, throaty baritone sound, the DV is a good choice for all styles of playing. Also new is the DV NY alto. The DV NY alto is inspired by today's New York City jazz scene, delivering flawless performance, ease of play, and a deep, dark, warm tone. The DV NY has a deep chamber/baffle, which makes the tone very rich and colorful while allowing the player to create a personal voice. Both new mouthpieces are hand-finished and plated in 24-karat gold.
JOHN HORNBY SKEWES Leading independent UK music distributor John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. is featuring its own brand of instruments at NAMM exhibit #1312.
Guitar lines include Vintage, Vintage Advance and Vintage Icons. Vintage Advance is a new line of guitars designed and supervised by the UK’s acknowledged guitar guru Trev Wilkinson. The guitars feature high-quality Wilkinson pickups, parts, and components and draw heavily on the classic 1950s electric guitar shapes while at the same time offering a unique take on each design.
Vintage Advance guitars offer increased pro appeal, achieved by designing guitars that players can stay with as their ability increases. By introducing unique features on these guitars, the Vintage Advance instruments also offer individuality coupled with levels of specification from instruments which belong in much more high-dollar brackets, according to JHS.
Key enhancements include high-access neck joints for unparalleled playability, bubinga heel extensions for better coupling of the neck-to-body jointing on bolt-on neck models, unique electronic innovations, acoustic chambered bodies chambers to add richness to the sound and increase overtones, all matched with Wilkinson hardware, pickups, and electronics, premium materials, and deluxe cosmetics.
Vintage Advance Series instruments also offer select tonewoods, including American alder, mahogany, Indian rosewood, and hard rock maple.
Also new from John Hornby Skewes is the Vintage Icon Series. Designed in conjunction with Trev Wilkinson, Vintage Icon electric guitars have a new specially-aged look with equally aged Wilkinson tuners, hardware, and pickups that look like they’ve been played for decades with all the wear-and-tear to prove it. They’ve been through the mill but they’re cool and ready for the next gig.
KACES Kaces ships a new four-piece drum bag set that can be personalized and expanded into five pieces with the drummer’s choice of seven different Grafix snare bag design options. Available in three different size configurations to match most sets (two fusion, one standard), the gig bags are made with a 600D Nylon Exterior that protects against dirt, scratches, and dings. Every bag is double-stitched and reinforced at all stress points. They also feature extra-long handles and luggage-grade zippers. The MSRP is $159.95.
LASHBROOK GUITARS Lashbrook Guitars exhibits its first production model guitar at the 2008 NAMM Show. The solidbody electric LTH-1 features Lashbrook’s new piezo technology, which offers a greater range of natural tones. Lashbrook’s invention features a proprietary design, which employs tone woods instead of metal for the bridge and saddles.
LAUREN The Lauren LTB100 Bb Trombone is reliable and affordable and features a lacquer-finished brass body, decorative bell engraving, 8” bell, brass inner and outer slides, and silver-plated mouthpiece. It comes with a plush-lined ABS case, a polishing cloth, and slide oil. The list price is $349.99.
LEVY’S LEATHERS Levy's expands its Tear Wearline of shredded guitar straps with new designs featuring argyle patterns. The straps are constructed with heavy cotton webbing and leather ends. Pictured is model MC8TWA available in four colors.
Also new at the NAMM Show is Levy's Platinum Collection, the strap designer's most luxurious line of guitar straps ever. Each strap is fashioned with premium leather, foam padding, and soft leather backing, and features a median braid.
LITTLITE Littlite introduces two new lamp set models for music stand applications. The MS-12-HI and MS-18-HI use a five-watt halogen lamp, while the MS-12-LED and MS-18-LED provide a warm white light via a combination of red and white LEDs. The halogen model features a dimmer while the LED version includes an on/off switch. Designed for use with standard, flat-edged Manhasset-style music stands, MS series can be mounted anywhere along the perimeter of the stand, enabling the light to be conveniently positioned without blocking the musician’s view. Additionally, the MS series features Littlite’s new GXF-10 switching power supply. The 2.1mm quick-disconnect will accept Littlite’s accessory cables, enabling users to power multiple lamps from a single power supply. Retail prices are $71.25 for high-intensity models and $105 for LED models.
