11/27/2011

DigiTech RP1000 Integrated-Effects Switching System Review

DigiTech RP1000  Integrated-Effects Switching System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Here is my review of this Multi-effects/amp-modeling/integrated switching system. I have been playing guitar for well over 10 years and have a decent amount of experience with Multi-effects units. I own the Digitech GNX4 and an earlier model BOSS unit with the COSM modeling. I have provided my rating for each individual aspect of the unit and also some comparison with the Boss GT 10, which I think is the only real competitor for this kind of unit and price point.
Effects: Almost all of the effects range from good to excellent. The only one that's actually bad is the harmonizer. Its almost useless. I have GNX4 from 5 years ago and the harmonizer on that is excellent. So this is definitely a step backwards. There is a way to get around it by adding a harmonizer pedal ($200+) into the stomp loop. But come on Digitech, why should I have spend that extra $200? FIX THE DAMN HARMONIZER PLEASE. Also, in the GNX4, you could run Whammy/Harmonizer and effects like chorus/flanger etc together. In the RP1000, you will have to chose between Whammy/Harmonizer and effects. I wish they kept this functionality from GNX4. From what I have seen/heard on You tube, Boss GT10 has better and more effects. I haven't tried the GT10 in person, but to me, quality of RP1000 effects is excellent. I doubt I am missing much (except the Harmonizer of course) (3.5 Stars)
Amp Modeling: This is where this unit shines. I have the GNX4 with the MFX Supermodels CD which is excellent. But I think the quality of the modeling is better in the RP1000. The models are more responsive to touch and sound great to excellent. I went through almost all the amp models. I can really hear the difference between a Fender, Marshall, Vox AC, Mesa etc. Really hard to fault. However, for all you tube amp fanatics out there, I don't think this will satisfy your ears 100%. Also, Boss COSM modeling is not that great compared to RP1000 modeling (4 stars)
Switching system: I have to give kudos to Digitech folks here. They have REALLY done their homework on this one. The 4CM method is pretty useful and allows you to integrate this unit in your existing setup. The stomp loop capability is great. I wonder why Digitech didn't put the amp channel change capability (like GT10)? That would have made this unit a God-send for me. I don't like the fact that if I want to use different channels on my amp, I have to use a different foot switch. Also, having 10 foot switches is way more convenient: 5 for Stompboxes, 5 for presents. Patch changes are quick (slight delay, not too noticeable) and stomp box on/off is instant. Boss GT10 switching system has the same features, but its just not as well laid-out/organized as the RP1000(4 stars if you use 4CM method, 5 stars otherwise)
Ease of use: I have been using the GNX4 for a few years and that was somewhat daunting in the beginning. With that experience, RP1000 is actually easier for me use. I think Digitech took out some of the complexities from the GNX4 and made it lot more user friendly and easily tweak-able in a live situation. I really like how easily you can bypass amp modeling, add in stomp loop, modify effects etc. on the go. X-edit is a decent piece of software as well, but you really don't need it as much as you did for GNX4. RP1000 is a lot easier to use in person. Overall, very well done indeed. Boss GT 10 seems very complicated to me, but again, for folks who have used GT-8 in the past might not be too concerned with that. For someone starting out fresh, you cant beat RP1000 for ease-of-use (5 stars)
Overall: 4.5 Stars. If you are in the market for a Multi-effects/Amp-Modeler unit, just close your eyes and get the RP1000. I don't think you can buy anything better at this price point. Sure, every one is raving about the Axe-FX, but I don't wanna spend 1.5k on an amp modeler. Besides, I like floor unit, not the rack mountable ones. Also, do your homework. Definitely check out Boss GT 10 and then make up your mind.


