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Roland TD-1K Kit Redefines Electronic Drumming
Roland’s latest addition to the V-drum family is the compact
td-1K. With sound, playability, and learning features that surpass
other electronic sets in its class, the td-1K brings true V-drums quality
to beginning players, students, and everyone who wants to
enjoy drumming at home.
With their patented mesh drum head, Roland’s V-drums
have been acclaimed by pros, educators, and drum enthusiasts
for superior sound, authentic feel, and rugged durability. the td1K delivers comparable performance, and offers 15 “ready-to-go”
drum kit presets for playing nearly any style of music. every drum sound
offers a wide dynamic range and natural tone, and the pads provide an organic
response that fully supports authentic acoustic playing techniques.
Unlike typical entry-level sets, the cymbals in the td-1K incorporate the advanced expressiveness that is a hallmark of all V-drums. the crash and ride include bow/edge sounds and support for cymbal chokes, and have a
natural swinging motion when played. the hi-hat provides organic
sound variation from tightly closed to fully open, and users can
play heel splashes and other traditional techniques as well.
the td-1 sound module includes a wealth of built-in functions
to encourage learning and enhance practice sessions. a
metronome is at the ready for a timing reference, while the powerful
“Coach” mode provides engaging exercises for building speed, stamina, and accuracy. a variety of internal audio songs allow users to enjoy playing along with a complete band, and they
can also drum with favorite tunes by connecting a smartphone or music player to the Mix in jack.
Pad configurations for the td-1K include a snare, three toms, crash and ride cymbals, and a hi-hat with an
accompanying control pedal. the kick pedal’s all-in-one, beater-free design provides far quieter performance
in the playing room than a traditional pad/pedal combo, an important benefit when playing at home.
the td-1 sound module is very simple to operate, even for beginning players and first-time
users of electronic drums. Quick, intuitive access to all functions is provided via the panel’s
led display and uncomplicated layout. the large value buttons can even be pressed with
drumsticks, allowing players to change drum kits and other parameters from a natural
playing position. stereo output jacks are provided for connecting to an external sound
system for monitoring, and headphones can be plugged in for practicing without disturbing family members and neighbors.
NAMM Booth 300A
www.RolandUS.com
Levy’s California Collection Guitar Straps
neW FRoM leVY’s leatheRs, the California Collection M17CC is made using
a unique dying process of the “pull up” leather that allows the color to move
beneath the surface, allowing the texture to change. these straps are available in grey (GRY), tan (tan) and teal (tel).
NAMM Booth 4656
www.levysleathers.com
February 2015
Online
Silvertone’s Groovy New Finishes
the silVeRtone 1423, one of the most popular silvertone guitars from the 1960s, was
reissued in 2014 with all the style and tone of the original, plus improvements in playability, hardware, and construction. the model now has an all-new finish, debuting at
the naMM show.
“after last year’s release of the 1423 model, we’re thrilled to now offer it in a groovy
looking red finish,” said tony de la Rosa, product manager for samick Music Corporation. “the release of this new finish is just the start of new silvertone products debuting it 2015, including an all-new line of vintage reissue silvertone acoustic
guitars.”
originally offered from 1959 through 1962, the silvertone 1423 “Jupiter” is a
collector’s favorite. the highlight of this reissue is the unique “blender control”:
in addition to the separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, the “blend”
knob alters the balance between the two pickups when the selector switch is in
the middle position. twisting this knob creates a sound similar to a wah pedal.
some of the other features on the silvertone 1423 guitar are height-adjustable duncan design pickups, an intonatable bridge, and a modern profile mahogany neck with dual expanding truss rod. designed in the Usa
and manufactured in samick’s factory, this guitar produces unique sound
that inspires creative playing.
NAMM Booth 4621
www.smcmusic.com
JodyJazz GIANT Garzone
Signature Model
JodYJazz inC. has added two new models to its Giant tenor range of mouthpieces.
Working with world-renowned tenor saxophonist George Garzone, the company has developed the Giant tenor 9* and 10* models, which will be launched as George Garzone
“signature” models.
introduced early in 2014, the JodyJazz Giant tenors were the first saxophone mouthpieces to combine the shape of a hard rubber mouthpiece with the precision of metal.
Constructed from anodized aluminum and made on the company’s five-axis CnC mill at
its factory in savannah Georgia, the Giant tenors are warm sounding high performance
tenor mouthpieces with an extraordinarily big, full, rich, and timeless sound. the Giant
tenors have been embraced by leading tenor players from across the globe including
Gaoyang li in China, Rodrigo Bento in Brazil, Xose Miguelez in spain, and arno haas in
Germany. launched with 6*, 7*, 8 and 8* tip openings, the new Giant George Garzone
signature models expand this selection to include 9* and 10*.
“i’ve been playing the JodyJazz hR* hard rubber for years and thought i would never look
at another mouthpiece, but when Jody invited me to the factory to work with him on the larger
tip openings for the new Giant tenors, i was intrigued,” said Garzone. “the metal mouthpiece with the
hard rubber shape is the perfect mix for me. the colors in the sound of the Giant are amazing, and i
love the way i can lean into it to shape my sound.”
the new JodyJazz Giant tenor George Garzone signature models are available in 9* and 10* tip openings and are available now. they have a MsRP of $395.
NAMM Booth 3317
www.jodyjazz.com
February 2015
Online
Godin To Unveil New Models At NAMM
Godin GUitaRs Will Be shoWCasinG the newest additions to its
brands at the naMM show. electric model updates include the thinline,
semi-hollow body Godin Montreal supreme lightburst Flame hG, featuring figured flame top, bound headstock, Richlite fingerboard with
large dot inlays, seymour duncan custom humbuckers, and vintage style
trapeze tailpiece.
new solid-body models include the Godin session Custom 59, featuring
a seymour duncan ’59 humbucker in the neck, Godin Custom Cajun single-coil in the bridge, and a five-way switch for a versatile array of tones.
the Godin Progression Plus features a new ergonomic, rounded contoured body and three single-coil pickups including two Godin Gs2 pickups in the neck and middle, along with a seymour duncan
JB Jr. in the bridge. Both models feature the Godin high-definition Revoicer system, Godin tru-loc trem, and new five-ply
pearloid and tortoise shell pickguards.
other new solid-body electric models include the Godin Core
Ct and summit Classic, both featuring carved tops and P90 or
humbucker pickups.
new acoustic additions include the new Concert hall
acoustics, with oM body styles, in the seagull and simon &
Patrick brands, including the exquisite s&P showcase Rosewood Ch a6t, featuring solid rosewood back and sides, solid
spruce top, mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, and vintage
style slotted headstock with high-ration butter-bean tuning machines. Godin will also have the latest tRiC cases, italian-made Godin acoustic solutions amplifiers, and saRGa
Percussion instruments on hand.
NAMM Booth 211A
www.godinguitars.com
Lower Pricing For TKL Premier Cases
tKl is RollinG BaCK PRiCes on its Premier cases, lowering the price on
most models to a MaP of $99.97. the Premier series offers an extensive
selection, with 11 models for acoustic guitars, nine for electric guitars,
three for bass, and six for banjo, mandolin, and dulcimer.
the cases are made in Canada, with multi-ply hand-laminated wood
shell construction. steel reinforced seams and added protection from
tKl’s proprietary neck support system make them ideal for valued instruments. Quality components including heavy-duty durahyde covering,
Providence forge steel-plated hardware, and Custom-Blend cushion-soft
plush lining, add to their durability.
NAMM Booth 4448
www.TKL.com
February 2015
Online
Peavey’s All-New Dark Matter Enclosures
PeaVeY eleCtRoniCs’ neWlY intRodUCed dark
Matter speaker enclosures continue the company’s
five-decade tradition of delivering high value speaker
enclosures for working musicians. the dark Matter
series is available in four models—the dM 112, dM
115, dM 118 subwoofer, and dM 115 subwoofer—all
boasting performance enhancing onboard dsP.
the dark Matter lCd display and associated selector
knob allow users to choose various parameters of operation for the dsP-based eQ. this includes bass and
treble control access as well as eQ presets for different
applications or speaker positions/locations. these presets provide users with a highly flexible method of configuring the powered speaker system for a specific use
with minimal time and effort.
Fan-cooled for maximum reliability, the dM 112 and dM
115 feature Peavey’s exclusive Quadratic throat Waveguide technology to help deliver pristine, precise sound. the dM 118 and dM 115 subwoofers provide
powerful low end with fully adjustable KosMos for increased bass impact, and feature forced air-cooled
power amps for optimum reliability.
the ultra-reliable dark Matter series enclosures are built tough with steel grilles and rugged injection-molded
cabinets. their convenient design allows for use as floor monitors or pole-mounted speakers. Perfect for
band, dJ, or other musical applications, the dark Matter enclosures produce crystal clear professional audio.
NAMM Booth 201AB
www.peavey.com
Mi-Si Debuts Condenser Under-Saddle Pickup tRUe to its tRadition of engineering innovation, Mi-si has introduced Motif, the
industry’s first condenser under-saddle pickup system. Motif is the result of Misi’s groundbreaking research and development in acoustic amplification, research
that pioneered battery-free active amplification, a wirelessly controlled preamp
(Cutless), planar coil magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars (duo and Magpie),
and now, an under-saddle pickup with the extraordinary properties of a condenser microphone.
Motif is the first capacitive active under-saddle pickup to eliminate the age-old problem
of piezo sensors’ “quack,” the distortions produced by current pick-up systems. Motif’s
design is similar in principle to the design of the best-performing condenser microphones.
“We believe Motif provides a combination of benefits unmatched in the industry,” said simona ioffe, president and co-founder of Mi-si electronics design. “it requires meticulous engineering to ensure its outstanding, distortion-free performance.”
the new pickup is only 1 mm thick and is connected to a state-of-the-art, extremely low-noise
class a discrete preamplifier mounted on the endpin jack. the pickup’s mechanical structure
provides excellent contact between saddle and bridge.
like every other Mi-si product, Motif operates battery-free. a 60-second charge will provide up to six hours
of playing time.
NAMM Booth 3535
www.mi-si.com
February 2015
Online
DSM02 Character Module From Dave Smith
in its seCond oFFeRinG for modular synthesizers, dave smith instruments has introduced the dsM02 Character module. this eurorack-format module provides an eclectic assortment of five digital effects,
ranging from subtle to aggressive, for shaping, twisting, and mangling
sound. these effects—Girth, air, decimate, hack, and drive—form a significant and celebrated component in smith’s acclaimed Prophet 12 and
Pro 2 synthesizers.
“the Character section of the Prophet 12 and Pro 2 is a fundamental
part of what gives those instruments their unique sound,” said dave
smith. “We wanted to make it easy and affordable for modular users to
inject some of that character into their rigs.”
“Girth” and “air” provide sophisticated low- and high-frequency harmonic enhancement, respectively, for polishing and refining a sound.
“decimate” performs sample rate reduction for adding lo-fi grunge.
“hack” is a bit crusher capable of trashing an otherwise clean signal
nearly beyond recognition. “drive” adds overdrive and saturation, with
warmth at one end of the knob and intense harmonic overload at the
other.
the dsM02 module is a 14hP wide, standard eurorack-format device
with interconnections made using 3.5 mm phone jacks. a carefully designed set of inputs allow individual voltage control of effect levels. this
module provides two independent audio inputs and two independent audio outputs with shared control, allowing for either mono or stereo operation. the digital signal path provides full 24-bit, 96 khz
resolution for superior audio fidelity.
as dsi’s andrew McGowan puts it, “the modular scene is exploding with possibilities. We’ve got a lot
of really creative and expressive tools to offer musicians in that world. our Curtis Filter module was
our first contribution, and users snapped it up immediately. this time we wanted to do something a
little more esoteric—but still fundamental to the dave smith sound.”
the dsM02 module will be available in January 2015 with pricing to be announced at that time.
NAMM Booth 5400
www.davesmithinstruments.com
VFE Pedals’ RUP Multiband Distortion
VFe Pedals’ new RUP, an ambitious multiband distortion pedal
first successfully launched through Kickstarter in december, will
hit retail stores in March. the RUP was designed for all electronic instruments including guitar, bass, synth, etc. the audio
path is first split into three pathways—lows, mids, and highs.
each pathway has its own dedicated bandwidth, gain, compression, and volume controls, as well as switchable pre-gain
or post-gain FX loop. the signals can be mixed back together
or sent out through the FX loops to multiple amps or other devices. the RUP also features a master three-band eQ, a dry clean
blend, master volume control, and a mid boost section for cutting
through the mix. street price: $499.
NAMM Booth 1584
www.vfepedals.com
February 2015
Online
Alfred Announces NAMM New Issues
alFRed MUsiC has a FUll slate of releases on tap for the naMM show, including Rock & Roll’s hidden
Giant—the story of Rock Pioneer Charlie Gracie, plus a set of new elementary classroom resources, two featured titles for drummers, and two new rock guitar selections.
Rock & Roll’s hidden Giant captures Charlie Gracie’s rise to the top of the charts and subsequent fall from
fame—thanks to the “chew ’em up, spit ’em out” cutthroat world of american pop music. Gracie was part of
the birth of rock ’n’ roll, and his unique style influenced some of the most important artists in rock history.
Retail price $19.99.
in a selection of titles to bring creativity and improvisation to the classroom, alfred is offering everyday improvisation, Creative Connections, and Jazzy Fairytales ii.
everyday improvisation addresses the national standards for Music education while utilizing technology and
integrating an interactive whiteboard into the classroom. Well-constructed, interactive lessons provide a smooth
and easy way to teach improvisation and composition to elementary students (grades 1–4). Retail price $34.99.
Creative Connections is a general music classroom resource featuring specially crafted games, songs, and lesson
plans to actively connect new material to prior knowledge. Fully reproducible and designed for K-6, the activities
help students explore and master musical concepts through play. Retail price $24.99.
in Jazzy Fairytales ii, children will enjoy three new stories to bring jazz into the classroom. an accompanying
Cd is narrated and beautifully sung by louise Rogers with easy call-and-response exercises and songs. Requiring
no prior musical knowledge, this title is great for pre-K through grade 3. Retail price $29.99.
For drummers, alfred is introducing survival Guide for the Modern drummer and drummer Wanted. Written
by Rascal Flatts drummer Jim Riley, survival Guide for the Modern drummer provides a crash course in all musical styles for the drumset, plus insider tips for all kinds of gigging situations. an MP3 Cd contains audio drum
examples and fully produced play-along tracks for every groove. Retail price $24.99. drummer Wanted is a
drummer’s reference guide to achieve versatility, become more marketable, and score real-world gigs. Retail
price $19.99.
in the Guitar Collection series, alfred is offering the Guitar Collection: Classic Rock and the Guitar Collection:
aM Radio Rock. each book features guitar taB transcriptions with complete lyrics and a great variety of song
selections for musicians of all ages. the Guitar Collection: Classic Rock contains 44 key songs from the dawn of
album-rock radio, including “Baba o’Riley” (the Who), “live and let die” (Paul McCartney and Wings), and
“thunder Road” (Bruce springsteen). the Guitar Collection: aM Radio Rock features 75 hit songs including onehit wonders and a few guilty pleasures. titles include “Build Me Up Buttercup” (the Foundations), “do You
Want to Know a secret” (the Beatles), “(i Can’t Get no) satisfaction” (the Rolling stones), and “What’s new
Pussycat?” (tom Jones). Retail price $24.99 for each book.
NAMM Booth 4618
www.alfred.com
February 2015
Online
New Pro Euphonium From Jupiter
JUPiteR’s neW JeP1100 CoMPensatinG euphonium is the result of
years of research by the Jupiter design team working with a group of top
professional musicians. the goal was to create a superior quality instrument
with impeccable intonation that responds well in all registers with great tonal
warmth and brilliance.
the resulting euphonium features a specially designed 12.2" yellow brass
bell and rose brass mouthpipe made with a special manufacturing technique that ensures uniform thickness. enhanced bracing is acoustically
positioned throughout the instrument to increase tonal resonance and offer superior durability. double lapped stainless steel piston valves ensure improved action and agility. the end result is an instrument that produces a commanding tone
with defined clarity perfect for the most demanding repertoire.
“the tone quality is excellent with a full, resonant sound,” said Brandon Jones, Xo
and Jupiter euphonium artist. “the response is quick with incredible intonation
and slots extremely easily throughout its entire range.”
“the new 1120 compensating euphonium supports our commitment to providing
quality instruments to aspiring musicians of all ages,” said Brent Rosborough, Khs
america brasswind brand manager. “this instrument exhibits a powerful low register
yet maintains a strong midrange presence with brilliant highs…a tonal character suitable for a variety of musical applications.”
NAMM Booth 3220
www.jupitermusic.com
Demeter Clones Lee Sklar’s
Bass Preamp
deMeteR aMPliFiCation has introduced a clone of the audiophile preamp it built for famed bassist leland sklar in 1982. the
new model features the same hand-wired circuitry as sklar’s original but it’s packed into the smallest box possible with an 800d
power amp. the result is the VtBP-M-800d, a 10.5 lbs, 800-watt
tube “tone monster.”
James demeter’s original idea was to build a tube audiophile preamp with classic bass amp-style tone. his first customer was leland
sklar, who took a prototype to try it out and never brought it back.
sklar used the pre-amp and its backup for another 25 years until he downsized his rig. in 2012 he decided
to give the first demeter preamp back to its creator. James demeter remarked, “We were very happy to
see it back and were amazed how warm and clear it sounded. it was very similar to our current VtBP-201
but it was rounder and a bit slower, due to its unregulated power supply and old school parts. around the
same time we found 150 of the original PCB’s that were used in that model. We decided to clone lee’s
preamp but put it in the smallest box possible with our 800d power amp.”
like other demeter amps, the VtBP-M-800d features classic passive tube tone controls: treble, middle,
and bass with frequency selector and presence. the original bright switch has been replaced with a new
Mode switch which provides control of the overall tone. the unit has a preamp output for running additional amplifiers.
NAMM Booth 4388
www.demeteramps.com
February 2015
Online
Yamaha Upgrades Top-Selling
P-Series Portable Pianos
YaMaha’s neW P-seRies portable digital pianos represent the next
generation of the company’s popular line, offering enhanced sound
and new features for both practice and performance.
“these new P-series digital pianos bring Yamaha
piano touch and tone to the entry-level piano buyer
and offer impressive updates over the market-leading
models they replace,” said dane Madsen, marketing
manager, digital Pianos, Yamaha Corporation of
america. “the beginner pianist will immediately appreciate the sound quality and user-friendly features
now available in instruments that can be easily transported from the home to the studio and eventually
to the stage, when they’re ready.”
the P-115, which replaces the P-105, delivers
Yamaha’s unmistakable piano touch and tone in a
compact design and at an affordable price. its Pure
CF sound engine faithfully reproduces the sound of
Yamaha’s renowned CFiiis 9-foot concert grand
piano.
other key additions to the P-115 include a controller app for ios, expanded polyphony (192 notes) and more
drum rhythms (14). the aux outputs and UsB port enhance the model’s versatility and connectivity while the
optional furniture stand and piano-style pedal unit give the P-115 an appearance better suited for the home.
the new model P-45 is an ideal digital piano for beginning piano students. this lowest-priced, 88-note weighted
model offers an authentic acoustic piano feel with heavier touch for the low notes and lighter touch on the
high end. the P-45 also features advanced Wave Memory (aWM) stereo sampling, which uses digital technology
to better emulate an acoustic piano’s sound. Using two microphones to record the samples ensures a deeper,
richer, and more spacious sound at players’ fingertips. aWM stereo sampling also allows the P-45 to play one
sample per key at varying levels of volume and timbre.
another prime upgrade over the previous model is 64-note polyphony.
