Wallace Detroit Guitars Announces Limited Edition 'Firehouse Series', Handcrafted with Reclaimed Wood from Iconic Detroit Firehouse

Aged Maple and Pine Salvaged from Floor of Old Detroit Landmark Inspires Twelve One of a Kind, Timeless Instruments

 
Detroit, April 5, 2017 — Wallace Detroit Guitars, a Detroit-based guitar company that builds unique and timeless instruments using reclaimed wood from local landmarks, announced a limited edition 'Firehouse Series', available now. The instruments are lovingly crafted with original wood from the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, located at 250 West Larned Street in Detroit. Salvaged pine and maple from the building’s floorboards will allow Wallace Detroit Guitars to build ten of its flagship single-cutaway guitars and two guitars with a brand new offset body shape. Like all Wallace Detroit Guitars, these instruments will feature expert craftsmanship and premium components for a playing experience and sound that matches their one-of-a kind historical significance.

The new guitars are available now to coincide with the launch of Wallace Detroit Guitars’ new website, located at wallacedetroitguitars.com, and which features detailed photographs and specifications of each guitar. It also provides a deep dive into the remarkable origins and craftsmanship of these unique instruments, as well as availability and ordering information.
“Our goal with these guitars is to preserve the history of the city we love while honoring its tradition of superior craftsmanship,” says Wallace Detroit Guitars owner Mark Wallace. “Detroit is a community of people who know how to make stuff, and our company is cut from that same cloth. The firehouse at 250 West Larned Street served our city with honor for many years, and we are pleased to be able to preserve its history in this truly unique limited edition of instruments.”
For Wallace, these instruments mirror the revitalization of his beloved city, which is welcoming new ideas and creativity while continuing to draw from its rich past. “I’m trying to take something that was once great but has been and cast aside and transforming it into something new and vital,” he says. “It’s an exciting time for the city of Detroit because there are a lot of other businesses and organizations working from that same ideology. There’s really an energy building up.”

Top 7 “Fastest Guitarists” – The Great Kat on Top 7 List on Rocker.sk

"Fastest Guitarists. The Great Kat. Ranks among the fastest shredders of all time. She studied classical music and does not play typical thrash metal on the guitar. Instead, she transforms familiar songs from classical music and creates original tunes. The Great Kat considers herself the reincarnation of Beethoven. She also claims to be the only guitar-violin virtuoso since Paganini. The Great Kat uses the Paganini technique that consists of Kat playing with fingers like claws. It is always the dominant driver for classical shredding on guitar with classical technique from the fiddle." - by Jane Blake, Rocker.sk

IK Multimedia announces iRig HD 2 - the iPhone 7 ready, pro-quality digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac & PC

iRig HD 2 provides plug & play simplicity with 96kHz sound, integrated headphone output, a 1/4" amp out with dual mode switch, plus full AmpliTube versions and more

September 15, 2016 - IK Multimedia, the pioneer and leader of the mobile music revolution, is pleased to announce iRig HD 2 — the sequel to the best-selling, wildly popular iRig HD digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac & PC. The iRig HD 2 raises the bar for guitarists and bassists to play, perform and record with their device at a higher level either while on the go or in their studio.

24-bit/96kHz pristine noiseless sound

First and foremost, iRig HD 2 gives players superior sound quality in a compact, mobile interface.  It features 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion and a best-in-class 96kHz sample rate that delivers an ultra clean, pure noiseless guitar signal to devices and computers. It features an input gain control for dialing in just the right amount of signal for playing and recording and a multicolor LED indicator for precise signal monitoring.

Integrated headphone output, iPhone 7 ready

iRig HD 2 includes a Lightning cable to connect directly to your iPhone and features an integrated headphone output jack with a preamp and level control. For newer devices like the iPhone 7 without a dedicated headphone output, this lets players use their existing headphones to monitor their playing and recording, or for just listening to music.  The output features a high-quality headphone preamp with a volume control that delivers the full, rich complete audio content.

