Nashville Amp Show
Creation Audio Labs
Syndicate
Bio: Creation Audio Labs
Creation Audio Labs, Inc. manufactures high-end tone tools for musicians.
Guitar effects pedals, electronics and studio gear designed with true pro-audio specifications for guitar and bass.
With a worldwide reputation as leaders in restoring and modifying professional studio equipment, they are bringing pro-audio signal preservation and tone shaping to the guitar and bass market.
Creation Audio Labs™
Blow it out your amp!™
TONEDONKEYS.COM
PREVIEW: Tregan Guitars' New SyrenXT
PREVIEW: Tregan Guitars' New SyrenXT
The SyrenXT is the second generation Syren by Tregan Guitars. The new look of the XT features a two-tone paint job, Floyd Rose licensed tremolo, Grover tuners, black hardware, a passive/active switch, along with the built in powered preamp, and a more comfortable tapered back. In passive mode the Alnico humbuckers give smooth tones. The active mode adds more bite and enhances tone and harmonics. The XT has Tregan's fast neck with twenty-four frets, Syren Wing inlays, and deep cutouts for easy access to all twenty-four frets.
www.treganguitars.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
The SyrenXT is the second generation Syren by Tregan Guitars. The new look of the XT features a two-tone paint job, Floyd Rose licensed tremolo, Grover tuners, black hardware, a passive/active switch, along with the built in powered preamp, and a more comfortable tapered back. In passive mode the Alnico humbuckers give smooth tones. The active mode adds more bite and enhances tone and harmonics. The XT has Tregan's fast neck with twenty-four frets, Syren Wing inlays, and deep cutouts for easy access to all twenty-four frets.
www.treganguitars.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: Check-in and Rock Out with Gibson and Opryland Resort
NEWS FREQ: Check-in and Rock Out with Gibson and Opryland Resort
News tip from MMR…
Don’t fret if you are booking a trip to Nashville and don’t want to “check” your guitar on the plane. If you book a room at the Opryland Resort in Nashville Tennessee you could lease a Gibson or Epiphone guitar with headphone amp for $50. They have a huge assortment of artist model electrics and acoustics for your playing pleasure!
LINK: www.mmrmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=01DC1CD967B54ED3ACD5BD6D08AD6281
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
News tip from MMR…
Don’t fret if you are booking a trip to Nashville and don’t want to “check” your guitar on the plane. If you book a room at the Opryland Resort in Nashville Tennessee you could lease a Gibson or Epiphone guitar with headphone amp for $50. They have a huge assortment of artist model electrics and acoustics for your playing pleasure!
LINK: www.mmrmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=01DC1CD967B54ED3ACD5BD6D08AD6281
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut
PREVIEW: Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut
Parker Guitars has added the Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut to their line of electric guitars. Designed for the professional player, the Fly Mojo Single Cut brings a new single cutaway design to the Fly Mojo Series.
Parker engineers have designed the single cut series from the ground up, utilizing a solid mahogany body and mahogany neck joined together using Parker's multi-finger joint technology. The Fly Mojo Single Cut features Graph Tech Ghost Piezo Saddles on a TonePros bridge, a Seymour Duncan Jazz pickup in the neck, and a JB pickup in the bridge.
The Mojo Fly Single Cut is available in the following finishes: Black Burst; Black Cherry Sunburst; Dusty Black; Emerald Green; Galaxy Gray; Italian Plum; Majik Blue; Ruby Red; Trans Blue Burst; Trans Purple Burst; and White.
www.parkerguitars.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Parker Guitars has added the Parker Fly Mojo Single Cut to their line of electric guitars. Designed for the professional player, the Fly Mojo Single Cut brings a new single cutaway design to the Fly Mojo Series.
Parker engineers have designed the single cut series from the ground up, utilizing a solid mahogany body and mahogany neck joined together using Parker's multi-finger joint technology. The Fly Mojo Single Cut features Graph Tech Ghost Piezo Saddles on a TonePros bridge, a Seymour Duncan Jazz pickup in the neck, and a JB pickup in the bridge.
