GuitarGearHeads - Gear Up Your Sound

FENDER® INTRODUCES ELVIS COSTELLO SIGNATURE JAZZMASTER® GUITAR

Thu, 08 May 2008 03:40:00 -0400

OUR AIM IS TRUE: FENDER® INTRODUCES ELVIS COSTELLO SIGNATURE JAZZMASTER® GUITAR AS PART OF 2008 JAZZMASTER 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 6, 2008)  Fender announces a new Elvis Costello Signature Jazzmaster guitar, honoring one of the most recognized Jazzmaster players in music history. The iconic electric guitar, produced in Fenders manufacturing headquarter in Corona, Calif. is a detailed replica of Costellos original instrumenta guitar that has continually accompanied the famed British singer/songwriter over an extraordinarily versatile and prolific career spanning four decades. This signature release comes during the 50 year anniversary of Fenders introduction of the Jazzmaster guitar model, which first appeared in 1958.

FENDER® ANNOUNCES FENDER UNIVERSITY, AN EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR GUITAR ENTHUSIASTS WORLDWIDE

Thu, 08 May 2008 03:30:00 -0400

FENDER® ANNOUNCES FENDER UNIVERSITY, AN EXCLUSIVE NEW MUSIC EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR GUITAR ENTHUSIASTS WORLDWIDE

INAUGURAL FENDER U. PROGRAM TO COMMENCE AUG. 21 24, 2008 IN CORONA, CALIF.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 7, 2008)  Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is launching Fender University, an exclusive new music education program for guitar enthusiasts worldwide, it was announced today. The inaugural session will take place Aug. 21 24, 2008 and will offer exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the companys manufacturing headquarters and world renowned Fender Custom Shop in Corona, Calif. The curriculum will also include a series of music workshops, hands-on education experiences, performance opportunities, special guest appearances and insight on everything musicians needs to know about the magic of Fender.

Sweetwater Announces 12-day Recorder Giveaway

Thu, 08 May 2008 03:30:00 -0400

Sweetwater Announces 12-day Recorder Giveaway

Sweetwater has declared May "Portable Recorder Month," and to properly observe the occasion, we're holding a 12-day Recorder Giveaway. Starting May 19, Sweetwater will give away one portable recorder each day for 12 days. Manufacturers include Boss, Edirol, HHB, Korg, Marantz, M-Audio, Roland, Sony, Sound Devices, TASCAM, Yamaha, and Zoom. One entry makes you eligible for all 12 prizes. Enter at www.sweetwater.com.

HERCULES DJ CONSOLE Rmx Now Available

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:50:00 -0400

HERCULES DJ CONSOLE Rmx Now Available
The Most Comprehensive Digital Dual Mixing Deck Provides Mobility, Plug and Play Software, Precision and Advanced DJ Features

NEW YORK, NY (April 23, 2008)  Hercules, the computer DJ entertainment specialist, announces the availability of the new Hercules DJ Console Rmx, a digital audio console designed for Mobile and advanced DJs. The audio console, supplied with a carrying bag for total mobility, retails for $349.00 and is available now at Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Musicians Friend, American Musical Supply, 8th Street Music and PSSL.com.
The DJ Console Rmx is the most comprehensive digital dual mixing deck in its class. The sleek console includes a number of quality features such as a solid metal casing with non-slip pads guaranteeing perfect stability, broad surface, accessible buttons and knobs, precise and comprehensive controls, a built-in audio interface with 4 inputs, 4 outputs.

IK Multimedia Presents StompIOs World Tour!

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:30:00 -0400

IK Multimedia Presents StompIOs World Tour!
Stomp onto a Revolution!

May 2008, Modena, Italy IK Multimedia is proud to announce the official launch of the worldwide Stomp onto a Revolution Tour! StompIO, the revolutionary hardware-software guitar and bass multi FX system, will be featured in open clinics and special events dedicated to change the way musicians gig live and record in the studio forever. Kicking off in May and lasting through Summer 2008, Stomp onto a Revolution Tour dates will be held in the United States, Germany, Japan, Italy and the UK, with more to be announced. These special events are free to attend, featuring famous and expert musicians that already use StompIO live on stage and in the studio. Reserve your seat now and catch the StompIO Tour to win music gear prizes, concert tickets and watch history unfold as StompIO turns your Mac/PC into the most powerful amp and stomp-box modeling system ever made! Check out tour dates and reserve your seats here:

http://www.stompio.com/tour

802-VLZ3 and 402-VLZ3 from Mackie

Tue, 06 May 2008 02:40:00 -0400

There is a constant battle waging in my home studio, as Im sure it does in yours, and it involves the need for more space. As you can imagine, I am always searching for equipment that offers the best balance between quality, cost, and size. Among my most difficult dilemmas in this conflict has been the search for the perfect mixer.

Until now, what I want has been almost impossible to find. I have been looking for a compact mixer with 8-12 inputs for home studio recording. I also had an as yet unfulfilled need for a 4-6 input mixer to serve the sound interface for my PA system for speaking engagements and seminars. Even when not including cost in as a decision factor, most of the compact solutions I have examined have limited features, limited sound quality, or limited construction quality.

