As far as Splashes go this is a powerhouse. Produces a loud, short accent.
It dishes out a superb blend of light overdrives that enhance, without changing, the sound of your amp. A unique "Pre-Bass control eliminates problems with too much fuzzy bass, or the opposite problem of being a weak, thin-sounding overdrive. Drive and level controls offer further shaping options. It's like having an entire arsenal of overdrive pedals in just one box. Add an entirely new dimension to your amp with a maximum 30dB of gain without overprocessing.
Rocktron Austin Gold Overdrive Pedal Features:
The TRITON STUDIO features Korg’s HI (Hyper Integrated) synthesis system and best PCM sounds. Its high-capacity 48 Mbyte PCM ROM, with 429 multisamples and 417 drum samples, covers every need imaginable. And, in addition to the “classic” TRITON’s complete ROM, the TRITON STUDIO also includes a new 16 Mbyte stereo acoustic piano with two levels of velocity switching. With room for up to seven PCM expansion boards and up to 96 Mbytes of sample RAM, you can expand the TRITON STUDIO to a whopping 256 Mbytes of waveform data.
The TRITON STUDIO delivers a staggering assortment of high-quality programs created by Korg's acclaimed voicing “team.” Programs that range from piano, guitar, organ, synth and drums to the latest synth and sound effects. An amazing 1,536 Program locations are provided in user-writable memory (512 preloaded), as well as 256 sounds and 9 drum kits in ROM for GM2 compatibility. For drum Programs you can choose from 144 user drum kits (20 preloaded) and 9 ROM drum kits for GM2. User-writable memory also provides 1,536 Combination locations (512 preloaded), each of which allows you to use up to 8 timbres (8 sound programs) simultaneously. Open memory locations can be used for sounds that you edit/create, load from expansion board packages or get from other sources
Features:
ALESIS ELECTRONIC DRUMSET WITH DM5 MODULE AND SURGE CYMBALS
Incomparable feel. Incomparable sounds.
Our flagship electronic drumset features the legendary sounds of the DM5 drum module. The rack-mounted, programmable sound module contains 540 percussion sounds and 21 pre-programmed drum/percussion sets and features Dynamic ArticulationTM, which ensures that sounds respond with natural dynamics and timbre-changes for the most realistic and accurate sonic response.
DM5 Pro Kit's acoustic-feeling drum pads are built around standard eight-inch mylar drum heads and acoustic-dampening foam for quiet response. When they wear out, you can replace the heads with any model you choose from any manufacturer. The heads are tunable with a standard drum key for adjustable tension and feel. The triple-flanged counterhoops are covered in a sound-reducing rubber sleeve, which further cuts acoustic noise.
SURGE Hi-Hat, Crash, and Ride cymbals are the only serious choice in cymbals for triggering electronics. Based around a true brass-alloy cymbal and coated with a clear sound-dampening layer, SURGE cymbals feel like acoustic cymbals because they share the same pedigree.
DM5 Pro Kit with SURGE Cymbals has a unique combination of superb sounds, fresh feel, and terrific touch.
Features:
INCLUDES:
DM5 Drum Module Specs:
www.zldjian.com| CATEGORY: | Z3 Series | |
| TYPE: | Crashes | |
| SIZE: | 12 | |
| WEIGHT: | T | |
| FINISH: | Brilliant Finish | |
| GENRE: | Drumset: Alternative, Drumset: Metal, Drumset: Other, Drumset: Pop, Drumset: Punk, Drumset: Rock | |
| SKILL LEVEL: | Advanced, Beginner, Expert, Intermediate, Professional |
| CATEGORY: | Z3 Series | |
| TYPE: | Rides | |
| SIZE: | 19 | |
| WEIGHT: | MT | |
| FINISH: | Brilliant Finish | |
| GENRE: | Drumset: Alternative, Drumset: Metal, Drumset: Other, Drumset: Pop, Drumset: Punk, Drumset: Rock | |
| SKILL LEVEL: | Advanced, Beginner, Expert, Intermediate, Professional |
Seven models of Brian May's signature sounds that rocked the world.
DigiTech has built in 7 signature models with 14 distinctive, highly-sought-after tones. Models are named after famous Queen songs that featured Brian's guitar:
1. Keep Yourself Alive
2. Bohemian Rhapsody
3. Tie Your Mother Down
4. We Will Rock You/Champions
5. Crazy Little Thing Called Love
6. Brighton Rock Solo (Live)
7. Deacy Tone/A Winter's Tale
Distinctive, sought after tones include: Red Special Guitar, Treble Booster, Deacy Amp, Vox® AC30, Foxx Foot Phaser™, Pickup Configurations, Delay, Reverb, Flanger, Acoustic, Tele® and more
Integral hard-wired dynamic analog treble booster.