NAMM Booth 100
http://4wrd.it/usayamaha
Vintage Vinyl Guitar Straps From
D’Andrea
neW aCe VintaGe VinYl GUitaR stRaPs from d’andrea Usa offer
retro looks and unique Pearl, Glass Glitter, and oyster finishes from
d’andrea’s vault of proprietary delmar materials. ace Vintage Vinyl
straps are all 2" wide and adjustable to 53" in length. Patented acelocks offer superior security. Models include Pink, silver, and Moody Blue
Glass Glitter; Rustic and Blue swirl Pearl; White strata; onyx Marble; and
Bronze oyster.
NAMM Booth 4850
www.dandreausa.com
February 2015
Online
Washburn Woodcraft Series
Acoustic Guitars
WashBURn GUitaRs’ new Woodcraft series features
exotic back and side woods including zebrawood,
spalted maple, and koa with matching headstocks,
bridges, and pickguards plus a maple fretboard on select models. the new series comprises 12 models
available as dreadnought or dreadnought cutaway
w/electronics. a “0” in the model name designates a
maple fretboard, while a “2” designates a rosewood
fretboard.
all guitars in the Woodcraft series feature solid
sitka spruce tops, multi-lam binding, mahogany
necks, die-cast tuners, 25.5" scale, and gloss finish. all are equipped with d’addario eXP-16
coated strings and come with a gig bag and a
limited lifetime warranty.
the
WCsd30s/WCsd30sCe
and
WCsd32s/WCsd32sCe feature zebrawood
back, sides, bridge, headstock cap, and pickguard. sCe models feature a cutaway for superb upper fret access and Fishman isys+
electronics for accurate amplified acoustic tone.
the WCsd30s/WCsd32s retail for $712.90, and the WCsd30sCe/WCsd32sCe retail for $819.90.
new from Washburn’s Rover line of acoustic travel guitars is the Ro10e with a built-in microphone pickup. the
mic is placed inside the body just under the bridge and is accessed via an endpin jack. For more than a decade,
Rover has offered fine quality travel guitars with exceptional sound thanks to their solid spruce top and full 24"
scale. the R010e includes a soft shell case with a shoulder strap as well as an instructional Cd RoM, guitar
strap, and three picks.
NAMM Booth 5740
www.washburnguitars.com
New Carl Martin Dual Injection Pedal
With its neW dUal inJeCtion Pedal, Carl Martin addresses some common
guitar-playing dilemmas: “how to remain analog while using digital effects?” “how
to boost tone without changing the quality?” and, “What happens if you boost
the signal in front of the drive effect to increase sustain?” the dual injection provides answers. it combines the high quality, transparent boost of two Carl Martin
hot drive’n Boost in a single pedal. each has its own level control and true bypass
switch, as well as another toggle that switches between serial and Parallel modes.
in serial mode, players can use the input/output 1 on the back of the pedal and
place the boost wherever they want in the signal chain. in Parallel mode, connect the
output 1 before the drive or preamp, and then use the input/output 2 on the side of the pedal to connect to
the effects loop on the amp. With this flexibility, the dual injection provides four different boost settings.
the dual injection can be powered by 9V battery or with the correct power transformer. it is housed in a diecast case with custom paint.
www.carlmartin.com
February 2015
Online
Gretsch Walnut…
Something Completely Different
the RenoWn WalnUt, Gretsch’s
new line, is designed for the experienced
player seeking for a differentiated kit that delivers deep,
rich tones with clear attack. after Renown’s successful
2013 reintroduction, Gretsch wanted to make more sonic
options available for more players. Renown Walnut, with
its resonant low end and bright, smooth upper register,
does just that.
“our Renown Maple series has been a fantastic sounding and performing drumset for the past decade,” said
John Palmer, director of product for Gretsch drums.
“With the addition of our new Renown Walnut series, we are expanding the Renown sound profile to
give drummers a wider variety of sonic options.
Renown Walnut’s premium walnut shells deliver explosive sounds around the drum set that have a
super deep punch and lower fundamental pitch.”
each Renown Walnut drum features six-ply north american
walnut shells (walnut/maple/walnut), with 30-degree bearing edges, and is available
in Gloss natural and Walnut/Black Fade with natural interior shell. drums are finished with chrome hardware
including die-cast tom and snare hoops for a classic Gretsch look and feel.
the kit includes two tom clamps, non-drilled bass drum, hinged brackets, and ultra-low profile tom suspension system. toms come with batter side Remo clear emperors and resonant side Gretsch by Remo clear
ambassadors. the bass drum is shipped with a batter-side Remo clear Powerstroke 3 and a resonant side
Gretsch coated white head with muffle ring.
www.kmcmusic.com
Uebel’s New “Superior” Clarinet
the Re-enGineeRed F. arthur Uebel “superior” clarinet builds on nearly 80 years of woodwind making tradition.
after training under his father and then working with the famous oskar oehler, in 1936
master woodwind builder Friedrich arthur Uebel established his own workshop in
Markneukirchen, Germany. he continued building state of the art clarinets under the
brand name F. arthur Uebel in the tradition of excellent German craftsmanship.
Blending this tradition of craftsmanship with the latest instrument making technology to ensure absolute consistency, Uebel continues to build clarinets that
satisfy the most demanding clarinet players all over the world.
the revised superior model features 18 keys, 6 rings, seasoned, carefully selected Grenadilla wood, ergonomically optimized design, undercut tone
holes, and an eb lever. the clarinet is distinguished by its “superior” bore
and comes with two barrels, an adjustable thumb rest, deluxe leather
pads, and beautiful silver-plated keywork. the instrument comes standard with a Vandoren mouthpiece, Vandoren ligature, and a Pochette
case.
NAMM Booth 3028
February 2015
Online
Swiss Startup Debuts
“Electric Guitar Of The Future”
Relish GUitaRs sWitzeRland has introduced “Jane,” a new guitar
featuring a patented sandwich construction with an aluminum frame
between molded wood veneers designed to deliver more sustain and
better sound development. Jane’s revolutionary design spreads the
vibration of strings directly through the whole frame. the two layers
of molded wood contain this effect so the vibration of the sound can
be felt on the surface as it produces a wide, warm sound with huge
sustain. all Relish Guitars are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the company’s own workshop in lucerne, switzerland.
For selecting between the pick-ups, Jane features a smooth touchsensor-system hidden below the wood that allows the player to mute
the guitar without turning off the volume control. led lights show if
the pickup is switched on or off. electronics can be accessed through
a back panel, secured by magnets, that can be opened with a guitar
pick. this access enables the user to easily change out the pick-ups,
which have plug-and-screw RF connectors for a completely shielded
signal.
swiss luthiers, musicians, and entrepreneurs “the Relish Brothers”
(Pirmin G. & silvan K.) worked for more than three years to bring Jane
to market. in the first quarter since the Jane guitar was patented, Relish sold more than two dozen units
just by showing the prototypes in the international market. the design has already won accolades from
players including eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, and John Frusciante as well as representatives of some of
the industry’s top manufacturers.
NAMM Booth 1176
www.relishguitars.ch
Alien Bass Station,
Essential New Bass Tool
the alien Bass station, or aBs for short, is a multi-effects pedal designed for bass players looking to shape and control their sound in either
a live or studio environment. this one-of-a-kind pedal combines three
essential effects: limiter/Compressor, amp Generator, and Gamma Fuzz.
the limiter/Comp section allows for control of dynamic range without
adversely affecting tone. the amp Generator delivers the warm tonality
of a tube bass amp, mimicking the classic ampeg B-15. the Gamma Fuzz
is unique among fuzz pedals, delivering stronger and lower bass frequencies.
the alien Bass station is not limited to bass guitar alone. Just as
Fender’s classic Bassman has become a favorite of guitar players, the
aBs offers unique tonal possibilities for guitarists.
each aBs pedal is packaged with a custom cooler bag and external “one spot” power supply.
NAMM Booth 6897
www.analogalien.com
February 2015
Online
IceCube Line Isolator Eliminates Buzz
Radial enGineeRinG’s neW iceCube iC-1 is an ultra-compact balanced line isolator designed to fit inside a technician’s tool kit to eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground
loops in audio systems.
Company sales Manager Roc Bubel explained, “the use
of isolators to solve noise problems is not new; small
plastic units have been around for years. But the problem
with these is that they were designed years ago— back
when audio systems had limitations both with respect to signal-to-noise, dynamic handling and sound quality. today, with the
advent of digital audio sources, high performance mixers, and line array technology,
the frequency response and dynamics have increased to the point that those older devices simply cannot keep up. We identified the problem, then began looking for a solution some 18 months ago.”
Measuring less than 4" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" (10.16 x 3.81 x 3.81 cm), the compact design features an XlR-F
input at one end and an XlR-M output at the other with solid 16 gauge steel construction and durable powder coat finish. the steel outer shell provides excellent shielding against electromagnetic fields generated
by power cables, dimmers, motors, and power supplies while being significantly more rugged.
Connection to and from the iceCube is done using standard 3-pin XlR cables. it’s also equipped with a
ground lift switch to further assist in reducing noise. the iceCube’s plug-and-play setup makes it easy to
use: Just connect the it in series with the offending piece of equipment to solve the ground loop. the iceCube will quietly go to work as it eliminates hum and buzz without compromising the signal quality.
the iceCube iC-1 has an estimated retail price of $69.99 Usd.
NAMM Booth 6959
www.radialeng.com
New Spartan Interface From Audioprobe
aUdioPRoBe’s neW sPaRtan a is a 2-in/2-out UsB audio/Midi interface, designed for an excellent recording experience. Compatible with os X and Windows systems, it operates on an
asynchronous clock system that delivers up to 192khz/24-bit
audio with the lowest jitter performance. its low-noise analog
circuitry also offers 110dBa dynamic range, +14dBu fully balanced line output and two +13dBu high-power stereo headphone outputs. its low-noise mic preamp and instrument preamp are
designed for musicians who want to capture the inspiration anywhere without sacrificing audio quality.
With separate hardware volume controls for both line output and two headphone amps, spartan a provides
a highly flexible monitoring environment, allowing users to easily switch between headphones and speakers
or listen to both simultaneously. direct Monitor is also available for zero latency monitoring. all i/o channels
are equipped with light level indicators to enable users to easily monitor signal levels.
integrated within the device is audioprobe’s trademark Capture Probe technology, which provides a loopback solution for asio-based professional applications and WdM-based playback applications. Users can
easily mix and re-route signals between both asio and WdM applications, for professional recording or internet broadcasting. spartan a is housed in a sleek, heavy-duty aluminum housing and is available in silver,
Red Wind, and sky Blue. MsRP $169.
NAMM Booth 3190
www.audio-probe.com
February 2015
Online
Kluson Revolution Tuners
Mark 90th Anniversary
KlUson is CeleBRatinG its 90th anniversary with the introduction of the new “Revolution” series tuning machines. three Revolution designs utilize the original Kluson mounting screw
patterns, making them easy to retro-fit on classic guitars.
they also feature the high gear ratios and locking system
options that modern players demand. a new housing design pays tribute to the vintage Kluson profile, along with traditional metal keystone buttons and pinstripes. Revolution
series tuners come in a sealed, one-piece housing
delivering increased durability and reliability.
the Revolution “F-Mount” is a one-piece, die-cast
tuner with a 19:1 gear ratio designed to match original and reissue CBs Fender-era instruments, eliminating the need to change
mounting screw locations. it’s available in both locking and non-locking models.
the Revolution “G-Mount” utilizes the classic three-per-side Kluson stamped-steel footprint in combination with the newly designed 19:1 gear ratio housing but with a modern screw-in bushing. the
result is tuning stability and contemporary reliability with a silky smooth action.
the Revolution “h-Mount” takes the Kluson six-in-line mounting pattern, similar to the “F-Mount”
and “G-Mount,” and adds a 19:1 gear ratio. the “h-Mount” has a hex-head screw-in bushing (used
on most modern instruments), and is available in both locking and non-locking versions.
all Revolution tuners are engineered to easily retro-fit die-cast tuners with a hex-head bushing, the
traditional Kluson two-screw mounting pattern, or the modern 25/64-inch peg-hole. Mounting hardware included.
Kluson originally used a 12:1 gear ratio on its tuners, then moved to a 15:1 gear ratio in the 1990s.
as demand for even higher ratios persisted, the company added an 18.1 ratio to the original stampedsteel tuner design. the only visual difference is the name “Kluson supreme” in double-row lettering.
NAMM Booth 3090
www.wdmusic.com
Quaystone Lipaxe EX
Travel Guitar
QUaYstone MUsiC singapore is now introducing a third
model in its lap axe series of ultimate travel guitars. the
new “lipaxe eX” features lipstick single coil pickups that
add a new dimension to the already versatile sounds of
the mini humbucker pickups in the lap axe deluxe and eX
models. the lipaxe also features a different look with traditional and modern sunburst finishes in three colors, as
well as the line’s standard “Black shadow” finish.
new custom models featuring exotic wood tops and fretboards will be introduced in the near future.
NAMM Booth 2799
www.lapaxe.com
February 2015
Online
K-Line Guitars Custom Shop Quality
K-line GUitaRs oFFeRs vintage-inspired solid body electric guitars that
combine classic styling, boutique pickups, modern hardware, and secondto-none nitrocellulose finishes that are sure to please vintage guitar enthusiasts and today’s demanding modern players alike.
some K-line guitars undergo a proprietary process to apply a light to moderate amount of aging to the finish. others are given the “time Kapsule”
treatment, creating the appearance of a guitar that left the showroom 50
years ago and was stored in its case in a closet ever since.
K-line builds bolt-on and set-neck guitars. the bolt-on series includes the
double cutaway springfield, single cutaway truxton and two offset models—the classic single-coil-inspired texola and the stop-tail san Bernardino.
the set-neck series includes single- and double-cutaway models with P-90
pickups. K-line also builds bass guitars. K-line Guitars retail through dealers
in the U.s., europe and asia. list price in the U.s. ranges from $2,199 to
$2,499 depending on the model.
Chris Kroenlein is the “K” behind K-line Guitars, and every K-line guitar is
hand-built by Chris at his workshop in suburban st. louis, Missouri. a guitar
repairman and builder since 1995, Kroenlein was inspired to build great-playing instruments based on his passion for vintage guitars and his struggle as a player to find quality construction at prices affordable to average
working musicians.
NAMM Booth 1485
www.k-lineguitars.com
North Bridge Guide For Aspiring Flutists
noRth BRidGe Winds is now shipping Flute essentials, an informational six-page
brochure designed to help young students, band directors, and parents navigate the
process of purchasing a step-up flute. the free brochure is full of close-up flute photos
and covers topics such as choosing flute materials, headjoints, pointed arms vs. Yarms, pivot screws and adjustment screws, cork and crown assemblies, open vs.
closed holes, the split e and C# trill, wall thickness, gizmos, tone holes, and much
more.
aside from the front and back covers, north Bridge is purposely not mentioned in
the brochure so retailers can use the flyer to educate consumers to choose the best
flute for their needs, regardless of brand.
“stepping up to a more professional flute is an important decision for flutists,” commented david Kilkenny of north Bridge Winds. “We designed Flute essentials to help
flutists and parents to learn about flute construction so they are better equipped to
choose the right flute for their personal needs. this is not meant to be a brand-specific brochure but an educational
brochure that retailers can pass along to their customers, regardless of which brand they are considering.”
all north Bridge flutes feature a sterling silver headjoint that is handmade in the Usa by flute artisan Chris
McKenna. For over 30 years, McKenna has been crafting some of the finest flute headjoints in the world. the
north Bridge flute pairs a McKenna headjoint with a perfectly blended and beautifully constructed flute body
that is assembled in taiwan. the result is one of the best sounding, most responsive step-up flutes on the
market today.
www.northbridgewinds.com
(888) 258-2070
February 2015
Online
New CADLive Vocal And Instrument Mics
Cad aUdio is eXPandinG its Cadlive line
with a number of new vocal and instrument microphones. the new Cadlive d32 is a supercardioid dynamic handheld vocal mic with a
proprietary “Quiettouch” on/off switch. its
neodymium capsule design produces a powerful signal in different live sound applications. exceptional sound quality and durable all-metal
construction round out this versatile performer.
the three-pack d32X3 is outfitted with carry case
and mic clips
also a supercardioid dynamic handheld mic, the
Cadlive d38 includes a high performance
neodymium capsule for exceptional accuracy and
sound quality. Clear and articulate with an extended frequency response, the d38 overachieves in virtually any
live sound application from lead vocals to spoken word announcements. the three-pack d38X3 is outfitted with carry case and mic clips.
the Cadlive d89 supercardioid dynamic instrument mic is designed to produce a powerful, articulate
response in live sound miking situations. equipped with a “trueflex“ diaphragm and “PowerGap” highgauss neodymium magnets, the d89 is an ideal choice for miking electric instruments, drums, guitar cabinets, brass, and strings.
also equipped with a “trueflex” diaphragm and “PowerGap” high-gauss neodymium magnets, the
Cadlive d90 supercardioid dynamic vocal mic is engineered to produce a powerful, smooth, and detailed
performance in a variety of high sPl live situations. the d90 features a durable and road-ready case for
maximum protection and survival on the road.
NAMM Booth 6531 www.cadaudio.com
Italy’s IQS Strings & Proamp Amps At NAMM
italian-Based iQs stRinGs will be exhibiting at the naMM show alongside
the new Proamp professional bass amplifier line, also from italy.
Backed by years of research, iQs strings are made to bring superior sound
and accuracy to musicians in all genres. expressive, soft, and comfortable,
these strings are also extremely well balanced to offer outstanding sustain
and sound definition. harmonics are consistent and defined. With the right
material and gauge, musicians will find iQs strings ideal for slapping, tapping,
popping, picking, and fingering. Materials include nickel-plated, stainless steel,
pure nickel, bronze, phosphor bronze, silver-plated, coated clear, and coated
color.
Proamp professional bass amps, engineered and manufactured entirely in
italy, deliver a sound that’s clear, defined, and very powerful. light and compact, they feature a quality digital power amp, neodymium speakers, and range from 300
to 1,000 watts. they’re available in a variety of cabinet configurations and combos.
NAMM Booth 1276
www.iqsstrings.com
www.proamp.it
February 2015
Online
Apora Audio And The
Future Of Tubes
aPoRa’s neW GRandiose
tube pre-amp and Behemoth
equalizer combines handcrafted
vacuum tube circuitry with the
latest digital control technology
to deliver versatility and warm
tonal quality. the unit is handcrafted in the U.K. in limited
quantities, using only premium
components from the U.K., Germany, and Japan. sensitive components like signal audio
transformers, audio capacitors,
and inductors are engineered and built in-house to ensure superior performance. all the mechanical parts
are CnC-machined in aluminium, and the transformer cans, enclosures, and front and back plates are
produced and finished entirely in the U.K.
the Grandiose two-channel vacuum tube mic preamp uses custom components and minimal noise floor
to produce that distinctive warm sound without compromising on current advances. the Behemoth features a two-channel (individual or stereo) vacuum tube Pultec-type equalizer and offers a modern twist
on classic technology. the device internally monitors power supply quality (voltage and current potentials)
as well as enclosure temperature to ensure that the system electronics always function at peak levels.
this passion for detail continues on the outside, with a bold, colorful design that’s a work of art in itself.
it’s also the first tube gear equipment to feature a clear VFd dot-matrix fluorescent display that’s easy to
see across the studio and can be personalised with logos or other details. Unusually for tube equipment,
the Grandiose and Behemoth can be remotely controlled using a Mac or PC.
NAMM Booth 1273
www.apora-audio.co.uk
New Jensen Bass Speakers
Jensen MUsiCal instRUMent sPeaKeRs has added
a new offering of bass speakers to its renowned line.
