Year In Gear
Once again it has been an interesting and exciting year for new products and musical gadgets in the world of “Gear.” Here’s our list of 2007’s best stuff.
1. Alesis
iMultiMix 8 USB
(May) We’re fans of new music products that yolk old-school design with new technologies, and Alesis‘ MultiMix series with iPod connectivity (spearheaded by the ingenious iMultiMix 8 USB) fits the bill. The iMultiMix features an iPod mounting dock that records directly to any second- through sixth-generation iPod. Its transport controls and control wheel are built right into the surface – enabling bands to record live shows and practices with incredible ease. The iMultiMix 8 retails at $499; check out www.alesis.com for full details.
2. TASCAM
MP-GT1
(June) Tascam‘s MP-GT1 Guitar Trainer took the winter 2007 NAMM Show by storm with good reason. Tascam created a breakthrough “iPod like” device that is user friendly (like their Portastudio recorders) and helps guitarists practice MP3 riffs via looping and other effects. It includes an onboard USB connection that enables the GT1 to “grab” songs from your computer’s iTunes or MP3 library, then edit and adjust song pitch and speed using Tasacam’s Variable Speed Audition. All this at an affordable $199. Visit www.tascam.com for more information.
3. FENDER
Joe Strummer Telecaster
(August) This Fender is based on Joe Strummer’s 1975 Telecaster with the Earl Scheib-style paint job and various anti-establishment stickers. The late Clash frontman’s tribute guitar is a benchmark for the first punk rock generation, who cherish these sorts of things. Having an axe like Joe will cost you about $1,249 with customization kit. Learn more at www.fender.com.
4. APPLE
iMac
(October) Somewhat lost among the iPhone and new-generation iPod hoopla, Apple Computer‘s newest iMac may be their best ever. With a larger widescreen (20- or 24-inch) monitor, this all-in-one Mac is powered by a Intel Duo Core Chip (2.4 or 2.8GHz) and comes loaded with an iSight web camera, built-in Wi-Fi wireless, and load of useful software (Garageband, iTunes, Time Machine, etc.). The new iMacs start at $1,199, and you can get all the details at www.apple.com.
5. SOURCE AUDIO
Hot Hand
(March) Source Audio‘s Hot Hand ring-controlled wireless guitar-effect controller ain’t perfect, but it shows how technology will change the standard guitar pedal and effect set-up in the next few years. The Hot Hand ring lets “guitarists manipulate effects to their particular playing style,” including use of chorus and flange effects among others. This first-generation unit is a little quirky but expect those issues to be perfected come the second generation. Learn more at www.sourceaudio.net.
