Category Archives: Information

Reverend Guitars Releases New Guitars For NAMM 2025

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Reverend introduces new signatures, in addition to its Sensei line, and a 5-string bass. Ryan Malicsi is the lead guitar player of the Lansing, MI emo band, Hot Mulligan. With three full-length albums, a fistful of EPs and near-constant touring with other big-name Emo bands, Hot Mulligan has become the #1 Hot New Band they proclaimed on their socials. 

The Reverend Ryan Malicisi Signature is now available through any Reverend Authorized Dealer.

Sensei H90

Reverend Guitars is proud to bring its popular Humbucker/P90 pickup setup to the Sensei guitar series. This versatile combination lets player easily switch between powerful and smooth tones or blend the pickups for a unique crunchy and twangy sound. Now available through any Reverend Authorized Dealer, the Reverend Sensei H90 is a must-have for any serious guitar collection.

Reverend Bob Balch Floyd

When Bob Balch asked for a new trem model, Reverend Guitars equipped the guitar with the Floyd Rose 1000 Series Pro. The new guitar offers players enhanced performance, versatility, and exceptional tuning stability — even during divebombs.  Adding the Floyd’s metallic mass enhances the sparkle and harmonic richness to the tone. Reverend Guitar’s Joe Naylor designed this guitar for uncompromising performance that’s ready to meet the demands of any player.

Bob Balch is the lead guitarist for fuzz rock Fu Manchu. He also pioneered a successful guitar education website called playthisriff.com, where he invites metal, punk, and other heavy guitarists to tach a few songs to his subscribers. This guitar is the second signature model with Bob Balch from Reverend Guitars.

The Reverend Bob Balch Floyd is now available through any Reverend Authorized Dealer.

Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider E

Reverend Guitars announces the Reverend Pete Anderson Eastsider E. The single-pickup version of the popular Eastsider is a streamlined tone machine. With the versatile Telbucker pickup at the bridge, players can choose between three distinct tones using the 3-way Voice Selector circuit:

  • bright percussive twang
  • Full hot humbucker
  • Fat round warmth

The Eastsider E is the fifth model in the Eastsider series, developed in collaboration with acclaimed guitarist and producer Pete Anderson. The other models include the Eastsider T, Eastsider S, Eastsider Baritone, and the set-neck Eastsider Custom.

You can now find the Reverend Pete Anderson Eastquire at any Reverend Authorized Dealer.

Triad-5

Reverend Guitars is excited to introduce the 5-string version of the renowned Triad bass. Featuring three Jazz Bomb pickups and a 5-way selector, it provides easy access to five distinct tones. The block inlays add a touch of elegance to its design, ensuring the instrument looks as great as it sounds. For those seeking a highly versatile 5-string bass, the Triad 5 is the perfect choice.

The Reverend Triad-5 is now available through any Reverend Authorized Dealer.

 

Walrus Audio Announced The Qi Etheralizer

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The Qi Etherealizer (pronounced “chee ethereal-izer), a collaborative creation with Yvette Young, is a multi-effects pedal that combines Chorus, Delay, Granular effects, and, of course, Reverb, into a creative playground for atmospheric exploration.

Known for her innovative and explorative fingerstyle playing technique, love of guitar pedals, and leadership of the math rock band Covet, the Qi reflects her approach to creating lush, evolving soundscapes. Named after the vital life energy that flows through all living things, the Qi is designed to deliver cutting-edge texture, expansive atmospheres, and dynamic layers. By blending Yvette’s artistic vision with cutting-edge design, the Qi opens the door to immersive, otherworldly sounds.

“I hope that it will inspire people to be exited to have colors and textures to play with. I think this is going to be a wonderful tool for people to create ambient sounds and add interest to their playing! … I want people to think about their melodies and how they can start to sound a little less guitar-y and more … magical! YY”

The Qi allows you to mix and match the chorus, and grain and run in series or parallel to create your own inspiring universe of possibility in a stereo file. With the ability to save presets and bypass the chorus, delay, and grain controls, you can quickly and instantly change settings by simultaneously pressing the Bypass and Freeze stomp switches. Go from a traditional chorus with a little bit of delay, or go all in and let the Qi take over with unexplainable washes and glitchy and lush ambiance. Whatever your style is, the Qi will give it a new life.