Punch sound series speakers are equipped with ceramic magnets and steel baskets for a more classic
tone and look, and deliver great dynamics and super
fast response.
those looking for a cleaner sound with more headroom will select the new smooth sound, which feature neodymium magnets and aluminum baskets for a
more modern tone and look. in addition to delivering great
tone, smooth sound speakers are 50% lighter than their ceramic cousins.
new Jensen bass series speakers represent several years of R&d to address the specific needs of bass
players. they are available in a variety of sizes and wattages for any application.
NAMM Booth 4893
www.jensentone.com
February 2015
Online
New Seven-String Fishman Fluence Pickup
FishMan has eXPanded its radical line of Fluence guitar pickups with a new seven-string humbucker model, available in alnico or ceramic models.
the alnico model has all of the musicality, power and explosiveness this type of pickup is known for. Voice 1 is the ideal
alnico full, round sound with exceptional articulation and dynamics. Voice 2 delivers crisp, clean sounds never before heard
in an active alnico humbucker.
the ceramic model delivers a cutting attack with aggressive power. Voice
1 has the ideal ceramic humbucker tone for sharp-edged crunch with extra clarity
and definition. Voice 2 produces high output ceramic tone and superlative distortion characteristics with Fluence dynamics and response.
original and totally re-imagined, Fishman Fluence pickups are free from the hum, noise and frustrating inductance issues that plague even the most coveted wire-wound pickups, revealing pure, uncorrupted, and
musical tone.
available in nickel, gold, black, and brushed stainless finishes, the new Fluence Modern 7-string humbuckers
can be powered by a 9-volt battery or Fishman’s optional rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, available
in three models to easily and seamlessly fit most electric guitars.
NAMM Booth 4340
www.fishman.com
Teton’s New 10-String &
3/4-Size Guitars
in the neW teton ten, teton Guitars offers a guitar of its own creation: a ten-string
guitar for players who want all the sound of a 12-string but with a pronounced low end.
“We had a player mention that he chased the dream by removing the bottom octave strings
on a 12-string and then played it for years,” explained a teton ten designer. “With that vision
in mind, we removed the octave string on the e and the a and adjusted the headstock.
after procuring a sample, we showed it to the guys who had the dream and they loved
it.”
the teton ten features a jumbo body to catch some impressive lows but keep the full
sound of a 12-string. a solid spruce top adds richness to the midrange, while rosewood
back and sides help project this guitar’s deep lows and bright high ends.
the teton 10 is expected to ship in limited quantities in late May or early June. Retail
price: $659.99. a video demo can be viewed at http://youtu.be/1poakoQi8gQ.
also new from teton Guitars is the teton Range, the answer to dealers’ requests for
an affordable, great sounding 3/4-size solid-top acoustic guitar. the teton Range features a mini jumbo body for full sound, an arched back for projection, and solid spruce
top for great tone, combining for a sound as big as the mountains it’s named after. also
available with a solid cedar top, these guitars make easy sales and crowd-pleasing instruments. Retail price: $399.99 spruce top, $459.99 cedar top. ships in late May-early June.
teton Guitars is owned and distributed only to independent dealers by Chesbro Music Company. Both new
models will be on display at the Winter naMM show.
NAMM Booth 4430
(800) CHESBRO
www.tetonguitars.com
February 2015
Online
Four New Pedals From EarthQuaker
eaRthQUaKeR deViCes is now offering four new pedals: the Fuzz Master General octave Fuzz Blaster,
the hummingbird Repeat Percussion tremolo V3, the sea Machine super Chorus, and the Park Fuzz sound
Vintage Fuzz tone.
the Fuzz Master General is earthQuaker’s take on the vintage ace tone Fuzz Master, an octave fuzz that
was very similar to the wildly popular shin-ei/Univox super Fuzz. in this pedal, the basic circuit has been
“re-imagineered” to be more useful for the modern player. the Fuzz Master General features a more accurate fuzz control delivering a much broader spectrum of dirt tones ranging from nearly clean through
full buzz saw assault. a “Voice” toggle has been added to wrangle a more variable tone out of the classic
circuit. it also has significantly more output volume and a much lower noise floor than the original. With
all these added features, the Fuzz Master General delivers a more versatile version of the original while
retaining the same swelling octave grind. Release date: February 2015. MaP: $175.
the hummingbird Repeat Percussion tremolo V3 is based on earthQuaker’s classic hummingbird, a slightly
modified clone of the Vox Repeat Percussion tremolo—popular for its short, spikey tremolo bursts that
have an almost delay-like quality to them. For this upgraded version earthquaker has added a third speed
to the mode switch, offering access to the range that was in between the original modes 1 and 2. the
hummingbird can now go painfully slow to ring-mod fast and hit everything in between without skipping
ranges. also new is an expression control jack for the rate. the jacks have also been moved to the top of
the enclosure to allow for more space on crowded pedal boards. Release date: January 2015. MaP: $155.
the sea Machine super Chorus brings back the old sea Machine in refined and more compact form. While
it features the classic Rate, depth, and intensity controls, it also allows for wild manipulation of pitch,
space, and wave form with the animate, dimension, and shape controls. While the heart of this new version is the same as the original, the input circuitry has been refined to improve the noise floor, while an
additional led has been added to show the rate of the oscillator (even in bypass), and the enclosure size
has been reduced. Fancy new graphics have also been added on a mirrored silver finish. Release date: January 2015. MaP: $195.
earthQuaker has joined forces with the newly resurrected Park amplifiers to deliver a reissue of the vintage
Park Fuzz sound. this pedal is a germanium fuzz from the tone Bender family that produces a brighter, almost distortion-like tone compared to its Fuzz Face counterpart. the new Park Fuzz sound remains faithful
to the original in topology and tone but adds some additional functionality for the modern player. the fuzz
range has been increased, the noise floor has been lowered, and all the transistors have been handmatched for optimal performance. the power is internally regulated, and a dC power jack has been added
to allow use with all modern 9V power supplies. also new are an led, a smaller enclosure, and a price tag
that’s a fraction of the original. already shipping. MaP: $175.
NAMM Booth 4296
www.earthquakerdevices.com
February 2015
Online
Hohner’s Rockwood Aimed
At “Tween” Market
hohneR has laUnChed the Rockwood brand of guitar and drum products
for the tween market. the initial product line-up includes a junior-sized
drumset and 3/4-size electric and acoustic guitar packages that include an
amp, tuner, strap, and stickers. all instruments are appropriately sized for
the 8-14 year old with quality that encourages play and musical exploration.
“We believe this is the perfect sequential step to encourage musical growth
for children,” said Product Manager tim henry. “We are introducing instruments that will encourage kids to continue their musical journey. Rockwood
instruments include an assortment of attractive stickers reflecting modern
designs that can be used to individualize the look of their instruments—
which we know is important to this customer segment.”
“the tween market is a growing market for music retailers,” commented
scott emmerman, director of marketing and sales, “and Rockwood products
will help attract these customers with cool do-it-yourself sticker designs so
kids can decorate their instruments in their own personal way—plus eyecatching packaging and complete packages that will produce incremental
sales and profit.”
the Rockwood electric package retails for $225 and MaPs at $179.99. the
acoustic guitar package retails for $150 and MaPs at $119.99. the drumset
retails for $250 and MaPs at $199.99.
NAMM Booth 3240
www.us.playhohner.com
New BAE Preamp Offers Modified Gain Structure
BRitish aUdio enGineeRinG (Bae) has introduced a new 500 series preamp
module, the 312B. Based on the popular 312a model, it delivers the same excellent dynamic range, frequency response, and noise performance the Bae 312
series is known for but with a newly introduced and modified gain structure
that utilizes a lower-gain Jensen input transformer designed to complement louder sources before needing to implement the pad.
the 312a’s higher gain structure sometimes required the pad to be
used with louder sources such as a hot microphone on drums. the
312B yields 7dBs lower gain to accommodate louder sources without
losing the dynamic characteristics of the 312a. this allows engineers the
option of owning the 312a as a preamp geared toward higher gain and the 312B for lower gain.
Just like the 312a, the 312B features the avedis 1122 discrete op-amp and Jensen input and output transformers, which use direct-coupled circuitry with no capacitors in the signal path. the input impedance of the
312B is designed to remain consistent even after the pad is engaged, providing a steady load to the microphone.
the characteristics of the 312B offer excellent dynamic range, great frequency response, high headroom, and
excellent noise performance for a punchy sound that works well with many microphones.
the 312B is available as a single 500 series module and as a fully loaded six-space lunchbox. it includes a di
for instruments, a Phase Reverse switch, 48V for phantom power, and a Pad switch.
NAMM Booth 6290
www.baeaudio.com
February 2015
Online
The Gemini 2 Software Speaker
Control System
the GeMini 2 BY Mission enGineeRinG is a 2 x 12" full
range digital amplified speaker cabinet with integrated studio quality UsB audio interface for use with modelers and
software-based guitar systems.
Mission’s “emPower technology” features multi-channel
class d power amplifiers, active crossovers with variable eQ,
and full-range co-axial drivers, all designed from the ground
up to work together as the perfect amplification solution for
modeling systems.
the Gemini 2 features a 2 x 110W internal amplifier and
2×12" low frequency drivers, with 1" coaxial high frequency
drivers for a stereo solution in a single cabinet. Gemini 2
works perfectly with guitar processors with stereo outputs.
Pro-audio 1/4" jack and XlR connectors, high-speed UsB,
and optional Class 2 stereo Bluetooth wireless interfaces
connect Gemini amps directly with software-based guitar
systems on computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as
dedicated guitar processors. emPower eQ control allows
blending between a flat or a more traditional guitar cab frequency response.
Gemini’s sophisticated power system provides a number of benefits not found in traditional guitar
amplifiers. 100-240 input voltage and 50/60 hz compatibility means Gemini can be used almost
anywhere in the world without requiring heavy transformers. Just connect directly to wall power
with a suitable cable. Power-saving features such as a high efficiency power supply and deep sleep
modes for internal components mean Mission Geminis use a fraction of the power of a regular
amp, costing less to run. the included V-lock power cable ensures the power is correctly connected
and protects against the cable being accidentally pulled out.
the Gemini 2 will grace any stage or studio. each cabinet is handmade from 3/4" void-free baltic
birch with a high-quality black tolex covering, black basket-weave acoustic speaker covering, and
chrome hardware. Guitarists using rack-mount guitar processors such as the Fractal audio-axe-FX,
avid eleven Rack, or Pod hd PRo can use the Gemini h, 19" rack head and build the perfect modeling half stack.
NAMM Booth 2793
www.missionengineering.com
Sommer’s Hybrid Instrument Guitar Cable
soMMeR’s tRiCone 241P cable contains four high-quality, doubleshielded instrument lines, ideal for an effects send/return loop before
the amp and a second effects loop between preamp and power amp.
there are two balanced lines ready for connecting Midi signals, for another effects send/return, or for amp switching. in addition it offers
a Cat.5e network line which can be used for switching control
devices fitted with RJ45 connectors. the package is rounded
out by a main lead wire cross-section to supply an effects
board.
www.sommercable.com
February 2015
Online
Vandoren’s New V21 Clarinet Reed
VandoRen’s neW V21 clarinet reed, named after the century of its introduction, provides a new tonal option for clarinetists seeking to personalize
their sound. a thick-blank, american-cut reed, the V21 allows the clarinetist
to play with amazing presence and immediate response. available for B-flat
clarinet only, it comes in sizes 2-1/2, 3, 3-1/2, 3-1/2+, 4, 4-1/2, and 5.
“the V21 has a beautiful, singing quality,” offered dansR Vice President of
sales & Marketing and clarinetist Gary Winder. “its flexibility will make it popular with clarinetists at all levels: students through top professionals.”
“Vandoren has a tradition of developing reeds that play and respond beautifully,” commented dansR President Michael skinner. “this new reed—like
all our other reeds—provides clarinetists the opportunity to match a reed cut
with their setup and with the repertoire they’re playing. it’s all very personal
– which is why everyone should try this reed.”
early artist trials have been overwhelmingly positive, including rave reviews
from top players worldwide such as John Bruce Yeh of the Chicago symphony
orchestra and popular international soloist Martin Fröst.
NAMM Booth 3112
www.dansr.com
(888) 707-4455
LP Cajon “Hats” Accessory
lP’s CaJon hats intRodUCe the familiar hi-hat sound in the form of a compact, portable cajon add-on. this versatile, one-of-a-kind, patent-pending cajon
accessory allows players to more fully express themselves sonically. Mounting
lP’s Cajon hats to a cajon enables musicians to gain an essential cymbal sound
without the fuss of heavy cymbals and a stand.
Victor Filonovich, lP’s director of product development, said, “Percussionists and
drumset players miss the indispensable, go-to sound of hi-hats when playing
cajon. By adding the bright, crisp sound of our Cajon hats to their instrument,
players will be able to more fully and naturally express themselves.”
Manufactured from premium B20 bronze, the 9" Cajon hats are extremely durable. additionally, the specially designed striker allows for stick-free playing. When finished, the Cajon hats can be
quickly removed for easy transport. MsRP $154.
www.kmcmusic.com
Versatile Ansmann Battery Chargers
FRoM desKtoP ChaRGeRs to full-blown “production systems,” ansmann
and Fischer amps’ pro-grade rechargeables are perfect for wireless mics,
in-ear monitors, and any other audio gear requiring batteries. the chargers
are so effective, they have been embraced by top acts including Cirque du
soleil, Katy Perry, and thousands of schools, theaters, and churches.
NAMM Booth 1173
www.ansmann.net
February 2015
Online
Protect Your Ears With DUBS Acoustic Filters
WeaRaBle teCh CoMPanY doppler labs inc. is showcasing its first product, dUBs acoustic Filters, at
the naMM show. advanced technology earplugs designed for an optimal listening experience, the dUBs
use a proprietary combination of high and low pass filters to dynamically attenuate audio. this design allows them to reduce volume while preserving sound fidelity. today, people encounter more harmful noise
than ever before. While we’ve become accustomed to the blare of concerts and clubs, our ears have not,
leading to a rise in noise-induced hearing loss. dUBs acoustic Filters feature a 12-decibel noise Reduction
Rating (nRR) to help protect the wearer’s ears.
dUBs employ high design, and their unique form factor allows them to fit comfortably and to sit flush
against the ear. dUBs acoustic Filters protect hearing without sacrificing sound clarity, style, or comfort.
U.s. MsRP $25.
NAMM Booth 2683
www.getDUBS.com
ToneWood Amp Blows Effects Out Sound Hole
sUCCessFUllY FUnded with Kickstarter, the toneWoodamp is an innovative
new product for acoustic guitars that lets musicians augment a guitar’s natural
sound by adding sound effects via a small device that easily connects to the
back of any flat-back acoustic guitar without the need for an external amplifier
or speaker. the device provides guitarists with the same experience and effects as if they were connecting their acoustic guitar to an amplifier—without
actually being connected to one. this allows players to practice and play anywhere, anytime, with their guitar only, with no dependency on external equipment.
the toneWoodamp simulates the sounds made by a guitar’s strings, but
while the strings vibrate the front of the guitar, the toneWoodamp vibrates
the back of the guitar with additional effects, adding new layers to a guitar’s
typical sound. the result is a powerful tool to add a myriad of sounds to any
acoustic guitar. about the size of a smartphone, it easily attaches to virtually
any flat-back acoustic guitar. the initial setup takes less than five minutes, is non-invasive, requires no
tools, and the device can easily be removed and added to other guitars.
the toneWoodamp is equipped with powerful internal dsP for instant high-quality effects including reverb, delay, echo, tremolo, etc. it also works with Virtual Midi-supported apps such as Midi Guitar and
GarageBand and allows the sound of virtual instruments to be added to the acoustic guitar. it works with
effects and amp simulation apps such as amplitube and ampkit, and its built-in audio interface works
with ios devices.
the toneWoodamp is battery-operated and can provide hours of playtime on one charge. and for musicians who own multiple guitars, it can be easily moved from one guitar to another.
NAMM Booth 4827
www.tonewoodamp.com
February 2015
Online
SimS Super-Quad Bass Pickup System
the UniQUe siMs super-Quad Pickup system offers a staggering 15 pickup options
when two pickups are fitted to one instrument. this highly novel
concept utilizes multiple coils in such a way that each pickup can
be switched to a split coil, single coil, and humbucking coils. any
of the three classic bass sounds can be achieved in just one instrument, as well as many more new contemporary sounds, with
just a simple flick of the patented tri-logic switching system. tricolor leds installed in each pickup aid the quick and easy recognition of each pickup mode that is chosen.
super-Quad Pickup systems are manufactured in the U.K. and
are available to bass manufacturers, retail shops, and repairers to
offer to their customers.
“our new super-Quads offer something that no other pickup
can,” said company founder Martin sims. “designed with simplicity in mind, our pickups can be fitted by any luthier with standard
luthier skills, as all the hard work is already done—leaving just
simple press-together connections.”
NAMM Booth 2896
www.simscustom.com/pickups
Mike Balter Titanium Mallets
leadinG Mallet ManUFaCtUReR Mike Balter continues to push the technological
envelope with the introduction of the new titanium series mallets. this unique design
is well suited for both vibes and marimba, and produces great overtones, allowing the
player to switch between instruments without changing mallets or sacrificing sound
quality.
available in satin birch or rattan handles. Birch handles retail for $52 per pair and rattan
handles retail for $66 per pair.
www.mikebalter.com
Mad Professor RED Cables
the neW Mad Professor Red cable represents the latest in cable technology. this special nano-technology cable will not replace current cables; instead, the player simply inserts a current cable into the
female-to-male plugged Mad Professor Red cable to produce a stronger
signal with faster transients and much better balance. the most important benefit, however, is that the upgraded playability and faster signal
flow make the player feel more in control of his tone.
Mad Professor’s “spinX” technology (patent pending) and a quantum-level nano treatment line up the Red
cable’s electrodes, reducing signal loss and accelerating signal speed compared with any conventional cable. the
electrode linearity continues after the Red cable, so pedals and the amplifier also work more efficiently. the
effect is achieved through nanotechnology’s magnetic field, which doesn’t require any other kind of power.
NAMM Booth 4176
www.mpamp.com
February 2015
Online
Pignose Rechargeable &
“Snakeskin” Finish Amps
PiGnose indUstRies, maker of the iconic 7100 backstage practice amp
that musicians use on streets, in studios, and in their bedrooms across the
globe, has updated its classic with the 7200 hog 20 Recharging Portable
amp. this larger model has the same famous brown tolex cosmetics as the
7100. its front panel features include volume, tone, and “squeal” overdrive/distortion controls and a standard 1/4" input jack. the rear panel has
a 1/4" headphone out jack, which can be used for headphones (switching
off the speaker) or as an output for directing low-level signal to another
amplifier or direct to a recording console. two inputs (one on the front and
one in back) are included. the hog 20 sports 20 watts RMs through a 6.5"
heavy duty speaker and ships with two rechargeable lead-acid batteries with
recharger/aC adapter cable. a charge lasts for six to ten hours of use.
in another introduction, Pignose has put a new spin on its 7100 portable amp. this Pignose classic
has been offered in strange limited-edition finishes over the years, and those editions are now considered
collector’s items. howard Chatt, the man behind Pignose industries since 1985, is now introducing the
snakeskin Finish legendary 7100. of course the “skin” is a printed and embossed vinyl that only looks and
feels like snakeskin. Players who’ve seen the snakeskin prototypes are clamoring for this edition.
www.pignoseamps.com
Kyser Humidifier And Uke Care Kit
the neW KYseR liFeGUaRd hUMidiFieR for concert ukuleles prevents drying and
cracking by maintaining a level of proper moisture within the wood of a ukulele. simply
immerse the unit in water, squeeze out excess, dry it off and then position it within
the sound hole beneath the strings, and the humidifier takes care of the rest. it’s
made from a specially designed polymer that will not react to any polish or wood
grain finishes on the ukulele’s body, and it fits sound holes 1.88" to 2.25".
