Gear

Review: Jackson X Series King V KVXMG and Rhoads RRXT

Paul Riario — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:08:29 +0000

This video related to the March 2012 issue of Guitar World. For the full text and tablature for the column, you can pick up the issue of newsstands now or in our online store.

In the following video, Guitar World's Paul Riario takes a look at the next X series guitar from Jackson, including new signature models for Kerry King and Randy Rhoads.

For all of the March 2012 videos, head here.

Interview: Zakk Wylde Discusses Gibson's New Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul Guitar

Damian Fanelli — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:34:46 +0000

Gibson has introduced a new Zakk Wylde signature-model guitar -- the Zakk Wylde Vertigo Les Paul.

The model is significant because it's closer to what Wylde had in mind when he initially planned what turned out to be his famous Bullseye design.

"When I first got to LA, I had that cream Les Paul, which is an amazing-sounding fiddle," Wylde said last week. "So I had the blond hair and the cream Les Paul -- and it was gonna look like a Randy Rhoads tribute band when I get up there with Ozzy.

"So I wanted to get something painted on it. Eddie Van Halen had the stripes and Randy had the polka dots.

"I saw the poster from Vertigo, the Alfred Hitchcock movie, and thought that would be fucking awesome. So I explained it to my buddy Max, who ended up doing Slash's guitar, but when I went down there for the photo shoot, I opened up the case and saw the Bullseye logo. I said, 'Dude, what the fuck?' I had drawn it on a piece of paper and everything, but it was too late anyway. So we did the photo shoot, and the rest is history.

"So then I saw the Vertigo logo again just recently, and I said, "You know, I'm just gonna get this fucking thing done.' It came out cool.

"So there's the Buzzsaw, the Bullseye and the Vertigo -- which is like a Bullseye, but 21st-century-style."

The new guitar features a mahogany body, maple LP custom binding on top and back and a '50s maple neck in natural satin, topped with a maple, acrylic block inlays and white binding fingerboard. It has EMG-85/EMG-81 pickups, chrome hardware with Grover kidney keys, multi-ply binding and a split-diamond-inlays headstock.

Gibson.com doesn't have any details on the new model just yet, but they're coming soon.

Additional Content

Review: Traynor DH25H QuarterHorse MicroAmp

Paul Riario — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:54 +0000

This video related to the March 2012 issue of Guitar World. For the full text and tablature for the column, you can pick up the issue of newsstands now or in our online store.

In the following video, Guitar World's Paul Riario looks at Traynor's DH25H QuarterHorse MicroAmp. The QuarterHorse features two channels, 25 watts of output at eight ohms and built-in effects.

For all of the March 2012 videos, head here.

NAMM 2012 Video: Dean Guitars Dimebag Concrete Sledge ML Model

Damian Fanelli — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:34:34 +0000

Guitar World visited the Dean Guitars booth -- a few times, actually -- during last week's 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to get the lowdown on the latest Dean gear.

In the video below, we check out the new Dimebag Concrete Sledge ML guitar.

Actually, you'll notice Dimebag's original ML hanging on the wall. That guitar, of course, was the inspiration for the new Sledge model. The new version features an exact rendering of Dime's colorful airbrush job. It's got everything but the Kiss sticker!

Check out the video below for more about this guitar.

For a closer look at the guitar, head here -- and be sure to visit Dean Guitars online.

Also, don't forget to catch up on all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

Additional Content

NAMM 2012: Celestion Introduces G12M-65 Creamback, High-Power Vintage Guitar Speaker

Damian Fanelli — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:36:56 +0000

Guitar World stopped off at the Celestion booth last week during the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to speak to John Paice about the company's new offerings, including the G12M-65 Creamback speaker.

The G12M-65 Creamback has the look and sound of a vintage G12M, yet it delivers some big power, easily handling the needs of modern amps.

The G12M -- also known as the Greenback -- is considered the definitive vintage Celestion ceramic magnet guitar speaker. The speaker, which was developed in the mid-'60s. was adopted by players like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who typified the louder, more aggressive blues-rock styles that came to characterize that era.

The new G12M-65 Creamback produces that familiar, woody G12M tone, but handles greater power making it ideally suited for today’s amps, when a vintage tone is desired. The increased power handling brings with it low end grunt that complements the warm and vocal mid range, crunchy upper-mids and sweet, refined highs.

Additional Content

NAMM 2012 Video: T-Rex Effect Pedals, Including Gull Wah, Hobo Drive and Tonebug Series

Damian Fanelli — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:49:18 +0000

Guitar World visited the T-Rex booth at last week's 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to check out the company's new offerings for 2012.

The new gear includes the multi-featured Gull Wah, the Hobo Drive overdrive pedal and four new Tonebug pedals, including a reverb, phaser, chorus/flanger and distortion (AKA the Totenschläger).

For more about T-Rex, visit the company's official website. And don't forget to catch up on all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

NAMM 2012 Video: New VOX Gear, Including Delay Lab, Hand-wired Wah, AC4C1 Amp and AC4 Hand-wired Amp

Damian Fanelli — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:57:19 +0000

Here's Brian Gabriel from VOX Amplification showing off several new products at the VOX Tone booth at the 2012 Winter NAMM show last week.

New VOX gear includes the Delay Lab pedal, which offers 30 presets and a 28-second looper (There's so much more to say about the Delay Lab; to read more about it -- and see another video -- head here); the Hand-wired Wah, which offers lots of fine mid-range tones; the AC4C1 amp in Blue; the AC4 Hand-wired amp and the Tony Bruno TB18 amp.

For more info about most of these products, watch the video below. For more about the 2012 VOX offerings, check out their official website.

And don't forget to catch up on all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

NAMM 2012: DV Mark Unveils 6 New Effect Pedals, Including DV Fuzzer and Mini Boost

Damian Fanelli — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:36:44 +0000

DV Mark, an Italy-based manufacturer of guitar amplifiers and effect pedals, unveiled six -- yes, six -- new effect pedals last week at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California.

Like everything else DV Mark makes, the pedals are 100 percent constructed in Italy with passion and careful attention to thousands of details.

Here's a rundown of the six new pedals; be sure to check out the photo gallery below. For more about DV Mark's pedals and amps, visit their official website.

From DV Mark:

DV7 Booster: Every guitarist has use for a clean boost and EQ pedal — don't let your pedal board be without one. The DV7 BOOSTER pedal has a relatively compact design and combines a clean Boost (very handy for helping you stand out when taking a solo or driving an amp into overdrive) with a 7-band graphic EQ to tailor your guitar tone. 7-band EQ and clean boost, runs on 9 or 12V or 9V battery.

DV7 Distorsore: This flexible compact distortion pedal with 7-band EQ allows you to tailor your distorted sound to any musical situation. The DV7 DISTORSORE combines a wide range of distortion sounds, from natural sweet overdrive to very aggressive distortion, with a 7-band graphic EQ ranging from 50Hz to 4kHz which is ideal for precise adjustment of your distorted guitar sounds. Distortion pedal with 7-band graphic EQ to customize your distortion sound, runs on 9 or 12V or 9V battery.

DV Fuzzer: The Fuzz changed guitar tone forever in the 1960/70s thanks to The Stones, The Who, Hendrix and other guitar heroes of that era, so it was inevitable that we would add a FUZZ to the DV Mark pedal line. In the DV Fuzzer we created an intense sounding pedal with harmonic-rich tone and sustain. Like all of our pedals we've included True Bypass circuitry so that your tone is preserved when the pedal is off. The Volume, Sustain and Tone controls give you the ability to dial in the exact fat fuzz or wild rock sound you’re looking for! Ultra-compact distortion pedal, includes two tone filters. Fuzz distortion with tone and sustain control, runs on 9 or 12V or 9V battery.

DV Mini Boost: The DV Mini Series of pedals from DV Mark is made to the same high quality level as our standard effect line, but uses an ultra-compact, lightweight chassis. Smaller than other stompboxes, these incredible-sounding pedals will fit onto even the most crowded pedal boards, and the 9-12V power requirement means you can use them with any standard power supply. Ultra-compact clean boost and VPF (Variable Preshape Filter -- boosts lows and highs and cuts mids) pedal. Runs on 9V or 12V.

DV Mini Dist: The DV Mini Series of pedals from DV Mark is made to the same high quality level as our standard effect line, but uses an ultra-compact, lightweight chassis. Smaller than other stompboxes, these incredible-sounding pedals will fit onto even the most crowded pedal boards, and the 9-12V power requirement means you can use them with any standard power supply.

DV Mini Drive: The DV Mini Series of pedals from DV Mark is made to the same high quality level as our standard effect line, but uses an ultra-compact, lightweight chassis. Smaller than other stompboxes, these incredible-sounding pedals will fit onto even the most crowded pedal boards, and the 9-12V power requirement means you can use them with any standard power supply Ultra-compact overdrive pedal, with drive and tone controls.

Stay tuned for more news about the new amps DV Mark unveiled at the NAMM show last week.