Amp Out with dual mode switch 

iRig HD 2 also sports a new Amp Out jack that lets players use their iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC live on stage with a traditional guitar amplifier without the need for special adapters — a standard ¼” instrument cable is all that is needed to make the connection. This output is controlled by a new FX/Thru switch that lets users choose what type of signal is sent — FX sends the processed signal coming from the device, while Thru sends an unprocessed direct signal for using a tuner or in-line recording of the dry signal. iRig HD 2 also comes with a mic stand mounting bracket and Velcro® strip for convenient attachment to a mic stand on stage for live performance.

Full AmpliTube included

iRig HD 2 owners also receive free downloads of the full versions of the ultimate guitar and bass tone and recording studio - AmpliTube 4 for Mac/PC (a $/€149.99 value) and AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad (a $/€19.99 value for each).  With AmpliTube, guitar and bass players will have access to a whole new universe of gear: stompboxes, amps, cabinets, microphones, speakers, rack effects and more, all on their computer or mobile device. All versions of AmpliTube are expandable with gear from some of the top manufacturers in the industry like Fender®, Orange®, MESA/Boogie®, Ampeg®, T-Rex®, Fulltone®, Seymour Duncan® and more.

Pricing and availability

iRig HD 2 is available now for pre-order from IK Retailers worldwide or from the online IK store for only $/€99.99*. iRig HD 2 will be available and shipping late September, 2016.

Once players register their iRig HD 2, they can download the full version of AmpliTube 4 for Mac/PC from their user area on the IK web site.  Users should install the Free versions of AmpliTube for iPhone and iPad from the App Store, and once the iRig HD 2 is registered and plugged in, they can “restore purchases” and the full version features of both will be available.

For long playing sessions, iRig HD 2 is compatible with iRig PowerBridge ($/€ 69.99) which keeps the iOS device charged while playing, as well as other IK accessories to complete a live guitar set up like the iRig BlueBoard wireless pedal board ($/€99.99), and the iKlip range of mic stand holders for iPhone and iPad (starting at $/€ 39.99).

IK Multimedia releases SampleTank 2 for iOS - the full-featured, expandable, mobile sound and groove workstation

With a new massive collection of high-quality sounds, new sound engine, expanded 8 parts and redesigned interface, SampleTank 2 for iPhone/iPad now rivals desktop virtual instruments

August 23, 2016 - IK Multimedia, the leader in mobile music creation, is pleased to announce the release of SampleTank 2 for iPhone and iPad, a major update to the flagship virtual instrument for mobile musicians. With SampleTank 2, iOS users now have the power of desktop virtual instruments - without compromise - with a massive number of over 1,900 high-quality instruments and the most advanced sound and groove workstation for the mobile platform.

A world of sounds on your mobile device
SampleTank 2 for iOS is a sample-based virtual instrument that allows users to have at their fingertips thousands of sounds from multiple categories of acoustic, electric and electronic instruments - all on their iPad or iPhone. To start, players can load up to 8 simultaneous parts from a selection of 140 included instruments in 16 categories, including: piano, drums, bass, guitar, strings, keyboards, synths, organs and more. These instruments can be played in a live setting or when composing with the device interface or an external keyboard or pads controller. The new SampleTank 2 sound engine is exactly the same as its Mac/PC software counterpart, offering astonishing realism and audio quality, thanks to the increased CPU power and memory of the latest generations of iPhones and iPads.

