Ara Ajizian

New for 2015 from Michael Tobias Designs (MTD) is the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe bass guitar, a jazz-style monster that's not only a tonal powerhouse but a superbly playable instrument as well. Essentially a beefed-up J-bass at its heart, by combining the advantage of passive/active switching, MTD has crafted an instrument suitable for really any style of playing and any genre of music. The Saratoga Deluxe takes many of its cues from its popular, non-Deluxe sibling: carved basswood body; a one-piece, bolt-on maple neck with an asymmetrical profile; Buzz Feiten Tuning System; MTD quick-release bridge; sealed die-cast tuners; shielded electronics and both 4- and 5-string options with choice of rosewood or maple fretboard. The model I was sent for review was a 5-string with maple fretboard and gloss transparent black finish. The fit and finish were exceptional and the bass was set up and ready to play right out of the case. Passive/Active Aggressive Last year I decided to upgrade the stock pickups in my aging Fender® Jazz Bass, after I introduced an active instrument (an Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V) to my lineup and wanted a little more balance between the two when switching instruments during a performance. After a little time with the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe, I feel like it's the spawn of those two instruments, combining the best features of both in one. That's because with the flip of a switch, the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe goes from passive to active, with a comprehensive control set that makes getting the right tone as easy turning a couple knobs. The controls are as follows, going counter-clockwise from the knob closest to the bridge pickup in the image below, which is a stacked volume and tone control (for passive setting): bridge/neck pickup blend, active/passive selector switch and low, mid and high tone controls for when you're in active mode. The result is an instrument that offers a huge palette of sounds and the flexibility to access them all on the fly. Let's start at the base level, which is the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe in passive mode. It is, quite simply, a beast. The stock hum-canceling pickups are beefy and deliver incredible warmth and fullness, while at the same time cutting through in the midrange and upper registers with clarity. For general rock playing, I found the passive mode to be quite formidable with plenty of punch. A little EQ adjustment on my Ampeg combo and I had plenty of volume and dynamic tone to work with. I like to dig in when I play and hit the strings pretty hard, and dialing back the tone knob cleared out any unwanted pick noise from my (lack of ) technique, without entering into muddy territory. Switching over to the active circuit really opens up what the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe can do and shows what a tonally diverse instrument it truly is. The 3-band EQ controls affect a broad spectrum of frequencies to suit any number of playing styles and techniques. One of the things I enjoyed most about playing this bass in active mode was being able to tweak quickly when engaging effects. I use an Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff Pi, which already has loads of settings, but you can't exactly stop playing, bend down and start changing those settings mid-song. Using the active EQ controls on the bass, I was able to effortlessly address any areas that needed it once the effect was on. The delay I use sounds great, but it can suck a bit of life out of a less-formidable bass. With the Saratoga Deluxe, simple adjustments were all it took to beef everything back up. All-in-all it makes for a very satisfying playing experience, knowing that any nuance you want to coax out is at the ready. True tonehounds will be happy to know that MTD offers a Bartolini upgrade option on the pickups. Players' choice There are several features of the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe that make it a very comfortable bass to play. The carved basswood body is sleek and contoured for great balance and feel, and avoids being a back breaker in the weight department. I haven't had much experience with asymmetrical necks, but quickly realized why they're becoming more and more popular. The overall feel is that of a low profile, but the thickness of the neck is variable—thicker behind the lower strings and thinner on the bottom portion of the neck. At first the difference from a traditional neck is subtle, but the more you play, the more you feel the benefits of reduced fatigue and enhanced accuracy. More for less Michael Tobias Designs has really packed a ton of killer tone into this instrument. With an active circuit available at the flick of a switch and a passive circuit full of vintage thump, there's no limit to what you can pull out, and it's easy to tailor to your exact taste and style. On top of that, it's a pleasure to play even for extended periods of time thanks to design elements like the asymmetrical neck profile, contoured body and lighter weight. With reasonable pricing options for both 4- and 5-string models ($819 and $899, respectively), the Kingston Saratoga Deluxe is a fantastic option for players who don't want to compromise quality for price. Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

In the world of musical instruments, there are only a handful of companies that achieve legacy status. It usually takes world-class craftsmanship, unique designs that capture the imaginations of players, and superb playability that lets players tap into their creativity and write timeless songs—for starters, anyway. Along the way, it helps to have associations with famous musicians who create iconic music with your products. Not too tall an order, right? So you see, there's a reason why only a few brands are instantly recognizable and revered by nearly all musicians: it's really, really, really hard. If you're a fan of anything Fender® has done in the past 60 years, a reference like The Fender Archives: A Scrapbook of Artifacts, Treasures and Inside Information is just the kind of reference you want within arm's reach, whether it's to better understand all that this iconic brand has contributed to music or simply to impress your friends and fellow musicians with a stunning reference guide. What You Need To Know • The Fender Archives: A Scrapbook of Artifacts, Treasures and Inside Information is a must-have book for Fender aficionados, with 96 full-color pages documenting the entire history of one of music's most iconic brands • "Treasures" is the key word here, as this book represents an insider's look at the mojo that has made Fender a household name around the world • Foreward written by "Master of the Telecaster" James Burton • Via an incredible collection of photographs, schematics, internal memos, letters and other reproductions of actual historical documents, The Fender Archives presents the story of the Fender brand