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Thursday, December 31, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Malekko Ekko 616 Analog Delay



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Aljon

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Big Fluff Pi?

When the folks over at Electro-Harmonix discovered Gwendolin Tägert had been crafting and selling huggable handmade versions of their legendary Big Muff π stompbox, they could have persued litigation on the grounds of trademark infringement. Instead, they did what everyone should when faced with a cuddly-soft pillow - they embraced it. READ MORE HERE!

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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Tubescreamer Mods Part 2

Demo of a stock Ibanez TS7 tubescreamer versus one modified with a DIY TS808 mod kit bought off of e-bay to see if there is any difference in sounds with the 808 mod kits.

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Tubescreamer Mods Part 1

Here's a good clip of "Passenger95's" test of a new Ibanez TS9 (all stock) against an Analogman-modded TS9 and a Keeley-modded TS9 to demonstrate if the mods really make a tonal difference.

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TU-88 BOSS Tuner

Small, cool, and feature-packed, BOSSs new TU-88 is a must-have for guitar and bass players on the go. Available in black or white, it provides needle-accurate tuning, a metronome, and a headphone amp for private tuning, warm-ups, and effects verification.

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Aljon

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Tools of the Trade: Joe Bonamassa's Amps and Effects

Premier Guitar's Joe Coffey is On Location in Des Moines, IA, where he catches up with blues guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa. In this portion, Joe talks and demos his current lineup of amps for the ongoing tour.

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Aljon

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Rocktron HUSH Ultra

The HUSH® Ultra is the ultimate noise reducing, eliminating and exterminating processor. This MIDI controllable version of our famous HUSH noise reduction allows you to create your own presets for silencing various gear and different settings within that gear.

The HUSH Ultra’s innovative digital stereo noise exterminator provides two channels of the same world renowned professional noise reduction patented by Rocktron and used for years in thousands and thousands of guitar rigs and recording studios!

The HUSH Ultra features True Bypass, an LCD display and programmable presets with MIDI control allowing you to tailor your HUSH settings on individual presets to suit your needs. The HUSH Ultra provides BOTH 1/4” and XLR inputs and outputs, and is easy to setup and easy to use.

Wipe out noise, eliminate hiss, crackle and other noise problems with the very best noise reduction circuitry available today! Check out www.Rocktron.com for more information.

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Aljon

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Sunday, December 27, 2009

REVIEW: Epiphone's 1966 Wilshire

Epiphone does it again with this killer '66 Reissue Wilshire! This guitar has great retro styling at an unbelievable price. As soon as you pick it up it feels like an old friend with the worn satin finish. The 60's neck is super fast and is really well balanced when sitting or standing. The mini-humbuckers deliver that New York-style sound you would come to expect from the original Epiphone US-made humbuckers. It really does sing through a tube amp with the right amount of chime and clarity. Add a bit of overdrive and the guitar has a nice breathy sound, like a P-90 but without the hum. Overall the new Wilshire looks and sounds like a vintage guitar without the vintage price. For most guitarists who follow this blog you would do yourself right by adding this guitar to your arsenal!

Epiphone - Worn 1966 Wilshire from Epiphone Company on Vimeo.


From Epiphone.com...
Like an SG guitar, the Wilshire's double cutaway Mahogany body with a glued-in Mahogany neck that joins the body at the 22nd fret gives you ultimate upper fret access. Lightweight and comfortable, the Wilshire has excellent resonance and natural acoustic tone - even unplugged! Featuring Epiphone's LockTone tune-o-matic/stopbar combination, the transfer of string vibration is improved even more giving this guitar excellent sustain and clarity. But here's what separates the Wilshire from the SG. Most early Epiphone guitars including the Wilshire were equipped with mini-humbucking pickups and Epiphone carries on this tradition. With its smaller size, narrow magnetic field and unique design combination, the mini-humbucker produces bright and focused output while retaining famous humbucker "hum-free" performance. A replica of the originals, they feature adjustable pole pieces, enamel wire, bar ceramic magnets and rounded nickel plated covers set in an original style black mounting ring with height adjustment screws.

READ MORE HERE!

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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Visual Sound's Route 66 Compressor

Here's a look at one of my favorite compressor pedals, Visual Sound's Route 66. It can sweeten your guitar tone in all kinds of ways. It can be as transparent as you want or kick it in for some added "balls" when you solo. I particularly like the tone and bass boost controls.

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Warwick Bootsy Collins Infinity Black Star Signature Bass

The Warwick Bootsy Collins Infinity Signature Bass is as original as Bootsy himself. Bootsy Collins is the legendary bassist who left his mark on the world with James Brown in the ’60s on such classics as “Sex Machine” and started a funky revolution in the ’70s with Parliament and Funkadelic. Now you can bring on the funk just like Bootzilla has for the past four decades. The Warwick Bootsy Collins Infinity Signature Bass is ideally suited to help you realize your own wildest musical dreams — from thundering grooves to cool, funky sounds.

Both Bootsy Collins Signature variants, Black Star and Orange Star, are based on the Warwick Infinity 4-string bass, thus offering the same warm characteristics as the Infinity serial model, which is known for its semi-resonant construction. The combination of a maple neck with an ovangkol body provides a tight and focused tone, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a touch of warmth. Wild, flashy, and funky finishes — available with black stars on the Black Star model and orange stars on the Orange model — capture Bootsy’s personal aesthetic with imaginative appeal. Black and silver flames dash out of the bass’s distinct f-holes and the matching stars on the headstock and fingerboard immediately set this unique Warwick bass apart from all others, especially on stage.