LJ HUTCHEN LJ Hutchen has recently upgraded two of their instruments. The 4215 Flute has improved application of silver-plating for increased durability and superior overall finish, finer machining for more precise head and foot joint fit, and increased gauge of body tube. The 4217 Alto Saxophone features a redesigned octave system that has fewer moving parts, precision machining and finishing for smoother neck fit, and heavier gauge body and increased key strength.
MAPEX USA Mapex is introducing a six-piece configuration and two lacquer finishes to its Pro M Drum Series. The Studioease configuration (PM6286U) includes a 22” x 18” bass drum, 10” x 8” and 12” x 9” tom toms, 14” x 14” and 16” x 16” floor toms and a 14” x 5.5” snare drum. The set includes a full complement of hardware, including a P750A bass drum pedal, a H750A hi-hat stand, S550A snare, C550A cymbal stand and B550A boom stand. The set carries a list price of $2,399.99.
Mapex also will display two new lacquer finishes to the Pro M Series. Sienna Burst is a grain-enhancing honey-to-brown burst and Sapphire Burst that fades from a transparent sapphire blue to black. Like all Mapex lacquer finishes these new colors are hand-applied and hand- buffed to a deep, high-gloss shine.
MARATHON The ENT V2 Club & Live Sound Series speakers are equipped with high-power, die-cast-frame woofers and titanium compression drivers. The speakers have a tough surface and are paint-able to match any background. The grilles are high-tensile steel for long-lasting protection with a black-coated finish. Four models are available: the ENT-115V2 single 15” two-way; ENT-215V2 dual 15” two-way; ENT-118V2 single 18” sub; ENT-218V2 dual 18” sub. Street price starts at $299.
MARTIN The Mania SCX800 is the latest in Martin’s Mania series of scanners. The SCX800 is a rollerscan effect with all new gobo designs, four “fat” beam projections, and a continuously rotating mirror drum. It’s suited for DJs, live performers, and club owners. This scanner effect houses the highest-quality optical system for maximum light output and true high-definition image quality. It combines with a long-life 150-watt discharge lamp (6000 hours, included) to kick out a powerful array of graphics and color. Included are eight interchangeable, index-able rotating gobos and a separate shutter for fast strobe effects. Designed for both installation and portable use, the SCX800 is DMX controllable and includes 24 pre-programmed shows.
M-AUDIO M-Audio is shipping the Fast Track Ultra audio interface. This 8 x 8 audio interface with MIDI features high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity. Designed for mobile and desktop production, the compact Fast Track Ultra interface uses USB 2.0 technology, and delivers the bandwidth for 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution throughout the recording and monitoring process. The increased data speed lets users enjoy exceptional fidelity on all inputs and outputs simultaneously.
The Fast Track Ultra introduces M-Audio’s brand-new MX Core DSP technology. The MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency, effects and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options -- accessible via an intuitive control panel that uses a separate mixer for each pair of outputs. MX Core technology enables users to apply reverb, or take advantage of the two independent headphone outputs to create separate monitor mixes when recording multiple musicians. The mixer provides for up to a 16 x 8 configuration, allowing users to connect microphones, synths, and other outboard gear to any of the interface’s hardware inputs, then mix them with the eight audio streams coming from the computer without taxing the CPU.
MBT LIGHTING MBT Lighting offers the new LEDPROPACK lighting package, a bigger version of the LEDPARPACK lighting package. It incorporates RGB LED technology to produce strong colors using a fraction of the energy and heat associated with standard PAR cans. The system includes four LEDPAR64 fixtures, each with 200 LEDs (80 red, 66 green, 54 blue) for strong stage power. It includes LEDC easy controller with pre-set color hold buttons, chasing, manual spectrum color choices, full-on, black-out, full dimming capability, and audio chase controls. It also includes 12-foot pro lighting stand, four-outlet power supply, and all connecting cables. It has a MSRP of $999.