in incredibly rich detail • The book covers the entire history of the Fender brand, and several of its inimitable instruments and amplifiers • Not just focusing on the glory years of the Fender brand, Wheeler also details the "dark age" of CBS ownership and the brand's renassaince under Larry Thomas • As much as the book is a celebration of the Fender brand, it's also a history lesson, diving into the world in which Leo Fender grew up to provide context to his innovations in the musical instrument industry Conclusion You don't have to be a Fender devotee to appreciate the attention to detail that Tom Wheeler put into The Fender Archives. With its in-depth and personal look at the inner workings of the company, this book is fascinating on countless levels that will intrigue any fan of the electric guitar and popular music. It's a treasure trove of documents, photographs, handwritten letters, schematics, price lists, advertisements and much more, delivered in a way that really lets the reader experience that history firsthand. The presentation is impeccable, with embedded envelopes throughout that make you feel like you're raiding the Fender vault, finding artifacts like the Western Union telegram from Gretsch in 1951 informing Fender that they were infringing upon the "Broadkaster" trademark, which resulted in the mythical "Nocaster" models. For Fender fanatics, electric guitar enthusiasts and music fans in general, The Fender Archives: A Scrapbook of Artifacts, Treasures and Inside Information is a must-have reference. Resources Pricing and purchase info on The Fender Archives: A Scrapbook of Artifacts, Treasures and Inside Information at musiciansfriend.com Learn more about The Fender Archives: A Scrapbook of Artifacts, Treasures and Inside Information at halleonard.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

It's always a bonus when pedal makers add a killer visual treatment to a pedal. What that won't change, however, is what's inside, and in the craft of making music, it's better to sound good than to look good. No amount of custom silkscreening is going to change that. When a tried-and-true favorite gets a custom treatment, like VOX has given to their V847 Wah, it's even better. To celebrate the British legacy of VOX and the contributions of their iconic wah, they've released the limited edition Union Jack Wah that delivers the trusted sound of the V847 in an eye-catching new finish. VOX's Union Jack Wah blends the tone and sweep of the V847 with a striking finish VOX Populi Since the original VOX V846 Wah pedal found the feet of rock musicians, wah has been one of the most recognizable effects in modern music. Though it had been used elsewhere, with "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)," Hendrix cemented in the minds of future generations of musicians the power of the effect, and its legacy can be found across every genre going on a half century later. So while there are plenty of options out there when it comes to wah pedals, there's a reason why VOX wahs continue to dominate in the category. The legacy of that original pedal still shines through today. Today's V847A wah is designed to the specs of the '60s original, with a couple of modern enhancements, namely a buffered input jack and a redesigned inductor that's closer to those used on the original pedals. The V847A also allows for an external power supply. The V847A is among today's standards thanks to its dynamic response and sweep, that takes you from a nice, throaty low end through articulate mids and an enhanced higher range that works particularly well with overdrive and distortion effects. Across the sweep are Jacked Up The British flag, AKA the Union Jack, is as iconic on a global scale as the Stars and Stripes, particularly in music. Pete Townshend single handedly made it a fashion statement (which culminated in those unfortunate Def Leppard outfits—you know the ones I'm talking about). In music, the Union Jack reminds us of the contributions that countless English musicians have made to rock and roll since The Beatles invaded. So to bring it to a VOX wah makes perfect sense. The design is put on the pedal using a water transfer printing process that gives the decal a smooth, painted-on look and feel and brilliant finish. The rocker pedal is white and topped with a blue tread, making for a pedal that looks great from any vantage point. It's as solidly built as it's standard sibling, meaning it's ready to stand up to the demands you put on it. Join the Union The V847 is already a wah that you can't go wrong with. If you're after some flash on your pedalboard as well, then the Union Jack V847 is a no-brainer. Even more appealing is that this limited edition finish costs the same as the standard model ($89.99 street). For something that's functional and bound to be a collector's item once they sell out, the VOX V847 Union Jack is a solid choice when it comes to the world of wah. Resources Read more about the VOX V847 Union Jack Wah Pedal at voxamps.com Pricing and purchase info from musiciansfriend.com Water Transfer Printing Process Demonstration Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Ahh, the theremin. It still captivates us with its eerie, warbly sound, not to mention the touch-free method by which it’s played (it just looks fun, doesn’t it?). Although some might say the theremin’s time came and went, it left an indelible mark on the late, great Bob Moog. His love for electronic instruments began with the theremin, spawning every incredible innovation and instrument that he gave us during his lifetime. And of course, those innovations continue today at Moog Music, so it’s fitting that they have re-imagined the instrument that started it all and brought us the Theremini, a superbly musical and intuitive instrument that incorporates the classic playability of the theremin with a sound engine based on the Animoog. That, and a host of other modern features, deliver an amazing amount of musical potential in an instrument that’s truly inspirational and fun to play. Touchy-feely One of the things that makes the theremin so intriguing is the fact that you don’t actually touch it in order to play it. Every instrument up until the theremin required physical contact with the player to create sound. Even though there are buttons and switches on the Theremini, it’s controlled just like a theremin: there’s an upright antenna for your right hand that controls pitch as you move your hand up and down and closer and farther away; and a loop antenna for your left that controls volume via proximity. The physical response of the Theremini to your movements is outstanding thanks to the analog heterodyning oscillator it employs to control pitch, just like a standard theremin. The Theremini provides you with left/right ¼” audio outputs, a USB connection for handling MIDI data and an analog Control Voltage output for interacting with other analog gear. The ability to use the Theremini with other synths and effects makes its sonic potential limitless. But make no mistake, what it can do out of the box is nothing short of amazing. An LCD screen at the front keeps you abreast of everything you need to know as you play, including preset, scale, root note, and a real-time tuner that shows you exactly what note you’re playing. There’s also a headphone jack and onboard monitor speaker, but let’s face it…you want to plug this thing into something LOUD and explore outer space! I know I did. Sound without limits Where the Theremini really takes the theremin concept into overdrive is with its Animoog-derived sound engine, which essentially makes it a powerful synth with theremin-like controls. 