Kyser is packaging the humidifier as part of a care kit including a 4oz bottle
of string-Cleaning, a 4oz bottle of polish, a 4oz bottle of lem-oil, and three colorcoded Ultra opper Fiber cloths. MsRP: $19.95 Usd each.
NAMM Booth 5977
www.kysermusical.com
Aizen ASCL Sax Mouthpieces
MetiCUloUslY handCRaFted in Japan, aizen saxophone mouthpieces
are ideal for student and professional classical musicians. the new mouthpieces are based on extensive analysis of modern and vintage mouthpieces
as well as surveys of a wide range of musicians. every asCl mouthpiece is
hand-finished by master craftsman and offers excellent dynamic range, playability, and projection. the sound is ideal for both traditional and modern classical music.
NAMM Booth 2523
http://sax.co.jp/index_e.html
February 2015
Online
High-Performance GT Speakers
From LD systems
With theiR siMPle desiGn, high quality components, and
sturdy wooden cabinets, the new Gt series speakers from ld systems are well suited for many p.a. and monitor applications. they
combine high-quality audio, professional functionality, and durability at prices that are hard to beat.
the active Gt series includes three full-range models and two
subwoofers. they feature class d power amplifiers with a peak
performance of 1,600 watts. other features include a solid radiator grille with hexagonal honeycomb pattern, a durable coating
made of dura-vinyl, combo jacks as well as a dual-tilt tripod
flange. inside are 10", 12" and 15" full-range speakers from Celestion that achieve a frequency response up to 19 khz. the builtin 54° monitor angle, line and microphone inputs, and a 2-band eQ
provide functional diversity. Where applications require a deep bass foundation, 15" and
18" subwoofers complete the series; all models are equipped with a 100 hz satellite output and adjustable low-pass filter.
NAMM Booth 4844
www.ld-systems.com/en/series/gt-series/
Kenny G G-Series Saxophones
the neW G-seRies saxophone line from Kenny G and Rheuben allen is
made by a taiwanese company and features top-of-the-line professional
instruments. soprano models include lacquered finish (KGssl-GiV) and a
version with silver-plated main body and lacquered keys (KGssls-GiV).
altos and tenors include a lacquered model (KGasl-GiV & KGtsl-GiV) and
a version featuring silver-plated bell section and neck with lacquered keys
and main body (KGasls-GV & KGtsls-GiV). the new low a Baritone
(KGBsl-GiV) comes only in a lacquered finish.
as of January 1, 2015, the e-series saxophone will no longer by manufactured by Kenny G or Rheuben allen. Remaining models can only be purchased online or at an authorized dealer listed on the site.
www.kennygsaxophones.com
RDM Slipstop Enhances Performance
tiRed oF laCKlUsteR PeRFoRManCe or practice due to your musical instrument slipping? Worried about damaging a fine wooden
floor when playing the cello, bass or drum? RdM offers a solution with
the new slipstop “no slip” protective sponge rubber bottom for cello,
bass, or drum. it includes a metal plate for extra durability and is available in eight colors, including stainless steel.
NAMM Booth 2533
[email protected]
February 2015
Online
Amptweaker BluesFuzz Limited Edition
the insPiRation FoR the new amptweaker BluesFuzz came from a session
at naMM where some players expressed a preference for lower output germanium transistors. in response to this preference, amptweaker will offer a
limited run of 49 pedals using these transistors.
Why a limited edition of 49? one reason is because some bluesmen believe
that the famous crossroads where Robert Johnson supposedly dealt with the
devil was the junction of highway 49 highway 61 in Clarksdale Mississippi.
the other reason is that amptweaker’s James and Phyllis Brown both grew
up along highway 49 and first met in a truck-stop poolroom on highway 49.
“if you’re from Mississippi you’re influenced by the blues,” said James Brown.
“this is a fun tip of the hat to our own personal connection with the blues.”
he added, “the pedal excels in getting cleaner tones, thanks to the auto-bias
built into the Fuzz control, and it also includes the popular Boost switch Mod,
which boosts the gain about 10dB, so you can get more fuzz or help compensate for lower output vintage pickups.”
NAMM Booth 5299
www.amptweaker.com
OnBoard Research Tuners
Now Feature Clock
onBoaRd ResaRCh, a PioneeR in the development of the clip-on headstock tuner,
now offers a unique new high-quality chromatic tuner. While intellitouch tuners have always
been known for their tuning precision, onBoard Research has added an extra dimension with
a precision digital clock incorporated into the new Pt10C tuner. this feature allows a musician
to discreetly check the time during a gig without having to look down at their watch or mobile phone. the clock
will keep music instructors aware of their class time with just a subtle glance at their headstock. in addition, enhanced mechanical properties yield a truly rugged instrument tuner suitable for all occasions.
NAMM Booth 4131
www.OnBoardResearch.com
Gnarly Knobs Tuning Peg Covers
GnaRlY KnoBs has CReated new designs and colors for its silicone custom tuning peg covers. these custom sleeves allow anyone to quickly and
inexpensively create a whole new look and feel for their guitar or ukulele.
Players can choose one design in one color for all six pegs or mix and match
designs and colors to create their own unique looks. the company’s Kanji
symbols will inspire the player, say something to the audience, or both.
For bands, dealers, and manufacturers, Gnarly Knobs can print custom
logos/artwork on any color sleeve they choose to be resold in retail outlets and
concerts, or as product accessories. the custom logos present a wonderful branding opportunity for artists and
manufacturers who want to increase their exposure to the public. they also make great gift items for musicians.
NAMM Booth 1634
www.gnarlyknobs.com
February 2015
Online
Beard Guitars’ New
Blackbeard Resonator
BeaRd GUitaRs’ neW BlaCKBeaRd resonator was created for Jerry douglas, a 13-time Grammy winner who has endorsed the entire line of Beard
resonator guitars. the Blackbeard derives its warm, clear tone from its allmahogany construction. it derives its name from a translucent black finish,
and it also boasts a striking red bubinga fretboard. Classic dot and Jerry
douglas’s signature inlays are featured as a simple but elegant tribute to
Jerry’s contribution to the instrument.
driving this robust-sounding instrument is a Beard original #14 spider and
a legend Cone configured with a Beard Bass Reflex baffle. the Fishman
nashville pickup, Beard Chrome sound rings, tailpiece, and spinning Palm
coverplate are included.
each guitar is individually handcrafted in the Usa and delivered in a deluxe
hardshell case.
Paul Beard and douglas have developed an exclusive family of signature
guitars designed around their drive for sonic perfection. the Jerry douglas
signature series includes the standard Jerry douglas signature, the Jerry douglas limited signature
Model, the Jerry douglas signature Blackbeard, and the Jerry douglas signature odyssey, all of which
are individually handmade with great care at the Beard shop in hagerstown, Maryland.
NAMM Booth 1408
www.beardguitars.com
Mack’s High Fidelity Ear Plugs
MaCK’s “heaR PlUGs” high fidelity musician’s ear plugs’ unique open-air
membrane filter technology ensures natural sound and comfort while reducing
harmful noise. a super-low profile design allows for inconspicuous wear, while
soft flanges ensure maximum comfort for the musician.
each package includes two sizes of comfort tips and one set of filters. offering
a noise reduction rating of 12 decibels, hear Plugs provide hearing protection
while minimizing the muffled sound often experienced with traditional
earplugs. they are washable and reusable, and include a convenient aluminum
keychain carrying case. Mack’s hear Plugs are great for musicians and concertgoers alike. Mack’s earplugs has been a leader in ear care since 1962.
www.mcksearplugs.com
Acoustic Science Bass Strings
aCoUstiC sCienCe is offering a new line of treated bass strings that
feature its proprietary “ionic Vapor Process.” the result is good-feeling
strings with vibrant highs, mellow lows, and extended life.
NAMM Booth 1209
www.acoustic-science.com
February 2015
Online
Moses Graphite Speakers
Moses CaRBon GRaPhite will introduce the entirely
new sonusphere live performance loudspeakers at the
Winter naMM show. not since the introduction of the
uniquely engineered Moses Graphite electric and acoustic
stringed instrument necks in 1990 has the company rolled
out a similarly sound-changing set of products.
Mosher explains, “since their inception, speaker enclosures have been boxes primarily because box construction
methodology is cost-effective. this has maintained the
predominance of limited dispersion point-source sound.
if a hemispherical speaker enclosure had been as easy to
produce as a box, the history of amplified sound might
have been quite different. this is because a sphere exhibits
the most flat response of all possible speaker enclosure
geometries. and flat response is widely considered by the finest sound engineers to be ideal for hearing
most musical instruments and recordings, with the exception of some styles of electric guitar performance.”
Mosher concludes that the unique hemispherical design improves the amplified sound quality of both
acoustic and electric instruments. the round sonuspheres are optionally powered speakers that provide
high -uality flat response and wide dispersion sound. the five flagship models for guitar, bass and p.a.,
with prices ranging from $600 to $2,000 Usd, incorporate eminence drivers and ice Power amplification.
NAMM Booth 5292
www.mosesgraphite.com
SKY To Distribute New
Handbell Line
MUsiC edUCation CoMPanY sKY edutainment Group llC will
introduced a brand line of Uchida music handbells at naMM. the
handbell product line features the Color-Coded series, silver series,
Gold series, and the excellent silver series.
Crafted by manufacturing industry giant Uchida,
which is renowned for its superb workmanship,
these handbells are the top-selling music bells in
Japan. additionally, the durability and popularity of the
music bells have led to their use in numerous elementary music education programs in Japan, singapore, and indonesia.
“as the exclusive U.s. distributor of Uchida music handbells, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to
showcase these fantastic, affordable music bells at our booth for the naMM audience,” said sKY President shiho Yamamoto. “attendees will be delighted with the aural appeal and versatility of these
high-quality bells.”
the sKY edutainment Group booth will feature live performances and demonstrations by a handbell
musician each day.
NAMM Booth 1247
www.skyetg.com
February 2015
Online
Moyer, Zottola Record
For Music Minus One
MUsiC MinUs one is now featuring recordings by two
american virtuosi: pianist Frederic Moyer and trumpet
and saxophone player Glenn zottola.
Moyer has now completed four major recordings for
Music Minus one. all recorded with and without the
piano, these include: the saint-saens Piano Concerto
no.4; Clara schumann’s Piano Concerto in a minor,
op.75; the famed Warsaw Concerto from the film Brief
encounter; and Rachmaninov Cello sonata, op.7 featuring nancy Green on violoncello. Performing in excess of
250 concerts per year before diverse audiences, Moyer
has touched every corner of the Usa with collective audiences numbering in the millions. he’s been pursuing
this extraordinary schedule for the past 35 years.
For nearly four decades, zottola has been one of the most respected, versatile, and in-demand trumpet
players and saxophonists in the world. his artistry on all three instruments—trumpet and alto and tenor
saxophones—shows a strong devotion to the swing era. he’s played or recorded with such legends as
Count Basie, ella Fitzgerald, Frank sinatra, tony Bennett, and many others.
a typical zottola Cd showcases zottola in a mixture of jazz styles: on muted trumpet in the moody
hues of Miles davis and, one track later, on alto saxophone à la Charlie Parker. his recent albums on
the Classic Jazz and Music Minus one record labels pay homage to jazz legends who have shaped his
individual jazz style—among them louis armstrong, Charlie Parker, Miles davis, Clifford Brown and stan
Getz. his Music Minus one recordings include: too Marvelous For Words, i Got Rhythm, Ben Webster
Revisited, Great arrangements/sinatra, Getting sentimental, Miles davis Remembered, Come Fly With
Me, and triple Play. each retails for $29.98.
(914) 592-1188
www.mmogroup.com
ReedGeek Universal Reed Tool
the ReedGeeK “UniVeRsal” tool is designed to help all woodwind players
achieve better reed performance quickly and accurately. With its compact,
portable design and proprietary true-edge retention technology, the
ReedGeek rivals the most expensive reed knives sold, but needs no sharpening, is safe for school band, and has no sharp edges to slice delicate fingertips.
Within 10 minutes of training, players using the ReedGeek will notice a
dramatic improvement in efficiency, sonic quality, and responsiveness of
their reeds. Users will find more “good” reeds in a box so the ReedGeek pays for itself in a short period of time.
the ReedGeek has quickly become an industry leader and is manufactured 100% in the Usa. the tool is
used by the world’s top woodwind professionals including david sanborn, eddie daniels, dave liebman,
Bob Mintzer, Greg osby, tower of Power, and others.
NAMM Booth 2522
www.reedgeek.com
February 2015
Online
Affordable, High-Performance
Basses From Zon
zon GUitaRs’ neW aFFoRdaBlY PRiCed Mosaic Mojo model bass guitar is handcrafted
to zon’s exact specifications and rigid quality requirements, and all Mosaic Mojo basses are
final-inspected for fit, finish, and setup at zon Guitars’ Redwood City, California, facility
before final shipping to dealers.
“there are a lot of players out there who want to own a zon bass, but their budget
has restricted them from doing so,” said company President Joe zon. “the Mosaic
Mojo now makes that possible. these basses fulfill my goal in being gig-ready, workhorse instruments with a vintage vibe and exceptional quality worthy of zon.”
all Mosaic Mojo basses feature U.s.-made aguilar pickups along with passive or twoband active electronics. the necks are three-piece maple with rosewood or maple 24fret fingerboards and dual-action truss rods. Bodies are made from alder or ash
(depending on finish) and are available in seven different colors with a choice of pickguards. a high-quality, very protective gig bag is included. street prices start at $899.
NAMM Booth 5943
www.zonguitars.com
Keeley GC-2 Compressor Limiting Amplifier Pedal
the neW GC-2 limiting amplifier from Keeley electronics is a unique and modern circuit that delivers studio-quality compression for guitar players in stompbox format.
With controls for Compression, threshold, and Gain, plus a threshold indicator, the
100% hand-built GC-2 gives players simple and effective tools to accomplish highquality compression. Using VCa-inspired circuitry the GC-2 features ultra-low noise
and outstanding transparency. it also gives players a huge range of compression from
1:1 to 1:infinity, and up to 30dB boost.
“We feel we have created a top-flight, studio-grade compressor for acoustic and
electric guitars,” said Keeley electronics founder and Chief engineer Robert Keeley.
like all of Keeley electronics’ designs, the GC-2 is hand-built in the Usa
using the finest components and construction techniques. it is housed in
a beautifully powder-coated and rugged enclosure, includes true bypass
switching, and features a two-year limited lifetime warranty with worldclass Keeley customer support. MsRP $199.
NAMM Booth 4596
www.rkfx.com
Hi-Style Gigbags From Refract
ReFRaCt BaGs BRinG stYle to the gig bag market, while offering great protection, smart
pocket configurations, and designs for every taste and personality. there is even a variety
of designs provided to match different outfits and moods.
www.refractbags.com
February 2015
Online
Advanced Active Speakers
From Fluid Audio
desiGned FoR MUsiC enthUsiasts, gamers, home
theater, and personal studios, the Fluid audio C5Bt
and Bt5 active speakers deliver professional sound
quality that lets listeners hear music as it was meant
to be heard—with clear highs, great bass, and accurate
imaging. Complete with Bluetooth audio, optical inputs, and subwoofer output, these speakers are the
perfect match for use with tablets, smartphones, lCd
screens, apple tV, Xbox, Playstation, and all types of
computers. With their striking white cabinets, they
offer looks as well as performance.
Fluid audio Bt-series speakers have connections for
all applications. Unlike many other speakers in this
and higher price ranges, C5Bt and Bt5 use the newest
CsR Bt 4.0 technology with aptX support. aptX has revolutionized the Bluetooth stereo listening experience by significantly reducing the bit rate without affecting audio quality or introducing latency issues.
the C5Bt features 5" low frequency transducers and a 1" Pei diaphragm tweeter mounted to a specially
designed waveguide to create a better off-axis response.the Bt5 features 5" low frequency transducers
and a 1" treated silk dome high-frequency device with an integrated waveguide to ensure a flat response
and wide dispersion.
the C5Bt delivers up to 97dB sPl (maximum continuous), and the Bt5 supplies up to 102dB sPl. Frequency response is rated at 55hz to 20khz for the C5Bt and 48hz to 22khz for the Bt5.
Both models are expected to be available by the end of Q1 2015 with an estimated retail price of
$199.95 for the C5Bt and $549.95 for the Bt5.
NAMM Booth 1171
www.fluidaudio.net
WhisperRoom Studio Lets
You Set the Mood
neW FRoM WhisPeRRooM, inc., optional studio light Packages provide
maximum flexibility. dual light systems—led puck lights for general lighting, and multicolored led lights for mood/ambiance—are both incorporated into this unique design. the lights generate no noise or heat and can
easily be adjusted for desired ambiance. in addition, the multicolored
lights can be set to a single color or alternating colors, as well as a variety
of other functions. the studio light, in conjunction with the array of interior acoustical foam colors available, provides limitless possibilities.
the company offers 20 sizes and two levels of sound isolation booths: a
standard (single-wall) and an enhanced (double-wall) configurations. all
models are upgradeable from a standard to an enhanced version at any
time to accommodate clients’ ever-changing needs.
NAMM Booth 7434
www.whisperroom.com
February 2015
Online
Makala Waterman Series
Ukuleles By Kala
MaKala WateRMan seRies ukuleles by Kala feature the latest
water-resistant composite technology packaged with vintage design
and sound. the Waterman series is designed for playability, portability, and durability, making it the ultimate outdoor/travel uke.
the Waterman pays homage in part to the legendary ukulele designer Mario Maccaferri, who invented the islander ukulele and
introduced it in 1949. after being endorsed by entertainer
arthur Godfrey on his tV show, nine million Maccaferri islander
ukes were sold between 1949 and 1969. like Maccaferri’s islander ukulele, the Waterman is notable for its affordable quality
and innovative designs.
Makala Waterman ukuleles come in soprano size and include a logo backpack/carrying bag. they are made
of high-grade polycarbonate aBs construction, which is durable as well as weather-resistant, and are complemented with nickel plated open gear tuners. each model is strung with aquila super nyglut strings.
Waterman “Colors” ukes feature six choices of vintage color tops with matching headstock and black satin
back and sides. Waterman “Clear” ukes feature three see-through translucent colors. Waterman
“swirls” are a nod to popular vintage ’50s and ’60s ukulele styles with unique marbleized
color back and sides and eggshell tops.
NAMM Booth 5320
www.kalabrand.com
www.ubass.com
Music Gifts From Across The Pond
UndeR PResident RoBin e. Galison, the Music Gifts Company (sole Usa/Canada
distributor for the Music Gifts Company inc. since 2006), offers one of the largest
ranges of unique music-themed giftware from england as well as the United states.
everything from stationery to kitchenware, jewelry, men’s and ladies’ personal accessories, and much more is available to the music lover. these products are sold in music
stores, specialty gift shops, symphony shops, and other venues across the United stated
and Canada.
NAMM Booth 1047
www.musicgiftsusa.com
Trexist Cymbals Makes NAMM Debut
tReXist CYMBals Usa, launched in april 2014, is providing “Great Cymbals
for the Working drummer.” trexist G-series cymbals stand out with a big
cross in the middle. other great sounding trexist series include aurum, evo,
soulmate, astoria, and the hybrid.
trexist Cymbals Usa also has an excellent variety of eFX Cymbals and innovative Wavy eFX Cymbals. other high-value cymbal lines include the organic
series and Prototype 1 series. these cymbals are for all styles across the
music spectrum.