Mackie recently released their new VLZ3 series of professional level mixers. This series raises the bar over competitive offerings with XDR2 preamps, flexible routing options, steel construction, and high-grade controls. The 802 and 402 represent Mackies most recent introductions in the VLZ3 line and are squarely aimed at the compact mixer market, matching uncompromised VLZ3 quality with an incredible price point. As such, I was really happy when the folks at Mackie elected to send me these two units to review, and promptly put them through the paces. Read on for the details!

Stanton DJ Launches New Digital Control System for the Professional DJ

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:00:00 -0400

Stanton DJ Launches New Digital Control System for the Professional DJ
Revolutionary Stanton SC System gives DJs flexibility with multiple control surfaces, multiple configuration options and compatibility with existing hardware and software

HOLLYWOOD, FL Stanton DJ, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of professional audio products for DJs, Live Sound Reinforcement and install applications, today announces the launch of the SC System, the companys new set of digital controllers for the professional DJ. The Stanton SC System is comprised of the SCS.1d deck and the SCS.1m mixer; both advanced control surfaces that give the digital DJ an entirely new level of performance ability and functionality, while preserving the comfortable feel and familiar layout of more traditional equipment.

ASAT® Special Deluxe by G&L Guitars

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:30:00 -0400

I remember well that day many years ago when I set out to buy my first electric guitar. I had learned to play on my Dads guitars and I was ready to get my own. I walked into a small local music store and there it was sitting on a stand in the middle of the showroom. It was a butterscotch Fender Telecaster®. At the time, country singer John Anderson was very popular and this guitar looked just like the one he played. I knew I had to have this guitar, so I emptied my pockets on the counter and headed home to play "Seminole Wind" like Mr. Anderson.

Once I got home, it took me about thirty seconds to figure out that owning a guitar that looks like a well known artist's instrument does not mean it will sound like theirs, or that you will automatically be able to play like them.

Although I loved the guitar, I also found that the Telecaster® was somewhat tone limiting relative to other styles of music that I wanted to play other than country. Alas, the guitar that had enamored me for a short while was traded in for a much more versatile Stratocaster® which stayed with me for many years.

I always liked the look of the Telecaster® style guitar, and have wanted to get another one, except with a fuller sound and more tonal flexibility. A few years ago, GuitarGearHeads.com started doing reviews for G&L Guitars, and I was introduced to the ASAT®. The first time I played an ASAT®, I knew that I had found the guitar I had been longing to own all these years. About a month ago, G&L sent me another ASAT for review. This model is the ASAT® Special Deluxe, and once again I am impressed with the great work of the craftsmen and designers at G&L Guitars.

VXT6 Active Monitors by KRK

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:50:00 -0400

It was the 2nd Day of the NAMM show, with craziness wailing around us guitars, performers and DJ equipment on all sides. We walked over to KRK booth (www.krksys.com) for our appointment to check out the new KRK VXT series. Although, GuitarGearHeads has come up in the world over the last couple of years, we really werent expecting the VIP treatment!

We met the KRK rep and he surprisingly asked us to follow him. We weaved in an out of the booths to end up at a rather unremarkable door. We entered the door and were led up a staircase. At the top of the stairs was a door to the left, a door to the right, and a guard in the middle. For a moment, I felt like I was in a new episode of the The Matrix, hoping someone was going to ask me to choose between a red pill or a blue pill.

Entering the door on the left, we were escorted into a nice living room style space with couches, chairs, water, and snacks. Behind this room was a listening room where the KRK folks were giving demos of their latest KRK VXT series monitors.

During the demo, the VXT 4, 6, and 8 models were compared against high-end competitors costing 2-4x as much I cant even tell you the models, but rest assured these were the top-of-the-line in each class. In each case, the VXT equaled or bested the higher priced monitor. When the demo was over, we were politely escorted out the secret room back to the din of show floor below.

Back in my studio, I was able to spend some quality time with the KRK VXT 6 speakers. The conclusion is that these speakers are an amazing value for the price, but youll have to read on for all the details!

N-Tune Onboard Guitar Tuner Now Available For Sale Worldwide

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:10:00 -0400

N-Tune Onboard Guitar Tuner Now Available For Sale Worldwide

N-Tune Achieves Widespread Domestic Availability for Musicians, Distributors, and Retailers; Product Establishes International Distribution Outlets in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Japan

Redmond, WA (March 21, 2008)  The folks at N-Tune are proud to announce that the breakthrough N-Tune Onboard Chromatic Tuner is available for purchase around the globe! N-Tunes domestic distribution will be handled in part by Audio Agent LLC, with online sales spearheaded by www.MusiciansFriend.com. Additionally, distributor agreements have been reached with World Marketing Associates in Europe, The Middle East, and Africa, along with Kohske Music & Sound Inc. in Japan. Now, anyone anywhere can try N-Tune: the worlds first professional onboard guitar tuner.