32 editable presets get you started right away, and you can tweak and save them (along with several other parameters) via Moog’s MIDI editor for the Theremini. With names like “Wondertron,” Glockenspiel,” “Strange Stuff” and “Ethersaw,” it’s a wide array of sounds to get started with. From there, you have the ability to adjust the scale and root note. There are 22 scales you can select, from major and minor blues to chromatic, as well as more eclectic choices like Gypsy, Arabian, Egyptian, Dorian and many others. As if all this wasn’t enough, also onboard the Theremini is a stereo ping-pong delay effect with three settings and a blend knob, making its sounds even more otherworldly if you so desire. Perhaps one of the Theremini’s best features is its built-in pitch correction. Because playing a theremin takes some getting used to, Moog added this feature to ensure you always hit the right note. You can have zero pitch correction, where the Theremini functions as any theremin would, leaving it up to you to play the correct notes. As you dial the knob up, pitch correction kicks in to your desired level, all the way to only allowing the notes in the selected scale to be played. It’s a very helpful way to learn your way around the instrument and incorporate it with your music right away. As you improve, you can dial back the pitch correction to take advantage of the effects you can create with your hand movements. Full circle The Theremini is yet another in a long line of innovative products from the folks at Moog Music. In revisiting their founder’s first love, they’ve taken the theremin concept into the 21st century by including classic Moog synthesis for an entirely new palette of sounds while retaining the response of the original instrument. Options for controlling other analog equipment and MIDI capability further its versatility, making this a viable option for countless bands and musicians looking to introduce new sounds and ideas into their music. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air in an instrument that anyone can play, look no further than the Moog Theremini. Resources Learn more about the Moog Theremini at moogmusic.com Pricing and purchase information on the Moog Theremini at musiciansfriend.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

As musicians, we're always looking to get the most for our money when it comes to gear. More power. More tone. More flexibility. Because all that "more" leads, hopefully, to a rig that inspires you when it comes time to create and play. Unfortunately, for decades we've trained ourselves to think that when it comes to amps and speakers, all that "more" you want also means more weight. Back-breaking weight,in many cases, especially when you think of the monstrous tube heads and 8x10 cabs that bass players have grown accustomed to. Gallien-Krueger has mastered the art of removing the weight from heavy tone, so I was thrilled to have a go at the big daddy of their MB Fusion Series of heads, the MB Fusion 800. They also sent an 8-ohm version of the NEO 410 cabinet, which was an ideal partner for the head. Fusion-powered tone The MB Series of heads from GK embraces a design that aims to put maximum power and tone into amps that are the epitome of portability. All models, including the two MB Fusion heads, utilize a digital power amp to achieve this goal. Where the Fusion models differ from their standard MB Series brethren is the preamp—both Fusion models employ a 3x12AX7 all-tube preamp running at high voltage. The result is dynamic, warm tone you can shape to your liking with the MF Fusion's extensive control set. The MB Fusion 800 from Gallien-Krueger offers 800W of power, an all-tube preamp and much more A tube preamp and high-wattage digital power amp are just the start with the MB Fusion 800. With that foundation and the comprehensive tone controls, virtually any sound you can imagine is at your fingertips. At the core are the footswitchable Gain A/B channels which allow you, along with the Level B control, to instantly jump to a dirtier, grittier sound with a simple toe tap. Of course, you're not limited to grit...you can dial in these two settings to whatever needs you have for your instrument and musical environment. The Contour control offers you a quick mid scoop if you need it for your particular playing style. Fingerstyle players, for example, demand a different sound than pick players, and the Contour control helps you quickly achieve the right sound. It also offers a push function that changes the center frequency, and it incorporates some compression to keep volume levels consistent as you scoop out the mids. Moving to the EQ section, with four bands of active equalization it's easy to get precisely the tone you're after. The Treble knob also boasts push functionality that engages a Presence circuit for enhancing clarity and top-end sparkle. Midrange shaping is further achieved by the Lo-Mid and Hi-Mid knobs, which give you complete control over the punchiness and fullness of your tone. On the lower end of the spectrum, the Bass control not only offers boost and cut down to 40Hz, but with a simple push extends that control down to 30Hz, something five-string players will absolutely enjoy (and four-stringers can certainly experiment with it as well). The Master level knob controls the overall output of the amp. It too is equipped with a push function, a limiter that you can engage to control clipping of the power amp. What this all adds up to is an incredible amount of control over a very rich, tube-driven tonal foundation. Translation: the MB Fusion 800 is ready for pretty much any style of music and any playing technique. Whether you're delivering the pop and slap of old-school funk or digging in with a pick on a five-string in a detuned metal band, this amp is ready for the challenge. As a bonus, all the front-panel knobs are lighted, so you know exactly where things are set from anywhere on the stage. The dual-function knobs will illuminate a different color when engaged as well. The back panel of the MB Fusion 800 offers every pro-level feature you'd expect from an amp in this price range: balanced direct out with pre-/post-EQ selector, tuner output with mute function and effects loop. Additionally, the MB Fusion 800 offers a unique output with a selector switch that lets you connect either headphones for practicing, an unbalanced line out for recording or a Gallien-Krueger MBP Powered Extension Cabinet. With all these features and power, it's really hard to believe the footprint of this amp and the fact that it weighs in at less than six pounds. Lightweight heavyweights As much as I was impressed by the MB Fusion 800's power and feature set, a ton of credit goes to the NEO 410 cabinet that GK sent. It's available in both 4- and 8-ohm versions (as are all the NEO Series cabs), giving you the option to explore different setups and maximize the amp's output. Though I've become a fan of 12" speakers for bass, the four 10" neodymium drivers in the NEO 410 provided an incredible amount of punch and depth, and handled the grittier settings on the MB Fusion 800 head. The NEO 410 weighed in at just 64 lbs.