Riff Raff
TASCAM
MP-GT1
Tascam is finally shipping its MP-GT1 Guitar Trainer it introduced with much fanfare at the Winter NAMM Show. The company calls it “the first MP3 player designed for musicians.” Though that’s debatable, Tascam has created a breakthrough “iPod-like” device that helps guitarists practice MP3 riffs via user-friendly looping and other effects. With its onboard USB connection, the GT1 can “grab” songs from your computer’s music library and adjust the pitch and speed using Tascam’s Variable Speed Audition, which can also edit sections of a song to be looped to practice “tricky passages.” Original guitar parts can also be erased with an eliminator so players can add their own guitar solos. The GT1 can store 240 songs and runs on a rechargeable built-in nine-hour lithium ion battery. An optional power supply is also available. The MP-GT1 retails at an affordable $199. Check out www.tascam.com for full details.
PEAVEY
Liberator
When we think of a cutting edge line of designer-series guitars and basses, we don’t think of Duran Duran‘s John Taylor. Nonetheless, Peavey have joined forces with Simon Lebon’s bassist and clothing designer Juicy Couture to develop the new Liberator Series guitar and bass. With the flagship Liberator Series J-84 bass and the A-435 guitar, Peavey and Taylor have created a guitar line that “unites fashion and function in a pair of artfully appointed instruments.” Taylor says “these are my ultimate dream instruments.” Good to see Taylor is helping bring sexy back to the musical instrument industry. Visit www.peavey.com for more information.
PORT CITY
Twelve Combo Amplifier
North Carolina based Port City Amps has revived a simple concept with its Twelve Combo guitar amplifier: a lower wattage amp that’s simple yet classy and offers two faceplate controls – volume and tone. The amp features point-to-point, 100-percent hand-wired construction, 12 watts of power through Electro Harmonix tubes, a 12-inch Mojo speaker, and a dose of good ol’ U.S.A.-made transformers. Cost is around $899. For more information visit www.portcityamps.com.
News & Notes
Gibson is warning musicians to be careful of counterfeit Gibson guitars being sold through online auction sites. Details and tell-tale descriptions of bogus Gibsons can be found at www.gibson.com.
Hix Bros. Music in Aurora are showcasing their most recent promising crop of music students at the Blues On The Fox festival in Aurora. The Hix Brothers Junior All-Stars will perform Saturday, June 23rd at 2 p.m. Info can be found at www.bluesonthefoxaurora.com.
– David Gedge
