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Music Gear Review Archive - Maton TE-2 Yamaha P335 Simon & Patrick SP6 Aspen AW27S
Archive Files
2001-05-01

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This page is an archived page from the Music Gear Review database.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.

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Release

Roland AX-7 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Press Release

Building on the legendary design of the AX-1, the new AX-7 MIDI Keyboard Controller offers stage performers more freedom and expressiveness. Just strap it on and you're front-of-stage with the band. A host of controllers-including a D-Beamfopens up a new dynamic for live players, while the AX-7's attractive pearl white design looks great on stage. It's also very easy to use, thanks to a new LED display, expanded patch memory and GM2/GS compatibility. Features: Stage-oriented shoulder keyboard in attractive pearl white body 45-note velocity-sensitive keyboard-perfect for solos and bass lines Intuitive operation via new 7-segment LED display 5 realtime controllers: Data Entry knob, Touch Controller, Expression Bar, Hold button and light-sensing D-Beam 128 patches with data backup via MIDI 2 MIDI zones for independent control of Upper/Lower parts GM2/GS Compatible Battery or AC powered

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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.

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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.

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Release

Tech 21's Killer Wail Wah for Guitar and Bass !

Press Release

Tech 21’s Killer Wail pedal preserves the traditional wah circuit design and incorporates some new features to enhance its functionality. Designed for both guitar and bass, the Killer Wail offers a choice of three modes, providing a variety of curves for greater flexibility: the High mode moves the filter to the high range of the guitar; the Extended mode tunes the wah to cover the entire range of the guitar; and the Deep mode moves the filter down to accentuate the lower strings. Other features include a custom wound and potted humbucking inductor coil that cancels noise and reduces microphonics, while faithfully reproducing the saturation and harmonics of vintage wahs; and a bypass switch with an extra pole to remove the circuit load which can muddy and weaken the signal.

Built to last, the Killer Wail utilizes a superior quality switching mechanism in a cast metal, chrome-plated housing held together with a solid bolt. Operable with a 9V alkaline battery (not included) or optional power supply (Tech 21 Model #DC2). MSRP: $175.00. Tech 21, Inc., 333 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019. Tel: 212-315-1116. Fax: 212-315-0825. E-mail: info@tech21nyc.com.

Website: www.tech21nyc

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Release

Mackie HR-624 Studio Reference Monitors

Press Release

Mackie Designs Inc. (NASDAQ: MKIE), showed today their recently announced 6.7-inch, two-way high-resolution active studio reference monitor powered by the same Mackie Active Technology as the proven HR824. Complete with THX( PM3 Certification, the new HR624 delivers the same flat frequency response and wide dispersion as the HR824, in a smaller package that is ideal for surround sound or small production studios.

"The HR624 is essentially a smaller HR824. It has the same HF transducer, a cast zinc wave guide, dual FR Series power amplifiers, and like its bigger brother, an integrated rear-firing passive radiator to increase bass response," stated Keith Olsen, Director of Market Development, Recording Products. "The innovations developed for the HR824 helped Mackie to redefine the price vs. performance benchmark for studio monitors. The HR624 wraps these same innovations into a slightly smaller alternative-opening an even wider market to Mackie Active Technology."

The HR624 can be used as primary front L/R monitors with or without Mackie's new HRS120 Active Subwoofer (see press release November 14, 2001), or as rear channel sources for 5.1 and 7.1 surround systems. Each HR624 includes an individual, signed Calibration Certificate that guarantees its accuracy. In addition, the THX( PM3 certification assures that the HR624 will function as a completely neutral conductor and deliver consistently accurate results in small space mixing environments.

"The recent boom in multi-channel mixing for television, DVD and music, combined with the increasing availability of affordable high-quality products, means that more and more multi-channel mixing is occurring in small control rooms rather than high-priced dubbing stages," explains Mr. Olsen. "The HR624's compact size, flat response and affordable price make it ideal for everything from professional and home project studios to video, audio and post productions suites."

Like the HR824, the HR624 is a two-way, bi-amplified, active speaker system that incorporates an elliptical wave-guide for improved dispersion and Mackie's signature composite honeycomb, rear-firing passive transducer that provides bass extension to 49Hz (-3dB). High-quality components include a 6.7-inch (170mm) high-precision, extended LF transducer with cast magnesium frame and mineral-damped polypropylene cone. The 1-inch (24.5mm) aluminum liquid-cooled tweeter is the same used in the HR824. Both drivers are magnetically shielded.