—impressive for a 4x10 cab. The construction on the cab was road-ready and rugged, with reinforced corners, spring-loaded handles and included casters. The bracing and construction of all NEO cabinets reduce resonance and standing waves, ensuring unadulterated tone that always sounds accurate and true. Bi-ampable horns with selectable range in all models guarantee gorgeous, full-range sound. With the heaviest of the bunch weighing in at 90 lbs., it's easy to put together the rig you need and still maintain an unparalelled level of portability. The NEO Series of bass speaker cabinets offer portability, pro features and pure GK tone. Conclusion With their MB Series of heads and NEO cabs, Gallien-Krueger aims to change the way of thinking that's led us to bigger, heavier rigs. No longer does musical, reactive and punchy tube sound have to come from an 80-pound head and titanic cabinet. Even in a small-format amp, versatility abounds thanks to an impressive array of equalization and tone-shaping controls and the 12AX7-based preamp. All the connectivity and power you need are also onboard, making the MB Fusion 800 a robust workhorse for any style and any occasion, from funk to rock and metal, from the studio to the stage. Pair it with the GK NEO Series cabinets best suited for your sound and you'When you're ready to experience the ultimate in tone and portability, Gallien-Krueger is a name that should definitely be on your list. Resources Pricing on the Gallien-Krueger MB Fusion 800 Hybrid Bass Amp Head from musiciansfriend.com Pricing on the Gallien-Krueger NEO 410 Bass Cabinet at musiciansfriend.com Learn more about the MB Series at gallien-krueger.com Learn more about NEO Series bass speaker enclosures at gallien-krueger.com MB Fusion 800 demo by Norm Stockton Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

A few weeks back I reviewed Casio's LK-175 keyboard, the mid-range model in the Lighted Keys Series. The series aims to bring a wealth of sounds, playability and learning features to make learning to play as fun and engaging as possible. This week, I'm looking at the LK-260, which adds to the rich array of features the series has to offer. Casio's LK-260 boasts touch sensitivity and loads of features that make learning fun and easy. What You Need To Know The LK-260 is the second-to-the-top model of the LK Series and has all the standard onboard goodies that make the LK Series great for playing and learning: • 400 realistic AHL tones • 150 rhythms • 110 songs • 48-note polyphony • The Step-Up Lesson System takes you on a logical, progressive course that moves at your pace and gets you familiar with the skills and muscle memory you'll need to be successful, while rewarding you along the way • The lighted keys make the learning process easier and faster, and you can turn them on/off as needed • Onboard sampling via the built-in mic • USB MIDI connectivity • Aux. input for your MP3 or other media player • Headphone output for practicing at any hour • A nice upgrade that the LK-260 has over the previously reviewed LK-175 is touch response on its 61 keys • As you progress, it's a feature you'll appreciate as you further explore technique and how your attack can affect the sound of what you play, much like a real piano Limitations As with the other models in the Lighted Keys Series, these instruments are designed for beginners to playing piano, so you're not going to have the breathtaking realism that a keyboard costing thousands of dollars has. But that should be a given. Conclusion For its price point, the LK-260 is an enjoyable, great-sounding way to learn how to play. You'll also have a ton of fun with its onboard sampling, be able to play your own music through its stereo speakers and enjoy its deep array of sounds. If someone you know is showing an interest in music, the LK-260 is an affordable way to get them going on the right path. Resources Learn more about the LK-260 at casio.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

There's no shortage of devices out there to interface with your iOS devices for creating music. And that's a good thing, because this whole mobile thing is going to be around for a while, and the devices and apps that fuel our creativity will only get better and better. New to the game is the Jamstik, which bills itself as "The Guitar for your iPad." It's a unique guitar MIDI controller that employs real strings, real frets and the ability to optimize it to the way you play for a more authentic playing experience. It has a lot more going for it too, so let's dive in and check it out. The Jamstik's five-fret neck and real strings offer authentic guitar feel What You Need To Know Getting started with the Jamstik and your iOS device is a hassle- and cable-free process. That's right, this baby's all wireless. Once fired up, the Jamstik will show as a WiFi "network" in your settings, and you simply join it like you would any other for a low-latency connection. Working in tandem with the WiFi connection is the jamstik Connect app, a free download from the App Store. With it, you can manage all settings of the Jamstik, including an advanced HTML editor to fine-tune response to your playing. Basic settings are available and give you a good starting point for understanding the way it plays. The jamstik Connect app also gives you a few models to get your feet wet with. Another contributor to the Jamstik's responsiveness over previous guitar MIDI controllers is its "finger sensing" technology. The fretboard uses infrared light to scan what your fingers are doing, allowing the Jamstik to respond quickly once you pluck the string. The real fun with Jamstik starts when you start to integrate it into your favorite apps (Jamstik claims to be compatible with hundreds). The jamstik Connect app gives you a great list if you need some inspiration, from IK Multimedia's SampleTank and GarageBand to more eclectic ones like Moog's Animoog. Just like a 25-key MIDI controller, you can use the "notes" on the Jamstik to control any instrument, all the while maintaining the familiarity of a guitar. The Jamstik can also be a useful learning tool. Another free app, JamTutor, presents you with different exercises that can really be helpful to a beginning guitarist. It also brings new meaning