The Warwick Bootsy Collins Infinity Signature Bass is equipped with active MEC Jazzand Twin Jazz-pickups. The MEC 3-band EQ turns this bass into an extremely flexible beast! The bass was designed in cooperation with Bootsy Collins and, like Bootzilla himself, represents the Funk genre like nobody’s business.

Specs:
Body made of Maple (front side) and Ovangkol (back side)
Maple neck, neck through
Available only as 4-string right-handed model
Rosewood fingerboard, 24 frets
Matched headstock with Bootsy portrait
Bootsy Collins star fingerboard inlays
active MEC TJ/J pickups
active MEC 3-band electronics
Silver Metal Flake finish with black or orange airbrush design
Original Warwick hardware, chrome
Dome speed knobs with star inlay
Bootsy Collins signature on the truss rod cover
Individually issued certificate of originality

Thanks for reading,
Aljon

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Saturday, December 26, 2009

Gibson Custom Shop Announces The Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul Guitar

Gibson Custom announces the Gibson Custom Jimmy Page Number Two Les Paul Limited Edition guitar modified by the legendary Jimmy Page himself. Every musician knows that late ’50s Sunburst Les Paul Standards are hard enough to come by as it is. Obtaining a pristine and exemplary ’59 ’Burst and modifying it for heightened performance and vastly expanded tonal options? Unheard of… unless, of course, you’re Jimmy Page. That’s exactly what the legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist, perhaps the world’s most iconic Les Paul player, did with his own ’59 Les Paul Standard, and now—thanks to the extreme efforts of Gibson’s Custom Shop and the intimate cooperation of Jimmy Page himself—the artist’s hallowed “Number Two” Les Paul is available to mere mortals, in the form of the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul. Produced in strictly limited numbers, with two levels of aging, this guitar captures the look, feel, sound, and versatility of one of the greatest artist-owned Les Pauls of all time, and it is likely to disappear from authorized Gibson dealers in record time.

The 1959 Les Paul that has come to be known as “Number Two” was purchased by Page in 1973 after trying for some time to acquire an exceptional second Les Paul. This was several years after having acquired his other legendary Les Paul—“Number One”, a ’59 ’Burst with shaved-down neck profile and no serial number—from Joe Walsh. “Number Two” was essentailly all original when he aquired it. Jimmy did have some modifications done to the neck shape so that it would more nearly match the feel of his “Number One”. The neck is certainly slim but not to such extremes as the now-ultra-slim neck on “Number One”. It had a strong, beautiful sunburst finish with a red element that had faded to a dusky amber-brown, along with a clear serial number dating it to 1959. Page played this Les Paul frequently through his days with Led Zeppelin, and in the early ’80s decided to make it an even more versatile instrument. Page also added that he wanted to “explore the full range of what the two humbuckers have to offer” . He designed a switching system for coil splitting, series/parallel, and phase-reverse options for both pickups, and employed a skilled electronics technician to devise a working schematic and make his sonic vision a reality. The result comprised a push/pull pot on each of the guitar’s four standard controls, plus two push-button switches hidden beneath the pickguard, all mounted on a ’59 Les Paul Standard that is otherwise a superb example of the breed, both in tone and playability.

The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul was recreated with intense, inch-by-inch examination of Page’s original guitar, inside and out. The process of getting it right involved the production of a number of hand-built prototypes, each of which was checked and critiqued in detail by Page himself. Approval of the final iteration was only offered after the legendary artist had intricately examined and extensively played this last prototype in his London home—after which it was given the thumbs-up, worthy of being the template for the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul. Only 325 examples will be produced in total: The first 25 instruments are to be aged by vintage-reproduction master Tom Murphy then inspected, played and hand signed and numbered by Jimmy Page personally. An additional 100 guitars will be given the extensive aging treatment and 200 will be finished to Gibson’s VOS specs.

BODY:
Species
Each Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is crafted from a uniquely figured two-piece Eastern maple top attached to a one-piece, solid, lightweight, genuine mahogany back. The figured maple used for each guitar has been carefully hand selected to closely match the distinctive figuring of Jimmy Page’s original “Number Two” Les Paul.

Design
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul precisely follows the body lines and dimensions of the original ’59 Les Paul Standard, with a gently arched carved top and rounded lower bout, and combines the classic tonewood combination of mahogany back and carved maple top. The body’s back is cut from a single piece of solid, lightweight clear mahogany, and capped with a two-piece top of figured Eastern maple that is carved into a period-correct “dish”, or arch.

Weight
Wood weights always vary slightly, but Gibson’s Custom Shop seeks out the lightest, most resonant mahogany for the one-piece backs of the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul.

Tonal Characteristics
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul’s body woods present the classic combination that helped to make the Les Paul Standard a legendary instrument in the first place. The marriage of these tonewoods offers good clarity, definition and treble bite from the maple, and excellent depth and richness from the mahogany, all of which are elements that are found in the legendary tone of the original ’59 Les Paul Standard. This is one of the most revered wood combinations of all time, and truly offers a “best of both worlds” design in the way that mahogany and maple complement each other to offer superior resonance, sustain, depth, clarity, and definition.

FINISH:
Color
The Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is finished in the Gibson Custom Shop’s painstakingly devised “Page Burst Version Two”, a sunburst finish that accurately replicates the deep, rich, reddish-brown to amber appearance of the original guitar, and which has been approved by Page himself.

Process
This intricate finishing process involves several stages of applying proprietary toner and shading to accurately replicate the fading of a 50-year-old Sunburst Les Paul with the distinctive characteristics of this particular guitar. Like the great Les Pauls of the late ’50s, the Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer with minimum build-up, in an effort to produce a finish that breathes with the guitar and enhances natural resonance, and will age elegantly and naturally to continually enhance the appearance of this reborn classic.