Over 700 new pro-quality sounds
Hundreds of new sounds are now available for in-app purchase in SampleTank 2 with six new "Pro-Instrument" packs comprising over 500 new instruments that let users customize their sound set for any kind of compositional style or musical genre:

• "Classic Keys" offers 73 keyboard instruments (piano, electric piano, and organ)
• "Synths" delivers 279 instruments (including synth leads, pads, hits, and FX)
• "Bass" offers 25 electric and 43 synth basses
• "Ethnic & Voices" presents 21 ethnic instruments and 10 vocal instruments
• "Drums and Loops" includes 61 instruments in 5 categories (drums, groove construction kits, acoustic drum loops, Latin percussion loops, and percussion)
• "All Pro Sounds" bundle includes all of the above (544 Instruments in 15 instrument categories)

What's more, three additional new downloadable libraries are also available for in-app purchase:

• "Alan Parsons Grand Piano" includes 13 piano sounds recorded by the legendary Pink Floyd engineer
• "Future Synths" has 150 synth sounds and patterns for a lifetime's worth of sound design
• "Elektronika - Deep House" is an essential mix of 4 loop construction kits and 32 jackin' beats, big-room bass, shiny synths, classic pianos, huge FX instruments and more

More libraries, previously only available for SampleTank desktop, are scheduled for monthly releases from signature titles like Neil Peart Drums, Hugh Padgham Drums, Terry Bozzio Drums, Billy Cobham Drums, American Acoustic guitar and more.

All new sounds are in addition to the previously available content - the original factory sound set plus the orchestral Miroslav Philharmonik, Sonik Synth and SampleMoog Mobile Editions. This brings the total universe of SampleTank 2 for iOS sounds to over 1,900 instruments and over 1,200 MIDI patterns - the largest collection of sounds available for any virtual instrument on the iOS platform.

Redesigned interface for faster creation workflow
The SampleTank 2 interface has been redesigned in many of its core operation components for a much faster music creation workflow. Plus, the new design provides more advanced composition features right where they are needed most. The new Live interface, the new Browser and Song mode, the redesigned Pad interface and additional advanced MIDI features, have all been implemented to make SampleTank 2 the most powerful mobile sound workstation to date.

- New instruments and patterns Browser

Even though users can have well over a thousand sounds and patterns at their fingertips in SampleTank 2, the re-designed instrument browser makes it easy to find the right sound for the right application, taking full advantage of multi-touch gestures and providing an immediate visual reference of the instruments, thanks to new 3D images and icons.

- New Live interface

In the new Live interface, SampleTank 2 becomes an extremely powerful real-time playing instrument where its 8 instrument slots can be used to create layers, splits, or multis easily and quickly thanks to the multi-touch device interface. Additionally, loops and patterns can be loaded and used to create backing tracks and accompaniments at any time. All of these features operate the same way they would on an advanced hardware sound workstation, empowering mobile users to do what they would do on an instrument costing thousands of dollars - all from the convenience of their mobile device.

- New Song mode interface

For composers, the new Song mode includes helpful compositional tools like an integrated 8-track MIDI sequencer featuring an optimized interface for fast, intuitive recording. The sequencer also supports looped instruments to kick-start musical creativity in a snap. The new full song timeline with one-touch real-time rewind helps when laying down ideas easily and effortlessly during the recording process.

- New Pads interface

For beat makers, the redesigned Pad interface with 4x4 launch pads lets them create grooves and beats with ease. The new velocity and repeat sliders make complex beat programming a breeze for every skill level of beat maker and producer.

- MIDI learn

The new MIDI learn function makes controlling SampleTank 2 from any standard MIDI keyboard or pads controller easier than ever. MIDI learn lets users program their controllers with a fully intuitive step-by-step interactive process providing seamless integration with their existing hardware - no instruction manual needed!

Plays well with iRig interfaces and controllers
Although SampleTank 2 makes exceptional use of touch control-even for tight spaces like smartphones-users can expand beyond touch. IK's iRig MIDI 2, iRig PRO or iRig Pro DUO interfaces connect SampleTank 2 iOS with all popular standard MIDI controllers, while the iRig KEYS line of MIDI controllers or the iRig Pads groove controller offer compact, immediate plug-and-play, mobile-friendly and studio solutions for on-the-go musicians with no need for additional adapters. Additional SampleTank sounds are also unlocked when you register compatible IK hardware.