Guitar knob lets you optimize Red Special Pedal's voicing to suit your guitar's pickups.
Flexible Output Mode™ — Mono amp or Mixer and Stereo Mixer and Stereo Amp.
Includes embroidered bag, Brian's plectrum of choice, a British Sixpence and power supply.
Types of cymbals
Chinese: Chinese cymbals feature an upturned edge that gives these models a raw, Oriental sound. They are played for 'effect', offering dirty ride sounds on short, dirty punches when played for accents.
Crash: Ranging from 12" to 20". Crash cymbals are designed for accenting or 'crashing'. Thinner models are more 'explosive', heavier models more direct and powerful.
Crash Ride: These are medium-thin cymbals, available in sizes 18 and 20 inches in diameter. They are suitable for both crash work as well as sustained ride cymbal playing.
Flat Ride cymbals have no bell and generate a clean and precise ride articulation with a shimmering yet defined sound. They are best utilized in a jazz setting, when a clear sound is desired. (i.e. piano trios, vocalists, jazz guitar, etc.)
Hi-Hats: Ranging from 10” to 15” (14” is most popular). A pairing of two cymbals on a pedal-operated hi-hat stand. Close the cymbals for playing tighter, more definite sounds; open for bigger, louder sounds; or alternate open and closed to play interesting patterns.
Ride: Ranging from 18" to 24" (20" is most popular). The ride is the main cymbal for playing rhythms and grooves. Play the bell area for bright, crisp notes or across the bow for bigger sounds. Heavier models produce more definite sounds.
Sizzle: 18 to 22 inches in diameter, in which holes are drilled and rivets are installed to give a sizzling or buzzing type of cymbal sound.
Splash: Ranging from 6" to 12". Splash cymbals are played for fast, 'splashy' accents of short duration.
Swish: Usually 18 to 22 inches in diameter, with an almost inverted profile. Swish cymbals normally have rivets installed to give a Chinese tonal effect and are especially useful in playing Big Band arrangements.
Posted 2008-12-01
As with any musical instrument purchase, buying an electric guitar can be a challenge with so many different types of guitars, different skill levels of the guitarist, different price points, and different genres of music out there. The key to shopping for guitars is to know who will play it, know your budget, and know what's out there.
Know The Guitarist
Are you shopping for a new electric guitar for yourself, for a child, for a friend? How long has this person been playing? What types of music do you think they will want to play the most? Do they have any preferences already? These are some of the questions you will want to ask yourself before heading out to check out what's available in the musical instrument marketplace.
Know Your Budget
Probably the best way to find a good deal is to know exactly what you can spend before you start looking. Set a budget. It's a lot easier to compare prices and features when you know where the line is drawn in the checkbook. Electric guitars can be found for as little as $100, or as much as $20,000 - or more - so obviously price is a very important factor. There are also certain brands that are focused on different pricing segments. For instance, the Squier brand from Fender is designed to be a lower cost, entry-level electric guitar brand. Many models can be found for right around $200, which is a great place to start if you're shopping for someone who is just starting out. If it's a more accomplished player you're shopping for, you should start looking in the $500 to $1000 range. Fender (who makes Squier), also has guitars in higher price ranges, but there are many other competitors in this pricing segment as well such as Epiphone, Jackson, ESP's LTD line, Yamaha, Schecter and others. Obviously, if you have the money to spend, and the person you are shopping for is quite accomplished, or is a collector, you will want to look in some of the higher priced ranges that are over the $1000 price point. Some brands in this range are Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Zemaitis, and others.