Aging
Once the finishing process is complete, 125 examples of the Limited Run Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul will be hand-aged in the image of Page’s original 1959 Les Paul. A further 200 guitars will receive Gibson’s much-admired VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment, which gives an “antiqued” patina to the guitar’s finish and hardware, replicating the look of a gently aged, 50-year-old instrument.

NECK AND HEADSTOCK:

Species
The neck of the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is constructed from one piece, quarter-sawn, lightweight mahogany for improved strength and resonance. The Luthiers in Gibson’s Custom Shop carefully match the grains and weights of these guitars’ bodies and necks to optimize tone and sustain.

Truss Rod
Gibson invented the truss rod in the 1920s, and the company’s traditional truss rod, as used in all late-’50s Les Pauls, is installed in the neck of the Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul. Found in most all of our guitars, this truss rod is highly responsive to the individual adjustments you’ll want to make to personalize and optimize string action and sustain.

Profile
The neck on the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is carved to replicate the slim, C profile of the guitarist’s own “Number Two”, a 1959 Les Paul Standard with a slightly modified neck.

Joint Angle (Pitch)
4° (+/- 15 seconds)

Headstock Angle (Pitch)
Just like the original Les Pauls of the late ’50s, and many classic Gibson models, the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul headstock is carefully angled at Gibson’s traditional 17 degrees, which increases pressure on the strings and helps them stay in the nut slots. An increase in string pressure also means there is no loss of string vibration between the nut and the tuners, which equals better sustain.

Logo
The traditional, period-correct Gibson logo is inlaid in mother of pearl across the top of a holly headstock veneer, with “Les Paul Model” silkscreened in gold along the headstock face.

Tonal Characteristics
In order to recreate “Number Two” to Jimmy Page’s standards, ever tone-enhancing detail used in the original 1959 Les Paul was vital to the picture. The angled, classical-style peg head and mahogany neck are part of this, and they work together to provide exceptional tonal richness and resonance from the neck, with a good string definition and sustain.

NECK FIT:
Joint
Gibson uses what is known as the Mortise & Tenon joint to bind neck to body so that the two pieces form one solid unit. On the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul, this technique incorporates the lauded “long neck tenon” which extends further into the body than the tenon on the necks of many other, later guitars, greatly enhancing resonance and sustain, as well as neck strength in general.

FINGERBOARD:
Species
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul carries a rosewood fingerboard, the traditional fingerboard of the original Les Paul Standard. Rosewood is both hardwearing and sonically superlative, adding sweetness and depth to the guitar’s overall sound.

Radius:
Just like that of the original ’59 ’Burst, the 12-inch radius of the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul’s fingerboard provides smooth note bending capabilities and eliminates “dead” or “choked out” notes, common occurrences on fingerboards with lesser radii.

Frets:
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul’s fingerboard carries 22 frets, all immaculately dressed and polished, which ease bending and fingering while also enhancing resonance and sustain.

Inlays
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul fingerboard carries aged acrylic trapezoid position-marker inlays, in the image of the original Les Paul Standard.

Tonal Characteristics
Rosewood fingerboards are known for their rich, round tone.

NUT:
Material
The nut on the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is made from nylon in the image of the original ’59 Les Paul. It is installed into the top surface of the neck, butting up to the end of the fingerboard to ensure proper tone and sustain transfer, and its nut slots are cut with Gibson’s PLEK system to ensure precise fit, break angle, and string spacing.

Width
The width of the nut on the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is 1-11/16”, the width of the nut on an original ’59 Burst as well as Page’s own Number Two.

PICKUPS:
Model
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, a covered Gibson Page Version 1 in the neck (rhythm) position and an uncovered Page Version 2 in the bridge (lead) position, both of which are wax potted to enable them to withstand high-gain playing without succumbing to annoying microphonic feedback. The designs of these two pickups have been chosen to accurately replicate the pickups in Jimmy Page’s own 1959 Les Paul, and the final results have been tested and approved by him.

Magnet Material
The Page Version 1 contains an Alnico III magnet for a smooth yet well-defined response, while the Page Version 2 contains an Alnico V magnet for added punch and clarity.

Tonal Characteristics
The Page Version 1 in the neck position offers deep, vocal tones with outstanding warmth and richness; the Page Version 2 in the bridge position yields more sizzle and aggression, and a biting, cutting tone for brighter lead work. Between them, they provided the classic blend of Les Paul thickness and clarity. Modified through the custom switching arrangement (see below) on the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul, however, the sky’s the limit.

ELECTRONICS:
At a glance, or even from a slight distance, the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul appears exactly like a standard, unmodified Les Paul, with two Volume controls, two Tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector switch—and, essentially, that’s what it still is. But on this Les Paul each of the controls’ potentiometers has been replaced with a push-pull pot for individual pickup switching functions, while two miniature push-pull DPDT switches have been mounted under the pickguard to provide additional universal switching functions. This wiring scheme was recreated with detailed study of Jimmy Page’s original “Number Two”, and with hands-on consultation from Steve Hoyland, who originally rewired Page’s ’59 Les Paul to this configuration.

With both pickguard-mounted switches pushed in and all push-pull pots in the down (in) position the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul functions as a normal Les Paul, with the bridge, both, or neck pickup in standard humbucking mode selected by the three-way Switchcraft toggle switch. From this starting point, the functions of the push-pull pots include:

Bridge Pickup Volume Control
Pulling this knob out switches the bridge pickup’s coils from series (standard) to parallel.

Neck Pickup Volume Control
Pulling this knob out switches the neck pickup’s coils from series (standard) to parallel.

Bridge Pickup Tone Control
Pulling this knob out switches the bridge pickup from humbucking to single coil.

Neck Pickup Tone Control
Pulling this knob out switches the neck pickup from humbucking to single coil.