Pricing and availability
SampleTank 2 is a universal app for iPad and iPhone and is available now as a direct download from the App Store as a Free version (over 20 instruments), and paid version (over 140 instruments) for only $/€19.99. Additional Sound Packs are available through in-app purchase starting at $/€5.99. Existing users will immediately benefit from the fully redesigned interface and new features for free. Newly released SampleTank Pro sound packs and downloadable libraries are available for in-app purchase starting at $/€9.99.

Download SampleTank 2 for iOS from the App Store, please visit: www.appstore.com/sampletank For more information, please visit: www.sampletank.com/ios For information on iRig controllers, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/controllers For information on iRig interfaces, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/interfaces

PR-UJAM Releases Virtual Guitarist Sparkle

Third installment of the legendary VI series brings glamorous and catchy licks to any DAW

Bremen, Germany (July 21, 2016) — The German virtual instrument pioneers behind the Virtual Guitarist series announce the release of their third Virtual Guitarist, named SPARKLE, and a bundle product of all three available Virtual Guitarists at a major discount.
 

With its glamorous and catchy licks, Virtual Guitarist SPARKLE is a virtual specialist for chords, octaves and single note riffs. Covering a wide range of sounds for popular music from clean to crunchy and from 60s twang to contemporary electronic pop, SPARKLE is a versatile tool for professional composers and producers in need for fast, reliable and authentic guitar performances outside a guitarist.
 

Virtual Guitarist SPARKLE was recorded with a customized vintage guitar featuring classic bell-like single-coil sounds. Emulations of hand-picked vintage amps and speaker cabinets were custom-built by the VG engineers to provide adequate tone and character. Professionals will appreciate the possibility to adjust the amp/cabinet/effect section separately from the selected style.

SPARKLE comes with over 3 GB of uncompressed guitar content. It offers 100 styles and over 1,000 variations that can be played in real-time – using keyboards and other controllers – and flexibly adjusted to any song. SPARKLE also allows for customizing the guitar sound dramatically with a wide range of pick-up and amplifier/cabinet combinations.

Closely collaborating with Berlin-based Native Instruments, SPARKLE also features full integration with NI’s new NKS standard, supporting NKS hardware controllers straight out of the box, enabling the use of Virtual Guitarist with the Light Guide, Smart Play features, and the full creative potential of KOMPLETE CONTROL or MASCHINE STUDIO MK2.

Virtual Guitarist SPARKLE will be available in VST, AU, and AAX plug-in formats starting July 21, 2016.
 

Virtual Guitarist SPARKLE is instantly downloadable for €/$ 99 at www.virtualguitarist.com. Users who want to try before they buy will appreciate the fully functional 30-day trial version.
 

In parallel, the team announced a 3-in-1 bundle containing SPARKLE and two more Virtual Guitarist plug-ins (IRON – hard roaring riffs and power chords, AMBER – warm and bright acoustic steel-string strumming), available for €/$ 249 at www.virtualguitarist.com). “Now you can have a team of three pro guitarists on call 24/7 in your studio at the price of one regular virtual instrument.” Virtual Guitarist Product Manager Sebastian Bretschneider said.

For press inquiries, please contact UJAM’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing Wolfram Knelangen: wolf@ujam.com

Confessions of a Vintage Guitar Dealer and a chance to win a LE 2015 Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard guitar!

Confessions of a Vintage Guitar Dealer

Written by Norman Harris, with Foreword by Richie Sambora

and Preface by Joe Bonamassa

 

PLUS: Win a Limited Edition 2015 Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard guitar with hard case!

Montclair, NJ - In Confessions of a Vintage Guitar Dealer, Norman Harris tells how he became the world's leading seller of vintage guitars. As founder and owner of the legendary store Norman's Rare Guitars, he has sold some of the finest fretted string instruments to the biggest stars in the world, including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and many others.

