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Feature NAMM Update: DigiTech GNX2 Amp Modeler Chris Bereznay Another great guitar product that DigiTech's product manager gave us a review of was the GNX2. This is a hybrid amp modeling and creation tool in a floor board design. The unit sounded great and the ability to match different aspects of different amps together to get "your" sound is sure to be appealing to many guitarists out there. DigiTech tells us: DigiTech proudly introduces the GNX2, the newest addition to the growing family of GENETX based products. GENETX technology gives you the ability to "warp" the characteristics of any 2 amp and cabinet models into a completely new "Hypermodel". Now you have the ability to create an entirely new amp/cabinet combination that is uniquely your own. To make this incredible tone shaping power even more flexible we have included Distortion Stompbox modeling. 10 of the most popular distortion stompboxes can be used in conjunction with any of the models and hypermodels, making the GNX2 the most complete guitar processing system to date. For individuals into digital recording, the GNX2 provides an S/PDIF digital output allowing direct connectivity to these devices. You may no longer need outboard effects processing with an extensive library of studio quality effects including the Talker, giving your guitar the ability to literally "say" what's on its mind. The GNX2 has 64 user and 64 factory presets as well as Learn-A-Lick and Rhythm Trainer practice tools. FEATURES DigiTech's Exclusive GENETX Technolgy 16 Amp Models Advanced CIT Cabinet Imaging Technology User HyperModel Creation Cabinet Tuning Distortion Stomp Box Modeling Acoustic Guitar Simulator S/PDIF Digital Output Dual Channel Amp Switching Extensive Library of Studio Quality Effects Dry Track Capability Full MIDI Implementation Learn-A-Lick Rhythm Trainer 24 bit A/D/A Converters 64 User/64 Factory Presets Chromatic Tuner GenEdit Editor/Librarian Software External Power Supply EFFECTS Pickup Simulation Wah Compression Whammy Intelligent Pitch Shifting Distortion Stompbox Modeling Amp Modeling Cabinet Modeling 3 Band Semi-Parametric EQ Noise Gate Auto Swell Pluck Gate Talker Chorus Flanger Triggered Flanger Phaser Triggered Phaser Tremolo Panner Rotary Speaker Vibrato YaYa AutoYa SynthTalk Envelope Filter Multiple Reverbs Detuner Pitch Shifter Mono Delay Analog Delay Ping Pong Delay Analog Pong Delay Release Roland GK-2B Bass Guitar MIDI Pickup Press Release Imagine a bass guitar processing system which can accurately model the world's most popular basses-everything from classic electrics to upright acoustic bass, fretless bass and more-and combine them with the sounds of the world's greatest bass amplifiers and polyphonic effects. That's the power of the Roland V-Bass, a floor-based processor which pairs breakthrough COSM® Bass technology and a new GK-2B Divided Pickup for Bass, taking bass guitar into bold new sonic dimensions. Features: Bass processing/modeling system which recreates a variety of bass, pickup, amp, speaker cabinet, mic and effects combinations COSM Bass technology models classic electric, acoustic, fretless and custom user-created basses using standard bass guitar with GK-2B Divided Pickup for Bass* Instant access to popular solid state and tube amp models, speaker cabinets, plus original amp models Unsurpassed bass effects include modeled wah, modeled overdrive/distortion, compression, delay, chorus, reverb and more Incredible synth bass sounds, polyphonic effects, wild sound effects and more Extremely intuitive operation w/ helpful operational graphics and icons Onboard expression pedal for realtime parameter control 1/4" bass input jack for direct access to amp modeling and non-polyphonic effects 4-string, 5-string and 6-string Select function for optimal results; 100 Preset and 100 User patches *This user-installable pickup is required for access to COSM Bass technology and polyphonic effects. Release Yamaha Introduces P120 Electronic Piano Press Release Yamaha Corporation of America, Digital Musical Instruments, introduces the 88-key, ultra compact P120 Electronic Piano. Equipped with a stunningly realistic piano sound, weighted action and built-in speaker system, the P120 is equally at home on a professional stage, in an educational or worship setting, or as an elegant addition to a contemporary living room. Two models, the P120 and P120S, each carry an MSRP of $1,395 and are currently available. "Previously, consumers who wanted a quality