Pickguard-Mounted Push-Pull Switches
The two push-button DPDT switches mounted beneath the pickguard provide universal switching functions, regardless of the positions of the push-pull pots. With the switch mounted toward the bridge-end of the pickguard in the out position, the bridge pickup’s phase is reversed. With the switch mounted toward the neck-end of the pickguard in the out position, both pickups are wired in series and out of phase. With both switches out, both pickups are in series and in phase.

Toggle Switch
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul features the classic three-way Switchcraft toggle switch with vintage plastic tip.

Output Jack
The guitar features a 1⁄4” output jack made by Switchcraft, for years of trouble-free service.

HARDWARE:
Tuning Keys
The headstock of the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is equipped with Grover tuners, a modification preferred by Jimmy Page, and used on the original guitar.

Bridge
In the image of its predecessor, the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul carries a Tune-o-matic (ABR-1) bridge that is made from zinc and plated in polished nickel, then aged by Gibson’s own proprietary process to replicate the look of the bridge. This bridge provides a firm seating for the strings, allowing the player to adjust and fine-tune the intonation and string height in a matter of minutes. It also yields excellent coupling between strings and body, maximizing resonance, tone, and sustain.

Tailpiece
This guitar’s Tune-o-matic (ABR) bridge is combined with a separate “stopbar” tailpiece, which is essentially a modified version of the earlier wraparound bridge that’s designed to further enhance the connection between the strings and the body. The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul’s stopbar tailpiece is made from lightweight aluminum, like the original, plated in polished nickel, and aged like the bridge, above.

Strap Buttons

Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul carries Schaller straplocks, a modification preferred by Jimmy Page himself, and one undertaken on his own 1959 Les Paul.

PLASTICS:
Pickguard
The guitar carries an accurate reissue cream pickguard, made in the image of the ’guard on the original 1959 Les Paul Standard, with two push-button switches added underneath (see Electronics, above).

Truss Rod Cover
The truss rod cover on the Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul follows the period-correct black and white plastic, “antique bell” shape of the originals.

Control Knobs
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul’s Volume and Tone controls carry period correct gold top-hat knobs.

STRINGS:
Gauge
The Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul is fitted with vintage strings, sizes .009 – .042

ACCESSORIES:
Case
Your Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul comes protected in black Gibson hardshell case with “Gibson Custom” silkscreened in gold on the black pleather covering.

Extras:

Each Custom Shop Jimmy Page “Number Two” Les Paul comes with a leather-bound Certificate of Authenticity, owner’s manual, and adjustment literature, and documentation for the guitar’s limited lifetime warrantee

About Gibson Guitar
Gibson is known worldwide for producing classic models in every major style of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. The Gibson Les Paul guitar is the best selling guitar of all time and bears the name of the late, great Les Paul. Gibson’s HD.6X-PRO Digital Guitar, the Gibson Robot Guitar and Gibson’s Dark Fire represent the biggest advances in electric guitar design in over 70 years. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo , Michigan , and headquartered in Nashville since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands now includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Baldwin, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com

Thanks for reading,
Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: BOSS RC-20XL Loop Station

Explore the expressive options of sound-on-sound performance with the bestsellingRC-20XL. Layer phrase upon phrase until you fill up the 16 minutes of ample recording space. Create a massive "one-person band" experience, build the ultimate solo, change tempo without changing pitch, undo mistakes, and do it all live in real time.

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Aljon

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Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas 2009!

Merry Christmas to gearheads all over the world! Thank you for following this blog and Twitter feed. You all rock. So cheers to a great 2009 and an even better 2010!

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Aljon

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Guitar Edge: Febuary Issue

Click HERE to check it out!

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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Eventide PitchFactor

Jon, of Guitarnoize supplies us with another killer demo of one of my favorite pedals I used in this year's World's Largest Pedalboard event. The Eventide PitchFactor is their famous Harmonizer in a stomp box it has a diatonic harmonizer, pitch bending, delays, modulation, arpeggiator and the famous reverse delay effect called Crystal.

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Aljon

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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Blackheart Hothead Demo

Thanks for all the great feedback on my reviews and blurbs about gear over the past year. Since my main PC went down before I left for Tokyo I lost a lost a lot of footage I was planning on posting during the Christmas break. Until I get a chance to redo some of my reviews I thought I would post more killer demos. Enjoy this great review of Blackheart's Hothead! Read my review of it HERE!

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Aljon

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Dan Donegan of Disturbed Parnters with Schecter Guitars

Dan Donegan, guitarist for multi-platinum band Disturbed, has teamed up with Schecter Guitars to produce a signature artist guitar.

With over 11 million albums sold worldwide, Dan’s influence cannot be underestimated in an ever-changing musical landscape.

“We are thrilled to have Dan Donegan join our family. His keen business savvy and monster chops are just the icing; his knowledge about guitar construction and absolute lack of ego is amazing. We look forward to a relationship that has already proven to be easy.” – Marc LaCorte, Vice President of Schecter Guitar Research.

The Dan Donegan artist model is currently in the development stage but Schecter notes that it will truly be a union of mind over matter. Expect a debut at 2010 NAMM by Dan himself making an appearance. Pricing TBD.

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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Rocktron Boutique Valve Charger

You keep looking for “The Tone” – that elusive holy grail of blended crunch and power that turns you into that most awesome player of blues and bluesy-rock. Pick up a Rocktron Valve Charger and let your inner bayou-bending, rattlesnake crawling, voodoo fires burn with tone that will send an armadillo up a tree!

Part of the Rocktron Boutique Series of stomp boxes this pedal design comes in a rugged metal chassis with eye popping retro custom design laser etched artwork. This is a TRUE BYPASS pedal: when you turn it off…it is out of your signal path!