MICROSONIC MUSIC Microsonic music releases EPIC Music Monitor, in-ear monitors that when used properly can allow the user to hear himself or herself well, and prevent hearing loss from exposure to intense sound. The universal earpiece features movable nozzle to customize the earpiece, and a choice of soft sleeves. It is easily adaptable for custom-molded sleeves for maximum sound isolation and comes in three models.
MIGHTY MOE The Mighty Moe Amp Strap is the most portable amplifier in the world, according to its maker. A 2 1/2" boot-leather strap supports the guitar while a dedicated cable connects to the Mightytone amp and speaker. Mighty Moe lasts up to nine hours on a single nine-volt battery and provides a big volume boost for both solidbody and acoustic/electric guitars. For quiet practicing, a 1/8" jack for a headset cancels Mighty Moe's speaker. Mighty Moe fits in a guitar bag and is usable for travel, practice, and even performing. The street price is $79.
MONO CASE MONO Hybrid Cases feature the Neckbrace patented support system for electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. The strap-in design suspends the guitar neck, headstock, and tuning pegs inside the case, protecting vulnerable points during hard impact. The cases feature laminated foam shells with strategically placed ABS panels to create lightweight cases offering heavyweight protection. Exterior features include clip/tuck shoulder straps for on-the-fly adjustments and steel-riveted handles built to take abuse. The full product MONO line-up also includes cases for percussion instruments, and the MSRP for all range from $80 to $259.
MORGAN HILL MUSIC Morgan Hill Music recently introduced the Boulder Creek Solitaire Series acoustic guitars. The line’s unique new design incorporates the patent-pending “SBS” Suspended Bracing System that produces much better tone and sustain than conventional X-bracing systems. The top-positioned sound port directs the tone to the player without compromising forward tone and volume projection. The new AB4-T preamp system provides natural acoustic amplification with less feedback and piezo “clunk” found in other systems.
MOSER Moser Custom Shop announces the MCS Scimitar guitar and bass, which feature a traditional double cutaway shape. MCS also presents its Spawn SV guitar, offering a radical sweeping body and headstock. The Spawn SV is available in a variety of finishes and either a fixed-bridge or Floyd Rose licensed double-locking tremolo. Most import models feature alder bodies, 24-fret maple neck, as well as bone or locking nuts and two high-output humbucking pickups. All Moser instruments are available with a hardshell case or deluxe padded gig bag.
NUMARK Numark has shipped the iDJ2, the first DJ mixing console with a universal iPod dock that has the ability to scratch, control pitch, key-lock, and simultaneously play two songs from a single iPod. For the first time, DJs can entertain with a single docked iPod using pro-grade, balanced XLR or stereo RCA output. The iDJ2 features technology that allows users to play two songs simultaneously without the need for a computer. DJs can hook up multiple mass-storage devices including additional iPods, thumb drives, and external USB hard drives, through rear panel USB ports. The iDJ2 also comes complete with line inputs for additional audio sources including a microphone, CD player, or turntable. The MSRP is $799.
OLD DOG Old Dog is set to launch their patented “X-Cabinet” at this year’s
NAMM Show. The “X-Cabinet” is exactly that, a 4x12 guitar speaker cabinet in the shape of an “X”.
“The aggressive styling of the X-Cabinet does more than just make you sit up and take notice,” says Derrick Baird, designer of the X-Cabinet. “The shape of the cabinet gives the baffle and back panel added rigidity, limiting excitation. This prevents standing waves and lets you attack the strings more rapidly without the muddy bottom end. The tighter the cabinet, the more energy is converted into sound pressure. This works well for many types of music, from super clean to the most distorted metal.”