NAMM Booth 2251
www.trexistcymbalsusa.com
February 2015
Online
Samson RSX 2-Way
Active Loudspeakers
saMson teChnoloGies’ RsX 2-Way active loudspeakers deliver
1,600 watts of output power and impeccable sound quality in two
models. the RsX112a ($529.99) and RsX115a ($599.99) combine
nine-layer plywood cabinet construction with ultra-efficient Class d
power and advanced digital signal processing technology to provide
exceptional performance to live sound professionals.
Featuring samson’s proprietary R.a.M.P. (Reactive alignment, Maximum Protection) dsP technology, the RsX112a and RsX115a employ
Reactive alignment filters to enhance transducer performance. the
dsP also offers Maximum Protection to the speakers’ components via
thermal and over-current sensors. With their respective 12" and 15"
low frequency drivers, both speakers feature a single 1.75" PetP Celestion compression driver mounted within a dispersion efficient waveguide, adding a wide and balanced sound field to the RsX design.
in addition to their ultra-durable cabinet construction, the RsX112a
and RsX115a feature a perforated steel grill, 1-3/8" pole mount receptacle, and two rubberized carry handles. Connectivity includes two XlR-1/4"
combo input channels with a selectable Mic/line switch on Channel 1. additionally, an XlR
link output is available for stereo operation.
NAMM Booth 4828
www.samsontech.com
Hotone Adds New Skyline Stompboxes
hotone audio has expanded its skyline series stompboxes with new harmony, Roto,
and tape eko, offering serious guitar effects for all players and styles.
the new harmony Pitch shifter stompbox introduces a gorgeous “backup singer”
to enrich a guitar solo or riff expression. Boasting a wide range of pitch-shifting
intervals, it gives the player lots of room whether going up, down, or just
looking for a little detune.
hotone’s new Roto Modeling Rotary speaker stompbox delivers a fresh vibe
to any performance. Just like the original box it’s based on, this Roto lets
players switch between tremolo and chorale mode. the sleek rotations and
subtle pitch variations will take the music to new places, whether wonderfully smooth or outrageously funky.
in the new tape eko Modeling tape delay stompbox, hotone offers a
smart echo pedal that embodies the soul of the classic tape echo sound—
as close as a stombox gets to going back in time.
the skyline series’ ultra-compact, easy-to-use design features a metal
footswitch and analog-style parameter knobs to further customize tone.
these pedals look great and are built to last with a strong casing and a metal
bar to absorb the most emotional stomps that passionate players can unleash.
NAMM Booth 5975
www.hotoneaudio.com
February 2015
Online
Wisemann “Silver Dragon”
CC Tuba
at this YeaR’s naMM show, Wisemann will be showcasing its new “silver dragon”
CC tuba. the 5/4 five-valve dtU-900 is already acclaimed for its excellent response
and beautiful sound color for all performance settings, from solo and chamber to orchestral and symphonic. available in a choice of silver plate or clear lacquer finish, it
also comes with a very competitive price tag.
the Wisemann brand was established in Beijing in 1999, and the company opened
its own factory in 2007. Wisemann now has distributors in more than 20 countries
and is fast becoming one of the leading names in quality brass and wind instrument
design and manufacture. “With all import logistics taken care of,” said a spokeperson,
“retailing Wisemann couldn’t be easier.”
NAMM Booth 2800
www.wisemann.com
Creative Concept Guitar Decals
neW GUitaR deCal designs from Creative Concept instrument include
skeleton hand in Bone or neon, skull & Roses, skull & dagger, Winged
skull, sexy lips, and the Muse Girl series. designer decals use no glue
or adhesives and can be repositioned or removed any time. “We want
guitarists to feel they can make a personal imprint on their instrument,”
said CCi co-founder and art director Rozanna Weinberger.
new from Rozanna’s Violins, the snowflake Violin joins CCi’s world of
quality string instruments designed to ignite a child’s imagination. While
orchestras and chamber ensembles will always have their place in the
music world, musicians and their audiences have a greater and greater
appetite for the world of alternative styles of music like rock, jazz, blues,
and bluegrass. Rozanna’s Violins strives to deliver a unique and innovative violin outfit with specially chosen
educational materials that are aimed at embracing jazz, pop, rock, bluegrass, and other alternative styles.
NAMM Booth 3532
www.rozannasviolins.com
Long Lasting La Bella Vapor Shield Strings
la Bella stRinGs has adopted a new technology, unlike typical coated strings, that dramatically enhances string life. the
new Vapor shield string surface is modified during a sophisticated “ionic Vapor Process” developed by acoustic science, resulting in long lasting protection from grime, tarnish, and oil
residue.
a la Bella spokesman said, “the results include tone btrighter
than typical coated strings, improved surface properties for better feel, and extended life span.
Vapor shield strings are available in electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and electric bass, in multiple gauges.
NAMM Booth 5729
www.Labella.com
February 2015
Online
Lowden’s ‘Wee Lowden’ Guitar
An Instant Hit
the all neW Wee loWden from lowden Guitars is quickly breaking records
as the most popular new lowden model ever. this model came about after snow
Patrol’s Gary lightbody asked George lowden to design a small-body acoustic
for ed sheeran as a gift. to fulfill this important request, George took a four-day
design retreat to a cottage on the northern irish coast near Bushmills. he returned to the workshops with the plans for a small-bodied guitar with a surprisingly full acoustic tone. lowden’s team of highly skilled craftspeople set to work,
and the Wee lowden was born.
the Wee lowden features indian rosewood back and sides paired with a cedar
or redwood top as standard. the 24” scale length and hand-carved voicing to
bass bias yield an instrument with a clear and full voice and the versatility for
the subtleties of both composition and stage. Custom shop Wee lowdens have
featured Brazilian rosewood, cocobolo, and walnut.
MsRP starts at $4,390.
NAMM Booth 1425
www.lowdenguitars.com
Remo’s New Powerstroke 77 Head
ReMo’s neW PoWeRstRoKe 77 snare drumhead consists of two free-floating
plies of 7-mil film with a 7-mil inlay ring and a 5-mil top clear dot. the combination gives this drumhead excellent response and projection, combined with outstanding warm, full tones. the inlay ring reduces overtones, and the 5-mil top clear
dot adds durability. this Coated or Clear drumhead is available in sizes 10", 12", 13",
and 14".
aaron spears, alvin Ford Jr., Billy Rymer, Gerald heyward, stephen Perkins and steve
Carey are a few artists playing the Powerstroke 77 heads.
NAMM Booth 3440
www.remo.com New McDSP Plug-ins Now Available
MCdsP has eXtended sUPPoRt of the audio Unit (aU) plug-in format
to the 6020 Ultimate eQ, ae400 active equalizer, and the sPC2000 serial/Parallel compressor. all three plug-ins are authorized with a v5 license
(native or hd), and are available for download at www.mcdsp.com.
Based in silicon Valley, McdsP was founded in 1988 by Colin Mcdowell.
Beginning with the release of the pioneering equalizer plug-in FilterBank,
McdsP has continued to produce acclaimed and award-winning software
titles. McdsP audio signal processing technology can be found in pro
audio plug-ins for popular digital audio workstations including Pro tools
and logic, and the avid VenUe and s3l live sound systems.
NAMM Booth 6405
www.mcdsp.com
February 2015
Online
Randall RD Series Diavlo Combos
the neW diaVlo series reflects Randall amplifiers’ focus on
tone and gain—“horsepower under the hood where it counts.”
Void of useless features, these updated 1x12 and 2x12 tube
combos are powered by the exact same electronics chassis as
the already popular Rd45, Rd20, and Rd5 head versions. the
combos are stage-ready with 12” custom designed speakers
and innovative cabinet design for maximum punch.
Model Rd45-212 is a two-channel, 45-watt, all-tube
(12aX7/6l6) 2x12 combo with tube Boost Mode, speaker
emulated XlR direct output with ground lift, Class a discrete
instrument level FX loop, and dual-function footswitch. Casters are included.
the Rd20-112 is a two-channel, all-tube (12aX7/6V6), 20watt 1x12 combo with Boost Mode, speaker emulated XlR direct output
with ground lift, Class a discrete instrument level FX loop, and dual-function footswitch.
the Rd5-112 is a single-channel, all-tube (12aX7/6V6), 5-watt 1x12 combo with gain, tone, and master
volume controls, three-way tonestackshift for midrange contour, a Class a discrete instrument level FX
loop, and speaker emulated XlR direct output with dummy load for silent operation and ground lift.
NAMM Booth 5740
www.randallamplifiers.com
ISP ThetaPro Multi-Effects Floor Controller
isP teChnoloGies’ neW thetaPro dsP is a patented floor controller that incorporates the company’s programmable digital theta preamp with studio quality effects
processing. the unit features a 32-bit floating point processor
and the latest generation of high-quality audio converters. the
result a classic preamp for vintage tones and a full complement
of studio quality digital effects. instant access to effects allows
players to switch individual effects on or off in any combination
of programmed presets. also included is a full digital implementation of isP’s acclaimed decimator noise reduction circuitry for silent operation. adding to its versatility are dual stereo outputs with one stereo out to drive a guitar
rig and a second with isP’s speaker simulated output for direct recording or line out to the mixer. the thetaPro
dsP includes 256 user-programmable presets for sound library storage.
NAMM Booth 5863
www.isptechnologies.com
New Vintage Heavy Cotton Straps
neW FRoM oMG are guitar straps made from 2" heavy fashion cotton with riveted vintage style leather ends and metal tri-glide hardware. they’re available in
five different designs.
NAMM Booth 4850
www.omgmusic.com
February 2015
Online
Prism Interfaces Now Even More Affordable
as PaRt oF its CoMMitMent to offering customers the best
possible value, Prism sound has introduced a new pricing structure
for three of its critically acclaimed audio interfaces. significantly
reducing the cost of purchasing a Prism sound lyra 1, lyra 2, titan,
or atlas audio interface, the change has been applied globally and
was backed by a special Christmas offer of a further 5% discount.
the lyra 1’s price has been reduced to just £995 plus Vat ($1,745).
equally large reductions have been applied to the other interfaces,
especially the atlas, which has been reduced by more than £1,000
($1,700).
“all of our audio interface products have been carefully designed
to meet customer needs,” commented Prism sound sales and
Marketing director Graham Boswell, “and every one of them incorporates the same no-compromise design
and acclaimed converter performance that users have long come to expect from Prism sound’s highquality audio products.”
the lyra 1, lyra 2, titan, and atlas UsB interfaces incorporate Prism sound’s latest and awardwinning CleverClox clocking technology and the company’s popular mic pre’s as standard.
each one offers recording professionals the ultimate in audio quality and ease of use.
NAMM Booth 7120 www.prismsound.com
Stylish Grey Flannel Cases From BAM
Combining elegant fashion with optimum security, the new Grey Flannel line from BaM
Cases pairs hightech design with a fabric cover. By cutting unneeded space while rearranging and optimizing the interior, BaM has also made these cases slimmer and smaller.
Grey Flannel line cases are available for cello, guitar, clarinet, bassoon, violin, and viola.
the grey flannel fabric is durable and resistant to tears. Genuine leather belts add extra
style. BaM’s thermoformed and sandwich-laminated hightech shell offers strong, lightweight protection on the outside, while a single block or cushion of injected foam keeps
instruments safe on the inside. Violin, viola, clarinet, and bassoon cases feature a sheet
music pocket. anti-slip neoprene backpack straps make carrying easy.
NAMM Booth 3100
wwwbamcases.com
Blue Book Updates Guitar Value Guides
BlUe BooK PUBliCations is out with 15th editions of the Blue Book of
acoustic Guitars and Blue Book of electric Guitars (two volumes), the industry’s most comprehensive source for acoustic and electric guitar information. Written by zachary R. Fjestad, the 15th editions offer updated new and
vintage instrument pricing and technical information on acoustic and electric
guitars and basses. they feature a combined 2,300-plus pages and more
than 11,000 acoustic and electric guitar images available for viewing on the
Blue Book website. suggested list prices are $29.95 acoustic, $39.95 electric.
www.bluebookofguitarvalues.com
February 2015
Online
Yamaha Pacifica Electrics
Now In The U.S.
YaMaha Will FoR the FiRst tiMe market the entire lineup of
Pacifica electric guitars in the United states. now joining the already
available 012, 112 and 212 series, the 611, 510, and 311 series will
extend the available Pacifica line price range from $179.99 to $929
MsRP. Pacifica guitars feature solid tonewood construction with alder
bodies, rosewood fingerboards, and maple necks. their versatility is
due in large part to top-notch pickup and hardware selections,
helping guitarists create a diverse tonal palette.
the flagship PaC611hFM model includes a flamed maple top,
Graph tech string-saver saddle, color-matched headstock,
Grover locking tuners, and seymour duncan sP90-1 and Custom
5 with coil tap pick-ups.
Featuring an alder body and maple neck, the PaC510V comes
with one seymour duncan trembucker P-Rails pick-up that offers three distinct tonal setting options, including a full humbucker, a soapbar single coil, and a traditional single coil. it also
includes a Wilkinson bridge. Guitar Player magazine recently honored this model with its editors’
Pick award.
the PaC311h, also constructed with an alder body and maple neck, features custom-wound P90/alnicoV
and humbucker/alnicoV pick-ups along with Grover locking tuners.
NAMM Marriot Ballroom
http://4wrd.it/pacificausa
Nemphasis Foot Controller Features MIDI
the neW neMPhasis PB-8 is a flexible foot controller with
eight true bypass effect loops, four function switches, and a totally Midi programmable mode, making it an excellent choice
for both stage and studio applications. three operations modes
are selectable by “mode” switch: standard Mode, displaying
red leds, lets the user manually switch on or off any single loop
effect or function switch. Preset Mode, with blue leds, provides instant access to user-programmed sounds with a flick of
a button. (Up to 150 presets can be stored.) Momentary Mode,
with Green leds, enables the user to switch a single loop on or
off for only the time the footswitch is pressed. the extra special
Mode provides access to the four function switches using four regular footswitches. every preset of the
PB-8 can send up to four Midi program change messages and four Midi control change messages. a dedicated expression pedal connection is provided, and different pedal settings can be stored for each preset.
thanks to the PB-8’s advanced Midi capabilities, the user can easily control any device where advanced
Midi programming is required. the PB-8 works great with external devices, delivering a comfortable and
innovative switching experience. if a preset has been modified on the fly, “resend data” enables the user
to quickly restore its original state with just one press.
NAMM Booth 1277
www.nemphasis.com
February 2015
Online
New Hal Leonard Titles For NAMM
hal leonaRd’s new decade series, with play-along collections featuring songs of the 1920s through
songs of the 2000s, will make its debut at naMM. each PVG book contains up to 100 songs, all creamof-the-crop selections, and many in new engravings. the pièce de résistance, however, are the backing
tracks, most of which are available for the first time. these professional studio recordings are fantastic
fun to play along with and help players sound great, whether they are practicing or performing.
hal leonard’s new trumpet Play-along series helps trumpeters play their favorite songs quickly and
easily. they simply follow the printed music, listen to the sound-alike recordings to hear how the trumpet
parts should sound, and then play along using the separate backing tracks. these professionally recorded
tracks help players sound terrific, and are conveniently available online for streaming or download.
titles in the series include “sir duke,” “Copcabana,” “Ciribiribin,” “a taste of honey,” “all You need is
love,” “25 or 5 to 4,” and “the Godfather Waltz.”
First published in 1873, hanon’s le Pianiste Virtuose (the Virtuoso Pianist) has become the staple of
technical study in music schools worldwide. hal leonard scales down this gold standard of piano pedagogy with its new release easy hanon: simplified exercises from Charles-louis hanon’s the Virtuoso
Pianist, edited by Christos tsitsaros. a less complicated version of the first part of the classic book, easy
hanon offers 20 exercises, along with the major and minor scales, arpeggios, and additional excerpts.
the new hal leonard Perfect Pitch Method: a Musician’s Guide to Recognizing Pitches by ear comes
with three Cds as well as access to online audio. Written by adam Perlmutter, it features a series of 49
ear-training sessions. the book is designed to help musicians start listening to music on a deeper level
and get more satisfaction from it.
a new hal leonard how to series gives musicians the skinny on a wide variety of topics. in how to Play
Blues-Fusion Guitar, Joe Charupakorn teaches the styles and techniques of Robben Ford, Joe Bonamassa,
larry Carlton, John scofield, and eric Johnson, examining how these and other master players achieve
their unique sound. it includes access to audio for download or streaming, with loads of demonstrations,
plus play-along tracks for practicing. how to Play Country lead Guitar by Jeff adams breaks down timeless techniques from Merle travis, Chet atkins, albert lee, Vince Gill, Brent Mason, and Brad Paisley.
this book with online audio is ideal for intermediate jazz players who want to add chicken pickin’ flavors
to their lines. how to Read Music by Mark Phillips is a superb primer for students of any instrument or
style. he introduces readers to the basics and, as a bonus, the book contains excerpts from three classical
piano pieces by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. how to Record at home on a Budget helps the growing
legions of people recording music, whether they’re using a laptop with a mic or a decked-out studio.
author Chad Johnson addresses all aspects of getting quality recordings from modest home studio rigs.
the book includes many sample tracks accessible online. other titles in the works for the hal leonard
how to series include how to improvise over Chord Changes, how to Write Your First song, how to
Play Rock drums, how to Play Boogie-Woogie Piano, and how to Play Blues Piano by ear.
NAMM Booth 5720
E-Z Order (800) 554-0626
www.halleonard.com
February 2015
Online
U.S.-Made Ukuleles
From Kala Brand
Kala BRand MUsiC Co. is unveiling its first range of U.s.-made ukuleles at the naMM
show. the elite U.s. uke line is hand built at the Kala custom shop in Petaluma, California
and will initially include three series of instruments available in soprano, concert, and
tenor sizes.
elite line ukuleles feature solid hawaiian koa tops, backs, and sides; honduras mahogany necks, ebony and rosewood fingerboards and bridges; and a bone nut and
saddle. Custom inlays and appointments add to their visual appeal, and precisely
engineered intonation makes them extremely playable. they also feature handtuned tops and bracing for optimal tone and volume.
Kala President Michael Upton said, “People are asking for a U.s.-made step-up
ukulele, and there really aren’t a lot of them available. We see a real opportunity
for expanding the Kala high-end offerings.”
the Kala elite series is part of an expansion of Kala’s Usa manufacturing operation which began in 2011 with the production of Kala’s California U-Bass series. in 2014 Kala added U-Bass acoustic-electrics as well as koa and maple
shell banjo ukuleles to its Petaluma, California-based production.
NAMM Booth 5320
www.kalabrand.com
The Wave Reverb Unit From MOD Kits DIY
Mod Kits diY is noW oFFeRinG the Wave, a versatile
standalone tube-driven analog spring reverb unit kit.
the Wave can be used in front of a guitar amp or as
a line-level analog reverb effect for the recording
studio. two controls allow users to serve up a wide
range of wetness from just a touch to over-the-top
psychedelia. the “dwell” control adjusts the input signal
level driving the tank, and the “reverb” control adjusts the
level of output reverberations from the tank.
the Wave’s all-tube design utilizes four dual triode vacuum
tubes—three 12aX7’s and one 12at7—and comes with a Mod threespring reverb tank. Mod reverb tanks have been deemed the closest to
the original reverb tanks from the ’60s made today. the Wave’s reverb function
can be switched in and out pop-free via the front panel toggle or with a foot switch
(purchased separately). the Wave has standard 1/4" in-and-out guitar jacks in the front for use with
a guitar and amp, and standard RCa in-and-out jacks in the back panel for use in a recording environment.
approximately 11" deep from front to back, the Wave is equipped for rack-mounting using just under
3U of space. Four large rubber feet allow it to be safely placed on top of most contemporary guitar
amplifier heads and combos for stage use, and it fits into a rack with the feet still attached.