The Qi is the first creation to emerge from our groundbreaking proprietary digital processing platform MDSP. Designed in-house by our talented engineering team, MDSP sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity audio and innovative design, delivering decades of inspiration to creators seeking practical yet forward-thinking gear.

At the core of MDSP is the powerful ARM-based Cortex M7 processor, renowned as the highest-performing processor in its class. With a proven history in high-level electronics, the Cortex M7 has been meticulously tailored for advanced audio algorithm processing in the MDSP platform. This unique system integrates a microcontroller and a DSP into a single compact unit, enabling a smaller, modular design that can seamlessly adapt to a wide range of pedal formats.

This modular and “mini” approach empower Walrus Audio to push the boundaries of audio processing. The enhanced capabilities of Walrus’s MDSP allow for the development and execution of more sophisticated algorithms than ever before, delivering unparalleled creative possibilities for musicians and audio professionals alike.

The MDSP platform also boasts a superior audio codec, supporting faster sample rates, increased bit depth, greater headroom, and an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio. These enhancement ensure outstanding audio performance, setting a new standard in digital signal processing for the music industry.

The introduction of MDSP reflects Walrus Audio’s commitment to providing creators with cutting-edge tools that inspire innovation and creativity.

* Pre-Order Your Qi today! The first batch sold out. New orders will begin shipping Mid-February!

 

Dunlop Unveils Mick Ronson Cry Baby Wah

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The Mick Ronson Cry Baby Wah taps into the vibrant, melodic character of one of rock ’n’ roll’s most gifted songwriters.

Few guitar player have been able to combine a keen musical instinct with a profound grasp of composition like Mick Ronson. Laden with expressive resonance, his arrangements layered deliberately chosen tones and textures to build exquisite melodies and powerful riffs. 

The Cry Baby Wah, set in a fixed position to serve as a filter, was key to the tone-shaping vision that Ronson used to transform the face of popular music through his work with David Bowie and many others as both an artist and a producer.

We wanted to make that incredibly Cry Baby Wah sound available to all players, and legendary producer Bob Rock — a friend and collaborator of Ranson’s  — was there to help. He generously loaned us Ronson’s own Cry Baby Wah pedal, an early Italian-made model whose vintage components imbue it with a truly singular sound. 

Ronson recorded many tracks with this pedal, and Rock would go on to use it when recording numerous other artists. With matched specs, tightened tolerances, and a custom inductor, our engineers have recreated this truly special sound. 

“You place the wah,  and leave it there, and that’s the tone,” Rock says. “It’s all over every record he ever made, and I’ve used it on every record since I got it. Dunlop’s engineers spent the time and sent me the prototypes, and we nailed that sound.”

To capture all of the nuance and detail responsible for Ronson’s unique wah sound, our engineers created a custom inducer that replicates the higher frequency response and subtler peak of the original pedal. The resulting sound offers an exquisitely balanced sonic profile that’s bright and clear with peaks that stay musically smooth.

We want every player to get that same experience, so we tightened the inductor tolerance to ensure that the closest possible representation of Ronson’s Cry Baby Wah. We have likewise reproduced the fast initial sweep of the potentiometer, which offers an instant reactivity that’s like nothing from the modern era.

And it didn’t stop there — the engineering team even included period-accurate low-gain transistors and value-matched resistors that contribute to a truly distinctive EQ curve. This is a pedal that is literally tailor-made for Mr. Ronson’s Cry Baby Wah with a special finish inspired by his work. Dig into the signature tones of one of the greatest to ever pick up the guitar. Get the Mick Ronson Cry Baby Wah.

AVAILABLE 4/1/25

$299.99 street

The Data Is In: Cannon Claims #1 Spot in Multiple Camera and Lens Categories

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Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions is proud to announce that the EOS R6 Mark II was the top selling full-frame camera in the U.S. in 2024 and Canon has solidified the number one spot in multiple categories for cameras and lenses in the U.S. This includes:

  • #1 in Interchangeable Lens Cameras
  • #1 in Mirrorless Cameras
  • #1 in Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

In addition to the above, Canon is also number one in full-frame cameras, lenses and mirrorless lenses. Since the introduction of the EOS R system, Canon has continued its development of innovative products with cameras such as the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II and lenses including the RF24mm F1.4 L VCM and RF50mm F1.4 VCM.

For the professional photographer on the sidelines of world-class sporting events, to portrait or wedding photographers looking to capture a moment of a lifetime and the family photographer who is documenting the hustle and bustle of everyday life — Canon cameras and lenses are a strong addition to the gear bags of any visual storyteller looking for high-quality images and video.