The Mojo Fly Single Cut is available in the following finishes: Black Burst; Black Cherry Sunburst; Dusty Black; Emerald Green; Galaxy Gray; Italian Plum; Majik Blue; Ruby Red; Trans Blue Burst; Trans Purple Burst; and White.
www.parkerguitars.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: Godlyke's Power-All Deluxe Kit
PREVIEW: Godlyke's Power-All Deluxe Kit
The PA-9 Power-All Deluxe Kit from Godlyke is a 2000 milliamp, single outlet power supply designed specifically for guitar effects users. The Power-All Deluxe Kit provides nine volts DC at 2000 milliamps – more than enough current to power dozens of effects pedals, including up to 4 Line 6 Modelers. The Power-All Deluxe Kit can power eleven pedals out of the box, and comes complete with a variety of jumper cables that allow connection of phone plug, reverse polarity, digital, and battery-only pedal types. The new 18-gauge output cable allows for longer power runs without an extension cord. The Power-All's special circuit design is said to offer the lowest noise floor of any digital power supply on the market. The PA-9 now comes with a ferrite-core filter built onto its output cable to further reduce noise and hum. The PA-9 automatically converts any input voltage from 100-240 VAC to 9 VDC, allowing it to be used anywhere around the world. The Power-All features professional-grade construction and comes with a lifetime warranty.
www.godlyke.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
The PA-9 Power-All Deluxe Kit from Godlyke is a 2000 milliamp, single outlet power supply designed specifically for guitar effects users. The Power-All Deluxe Kit provides nine volts DC at 2000 milliamps – more than enough current to power dozens of effects pedals, including up to 4 Line 6 Modelers. The Power-All Deluxe Kit can power eleven pedals out of the box, and comes complete with a variety of jumper cables that allow connection of phone plug, reverse polarity, digital, and battery-only pedal types. The new 18-gauge output cable allows for longer power runs without an extension cord. The Power-All's special circuit design is said to offer the lowest noise floor of any digital power supply on the market. The PA-9 now comes with a ferrite-core filter built onto its output cable to further reduce noise and hum. The PA-9 automatically converts any input voltage from 100-240 VAC to 9 VDC, allowing it to be used anywhere around the world. The Power-All features professional-grade construction and comes with a lifetime warranty.
www.godlyke.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
NEWS FREQ: Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing on Pedals
NEWS FREQ: Visual Sound's Stimulus Pricing on Pedals
News tip from MMR…
Visual Sound has announced new lower prices on six models in their V2 Series line of effect pedals. The new pricing will remain in effect until the current economic crisis is over. According to Bob Weil, president of Visual Sound, "We recognize that although all of our pedals are reasonably priced, they're still a bit expensive for a lot of musicians during these difficult times. Now, we are offering four models for under $100, along with all our other V2 Series pedals that are still within reach of most guitar players."
The pedals affected by the stimulus pricing* are:
Son of Hyde (distortion) - $99.95
Route 808 (overdrive) - $99.95
Comp 66 (compression) - $99.95
Angry Fuzz (fuzz octave) - $119.95
Liquid Chorus (chorus) - $119.95
Double Trouble (dual overdrive) - $149.95
In addition, Visual Sound has two brand new models that are also priced to fit the budget:
Truetone (clean boost) - $99.95
Open Road (overdrive) - $119.95
LINK: www.visualsound.net
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
News tip from MMR…
Visual Sound has announced new lower prices on six models in their V2 Series line of effect pedals. The new pricing will remain in effect until the current economic crisis is over. According to Bob Weil, president of Visual Sound, "We recognize that although all of our pedals are reasonably priced, they're still a bit expensive for a lot of musicians during these difficult times. Now, we are offering four models for under $100, along with all our other V2 Series pedals that are still within reach of most guitar players."