Some Tips on Buying an Electric Guitar From Our Readers
Get what you really want even if it's a little more expensive. Sure, you're going to have a budget, but how many times have you gone and purchased something only to regret later not spending a few more dollars for something nicer. Don't make that mistake the first time. Get what you want. It's a lot easier to pay something off that you really like, than something you're not totally thrilled with. - Dave L., St. Louis, MO, USA
Do some research on the guitarists from the bands that play the music you really like. Chances are, you'll be able to find a wealth of information on what they play on the web. This can help you identify a few guitars you may not have originally thought of. Also, how cool would it be to play the exact guitar that a famous guitarist used on hit recording? - Nelson P., Birmingham, England, UK
Don't just consider solid bodies. There are also hollow-bodies and semi-hollow-body electric guitars out there. While a hollow body is basically an acoustic with pickups perhaps thinner, a semi-hollow body is thinner yet, has better sustain and can be played at higher volume levels without creating feedback. - Frank M., Portland, OR, USA
Just as in other types of guitars (acoustic,classical), the wood used in construction can make a huge difference in the sound of your electric guitar. Maple, Alder and Poplar are two very popular woods used in the construction of electric guitars. - Jeff C., Erie, PA USA
Pickups are the mechanisms by which the string vibrations are "picked up" and transmitted through the electric guitar cable to the amplifier. As you might imagine, they have a significant impact on the sound. If you are looking for a guitar that can play a nice clean tone, you will want to consider single coil pickups. This might be handy for someone that will be picking a lot of chord progressions, or playing music such as jazz, pop, or country. If you are looking for a guitar that can generate some screaming guitar solos and punchy power chords, such as those found in some hard rock and heavy metal music, you're going to want to look for an electric guitar that includes paired single coil pick-ups or humbuckers as part of the onboard electronics. Humbuckers were originally developed to eliminate the noise that can sometimes be evident with single coil pickups, as the two opposing single coils will cancel out feedback between them, or buck them hum. In the best case scenario, the electric guitar you choose may have both single coils and humbuckers and allow you to switch between or mix the responses from them into the final tone. - Matt S., Charleston, WV, USA
Another important feature to consider for the guitar you select is the neck. Just like every guitarist has different musical genres he or she likes, and different skill levels and abilities, everyone has different hands. Necks come in various shapes and sizes. Thin necks can be very fast and helpful for those who would like to play really fast, but thicker necks might be comfortable for playing chords over longer periods of time. It's important to know what is comfortable to you, or the person you are shopping for, so take some time to figure this out before making your final purchase. - Gary K., Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
While you can find decent electric guitars for just a few hundred dollars, you really get into a sweet spot when you're looking in the $1000 - $2000 range. Anything less than that is likely to be made from cheaper materials and, of course, cheaper labor (imported). Anything more than that is probably going to have some nicer features and trims, but probably won't sound a whole heck of a lot better. We recommend this price range to really get the best value for your money in a guitar. - Bryan A., Charlotte, NC, USA
If you have some tips for purchasing an electric guitar, please email them to us through the contacts page and we will review for posting here!
Lets talk drum sets
Drum sets can come in many different configurations, drum sizes with or without hardware and or the cymbals. The most common drum sets are the 4 piece, the 5 or 6 piece, and the bigger 8 or 9 piece double bass drum sets.
4 piece drum sets
The classic 4 piece drum sets are considered to be the standard for most styles and applications. From live concerts to studio recording sessions they serve as the essential base for any drum setup. The most common set includes a 5 inch snare drum, 14 to 20 inch single bass drum, 14 to 16 inch floor tom and 8 to 13 inch rack tom. The classic 4 piece drum sets usually don't come with any hardware or cymbals and can cost from $500 up to $5000 and in some rare cases even more.
5 and 6 piece drum sets
A typical 5 piece drum set, consists of a 5-1/2 inch snare drum, 20 or 22 inch single bass drum, 12 inch and 13 inch rack toms and a 16 inch floor tom and come with a 14 inch Hi Hat, a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal along with the corresponding stands, kick drum pedal and in some rare cases even a drum throne. A 6 piece drum set is usually made by adding an 18 inch floor tom or a 10 inch rack tom to the 5 piece kit configuration.
8 and 9 piece big drum sets
An 8 piece drum set is usually based on the standard 5 piece drum kit with 2 additional rack toms and a second bass drum. The typical 8 piece drum set configuration includes a 5-1/2 inch snare drum, two 18 or 20 or 22 inch bass drums, one 16 inch floor tom and four rack toms (most common rack tom sizes are 10", 12", 13" and 14"), two bass drum pedals, one crash cymbal, one ride cymbal, a hi hat and the corresponding stands. 9 piece big drum sets usually come with two floor toms (16 inch and 18 inch) along with two bass drum pedals and two crash cymbals, a ride cymbal, a hi hat and the corresponding stands.
Some people also refer to the 8 and 9 piece drum sets as "double bass drum sets" or "big drum sets". Note that it is not necessary to have a big double bass drum set to play double bass rhythms, for instance double bass drum pedals can be used to play double bass rhythms on a single bass drum. Double bass and or big drum sets are most commonly used in Rock and Heavy Metal music, although sometimes they are also employed by Jazz and Fusion drummers, examples are Louis Bellson and Dave Weckl.