Click Here to see more reviews about: DigiTech RP1000  Integrated-Effects Switching System

Your sound is king. The control of your sound is imperative. The RP1000 gives you added control to express yourself the way you want – No longer will the lack of control stand in the way of your expressionYour rig. The RP1000 integrates into your amp and with your stompboxes, not the other way around. Featuring exclusive Stompbox and Amp loops, the RP1000 doesn't get in the way of your tone and switches external stompboxes in and out of the signal path like large pro rigs. No longer will you have to do the pedal tap dance, just select your preset and your tone is engaged, just the way you like it.Your Amp. In conjunction with the external Amp Loop, the RP1000 also features an Amp/Cabinet bypass switch that allows you to turn off the RP1000's internal amplifiers and cabinets so your amp's tone stands alone. Simplicity of a Stompbox. Popular on the RP500, the RP1000 also features the Pedalboard option that turns footswitches 6 through 10 into stompbox style effect on/off controls. 100 Different Pedalboards. When the Amp/Cabinet Bypass is used in conjunction with the Pedalboard mode, the RP1000 turns into 100 different pedalboards. You get instant access to both preset changes and stompbox on/off control, truly the best of both worlds.Phrase Looper. The RP1000's built-in Phrase Looper lets you create on the fly performance loops for practicing, composing, and performing.With 20 seconds of record time and controls for Stop, Play,and Overdub, you can layer different guitar parts and tones seamlessly into cool song ideas or one-man jams. The RP1000 is built like a tank from a cast metal chassis to the 14 heavy-duty switches. A large 10 character LED display makes for easy stage use topped by an built-in expression pedal to control wahs, volume, Whammy' and other parameters.No matter how you get your tone, the RP1000 works with your gear and gives you the control you need when playing live.

Buy NowGet 38% OFF

Click here for more information about DigiTech RP1000  Integrated-Effects Switching System

Read More...

Fender Black Ashbory Fretless Electric Bass Guitar With Gig Bag - New Review

Fender Black Ashbory Fretless Electric Bass Guitar With Gig Bag - New
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
.....this just did not feel comfortable. The rubber strings felt,...well like rubber. I had to use baby powder to move up and down the strings. They were sticky and kept falling out of the grooves on the neck. I have heard some people really like this bass. I would suggest find it in a local shop and test it and go home and think about it then come back and test it again. I purchased it on line and got stuck with it because too much time went by, so I could not return it. When I traded it in I only got $75 for it. Good luck.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fender Black Ashbory Fretless Electric Bass Guitar With Gig Bag - New

Guild created the original Ashbory Bass in the 1987, and now De Armond offers its authorized version and is making the strings readily available once again to all Ashbory Bass owners. The 18" fretless scale and super light-weight version of the Ashbory makes it easy to create the round tone of an upright bass. It features a patented transducer and unique silicone rubber strings which make it an exceptional instrument in the recording studio and a treat to play on stage.

Buy NowGet 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Fender Black Ashbory Fretless Electric Bass Guitar With Gig Bag - New

Read More...

Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar, Floyd Rose, Gun Metal Gray Review

Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar, Floyd Rose, Gun Metal Gray
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This guitar is as close to what I have been looking for right out of the box for 35 years. Very versatile, flexible, easy to play , great tone, powerfull and not as heavy as a regular les paul. With the floyd rose,coil split capability, new neck design you have just about every conceivable option possible in a quality guitar, from jazz to heavy metal. Very expensive, forced me to trade in my srv,gibson acoustic and my fender twin to bring down the price, but I couldn't help it. I had to have it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar, Floyd Rose, Gun Metal Gray