Want to drive your amp to a whole new level? The Valve Charger will make your amp’s built-in distortion scream! Looking to add some edge to your crunch tone? The Valve Charger will provide that much needed "bite" and "growl" that will push the edge of the envelope!

Take your sound to new places with Rocktron!

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Aljon

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Epiphone Announces The Release Of New 'Epiphone Tak Matsumoto DC Custom'

Epiphone Announces the Release of the New Epiphone "Tak Matsumoto Signature DC Custom"

Coming Out On Christmas Day Exclusively in Japan

Tokyo, Japan-December 18, 2009. Leading guitar maker Epiphone announces the release of the new "Epiphone Tak Matsumoto Signature DC Custom" available exclusively in Japan on December 25th 2009. Tak Matsumoto is one of the Japan's leading guitarists and a member of the popular rock band B'z.

Based on the popular model from Gibson's Custom Shop division, Epiphone created this new "Tak Matsumoto DC Custom" with not only outstanding playability, tone, exceptional looks and performance but also at a more affordable price point.

This guitar features a beautiful Double Cutaway Mahogany body with a glued-in Mahogany neck using a Long-Neck-Tenon (Deep Set) ultimately resulting in sweeter tone and longer sustain. Traditional Les Paul Custom "Split Diamond" Inlay on the multi-bound headstock and a gold metal trussrod cover featuring an engraved "Tak Matsumoto" name on it combined with a bound Rosewood fingerboard and multi-bound body makes it’s beautiful ebony finish even more attractive.

At the heart of this new guitar are "Gibson USA Burstbucker 2" (Neck) and "Gibson USA Burstbucker 3" (Bridge) humbucking pickups. Made in the USA by Gibson, these pickups give guitarists a replica of the sound and tone from Gibson's original "Patent Applied For" pickups - the same pickups that give the '59 Les Paul Standard its legendary sound. BurstBuckers feature unpolished magnets and non-potted coils. Just like the originals, these reproduce the variations found among vintage Gibson humbuckers.

Other premium features including gold hardware, vintage style tuners with "tulip" buttons, Epiphone PAF LockTone tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece and Epiphone's own StrapLocks. Additionally, each new "Tak Matsumoto Signature DC Custom" comes with a custom hard case featuring the "Tak Matsumoto" signature on it and a certificate of authenticity.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!



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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Wampler Pedal's Faux Tape Echo

As close as we could come to a tape echo machine... the faux tape echo is basically the analogecho (which is a favorite of many guitarists such as Brad Paisley) crossed with a unique circuit the speeds up and slows down the echos, just like a real tape echo. It isn't modulating like other 'tape echo' emulations though... many of them sound like a chorus pedal in the background... while that is a cool sound in itself, a tape echo's 'flutter' created modulation tones by the recording tape slightly speeding up and slowing down - that's why we duplicated the modulation circuit to do the same thing.

If you are tired of wimpy sterile delay tones or just simply wish that your analog delay could get brighter, the faux echo is your pedal! While the echoes are created digitally, the base signal is all analog and is extremely transparent. The echoes are not sterile and brittle like a digital delay though - they are big, full and FAT.


Max delay time: about 600ms

Specs
*High grade film capacitors and resistors picked for their superior sound and response
*Completely true bypass
*Battery connection and 9v power jack (barrel plug like Boss)
*controls: level, repeats, delay time, modulation depth, tone control on repeats (darker or brighter echoes)
*Ultra-bright LED for ease of use
*Battery connection and 9v power jack (barrel plug like Boss)
*Powder coated durable finish
*5 year warranty

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

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Aljon

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Boss VE-20 Vocal Performer



Who says stompboxes are just for guitarists? The new, easy-to-use VE-20 has been designed from the ground up for singers, featuring some of the finest vocal-effects technology on the market. I've found a new pedal to add to my live rig!

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Welcome to EFFECTS 101 with Johnny DeMarco

There are hundreds and hundreds of stompboxes, pedals and effects on the market. Ever wonder what they do? Let Johnny DeMarco guide you through the effects maze. He not only tells you what they do, but shows you how to dial in the sounds. He also plays some cool examples, so you can find out which effect is right for you whether for recording in the studio or playing live.

Read more HERE!

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Aljon

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Monday, December 21, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Rocktron Reaction Digital Delay

Are you searching for a Digital Delay stomp box that delivers great sound and outperforms the competitors when it comes to sonic quality? Pick up the Rocktron Reaction Digital Delay and surprise everyone, including yourself!

Rocktron’s Reaction Series pedals are built into a rugged metal slim form factor chassis, taking up as little space as possible on your pedalboard. The Reaction Digital Delay is a TRUE BYPASS pedal: when you turn it off…it is out of your signal path!

The Reaction Digital Delay has all the smooth full bodied tone you expect in a delay pedal. If you are a rocker, we’ve got your back! Just set the Reaction Digital Delay mode to Extended, then turn the Time control to find that classic rock phrasing echo. Country pickers or Rockabilly jammers, set the Reaction Digital Delay mode to Quick and dial up your favorite slapback!

Visit the Rocktron website for more info on our Reaction Series!

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Aljon

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Sunday, December 20, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Freakshow Effects Digilog Delay

Freakshow Effects Digilog delay.The Digilog Delay will satisfy those of you who have a decent or even vintage delay pedal. Freakshow has also addressed the "UFO" noise that only an analog delay can make when driven into oscillation in a unique way ...they added a feedback/sustain foot switch.

They have also gone to great lengths to give you a pedal that will look great, sound great, and not make you feel guilty about that hard earned money on just "another" effect pedals.

