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Music Gear Review Archive - Ibanez PF20-NS Taylor 814C Yamaha P335 Epiphone Les Paul Special Edition Classic Yamaha P335
Music Gear Review Archive - Ibanez PF20-NS Taylor 814C Yamaha P335 Epiphone Les Paul Special Edition Classic Yamaha P335

Archive Files

2001-05-01


This page is an archived page from the Music Gear Review database. It contains a snapshot of the articles and reviews that existed on this day.


Release

Roland XV-5050 64-Voice Synthesizer Module

Press Release

The XV-5050 64-Voice Synthesizer Module gives musicians access to Roland's flagship XV sound engine without breaking the bank. This space-saving 1U rack module offers four stereo Tones per patch, expressive Matrix Control and over a thousand inspiring Presets-expandable via high-quality SRX-Series Wave Expansion Boards. There are also three independent effects processors, digital outputs, plus a new USB port for easy connection to PCs. Don't compromise your sounds. Get the best for less! Features: Affordable, 64-voice synth module based on acclaimed XV-5080 synth engine Stereo 4-Tone architecture and Matrix Control for ultra-expressive sounds Includes all presets from XV-5080, select Fantom* patches and all-new sounds Front-panel USB port simplifies MIDI connection with USB-equipped PCs Superb sound quality: 24-bit D/A converters and S/PDIF digital outputs 24-bit reverb, plus chorus and 90 multi-effects including COSM® effects Expandable via two optional SRX-Series Wave Expansion Boards Convenient 1U rackmount design "Phantom" is a registered trademark of and is licensed by Phantom Guitar Works




Release

Dean Hardtail Limited Edition

Press Release

Dean Guitars introduces the Dean HardTail... the first guitar designed by Dean Zelinsky since his return last year. This guitar was 3 years in the making utilizing Dean¹s 20 plus years in the industry and all of the progress that had been made by others during his 12 year hiatus. After working with Ben Chafin, Dean¹s custom shop luthier, on the details and prototypes the new guitar design was ready to debut at the Summer 2001 NAMM show.

Only hand selected pieces of mahogany, with the highest quality of figured maple are chosen for the tops of the Dean HardTail. Only 100 USA made Dean HardTails will initially be offered, each hand signed and numbered by Dean Zelinsky. Chris Henderson of 3 Doors Down will be the first artist to receive the HardTail. He will receive the first two production models both with custom finishes and custom 3 Doors Down fingerboard inlays. Visit your local Dean dealer today to reserve yours!

The Dean HardTail Features: Scale Length 24-3/4", Nut Width 1-11/16", Highly Figured Carved Maple Top, Mahogany Body, Set Mahogany Quarter Sawn Neck, Custom Seymour Duncan Pickups, Grover Tuners, Nickel Hardware, Tune-O-Matic Bridge, Ebony Fingerboard, Wood Binding, Custom Abalone Inlays, 22 Jumbo Frets.

Colors: Classic Black, Transparent Amberburst, Transparent Braziliaburst, Transparent Cherry Sunburst, Transparent Emerald Green

Retail...$2795 with Case Options: Gold Hardware...$200

Dean Musical Instruments 15251 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 206 Clearwater, FL 33760

Ph. 727-519-9669

www.deanguitars.com




Release

Yamaha Compass CPX15AD Acoustic Electric Guitar

Press Release

The Art Deco style has long been considered the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance, and those qualities are on full display in the newest addition to the popular Yamaha Compass line, the CPX15AD Limited Edition acoustic/electric guitar. Using natural materials which include Abalone, Mother of Pearl and Turquoise, Yamaha's craftsmen have made yet another bold visual statement while maintaining the characteristics that make the Compass the choice of professionals: outstanding playability and tone, plus the sophisticated electronics to bring that tone to the audience in vivid detail.

"The Compass is unique among guitars in that it offers custom shop looks and features in a package that's accessible to the working musician," notes David Bergstrom, director of marketing, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Combo Group. "These instruments are at home on stage, in the studio, and in the collector's display case." Each of the 300 limited edition instruments will carry a certificate of authenticity.

The handmade CPX15AD starts with traditional materials, including a solid Spruce top over Rosewood back and sides, a Mahogany neck with an Ebony fingerboard, and an Ebony bridge. The clear natural finish, highlighted by Gold hardware and tasteful eye-catching inlays, make this limited edition a must-have for collectors and players looking for an unforgettable visual statement.

The CPX15AD succeeds beneath the surface, too. The Compass body shape is among the most comfortable in the business, and gives outstanding access to the entire neck, while the sophisticated combination piezo/microphone electronics system (with blender preamp) captures the guitar's natural tone.