to the phrase "silent practice," as the Jamstik itself barely creates any sound at all, meaning you can feel free to learn in virtually any environment. It's a fun, interactive way to learn that can help you hone your chops when the real thing isn't convenient. Another free app, JamMix, introduces you to making real music with loops, beats and more. The Jamstik also has a few other tricks up its sleeve. One is a concept Zivix calls "infinite frets." Although it only has 25 notes, using the D-pad on top of the Jamstik allows you to jump to a new range, effectively giving you twice the range of a standard guitar. Additionally, the Jamstik's lithium-ion battery gives you hours of play on a single charge, and conveniently charges via USB. Limitations As fun and inspirational as the Jamstik can be, there are certain hurdles that players may encounter. It's priced at $299.99, which could be an issue for players on a budget. There is a learning curve for sure in getting the Jamstik optimized via the HTML editor, but plenty of documentation, how-to videos and demos on the Jamstik website can help guide you through. Lastly, the Jamstik is at its best when it's being used along with music-making apps, which typically cost money. So be prepared to spend some money in the App Store if you pick up a Jamstik. It's money well spent, however. Conclusion The Jamstik has taken advantage of advances in mobile recording to givethe guitar MIDI controller a new lease on life. It delivers a playing experience close to the real thing because it uses actual strings and frets, and allows guitarists to effectively "play" any virtual instrument using the technique they've mastered on guitar. It's a fun way to learn that doesn't encourage bad habits. Once you get past the initial setup and get familiar with the Jamstik, you'll find it's an inspiring and functional instrument that can really spark your creativity. Resources Learn more about the Jamstik at jamstik.com How to do loop recording in GarageBand with the Jamstik Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

The electric guitar has come a long way over the last 50 years, rising up from the confines of the rhythm section in the early days of R&B to a full-fledged, versatile instrument that drives the sound of modern music. And perhaps no element of guitar playing has evolved as much as the guitar solo: from its origins in lap steel passages during the '40s to Chuck Berry's groundbreaking licks in the '50s; through Hendrix, Clapton, Beck, Page and Townshend in the '60s; through the larger-than-life solos of the 1970s (Freebird, anyone?) and the shredding '80s; into the amalgamation of all that came before that was the '90s and into nu-metal, indie rock and beyond. Imagine what they'll be playing 50 years from now. No matter when or what they've played, guitarists have always sought to play the "perfect" solo. Is there such a thing? It's hard to say, although there are countless solos that sound pretty perfect. Crafting the right solo or lead part isn't just rooted in knowing what scales and notes to play. It's an art, and having a reference that can guide you as a songwriter and guitar player is invaluable. Songs and Solos: Creating the Right Solo for Every Song by Rikky Rooksby is exactly that kind of reference, and it's packed with information that will empower you to write solos that enhance your songs rather than just accompany them. What sets this book apart from most how-to-play guides is that it's wisdom is rooted in the study of hundreds and hundreds of classic songs and solos. In fact, it's not until chapter 6 that scales are even covered. It's not as much about what is played, it's the how and why that make a solo—and the song it's a part of—so memorable. Songs and Solos is divided into 12 sections, beginning with the history of guitar solos and walking you through everything from the basic concept of soloing, how to position a guitar solo, choosing the right instrument (it's not always a guitar) and how that will affect the song and solo, scales and harmony, techniques and much more. In the last four sections, Rooksby combines all the knowledge from the previous eight and put them to practical use. The included CD has over 40 sample solos with backing tracks to demonstrate each concept and help you learn the fundamentals needed to create solos for your own songs. The book closes with a chapter dedicated to quotes from famous guitarists about solos. It's a very inspirational way to bring the lessons full circle, hearing some of the greatest soloists essentially back up what this book is all about. Songs and Solos: Creating the Right Solo for Every Song is an outstanding reference for songwriting guitarists as well as for players just looking to have a better understanding of soloing and how to craft memorable solos that serve the song. We've all sat through a solo and though, "We get it, you know how to play scales." With Rikky Rooksby's tips in this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how to tastefully enhance any song with a solo that goes beyond your own playing. Resources Learn more about Songs & Solos: Creating the Right Solo for Every Song at halleonard.com Learn more about Rikky Rooksby at rikkyrooksby.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

I can remember way back to buying my first real bass amp. I was a quick study when it came to playing and quickly outgrew the 8" Gorilla practice amp I used in the bedroom. After a few months of playing I was ready to jam with friends, so I needed something that could contend in a band environment. At 18, I was obviously low on cash, so I finally settled on a mid-priced 15" combo. In the store, I remember thinking that thing was so loud I'd have to really dial it back once I had it in our rehearsal room. I couldn't have been more wrong. That first practice, I was beaming with pride at my new amp. One by one the guys came in and checked it out, giving it the thumbs up as I played a couple riffs through it. Things quickly took a turn as each guitarist fired up his 100W Marshall half stack and the drummer began to warm up. As we broke into the first song, my heart sank—I could barely hear myself above the din of the other instruments. Now, that's not all the fault of the combo. We were a young band and certainly had a lot to learn about volume control. But with that amount of power and a 15" speaker to move some air, it should have been enough. At least in my mind. It's a problem players often run into with bass combos, and quickly find themselves adding extension cabinets to remedy the problem or switching to a more powerful head/cab setup. With the simplest of designs, Gallien-Krueger has found an effective way to beef up the traditional combo by introducing the MBP line of powered enclosures. The company sent me an MB212-II combo and 212 MBP powered enclosure to explore this "combo rig" concept. MB212-II Bass Combo Amp The MB212-II is a robust combo in its own right, delivering 500 watts through 2 - 12" NEO speakers. Thanks to