Freakshow pedals are painstakingly 100% hand painted, hand assembled, and hand tested in the good 'ol state of Maine. Pride is taken in what they do and only make products they use themselves.

The pedals are hand painted in a uniquely antique freakshow way by Portland Maine artist Patrick Corrigan.
Switchable 0-300ms, 300 to 600ms
Mix knob
Decay knob
On/Off switch
Feedback knob/FS Self Oscillation switch
True Bypass

Street Price $199

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Aljon

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Saturday, December 19, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Dunlop Cry Baby Kirk Hammett signature Wah

Thanks for another kick ass demo Jon!

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Aljon

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Friday, December 18, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Visual Sound Vans Warped Distortion



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Thursday, December 17, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: t.c. electronic Nova System

One of my favorite multi-effects units! Would you expect anything less from T.C.?

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Pigtronix Aria Distortion



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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Cornish SS-2 Deluxe Overdrive

I swear Gearmandude is Jack Black!

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Monday, December 14, 2009

REVIEW: Blackheart's Hot Head half-stack

Blackheart's Hot Head half-stack is one flamethrower of an amp that can rock out all night and simmer down to make the ladies melt in the front row! Power, flexibility and sexiness makes this amp a must-have for those of us who wear chain-wallets or who like to wear spiffy hats on stage.

I HAVE THE POWER!
Despite its classy demeanor there is a monster lurking under the hood of this bad boy. 100W of face-melting sound is nice, however when you hit the switch the Two Power Modes (Class AB and Class A) divisible by Pentode (full power) and Triode (half power) operation give you 4 different sounds to contend with, how about that for flexible? The richness of your guitar comes through note by note in Class A mode while Class AB delivers some earth-shattering girth. I personally like these modes: Class A/Pentode: 60W, is great for use with my analog pedals, Class A/Triode: 30W, gives me a nice warm clean tone but breaks up just a bit when I bear down.

F'N LOUD!
The controls speak for themselves. The EQ is responsive and tight. The Hothead has two channels: Loud and F'N Loud. Each channel can be dialed in as you wish and selected with the included foot switch or toggle on the front of the head. The LOUD Channel is spongy and crunchy while the F'N LOUD Channel reminds me of some red-hot Brit amp delivering some warm, yet hair-raising leads.

TOTALLY TUBULAR!
Your loop has now been "warmed up." Both channels share a Tube Driven Effects Loop that you can run in a variety of different ways. You can even dial in the amount of effect level!

THE CAB.
The Blackheart BH412 is equally as killer. It's packed with 4x12" Eminence BH1216B speakers that hearken back to that classic British tone and are specifically designed for closed back cabs. It can handle 300 Watts of power is made "tough-as-nails" with 15 ply, 18mm void-free plywood! As far as looks go the salt and pepper grill cloth and killer tolex wrap adds that classic look that I like without going too far one way or the other. Simply awesome.

VERDICT
Blackheart's Hot Head half-stack is a joy to play and kicks ass for my kind of rock. Everything I play from new alternative to classic rock or funk sounds great with this amp. Using my Les Paul Standard and my Flying V I was able to get all the rock n' roll gratification I could want. Using my P-90 equipped LP and Flying V I was able to get real plucky too! All of my pedals sound ultra responsive with all of that headroom and dialing in that sweet spot is a cinch. If you want an ultra responsive amp delivering boutique-style features without the boutique style pricing this is THE AMP to get. Pick one up and you won't be disappointed.

*NOTE: I had originally planned to have some accompanying video for this review, however my PC decided it needed to visit the Geek Squad. I hope to have some video and pictures of some sweet settings up soon!

Blackheart Hot Head BH100H 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head Features:
-100 Watts, Class A or Class AB Operation
-Pentode/Triode Switch
-Power Output: Class AB 100 Watts RMS in (Full Power) Pentode Mode, 50 Watts RMS in (Half Power) Triode Mode, Class A 60 Watts RMS in (Full Power) Pentode Mode, 30W RMS in (Half Power) Triode Mode
-Two Channels: Channel 1 (LOUD) voiced for Crisp Cleans to Classic Rock and Heavy Blues tones (Drive, Level, Treble, Middle and Bass controls), Channel 2 (F'N LOUD) voiced to capture Classic Crunch to Sweet Overdriven Lead tones (Gain, Level, Treble, Middle and Bass controls)
-Master Controls (shared by both channels): Master Presence, Master Volume
-Effects Loop: Tube Driven, shared by both channels, can be operated in Series or Parallel Mode
-Effects Loop Bypass, which can also be used as a boost
-Footswitch for Channel Selection and Effect Loop On/Off, with LEDs
-Solid State Rectifier
-DC Powered filaments (preamp) for solid, quiet operation
-16 gauge, 1.5mm rugged chassis construction with folded and welded corners
-Outputs: 1 x 16 ohm jack, 2 x 8 ohm jacks, 2 x 4 ohm jacks
-1/4" Line Out
-Cabinet made of 15 ply, 18mm void-free plywood construction

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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Wampler's Pinnacle II Distortion



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Aljon

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Sunday, December 13, 2009

Tokyo... Day 1





Tokyo... Day 1

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Retro-Sonic Distortion



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Guitar Edge Magazine January 2010

The latest issue of Guitar Edge Magazine is now available. Read it HERE!

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Aljon

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Saturday, December 12, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Steve Vai's Jemini Distortion



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New 8-String Blackouts from Seymour Duncan

When six strings seem too conventional and seven strings still just aren’t enough, Seymour Duncan announces the release of the latest version of our hugely successful Blackouts series, the 8-string Blackouts for 8-string guitars. For the new generation of 8-stringed guitars, 8-string Blackouts provide more headroom while still generating thick and full lows without sounding muddy or dull. Designed from the ground up specifically for the need of 8-string players, these metal beasts contain ceramic magnets for both the neck and bridge versions, specifically voiced for heavy rock with greater dynamic range, less scooped mids, and less compression than other active pickups.


