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V-Picks Announces The V-Slide
V-Picks has released a new, and different, guitar slide called The V-Slide. Made of the same material as V-Picks, this cast acrylic slide plays, sounds and wears totally different from any other guitar slide. This slide is much lighter than glass or brass. Therefore, wear and tear on the edge of your guitar neck and frets is greatly reduced. Rather than the normal clanky sound, you get a much warmer tone, yet full and rich. Some have said this material seems to "bite" into the strings better than glass or brass, creating a better vibrato and sustain. This material is next to indestructable and yet is just as cool looking as a glass slide. It also has that same "V-Pick Grippage", so they won't slip around on your fingers.
The V-Slide comes in two sizes. Regular: 2 1/4" x 1", and Large: 2 1/4" x 1 1/4". V-Picks will also cut them to your desired length if requested at order. Due to the feather weight of these slides, you can now play them on your pinky, ring, or middle finger. Nashville seems to be the slide capital of the world. These slides raised a lot of eyebrows at NAMM and a lot of guitar players took the V-Slide home with them.
IK Multimedia Ships Total Guitar & Bass Gear Bundle
IK Multimedia has announced the release of the Total Guitar & Bass Gear Bundle, IK’s definitive collection of award-winning “Powered by AmpliTube” products with 5 analog-modeled Amp and FX plug-ins: AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Metal and AmpliTube X-GEAR, bundled together into the ultimate guitar and bass gear collection for both studio and live use.
A massive collection of superior-sounding models with more gear than any other package, giving musicians and producers convenient access to the widest range of guitar and bass amp and FX models on the market: 150 ultra-realistic gear models, 51 stompboxes, 26 Preamp and EQ models, 11 Power amps, 33 cabinets, 11 mics and 23 rack effects to create their dream tones. For a limited time the Total Guitar & Bass Gear Bundle is introduced at a special launch price of ($599.99/€449.99) for the full version, and ($499.99/€379.99) for the crossgrade version (for registered users of any full or lite version IK product) for a savings of over 65% off combined retail price.
Vox Announces JamVOX
JamVOX is an integrated monitor and software system that extracts the guitar from any MP3 and plugs you into the mix of your favorite bands. JamVOX gives guitarists instant access to dozens of legendary amps and effects all in one easy to use “drag and drop” software interface. Revolutionary Guitar XTracktion (GXT) technology lets you remove the guitar part of your favorite song with the push of a button. Best of all, you can then take the lead yourself with instant rock star tone. Alternatively, you can extract or isolate the guitar part, slow down the tempo, and practice any style of music without changing the pitch.
JamVOX includes authentic software models, or recreations, of 19 famous guitar amps and 54 vintage and modern effects, so you'll be able to reproduce the sounds of your favorite guitarists. It also comes with a dedicated full-range USB monitor speaker, so there's no need for complex wiring or any specialized knowledge of computer music. A two-CD 28-song bundle of guitar play-along tracks of famous songs, courtesy of Hal Leonard Corporation, is also included.
IK Multimedia Announces StompIO Upgrade
StompIO Upgrade is a reduced price, hardware-only version of StompIO that allows you to immediately control any "Powered by AmpliTube" software live, making it the most powerful multiFX floor processor.
If you are a registered user of either AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube 2 Live, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix or AmpliTube Metal, you can now get the new StompIO Upgrade for only $799.99/€599.99 (exc. taxes). That’s up to a 25% discount over its regular price.
And, for a limited time, if you buy the StompIO Upgrade you will also get a FREE download of the just-released AmpliTube Metal (worth $269.99/€199.99) — saving 40% on their combined price.
IK Multimedia Ships AmpliTube Metal
IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube Metal is now shipping. Based on IK’s award-winning AmpliTube 2 software, AmpliTube Metal is the first guitar amp and FX modeling software dedicated entirely to heavy metal gear, with an arsenal of 48 highly acclaimed models of modern and vintage amps, cabinets, stompboxes and rack effects — including models of extremely rare and collectible metal stomp boxes, amp heads and cabinets, from the legendary, hard-to-find Japanese originals to classic British and American essentials.