“Customers are Cannon’s greatest strength, and we strive to exceed their expectations — with hard work, quality products and innovation front and center, we’ve reached number one within the industry in the U.S.,” said Hiroto Kato, vice president, Business Planning & Strategy. “At the core of Cannon is our employees working have helped to achieve this great success while empowering our visual storytellers.”

About Cannon USA. Inc.

Cannon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean markets. With Approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, it’s parent company, Cannon Inc., as of 2024 has ranked in the top-10 for U.S. patients granted for 41 consecutive years. Cannon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. 

Taylor Announces Gold Label Guitar Collection

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Taylor’s all-new acoustic Gold Label Collection, developed by CEO Andy Powers, is designed to be unlike anything Taylor has ever offered.

GOLD LABEL: A bold new Taylor acoustic collection

Available in two models, each with an optional sunburst — Gold Label 814e (natural top), Gold Label 814e SB, Gold Label 814e Koa (natural top), and Gold Label 814e Koa SB — the collection blends traditional and modern elements in an inspiring new way and expands Taylor’s musical palette to appeal to an even more diverse range of players.

The Gold Label Collection draws inspiration from 1930’s and ’40’s flat top acoustic guitars, delivering a warmer, fuller tone that blends a heritage voice with a new version of Taylor’s award-winning V-Class bracing technology. 

The collection features several groundbreaking design elements, including the new Super Auditorium body style, a Fanned V-Class bracing pattern, and a long-tenon nest joint, all of which contribute to a richer, more resident, more muscular sound.

The collection also introduces two distinctive wood pairings: Honduran rosewood back sides with a terrified Sitka spruce top, producing exceptional harmonic richness, and figured Hawaiian koa coupled with terrified Sitka spruce, delivering a more balanced, rounded tone.

“The harder you play, the louder the guitar gets,” say Powers. “But it naturally starts to compress the sound into a more controlled focused tone rather than becoming mushy. Yet these guitars also respond to delicate articulation with a broadly rich voice. When you play a simple note softly, the guitar naturally amplifies it with surprising warmth and volume.”

With its unique sound and aesthetic, the Gold Label Collection sits apart from Taylor’s other premium lines, offering a guitar that combines the warmth and tonal character of traditional instruments with the playability and reliability Taylor is known for.

The collection’s craftsmanship extends beyond its sonic capabilities, with a fresh visual aesthetic that combines classic influences with modern artistry. The result is a guitar that will appeal to a broad range of players, offering a distinctive voice and performance that bring together the best of both old and new.

Whether for recording, live performance, or personal enjoyment, the Gold Label Collection provides musicians with a guitar that is visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

NIKON EXHIBITS AT CES 2025

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Nikon Corporation (Nikon) will exhibit at CES 2025, one of the world’s largest digital technology trade shows, which will take place in Las Vegas Nevada, from January 7 to 10. The Nikon booth (#19504) will be located in the Central hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

As set forth by the Medium-term Management Plan, Nikon is striving to become a key technology solutions company in a global society where humans and machines co-create seamlessly by 2030. The Nikon booth will offer interactive and experiential content featuring our state-of-the-art technologies that support society’s foundation and creativity, alongside co-creation initiates with our partners.

Nikon is also pleased to announce that the Z6III mirrorless camera has been selected as a CES Innovation.

Awards 2025 Honoree in the Imaging category, The Nikon Z6III features the world’s first partially stacked CMOS sensor to deliver ultra-fast readout speeds and high frame rates, making it the most versatile, capable and powerful mid-range mirrorless camera designed to give photographers and videographers unmatched performance. The Z6III will be displayed at the Innovation Awards Showcase at CES 2025, as well as in the Nikon booth with other Z series mirrorless cameras and lenses.

Main Exhibits at the Nikon Booth:

Immersive video content: A drone video taken by Nikon Creates Corporation, a subsidy of Nikon, will be shown at the booth entrance. The footage, shown on two large screens measuring 7m x 3m (23ft x 10ft) and 2.5m x 3m (8ft x 10ft), will offer visitors an immersive experience.

Robot vision systems: The system enables flexible robot operation, equipped with dynamic vision that surpasses humans and an image processing engine. The demonstration will take place in a futuristic kitchen setting where the robot vision system will pick up objects flexibly, swiftly and accurately. Nikon’s “C3 eMotion” is built into the robot arm, which packages the parts necessary for robotic joints.

