Gear: June 2012
New Jersey-based Tech 21 went “one louder” by introducing a live version of its popular Liverpool pedal from the SansAmp Character Series — available direct through their Private Stock Division. According to a company press release, as a boutique pedal quantities are extremely limited.
The SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe features a combination of an all-analog signal path and convenient digital programmabilities.
Featuring four independent footswitch actuators and the same controls as its sibling (Drive, Character, Low, Mid, High, and Level), dual inputs allow the user to have two instruments online and ready to go. With a half-dozen program locations, guitarists can create three custom tones for each input or use all six for a single instrument. Super simple to operate, changes can easily be made on the fly — without having to refer to the owner’s manual. You just turn the knobs to a setting you like, double click on a footswitch, and it’s saved in that channel. You can tailor and program any six sounds to multiple British Invasion tones, from the Beatles-y jangle of Lennon/Harrison to the top-boosted growl of psychedelic ’80s rock of Echo And The Bunnymen and the Lotus Eaters.
The SansAmp Liverpool Deluxe can be used as a preamp or stomp box with any amp/combo, power amp, and speaker cabinet, or directly into any mixing console. There’s a 1/4-inch instrument level input, as well as 1/4-inch and XLR outputs with selectable levels. Pricing information was not available at presstime, but more info can be found at tech21nyc.com.
Alfred Music Publishing
Van Halen Songbook
Sammy Hagar predicted it: they’ve taken a sabbatical from their summer tour because they’re allegedly sick of each other and tired of touring, but you can still get your Van Halen fix satisfied by hunting down Alfred Publishing’s A Different Kind Of Truth, the album-matching songbook to Van Halen’s first studio album since 1998, and the first since 1984 with lead vocalist David Lee Roth.
A Different Kind of Truth contains authentic note-for-note guitar TAB transcriptions of every song on the album for the most discriminating Van Halen aficionados. Titles include many instant classics according to Alfred, including “Tattoo,” their Billboard Hard Rock Single chart topper and iTunes bestseller. The songbook contains a helpful guitar TAB glossary for reference and to help guitarists play the songs just as the band recorded them. Other standouts include “She’s The Woman” and “You And Your Blues.”
Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone says, “Van Halen’s ‘heard you missed us, we’re back’ album is not only the most long-awaited reunion joint in the history of reunion joints, it is — against all reasonable expectations — a real Van Halen album.”
Eddie, Alex, Wolfy, and Roth may be a little sick of touring right now, but VH fans son’t have to suffer. A Different Kind Of Truth is now available for $21.99 at music retail stores and at alfred.com/guitar.
LAG Guitars USA
44 And 77 Series Ukuleles
It must be summer, because ukuleles are experiencing a resurgence in popularity — according to uke marketing boffins — just in time for Hawaiian-style heat and humidity. Ukulele players of all levels, from aspiring to pro, can add new songs to their repertoire with a ukulele from Lag Guitars USA. As you’d expect, the company includes models that suit most budget levels, featuring high-quality tone, and a “tiki man” rosette design. All models come with a matching padded gig bag. and are constructed using a mahogany top, back, and sides, and are outfitted in a French satin finish. These ukes are available online and in stores with U.S. street prices ranging from $89.99 to $149.99. Visit lagguitars.com for details.
News & Notes
Longtime friend of IE, Guitar Center has expanded its operations at its Highland Park location by adding Guitar Center Studios, an in-house, state-of-the-art lesson facility, which will provide music courses featuring certified instructors as well as sections on Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.
“The opening of our new GC Studios at our Highland Park store is an important moment for musicians in these areas,” commented Gene Joly, Guitar Center Executive VP of Stores. “As arts programs are consistently being downsized at schools across the country, we feel it’s important to create these opportunities for the next generation of musicians.” Details can be found at guitar-center.com or by calling the Highland Park store at (847) 579-1830.
— David Gedge
