Professional quality at hobbyist prices make these new small-footprint pedals immensely attractive. Each was developed specifically for acoustic guitars and offers solo artists and band members expansive options.
(press each pedal to learn more)
The blender lets create two separate mixes of two different audio sources, the reverb three adjustable options, Hall, Plate, and Spring. The looper has WAV file transfer via USB and 24-bit / 44.1kHz recording quality, and the EQ/preamp has five bands, including Low Cut and Brilliance, and phase control. Plus, they are all conveniently small in size.
Create separate A and B mixes from two audio sources
AFX Pocket Blender Mini A/B/Y + DI Changes Everything
Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mini Features include:
* Balanced D.I. Output with Ground Lift
* Innovative Dual Path Routing
* Super Compact Design Fits Almost Anywhere
* 9V External Power Required (sold separately)
All the essential tools in one compact pedal. A level-adjustable A/B pedal. A built-in DI output with ground-lift. A boost pedal. An output Y-splitter. A two-channel mixer. The AFX Pocket Blender is the ultimateA/B/Y pedal combining four essential tools:
1 – an Input Mixer that lets you continuously adjust the level of audio source(s) connected to the TRS input
2 – a D.I. output featuring Fishman’s balanced line driver circuit that can be used to send to a house PA or amplifier
3 – an ABY output to split a signal or connect to one or two stage amps
4 – an A/B Mode switch determines the overall behavior when the footswitch is pressed
This is the classic Pocket Blender in a small footprint.
Without even touching the A/B features, it’s a mini two-channel mixer allowing you to connect two audio sources and blend them together. This is perfect for dual-source systems such as Fishman sound hole pickups that feature a mic or body pickup.
Build on the simple blender by setting up an “A mix” and a “B mix” where pressing the footswitch toggles between one mix and the other. You could balance your onboard pickup (50%) with your onboard mic (50%) on mix A. Then on mix B, which you use to take solos, you could boost the pickup to 75% while leaving the mic on 50%. All with a single stomp of the footswitch.
Hall, Plate & Spring provide ambiance while preserving acoustic tone
The Reverb Time knob controls how long you hear the effect, and ranges from short to very large spaces. Tone knob affects only the reverb and not your direct sound. Similarly, the Level knob adds the effect into your signal chain without overwhelming the sound of your instrument.
Three reverbs designed for acoustic guitar
Spring
Recreates the classic sound of a spring type reverb found in many electric guitar amplifiers
Hall
An all-around reverb with natural, resonate spaces capable of replicating rooms both small and large, with long reverb decay times
Plate
Recreates the dense reflections and metallic characteristics of mechanical plate reverbs used throughout the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s
New for 2023 is the third Keb Mo signature model from Gibson guitars. It has a torrefied Sitka spruce soundboard with forward-shifted hand-scalloped braces, mahogany back and sides, traditional nitrocellulose gloss finish, and L R Baggs onboard VTC electronics. The traditional dovetail neck joint is set with hide glue. The guitar has a 25″ scale and the rosewood fingerboard has a width at nut of 1.805″(roughly 1-4/5″) to go along with the proprietary Keb Mo neck profile shape.
The latest edition in Gibson’s satin finish models is the J-45 50s Faded, which offers similar construction to the traditional gloss lacquer version, including the rounded 1.725″ neck with a 24.75″ string scale and a hot hide glue set dovetail neck joint. It also comes with LR Baggs VTC electronics. The satin finish and faded sunburst evokes a “vintage vibe.”
If this is truly only the direct signal heard in this video, I must say this could be a game changer. This ship to dealers in May 2023. I look forward to the independent reviews.
Baggs claims that their new HiFi system offers two bridge plate sensors in a non-invasive design featuring high-fidelity electronics. The holy grail of dynamics, definition, and balance, is promised to be achieved with good feedback resistance. Peel-and-stick installation seems similar to the K&K method and the pickups are light of weight, enough to have no discernible effect on the natural acoustic tone. The onboard preamp is designed to get the best tone from these new pickups. It also comes with a tone and volume control accessible along the rim of the sound hole. $199.
Grand Auditorium with a Cutaway and Four-Piece Top
The latest edition in the Taylor Builder’s Edition series has elegant styling and ergonomic features like the beveled arm rest on the bass side of the lower bout, and a bevel built into the cutaway. The Builder’s Edition 914ce has 800 Series specs including an East Indian back has an attractive burst shading and no center seam, wood bindings and wood fiber purling, and a pearl sound hole rosette.
The soundboard on the Taylor Builder’s Edition 914ce made with four panels of Adirondack spruce. This seems to take a page from Chris Martin’s playbook of putting non-traditional woods or construction techniques on a showcase special edition guitar, as if to say, “Would we put this on such an important, expensive instrument if there was something wrong with it?” Mr.s Taylor and Martin are passionate about responsible management of natural resources and this new Builder’s Edition furthers that cause by showing how four-piece soundboards can look lovely and help create beautiful music.
C. F. Martin & Co. adds to their award-winning Junior series
Bass models and exclusive Jr. Bass Strings
(click to enlarge)
Taken from Martin’s official press release:
Martin Junior Series instruments are slightly smaller than our full-sized instruments, but you won’t have to sacrifice tone or volume, and you’ll gain plenty of comfort and portability. Whether you love the Dreadnought shape or want the Auditorium-style body with a cutaway, these new Junior Series bass models are ideal if you love to write and practice on an unplugged bass but also need the option to plug it in to record or play live with your band.
They include a spruce top and sapele back and sides to deliver thumping Martin bass tones, whether you are unplugged or using the built-in Fishman® electronics. They also include a sleek, fast neck so you can keep the rhythm section tight.
Each model is strung with Martin short scale bass strings that are made specifically for the unique and comfortable 24″ string scale. List price: $749.
Solid sapele back, sides, and top with the Martin StreetMaster styling, the 000C-Jr StreetMaster is a fully-realized acoustic-electric guitar in a travel-friendly size that has a warm, mellow tone.
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