The pedals affected by the stimulus pricing* are:
Son of Hyde (distortion) - $99.95
Route 808 (overdrive) - $99.95
Comp 66 (compression) - $99.95
Angry Fuzz (fuzz octave) - $119.95
Liquid Chorus (chorus) - $119.95
Double Trouble (dual overdrive) - $149.95
In addition, Visual Sound has two brand new models that are also priced to fit the budget:
Truetone (clean boost) - $99.95
Open Road (overdrive) - $119.95
LINK: www.visualsound.net
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: New Guitar Straps from Planet Waves
PREVIEW: New Guitar Straps from Planet Waves
TONE FREQ REVIEW – Planet Waves Headstock Tuner
TONE FREQ REVIEW – Planet Waves Headstock Tuner
Planet Waves have been leading the way in terms of guitar gizmos and accessories; however they were late in the “clip-tuner” game. Their first entry in the market is a true winner. Clip tuners are a great way to get tuned up backstage before a show or for use for an acoustic singer/songwriter gig. When I use clip tuners at a gig I have to remove it due to the tuner rattling around on stage and looking rather clunky (then I misplace them). The Planet Waves Headstock Tuner’s compact and lightweight design doesn’t make it stand out like a sore thumb when using it on stage. The tuner’s sensitive piezo transducer tuning was accurate (even in a noisy rehearsal room) and thanks to the nice backlit LCD display it was also very easy to read! The clip clamps firmly onto your headstock and I am pretty confident if I were to do some jumps or guitar throws it would remain clinging on the headstock! If you don’t have a headstock tuner yet this would be a great buy. If you already have one and hate how it performs or don’t like how bulky it is this one is a real upgrade.
VERDICT: AWESOME!
High points: Compact, easy to read display and accurate
Low points: None
LINK: store.daddario.com/category/152540/Headstock_Tuner
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts JonesWorld and Michael James. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading guitar company. Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Planet Waves have been leading the way in terms of guitar gizmos and accessories; however they were late in the “clip-tuner” game. Their first entry in the market is a true winner. Clip tuners are a great way to get tuned up backstage before a show or for use for an acoustic singer/songwriter gig. When I use clip tuners at a gig I have to remove it due to the tuner rattling around on stage and looking rather clunky (then I misplace them). The Planet Waves Headstock Tuner’s compact and lightweight design doesn’t make it stand out like a sore thumb when using it on stage. The tuner’s sensitive piezo transducer tuning was accurate (even in a noisy rehearsal room) and thanks to the nice backlit LCD display it was also very easy to read! The clip clamps firmly onto your headstock and I am pretty confident if I were to do some jumps or guitar throws it would remain clinging on the headstock! If you don’t have a headstock tuner yet this would be a great buy. If you already have one and hate how it performs or don’t like how bulky it is this one is a real upgrade.
VERDICT: AWESOME!
High points: Compact, easy to read display and accurate
Low points: None
LINK: store.daddario.com/category/152540/Headstock_Tuner
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Aljon Go is considered to be a “pedal junkie” by his peers often asked for advice when building pedal boards. He toured the world with his award winning band Mink and was the artist relations/marketing pro for a musical accessory company. He currently spends his time bringing new and exciting tones to regional acts JonesWorld and Michael James. He is also host of the long running “Local Buzz” radio show in Nashville and product specialist for a leading guitar company. Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: Paul Gilbert’s Fireman by Ibanez
PREVIEW: Paul Gilbert’s Fireman by Ibanez
Paul Gilbert, a longstanding Ibanez endorser, submitted the plans for his new custom guitar to the Ibanez L.A. Custom Shop in 2007.
For this particular model, Paul took a stock photo of the Ibanez "Iceman" model and turned it upside down using image editing software. He then tweaked the design further, for better playability and balance. This model was to be a radical departure from any of his previous signature models. Soon after Paul received the finished guitar, it quickly made its way on to recordings and stages all over the world. It was originally called the "Reverse Iceman", but soon took on the nickname of "Fireman" due to its opposite nature to the "Iceman".
In 2008, the Paul Gilbert "Fireman" quickly became a hot topic among fans, creating demand for a production version.
In 2009, Ibanez decided to release a limited number of "Fireman" guitars in tribute to Paul's adventurous creation.
LINK: www.ibanez.com/images/contentEntries/2555/Fireman/index.html
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Paul Gilbert, a longstanding Ibanez endorser, submitted the plans for his new custom guitar to the Ibanez L.A. Custom Shop in 2007.