AmpliTube Metal includes 14 stomp boxes, 5 amp models, 13 cabinets and 6 mics, 9 rack FX and a tuner for 48 never-before-reproduced models. Including models based on the ProCo RAT, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, Digitech Whammy, several vintage BOSS effects, Randall Warhead, Peavey 5150, Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier, and other great emulations based on metal gear.
AmpliTube Metal is now available from IK’s online store and international network of authorized dealers and resellers for only €199.99/$269.99 for the full version, and €169.99/$229.99 for a reduced price crossgrade version (available to all registered users of any IK product).
Native Instruments Announces Guitar Rig XE And Guitar Rig Session
Guitar Rig XE is a new version of NI's award-winning GUITAR RIG software. Offering an essential arsenal of emulated gear at an especially affordable price, GUITAR RIG 3 XE is specifically designed for modern guitarists who want to perform and record with uncompromising audio quality regardless of their budget. A versatile selection of five true-to-life tube amplifier models, 12 classic cabinet types and 21 different effect units offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, all accessible through GUITAR RIG’s typical “virtual rack”. Other practical features of GUITAR RIG 3 XE include dual tape decks, metronome, tuner, a special Live View for stage use, and a convenient preset database that comes with more than 150 ready-to-play guitar tones accommodating all kinds of playing styles and musical genres. GUITAR RIG 3 XE will be available in June 2008 for a suggested retail price of $ 119 / 99 €.
The software will also be available as part of the upcoming GUITAR RIG SESSION package that includes the SESSION I/O audio interface and additional recording software. The crucial link between the instrument and the computer is established with the included SESSION I/O, a new USB 2.0 stereo audio interface specifically designed for guitarists. Two high-quality instrument preamps and studio-grade 24bit/192kHz Cirrus Logic audio converters enable pristine audio quality, while low-latency drivers provide excellent feel and responsiveness under all conditions. With an additional microphone input and headphone output, the compact and rugged SESSION I/O offers everything necessary to turn a Windows or Macintosh computer into a full guitar or bass setup. GUITAR RIG SESSION also includes the powerful 64-track music sequencer Cubase 4 LE, as well as the KORE PLAYER software instrument combined with the versatile POP DRUMS acoustic drum library — providing a complete creative arsenal to record and produce music on any computer. GUITAR RIG SESSION will be available in June 2008 for a suggested retail price of $ 249 / 229 €.
Seymour Duncan Ships The SH-15 Alternative-8 Humbucker Pickup
Guitar tones are getting heavier and heavier. Seymour Duncan has responded with the SH-15 Alternative 8, their first production pickup to use an Alnico 8 magnet. The Alternative 8 starts with hot coils wound for maximum output. With the addition of the Alnico 8 magnet, the output is enhanced with a huge, punchy sound, full of fat mids and present upper-mids. This is a dynamic pickup that doesn't get "sizzly" or dark. The Alnico 8 is perfect for all rock styles and it's great for use with high gain amps.
The Alternative 8 is recommended for the bridge position and it's available uncovered, with gold or nickel covers, and in Trembucker spacing. It matches great with a moderate output neck pickup like the SH-1n '59 or the SH-2n Jazz Model. The SH-15 is vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance. Mounting hardware (screws and springs) is included as is a detailed wiring diagram. The Alternative 8 is hand built in Duncan's Santa Barbara, California factory.
Korg Debuts The Pitchblack Pedalboard-Ready Tuner
Korg is now shipping the pitchblack tuner, part of its newly-created advanced tuner series. It combines high precision and functionality in a rugged die-cast aluminum package designed to withstand the rigors of road use. The pitchblack is the size of a compact effect unit but boasts a large, easy-to-read LED display providing superb visibility in all lighting conditions and from any angle. Equipped with 100% true bypass, the pitchblack ensures that a player's tone remains intact and uncolored, whether the tuner is used independently or in a pedalboard as part of a chain of effects. The tuner's 9-Volt DC output jack makes it possible to cascade power to other pedals when chaining effects.
The pitchblack's precise tuning accuracy, ±1 cent, is supported by four different tuning modes: Meter, Full Strobe, Half Strobe and Mirror. The Korg pitchblack Chromatic Pedal Tuner is now available with a U.S. MSRP of $150.00. As with all Korg tuners, it comes complete with an extended three year warranty.
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