The “X-Cabinet” is constructed completely of void-free Baltic birch and loaded with Vintage 30 Celestions. It also comes standard with a patent-pending “Plug and Play” (trademark of db Instrument Amp) jack plate assembly, which allows inputs at 4/16 Ohm Mono and 8 Ohm Stereo without the confusing switch. In front of every speaker is a patent-pending High Frequency Foam Diffuser. This component filters away the hiss emanating from the speaker center. The Old Dog X-Cabinet is made in the U.S.
Old Dog is a Maryland-based company and manufacturer of the Road Warrior guitar stand and modular speaker systems. Product information is available at
ON-STAGE STANDS On-Stage Stands has begun a stand-alone brand dubbed On-Stage Gear, which will feature textile, plastic, and electronic-based products for various product categories. The new line kicks off with the Keyboard Essentialsseries, which includes dust covers and sustain pedals. The new keyboard dust cover models are made with black or gray spandex and are available in an 88-keyboard size (KDA-7088) or for 61-76 keys (KDA-7061). Each cover features an elastic cord with locking clasp to perfectly fit most digital pianos and keyboards. The covers come with a built-in bag to keep the cover neat and easy to pack. The list price is $24. The new KSP-100 Keyboard Sustain pedal comes with a polarity switch and a built-in six-foot cord with ≈” connector to plug into electronic keyboards. The rubber-coated KSP-100 is also equipped with a chrome foot pedal and removable scratch-resistant pedal cover. The list price is $29.
OVATION Ovation introduced the mid-priced Ultra 2071 in June, 2007. For 2008, Ovation’s Ultra family will be expanded to include Ovation’s signature multi-soundhole design.
Ultra guitars are a global alliance between Ovation’s factory in Korea and the U.S. factory in New Hartford, Conn. Subassemblies made at the offshore factory are shipped to New Hartford, where craftsmen carry out the final assembly and setup process. The result is a professional instrument with the feel and playability of U.S.-made Ovation guitars.
Features such as Ovation’s lightweight Contour body, solid AA grade spruce top, scalloped LX bracing, “soft V” neck profile, and the OP Pro preamp make the 2178 a good value in the mid-priced acoustic/electric market. Other features include a five-piece mahogany and maple neck with two-way truss adjustment and Ovation’s OP Pro preamp with Ovation High Output pickup. Available in Black, Vintage Amber, and Black Cherry Burst finishes. Retail: $1,299 / MAP: $799.
A-DESIGNS AUDIO The Hammer is a new vacuum tube-equipped HM2EQ. The EQ unit is a dual-mono channel, three-band, analog equalizer engineered with a filtering system that allows the even harmonics to flow through its 12AT Phillips tubes, filtering out unwanted noise. The resulting sound is warm and musical yet highly transparent with a clean, airy high end. Housed in a 2U metal chassis with an aluminum faceplate and toroidal power transformer, it also comes with each channel featuring identical controls, including switches for bypass, high cut and low cut, as well as six large aluminum rotaries for the EQ section. The right side of the Hammer faceplate offers a heavy-duty Carling on/off toggle switch and large jewel lamp for power indication. Connections to and from the product are accomplished on the rear panel via a pair of balanced Neutrik XLR input jacks and pair of balanced XLR output jacks. It has a MSRP of $2,695.
ALFRED Alfred is shipping the album-matching songbook to Bruce Springsteen’s latest release, Magic. The album features Springsteen recording with the E Street Band for the first time in over five years, and features the hit “Long Walk Home.” Alfred’s album-matching songbook is now available in a Piano/Vocal/Chords version with lyrics, melody line, and chord changes with professionally arranged piano accompaniment, and an authentic guitar tab version.
AIWEIDY LIGHTING Aiweidy releases the A-2028. It accepts DMX 512 signals, can run automatically or be daisy-chained with other lights, and features a RGB nonpolar color-mixed system.