For this particular model, Paul took a stock photo of the Ibanez "Iceman" model and turned it upside down using image editing software. He then tweaked the design further, for better playability and balance. This model was to be a radical departure from any of his previous signature models. Soon after Paul received the finished guitar, it quickly made its way on to recordings and stages all over the world. It was originally called the "Reverse Iceman", but soon took on the nickname of "Fireman" due to its opposite nature to the "Iceman".
In 2008, the Paul Gilbert "Fireman" quickly became a hot topic among fans, creating demand for a production version.
In 2009, Ibanez decided to release a limited number of "Fireman" guitars in tribute to Paul's adventurous creation.
LINK: www.ibanez.com/images/contentEntries/2555/Fireman/index.html
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
PREVIEW: Graph Tech’s ResoMax Harmonic Bridge
PREVIEW: Graph Tech’s ResoMax Harmonic Bridge
Electric guitarists can now easily upgrade any guitar with a Tune-O-Matic bridge for better performance and sound thanks to the new ResoMax™ Harmonic Bridge System made by Graph Tech Guitar Labs, the world’s largest guitar nut and saddle manufacturer.
Each bridge contains Graph Tech’s proven performance String Saver Saddles™ in a Tune-O-Matic bridge. The base of the ResoMax Bridge is made from a high strength, light weight alloy designed to maximize harmonic content. More harmonics means more richness and sizzle in every note you pick or strum. The patented String Saver material will greatly reduce or eliminate string breakage and improve tuning performance for your electric guitar. The ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System is an unbeatable combination of materials that will improve your guitar’s tone, performance and, ultimately, your guitar playing experience.
Every String Saver Saddle is impregnated with Teflon™. A string resting on a metal saddle binds and locks the string in place. As the string vibrates it stresses the string on a very specific point and produces metal fatigue and then string breakage. The Teflon in String Saver eases the grip between the saddle and string, spreading the stress over a greater portion of the string, just enough to dramatically reduce string breakage. The difference can be dramatic.
String Saver Saddles are factory installed by: Schecter, Carvin, Peavey and Fender Custom Shop. You owe it to yourself to hear and feel the difference; it will dramatically improve the way your electric guitar performs and change the way you play.
”We are excited to make the ResoMax Bridge for the guitar industry. There is a lot of tone and harmonics locked up in every guitar that can be accessed with the ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System,” says Dave Dunwoodie President of Graph Tech Guitar Labs. “The combination of the super light alloy of the bridge, combined with the String Saver Saddle technology is an easy to install product that really does improve guitar tone and harmonic content while virtually eliminating string breakage.”
The tone of your guitar directly influences the way you play. Whether each note is rich in harmonic content or flat and lifeless, the sound of each note effects how you pick, strum, and phrase your playing. Also, having the confidence in knowing that your strings will hold up no matter how hard you play lets you concentrate on playing and staying in the moment, not worrying if you are going to break a string. Having your guitar perform to its maximum potential lets you perform to your maximum potential.
The Graph Tech ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System MSRP is $89.95 and is available at www.graphtech.com as well as from your favorite music retailer.
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Electric guitarists can now easily upgrade any guitar with a Tune-O-Matic bridge for better performance and sound thanks to the new ResoMax™ Harmonic Bridge System made by Graph Tech Guitar Labs, the world’s largest guitar nut and saddle manufacturer.
Each bridge contains Graph Tech’s proven performance String Saver Saddles™ in a Tune-O-Matic bridge. The base of the ResoMax Bridge is made from a high strength, light weight alloy designed to maximize harmonic content. More harmonics means more richness and sizzle in every note you pick or strum. The patented String Saver material will greatly reduce or eliminate string breakage and improve tuning performance for your electric guitar. The ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System is an unbeatable combination of materials that will improve your guitar’s tone, performance and, ultimately, your guitar playing experience.
Every String Saver Saddle is impregnated with Teflon™. A string resting on a metal saddle binds and locks the string in place. As the string vibrates it stresses the string on a very specific point and produces metal fatigue and then string breakage. The Teflon in String Saver eases the grip between the saddle and string, spreading the stress over a greater portion of the string, just enough to dramatically reduce string breakage. The difference can be dramatic.