Riblet processing: Inspired by shark skin, microscopic grooves are created on the surface of   materials using Nikon’s original laser processing technology. This reduces frictional resistance, such as air and water, and can improve energy efficiency in various fields. Visitors will be able to view actual materials that have undergone riblet processing and participate in a quiz using a touch panel screen.

In-vehicle camera system: Co-created with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, the innovative in-vehicle camera system integrates telephoto and wide-angle functions (released on December 19, 2024). Visitors can experience the view from inside a truck while experiencing the benefits of this system in checking both far away and in the close periphery simultaneously, as VR footage.

Virtual production: An experienced exhibit called “Studio Extreme” will be set up where visitors can participate in creating videos that merge the real and virtual worlds. The shoot will use Studiobot LT, a robot arm and motion control system from Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited (MRMC), a subsidiary of Nikon. The end of the arm will have a cinema camera attached to it from RED Digital Camera inc., which became wholly owned subsidiary of Nikon in April 2024.

Shure Introduces The MV7i Smart Microphone And Interface

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Shure announced the MV7i Smart Microphone and Interface at CES 2025. Featuring a world-first and patented technology, the MV7i sets a new standard of versatility and ease-of-use for podcasters, musicians, and streamers who require two channels of recording. 

Answering the needs of today’s creators, the MV7i enables users to directly connect to a second XLR microphone of their choice or musical instrument (keyboard, guitar, etc.), eliminating the need for an external hardware interface. 

Designed to simplify the way creators record audio, the MV7i offers the same unmatched audio quality as the award-winning MV7+ – complete with onboard DSP and MOTIV Mix desktop and MOTIV mobile app integration. 

“Whether they’re recording a podcasts with a guest or tracking vocals and instruments simultaneously in their home studio, creators need technology that simplifies their workflow and makes capturing audio seamless,” says Edwardo Valdes, AVP of Global Marketing and Product Management, at Shure.

“The MV7i delivers the same renowned sound signature as the celebrated MV7+ and streamlines the creative process, saving creators from additional expenses an the hassle of confusing setups so they can focus on their craft and push boundaries, while we handle the technology. By combining Shure’s legendary microphone audio quality with an integrated interface, we’re eliminating complexity while maintaining professional standards, all in one elegant solution.”

Engineered for seamless two-channel recording, the MV7i supports creative needs, from podcasting with a guest to recording vocals and instruments. The built-in interface lets users seamlessly connect a second microphone or instrument directly into the MV7i, and then control both channels of audio in either the MOTIV apps through a computer or a phone or with any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and app. 

Its powerful, built-in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engine ensures studio-quality sound on both channels, minimizing production setup. Creators can adjust the DSP setting on each of the MV7i’s two channels independently. 

Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7B, the MV7i’s design is complemented by a durable metal chassis, ensuring longevity and reliability. The microphone includes a built-in combo XLR and 1/4” input, enabling users to connect a second microphone or instrument with 60dB gain and 48V phantom power, compatible with both dynamic and condenser mics. 

The MV7i instantly detects and automatically selects and applies the appropriate DSP for the recording application. Its USB-C output ensures broad compatibility with Mac, Windows, and select mobile devices, and is MFi certified for iPhone and iPad use. Additionally, the color-customizable LED touch panel provides intuitive mute control and dual-channel LED display for a quick, at-a-glance access, simplifying your favorite Digital Audio Workstation and streaming platform.

“Creators no longer need a separate interface. The MV7i puts it all in one convenient and space-saving package, designed for users regardless of their level of audio knowledge,” continue Valdes. “Customized control of the microphone through MOTIV Mix makes it even easier to use.”

Cort Unveils Two New Top Cedar Acoustic Guitars

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The new MR500F-CED and L100OCF-CED acoustic guitars have solid red cedar tops and black satin finishes. Cedar is a highly sought after tone wood for acoustic guitars. Often reserved for nylon stringed instruments or high-end, hand-crafted steel strings, cedar topped guitars bring warmth and resonance to production models at an attractive price point. Both models are now available online and at select retailers worldwide.

To complement the cedar tops, both models feature mahogany back and sides to balance the overall tone and response of the guitars. The black satin finish is located to the top while a clear satin finish is applied to the back and sides. ABS ivory binding and rosette adorns the body.