Even bigger, 10, 11 and 12 piece big drum sets
The 10 or 11 piece, and bigger drum sets are essentially the 8 piece drum sets with some additional rack and floor toms. Common configurations would be the 5 or 6 inch snare drum, two 20 to 22 inch bass drums, one or two floor toms (16 and 18 inches) and rack toms with sizes of 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13 and 14 inches, two bass drum pedals, two or more crash cymbals, a ride cymbal, one or two hi hats and the corresponding cymbal stands.
Big drum sets? or Huge drum sets?
Theoretically a drum set is not limited to a certain amount of drums, and can consist as many drums, cymbals and percussion pieces as a drummer will need for a certain performance. A bright example of such a big setup would be the Terry Bozzio's drum sets, - they usually include more than 30 drums along with over 15 drum pedals, more than 30 cymbals and a lot of other percussive additions. - Now that's one hell of a big drum set!
British string manufacturer Rotosound has a rich history of manufacturing the best, most innovative strings in the business. The company has brought all their expertise, knowledge and experience together to launch the new Nexus coated range of strings.
After extensive research and development, Rotosound has developed a unique microscopic coating process which adds a flexible, protective, black coating to the new Nexus range of strings. The special black polymer coating helps prevent contamination and corrosion, significantly extending the life of the strings. It is silky smooth to the touch and most importantly produces a tone that has to be heard to be believed.
The bass strings have a black polymer coat set over a Type 52 pure nickel alloy wrap. This gives rich mid-tones and offers an alternative to steels with high presence. The gauges available are 40, 60, 80 and 100, and 45, 65, 85 and 105. A single Low B (130) will also be available for five string bass players.
The Nexus Acoustic sets are clear polymer coated wound, gold series plain strings with a phosphor bronze base. This gives enriched highs and gentle mid-tones and comes in three gauges: 10s, 11s and 12s.
In the electric range new Nexus strings also have a black polymer coating over nickel alloy. This adds a lot of warmth compared to conventional nickel strings. There are two sets available here: 9s and 10s.
With fifty years of heritage and legions of fans worldwide, Rotosound take great care to ensure it’s strings live up to the Rotosound reputation. All the strings are manufactured using the finest quality raw materials and made to the strictest quality control standards. Every string is hand checked for consistency of winding, colour, feel and general quality before being passed, and only then is it worthy of carrying the Rotosound name.
For more information, please visit http://www.rotosound.com/
The MEATHEAD serves up a massive 6 course meal with 6 channels of meaty MIDI programmable tones. Everything from warm luscious clean tones, barking British raunch, corpulent singing lead tones to punishing modern high gain mayhem is at your command. Feature packed with a simple & intuitive layout for ease of use. Just like our other amps, it retains all the detail of your instruments and playing dynamics. The MEATHEAD is designed for emerging musical styles and pushing the boundaries of guitar amplification.
Each of the MEATHEAD channels has a Gain, Volume, 3 way Bright switch, Gain Boost switch, Voicing L/M/H switch, 3 band EQ (Bass, Midrange, Treble), Depth, and Presence controls. 2 Master volumes, Standby & Power switches, 4 — Bias controls with test points, 5 LOUDSPEAKERS jacks, MIDI IN and THRU connections, and 2 MIDI programmable FX Loops (each with the following controls: Send Level, Return Level, Series/Parallel switch, Level switch) complete the amplifier. The Bias controls are a powerful feature and tool for exploring more tonal possibilities with the MEATHEAD amplifier. You can mix and match different tube types together for an almost unlimited range of tones. The audio path is switched via 42 relays with no solid state inline for a true 100% all tube analogue signal path.
Chassis mounted components are wired, "flying lead" style, to a 1/8" thick, 4oz weighted FR4 PCB. All ceramic tube sockets, sealed stainless steel shafted pots, metal switches, metal jacks, custom designed precision wound power, choke and output transformers are mounted to a 1/8" brushed aluminum chassis. Front and back panels are clear anodized brushed aluminum with laser etched lettering that will not wear off. Housed in a 3/4" birch-ply enclosure, accented with custom black aluminum anodized metal grills and a 1/4" thick machined aluminum logo plate. Premium components are used throughout, combined with solid, reliable design that will last a lifetime.
Features & Specifications: - World Mains 100/110/120/220/230/240 VAC 50/60HZ
- Fully MIDI Programmable.
- 4 - BIAS locking pots and test points
- 8 - 12AX7s, 1 -12AT7, & 4 - Power tubes in any combinations of EL34, 6CA7, KT77, 6L6, 5881, KT66, 6550, KT88, KT90, KT100. Class-AB, 100 to 180 watts RMS
- Fully regulated DC preamp heaters for an ultra low noise floor
- Marriage of PCB and Point-to-Point assembly
For more information, please visit www.fortinamps.com
Created by Christian Hatstatt in collaboration with Kei Yatsuzuka, the Magneto brand was born and established in Matsumoto, Japan and was launched in April 2009. The Magneto concept is to make a new type of electric guitars using high grade & seasoned woods, custom wound pickups, custom hardware, bone nut materials etc. … and to avoid any type of mass production. It is an old world style of manufacturing where the guitars are built by real experienced luthiers.