Gibson's Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar: Improving the Standard For nearly six decades now, Gibson's Les Paul Standard has stood the test time as the most playable electric guitar in the world. While others have attempted to imitate it, none have come close to duplicating the qualities of this legendary guitar. Yet each year, Gibson attempts to improve on the world's best guitar. This time, it's with the new Les Paul Axcess Standard electric guitar from Gibson Custom.
More than Just Different: Gibson's Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar The Les Paul Axcess Standard is more than just "different." It's the result of Gibson's drive to build the best Les Paul Standard possible, while staying true to the design and performance of the iconic Les Paul electric guitars of the past. The new Les Paul Axcess Standard from Gibson Custom carries all the elegant styling, fluid body lines and rocking attitude of a classic Les Paul Standard from the golden era of the late 1950s. Upon closer examination, however, the Les Paul Axcess reveals a handful of upgrades--all modifications made in the name of maximum playability and versatility. As Gibson Custom Operations Manager Michael McGuire puts it, "Everything about this Les Paul has been designed to make it a player's 'player's guitar.' From the easy access to its upper range to the comfortable belly scarf to the Floyd Rose vibrato, this instrument was made to give you optimum performance."
Gibson's Les Paul Axcess Standard Features a Distinctive Floyd Rose Vibrato The most noticeable addition to Gibson's Les Paul Axcess Standard electric guitar is the Floyd Rose tailpiece, a unit optimized for anything from subtle vibrato wobbles to dramatic, rumbling divebombs. Adding a Floyd Rose to a Les Paul in the past was always a major undertaking, and one that could seriously damage the stability of the instrument if not done right. On the Les Paul Axcess, the vibrato is installed right at Gibson Custom as part of the manufacturing process, which means this potent piece of high-performance hardware interacts seamlessly with the design of this electric guitar. Partnered with an R4 locking nut, it also guarantees fantastic tuning stability and return-to-pitch accuracy.
Contoured Neck for Upper Fret Access on the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar If you take the Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard electric guitar and run your fingers up the neck, you'll encounter the clever structural alteration that gives this new model its name: While the Axcess sports what looks from the front to be a traditional Les Paul neck joint, the neck heel and portions of the back and neck joint at the upper cutaway have been contoured to provide a "heelless" feel, and an unimpeded reach right up to the 22nd fret. What does this mean? No more stretching against the traditional neck heel to achieve the upper-fret access that your lead style demands--the Axcess gives you that legendary Les Paul playability all the way up the neck, welcoming you to take it right over the top. Comfortable Ribcage Contour To further enhance playing comfort, this smoothly carved neck joint is combined with a "belly scarf" (aka ribcage contour) that allows the body of the electric guitar to hug closely to your own body in the playing position without digging in. Refreshingly Light Body Style The Les Paul Axcess's slightly thinner body, made from weight-relieved mahogany (with carved maple top), gives you an instrument that is refreshingly light and a pure joy to play, either strapped on or in a seated position. Optimum Tone Setup The Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard electric guitar is also geared toward optimum tone, as you'd expect from any Gibson Custom creation. Exposed-coil BurstBucker 1 and BurstBucker 2 pickups in the neck and bridge positions--the most accurate reproduction vintage-PAF-style humbuckers Gibson has ever offered--yield everything from warm, fluid vocal tones to fat, sweet growl, while an added push/pull switch on the treble Tone knob provides coil splitting for accurate single-coil tones. These unique tonal combinations excel at delivering everything from singing classic rock lead tones to contemporary crunch to extremes of twang and jangle. Even the pure-nickel wound .10-.46 Gibson Vintage Strings it ships with contribute toward its rich, textured voice. These unique tonal combinations excel at delivering everything from singing classic rock lead tones to contemporary crunch to extremes of twang and jangle. Even the pure-nickel wound .10-.46 Gibson Vintage Strings it ships with contribute toward its rich, textured voice. Each instrument also comes with a Gibson Custom hardshell case and certificate of authenticity. Gibson's Perfect Setup The Les Paul Axcess is built to the highest standards attainable in today's market, which includes a final set-up and fret dressing by the revolutionary, computer-controlled PLEK System, which provides Gibson's Perfect Setup. Hardshell Case and Certificate of Authenticity Each instrument also comes with a Gibson Custom hardshell case and certificate of authenticity. Top that off with optimum playability, maximum access and unparalleled tone and the Les Paul Axcess Standard is probably all the guitar that most players will ever need. Additional Specifications and Appointments:
One-piece mahogany neck with fast, rounded profile
24 3/4" scale length with 1 11/16" nut width
22-fret rosewood fingerboard
Kluson tuners
Single-ply cream binding on body top
Pearloid trapezoid fingerboard inlays
Carved maple top with nitrocellulose lacquer finish


Buy NowGet 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Gibson Les Paul Axcess Standard Electric Guitar, Floyd Rose, Gun Metal Gray

Read More...