NAMM Booth 4893
www.modkitsdiy.com
www.cedist.com
February 2015
Online
New Epiphone Models For NAMM
to KiCK oFF the neW YeaR, epiphone is debuting
three new instruments at the Winter naMM show:
the Masterbilt aJ-45Me acoustic/electric guitar, the
dobro hound dog M14 Metalbody, and the return of
the legendary Blueshawk deluxe. all three models will
be available in the spring of 2015. “2015 is already gearing up to be one of epiphone’s best for variety,” said
epiphone President Jim Rosenberg. “the Masterbilt aJ45Me, the dobro hound dog M14, and the Blueshawk
deluxe are perfect examples of what we do best at epiphone: provide guitar players of all genres with incredible style, sound, and value.”
With the Masterbilt aJ-45Me, epiphone adds to its acclaimed Masterbilt series, one of the company’s hallmarks since 1932. its “advanced Jumbo” aJ-45
body style is one of the most recognized in popular music—revered by songwriters from hank
Williams to John lennon. the Masterbilt aJ-45Me
features a solid wood sitka spruce top finished in
Vintage sunburst satin with solid mahogany
back and sides, just like vintage models. the
top is supported by hand-scalloped sitka
spruce braces and is set off by Mahogany kerfing along with a rosewood bridge and bone saddle. the aJ-45Me also features a shadow
state-of-the-art sonic preamp system with a revolutionary under-saddle nanoFlex low-impedance pickup.
MsRP $999.
epiphone’s dobro hound dog M-14 Metalbody guitar has an easy-to-play round neck and features the
renowned resonator style and sound that has been dazzling and inspiring dobro fans since the late 1920s.
the body of the dobro hound dog M-14 is made from Bell Brass with nickel plating and features a slimtaper
d-profile mahogany neck for a rich and full tone that makes both finger picking and slide styles smooth
and easy in all registers. Unlike hard-to-play vintage models, the new dobro hound dog M-14 Metalbody
features a dual action truss rod for quick and reliable intonation. MsRP $999.
in the Blueshawk deluxe, epiphone brings back an original classic, first introduced in the ’90s,
that has been a connoisseur favorite ever since. the Blueshawk deluxe features the upper bout
curve and cutaway of a les Paul but with the semi-hollowbody design and small f-holes of an
archtop. the result is one of the most versatile and distinctive guitars anywhere. the epiphone
Blueshawk deluxe also features new P-90 PRo single-coil pickups and a 6-position Rotary Varitone. MsRP $832.
www.epiphone.com
Hi-Style Gigbags From Refract
ReFRaCt BaGs BRinG stYle to the gig bag market, while offering great protection, smart
pocket configurations, and designs for every taste and personality. there is even a variety
of designs provided to match different outfits and moods.
www.refractbags.com
February 2015
Online
Audix DP4 Instrument Pack
Debuts at NAMM
in the dP4 instRUMent PaCK, audix Microphones offers a combination of four essential mics for rhythm
sections, sound engineers, and beyond. this new pack
consists of the iconic audix d6 microphone and three
i5 microphones in a heavy-duty carrying case. the case
also includes three dFleX mic mounts and three additional cutouts for vocal microphones. this combination
makes the dP4 instrument Pack ideal for close-miking of
a variety of sources, onstage or in the studio. due for official
release at the naMM show, it will retail for $499.
“the dP4 was brought about by popular demand. it is mainly aimed
at percussion instruments but can serve a wide range of needs,” said Cliff Castle,
audix co-founder and vice president of sales. “it’s an easy and cost effective way to add
four industry standards to your mic arsenal.”
the i5 microphone is audix’s best-selling instrument mic. a favorite among fans and sound technicians alike,
it’s versatile enough for a multitude of uses, including percussion of all kinds, guitar cabinets, and horns—
and as a general catch-all for almost any application. the i5’s smooth and uniform frequency response of 50
hz–16 khz and proprietary VlM capsule technology provide an uncolored natural sound, allowing every musical nuance to shine through. able to handle sound pressure levels in excess of 140 dB, the i5 is a perfect fit
for all genres.
audix’s d6 is recognized as an industry standard for kick, bass cabs, and other low-frequency instruments.
this mic has a tailored frequency response of 30 hz–15 khz, providing a ground-shaking low end, a defined
mid-range, and exceptional clarity and attack. the d6 capsule also features audix’s proprietary VlM technology for quick transient response that accurately captures natural sound and ensures that the attack is not
lost.
audix released a special limited edition d6 microphone in october, featuring a five-layer hand-dipped anodizing process, to celebrate the corporation’s 30-year anniversary.
NAMM Booth 6390
www.audixusa.com
Souldier Guitar Straps Celebrates Ten Years
noW CeleBRatinG its tenth anniversary, Chicago-based guitar strap and accessory manufacturer souldier has delivered handmade accessories for the
music and fashion industries using recycled, upcycled, and vintage materials
since 2005. “over the last ten years, souldier has remained strong with steady
and escalating growth throughout the many changes in economic climate,”
said Jen tabor, president and founder. “i attribute our success to a singular
focus on craftsmanship and being responsible for impeccable quality on every
item as it moves through our production chain. second, we continually look
for ways to respond to the ever-changing demands of the marketplace. this
serves both our retailers and customers very well as they take pride in a product that not only has timeless appeal, but also is socially responsible with unfailing construction.”
NAMM Booth 4697
www.souldier.us
February 2015
Online
New iOS App
For PianoDisc ProRecord
the neW PRoReCoRd ios app from Pianodisc simplifies operation and setup
of ProRecord systems via iPhone or iPad. With this app, users can easily select
from a variety of sounds to play, adjust the type and amount of reverb added
to the sound, add chorus or delay, and change the transposition of the sound.
the onboard metronome can also be controlled by the ProRecord app, allowing users to adjust beats per measure, tempo, and the volume of the click. the
app makes recording and playback of performances easy and intuitive. online
demo songs can be selected and played from the ProRecord app.
“the Pianodisc ProRecord systems are popular because of their ease of use
and high-quality playback performance,” said executive Vice President tom
lagomarsino. “With the new user-friendy ProRecord ios app, recording and
hearing great music on your piano is now as easy as using your iPhone or iPad.”
NAMM Booth 340
www.pianodisc.com
Physis Displays Physical Modeling
At NAMM
VisCoUnt inteRnational, a 120-year-old keyboard company
with factories in san Marino and R&d in ancona, italy, has unveiled Physis, patented physical modeling technology available in
church organs, keyboards, and now piano. Physis took more than
seven years to develop, requiring the full-time assistance of three
world-class italian universities. the company has received two international patents for its physical modeling technology.
some of the key advantages of physical modeling versus sampling include
unlimited polyphony, unlimited pedaling, organic real-time interaction of physical properties, and perhaps most importantly, the ability of the musician to modify the physical characteristics and “create”
their own unique instruments.
NAMM Booth 4812
www.physispiano.com
Timber Tones Planet Tones Picks
tiMBeR tones’ already enormous range of luxury guitar picks just got a little larger
with the beautiful new Planet tones, which are precision-CnC milled from the
finest quality ebony to a shape that has been honed over the last ten years.
they then have a beautiful disc inserted in the top left corner, like a planet
in the night sky.
there are four picks available in this range: Paua abalone, Gold Mother
of Pearl, Greenlip abalone, and Black Mother of Pearl.
NAMM Booth 4609
www.timber-tones.com
February 2015
Online
Casio Trackformer Series Hits EDM Scene
UnVeiled at the 2015 international Ces in las Vegas,
Casio’s new trackformer series of dJ products give users
the tools to emulate their favorite dJs and producers.
With the XW-dJ1 dJ Controller and XW-Pd1 Groove Center, dance music fans can create, mix, and play or produce
their favorite tracks on their own.
“electronic dance Music is here to stay, and with its everincreasing popularity, we wanted to offer fans a way to
become part of this epic music movement,” said stephen
schmidt, vice president of Casio’s electronic Musical instrument division. “Casio’s new trackformer series offers
a variety of easy-to-use features that are ideal for aspiring
dJs and musicians who are ready to set the stage at a
party, produce beats, and perform.”
designed with a large 7-inch platter offering the feel of an analog turntable, filter controls, and cross fader,
Casio’s XW-dJ1 dJ Controller lets users enjoy the popular “scratching” dJ style when mixing and creating tracks.
the XW-dJ1 is compatible with algoriddim’s djay2 apps for itunes, which were chosen as an apple design award
winner. the XW-dJ1 integration with djay2 provides direct controls for cue points, tempo sync, effects, looping,
and more—giving users a tactile experience for mixing and performing music. Users can also connect to spotify
and mix along to their favorite songs. extremely portable, the compact XW-dJ1 is battery-powered and offers
a built-in-speaker for enjoyment anywhere, anytime.
Casio’s XW-Pd1 Groove Center is equipped with the sound engine from its popular XW series of synthesizers,
which features preset patterns produced by professional beat makers in dance music genres including trap and
edM. its design includes 16 velocity-sensitive pads and four knobs for fast real-time music production.
the XW-Pd1 features an outer ring containing 16 buttons, allowing the user to check the current rhythm pattern
at a glance. Users can create powerful rhythms and phrases with the pads and apply dsP effects such as roll,
filter, bit crusher, break, and pitch shifter. the XW-Pd1 includes drum sounds for a variety of styles such as hiphop, trap, and house. since the XW-Pd1 is equipped with a synthesizer engine and a variety of effects, it can
manipulate various sounds. Pad tap sequences can also be recorded in real time. Moreover, sampled sounds
from the mic or music player can easily be played on the pads.
the audio output of the XW-dJ1 can be connected to the audio input of the XW-Pd1 so the two units
can be used in tandem. this allows users to do live remix performances using the unique capabilities
of each product.
the XW-dJ1 dJ Controller will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning January 2015
for an MsRP of $299. the XW-Pd1 Groove Center will be available beginning March 2015 for an
MsRP of $399.
NAMM Booth 5900
www.casiomusicgear.com
Grace Harbor Acoustic Guitars
dana B. Goods Will laUnCh its new line of Grace harbor acoustic Guitars at naMM. Produced in one of the most renowned asian factories, Grace harbor guitars are available with
either laminated or solid spruce tops, and come in a variety of popular sizes and styles.
drawing on nearly two decades of product sourcing expertise, dana B. Goods has made
sure that the new Grace harbor line offers a compelling value. Cases are included.
NAMM Booth 5972
www.DanaBGoods.com
February 2015
Online
New Acoustics & Resonator From Fender
neW intRodUCtions FRoM FendeR include three acoustic guitars—the Kingman
asCe, tim armstrong hellcat White satin,
and Vince Ray outer space Bucket—plus a
resonator in the Roosevelt Ce.
Updated with even cooler looks and resonant tone, the Kingman asCe delivers an elegantly gorgeous take on Fender’s classic
sun-and-sand soCal dreadnought acoustic.
Premium features include a solid
spruce top with forward-shifted scalloped “X” bracing, solid mahogany
back and sides, a full-body sunburst
finish, and a black stratocaster headstock. the other great Kingman features are still there too, including a
convenient cutaway, maple neck
with comfortable “C” profile, classic
“Viking”-style bridge, and onboard
Fishman electronics for superb amplified performance.
the limited edition tim armstrong hellcat White satin is an elegant take on the beat-up old ’60s Fender acoustic
armstrong used to compose so many classic West Coast punk songs for Rancid. this concert-style guitar has all
the elements of the original hellcat players know and love, but in a stately White satin finish. ideal for pop,
rock, folk and more, it has a solid mahogany top for especially sweet sound, a satin-finish maple neck for smooth
playability, onboard Fishman electronics for outstanding amplified performance, and more.
in the Vince Ray outer space Bucket acoustic, Fender has teamed with the acclaimed hot-rod artist for one of
their most deranged custom collaborations yet. Based in fantastical ’50s-era horror comic imagery, this model depicts two twisted themes: otherworldly “Guitar Monster from outer space” graphics on the front and Frankenstein-esque “Guitar Creature” graphics on the back. it’s a terrific piece for any guitar arsenal and any Vince Ray
collection, with other fine features including a convenient cutaway, resonant spruce top and mahogany back and
sides, smooth-playing mahogany neck, and onboard Fishman electronics for superb amplified performance.
For soulfully steely blues, Fender offers the Roosevelt Ce Resonator, a sweetly singing instrument inspired by
the rich flashiness of the golden age of hollywood. the Roosevelt’s lush tone and smooth feel will take players
back in time while sparking their creativity. Features include a gorgeous flame maple top on a cutaway mahogany body, a special Moonlight Black Burst finish with a matching headstock, eastern european hand-spun
“Continental” cone, onboard electronics, and more.
www.fender.com
“Fresh-n-Easy” String Cleaner And Lubricant
neW FRoM lizaRd sPit and score Marketing, “Fresh-n-easy” string Cleaner and lubricant
totally stops the oxidation process on all metal surfaces. its biodegradable composition base
is not harmful to fretboards or skin. eco-friendly and non-toxic, it facilitates faster and easier
playing/shredding—and smells divine. MsRP $10.95.
NAMM Booth 1537
www.scoremktgonline.com
February 2015
Online
Radial Ultra-Compact Balanced Line Isolator
Radial enGineeRinG has introduced two stereo direct boxes: the Jdi stereo
and the J48 stereo. according to company President Peter Janis, Radial’s mission for the passive Jdi was to “educate the market on the benefits of transformer isolation and to prove that a quality Jensen transformer makes a
huge difference when it comes to delivering a phase-accurate, distortionfree signal, particularly in the bottom end.” the Jdi also “elegantly handles excessive transients without flinching, producing a natural
compression that is often touted as ‘vintage sounding.’ [due to] the
isolation, the tech is no longer spending hours before every show,
hunting down hum and buzz problems caused by ground loops.”
the J48 applies the same vision to its active circuitry, working
within the confines of 48 volt phantom power to deliver a wide
frequency response and more headroom with less distortion,
while introducing a new way of lifting the pin-1 ground without cutting off phantom power. “By employing an internal switching supply,” said
Janis, “we managed to convert phantom power for more rail voltage, resulting
in less distortion and more gain without the use of an input pad. the innovative power system also allowed us to relocate the ground lift inside the power supply, enabling the stage technician to lift the
ground without having to revert to costly and environmentally hazardous batteries.”
the Jdi and J48 MaP for $299 each.
NAMM Booth 6959
www.radialeng.com
Paperless Music Solutions
From Cambron
With its CoMPlete MUsiC Content management and display
system, Cambron software has the solutions to take musicians
from paper-based music to on-screen music display for practice
and performing. editions are available for Windows, Mac,
and ios devices. With Cambron’s Power Music Box, a secure, cloud-based store and sharing system for music
and playlists, all editions and platforms can be integrated to let ensemble musicians work from a single
online music library.
Power Music appeals to musicians on all instruments
in all genres, from classical to jazz to rock. soloists, accompanists, bands, and orchestras will all find applications for this software.
at the naMM show, Cambron software will be launching Power Music Mle (Music learning environment), a platform made specifically for music education and the perfect way to manage music in an
educational establishment. as schools increasingly incorporate iPads and Windows tablets into the
classroom, Power Music Mle offers a complete solution to help music departments manage their music
libraries and make effective use of it.
NAMM Booth 1848
www.powermusicsoftware.com
February 2015
Online
Vic Firth Debuts VicGloves,
Barrel Tips On Popular Models
ViC FiRth Co. noW oFFeRs american Classic 5a and 5B
model drumsticks with barrel-shaped tips. For over 35 years
the american Classic 5a and 5B have been a popular choice for
countless drummers. new barrel-shaped tips produce a focused,
highly defined sound. MsRP $15.25 per pair.
Vic Firth’s new VicGloves for drummers are specially designed to
protect the player’s hands while improving their grip, all without sacrificing feel. VicGloves are crafted in premium cabretta leather with ventilated synthetic mesh palm and back to stay cool. stretch lycra between
fingers provides great fit and ultimate comfort. and to top it all off, the
unique synthetic rubber grips on the thumb and forefinger provide outstanding grip
and control.
VicGloves are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. MsRP $40.50.
NAMM Booth 3040
www.vicfirth.com
Pro Music Marketing Introduces The Pykmax
PYKMaX hiGh PeRFoRManCe Guitar Picks, based on a groundbreaking ergonomic design,
are precision crafted to fit firmly and comfortably in the player’s hand. By allowing for
a relaxed grip, they let guitarists play for hours without experiencing muscle fatigue.
in addition to the unparalleled level of comfort, Pykmax dynamically ensures the
guitarist is orienting the pick in the optimal position, thus making Pykmax an invaluable training tool for both beginner and advanced players.
the Pykmax family includes four varieties of replacement picks: 0.60mm delrin
Round tip; 0.88mm delrin Round tip; 1.00mm delrin Round tip; and 1.40mm
nylon sharp tip. these “J series” picks are the newest addition to the Pykmax family and
Pro Music Marketing’s first jazz style pick.
NAMM Booth 1588 www.pykmax.com
Option 5 Updates Destination Overdrive II
oPtion 5, WhiCh sinCe 2002 has manufactured handcrafted pedals used by the likes of Joe Walsh, Joe
Perry, John Mayer, Brian Ray, Peter stroud, and santana, has rolled out a revamped version of its popular destination overdrive ii pedal with a clean and classy look. the destination overdrive ii serves up transparent,
smooth, amp-like tones at all settings. drive amounts vary from a slight clipping with sweet harmonic content
to smooth blues, classic tight rock, and all the way up to heavy metal with a clean finish. the classic “tone
stack” Bass, Mid, and high controls round out the destination with even more tone-shaping versatility. it also
works well in conjunction with other pedals. MsRP $199.95.
NAMM Booth 1091
www.option5fx.com
February 2015
Online
FourChords App Free With Samick Guitars
in a Joint eFFoRt between samick Music Corporation and
Finland-based app developer Musopia, the popular FourChords guitar teaching app will now be offered free with the
purchase of any samick guitar.
designed for beginners, FourChords has a dead-simple interface that boils popular songs down to digestible chunks. it
starts by naming the main chords used, diagramming how to
form them, and letting the user play back a sample to hear
what each chord sounds like. once familiar with the chords,
users can play along with the song as the app flows through
each chord in a Guitar hero-style timeline.
“While samick has long been known as a great guitar manufacturer, we also understand how critical it is to connect with
new and future players,” said tony de la Rosa, product manager/artist relations for sMC. “the FourChords
app looks as cool as a video game, is easy to use, and is mobile—the perfect combination for connecting
with a culture that wants and expects mobile access to just about anything that’s displayed on a screen.”
a 30-day free trial to the FourChords app will be included with the purchase of any silvertone, Greg Bennett,
or samick brand guitar purchased, including the top-selling silvertone electric and acoustic guitar packages.
the free trial also includes full access to hundreds of the most popular songs from multiple genres. once
the free trial expires, players will have the option to subscribe by signing up for regularly priced week, month,
or six-month billing.