NAMM Exhibit #7624
AMERICAN DJ American DJ is shipping the Dual Gem LED, a dual-lens fixture that projects two moonflower effects from one unit. But instead of the halogen lamps used by the original Dual Gem, it is powered by high-output LEDs, which produce sharp beams of red, green, and blue light that will not fade and are not dependent on a fog machine for their brilliance. Its two clusters of beams emit an output similar to that of dual 250W halogen lamps, but it draws only 15W of power. Its LED lamps give off less heat than halogen or incandescent fixtures, and allow the fixture to be run all night with no duty cycles. The Dual Gem LED carries a three-year warranty and has suggested retail price of $179.95.
ARBOR GUITARS Musicorp debuts three Arbor electric guitars and one new electric bass at the NAMM Show. The Arbor AS390 is a double-cutaway electric guitar with mahogany body and a flame maple arched top. Features include a set-in mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, dual humbucker pickups, chrome die-cast machine heads, a three-position pickup selector switch, and volume and tone controls. It is available in two finishes, cherry sunburst and transparent charcoal. The MSRP is $369.95.
The AP235N is a single-cutaway electric guitar with arched flame maple top. Features include a set-in maple neck, rosewood fingerboard with spade-shaped abalone position markers, dual humbucker pickups, chrome die-cast machine heads, Wilkinson bridge, three-position pickup selector switch, and volume and tone controls. It is available only in a natural finish, with a MSRP is $399.95.
The AS340 is a single-cutaway electric guitar with single-ply binding on top and back. Features include mini-humbucker pickup in the neck position and a single-coil pickup in the bridge position, bound maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, white pearl block position markers, chrome die-cast machine heads, and a three-position pickup selector switch with volume and tone controls. It is available in sunburst and black finishes with a MSRP of $289.95.
The AB420 Arbor electric bass has a solid basswood body with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, dual pickups, and open-gear machine heads. It is available in three finishes, sunburst, vintage white, and black. The MSRP is $249.95.
AXL The AXL RepTone DSP is a new practice amp with 16 digital signal- processing effects for tone modeling and 15 watts RMS of amplification power. It has four styles each of multi, vibrato, flanger, and chorus, plus digital reverb and overdrive. The RepTone DSP also features a 6.5” Alphatone speaker, three-band EQ, and a headphone jack. It has a MSRP of $149.99.
BEHRINGER The new Ultra Bass Flanger BUF300 stompbox from Behringer brings a lot of control in a compact and affordable foot pedal. In addition to classic swirling flanging, the BUF300 can create thick choruses, tremolo, slap-back delays, and funky tonal effects, all without affecting the bass fundamentals. Individual controls are provided for depth and rate of modulation and filter resonance. A manual control varies the starting frequency of the filter sweep. The BUF300 features electronic switching and battery or DC power. The MSRP is $44.99.
BLUE BOOK The 11th edition of Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars is now more than 700 pages and features hundreds of new images. Written by Zachary R. Fjestad and edited by S. P. Fjestad, the fully revised edition keeps the reader up to date on new and vintage pricing, technical information on acoustic and acoustic electric instruments, and serialization on most major trademarks. This edition covers many of the current and discontinued acoustic guitar companies/trademarks, including the new crop of luthiers; contains a thoroughly revised trademark index with contact information; and features hundreds of photos depicting popular makes and models. The new edition also showcases the full-color Photo Grading System, which is a tool to correctly ascertain the various grades of both new and vintage acoustic instruments. MSRP is $29.95.
BUFFET CRAMPON Since joining the Buffet Crampon group in 2006, Besson has restructured and re-launched its production of professional instruments. Now available are Sovereign & Prestige Cornets; Sovereign Tenor Horns and Baritones; Sovereign and Prestige Euphoniums; and Sovereign Tubas. International soloists such as Roger Webster and Steven Mead are among those who play the instruments, and soon the company will release EE flat and BB flat Tubas.