New Manuel Rodriguez Guitars Factory Tour Video Demonstrates A 110 Year Commitment To Craftsmanship

BLOOMFIELD, CONNECTICUT, March 30, 2016 — To help support the launch of its expanded United States sales and marketing program through KMC Music (www.kmcmusic.com), Manuel Rodriguez Guitars (www.mrguitarras.es), the world’s second oldest line of guitars, today announced that it has produced a compelling six-minute video that takes the viewer through the entire production process of a guitar line known around the world as “Brand Spain.”

According to third-generation CEO Manuel Rodriguez III, the production of the new video also coincides with the recent completion of a substantial factory expansion and remodeling program that allows the company to increase its production capacity to meet a global growth in demand for the Manuel Rodriguez line of hand-made guitars.  “We felt it was important to show our distributors, dealers, and, most importantly, our customers where and how we design and make our unique line of instruments.  Our Spanish roots, the cradle of the classical and flamenco guitar, are key for the quality and beauty of our products.  This new video vividly showcases the passion, care, and commitment to quality that goes into the production of our guitars — a commitment that goes back to 1905.”

According to KMC Music Product Manager Rodney Washburn, the new Manuel Rodriguez Guitar video has been distributed to all KMC Music dealers to help with in-store presentations to their customers.  “The reaction of our dealers has been nothing less than enthusiastic,” he explained.  “The video details every step of the production process, from the sourcing of raw materials to the stringing of the finished guitars.  It really demonstrates the value built into every one of these fine iconic guitars.”

 To watch the Manuel Rodriguez Guitars factory video, click here.

IK Multimedia and Mesa Engineering introduce official MESA/Boogie high-gain amps and effects for mobile guitarists: AmpliTube MESA/Boogie for iPhone and iPad

Now players can inject that legendary high-gain Boogie magic into their playing with the AmpliTube MESA/Boogie app for iPhone and iPad - the official mobile MESA/Boogie tone studio collection of MESA/Boogie amps, cabinets and more!

February 18, 2016 - IK Multimedia is proud to debut the release of AmpliTube® MESA/Boogie® for iPhone and iPad. Based on the popular desktop tone software, the AmpliTube MESA/Boogie app is a close collaboration between IK Multimedia and the R&D Team at Mesa Engineering that lets musicians play their guitar through models of some of the manufacturer's most iconic amplifiers and cabinets.

Todd Sharp Amplifiers Launches Generating Buzz From Top Guitarists

Hand Crafted Guitar Amplifiers Designed by 

a Real Player for Real Players

February 18, 2016 NASHVILLE, TN…Guitarist, Todd Sharp, announces the launch of Todd Sharp Amplifiers, custom-made amplifiers in Nashville, TN. The high-end, hand-wired vacuum tube amps are the first of their kind from Sharp, who has 40+ years performing from studios to stadiums. He has played with numerous artists, including Hall & Oates, Rod Stewart, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Bob Welch, Delbert McClinton, Carlene Carter and many more. Through his years of performing experience Sharp had yet to find the perfect amp, so he decided to build one.

NAMM 2016: Fender

Fender had some dazzling guitars this year including the Custom Shop Music Repeater Telecaster among other many limited editions, and their new Bassbreaker guitar amps made for the stage or the studio with onboard switchable vintage-style treble boost.

NAMM 2016: Line 6

Line 6 was celebrating 20 years and presented the new Helix guitar processor, the FIREHAWK 1500 stage amp, RELAY G10, a wireless guitar system, a compact amplifier called the AMPLIFi 30, the FBV 3, a foot controller for the Line 6 amps, and had special guest, Matt Scannell from Vertial Horizon speaking.

NAMM 2016: ESP

ESP had a number of dazzling guitars to show this year with many new custom models and artist features. Javier Reyes of Animals As Leaders & Mestis arrived as a performing guest: