NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

[ImmortalSix]

Let's drop all the cool new product announcements from Summer NAMM 2012 here!

I'll start - I'm excited about this - new Gretsch guitars in their (lower) Electromatic line - one of which has the aesthetics of the White Falcon!

Scottsdale, AZ (July 9, 2012) – Gretsch is proud to introduce seven new models to its incredibly successful Electromatic series. Now featuring several variations on classic Gretsch guitar models, as well as bass guitars and left-handed models, the Gretsch Electromatic series truly has something for everyone.

The G5422TDC Electromatic Hollow Body and G5422TDCG Electromatic Hollow Body are bound double-cutaway hollow body guitars that feature sound-post bracing and elegant bound f holes. In addition, they feature the dynamic new “Black Top” Filter’Tron™ pickups, based on a select found set of Baldwin-era Filter’Tron pickups, which provide a knockout punch and phenomenal twang. Other features include a maple neck, bound rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and hump-black pearloid inlays, silver plexi pickguard (gold plexi pickguard on the G5422TDCG), three-position pickup switch, classic “G” arrow control knobs, rosewood-based Adjusto-Matic bridge and Bigsby-licensed B60 vibrato tailpiece (B60G on the G5422TDCG), vintage-style open-back tuners and chrome-plated hardware (gold-plated on the G5422TDCG). The G5422TDC is available in Black, Red and Walnut Stain, and the G5422TDCG is available in Snow Crest White. The G5420T Electromatic Hollow Body is the single-cutaway version of the G5422TDC and is available with chrome-plated hardware and a silver plexi pickguard in Black, Orange, Sunburst and Aspen Green.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Korg PitchBlack polyphonic tuner:

Nashville, TN (July 12, 2012) — Korg (booth 906) exhibits the Pitchblack Poly, its first polyphonic tuner. A simple strum reveals the current tuning status of all strings simultaneously, saving time and effort for convenient tuning.
The newest member of Korg’s Pitchblack Series of high-visibility pedal tuners, the Pitchblack Poly displays all tuning results at once, on individual meters for each string. By simply turning one of the tuning pegs, the “String Seeker” feature automatically detects which string is being adjusted, and switches the display to tune just that string.
In addition to saving time and effort, polyphonic tuning is ideal for players using a floating tremolo system. With this type of system, one string going flat may make the other strings sound sharp. By displaying the tuning status of all strings at once, the Pitchblack Poly makes it easy to identify the troublesome string.
The bright, high-contrast, double-meter design offers reliable performance under any lighting conditions. As with other Pitchblack tuners, the Pitchblack Poly offers four selectable metering modes – Regular; Full-Strobe; Half-Strobe; and Split – to suit each player’s preference.
As a professional tuner, the Pitchblack Poly offers uncompromising features and performance. The calibration frequency is adjustable from 436 to 445 Hz; and the tuning accuracy is ± 1 Cent. The Pitchblack Poly also detects whether it is being used with a guitar or a bass (4, 5, or 6-strings), automatically. Flat tunings of up to five semitones are supported, as are capo tunings up to a maximum of seven semitones. Drop-D tunings are also supported.
The pedal format is designed to sit comfortably in a variety of pedalboards. Power comes from a 9 Volt battery; an optional AC adapter is available. When using the optional AC adaptor, the Pitchblack Poly can also provide cascade power to other pedals in a rig or pedalboard. The tone-preserving true bypass design is ideal for on-stage or recording work.
The Korg Pitchblack Poly (PB03) Polyphonic Pedal Tuner is currently available with a U.S. street price of $99.99

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Weird and cheap ($299) VOX travel guitars:

Nashville, TN (July 12, 2012) – VOX Amplification has created the Apache Series of Travel Guitars. The new Series brings back two of the most unique body styles from the classic VOX back catalog: the Teardrop-shape Apache I, and the Phantom-style Apache II. Both have been enhanced with onboard amplification and practice features.
Ideal for on-the-go practice, each Apache Series instrument is equipped with a built-in, 2-channel amplifier (clean/overdrive) and a pair of three-inch speakers. Volume, Gain, and Tone controls provide a wide range of sounds. Power comes from six AA Batteries, yielding roughly 26 hours of playing time.
Unique to the Apache Series are 66 onboard rhythm patterns, divided into musical genres for fast selection. Tempo and Level knobs are provided, as well as a Start/Stop button. Of the 66 Patterns, six are extended length “Song” patterns. In addition to providing accompaniment, these patterns are ideal for rhythm training or for backstage warm-ups.
The Apache Series instruments feature basswood bodies, hard maple necks, and rosewood fingerboards. Each is equipped with a single-coil pickup and a set of sealed precision tuners. Each Model is available in four colors. The Apache I Teardrop models come in White; Seafoam; Salmon Red; and a 3-Tone Sunburst. The Apache II Phantom models come in White; Seafoam; Salmon Red; and Black.
A headphone jack can mute the internal speakers, and an Aux input allows jamming along to an MP3 player, computer tracks, etc. A convenient E-String tuner is also built in to each instrument. All models include a strap and a carry bag.
The VOX Apache I Teardrop Travel Guitar and Apache II Phantom Travel Guitar have a US street price of $299.99 with availability to be announced shortly.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

New Martin Retro Series:

Go to 7:36 to be amazed at how good they sound

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

New Squier Vintage Modified models (will fly off the shelves):

Scottsdale, AZ (July 5, 2012) – Squier announces several new models to its acclaimed Vintage Modified series, including Squier takes on five classic Fender guitar designs.
For the first time ever, Squier introduces a Vintage Modified Telecaster Deluxe guitar armed with all-new Fender-designed Wide Range humbucking pickups. An acclaimed and time-honored innovation, the Wide Range humbucking pickup delivers incredibly full tone and lends even more vintage-style authenticity to this new model. Other features include a C-shaped maple neck with vintage-tint gloss finish, 12”-radius maple fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and black dot position inlays, three-way toggle pickup switching, four black skirted amp knobs (two volume, two tone), string-through-body bridge with six stamped saddles, and vintage-style chrome tuners.

The Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster Custom guitar pairs a Wide Range humbucking neck pickup with a sharp, clear Duncan Designed TE-101B single-coil bridge pickup. It also includes a C-shaped maple neck with vintage-tint gloss finish, 9.5”-radius maple fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and black dot position inlays, three-way toggle pickup switching, four black skirted amp knobs (two volume, two tone), string-through-body bridge with three chrome barrel saddles, and vintage-style chrome tuners.

An authentically styled Jazzmaster now joins the Vintage Modified family, with present-day touches including full, clear Duncan Designed pickups and a modern fingerboard radius. Squier’s new Vintage Modified Jazzmaster guitar has the model’s most distinctive hallmarks, too – such as the dual-circuit switching and controls, floating-vibrato bridge and classically colorful finishes.

The Vintage Modified Jaguar also sports Duncan Designed pickups and a modern fingerboard radius, and features the Jaguar’s short 24” scale, dual-circuit switching and controls, floating-vibrato bridge and vintage colors. Features include a maple neck with vintage-tint gloss finish, 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and parchment dot inlays, tortoiseshell (Three-Color Sunburst and Olympic White) and white-black-white pickguards (Candy Apple Red and Surf Green models), Jaguar single-coil pickups, circuit selector and tone circuit switches, pickup on/off switches, skirted black control knobs (lead circuit) and black disc knobs (rhythm circuit), vintage-style bridge and non-lockingfloating vibrato with vintage-style tremolo arm, vintage-style chrome tuners and chrome hardware.

The Vintage Modified Mustang guitar also features a distinctive 24” scale, dual pickup switches and floating bridge with dynamic vibrato tailpiece; it’s a classic modded with present-day touches including full-sounding Duncan Designed pickups and a 9.5” fingerboard radius. Features include a maple neck with vintage-tint gloss finish, rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and parchment dot inlays, Mustang single-coil pickups with aged white (Vintage White and Sonic Blue models) and black (Fiesta Red model) covers, on/off-phase (in/out) slider switch for each pickup, master black skirted volume and tone knobs, tortoiseshell (Vintage White and Sonic Blue models) and white pearloid (Fiesta Red model) pickguards, floating bridge with dynamic vibrato tailpiece and vintage-style tremolo arm, and vintage-style white-tipped tuners.

For more information:
www.squierguitars.com

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

New G&L Tribute SemiHollow Bluesboys, great price:

Fullerton, CA (June 19, 2012) – With three of G&L’s most popular finishes borrowed from its Fender Avenue facility in Fullerton California, G&L has launched new Tribute Series ASAT Classic Bluesboy Semi-Hollow models sporting a decidedly upscale appearance to complement their premium tone and feel.
Each of these new Bluesboys is equipped with a semi-hollow body made of genuine American Swamp Ash, Paul Gagon-designed AS4255C alnico neck humbucker, Leo Fender†-designed G&L MFD single coil bridge pickup made in Fullerton, California, and a classic boxed-steel bridge with individually machined brass saddles, all working in harmony to produce rich, authentic G&L tone. That G&L neck feel is all there, too, with a 1 5/8” nut-width, medium-C profile and 12” radius for deep bends. All this goodness adds up to the sort of experience normally expected from a guitar costing two to three times the price.
Choices include:
• G&L Blonde, tortoise pickguard, tinted gloss neck with rosewood fingerboard
• G&L Clear Orange, 3-ply creme pickguard, tinted gloss neck with maple fingerboard
• G&L Old-School Tobacco Sunburst, 3-ply BWB pickguard, tinted gloss neck with rosewood fingerboard
The G&L Tribute Series have a suggested retail price of just $787.
For more information, visit:
www.glguitars.com

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Blackstar throws their hat in the modeling ring:

Nashville, TN (July 12, 2012) – Blackstar Amplification has expanded their groundbreaking ID: Series of programmable guitar amplifiers with the addition of the 15W ID:15TVP Combo an 30W ID:30TVP Combo. Designed by the same team responsible for the acclaimed Blackstar tube amps, this series of affordable amps represents the culmination of over seven years of technical research and development to redefine what guitarists can expect from amps of this price point. Each amp in the Series has a control set like a traditional amp, coupled with versatile programmability and USB connectivity. In addition, new proprietary True Valve Power (TVP) technology ensures that the amps will deliver in a live environment at the same performance level as a tube amp.
Blackstar's patent-applied-for True Valve Power mode exactly reproduces six distinct power tube responses - EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, KT88. When engaged, it delivers the response, dynamics, sag and break up characteristics of a tube amp and uniquely delivers the same power output as an equivalent tube power amp. This means that for the first time ever in an affordable programmable series, guitarists will have an amp that can deliver live, with the same loudness and feel as a tube amp.
The Voice control offers a selection of six channels - Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD1, OD2. When used together with Blackstar's patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control and the True Valve Power mode, these amplifiers allow unparalleled flexibility in enabling players to design 'the sound in your head.'
The effects section delivers studio quality modulation, delay and reverb effects that can be used simultaneously and stored with user sounds.
Deep editing and storing of up to 128 patches can be easily done using the supplied Blackstar GUI software and USB connector. Patches can then be shared and uploaded/downloaded via the online community. The USB connector also allows for direct recording to a computer, or re-amping guitar tracks. A speaker emulated output, MP3/line input and MIDI footswitching (60W and 100W) complete the package.
The full ID: Series of programmable guitar amplifiers now includes the following models:
ID:15TVP - 15W programmable combo
ID:30TVP - 30W programmable combo
ID:60TVP - 60W programmable combo
ID:260TVP - stereo 2 x 60W programmable combo with 2x12" speakers
ID:60TVP-H - 60W programmable head
ID:100TVP - 100W programmable head
ID:412A - 4 x 12 angled cabinet
ID:412B - 4 x 12 straight cabinet
For more information:
www.blackstaramps.com

 

[Hoss]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

That White Gretsch is STUNNING!!! That along with a Black Paisley Tele and i'm good for a looooong time!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

PRS introduces new "Stripped 58" model, the one that is pretty much a Les Paul, but better:

Stevensville, MD (June 7, 2012) – Originally offered as a limited run for Experience PRS 2011, the “Stripped” 58 is now available as part of Paul Reed Smith Guitars’ Core lineup. The “Stripped” 58 is a no-frills take on the company’s popular SC 58 model, which won the Musikmesse International Press Award (mipa) for “Best Electric Guitar 2011/2012” earlier this year, and maintains that instrument’s classic, resonant voice that is eminently recordable and gig ready.
The “Stripped” 58 is a vintage-inspired instrument that is perfect for more traditional single-cutaway style players and is also instantly comfortable to musicians who grew up playing short scale guitars. Specifications include a curly maple top (with 10-top option), mahogany back, 24.5” scale length, 22 fret mahogany “Pattern” neck with rosewood fretboard, dot inlays (with bird option), 57/08 treble and bass pickups with volume and tone control for each pickup and a 3-way toggle on the upper bout. This guitar also features PRS’s two piece bridge, which has added weight and mass, creating more contact points that, in turn, create a more resonant, musical instrument.
For more information, visit:
prsguitars.com

 

[JeffB]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Some cool stuff. My brother will go ape**** over the new gretsches. He only has like 5 already

I saw the newish 70s vintage modified recently and was quite impressed. Just cannot do that thin neck and teeny frets. Otherwise would have jumped right on it. Great value in the Squier VM series.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

I don't quite get why Blackstar would go with a modeler after having such a successful and affordable all tube lineup. In a time when smaller tube amps are sounding better and getting cheaper, it almost seems like they're going backward instead of forward.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

I don't quite get why Blackstar would go with a modeler after having such a successful and affordable all tube lineup. In a time when smaller tube amps are sounding better and getting cheaper, it almost seems like they're going backward instead of forward.

More cheap amps are sold every day than expensive amps or even mid level amps.

We are guitar nerds and way into it, but most guys just go to a store, buy what the guy sells them and that's it.

 

[dominus]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

More cheap amps are sold every day than expensive amps or even mid level amps.

We are guitar nerds and way into it, but most guys just go to a store, buy what the guy sells them and that's it.

The more choices on the entry level amps, the better. I don't care for the fact that you have to go to the higher end ones to get a Resonance and Presence knob though. I thought about grabbing one of the 15 watters and using it for computer recording via USB, but probably won't now.

 

[MisterE]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

I wish Blackstar would have come up with an all tube 2W amp with a 10'' speaker. Something between the HT-1R and the HT-5R. And priced somewhere in between.

 

[AdamBrad]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

"Gibson's main announcement at Summer NAMM 2012 has been the arrival of a Grace Potter signature Flying V model.

The singer and guitarist of acclaimed US rock act Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, has opted for a classic nitrocellulose finish of her own design, along with BurstBucker Pro humbuckers, a 'Slim V' profile neck and a Grade A mahogany body and neck."

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Lizzy Hale's Explorer was cooler.

 

[Left_Hand_Strat]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

shame that the squiers aren't being offered left handed, or that there has been an update on the availability of lefty models, last year was got the CV range Left Handed, be nice to have at least ome VM series model. they are really cool though!!

 

[AdamBrad]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

Baritone Mosrite looks intriguing...

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

"Gibson's main announcement at Summer NAMM 2012 has been the arrival of a Grace Potter signature Flying V model.

The singer and guitarist of acclaimed US rock act Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, has opted for a classic nitrocellulose finish of her own design, along with BurstBucker Pro humbuckers, a 'Slim V' profile neck and a Grade A mahogany body and neck."

I'm sure I already have enough guitars - never say never though.... :naughty:

 

[Kam]

Re: NAMM Roundup: Summer 2012

That's cool. I really like Grace Potter. I had no idea she was popular enough to get a sig Gibson, though.

I think the Blackstar stuff sounds pretty interesting. One of the stores here has nothing but Blackstars, so I can't wait to try one of these out when they get them in. I wonder if this new tube emulation thing they're talking about is as revolutionary as it sounds, or whether it's just renaming and rhetoric to grab sales.

And +1 to what LHS said. The lack of decent lefty offset style guitars in Fenders range is truly irritating...at least without having to order from Japan.