Musical Instruments

Boss answers the boutique pedal manufacturers by releasing 2 new (old) pedals under their WAZA Craft branding that retain their original analogue warmth while adding some nifty new features. The Boss DM-2W Delay and the Boss SD-1W Super Overdrive are re-imagined for the modern guitarist. In this blog I will talk about their hallowed predecessors, compare them to this new iteration, and put them through their paces to see how kind time has been.

The Fender Mustang 1 V.2 is more than just a 20 watt practice amp with an 8” speaker and a load of tones and flexibility, it is also a guitarist’s entrance into the online world of social connectivity. The Fender Mustang 1 V.2 is a potent little amplifier that offers you a myriad of sounds and the ability to tweak to your heart’s content, but it also connects to your computer, connects you with other musicians, and connects you with your inner music producer.

Akai terms their Advance line of controllers as “unprecedented” plug-in control. The 49-note version that I played with came pretty close to the mark.  I can see its potential as a studio and live situation controller that, once you adjust your workflow, will help you organize, recall and control all of your software synths and effects.

Roland always impresses at NAMM, and this year is no exception thanks to many different new products including keyboards, beat making tools, an awesome digital woodwind instrument, and lots of Boss items.

Check out this review of three karaoke machines from Singsation. Karaoke is a great way to have fun as a family, and there's one here to suit every party.

Like most of you in the home and project studio game, I like to read the trade magazines and gear review sites frequently. I’m a firm believer in the “it’s-not-about-the-gear” mantra, but hey, if money weren’t an object…

Digital piano maintenance consists of damage prevention and general maintenance. Here are some ideas to consider when caring for your digital piano.

The Fender DG-60 dreadnought acoustic guitar will soon be available at Best Buy. I’ll come out and say it—this is a great guitar for the price. If asked to recommend something for a beginner or as a small-gig instrument, I’d put the DG-60 on the list for sure.  It has a nice look and feel coupled with great playability and a brighter tone that fills the room.

We dropped by the Fender booth to visit some familiar faces, listen to some guitars and amps and learn about some new products and promotions they’re planning for the coming year.

The Fender booth was a treat for us. Why wouldn’t anyone like strolling through a large room full of iconic guitars, basses and amps.    There are some new things from Fender that will please both their established clientelle as well as their new ones. We got treated to a look at a few of the treats that Fender has in store for Strat lovers.