Buffet Crampon also introduces its new line of professional and student-level saxophones, which combine a classic French design with modern innovations. The 400 Series alto and tenor saxophones are designed for the advanced student through the professional saxophonist. They are hand engraved and hand assembled and available in either antique brass/matte or gold lacquer finish. With keywork up to high F#, the 400 Series alto and tenor saxes provide a centered tone. The 400 Series baritone saxophone, available in a gold lacquer finish with hand engraving, features keywork up to high F# and down to low A via a reinforced key mechanism. The 100 Series alto and tenor saxophones, for students, incorporate many of the features of the 400 series. The 100 series provides even intonation and easy response, a centered tone, and modern keywork up to high F#.
CECILIO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Cecilo has upgraded select models of their student level trumpets with Monel pistons. Monel is a series of stainless metal alloys, primarily composed of nickel and copper, with some iron and other trace elements. It is resistant to corrosion and acids. Monel is typically more expensive than stainless steel and pistons made of Monel steel are often used in professional trumpets. The Monel pistons are currently available on models TT-280, TT280G, TT280BK, and TT-280BL. Plans are in place to upgrade all trumpet models by the end of 2008.
CHERRY LANE Cherry Lane Music has two new Legendary Licks DVDs available: Black Label Society and Grateful Dead. They feature step-by-step breakdowns of each band’s guitar styles and techniques with each guitar part played up to speed, then broken down note-for-note. Black Label Society features guitar instructor Danny Gill showing the style of Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde. The two disc-set retails for $29.95. Grateful Dead ¯ Classic Songs has guitarist Nate LaPointe showing how to play “Eyes of the World” and “Scarlet Begonias,” among others, and retails for $24.95.
Conn-Selmer, Inc. announces the new Avanti step-up flutes. Avanti flutes are designed by Bickford Brannen, founder of the Brannen Bros. Flutemakers. Two models of Avanti flutes are available, and each model features a sterling silver Avanti-Brannen headjoint. The Avanti-Brannen headjoint makes the characteristic Brannen sound more accessible to the developing flutist. Hand-cut, each headjoint is crafted in a “sound-driven” process. The model 2000 features a sterling silver body and foot joint tubing, a sterling silver barrel and receiver, a silver-plated mechanism, and a 10K gold springs set. The model 1000 is identical, except that it features silver-plated body and foot joint tubing as well as steel springs.
DAISY ROCK Daisy Rock goes high-end guitar created with guitar guru John Carruthers. The Rock Candy Pink Label features a solid mahogany body, mahogany neck, and a Madagascar rosewood fingerboard. Typical of other Daisy Rock guitars, it is lightweight and has a slimmer neck for smaller hands, fitting the female form and allowing women to play with ease. Components include a TonePros Tune-o-Matic bridge with stop bar tailpiece, Seymour Duncan USA pickups (JB and ’59), Sperzel locking tuners, and D’Addario strings. The MSRP is $2,999.
DANA B. GOODS New Zealand-based Red Witch has reinvented the chorus with its Empress Chorus. Its “Voicing” control allows the user to dial in virtually any chorus sound by changing the delay time. Players can get anything from super spanky, sparkling clean to noisy, sea-sickness-inducing, pitch-bending wobble. It also can be converted to a vibe pedal offering lush and clean sounds. The pedal was used by Andy Summers on the last Police tour.
DEERING BANJOS Deering Banjos unveils a new line of banjos, the Boston, in honor of the many instrument makers who produced banjos in that city in the early 20th century. The first of the line is thick, has a steel rim, and offers a sound similar to a tone-ring banjo but is more affordable. It has a natural ebony fingerboard and is available five-string, six-string, tenor, plectrum, and left-handed models.
DRUMNETICS Drumnetics Company premieres their bass drum pedal at the NAMM Show. The pedal features magnetic repulsion instead of conventional spring applications, and at centerline of the pedal board and base plate configuration, there are two Rare Earth-Neo Dymium magnets facing each other, creating the field of magnetic repulsion that supplies the pedal’s throw and return action. The pedal also features a union of components machined with high-grade aluminum, and a unified system of adjustability.