electronic piano at this price point would have to compromise features," states Athan Billias, marketing manager, Digital Musical Instruments. "The P120 and P120S not only feature the most sophisticated digital piano and sound reproduction technology Yamaha has to offer, they are also beautiful pieces of furniture." The P120 contains a liberal 64 notes of polyphony, and a selection of some of the best voices available today, including stereo sampled pianos, electric pianos, strings, harpsichord and organ. Dynamic stereo sampling, consisting of four separate layers of stereo samples at different velocities, provides realistic reproduction of volume and harmonics. Separate samples even reproduce subtle details, including the sound of the piano's key release and soundboard resonance when the damper pedal is pressed. A Graded Hammer (GH) effect keyboard provides an action that accurately emulates the touch of an acoustic piano. Integrated effects include chorus, delay, tremolo, and Yamaha's acclaimed reverb, which reproduces environments ranging from a small room to a large hall. Effects may be layered for additional warmth and ambiance. A two-track sequencer with fully adjustable tempo lets users record their performances, then play along or overdub a second voice. Different voices may be selected for left- and right-hand parts in "Split" mode; any two voices may be combined in "Layered" mode. The P120 may be enjoyed through the built-in stereo speakers or through the privacy of headphones. A PC MIDI interface allows the P120 to connect directly to a Macintosh or Windows computer with a serial port, as well as other MIDI port expansion products (such as the Yamaha UX256 USB MIDI interface). The low-profile, lightweight home-style cabinets are available in elegant traditional Mahogany grain on black (P120) or contemporary Cherry grain on silver (P120S) finishes. Accessories include a music stand, AC adapter and foot pedal which can emulate half pedaling and soft pedaling effects. An optional black or silver stand is available for an additional $100 MSRP. Release Yamaha v-Player Freeware Learning Tool Press Release YMH Digital Music Publishing, the business alliance forged several months ago by three of the biggest names in the music products industry, announces its first product: v-Player, a freeware software program developed by Yamaha Corporation that can be used to learn hundreds of music pieces available for purchase online. Yamaha v-Player software can be downloaded to a Windows-based PC from the company's website, www.yamahamusicsoft.com/vp, where hundreds of pieces of music are also available for $3.95 each. Once downloaded, the music selection can be viewed on a PC as an on-screen score and, at the same time, can be played through computer speakers to examine how the performance should sound. The user, playing along on his or her instrument, can even slow down the tempo or even loop a particular section of music to practice difficult passages. An animated star keeps the beat, moving from measure to measure in time with the melody. In addition, an animated instrument displays in time the exact notes to be played, graphically highlighting correct keys or fingering positions. Songs available online for v-Player include modern favorites like "A Whole New World" by Alan Menken and Tim Rice; whimsical delights like Randy Newman's "You've Got a Friend In Me" from the film Toy Story; classics like "It Might As Well Be Spring" by Rodgers and Hammerstein and "This Can't Be Love" by Rodgers and Hart; standards like Henry Mancini's "Moon River" or Duke Ellington's "It Don't Mean a Thing;" movie themes such as Nino Rota's "Love Theme" from The Godfather; classical compositions from Beethoven, Vivaldi and Dvorak; opera selections such as "Una Furtiva Lagrina" by Gaetano Donizetti; and current hits like Mariah Carey's "One Sweet Day." The Manhattan-based company is a joint venture between Yamaha Corporation, the world's largest musical instrument manufacturer based in Hamamatsu, Japan, and Milwaukee-based Hal Leonard Corporation and London-based Music Sales Group, the world's leading printed music publishers. The companies have joined together over the past several months to develop web-based digital music products intended for musicians and all music enthusiasts, transforming traditional sheet music into interactive digital music content that can greatly enhance the music education process through a personal computer. Initially, v-Player pieces are available for flute, piano and