11/26/2011

Roland Micro Cube RX Guitar Amplifier Review

Roland Micro Cube RX Guitar Amplifier
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is an awesome amp. Great for tagging along and providing bunches of stuff you would normally want for practice (tuner, drum machine, etc.) It really has it all and it is two channel so you can pump your mp3 player or bass trainer in one side and jam on the other. I has amp models as well so you crank up what you want. Runs on batteries for over 10 hours. Not very heavy (about your Fender in a hard case. Uses a strap to tote it (I would get strap locks for peace of mind.) I can't think of anything else I would want, especially at the price they are selling them. Gets pretty loud and can really get down and growl. Blows the headphone dealyos completely away. Find a nice spot, plug in, strap on, and jam. Works best placed on a picnic table or even with the guitar so you can adjust all the knobs and get some good feedback. It's a rocker for sure!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Roland Micro Cube RX Guitar Amplifier

Meet the new MICRO CUBE - small, loud, proud, and in true stereo! This little amp overachieves with serious bombast in a small body. You won't believe how much this little amp can deliver through its stereo power amps and four newly developed custom speakers.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Roland Micro Cube RX Guitar Amplifier

Read More...

Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar, Black Review

Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar, Black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I travel on the road alot for my job...After hanging up my weekend musician career, I wanted to keep my chops alive. Bringing along my regular basses along wasn't an option due to space limitations and the risk of structural damage to the instruments.
What I found in the Steinberger Spirit XT-2 is a really well made and fully functional bass guitar..A neck thru 3 laminate hard maple structure means solid durability, great sustain and exceptional tone...A rosewood fretboard topped with 24 nickel frets makes for very low and smooth, fast action....The neck feel is a cross somewhere between a Rickenbacker 4001 and a Hofner 500/1 Beatle bass...The dual passive soapbar pickups provide a wide range of sound, offering up plenty of punch and growl, as well as balanced highs and lows....Controls include 2 volumes and 1 tone. I usually plug into a SANSAMP Bass DI (which offers up great preshaping prior to my bass rig...eliminating the need for active electronics)
My string preference is GHS stainless steel strings 40-102..A major improvement over the stock nickel strings, as they have a brighter sound for clearer highs and solid tighter lows.....Resulting in an even better sounding bass... Plus I find that stainless strings have a much longer life than nickel strings, due to the fact they resist corrosion from skin acids.
Visually very similar to the original Steinberger XL bass....aside from the previous graphite construction (I actually prefer the maple...for it's warm, sonic qualities)...The weight is substantial considering its compact size...
I really must compliment the makers on the high gloss black paint job.....beautiful and flawless.
If I were to improve on anything...The use of stainless steel jaws and adjuster screws for the bridge (this would greatly improve tuning and tone and are much more durable and longer lasting than regular steel) and a stainless string holder for the headstock...equipped with built in set screws making it compatible with either single or double ball strings (this would be more increase sustain, sustain and string options)....Maybe Steinberger or the aftermarket geniuses can come up with these. Also, I would upgrade to Bartolini passive soapbars and Switchcraft pots and input jack....They are a major improvement over the stock equipment. As another upgrade, I would recommend an ebony fretboard....another big sound improvement.
After reading some negative reviews on this bass, I feel they are unfounded. I have played professionally since 1970 and have owned over 25 basses in my career, including a 75 Rickenbacker 4001; 67 Hofner 500/1; A number of early-late 1970's Fender Presicion and Jazz basses as well as Ovation, Teisco, Danelectro, Ibanez, Hohner and Conrad basses..and many more, So when I compare the feel of the neck ....This little bass can easily hold its own alongside any of them.....AND it's just plain fun to play.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran....and you are looking for an affordable 1st bass or a portable, compact bass you can take anywhere...Look no further....This is a really awesome bass at a really great price.
The price is unbelievably low...considering what you get....It comes with a nice durable gigbag and for about $69, you can get a Steinberger hardshell case.
I purchased the bass off Amazon thru Music123.....and am very pleased with the folks there...I am a repeat customer and they are a keeper.....Always ready to meet your needs and go beyond the pack to make you smile.....The setup was perfect...Nice low action....I highly recommend "Music123" for all your music needs.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar, Black

The Spirit XT-2 from Steinberger is among the most travel-friendly and convenient basses on the market. The 4-string bass guitar features the same distinctive body shape as the award-winning Steinberger XL Series. It also features the trademark headless neck with the patented Double-Ball tune-once tuning system. The Spirit XT-2 basss full 34" scale and 24 frets feel familiar and wont cramp your playing technique.Other features include the patented Steinberger fixed bass bridge with direct-pull, 401 ratio machine heads, two (HB - HB) EMG Select bass pickups for powerful output, and a folding leg rest for playing comfort while sitting.Being only 38.5" in length, the Spirit XT-2 electric bass can fit in places where other basses cant. It also features a 3-piece hard maple neck and thru-neck solid wood construction.

