All Entries in the "Gear" Category
Gear: September 2010
Boss continues to battle competitors with more portable and relatively affordable multi-track recorders with its new BR-800 Digital Recorder, a battery-powered studio “to go” using newly designed touch-sensor switches and SD-card recording media. Up to four tracks can be recorded or eight tracks played back simultaneously, plus an additional stereo track dedicated to the built-in [...]
Gear: August 2010
George William Fullerton
Fender Hall Of Fame Inductee
Chicago’s Fullerton Avenue wasn’t named after him. But Leo Fender would not have succeeded without him. In the mid-1940s, as a seasoned artist and working musician with a budding interest in electronics, George Fullerton became friends with Fender.
Gear: July 2010
IK Multimedia
Amplitube For iPhone
It seems like an odd way to portably power your electric guitar via headphones, but Italian-based IK Multimedia announced that its AmpliTube for iPhone, its premier mobile guitar amp and effects system for iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad, is now available for download from the iTunes App Store.
Gear: May 2010
Taylor
Dave Matthews Signature Guitar
As a longtime Taylor Guitars devotee, Dave Matthews used his 914ce to write music that would shape a new generation of jam bands that still inspires new converts today. With an eye on the future, Taylor has collaborated with Matthews and released the Dave Matthews Signature Model guitar that also honors his [...]
Gear: April 2010
Fernandes
Ravelle & Monterey Elite Guitars
Just in time for Guitar Month, Fernandes Guitars has introduced the Ravelle Elite and Monterey Elite models with a new locking tremolo. Elite Tremolo models will feature same specs as regular Elites, only with a full locking-tremolo system instead of the Tune-O-Matic bridge and a trem nut.
Gear: March 2010
Tascam
DP-008 8-Track Recorder
Old-timers will remember Tascam invented the home-recording studio with the original cassette Portastudio 4-track recorders back in the 1970s. Their new DP-008 takes the ease-of-use of those classic songwriting cassette recorders and aims to add the same portability and ease of use for new musicians. Unlike the lo-fi qualities of cassette machines of [...]
Gear: February 2010
Gibson
Keb’ Mo’ Blues Master Guitar
It’s really profitable, so Gibson continues to add to its limited-edition guitar roster with the acoustic Keb’ Mo’ Blues Master model, honoring the multiple Grammy winner. Taking its cues from vintage Gibsons from the 1920s and ’30s, the guitar is a flat-top acoustic made in the tradition of the sought-after, [...]
Gear: November 2009
Seymour Duncan
DejaVu Tap Delay
Seymour Duncan recognized the unique sound achieved by some ’70s and ’80s guitar players with their noisy, druggy, and fussy analog delay pedals so they invented the Deja Vu, combining the best of both digital and analog. To control the delay technique for the modern era, it features a Tap Tempo feature [...]
Gear: October 2009
Gibson
Zoot Suit LG Guitar
Let’s face it, Gibson Guitars’ Zoot Suit SG maybe the ugliest guitar we’ve seen in the last several years. But sometimes ugly is cool. Cherry Poppin’ Daddies‘ leader Steve Perry has teamed up with the legendary manufacturer to take blame for this beauty. The Zoot Suit SG is a “guitar that’s made [...]
Gear: August 2009
MARSHALL
MG2FX Portable Amplifier
Marshall Amplification has added the portable MG2FX to its popular MG4 line of mini practice guitar amps. It offers a simple interface consisting of four dual-function knobs to provide access to 10 unique stage settings, five digital effects, a two-band EQ, and a tuner. As you expect, the MG2FX can run on battery [...]
Gear: June 2009
B.C Rich
Kerry King V Generation 2
B.C. Rich and Slayer guitarist Kerry King have teamed up to assemble two new guitar models for collectors and first-time players. Bill Xavier, vice president of B.C. Rich, was a proud papa when speaking about this new collaboration with King. “Kerry has an innate understanding of his fans and what [...]
Gear: May 2009
Gear
LUDWIG
Element Lacquer Series Drums
When I think of Ludwig drums, I still think of Ringo Starr’s famous Black Oyster Pearl kit and John Bonham’s Vistalite from the mid-’70s. Now Ludwig is celebrating its 100th birthday, surviving two world wars, economic downturns, crap foreign drums, and disco. Today’s drum business is a long way from the company’s [...]
The Right 1?
Martin
1 Series
Due to a slowing economy, C.F. Martin & Co. is bringing back its acclaimed 1 Series of acoustic guitars.
Zoom, Zoom
Zoom
H4n Handy Recorder
Regular “Gear” readers know we’re big believers in taking our recorded songs to a professional studio instead of “futzing around” in basement hell. Getting those hit songs past the demo stage can be an easier process using some of today’s ultra-portable handheld recorders.
It’s NAMM, man
NAMM show postgame
Despite the dodgy economy, there was no lack of enthusiasm or new musical instruments and sound/recording gear at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California last month. Here are a few of our favorites.