keyboard, but the company plans to make available hundreds of music pieces for other popular instruments such as alto saxophone, clarinet and trumpet over the next several months, particularly as more students take up their instruments this fall and winter. "The v-Player is more than just a tool; it's a fully interactive learning experience that will get more people involved in active music making, and help those who already play an instrument stay involved," says Seiichi Yamaguchi, manager of YMH Digital Music Publishing. "Being able to hear what a piece sounds like-being able to play along with accompaniment-adds immeasurably to the traditional practice experience. It makes learning and practicing music more fun than ever." According to Yamaguchi, Yamaha is working with its alliance partners to merge digital music content with the company's next-generation musical instruments, such as Clavinova digital pianos, portable keyboards and guitars. For more information about v-Player and YMH Digital Music Publishing, please contact the company at (646) 562-7660 or visit www.yamahamusicsoft.com. -END- YMH Digital Publishing is a joint venture between Yamaha Corporation, Hal Leonard Corporation and Music Sales Group dedicated to developing a range of innovative Internet-based products for professional musicians and music enthusiasts. Review Review: Slingerland Expresso Cocktail Drum Kit Steven Stix We’ve had a few drum kits come through the office here at MusicGearReview.com and although most of them have been entry level kits or electronic kits, we’re always amazed at the quality that companies are building into their sets. Whether it’s the hardware, stands, shells or heads it’s evident that today’s high quality choices for drummers make it a consumers market out there. Our latest adventure began with the arrival of a Slingerland Expresso kit from our friends at MusicYo.com. The Expresso kit is actually a cocktail kit, something that’s even more rare to see in percussion shops these days. As a matter of fact, when I visited the local drum shop to get a set of Paiste cymbals for this kit, the owner was amazed that I was looking for a cymbal set for a cocktail kit. He actually started to tell me that they are very rare and many are worth quite a bit of money these days – until I surprised him with the fact that it was a brand new kit from a reputable manufacturer like Slingerland! Putting the kit together took less than an hour and pretty soon I had the heads tuned up nice and tight and started working through some different cadences, beats and other percussive potpourri. To be totally honest, this was my first time on a cocktail set. I'm quite the aggressive drummer and the small size of the set made it move around a tad on the floor here of the test studio. Once we threw down a drum mat, though, things started to groove just nicely. One of the first things I noticed when beginning to test was the resonant quality of the floor tom, which as you can see from the picture above is what the kick pedal strikes in the absence of an actual kick or bass drum. Once I tuned the floor tom a little tighter though, some of the resonance went away and the drum provided a nice hard attack with less decay. It was now time to bring in the rest of the boys. Chris and Mike came in, cranked on the amps, and soon enough we were having a merry old time. We jammed to tunes from ACDC, Def Leppard and Metallica to Jimmy Buffett and John Mellencamp. I'm a big Kiss fan as well, so of course a few tunes from the makeup boys were in order. I felt like I was in the *ARMY* all over again. Finishing off the jam were a few rounds of 12 bar blues and whatever jazz we could muster up and fake. The Expresso kit performed well in all situations and none of us could believe the level of volume we were able to achieve. Of course, the Paiste 302’s didn’t hurt either. The drum kit held up well to this extended jam and several more that were held in the following days. About the only thing I had a problem with was going through sets of sticks – no fault of course to the Slingerland kit we were testing – we were just having too much fun! The last round of testing the kit endured was a miking experiment where we attempted to mic the Expresso kit for some digital recording. We used a Shure KSM27 condenser for the crash and ride cymbals and another close to the snare, tom and hi-hat. We then used a Shure SM57 for the floor tom. The results were surprising and very successful. If you’re looking for a small inexpensive kit to drive