"The Compass is one of the few guitars that can capture the eyes as well as the ears," says Gary Cook, product manager, Yamaha Guitars. "But the best part happens when you pick one up. These are truly 'players' guitars." The Compass CPX15AD retails for $2299, includes a professional hard shell case, and is currently available.




Release

Washburn Artists Take 'Control' - Puddle of Mudd Signed

Press Release

Washburn International is pleased to announce the signing of Flawless/Geffen/Interscope artists Puddle of Mudd. Puddle of Mudd consists of Wes Scantlin - Vocals & Guitar (NV100VS), Paul Phillips - Guitar (NV300VS), & Doug Ardito - Bass (AB34N).

"This guitar is the sh#!t… it sounds so natural plugged and it plays so easily." Wes Scantlin on the NV100.

The NV guitars are a result of skilled engineering applied to traditional materials to create the ultimate in professional-level acoustic guitars. They have no rival for live stage performances or studio use. The NV's body construction is made up of one piece of hollowed mahogany with a spruce top. The slim, fast electric style neck has a bolted neck joint with a, patent pending, locking pitch adjustment, and coverless truss rod adjustment access. The NV300 utilizes a customized electronics package developed in conjunction with Fishman Electronics, that features a magnetic neck pickup voiced for phosphor bronze strings. This is combined with the latest in under saddle piezo technology, a preamp with EQ, a notch filter, phasing and blending capabilities and Washburn's groundbreaking combination 1/4" pin and XLR jack, which controls the on-off power through either input. The NV100 utilizes a custom under saddle tape microphone with a BBand preamp, providing the ultimate in acoustic amplification. Both models have incredible intonation, a result of our long association with the Buzz Feiten Tuning System™.

Visit nvguitar.com and look for the NV100, NV300, & AB34 on tour with Puddle of Mudd this year.

For additional information about Washburn International, visit the company on the web at washburn.com, or call 800.877.6863. Washburn International is a leading manufacturer and distributor of fine musical instruments.




Release

Fender Dreadnoughts Added to "Grand Series"

Press Release

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) will add three models to its recently introduced and highly acclaimed Fender Grand Series acoustic guitars this winter, with the its very first Dreadnoughts, the Fender Grand Dreadnoughts GD-47S, GD-47SCE and GD-47S12. These models continue to build on the features that made the Grand Auditorium Series one of 2001’s best selling line of acoustic guitars: high quality workmanship and materials, stunning looks and exceptional playability.

“As with the previous Grand Series guitars we’ve introduced,” says Ron Kronewitter, marketing manager for Fender Acoustics, “our Grand Dreadnought models are the product of a collaborative effort between Fender and Guild designers. Our goal with this entire series is to create instruments that are designed for serious players of any ability, but affordable for players who have never had the opportunity to play instruments of this quality.”

Adds Kronewitter, “These guitars round out a truly great family of instruments. The reactions we’ve received on the Grand Series has been amazing, and we’ve gotten a lot of requests to add Dreadnoughts to the series. Now they’re available, and like the rest of the Grand Series they offer great playability, outstanding sound and value for guitarists.”

The GD-47S features is a non-cutaway acoustic Dreadnought guitar comprised of a solid, AA grade spruce top and solid rosewood back, and features a natural finish with tortoise shell binding. It features Fender’s special design low-mass bridge and Grover tuning machines. Unique abalone rosette position markers complete this guitar’s appointments. US MSRP is $864.99.

The acoustic/electric cutaway GD-47SCE Dreadnought guitar is comprised of a solid, AA grade spruce top and solid rosewood back with natural finish and tortoise shell binding. An exclusive Fender/Fishman Pickup System with Acceleromter and blend control is added to the GD-47SCE, which also features Fender’s special design low-mass bridge design and Grover tuning machines. Abalone position markers complete this guitar’s appointments. US MSRP is $964.99.

The GD-47S12 rounds out the new Grand Series offering with a 12-string Dreadnought guitar that rivals those with in much higher price ranges. The GD-47S12 is comprised of a solid, AA grade spruce top and solid rosewood back with natural finish and tortoise shell binding. Like the rest of the Dreadnoughts in the series, this 12-string features a low-mass bridge design and Grover tuning machines. Abalone position markers complete this guitar’s appointments. US MSRP is $814.99.




Music Gear Reviews




Ibanez

PF20-NS

Acoustic Guitars

I was looking for a cheap acoustic guitar I could take with me for a long trip to S. America. Found this in a Pawn Shop in Houston, TX. Paid $150 plus tax

For the price... It's got a really nice clear/crispy tone to it. Sounds better than others I've found at 4 or 5 times the price. Intonation is very good. Action is good. Looks really nice, too. Since I didn't pay too much for it, I didn't have to worry so much about it being destroyed by airline luggage apes. I can even let the kids play around with it without having to worry about them busting up a $2000 acoustic instrument. This would be an ideal beginner's guitar.