Based on original designs, all instruments are handmade by some of the world's finest luthiers using the highest-grade materials under very strict controls on quality and integrity of build. All parts are made in the same area and same country. The only items imported are the woods, CTS Pots, CRL Switch and Switchcraft Output Jacks.
The first two Magneto models, the Sonnet and the T-Wave, have a traditional influence with improvements in design. An improved weight balance is achieved by having a lighter body shape and giving more mass to the vibrating neck areas. The result being a lighter yet more dynamic guitar. Both models feature American alder, Canadian maple and East Indian rosewood.
All pickups are custom wound to have the perfect match. For example, on the Sonnet Guitar, where both humbuckers and single pickups are used, a perfect output balance is experienced when switching from the humbucker to the single-coil. We us Alnico 2, 3, and 5 rods as well as enameled AWG 42 wire to make our pickups. The hardware is made to Magneto specs by Gotoh in Japan.
The first Magneto Sonnet and T-Wave guitars will be available in the course of the fall 2009.
For more information, please visit www.magnetoguitars.com
Gibson Custom has announced a guitar fit for every sharp dressed man, the Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates Limited Edition Les Paul Standard. And now you can own it. Billy Gibbons’ favorite axe has always been his beloved Pearly Gates – a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard with legendary angelic qualities. It has appeared on every track of every ZZ Top album to date, and sings with a “God-like voice” unlike any other guitar.
And now, the master craftsmen at Gibson Custom have recreated it in excruciating detail – right down to the last scratch and ding. Gibbons’ legendary Pearly Gates – a rare 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard – is like no other guitar in the world. The Gibson Custom Shop and Billy Gibbons himself took painstaking steps to make sure the replica of this sacred instrument is true to its every form. There are three different models, all in very limited quantities.
Gibbons was a young musician weaned on blues and rock in Texas. After years of listening to such greats as Eric Clapton, Gibbons began his search for his first Les Paul guitar. His search included a ’58 Flying V but the guitar that he was destined to find and nickname “Pearly Gates” was a ’59 Les Paul. It didn’t come to Gibbons right away but through a girlfriend, a thirties model Packard automobile and part in a movie. Gibbons notes that in the early days of the band they acquired a Packard automobile. It was a huge vehicle that caused a stir on the road. Not long after they acquired the vehicle one of their girlfriends needed a way to get to California to try out for a movie part. The band gave her the Packard to get there and the girlfriend got the part.
Thinking the car had special powers, they named it “Pearly Gates.” Later the girlfriend sold the car to a collector and sent the money to the band. The money arrived the same day Gibbons got an offer to buy an old guitar, a ’59 Sunburst Les Paul, he bought it. After calling the girlfriend to discuss the circumstances both agreed that the money went for a good cause and since it came from the Packard they decided to keep the name “Pearly Gates” for the guitar and the rest is history. Billy continues to make divine music to this day on the legendary instrument. The ’59 Gibson Les Paul is one of the most desirable guitars today.
The Billy Gibbons ‘Pearly Gates’ Les Paul Standard will be produced in a very limited quantity of only 350 guitars – 250 will receive Gibson Custom’s patented V.O.S. finish, 50 will be aged to look exactly like the original Pearly Gates, and another 50 will aged and personally signed and played by Gibbons himself.
The Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates with photo print signed/framed, COA in Pearloid with black stamped lettering, case sock with signature and Pearl Gates printed on front, case lid with silk screened signature has an MSRP of $25,882 USD. The Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates with COA signed, case sock with signature and Pearly Gates printed on front, case lid with silk screened signature has an MSRP of $15, 294 USD. The Billy Gibbons Pearly Gates with COA, printed signature, case sock with signature and Pearly Gates, case lid with silk screened signature has an MSRP of $11,176 USD.
NAMM SHOW 2009 Cont’d | Next |
 D.B. MusicalD.B. Musical’s booth featured a lot of interesting finishes, including this unusual granite-wrapped kit. | |||||||
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 Famous Drums Famous Drums' Turbine snare features internal blades of wood to eliminate excessive ring and to create a naturally compressed sound. | |||||||
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 GMS Revolution snares feature wood shells with sprayed metal on the inside and/or outside surfaces. | |||||||