recording of acoustic drum sounds for a home or project recording studio, you just might want to consider this kit – as long as you don’t need advanced tones available with a more feature laden set. Bottom Line: For a price point of around $350, the Slingerland Expresso drum kit is a minor investment for a smaller set that will provide you years of enjoyment. The Expresso kit can literally fit in the corner of a small room and is the perfect jam set for you and your fellow musicians if you’re looking to keep a kit around to bang on. Don’t sell the Expresso kit short, though. You can attain serious volume levels from this set, probably enough to drive a gig at a small club. As mentioned above, you can also mic the kit for some great recording where you don’t need an entire drum kit with all of the bells and whistles or if you’re playing a larger venue and need to mic and run your skins through the PA. With the excellent construction and quality, the Slingerland Expresso kit provides a great value for drummers looking for something a little more portable or space hungry. Music Gear ReviewsGodin LG Acoustic Guitars I bought this guitar for $499.00 Canadian. I was looking for something that was different. Being in a band with a Strat and a Tele I thought that a humbucker equipped guitar would find a different place in the mix. This guitar was not my first choice. I had tried out a Jay Turser copy of a resoelectric. The Turser was a gas unplugged but just another cheap electric plugged in. When I returned to Musicstop in Halifax Nova Scotia I asked my guitar guru Brian Mitton for a recommendation. The LG was his answer. I wish that I'd had this guitar when I was 18. It is a very stable simple to use instrument. LaSiDo made their name manufacturing top of the line guitar necks in a little Quebec township and this shows in my instrument. I felt at home the minute I played my first barre chord. The tuners are first rate and seem geared a little lower for fine adjustments. Leastways they are smooth and easy to use. I find myself changing my tunings frequently from G to standard. Two Seymour Duncan Humbuckers are controled by a single volume and a surprisingly useful tone knob. Switching is accomplished by a five way Strat style that works very quietly between settings. The strings are held in place by a Gibson-style bridge and the strings pass through the body and are anchored in a brass plate on the back of the guitar. The body contours in very realistic comfortable ways and I have heard many positive comments on the transparent red finish. Nothing I'm afraid that I have fallen deeply in love with this guitar. It delivers on its promises. There is one thing - perhaps this is the never puts the toothpaste cap back on complaint in our relationship - I'd sure hate to be in a hurry to change a light guage string on this guitar. Trying to poke a .009 through the guitar is kind of like pushing a rope. This is my only complaint and I feel guilty making such a big deal out of it. I feel like I'm badmouthing a friend. Solid construction with a KISS (Keep It Simple...) ethic leads me to believe that LaSiDo sent spies to scan me so that they could build me my guitar. What can I say, we connected, I hope that she and my mom get along. 5 Chett Buchanan Taylor 314CE Acoustic Guitars I made my purchase in store at the guitar center (NJ). I spent 1300.00 after tax I found this model to have the sweetest tone and balance after playing the 414,614 both of which are considerably more money than the 314ce i purchased. nothing A well designed n solid guitar. It has all the attributes of a guitar costing much more. Play it n you'll love it 5 Michael M. Martin D-35 Acoustic Guitars I bought this guitar brand new in 1970 for $350, which also included the case. When I purchased it, Martin was just running out of their stock of Brazilian rosewood, (because of the fire) so mine is unique in that the back center panel and sides were made of the Brazilian and the other 2 back panels are Indian rosewood. The only thing I don't like about my D35 is that I wish at the time I purchased a D45 for a couple of hundred dollars more. I find that I'm partial to all the abalone and fancies. My guitar was constructed with the same excellent craftsmanship that all Martin's have. The only work I've done to my Martin was to hand sand the top braces to a scallop for more tone and power. To accomplish this I used my 1940 Martin 0018's braces as a sort of pattern. 4 Wayne |
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