those NEO speakers and the MB212-II's digital power amp, you sacrfice nothing in the way of tone and get a full-featured sonic powerhouse that weighs only 41 lbs. The MB212-II is also equipped with a switchable horn for emphasizing mid and high frequencies, as are the MB115-II, MB210-II and MB410. All MB combos are loaded with the same pro-level features: 4-band active EQ, XLR direct out for recording and live performance, switchable Contour control, aux. input, headphone out and an output for connecting to MBP powered enclosures. The MB212-II is a powerful and well-rounded combo. The 12" speakers produce punchy midrange tones and deliver a low-end response that's tight, yet deep enough for a low B. I found that the amp worked splendidly with effects as well, really pronouncing the grit and growl I coaxed from a Deluxe Bass Big Muff fuzz and working very responsively with that pedal's crossover and multiple tone-shaping controls. Gallien-Krueger's MB line of bass combo amps MBP Powered Extension Cabinets Once you've fine-tuned your sound in the MB combo , expanding it into a format better-suited for the stage is as easy a single XLR connection. The MBP powered cabinets are tuned and optimized to be the perfect complement to the MB combos. In fact, there isn't even a level setting to adjust—the MB combo sends its signal and settings directly to the MBP, and the system essentially behaves as one cabinet with summed output. There's no worrying about one overpowering the other and screwing up your mix. MBP extension cabinets come in 1x12 (200W), 2x12 (500W), 4x10 (500W) and 1x15 (200W) configurations. The 4x10 weighs in at only 51 lbs. and is the heaviest of the bunch, once again thanks to digital power amps and NEO speakers. Each has a Chain output, allowing you to daisy-chain as many units together as you want in whatever configuration. This gives you the ability to experiment with different speaker types and combinations with ease, ensuring the right rig for every gig, rehearsal or jam session, large or small. MBP powered extension cabs come in four configurations The Right Rig For Every Gig GK's "combo rig" concept is a real winner. It liberates players from the confines of a combo-amp setup while offering extraordinary flexibility when it comes to configurations. They take portability to a higher standard with their lightweight design, while giving you the tone and performance Gallien-Krueger is known for. If you've given up on the idea of a combo-based rig, it's time to reconsider. Resources Shop Gallien-Krueger MB Bass Combo Amps at musiciansfriend.com Shop Gallien-Krueger MBP Powered Bass Extension Cabinets at musiciansfriend.com Learn more about the MB Bass Combo Amps at gallien-krueger.com Learn more about the MBP Powered Bass Extension Cabinets at gallien-krueger.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

We live in an interesting, in-between time when it comes to technology. Many of us who are 35 and up can easily remember a time when not even cell phones were common, much less things like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any social media existing. Conversely, to many of those below that age threshold, having an online presence and being connected 24/7 seems perfectly normal. As new technologies arrive and their progression speeds up, it's easy to get left behind. This is true in all walks of life, and it's especially true for musicians—and not only when it comes to gear. Before the explosion of the Internet, "marketing your band" meant getting a demo together, hitting up every promoter in town for gigs, stapling flyers to telephone poles and spreading your music one fan at a time. Today, it's become much more complex to effectively market your band, and many times it comes at the expense of what this is all about—making great music. But fear not, the DIY spirit is still alive and well, and with the right guidance, you can put it to good use and get your band maximum exposure. All you need is a good guide. That's where Music Marketing for the DIY Musician comes in. Author Bobby Borg's credentials make him the perfect person to write such a book. He's an industry veteran with 25 years of playing and touring under his belt (both as an independent and major-label artist), holds a degree in Professional Music from the esteemed Berklee College of Music, teaches at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood and offers consulting services in every aspect of the music industry. Put simply, dude knows his stuff. As you dive into Music Marketing for the DIY Musician, you'll quickly arrive at the same conclusion. The best thing about Music Marketing for the DIY Musician is that it knows its target audience and addresses musicians in a conversational, easy-to-follow manner. Borg is thorough in his instruction, beginning with the all-important vision. An essential first step that many bands skip over without a second thought, without that unifying vision there's really just aimless wandering. Borg wants to help you eliminate that and ensure calculated success. Over the course of 21 chapters, this intensive guide serves up step-by-step strategies to achieve your musical goals. It's not just about social media— a trap many bands today fall into. There's a logical progression and plan you can put into place, and it all adds up to making your vision a reality. Borg details strategies including identifying ways to profit, understanding how your fan base thinks, and creating goal-oriented marketing plans. There are also lessons on pinpointing the right performance opportunities, how to maximize merch sales, garner radio play and, of course, how to properly use the Internet and social media. And once you start to see results, Borg shows you how to track, analyze and adjust accordingly. It's hard to imagine a more in-depth guide for 21st century artists trying to succeed at any level with their music. Music Marketing for the DIY Musician by Bobby Borg is a 300+ page, step-by-step manual to achieving success. Now, that doesn't excuse you from the basics of good musicianship and the ability to craft songs that click with people. For most of us, that's the fun part. It's everything else that comes with being in a band that gets to be a pain. With Bobby Borg and his essential reference guide on your team, you'll be able to create an effective strategy that works for you and your band, and not spin your wheels guessing what works and what doesn't. Resources Learn more about Music Marketing for the DIY Musician at halleonard.com Read more about the author, Bobby Borg, at bobbyborg.