NAMM 2012 Video: Ibanez JEM70V Steve Vai Jem Guitar

Damian Fanelli — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:48:07 +0000

Last week, we visited the Ibanez booth at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to get a good look at the company's new offerings.

Among them was the Ibanez JEM70V Steve Vai guitar.

The guitar, which comes in a beautiful Sea Foam Green finish ("A color that Steve is very fond of"), features a cool Tree of Life neck inlay. Despite its good looks, it's actually the most affordable Jem model that Ibanez makes, with a street price of around $1,399.

For more about this particular Vai/Jem model, be sure to watch the video below and check out the guitar's page on Ibanez's official website.

Be sure to catch up on all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

Additional Content

NAMM 2012 Video: EVH Wolfgang Guitars and 5150-III Amps

Damian Fanelli — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:43:49 +0000

The guys from Guitar World visited the EVH booth at last week's Winter NAMM show to see what's new for 2012.

Most of the updates include EVH's Wolfgang USA series of guitars and the 5150-III amp. The Wolfgang now offers flame maple tops, plus ebony fingerboards on five of the eight available models. They're all available with Floyd Rose or double-locking hard-tail.

For more about the guitars -- plus lots of info about the amp -- be sure to check out the video below.

For more about EVH, visit their official website. And be sure to check out all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

Additional Content

NAMM 2012: Ovation Launches Two New Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Guitars

Josh Hart — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:15:57 +0000

This past week, Ovation announced the release of two new signature Viper models designed by and for Yngwie Malmsteen. The two models will come in two colors, white and Rosso Corsa Red, which Ovation points out matches one of Yngwie's favorite Ferraris.

From Ovation: As long time Ovation endorsee, Yngwie has incorporated many Ovation models into his live performances and recordings over the past 25 years – including the stage-friendly Viper.

Yngwies new signature Vipers, models YM68 (steel string) and YM63 (nylon string), feature a solid chambered Mahogany body, 5 piece Mahogany and Maple necks, and preamp circuitry specially designed to deliver natural acoustic tone with absolutely no feedback – even at the most high-level stage volumes.

True to Yngwie’s personal playing preferences, the steel string Viper also has a hand scalloped fingerboard which creates less friction between the wood and the string when bending notes or adding vibrato. A light touch is all you need to play fast and articulate riffs with less effort than non-scalloped fretboards.

NAMM 2012 Video: Ibanez Mick Thomson Signature Model Guitars

Damian Fanelli — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:00:15 +0000

Guitar World visited the Ibanez booth at last week's Winter NAMM show to see two versions of their new Mick Thomson Signature model guitars.

Slipknot are headlining the Mayhem Festival this summer, and Thomson will actually be using the Black version of the guitar with the awesome "Seven" inlay. It features a neck-through design and Seymour Duncan pickups. On the left in the video is a Blood Red "budget" version of the model.

Check out the photos in the gallery below, and be sure to watch the video for more info.

For more about Ibanez, check out their official website. And be sure to check out all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

Photos: Cindy Moorhead

Additional Content

NAMM 2012 Video: ENGL Gigmaster 30 Amp

Damian Fanelli — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:25:54 +0000

Guitar World paid a visit to the ENGL booth at the 2012 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, to check out some new amps -- including the Gigmaster 30 head and cabinet.

In this video, guitarist AC Alexander of Warrior and Lizzy Borden does the playing as Michael Berger of ENGL does the talking, dishing out details about the Gigmaster 30.

The amp features a 12-inch Celestion Super 65 speaker, plus reverb and two channels. For a lot more info (and some great playing by Alexander), check out the video below.

For more about ENGL Amps, check out their official website right here. And be sure to check out all the latest NAMM videos, photos and new-product information at our special NAMM 2012 page.

NAMM 2012: Vox Introduces Delaylab Pedal

Josh Hart — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:09:09 +0000

Vox has just unveiled their new DelayLab pedal, which aims to combine all the classic delay sounds and more into one handy pedal. In addition to 30 diverse delay effects, the DelayLab offers a stereo looper that can capture up to 28 seconds.

Check out the video below for a demo of all the DelayLab's capabilities, and head over to Vox's website for all the info on the DelayLab and other new products for 2012.

From Vox: Delay effects are a must for satisfying the individualistic creativity of any guitarist. Their long history encompasses both the analog and digital eras. Many classic delay units have played a prominent role through the years, contributing to numerous memorable phrases, generating dreamlike spaces, and producing psychedelic performances, both on stage and in the studio. These sought-after units – as well as new delays destined to become standards for the coming generation – are all included in the VOX DelayLab. In addition to 30 diverse delay effects, the DelayLab offers a stereo looper that can capture up to 28 seconds, 30 stage-ready programs, and a wealth of extras, all packed into a sturdy diecast body. With an expressly vintage vibe, the easy-to-use front panel offers satisfying hands-on control over a diverse array of sounds and features. In short, the DelayLab delivers virtually infinite potential, befitting its status as the new standard for effect processors.