With their ivory pick guards, the guitars are immediately reminiscent of classic guitars from yesteryear. The dovetail construction allows the mahogany neck to transfer sustain to the body and provide enduring performance. At a 25 1/2” scale length, the 20 fret ovangkol bridge, a PPS nut, die cast tuners, and D’Addario EXP16 strings. Onboard electronics are provides by the Fishman Presys VT and S-Core system.

Cort’s MR500F-CED is a full-size dreadnought body. With a wider lower bout and deeper body, the dreadnought is full of powerful bass response and loud projection. They are a flat pickers dream and the cutaway provide easy access to the top end of the fretboard. Perfect for dynamic chords and heavy strumming, these guitars measure 1 11/16 (43mm) at the nut for easier navigation.

The L100OCD has an orchestra body. Compared to the dreadnought, an orchestra model is a considerably smaller but with a wider string spacing, measuring 1 3/4” (45mm) at the nut. This smaller, cutaway body and string spacing make these guitars ideal for finger pickers and provide great comfort for extended playing for players of all sizes.

To learn more about these new models, see us at NAMM BOOTH 5102 or visit us online at www.cortguitars.com

Street prices are:

$369.99MR500F-CED BKS

$369.99 L100OCF-CED BKS

Graph Tech Launches Barrel Knobs For Ratio Machine Heads

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Enhance your Ratio Machine Heads with Graph Tech’s new Barrel Knobs. Designed for comfort and style, these barrel-shaped tuning buttons offer a fresh look and feel to your instrument. Available in chrome and black finishes, these knobs are the perfect way to personalize your guitar.

Graph Tech Guitar Labs has the latest edition to their Ratio Machine Head family: Barrel Knobs. These barrel-style tuning buttons bring a fresh look and feel to the Ratio system, offering players a new way to personalize their instruments – and an easy-to-grip alternative to more tuner knobs. 

Available in two different finishes — chrome and black – the new barrel knobs can be ordered as a standalone option. If you already own Ratio Machine Heads, simply order the Barrel Knobs and swap them out — the process is easy and only takes a few minutes. Best of all, there is no need to replace the entire Ratio tuner system.

The new Barrel Knobs were developed at the request of guitarist Thomas Nordegg, known for his work with rock legends like Frank Zappa and Steve Vai.  A longtime fan of Graph Tech’s Ratio machine heads, Nordegg saw an opportunity  to enhance the system’s ergonomic design and approached Graph Tech with the idea of creating a barrel-style tuning buttons to provide an alternative option for players seeking a fresh look and feel.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Ratio system, these knobs combine ergonomic comfort with understated style, giving players another way to personalize their instruments.

More and more players are option for Ratio Machine Heads on their instruments. Ratio Machine Heads are designed with gear ratios that are uniquely calibrated for each string, making turning consistent and predictable across the fretboard. This innovative system simplifies fine-tuning and alternate tunings, saving time and improving accuracy.

Here’s what the new Barrel Knobs offer:

Refined Functionality: Barrel-shaped design for a natural grip and precise adjustments.

Timeless Aesthetic: A sleek, modern look that compliments any guitar style.

Perfect fit: Designed specifically for Ratio Machine Heads, ensuring flawless compatibility.

Available in chrome and black to suit a variety of instruments and player preferences.

Graph Tech’s new Barrel Knobs are available for $3.00 each and are available in chrome and black finishes.

Supercool Pedals Unveiled The Barstow Bat

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The newest pedal in Supercool’s lineup, designed to honor the classic RAT distortion pedal with more tone-customization, a dead-quiet circuit response, and an eye-catching design.

The Barstow Bat is designed to offer a versatile 3-band EQ section to create colors and tones beyond that of its influence, with a surprisingly quiet and calculated circuit under the hood. For even more sonic versatility, the TURBO button swaps between classic and silicon RAT distortion and a more open and aggressive TURBO RAT LED clipping mode.

Features

The Barstow Bat highlights include:

  • Classic RAT Distortion with a super-quiet noise floor
  • Eye-catching graphics based on the work of Hunter Thompson and Ralph Steadman’s iconic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
  • Massive output volume
  • Active isolated 3-band EQ for a wide range of tones
  • Selectable clipping modes (Standard or TURBO)
  • True Bypass on/off switch
  • 9-volt  DC power from external supply, not battery compartment
  • Hand assembled in Peterborough, Canada
  • LIMITED EDITION BLACK version available until 2025