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Portable keyboards can be a great entry point for beginning musicians who want to learn their way around a keyboard, as well as an affordable tool for established musicians looking to do the same. There's no denying that understanding a piano's layout can help with nearly any instrument, as well as songwriting and composing. Casio has long been a leader in bringing keyboards to market for just these purposes, keeping them both affordable and packing them with great sounds, rhythms and other tools to assist learning. The CTK-2400 continues in that tradition, with a street price right around $100 and loads of features including 400 high-quality tones, auto-accompaniment, sampling capability and much more. What You Need To Know • The CTK-2400 is a 61-key portable keyboard with piano-style keys • Stereo speakers provide plenty of volume and clear sound • Casio's AHL (Acoustic & Highly-compressed Large-waveform) delivers 400 tones, from stereo pianos to organs, wind and brass instruments, drums/percussion, synths, sound effects and more • Additionally, the CTK-2400 has an onboard mic for sampling your own sounds • Samples sounds can be effected with a variety of fun effects • There are 110 songs onboard and 150 rhythms • 48-note polyphony provides a rich musical experience • Auto-accompaniment function gives you a virtual backing band, making playing and learning fun and productive • An LCD screen keeps you informed of current patch as well as several other parameters •Comprehensive controls easily guide you through all the CTK-2400's sounds and settings • Built-in reverb enhances sounds • Learning to play is made easy with several helpful features like fingering display on built-in songs, phrase repetition • The Step Up learning function helps you master each hand's part until you've got the entire song down • A USB port is provided for transmitting/receiving MIDI data with a computer • Other rear-panel connections include a jack for a sustain pedal (not included), headphone/output jack and an audio in for connecting external audio equipment • The CTK-2400 runs on the included AC adapter as well as six AA batteries for true portability Limitations It's tough to call out limitations on a $100 keyboard, as the limitations inherent typically come with keyboards in this price range, like lack of weighted/hammer-action keys, advanced composing capabilities, etc. Conclusion The CTK-2400 is a great option for anyone looking to either improve their keyboard skills or set out on the path to playing and understanding keyboards. It's a robust unit with a nice array of well-crafted sounds, onboard learning functions and other features that make playing and learning an enjoyable experience, for the player and the listeners. At this price, it's an affordable and fun way to get into the world of keyboards. Resources Buy the Casio CTK-2400 61-Key Portable Keyboard at Musician's Friend Learn more about the Casio CTK-2400 at casio.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Powered speakers come in all shapes, sizes and price points these days, often making it difficult to make a decision when it’s time to outfit your band or venue with a set that will deliver the kind of performance working musicians expect and rely on. Especially when good sound can make or break your livelihood. With that in mind, and an 85-year legacy in audio engineering to back them up, Electro-Voice brings us the new ETX Powered Loudspeaker series.. Designed to satisfy the needs of working professionals, these speakers incorporate copious amounts of power with advanced control and a pro-grade build. It all adds up to an incredibly versatile series that has something for anyone ready to step up their sound into the pro arena. The ETX-12P, rear view The 3-way ETX-35P adds a 6.5" midrange driver What You Need To Know • The new ETX Powered Loudspeaker series offers a range of six models: the 2-way ETX-10P (10”), ETX-12P (12”) and ETX-15P (15”); the three-way ETX-35P (15” woofer with an added 6.5” midrange driver); and the ETX-15SP (15”) and ETX-18SP (18”) subs. • Full-range models are all equipped with a 1-1/4" titanium compression HF driver • All ETX Powered Loudspeakers utilize a Class-D power amplifier, with the subwoofers pushing out 1800W and the full-range models 2000W. • The wood enclosures are professional grade in every sense, from the 18mm 13-ply birch construction finished with rugged EVCoat to the die-cast aluminum handles, pole cups and amp chassis. • The full-range models are more than suitable for permanent installations, and eight mounting points are provided for such applications. • Every component of every ETX Powered Loudspeaker is designed and built by Electro-Voice. That bears repeating: every component of every ETX Powered Loudspeaker is designed and built by Electro-Voice. By maintaining complete control over every aspect and component of the ETX Powered Loudspeaker series, Electro-Voice is able to harness and maximize the power and sound quality from the get-go. • 2000 watts is a lot of power, and Electro-Voice has built the ETX Powered Loudspeaker series to maximize efficiency and ensure crystal-clear sound at the high SPLs (up to 135 dB!). • The ETX Powered Loudspeaker series is equipped with the same proprietary FIR-Drive filter technology as EV’s concert loudspeakers, which ensures that each speaker component performs optimally under maximum SPLs. • Also part of the integrated FIR-Drive system are EV’s PAL and TEMP limiters, which keep the speaker components protected from unwanted peaks and overheating, respectively. And because Electro-Voice builds and designs each component, they can tailor these limiters precisely so they have as much transparency as possible and remain inaudible to listeners. • The ETX Powered Loudspeaker series boasts a back-lit LCD display on the back panel for control over DSP and other functions. • Several easy-to-understand options will have you set up and sounding great in no time, including presets for optimizing the speaker depending on its position and use (suspended, wall-mounted, as part of an array, etc.). • The 3-band parametric Room EQ lets you fine tune the sound even further on the full-range models, while the subwoofers have a single-band of EQ for getting things just right. • The subs can also be configured to perform alone, as part of a line array or in a —a unique feature that allows for up to -30dB of low-frequency rejection to the rear. A behind-the-grille look at the ETX-15SP subwoofer • A nice inclusion was the Delay setting, which allows time alignment with other speakers, furthering the series' pro pedigree. Limitations • Although an exceptional value given what they deliver, the ETX Powered Loudspeaker series may be priced too high for musicians or sound engineers on a tight budget. Conclusion With plenty of less-expensive options out there in the world of powered speakers, and even more in the same price range, the ETX Powered Loudspeaker series from Electro-Voice stands apart thanks to an attention to detail that reflects the company’s 85 years making music sound better for us all. Not only is there ample power, it’s being used to its maximum potential thanks to the integrated FIR-Drive DSP. Careful design and tuning of each component to the others ensures consistent, clear sound even at high SPLs, and keeps your source material honest. Wrap it up in a modern, heavy-duty design that’s built for years of loyal service and you have one of the most formidable speaker options in its class. Resources Electro-Voice ETX Powered Loudspeaker series at Musician's Friend Read more about the Electro-Voice ETX Powered Loudspeaker series Ethan from Electro-Voice explains FIR-Drive