For anyone who has tried to record using an 8 stringed guitar, the biggest complaint has been that most pickups deliver a thudy sound, chopping off the dynamic range. The results can be clearly seen, like a “flatline” effect in the recording wave. 8-string Blackouts allows each register to have its own character, like you expect from any six string sound, but now with deeper bass lines and no flat-lining. It simply allows the player be more expressive.
The industry agrees that 8-string Blackouts are clearly an improvement, evident by the fact that many guitar makers like Schecter© Guitars, who are delving into the 8-string guitar world, are offering the 8-string Blackouts. Their latest, offering the Schecter BlackJack ATC-8 limited edition guitar comes with 8-string Blackouts installed.

Like the full line of Blackouts, the 8-strings provide a tone that sounds less compressed with a more extended frequency response. Blackouts active humbuckers are up to 14dB quieter than the competition, but they also have more lows, more highs, and more output.
Blackouts 8-string are designed to direct retrofit any 8-string electric guitars and are available in individual neck and bridge models, or as a two-pickup set. All versions come with all necessary mounting hardware, including pots, jack, and a battery clip.

READ MORE

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Aljon

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Friday, December 11, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Pro Chop by Gig-FX

Here is a demo of one of my favorite pedals on my "wish list" the Gig-FX ProChop explained by Jeff Purchon.

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Aljon

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

New Limited Run Gibson Custom Shop Guitars!

Gibson Custom Shop's Class 5 Les Paul in Firetiger Red! A mere 7 lbs. 10 oz.! Looks like Sammy Hagar's Paul!



Gibson Custom Shop "White Lightning" Flying V & Gibson Custom Shop's Class 5 Les Paul in Peacock Blue! 8 lbs. 10 oz.!

Please visit Gibson.com/dealers to get your hands on these COOL limited run guitars!

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Aljon

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ToneFreq Takes on Tokyo!

I'll be visiting some great guitar shops in Tokyo this weekend to talk tone. If you're in that part of the world please stop in and say HI! Check with my Twitter page for the latest updates and pictures!

SUNDAY 12/13 - Ikebe Revole
MONDAY 12/14 - Guitar Planet / Pan Music / G Club Tokyo
TUESDAY 12/15 - G-Club Shibuya / Musicland Shibuya
WEDNESDAY 12/16 - Ishibahi Shinjuku / Shinseido Shinjuku / Musicland Shinjuku / Ishibashi Shinjuku
THURSDAY - 12/17 - Ishibashi Ikebukuro / Ikebe Ikebukuro / G-Club Ikebukuro / Musicland Ikebukuro
FRIDAY - 12/18 - G-Club Tokyo

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Aljon

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ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: MXR M104 Distortion Plus

A classic distortion pedal.

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Wednesday, December 9, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Deep Blue Delay by Mad Professor

Jon of GuitarNoize posted this killer demo of Mad Professor's Deep Blue Delay. The pedal is wonderfully versatile, from delivering classic analog low-fi repeats to some great big Edge-esque textures this delay delivers!

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Aljon

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Boss CE-5 Chorus

A classic chorus for your pedalboard.

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Aljon

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Guitarist Gift Ideas: The Gem Amp


Imagine practicing at home in the morning, lay down studio tracks that afternoon, rock out at rehearsal in the evening and work on that new song or high-gain lick at midnight in your bedroom! All with exceptional tone! All with ONE incredibly portable AMP! Get it HERE for only $549!

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Aljon

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Monday, December 7, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Visual Sound Open Road Overdrive

MrBombhouserec has put a nice pedal demo of the Visual Sound Open Road Overdrive.

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Aljon

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Digitech Hardwire Tube Overdrive

Gearmandude brings us another great gear demo!

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Saturday, December 5, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Danelectro Cool Cat Fuzz

Here's a cool stocking stuffer idea. Not bad for a $30 fuzz pedal.

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Aljon

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Friday, December 4, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: MXR EVH-117 Eddie Van Halen Flanger Pedal

Dunlop has once again partnered with living legend Edward Van Halen to present a new spin on a classic tone. Everyone knows that it was the MXR Flanger that powered the timeless Van Halen tunes “Unchained” and “And the Cradle Will Rock.” Now you can grab a piece of that world-class tone with the new MXR EVH 117 Flanger. This amazing stompbox features the same bucket-brigade technology that provided the sweeping, whooshing magic of the original. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve also added the EVH Switch, which instantly calls up Eddie’s “Unchained” sound with the exact same Manual, Speed, Width, and Regeneration settings that he used to get one of the greatest guitar tones of all time. If that’s not cool enough, we painted the EVH Flanger with the rocking striped graphics that started a revolution. Get the MXR EVH 117 Flanger and hit the ground running.

EVH Switch activates preset Manual, Speed, Width, and Regeneration settings for instant “Unchained” tone
Original bucket brigade design for classic analog flanging
Indestructible die-cast housing in EVH-approved striped graphics

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Aljon's Influential Rock Guitar Tones: Van Halen's "Eruption/You Really Got Me"



You know who's bad ass? Eddie F'n Van Halen. Here's THE why many of us started playing guitar in the first place. Here's some footage of the mighty VH performing at the US Festival in 1983! Killer tone never goes out of style!

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Introducing Dusk Tiger by Gibson USA

A killer guitar with a look and construction that has never been seen before. Dusk Tiger represents the state of the art in electric guitars, redefining what the guitar can do with the integration of pioneering technology with the most advanced design in the industry, all in a Limited Edition package with only 1,000 sold worldwide. READ MORE HERE!