Seems that if I try to get any hard volume out of it, the 1st & second strings (E & B) seem to die-off quickly, i.e. little sustain on the high strings. I don't like the fact that I can't find out anything about this guitar from Ibanez by web or by phone. You always get pushed to somebody else who doesn't know any more than the last guy. There's no reference to this model number in the "blue-books" either

Spruce top. Mahagony back & sides. made in Korea in 92(?). It sounds like a solid-top, but I can't verify this with Ibanez.

Good tone. Good feel. Looks good. Low price. Great value for the price. Great beginner's guitar.

3

Tom S.




Taylor

814C

Acoustic Guitars

I was looking to invest in a fine guitar and Taylor's are simply sweet. They run about $1700+ if you pay cash. No guitar on the major market can match its clean, loud, rich tone.

Taylor's are increasingly respected for craftsmanship and playability. Not to mention beautiful.

No complaints.

All models have scalloped bracing (which is a good thing I'm told). There is a great variety of woods to choose from for specific tone qualities. They are a balanced instrument. Did I say they are sweet instruments?

Through and through a good buy. Guitar will only sound better with age. If you are looking for a classic acoustic and are willing to invest in a long-term guitar, go Taylor.

5

Brian




Yamaha

P335

Acoustic Guitars

I puchased this guitar at the Guitar Center, Nortern Blvd, Queens, NY for approximatly $200. I bought on the recomendation of my friend Stuart who is an avid player and owns many guitars, both acustic and electric. ( Stu has G.A.S. -guitar acuisition syndrom ) We played many different brands and models and we were looking for a good beginners guitar that I could grow into.

This guitar has good intonation. Volume was easily achieved without breaking a sweat. It also has a very nice finish, with mother of pearl inlay on the head stock.

It was not an acoustic/electric. The action was a little high, but Nieto, the repairman did a great job of setting it up once I was able to tell him how I wanted it. It also doesn't have a front strap pin, but I can live with it.

As previously remarked it is a well made guitar that I'm proud to pull out and play. ( to the best of my abilities )just a few burrs on the frett wires that Nieto filed down.

Although I'm a novice player, I know Ibought a great guitar at a great price. I practice nearly everyday till my fingers hurt and enjoy my yamaha to its fullest. As I get more accomplished I know I will be buying others but, just like losing your virginity...you'll always remember your first.

3

Joe Choina




Epiphone

Les Paul Special Edition Classic

Electric Guitars

For Christmas of 01' I started searhing for a new guitar because my old Peavy was falling apart after six years. Well, I couldn't find what I was looking for until me and a friend went up to Mars Music nearby. While there I start play a bunch of Gibsons and ESP's. When I left this guy that worked there told me to check out the web-site. Well I did found my guitar for 399.99, orderd it then went to pick it up.

The guitar is great!! It is just as good as a Gibson. It has a small, quick neck on it and very nice fretboard. The small space inbetween the frets makes it easy to bend. I love the tones you can get out the guitar!

The things wrong with the guitar are very minor. The tuners slip very easily, the toggle switch conectors were bad, the guitar didn't come with strap-locks, and the action was very low causeing a little fret-buz. I think that all guitar's should come with srtap locks. Everything but the tuners and getting it set-up has been taken care of.

The guitar was put together VERY VERY well. I've the guitar for five months and after jumping around the guitar has not a single blemish.

The guitar is no PRS but is just as good as the real thing for a fraction of the price. I give the guitar a 4 out of 5. Not a 4 because Epiphone could have spent 20 more bucks to put a nicer toggle switch in it. Overall a very very nice guitar.

4

Kellette




Yamaha

P335

Acoustic Guitars

I puchased this guitar at the Guitar Center, Nortern Blvd, Queens, NY for approximatly $200. I bought on the recomendation of my friend Stuart who is an avid player and owns many guitars, both acustic and electric. ( Stu has G.A.S. -guitar acuisition syndrom ) We played many different brands and models and we were looking for a good beginners guitar that I could grow into.

This guitar has good intonation. Volume was easily achieved without breaking a sweat. It also has a very nice finish, with mother of pearl inlay on the head stock.

It was not an acoustic/electric. The action was a little high, but Nieto, the repairman did a great job of setting it up once I was able to tell him how I wanted it. It also doesn't have a front strap pin, but I can live with it.

As previously remarked it is a well made guitar that I'm proud to pull out and play. ( to the best of my abilities )just a few burrs on the frett wires that Nieto filed down.

Although I'm a novice player, I know Ibought a great guitar at a great price. I practice nearly everyday till my fingers hurt and enjoy my yamaha to its fullest. As I get more accomplished I know I will be buying others but, just like losing your virginity...you'll always remember your first.

3

Joe Choina








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