NAMM Booth 4621
www.smcmusic.com
Trickfish Amplification Debuts At Winter NAMM
tRiCKFish aMPliFiCation will launch six new professional bass
amplification products at the Winter naMM show in anaheim. the
Bullhead 1K is a 1,000-watt bass amplifier featuring a Mike Popedesigned, ultra-low noise preamp integrated with a very innovative,
high-power, lightning-fast Class d power amplifier. housed in a
rugged aluminum chassis, the versatile head offers a wide variety
of tone-shaping capabilities via a four-band eQ and Q-Point select
switches.
trickfish’s Big Mouth and small Mouth speaker cabinets include:
the BM410 1,000-watt handling 4x10; the BM212 600 watt 2x12;
the BM115 600-watt 1x15; the sM112 neo-loaded 300-watt 1x12;
and the sM210 500-watt 2x10. trickfish cabinets are all U.s.-made and feature void-free Baltic birch ply,
recessed joints, heavy bracing for structural strength and low resonance, and hF transducers and proprietary drivers manufactured by eminence. the cabinets are wrapped in a road-worthy, 28 oz. sharkskin
vinyl, and feature removable grilles, steel handles, and metal corners ensuring both beauty and durability.
located in southern California, trickfish amplification designs and builds professional-grade musical instrument amplification products. the trickfish team is led by Richard Ruse, bassist and former sales and
marketing bon vivant for alesis, sWR engineering, KRK systems, and JBl Professional. the team includes
Mike Pope, world-renowned bassist, composer and closet product developer whose preamp designs have
been heralded by bassists worldwide for their purity, simplicity, and sheer musicality.
NAMM Booth 1190
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trickfish-Amplification/377205922457034
February 2015
Online
Gibraltar Offers New Stands For DJs
addRessinG the RaPidlY expanding dJ gear market, Gibraltar
has taken its 30 years of drum hardware experience and incorporated it into a series of versatile new racks for dJs. Ken Fredenberg,
Gibraltar’s director of product, said, “hardware provides the
framework from which to mount instruments. Gibraltar is now offering hardware solutions for dJs. these three
workstations are designed specifically with
their electronics in mind. like our drum
set rack systems, these workstations feature 1-1/2" steel rack bars, rack clamp options, and
mounting accessories.”
Gibraltar’s entry-level dJ rack, the Foundation, is
an attractive alternative to clunky tables and
stands. the four post, coffin-style dJ workstation
is 34" high and 30" long, with rubber bumper mounts for
the dJ coffin to fit over the four post. MsRP $450.
the Radius is a sleek gear suspension solution. light in
weight it features a curvy, low mass look. at 36" high with a 30" cross-mounting bar and 30" t-legs for added
stability, it creates the perfect workspace for the dJ’s performance. Radius has two sets of adjustable mounting
arms for controllers and/or laptops at two levels. MsRP $575.
For dJs with more extensive setups, Gibraltar’s top-of-the-line solution is the elevate dJ Workstation. elevate
is 68" long with 36" deep legs for extra stability. elevate’s 20" deep mounting area with solid rubber mounting
platforms gives the dJ with an extensive setup a sizeable work area.
MsRP $1,100.
www.GibraltarHardware.com
ACE And Singularity Pickups From Bartolini
neW aCe seRies GUitaR PiCKUPs from Bartolini Pickups and electronics feature a combination of alnico V and ceramic magnets—harnessing
the best of both to give guitarists a unique and powerful tone. “they provide the power, clarity, and stability of ceramic pickups with the warm
vintage voice of alnico,” said Bartolini President Clyde Clark.
aCe pickups are available as both single-coils and full hum-cancellers.
they’ve been designed with a precisely controlled magnetic field aperture in a blade configuration for maximum clarity and response even with
extreme bends. the single-coils, aCe-s, available in clean-top white or
black, have individual voices for neck, middle, and bridge positions. the
hum-cancellers, aCe-h, available in clean-top white, black, nickel,
chrome, and gold, have individual voices for neck and bridge positions.
additionally, Bartolini has developed an innovative series of soapbar-style bass pickups for single-coil lovers.
dubbed the singularity series, these pickups yield massive single-coil tone and are available in several popular soapbar shapes for retrofit of existing instruments, or in new designs with a modern look and feel.
each pickup is individually shielded for reduction of electromagnetic interference without the mutual inductance of a hum-cancelling coil.
NAMM Booth 5761
www.bartolini.net
February 2015
Online
Chicago Drum Brings Back
Vintage Sound
VintaGe-stYle dRUM Kits and snares from Chicago drum
& Restoration combine new technology and modern equipment with the classic sound of yesteryear. Backed by thousands of
hours in hand-design and production experience dating back to the
slingerland niles era, these drums are made to stand out from “cookiecutter” competitors. “Chicago drum & Restoration is more than that…
it’s all about the sound,” said CdR President Jim Moritz. “You want to
have a drum that sounds good at all tunings—every time.”
dedicated to consistent quality and attention to detail, CdR builds
its drums using a 30-degree bearing edge enhanced with solid
maple reinforcement rings. Moritz explained, “these carefully
crafted edges are key to the feel that leads to CdR’s vintage sound.
CdR drums are also versatile enough for any genre. our snares have great
sensitivity with a whisper quiet touch.”
NAMM Booth 2165
www.chicagodrumandrestoration.com
ELKA TX-20 Limited 125 Reissue Guitar Amp
to CeleBRate Generalmusic’s 125th year, Finland’s soundion will launch a very
limited reissue edition of the elKa tX-20 vacuum tube guitar amp. in the 1960s,
the golden age of the tube amps, original tX-20s were combos. the new elKa
tX-20s will be made in Finland, and only 125 units will be produced.
the 15-watt elKa tX-20 includes normal and tremolo channels, each with
its own volume adjustment. For overall volume and tone control, the amp
features master volume, bass, and treble adjustments. Featuring full vacuum
tube construction, with seven tubes and no semiconductors, the tX-20 uses:
two 12aX7 in the pre stage; 12aU7 and 12aX7 in the tremolo channel; two
el84 in the auto biased push-pull output stage; and an ez81 full wave rectifier
in the power supply unit.
www.generalmusic.com
www.soundion.fi
New Finishes For Phaeton Flugelhorn
Phaeton FlUGelhoRns are now available in four striking finishes: silver
plate, rose brass lacquer, matte black onyx, and gloss black onyx. all four models boast the same mechanical specs and come with an oversize wooden case
covered in classic tweed with brass hardware. the Flugelhorns also feature
18K gold top and bottom caps and finger buttes.
Prices for the models are: Rose Brass Bell lacquer, $1,785; Matte Black onyx
finish, $ 1,885; Gloss Black onyx finish, $1,885; Bright silver Plate, $1,985.
NAMM Booth 3414
www.phaetontrumpet.com
February 2015
Online
New Power StationFrom Fryette
the FRYette Power station is an
easy-to-use reactive load coupled to
a vacuum tube power amplifier that
lets users attenuate a high-powered
guitar amp, or boost a low-powered
guitar amp. it perfectly preserves the
tone of the attenuated amplifier at any
volume setting down to whisper level; maintains dynamic feel and speaker response at any volume; provides
a post-distortion effects loop for any amp whether or not it already has one; facilitates silent direct recording;
and allows the user to extend the voicing of any amplifier—a vintage amp can sound more modern, a modern
amp more vintage, a dull sounding amp more alive, and a “spongy” amp can sound tighter.
Completely safe for any amplifier up to 150 watts, the Fryette Power station also serves as a power booster
for low-powered amps, and it can attenuate or boost the output level of a lunchbox amp.
MsRP $840; street price $599.
NAMM Booth 3396
www.fryette.com
Neck Illusions Guitar Fingerboard Protector
MaRCosolo PRodUCtions’ new neck illusions graphic fingerboard protectors are the world’s first product designed to protect stringed musical instruments’ fingerboards from unwanted wear. “over time,” said the inventor,
“contact with the player’s fingertips will develop small divots on the wood
that can be costly to repair.” neck illusions are easy to install, easy to remove,
and most importantly, they won’t interfere with players’ ability to shred on
their ax. More than 120 designs are available now, and more are being
added every month.
non-permanent, low-tack adhesion means they can easily be removed
without leaving any messy residue on the fingerboard. they stay in place
even during the most demanding licks, and the Protector won’t ever move,
wrinkle, or stretch. at just 0.005" thick, neck illusions won’t interfere with the musician’s playing. installation is
super-easy and typically takes less than 15 minutes. their low price point creates repeat customers.
(602) 524-2834
www.neckillusions.com
Guitar Upgrades From Backbone
innoVatiVe t-Bone and stratobone models from Backbone Guitar Products are direct
bolt-on replacements for the stock neck plate on telecasters, stratocasters, and copies.
designed to unlock tone, increase sustain, and enhance resonance, they offer a cost-effective way to upgrade performance without modifying the guitar. simply change the
neck mounting plate and restring on t-Bone models. the stratobone attaches to the
tremolo claw, providing adjustment with new stainless machine screws. Current models
include the t-Bone standard, t-Bone studio, t-Bone Bilet, and stratobone.
NAMM Booth 1179
(919) 477-9775
www.get-a-backbone.com
February 2015
Online
ErgoSonic Reimagines
Marching Bass Drum
the neW eRGosoniC adjustable angled shell Marching Bass drum from
ergosonic Percussion is the first bass drum with a horizontal playing surface
that is carried in front of the performer. this drum’s novel design features
one horizontal playing surface and allows all the traditional vertical percussive strokes to be used. ergosonic’s resonant head allows each drum to
be tuned to a variety of relative pitches.
the ergosonic Marching Bass drum integrates with existing snare and
tenor carriers, so performers are able to face forward like the rest of the
battery, providing a clear line of sight for the player.
ergosonic Percussion, llC was founded in 2010 by lifelong music educator
and percussionist Kenneth turner. ergosonic Percussion adjustable angled
shell Marching Bass drums are available in seven sizes, from 14" to 26".
NAMM Booth 2356
www.ergosonicpercussion.com
T-Rex Debuts ToneTrunk Pedal Boards
neW tonetRUnK pedal boards from danish effects pedal manufacturer t-Rex effects are made from lightweight, road-ready aluminum and feature a two-tiered design for easier access
to the back row of pedals and to provide ample space for extension/patch
cables and a power supplies. solid rubber feet ensure the board remains
in place. each tonetrunk board includes a rugged, padded gig bag with
shoulder strap, as well as Velcro strips.
separate screw-on brackets for power supplies and wah/volume/expression pedals will also be available (sold separately). t-Rex pedals are distributed in the Usa by Musiquip inc.
NAMM Booth 4258
www.t-rex-effects.com
Select-a-Head Debuts Logo Drum Display
seleCt-a-head, a leadeR in innovative display systems, is now shipping the industry’s first logo drum displays. these patent-pending displays showcase the logos, brand
marks, and images of some of the world’s leading touring rock musicians and bands such
as Korn, Metal Church, Queensryche, stryper, Ron Keel, and George lynch, among others.
this breakthrough display product features custom-made kick and tom drum shells
that have been specially constructed and produced in low-profile, narrow widths so
that they can be easily wall-mounted or transported for display purposes. Fully functional, logo drum display units are constructed from high-quality, four-ply drum shells
wrapped in black PVC with black die-cast metal hoops, chrome lugs and claws, and rubber
gaskets to prevent scratching. heads are printed on top-of-the-line 3M vinyl matched with
a matte laminate providing UV protection and long-lasting color.
NAMM Booth 2857
www.selectahead.com
February 2015
Online
Cremona Artist Series
SV-700 Violin
the CReMona aRtist Violin seRies continues to receive high praise from educators, advanced students, and touring artists throughout the country who
recognize the value of affordably priced, high-quality, and well-made string
instruments. the new sV-700 artist Violin outfit features an instrument with
a beautifully shaded orange lacquer finish that rivals that of today’s typical
master-made violins from the finest boutique luthiers. the premium-quality,
even-grain solid spruce is hand-carved and graduated for the top, while exquisite, highly flamed maple forms the back, sides, neck, and scroll. the sV700’s tone is full, resonant and eminently suited to the needs of the most
discerning soloist.
all trimmings are of the finest ebony in the famous “hill style” with ivorycolored ornaments, and each instrument is set up to perfection and fitted
with genuine thomastik dominant strings at Cremona’s san Francisco facility. the outfit is completed by a stylish, lightweight oblong suspension case
and a quality, full-mounted pernambuco bow strung with genuine unbleached horsehair.
NAMM Booth 5760
www.sagamusic.com
Americana Jump Kit From rbh Drums
the neW aMeRiCana Jump Kit from rbh drums is a meticulously crafted
small stage kit that gets its name from eMs and Fire department first responders: the “jump kit” is the first equipment to grab as you “jump” into
action. the americana Jump Kit is small, easily carried and set up, yet delivers a powerful sound in a compact package. Patterned loosely after small
cocktail kits from yesteryear, the americana Kit is made with the same molds
and patterns as rbh’s Monarch line. the americana Bass drum comes in a
13x16 size and is the only rbh bass drum supplied with a universal mount
for a snare basket or tom holder. Medium duty spurs and a drum lift are
standard. the americana can be used as a standup kit or as a small bop kit
for the micro stage found in many venues today.
NAMM Booth 3377
www.rbhdrumsusa.com
Crossrock Hybrid Ukulele Case
neW FRoM CRossRoCK, durable, portable and fashionable ukulele
cases are available in nine rich colors. instead of a traditional aluminum alloy valance, the Crossrock CRa400 Ukulele Case features a
stylish zipper and high-quality password lock. this design makes the
case less heavy but still fully protective. Color choices include: black,
steel grey, silver, yellow, green, purple, red, pink, and turquoise.
NAMM Booth 1500
www.kingstarintl.com
February 2015
Online
Na Leo Ukuleles From Hawaii
na leo UKUlele, founded in 2013 and based in honolulu, hawaii, realizes na leo’s vision to bring affordable acacia koa ukuleles to the
market. the KUMa series, debuting at naMM, are imported from asia
and built with acacia Koa harvested locally on the Big island of hawaii.
the KUMa series will be available in longneck soprano, concert, and
tenor sizes. it will also be offered as part of na leo’s Feather
line in concert and tenor. these ukuleles are made with
a narrow profile to help players who need assistance in
holding and gripping the ukulele. the sleek design also lightens the weight of the ukulele,
bringing balance to the overall feel of the instrument.
NAMM Booth 1210
www.leolani-ukulele.com
New Custom77 Line Part Of U.S. Strategy
CUstoM77 GUitaRs oF lYon, FRanCe is now translating its flagship deluxe series into a lowercost line of between $549 and $869. this line, part of a globalization strategy and plan to expand
in the U.s. market, was developed through carefully chosen factory partnerships to ensure a
high level of manufacturing. after a 20% Q3 increase in sales to the U.s., Custom77 is now seeking a U.s. distributor and dealer network. the new line will offer attractive margins for both.
“We’ve established a strong brand identity through the past seven years,” said Custom77
co-founder JB debiais. “our objective is to create legendary instruments that will be played
by the biggest names and by everyday players.”
Custom77 will present its new lower-cost guitar line at the Winter naMM show.
NAMM Booth 1683
www.custom77.com
Sara-Trans Bags For All Instruments
saRa-tRans GRoUP ManUFaCtURes bags for musical instruments, soft luggage, travel, and more. With more than 400
machines and a team topping 600 employees, sara-trans’ computer-monitored and -controlled manufacturing process turns
out approximately 2,500 bags every day.
in addition to more than 600 designs including bags for guitars, keyboards, drums, hardware, cymbals, sticks, percussion, wind and brass instruments, accordions, racks, effects
pedals, mixers, amplifiers, etc., sara-trans also makes guitar
strings, guitar picks, guitar straps, rubber practice pads, guitar
hangers, and other products. soon it will start manufacturing stands for keyboards,
guitars, and other instruments.
the company offers silk-screen printed, metal, rubber, and leather patch custom logos for its bags. it also crafts
embroidered logos. With custom bags as its forte, sara-trans works with oeM buyers on all the elements of its
bag ideas: brand, color, logo, price, and style.
NAMM Booth 5931
www.saratransgroup.com
February 2015
Online
GTC REVPAD Touchpad Effects Controller
the neW ReVPad FRoM GtC sound innovations is the world’s first
wireless touchpad effects controller and ultra-dynamic sound processor that turns any guitar into a smart guitar. Based on GtC’s touchFX
patented technology, the ReVPad offers a whole new dimension of
sounds, original effects, and a vast range of new creative options not
available to guitar players before.
this small, ergonomically designed device can be easily attached (just
like a sticker) on top of any amplified guitar—electric, acoustic, or
bass. it transmits wirelessly to a sound processing base unit that contains high-end effect algorithms along with traditional analog distortion and overdrive.
the ReVPad is a powerful tool to design new sounds and create new music. With a simple swipe or tap of a
finger, the ReVPad offers guitarists full control of multiple effect parameters simultaneously.
NAMM Booth 1188
www.gtcsound.com
Amalfitano Offers SVL Daytona Pick-ups
aMalFitano’s neW sVl daytona pick-ups were created for British recording artist Matt
schofield, with special guidance from simon law, schofield’s guitar tech. With extremely
rich harmonics, the daytonas closely resemble the original pick-ups from schofield’s coveted ’61 stratocaster. however, they boast the addition of a slightly overwound bridge
pick-up with a steel grounded baseplate epoxied to the bottom. this single-coil set is assembled entirely by pickup specialist Jerry amalfitano, using a hand-wound, non-uniform
wire layering technique, much like the way vintage pick-ups were manufactured.
(817) 917-8707
www.amalfitanopickups.com
Wood-Shell Electronic Drums From Chronos
the neW eleMent seRies of wood-shell electronic drums will launch
from Freemont, California-based Chronos drums, llC at the Winter
naMM show. “We saw a need for electronic drums to keep evolving and
strive for the same feel and satisfaction of playing acoustic drums—and
we have accomplished exactly that,” said John Muzzio, director of operations at Chronos drums. “By providing exceptional sensitivity and dynamics, we can create an immensely enjoyable drumming experience.”
Made from 100% birch wood with real wood finishes, Chronos drums
feature accu-track trigger technology, triple-ply non-acoustic heads, and
integrated zildjian Gen 16 electronic metal cymbals, providing a superior
playing and performance experience for any application and venue size. in the element series,
Chronos offers six-ply birch wood shells in four rich, high-gloss finishes, along with triple-flanged
hoops and chrome lugs. Configurable in four- through seven-piece kits.
NAMM Booth 2463
(512) 695-1381
www.chronosdrums.com
February 2015
Online
IK Multimedia Presents
iRig Mic Field
the iRiG MiC Field from iK Multimedia is billed as the only mobile digital microphone designed to be used for both video and audio projects. this mic delivers superb stereo sound for both formats by connecting directly via its lightning
connector to the digital input of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. its two highquality cardioid electret condenser capsules, 24-bit audiophile-grade a/d converter (with 44.1/48khz sample rate), 115 dB maximum sPl rating,
and built-in low-noise, high-definition preamp allow for pristine
sound capture quality at rehearsals, concerts, lectures,
speeches, music practice, and more. ideal for projects from
sound field recording to on-the-move videography, iRig Mic Field
can create faithful field recordings in nearly any context. Retail price
$99.99/€79.99.
NAMM Booth 6520
www.irigmicfield.com
King Blossom Guitars
Debut At NAMM
KinG BlossoM GUitaRs is introducing a new line of hollow body electrics designed
to work in genres ranging from explosive rock, to blues crunch, to soothing jazz tones
and rockabilly twang. King Blossoms founder Jeff Figley said, “You’ll hear the nuances of
your playing with unusual clarity. the resonance and sustain is remarkable. With the
lightest touch, these guitars respond in kind. When you hit them hard, they explode
in response to your pick attack.”
a newcomer, King Blossom Guitars offers finely crafted guitars made from beautiful
tone woods. the Rs line of hollow body instruments includes guitars, mandolins, and
ukuleles.
NAMM Booth 1383
www.kingblossomguitars.com
Galaxy Audio
Traveler Receiver
GalaXY aUdio’s neW dual channel receiver for its traveler Portable P.a.
systems allows for the use of two wireless microphones with one receiver
card.
the tV-dReC is an easy aftermarket installation and now makes it possible to have up
to four UhF wireless microphones operating at once in a traveler Portable Pa
system. each receiver features two volume controls (one for each receiver) and 96 selectable frequencies.