EASTWOOD GUITARS Eastwood reproduces the Pete Shelley Starway guitar. In 1977, Shelley and his band the Buzzcocks were the first punk group to establish an independent record label and his guitar was made in true punk fashion ¯ from two broken pieces. The Eastwood model will feature an individual serial number and will be personally hand-signed by Shelley. Also included is Buzzcocks memorabilia including an 8” x 10” 1997 photography, a leather strap, and Pete Shelley Signature Strings. The guitar comes with a custom-fit hardshell case and a numbered certificate of authenticity.
EDIROL Edirol’s M-16DX is a digital production console packed with features including a total of 18 inputs, mixing, 24/96 processing, a three-band sweepable EQ, and three pro-quality effects. All of this is packed in a design that enables the main breakout box to be housed away from the control surface. It has been updated with new v2 software that enables DAW control. The free v2 software includes Cakewalk SONAR and Apple Logic modes that enable DAWs to be controlled out of the box with the knobs on the hardware assigning to their equivalent software controllers, all at the touch of a button. The Scene Memory function has been expanded, with the number of memories doubling from 8 to 16.
ELATION Elation introduces an LED version of their Stage Color par can, the Stage Color LED. Outfitted with 24 1W LED lamps, the new Stage Color LED combines DMX 512 protocol with RGB color-mixing for precise control over a large palette of colors. Intended primarily for stage use, it produces a high impact without the heat emission of a traditional par can, keeping performers cooler and more comfortable. The unit’s optical system employs eight red, eight green, and eight blue LEDs to produce virtually any color within the full visible spectrum. A continuous range of colors and color-scrolling can be achieved by varying the intensity of the LEDs from 0 to 100%. It has low energy draw, requiring just 45W at maximum power, and the fixture includes a 10° degree beam angle. The MSRP is $659.95.
EPILOG LASE Epilog Laser announces the release of the Legend EXT, a large-scale laser engraver that combines a robust design with user-friendly features that make personalizing instruments as easy as pressing the print button on your computer. Users can create beautiful designs that add style and flair to the instrument of their choice ¯ even large or uniquely shaped items like guitars, horns, tubas and more. Drumsticks are another popular musical item that can be engraved. Users often go beyond standard initials or text, and instead opt to engrave creative patterns on the entire surface of the stick.
FORD DRUMS Ford Drums introduces their “Smart Ass” line of cushioned drum stools with an eye-catching 1940s-1950s retro color styling. Each throne is made from advanced pressure-relieving memory foam, engineered to perfectly conform to a drummer’s shape on stage or in sessions. The stools are designed to properly support the drummer’s spine, and for serious drummers who spend a lot of time behind the kit. The lineup includes both round and moto-style seat tops with heavy-duty bases. While many thicker and larger seat tops don’t fit into a trap case and are moved around unprotected, these come with a carrying case featuring a cushioned divider for the tripod base, a heavy-duty zipper, outside accessory pocket, and an adjustable carrying strap. Eventually more than 40 color combinations will be available. The MSRP ranges from $299 to $435.
G&L GUITARS G&L has reintroduced the Comanche Six, now updated as the Comanche Studio VI. This guitar features G&L’s Magnetic Field Design Z-coil pickups, regarded for their single-coil tones without the 60-cycle hum typical of conventional single-coil pickups. Each coil is composed of two coils, one for the upper three strings with another for the lower three. Like the original, the Comanche Studio VI offers individual control of each coil in the pickup via a three-way mini-toggle switch per pickup. Each pickup also has its own on/off switch enabling any combination of the three pickups to be activated, or all three to be shut down for total silence without unplugging the guitar. Featuring a swamp ash body, gun oil tint maple neck with polished glossy finish, medium jumbo frets, Schaller locking tuners, Graph Tech self- lubricating nut, and G&L Dual Fulcrum tremolo bridge, the Comanche Studio VI is available in two color combinations: Honeyburst with maple fingerboard or Tobacco with rosewood fingerboard, both with pearl pickguards. Only 50 will be made of each.