Over the years, numerous delay effects have come along; tape echoes, analog delays, digital delays, etc. Each has varied by type, manufacturer, and internal structure. From the distinctive distortion and warmth of tape, the unique tonal change produced by an analog BBD (Bucket Brigade Device) circuit, to the lo-fi sound typical of low-resolution digital circuitry, the DelayLab delivers perfect models for a carefully selected set of historically significant delay units that have fascinated guitarists through the years. There are also numerous special types of effects such as pitch change, panning, and reverse. Parameters not found on the original models are also provided, offering unique expressive possibilities that go beyond simply modeling the classic units of the past.

The DelayLab also contains numerous practical and original delay effects that will inspire any guitarist. Dual Delay makes effective use of two delays; Distortion Delay adds distortion to only the delayed sound; Reverse Delay can adjust the mix ratio between forward and reverse sound; Space Delay applies a string-like tonal effect to deepen the sound. An incredible array of possibilities are available, as any of these effects are capable of creating aggressive and radical sounds, as well as being used to add a subtle sense of depth.

The DelayLab provides extensive looper capabilities that can be combined with the delay effects to surpass the abilities of the numerous dedicated units that have been in the spotlight of guitar performance in recent years. The DelayLab goes well beyond simply layering sounds by providing features that open up new creative possibilities – such as reverse playback, triggered playback, and using an expression pedal to control various parameters. There are also three types of delay that can be used simultaneously with the looper. Plus, the DelayLab is able to create performances overflowing with originality by adjusting the L/R delay times independently, or by attenuating the volume of the looped phrases each time you overdub so that the latest overdub will stand out.

The thirty preset programs take full advantage of the DelayLab's extensive features and parameters. Editable and re-writable, these programs range from simple and versatile types, to complex and distinctive effects. There are also programs that reproduce the delay sound of famous guitarists as heard on classic recordings.

NAMM 2012: Taylor Builder's Reserve Series III Acoustic and Amp

Josh Hart — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:00:30 +0000

Yesterday, we stopped by Taylor's booth at Winter NAMM 2012 to take a look at the Builder's Reserve III, an ultra-limited edition acoustic guitar/amp pairing. Check out the video below for an up close and personal look at an amp/guitar combo that won't last long!

For more information, check out Taylor's website, and be sure to keep an eye on our NAMM 2012 hub page for all the latest from this year's show.

From Taylor: The first of several series of Builder’s Reserve acoustic guitar/amp pairings, a guitar and custom wood cabinet for the amp were designed together, bonded by matching wood and aesthetic elements. The limited-release Taylor ES acoustic amplifier is a 40-watt acoustic amp designed to provide a natural extension of our Expression System pickup and preamp. The ES Amp™ is optimized for ES-equipped guitars, which makes it remarkably transparent and simple to use since you shape your tone using the ES controls on the guitar (the only control on the amp is a volume knob).

The guitar is a cutaway GS featuring a back and sides of beautiful flatsawn flamed mahogany, a European spruce top, a flamed mahogany neck, and our first-ever flamed maple armrest and binding. The European spruce, which is difficult to procure, sounds wonderful paired with a mahogany GS body. “It has an Adirondack-like attack,” explains Taylor guitar designer Andy Powers. “It’s got huge, punchy volume with good headroom, but also with thick, rich overtones. It’s like a cross between Engelmann and Adirondack spruce.”

Andy designed custom fretboard and headstock inlays, drawing inspiration from the residential architecture of the Greene brothers, whose early 20th century bungalow-style houses in Southern California, including Pasadena’s famed Gamble House, stand out as iconic expressions within the American Craftsman-style movement. The “Pasadena Torch” inlay design, in flamed maple and bubinga, was also incorporated into the amp cabinet, and the decorative design also was guided by the Greene Arts and Crafts aesthetic of furniture design.

The cabinet is made of solid, flamed maple — which relates to the maple binding around the guitar — with inset side panels of flamed mahogany laminate to match the guitar’s back, sides and neck. The panels incorporate the Pasadena Torch inlay motif to match the guitar’s fretboard. The guitar and amp are offered together as an acoustic package, and only 30 have been made. Together, they make an inspiring acoustic partnership that any player, collector, or wood craftsman will savor.