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Thursday, December 3, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Vox Joe Satriani Time Machine Delay

The Vox Time Machine dual-mode delay pedal was created in a collaboration between world-renowned guitarist Joe Satriani and VOX. With two delay modes and a Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch, it delivers a wide range of delay sounds and yet remains remarkably easy to use.

Two delay modes to handle any situation
The Time Machine has both Modern and Vintage delay modes. The Modern mode mirrors your original sound with full clarity and fidelity, and will fit any style of music. As its name suggests, the Vintage mode delivers the sound of a classic tape delay pedal. A proprietary saturation circuit creates a warm, analog sound with a nice sense of distortion. Gentle modulation is also applied in the vintage mode, reproducing the slight warbling produced by a tape-based delay. The amazing effectiveness is the result of an uncompromising process of testing and refining carried out by Joe and VOX.

Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch summons up Joe Satriani's custom tone
Joe wanted to get a sound that blends nicely with the other performers—whether you're on stage or in the studio—and yet also has some thickness to the tone. The solution was to add a Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi switch to the Time Machine. The Hi-Fi mode delivers a transparent, uncolored sound. The Lo-Fi mode, on the other hand, provides a distinctive EQ, combining both high-pass and low-pass filters. This EQ uses filters that have been precisely adjusted to Joe's taste, so that your guitar sound will blend naturally in the mix—without obscuring or interfering with the other players.

Versatile functions equal a diverse range of sound
The Vox Time Machine is an effect pedal like no other, one that expands your sound-creating potential through a variety of practical functions. The delay time is adjustable over a broad range—from 30ms slapback to nearly 6 full seconds of delay*. You can also use the tap tempo switch to set the delay as triplets, eighth notes, dotted 8th notes, or quarter notes depending on the delay range position setting. The chicken-head knobs that are a VOX tradition (and also favored by Joe) allow you to make fine adjustments—even while holding a pick—so it's easy to make quick yet precise changes. There are also two output jacks, so the unprocessed "dry" sound and the processed "wet" sound can be output separately. By connecting these two jacks to different amps, you can obtain spacious delay sounds that are highly effective in any playing environment.

* Maximum delay is 5800 milliseconds when using the tap temp switch and 1000 milliseconds when using the delay control.

Vox Joe Satriani Time Machine Delay Guitar Effects Pedal Specifications:

Controls: Level, Delay Range, Time, Feedback, ON SW, Tap & Modern/Vintage SW, Hi-Fi/Lo-Fi SW
In/Outputs: 1 x INPUT, 1 x OUTPUT, 1 x DRY OUT, 1 x DC9V
Max Delay Time: 5800 milliseconds via Tap-Tempo, 1000 milliseconds via Delay control
Input Impedance: 1megohm
Output Impedance: 1kOhm
Power Supply: 9V alkaline battery or AC adapter (sold separately)
Current Consumption: 60mA
Dimensions: 5.63" W x 2.28" H x 4.76" D
Weight: 600g /1.32 lb. (without batteries)
Included Items: 9V alkaline battery
Options: 9V AC adapter (not included)
Dual-mode delay: "modern" and "vintage."
Two EQ modes: "Hi-Fi" or "Lo-Fi"
Broad delay time range, with tap tempo control
Independent wet and dry stereo outputs

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Aljon

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Aljon's Influential Rock Guitar Tones: U2's "Where the Street's Have No Name"

For my birthday I've decided to post the guitarist who has influenced me the most - The Edge. When I first heard U2 I had no idea how those guitar sounds were created. When I did realize The Edge's secret I knew I had to run to my guitar store and get a delay pedal! This really kicked started my love of effects and exploring creating textural landscapes with the guitar.

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

ToneFreq's Daily Pedal: Eventide PitchFactor Harmonizer Guitar Effects Pedal

Studio Quality Effects at Your Feet
Top recording studios worldwide use Eventide effects on hit after hit. PitchFactor includes Eventide's best pitch-changing effects from the past 36 years without compromising quality OR flexibility.

Flexibility Built-In
Plug-and-play expression pedal control of wet/dry mix or any combination of parameters. Control program changes and vary parameters continuously via MIDI. Supports instrument or line level inputs and outputs. Plays well with others; adapts seamlessly with a wide variety of amps and other foot pedals.

Obsolescence is so 20th Century
Easy to upgrade; download new software from the Internet and install via USB.

Features
10 of Eventide’s signature stereo or mono pitch+delay effects:
Diatonic
PitchFlex™
Quadravox™
Octaver™
HarModulator™
Crystals™
MicroPitch
HarPeggiator™
H910 / H949
Synthonizer™

Up to 4 voices of diatonic pitch shifting and up to 1.5 seconds of stereo delay
Studio quality sound
Guitar or bass compatible
Built-in Tuner
Software upgradeable via USB 2.0
MIDI control via USB or MIDI in, out/thru
Instant program change
Real-time control with 10 knobs, MIDI, or expression pedal
Tap tempo and MIDI clock sync
100 factory presets, unlimited through MIDI
True analog bypass
Rugged cast metal construction
Reliable metal footswitches for instant preset access
Mono or stereo operation

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Aljon

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Aljon's Influential Rock Guitar Tones: Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing"

The legendary Jimi Hendrix's tone is magnificent. I really got into Jimi late in high school from listening to him in my morning carpool. I was memorized by his chord voicings and tasty fills. "Little Wing" is my favorite song of his and it gives me chills every time I hear it. Check out this footage of him at Albert Hall London in 1969.

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Custom Shop Traveling Exhibit Itinerary

New dates announced for Gibson Custom Shop Traveling Exhibit. Click HERE for all the dates!

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Aljon

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