GATOR CASES Gator offers a new “I” series band case that comes with an external iPod/MP3 pocket with viewable window and two battery-powered speakers. It also features rubber earbud grommets. The new cases are constructed of 600-denier nylon, an interior of dense EPS foam covered with plush, a removable shoulder strap with D-ring, and clips and reinforced handles. The cases are available for clarinets and trumpets in black, digital camouflage, and pink. The MAPs are $59.99 and $74.99. Gator also rolls out the Wireless-2-Go bag featuring a two-unit polyethylene reinforced 19” rack section with a 13.5” rack depth and four polyethylene foam-padded cavities to hold microphones with the clips on. There are four additional cavities for body pack storage with antennas, 16 pre-drilled foam slots for batteries, and a zippered compartment for lavaliere microphones, headsets, and other related accessories. The case is constructed of 600-denier nylon with aluminum valance and rack rail, through-bolt reinforced handles, and polyethylene foam¯reinforced front and top lids. The MAP is $129.99.
GIG GEAR INTERNATIONAL Gig Gear International releases the new Strutt, a portable guitar holder. It is used in conjunction with a combo amplifier or head/cabinet amplifiers. The opening is designed to fit a variety of guitars or basses, and the ends on the opening have two pick slots. The Strutt comes in a variety of colors, designs, and textures.
Gretsch introduces the Catalina Club “Mini Mod.” This petite powerhouse features Satin Midnight Black lacquer finish embellished by a blood-red stripe overlay, the same color combination found on the back of a Black Widow spider. Other Mini Mod features include mahogany shells with 30-degree bearing edges and natural interior finish, black hardware with offset lugs, mini GTS tom suspension system, and Evans G1 batter heads. Retail: $999 / MAP: $649. Catalina Club “Mini Mod” groove kit sizes are: 20” x 20” bass drum, 8” x 12” tom, 12” x 14” floor tom and 6” x 13” snare.
GRUNDORF Grundorf has announced the addition of a guitar display case to its line. The Tour 4 series guitar display case features ABS laminate on ≈” plywood construction with aluminum extrusion. The lid is ≈” clear plastic to let the guitar show through. The interior is available with an “open” design or custom fit design with a plush black cloth lining. These cases are available for all guitar brands and models and carry a one-year limited warranty.
HAMILTON STANDS A line of cushioned musician’s chairs is being introduced by Hamilton Stands with back and seat angles designed to promote proper posture for wind and string instrument players. The cushioned seating provides more comfort, less fatigue, and better circulation than hardshell chairs and is recommended for classroom, stage, and concert hall venues. The chairs stack on their square steel frames, rather than on the cushion. Protective bumpers protect the finish when stacking and all four legs have metal swivel glides for easy sliding and to protect flooring. The rear leg angle makes it difficult for the user to tip the chair back on its legs. Two models are currently offered, the KB1000 for wind and string players and the KB1100 for cellists. A broad palette of frame colors and upholstery fabrics and colors are available. The chair frames carry a 10-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
HEIL SOUND Like the PR20, the new Fin microphone uses a proprietary large diaphragm dynamic element and Heil magnet structure combination. With a frequency response of 60 to 18kHz, output level at -55 dB @1000 Hz, and its concise cardioid pickup pattern, the Fin is suited for a wide variety of applications. The model has a cardioid pattern with uniform front to back discrimination and is outfitted with four blue LED lamps mounted inside the Art Deco chrome body of the microphone, which can be activated from the phantom power supply of a mixer. A blue molded internal foam windscreen inside the grill enhances the looks of the Fin and combines with a specially tooled Sorbothane shock mount, which combines shock absorption, vibration isolation, and vibration damping characteristics to protect the mic element. Standard microphone stand threads allow the Fin to be mounted on booms or floor stands. The Fin is suited for vocals, instrument amplifiers, harmonica, and speech.