NAMM Booth 6200
www.galaxyaudio.com
February 2015
Online
Furch/Stonebridge 21 Series Guitars
“natURal and eaRthY” are probably the best words to describe the
sound of the all-new Furch/stonebridge 21 series guitars available from
stonebridge Guitars international. only the finest grades of tone woods
have been carefully selected and then assembled with the utmost attention to detail. Features include beautiful solid Usa walnut back and
sides, hand-voiced sitka spruce tops, ebony fingerboard and
bridge, schaller tuners, 45mm tusq nut, tusq fully compensated saddle,
and open-pore satin finish body with a satin transparent pick guard.
Beyond its simple, clean-line appearance, the 21 series guitar offers a
full tonal range with plenty of body and just the right amount
of smooth overtones. as with all Furch Guitars, these
“lower priced guitars with a higher price sound” produce exceptional balance and even response across
the board. all 21 series guitars will be shipped with a
hiscox case in 2015. Base U.s. retail price $2,199.
NAMM Booth 1208
www.stonebridgeguitars.com
Aphex Highlights New USB Products
FoR the naMM shoW, pro audio specialist aphex is focusing on UsB products to
help artists record and perform anywhere with speed and ease.
in its series of UsB products, aphex brings a new level of sonic quality and portability to
artists at all levels—from seasoned pro to home recording novice. the common denominators are ease of use, superior sound processing, and value. With its UsB microphones, artists can achieve more finished recordings and voice-overs without
the need for post-processing. aphex UsB computer interfaces provide instant
sonic improvement at great value, and the award-winning UsB 500 series rack
rewrites the rules on portability and convenience.
NAMM Booth 6847
www.aphex.com
Studiobricks Self-Assembly Acoustic Booth
stUdioBRiCKs PRodUCes a self-assembly cabin system acoustic booth in two- and three-wall versions,
ideal for musicians, recording voiceover artists, and home and recording studios and dJs.
studiobricks works exclusively with absorber components and can advise users on how to apply the
materials for different final applications. excellent sound absorption properties result from high-quality
wood. a range of sounds can be achieved using the moveable Vicoustic Wave Wood acoustic panels. all
components are standardized and precision-made using CnC machines. the assembly time for a studiobricks cabin is short, as there is no sawing, screwing, or sealing required.
designed for musicians by a team of musicians, acousticians, engineers, architects, and woodworkers,
studiobricks are state of the art in terms of both acoustics and design.
NAMM Booth 2385
www.studiobricks.com
February 2015
Online
Nebelung Guitars
From Norway
neBelUnG GUitaRs is a norway-based guitar company established in 2002 by designer and builder Ronnie nebelung.
Much time has been spent developing original instruments
that have a strong personal identity yet are affordable to
working musicians. the lineup consists of five different models, each with its own unique personality.
all nebelung models feature the much-prized korina tone
wood, Wilkinson hardware, and great-sounding pick-ups.
Priced at $895, these guitars are within reach for a wide
range of players.
nebelung guitars are now in the hands of some of the greatest touring rock ’n’ roll bands in norway.
NAMM Booth 1488
www.nebelungguitars.com
Vox-O-Rama U47 Mic From CML Studio
the VoX-o-RaMa U47 microphone from CMl studio is a latter-day replica of the well-known
neumann U47. offering switchable characteristics for highest standards, this condenser microphone features neumann U47 wiring, unique M7 capsule, and the original BV08 output
transformer, completely manufactured based on neumann specifications. all mechanical and
electronic components are 100% compatible with the historic neumann U47.
instead of the VF14 tube, the Vox-o-Rama U47 has a Fet device that imitates the properties
of the tube in every way. this device was developed by German microphone guru andreas
Grosser for repair and replacement in original neumann U47s.
NAMM Booth 7604
www.cmlstudio.de
DG Guitar Debuts Sixpack Tuners
edG GUitaRs has eMPloYed its acclaimed toroidal tuner design in the development
of its new patent-pending sixpack tuners. this ultra-compact set of tuners occupies only
about 2" behind the nut and provides exceptional performance with a gear ratio of 41:1
and total absence of backlash. it also offers string locking, which, combined with its ability to bypass the gears to allow direct winding of the string, makes string replacement a
breeze.
the sixpack’s knobs are arranged in two rows of three. the tuning action is so smooth that
just sliding a finger on the knob gets the job done, much like adjusting a volume knob.
on portable guitars that can be folded or disassembled, once the string tension is released the sixpack can be
quickly removed as a block. this reduces the bulk, helps protect the strings, and in some models makes it possible to totally separate the neck from the body, reducing the bulk even further.
designed for the travelling guitar player to make the guitar virtually headless, it allows a folded guitar to fit inside an airline accepted carry-on. the sixpack also allows the use of a regular tremolo bridge and offers playerfriendly left hand operation. edG expects to start shipping sixpack-equipped portable guitars this spring.
www.edgguitars.com
February 2015
Online
Bluetooth Pedal For Hands-Free
Page Turning
the PaGeFliP FiReFlY is a programmable wireless Bluetooth foot pedal that makes
it possible to perform hands-free page turning of electronic documents on
iPads, android tablets, Macs, and PCs. originally launched at the
2014 Winter naMM show, the Firefly is available for worldwide distribution directly from PageFlip.
the PageFlip Firefly is designed to meet the needs of musicians and people with disabilities who struggle with the
challenge and inconvenience of page turning. By simply
tapping the left or right pedal of the PageFlip Firefly, digital
content on tablets/computers can now be scrolled in the forward or
reverse directions for convenient hands-free page turning.
the Firefly emulates a standard keyboard and works with any software that uses keyboard strokes to navigate through digital files. the
PageFlip Firefly, which builds upon the success of PageFlip’s Cicada
pedal, has a retail price of $109.95. it can be powered by two aa batteries or via a UsB aC adapter (not
included). the new pedal features programmable modes, illuminated pedals, wireless or wired operation, an autorepeat mode for fast browsing or scrolling, and a heftier, rugged, and more ergonomic design. the Firefly is equipped with two 1/8" mono auxiliary outlets to attach external pedals or switches,
such as breath-controlled sip-and-puff switches or lightweight JellyBean pushbuttons.
NAMM Booth 1848
www.pageflip.com
Rodgers Remote App For
Mobile Organ Voicing
the neW RodGeRs ReMote organ voicing app for iPad offers
a modern solution for an age-old problem: adjusting and
blending sound from hundreds of pipes
the Rodgers Remote app, available exclusively for Rodgers
infinity series organs beginning in January 2015, lets a single
person fine-tune every parameter of every note wirelessly
using an iPad without the need to sit down on the organ
bench. With Rodgers Remote for iPad, the voicer can make
each adjustment and instantly check the results by activating
the appropriate organ voices while listening from different locations.
the app is the latest innovation from Rodgers, which in the past year introduced Rodgers Remote for
iPhone as a wireless way to play pre-recorded music from infinity consoles—including the ability to
change tempo, pitch, and volume—without an actual organist present.
Rodgers Remote is part of a suite of mobile support features known as “infinity ii,” available in the
flagship infinity line of two-, three-, and four-manual organs. infinity ii includes hands-free page turning
of music on digital screens such as tablet computers.
www.rodgersinstruments.com.
February 2015
Online
D’Addario ‘NY Steel’ In Acoustic & Banjo Strings
d’addaRio is noW UsinG its proprietary high-carbon steel
wire, nY steel, in its eXP acoustic strings and select
banjo sets. engineered to stay in tune better, these
sets will sing with d’addario’s iconic acoustic
sound—both stronger and longer.
these strings were made possible by three years
worth of innovations by d’addario, which re-engineered the wire drawing and manufacturing process
for both the high-carbon steel wire used for plain
strings, and the hex-shaped wire that is used for wound
strings. the company has established a new steel wire
mill adjacent to its string manufacturing facilities in
Farmingdale, new York—hence the “nY” in nY steel and
the nYXl electric guitar strings introduced in 2014. this
wire has been meticulously engineered to a new standard
of strength and consistency, resulting in superior pitch stability.
“artists, guitar techs, luthiers, pros, and amateurs alike say that nYXl strings have ‘changed the lives’ of
musicians by reducing string break-in time and the need to tune regularly,” says d’addario’s Brian Vance,
director of product management. “this breakthrough technology is now introduced into our eXP sets to
give all players the same benefits as our nYXl electric players.”
as of January 1, 2015, all coated acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and mandolin strings now include d’addario’s exclusive plain steel and hex core wire. eXP Phosphor Bronze sets retail for $29.90, while eXP 80/20
acoustic sets retail for $27.50. d’addario is also introducing two new eXP banjo sets in two popular gauge
combinations, including nY steel, to retail for $15.40.
NAMM Booth 4834
www.daddario.com
Tony Williams Replica Cymbals By Istanbul
a MUCh-antiCiPated set of cymbals from the istanbul
Mehmet Company has been created in tribute to legendary
drummer tony Williams. Created as faithful replicas of the now
iconic cymbals made famous by Williams on recordings of the
’60s-era Miles davis Quintet, these exclusive new cymbals will
be available initially as limited-edition numbered sets.
Williams’ cymbals set a benchmark to which others still aspire. now the istanbul Mehmet Company has been granted
exclusive access to the very same cymbals, made in istanbul
in the late ’50s. every detail of the legendary cymbals has
been meticulously measured, weighed, gauged, and
recorded. to ensure precision, tony’s wife, Colleen Williams, hand-carried these precious cymbals “home”
to istanbul, affording istanbul Mehmet master artisans firsthand access to the original cymbals.
available now, the tony Williams tribute Cymbal limited edition sets features a 22" ride, 18" crash, and
14" hihats together with a deluxe leather cymbal bag, a selection of rare tony Williams photographs, and
a certificate of authenticity.
NAMM Booth 2870
www.istanbulmehmet.com
February 2015
Online
Krutz 600 Series Premium Cellos
KRUtz inC., a ManUFaCtUReR and distRiBUtoR of string instruments
based in Kansas City, has added the new 600 series cello to fill the $4,000 to
$6,000 “sweet spot” of the cello market with a retail price of $4,999. one of
the big differences between this cello and others at this level is that it features
a one-piece maple back. 600 series cellos also feature Krutz’s own proprietary
acoustically enhanced sealer, hand-applied shaded oil varnish, and an extremely high level of figuring and flaming on the entire instrument.
not only are these cellos a visually stunning addition to any dealer’s sales
floor; they also feature an unsurpassed sound and ease of playability common
to all Krutz instruments.
NAMM Booth 2602
www.krutzstrings.com
Mercury Debuts New Products At NAMM
aFteR GReat sUCCess with the Mercury d series G810 Rack system i, Mercury
Recording equipment Company will debut at naMM the Mercury d series Rack
system ii, the new Mercury d series G8 sum-it, and the first Mercury d series
studio Microphone amplifier, the Mercury d series aM16.
the first proprietary Mercury G8 Module, the G8 sum-it is a passive 8:2 summing
mixer designed to allow the user to mix/sum channels 1-8 of a Mercury G810 Rack
system i or ii. the G8 sum-it installs in slots 9 and 10 of the G810 Rack system.
the Mercury d series aM16 studio Microphone amplifier is a faithful re-creation
of the ‘Vintage langevin’ aM16 Console amplifiers from the 1960s with discrete
transformer coupled input and output. Features include: gain control, output control, 48V on/off, polarity, and Mercury Fdi (Fet direct input).
NAMM Booth 7123
www.mercuryrecordingequipment.com
Wood Violins Marks 25th With Limited Editions
ReVolUtionaRY electric stringed instrument manufacturer Wood Violins will begin celebrating its 25th
anniversary at the 2015 naMM show with two special product announcements, giveaways, and promotions. to commemorate this milestone, the company will issue special-edition Viper and stingray
model instruments.
Wood Violins will release 25 special-edition custom Viper electric violins, individually numbered and
personally autographed by Mark Wood. the first Viper in this series will be unveiled at the naMM show.
the remaining 24 Vipers will be custom-built to dealer or customer specifications.
Wood Violins will also debut its new stingray sVX series, the latest version of its successful stingray sV
and newly updated for 2015. the new stingray sVX4 and sVX5 are available now for $699 and $899 (MaP)
respectively.
“twenty-five years later, we are still bringing innovation to the music products industry both with our
instruments and our unique business model of strengthening local school music and orchestra programs
to create the next generation of string musicians,” said Wood Violins founder and Ceo Mark Wood.
NAMM Booth 3404
www.woodviolins.com
February 2015
Online
Hamilton X Phone Holder
And Tube Clamp
haMilton’s sYsteM X sMaRt Phone holder with tube Clamp
keeps that all-important conduit to society (with life’s essential apps)
right where it’s most useful—on stage or in the studio. the unique
and simple scissor-action clamp is strong enough to hold the smartphone securely through earthquake-shaking sets. the high-friction
yet gentle clamp posts will accommodate a wide variety of large and
small phones—even in their protective cases—while giving clear access to touch screens, buttons, and ports.
the smartphone holder is packaged with a discrete tube clamp that
will securely attach to any 5/8" to 1" diameter stand tube. For the
social and fashion conscious, these smartphone holders come in three eye-popping colors: black, red,
and green.
MsRP $49.99.
NAMM Booth 6248
[email protected]
RotoSIM Rotary Effect From DLS
FoR GUitaRists Who CRaVe an authentic rotary speaker sound, dls effects is
offering the RotosiM Rotary speaker guitar effect. By mixing just the right
amounts of doppler effect pitch bend, plus amplitude and frequency modulation,
this effect can dial in a multitude of rotary speaker sounds from vintage deep
swirling rotations to mild and subtle. the RotosiM is used by pros including Richie
sambora (Bon Jovi), Joe don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), and many others around the
world.
the tweeter and Bass controls allow the musician to set horn rotation intensities. separate Fast and slow pots control the emulated speaker rotation speeds,
and the Ramp pot adjusts the time to change between the Fast and slow speeds.
the RotosiM Rotary speaker effect can be used in Mono in/out, Mono in/stereo
out, or stereo in/stereo out. outputa is slightly truer sounding, while outputB is slightly thicker. this gives the
musician two different options when the effect is used in mono, or a complement of sounds when used in
stereo. Compact size, quiet function, and 9 volt operation top off this product’s appeal.
NAMM Booth 1183
www.dlseffects.com
Orbert Davis Signature Mute By Facet
FaCet MUtes is noW oFFeRinG a signature series mute created for and endorsed by orbert
davis and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. it features a combination of padauk and walnut
hardwoods, designed for exceptional tonal qualities as well as visual appeal. “Whether performing classical music or jazz, the Facet CJP signature series Mute is the mute for the
‘third stream’!” davis said.
NAMM Booth 2038
(303) 663-4285
www.facetmutes.com
February 2015
Online
Hollow Electric Thinbody Archtops
From The Loar
the neW FUllY hollow lh-302 and lh-304 thinbody archtops from the loar deliver
vintage style and vintage tone in a classic single cutaway body design.
“there’s something about an electric guitar with resonant chambers; having a fully hollow soundbox really creates a sound that can’t be duplicated
by any other means,” said travis atz, the company’s director of product development. the 302 and 304 are extremely lively single-cutaway archtops with
1-1/2" body depths and classic 16" lower bouts. the Florentine cutaway was a
classic 1960 design element added to thinbody archtops, allowing greater access to the upper frets. the dual pickup design covers a full range of tones in
either bridge or neck positions.
thanks to the 1-11/16" nut width and 24-3/4" scale, electric players will feel
comfortable from the first note. Choose from dual P-90s (302) or dual humbuckers (304) for versatility, from clean and jazzy to crunchy and overdriven.
the maple top, back, and sides, and comfortable C-shape mahogany neck
provide the ideal foundation for great-sounding guitars that turn heads with
tons of retro style. as players look deeper into history to revive classic designs, the “forgotten vintage” style of these 1960s-influenced instruments is finding its way to stages everywhere.
From smoother acoustic tones to aggressive power chords, the loar thinbody archtops deliver style, elegance,
and power for players who want true vintage inspiration in an impressive package that also offers great margins
for dealers.
the lh-302 thinbody archtop with dual P-90s is available in vintage sunburst or cherryburst finishes. the lh-304
thinbody archtop with dual humbuckers is available in vintage sunburst or gloss black. each has a MaP of $599.99.
NAMM Booth 5476
www.theloar.com
u-mount Grip-On Mounting System From On-Stage
eXPandinG on the U-MoUnt line, the new Grip-on Mounting system from onstage offers a fast and easy way to mount cell phones and tablets to everyday objects
and surfaces. this system combines ease and hands-free convenience for a wide variety
of applications.
the Grip-on Mounting system will be available in three versions: the tCM1900,
tCM1901 and tCM1908. each system comes with three holders: a small
holder to grip 2½"-3½" mobile devices, a medium holder to grip 3½"5¾" devices, and a large holder to grip 5¾"-7¾" devices. the holders
simply expand to grip devices in a range of sizes. each kit also includes
360-degree ball joint with pull-back release.
the tCM1900 comes with a u-mount mounting post that clamps onto
mic stands, rec chairs, car headrests and more. the tCM1901 comes with a umount round clamp compatible with tubing up to 29mm (1.14") in diameter,
perfect for everyday objects such as shopping carts, strollers, exercise bikes, and
more. the tCM1908 comes with a u-mount Bullet nose Clamp compatible with flat surfaces from 12mm (1/2")
to 52mm (2") thick—such as counters and tables.
NAMM Booth 5940
www.onstagestands.com
February 2015
Online
Three New Capos From Planet Waves
d’addaRio is noW oFFeRinG three new Planet Waves capos: two
models based on the popular ns artist Capo are designed to simulate
dadGad and drop d tunings on standard-tuned guitars, while the new
Classical model is designed for flat-radiused classical/nylon string guitars.
each capo utilizes a patented trigger geometry, reducing the force required to open and close the capo, while applying even tension regardless
of neck profile. Combined with the micrometer tension adjustment and
direct horizontal pressure, the capo design for each new model virtually
eliminates pulling of the strings from side to side and the need
to retune during use. additionally, the trigger design and
lightweight aluminum construction add no obstruction or
noticeable weight to the neck of the instrument. an ns
Mini/Micro tuner mounting bracket is included, allowing
guitarists to add tuning capabilities to their capo. (tuner
sold separately.) the new capos also feature an integrated pick holder.
“Built as a natural expansion to our popular ns artist Capo line,”
said d’addario accessories Product Manager Rob Cunningham, “the drop tune and artist dadGad Capos
will allow guitarists to experiment with altered tunings on standard-tuned guitars, while the new ns
artist Classical Capo allows players of flat-radiused classical or nylon string guitars in-tune capo performance.”
these three new capos are available now at a retail price of $33.65 each.
NAMM Booth 4834
www.planetwaves.com
Hohner Airboard Rasta High-Margin Accessory
in ResPonse to the BReaKthRoUGh success of the original airBoard, hohner is introducing the new
airBoard Rasta at the 2015 Winter naMM show. "the Rasta was designed for players of roots and dub
reggae styles," said product manager drew lewis. "With hohner's signature sound, a hot, new tri-color
look, striking, padded travel bag and Blowflow mouthpiece, it's designed for a new generation of players
who want to express themselves on a unique, stylish-looking instrument." to provide retail support for
the new airBoard Rasta, hohner's has developed free, in-store wall and floor PoP display demo stations.
each includes a demo airBoard Rasta. disposable mouthpieces for customer trials eliminate sanitary concerns. the airBoard Rasta 32 key retails for $99 and MaPs at $79.99. the airBoard Rasta 37 key retails
for $119 and MaPs at $99.99.
NAMM Booth 3240
www.playhohner.com