Buy NowGet 40% OFF

Click here for more information about Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass Guitar, Black

Read More...

Line 6 JM4 Looper Review

Line 6 JM4 Looper
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The JM4 Looper is way more than just a looping pedal. It's really a "band in a box" type of product. There are 200+ different custom guitar tones and over 100 backing tracks of various styles: rock, metal, blues, country, funk, pop, you name it. As with usual Line 6 gear, it's got built-in amp modeling for typical Fender / VOX and Boutique amp tones. As well as built-in reverb, flanger, echo, phaser, chorus etc. Its darned easy to just start jamming to the backing tracks. You can change the guitar tone, the amps etc. Even better, you can change the tempo and key. (however, if you change more than 2 half-steps some tracks distort weirdly.)
If you use the Line 6 JM4 Looper, you will no doubt get better in your playing. But if you're looking for "just" a looper, consider something else as you might get frustrated with all the features.
--Zack
guitarvibe

Click Here to see more reviews about: Line 6 JM4 Looper

The Line 6 JM4 Looper combines sound-on-sound looping with thrilling jam tracks and a full arsenal of legendary Line 6 tones. JM4 Looper features over 100 Endless Jam tracks and drum grooves in more than 10 styles performed by top LA and Nashville session players. These tracks are not rigid and robotic; these are actual recordings laid down by A-list drummers, bass players and guitarists. The real-world chemistry from these dynamic rhythm sections is here for you to explore your creativity in writing songs, trying out solo ideas or just honing your chops between gigs. With up to 24 minutes of recording time, and storage for up to 100 recorded jams, JM4 Looper lets you capture all your riffs and musical ideas. Plus, store more jams, export your jams to your computer's recording software and post jams online all through the SD card slot. The looper has dedicated footswitches for Record/Overdub, Play/Stop, Half Speed and Undo for super-easy practicing, songwriting and creation of an entire backing band on the fly. Layer guitar tracks, bass tracks, keyboards-even vocals with the balanced XLR microphone input. Complete with a comprehensive collection of brilliant modern and historic guitar tones, JM4 Looper gives you access to 200+ artist-created presets, 150+ song-based presets, 12 Line 6 amp models and a stunning array of effects for guitar and vocals. There's even room for 36 presets of your own creation. AmericanMusical.com is an authorized dealer of Line 6 products.

Buy NowGet 28% OFF

Click here for more information about Line 6 JM4 Looper

Read More...

Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar (Natural) Review

Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar (Natural)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
While I was at my local music store looking for a new accoustic guitar, I was introduced to this amazing guitar. This was the first time that I had ever played an arch top and I fell in love, and what amazed me is it plays and feals better than an expensive accoustic. The old arch tops were big and bulky, very expensive
and had very little low to mid range sound that accoustic players have come to love.
While researching this guitar I found that this very guitar was a labor of love for Mr.Godin. He wanted to re-invent the arch top and did he ever!
This guitar has a big accoustic guitar sound. Has an incredible low,mid and high tones, it is thinner than most arch tops and has a great price. This has the true vintage spirit but with all of the modern tone and playability that a guitar player loves.
This baby comes with a single coil P-90 pick up,
Canadian wild cherry back and sides,
silver leaf maple neck,
adjustable floating bridge,
custom french "style" polish on the body,
1+ tone-1+ volume finished of by those classic top hat knobs,
16"FINGER BOARD RADIUS
24.84" scale
1.72" nut width
and an awsome, feather light molded guitar case.
If you love accoustic guitars you should take a trip to you're local music store and take this beauty for a test ride I promise you wont be let down. And if you love to play a traditional arch top I think you will be very suprised at what The Godin guitar co. has accomplished.



Click Here to see more reviews about: Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar (Natural)

Archtop Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar

Buy NowGet 17% OFF

Click here for more information about Godin 5th Avenue Archtop Jazz-Style Acoustic Guitar (Natural)

Read More...