Integrated FR Series amplifiers provide 100 watts to the woofer and 40 watts to the tweeter. Inputs include 1/4-inch XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced. Rear panel controls consist of Sensitivity, an 80Hz high-pass filter, -2 / 0 /+2 dB high frequency shelving filter, Acoustic Space control for optimizing bass output in various room placements, and the Auto On switch. The front panel provides a Standby/Mute switch along with power and overload LEDs.

The HR624 has a U.S. suggested retail price of $649.00 (each) and are currently on display at the 2002 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, January 17-20. The Mackie booth is located in the Anaheim Convention Center, booth #6766.

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Music Gear Reviews

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Maton

TE-2

Acoustic Guitars

Purchased new June 1999 $2100 AUD. Melbourne Australia Purchased it after visiting the Maton factory in Bayswater and trialling a bunch of acoustics before I made up my mind. The guys were very helpful in helping me decide.

Acoustic/Electric with cutaway, solid Queensland rock maple back and sides, AAA grade spruce top, AP5 series pickup. Exceptional midrange, mellow top end and not too boomy bottom Solid projection. Love the feel and the level of sustain. Getting better with age. Deep rosewood fingerboard is set off by blackwood "keyhole" headstock. For the money, competes on par with Taylor and Martin in sound and looks.



Overall quality is exceptional. Factory setting for the action was perfect for flatpick. Straight out of the box, and ready to play. Tuners keep real still under duress. Very slight kinks on spruce top near bottom edge.

Maton produce quality acoustic and electric guitars. They really are a work of art with the Australian timbers. Their acoustics are exceptional. I love my TE2 and it gets better with age.

5

Waterline

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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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Simon & Patrick

SP6

Acoustic Guitars

Purchased online from guitaroutpost.com for $299 with a case in November 1999. I bought this guitar while needing for upgrade to a good sounding acoustic for use in church worship.The construction is superb.This was a factory second. The flaw was a tiny gap in the binding. Talk about a picky manufacturer! The fit and finsh (even the interior is perfect). It has a solid cedar top. Special cherry laminate on sides and back. The sound is full and rich - well balanced. I did an A/B test with a Martin DM and the S&P6 sounds just as good with a better neck. The mahogany neck is perfect for me. On the thin side and 1 3/4 width makes finger picking a breeze. Perfect intonation up and down the neck.







This is as close as I can get to a Martin for half of the price.The cedar top is soft you must take care not to bump it.The unit is hand-crafted in Canada by the LaSiDo company (makers of Seagull guitars). This a cousin to the Seagull S6 but with Martin dreadnought shape. I don't understand how they can sell these so cheap. I played dozens of other guitars under $600. Nothing in the $300 range came close to the tone balance and feel of this guitar. The closest competition was the Martin DM and Larrivee D02. The Simon was the value choice at half the price. A hand-crafted guitar with case for $300? And it has great tone and super action? Look into the Simon and Patrick or Seagull guitars. As Acoustic Guitar magazine said This guitar seemed to have no limits. Try one and you will agree.

5

Steve Barrett

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Aspen

AW27S

Acoustic Guitars

I purchased this guitar from American Music Supply for $159US on special from their catalogue. I bought this instrument because of the advertised features - solid spruce top, bound neck, Grover tuners.

There was not much I liked about this unit. This guitar is made by Samick in Indonesia for AMS. The finish and workmanship were ok.

The setup (Valley Arts Music in LA) was terrible - strings rattled on the frets on all three guitars sent to me. One of the Grover tuners was defective on the first instrument I received and it was exchanged. The scond instrument I received was also defective and it was returned. The third (final) instrument had a badly warped neck and it was returned for a full refund. American Music Supply were extremely helpful throughout this ordeal and paid for the return of all three guitars and issued a timely refund. I contacted Samick (the manufacturer) here in LA and they were no help - couldn't care less and referred me to AMS.

The materials and workmanship were okay, the setup on all three guitars was terrible.

I was very disappointed in the manufacturer of this guitar (Samick). The vendor (AMS) exhibited excellent customer service and I would like to have bought a guitar from them. Also if this guitar is properly setup it is a very good buy for the price. The tone was quite good.

1

Jim Pepoon

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