String Saver Saddles are factory installed by: Schecter, Carvin, Peavey and Fender Custom Shop. You owe it to yourself to hear and feel the difference; it will dramatically improve the way your electric guitar performs and change the way you play.
”We are excited to make the ResoMax Bridge for the guitar industry. There is a lot of tone and harmonics locked up in every guitar that can be accessed with the ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System,” says Dave Dunwoodie President of Graph Tech Guitar Labs. “The combination of the super light alloy of the bridge, combined with the String Saver Saddle technology is an easy to install product that really does improve guitar tone and harmonic content while virtually eliminating string breakage.”
The tone of your guitar directly influences the way you play. Whether each note is rich in harmonic content or flat and lifeless, the sound of each note effects how you pick, strum, and phrase your playing. Also, having the confidence in knowing that your strings will hold up no matter how hard you play lets you concentrate on playing and staying in the moment, not worrying if you are going to break a string. Having your guitar perform to its maximum potential lets you perform to your maximum potential.
The Graph Tech ResoMax Harmonic Bridge System MSRP is $89.95 and is available at www.graphtech.com as well as from your favorite music retailer.
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
TONE FREQ REVIEW - Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo
TONE FREQ REVIEW - Stetsbar Pro II Tremolo
Adding a tremolo onto a Gibson guitar can be a very daunting process and is not one for the faint-of -heart. I wanted a tremolo that would require no drilling or routing of my precious guitar. When researching options I stumbled upon a company called Stetsbar. Founder/inventor Eric Stets who’s Stetsbar allows for a non-evasive installation seemed to be the perfect solution. After speaking with Eric over the phone I ordered a Stetsbar Pro II for my Flying V. After receiving it I was able to install easily. After stretching the strings out and using some GHS GraphitAll on the nut the guitar stayed remarkably in tune. The tremolo pitches were on par to the bends found on a Bigsby but wasn’t as springy feeling.
Even though the Stetsbar Pro II is not designed for hardcore divebombs like that of a Floyd Rose or Kahler I tried doing some crazy bends and dives on it and it performed pretty well. Of course the strings didn’t spring back in perfect tune but that was to be expected. What I really dig about the system is that you could drop in the Stetsbar Pro II in place of the stoptail piece and tune-o-matic bridge with no problems. If you want to return the guitar back into its original configuration it’s easy to do! The smooth accuracy of the floating trem is great allowing Duane Eddy-esque effects a la the “Peter Gunn” without the worry of breaking the strings and having it all go out of whack.
If you are looking for an easy way to add a tremolo onto a Gibson style guitar without the mess of having to drill holes or route out the body the Stetsbar Pro II is the way to go!
For more information, please visit www.stetsbar.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.
Adding a tremolo onto a Gibson guitar can be a very daunting process and is not one for the faint-of -heart. I wanted a tremolo that would require no drilling or routing of my precious guitar. When researching options I stumbled upon a company called Stetsbar. Founder/inventor Eric Stets who’s Stetsbar allows for a non-evasive installation seemed to be the perfect solution. After speaking with Eric over the phone I ordered a Stetsbar Pro II for my Flying V. After receiving it I was able to install easily. After stretching the strings out and using some GHS GraphitAll on the nut the guitar stayed remarkably in tune. The tremolo pitches were on par to the bends found on a Bigsby but wasn’t as springy feeling.
Even though the Stetsbar Pro II is not designed for hardcore divebombs like that of a Floyd Rose or Kahler I tried doing some crazy bends and dives on it and it performed pretty well. Of course the strings didn’t spring back in perfect tune but that was to be expected. What I really dig about the system is that you could drop in the Stetsbar Pro II in place of the stoptail piece and tune-o-matic bridge with no problems. If you want to return the guitar back into its original configuration it’s easy to do! The smooth accuracy of the floating trem is great allowing Duane Eddy-esque effects a la the “Peter Gunn” without the worry of breaking the strings and having it all go out of whack.
If you are looking for an easy way to add a tremolo onto a Gibson style guitar without the mess of having to drill holes or route out the body the Stetsbar Pro II is the way to go!
For more information, please visit www.stetsbar.com
Freq’n out? E-mail Aljon: tonefreq(at)gmail(dot)com.