For me, the acoustic bass is an instrument that has never seemed to click. I've played several over the years that I enjoyed, but never could find one that provided the proper balance between acoustic sound, plugged-in options and playability that suited me. I've always liked the idea of an acoustic bass though, so I was excited to get my hands on the Studio Bass from Breedlove, a company that has been making huge waves in the world of acoustic instruments over the past several years. What You Need To Know • The Studio Bass is part of Breedlove's Studio Series of acoustic instruments, designed and built with an emphasis on being studio ready at an affordable, mid-level price point. • The Jumbo body of the Studio Bass, along with Breedlove's bass bracing system, makes for a bass that projects incredibly well across the spectrum, from its bold and rich low end to the crisp midrange cut as you move up the neck. • Despite its size, the Studio Bass is incredibly comfortable to hold and play in either a standing or sitting position, making it ideal for live performance as well. • The tonewoods used are premium—solid Sitka spruce top, nato neck, laminated sapele back and sides, rosewood fretboard. • Breedlove also employs their Bridge Truss System, a technique that relieves strain on the top while promoting a balanced tone and more sustain. Some purists feel that this impedes the soundboard's ability to vibrate, but I didn't notice any evidence of this and found the Studio Bass to be very resonant. The Breedlove Pinless Bridge also aids in keeping the instrument's sound pure by eliminating the need for holes in the soundboard to hold strings in place. • All this adds up to an exceptional-sounding acoustic instrument in its natural state, setting the stage for its amplified sound. • The Studio Bass employs an LR Baggs LR-T CV preamp and undersaddle pickup system. • The preamp has responsive Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble and Presence controls for precise shaping of the amplified sound, allowing you to tailor your tone on the fly in any application. A phase switch reduces feedback and keeps your tone intact in various settings. • The onboard tuner works great and makes tuning quick and easy. Conclusion The Studio Bass from Breedlove is a well-built acoustic-electric bass that sounds great and plays wonderfully. Despite my misgivings about acoustic basses, the Studio Bass held its own when played with two acoustic guitars, cutting through when it needed to and delivering a balanced, focus bottom end that blended well with its six-string counterparts. When it's time to plug in, whether in the studio or a live setting, the Studio Bass has you covered with its LR Baggs electronics and plenty of tone-shaping options. It's also a pleasure to play thanks to its slim-profile neck and comfortable body, making it a great partner for both stage and studio. The "little things"—chrome tuners, ivoroid binding, abalone rosette—tie it all together in a simple, classy package. And though it's made overseas, the Studio Bass is given the Breedlove touch by being quality-checked by hand in their Bend, Oregon factory, ensuring your instrument lives up to the standards Breedlove has come to be known for. In every regard, the Studio Bass is a winner, making it a great mid-priced option for players who play acoustic regularly as well as those looking to add some new sounds to their palette. Resources The Breedlove Studio Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar at Musician's Friend Studio Bass product page at breedlovemusic.com The Breedlove Studio Bass Product Video Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Guitar accessories aren't always the sexiest products we get to review. Most are functional and do what they say they'll do, so it becomes an exercise in assessing structure and strength. This time around, however, a unique product came my way that really expands upon the idea of the guitar wall hanger, the Wall-Axe SOLOIST. What You Need To Know • The SOLOIST takes the concept of an instrument wall hanger and adds a host of options for including the other things you need when you play: cable, picks, tuner, capo, strap, etc. • Made of solid oak with a clear gloss finish, its triangular design is both functional and a cool aesthetic touch to any studio or jam space • Installation is easy, with detailed instructions and all necessary hardware included • In addition to a padded hook for your instrument, the SOLOIST has four pegs that can be used for hanging or clipping accessories • Three slots can hold several picks • The padded hook extends a bit from the base, allowing you to hang your cable behind your instrument and your slide on one of the hooks in front Conclusion The Wall-Axe SOLOIST accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do: it keeps everything you need to play in one convenient place. As a plus, it's wall-mountable, keeping your guitar, cable, picks and other accessories within easy reach and on display. I won't lie, I'm that guy who always needs a pick or has to dig for a cable (I swear I left them RIGHT THERE last time I played!), so for me the SOLOIST is a great companion to have on the wall. My cable, picks, clip-on tuner, capo...everything is right there waiting for me when inspiration strikes, ensuring I stay in the creative groove. You can pay the same amount of money for a stand that only holds your guitar, or pick up a SOLOIST or two and keep all your accessories together. Resources Wall-Axe SOLOIST Product Demo Video Wal-Axe SOLOIST Product Page Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Most musicians who have played live have encountered Mackie’s SRM line of loudspeakers in one of their many forms. They’ve graced stages large and small, always delivering crystal-clear, punchy sound that players and sound engineers alike rely on along with rock-solid performance night after night. Today the SRM Series encompasses several models, including three all-wood models designed specifically for professional installations and applications, as well as the SRM350 and SRM450 for portable use. But to attach the word “professional” to the former might lead some to believe that the molded SRM350 and SRM450 are not capable of the same level of SRM performance and sound—which is completely wrong, as I discovered after spending some time with both models. The latest incarnations of these two-channel, powered speakers (v3) have the kind of sound, power and back-panel features that will elevate anyone’s live sound to pro territory. What You Need To Know • Though their speaker configuration differs slightly from one another, the SRM350 and SRM450 utilize the same power structure and control set. • Both deliver 1000W of power—a significant upgrade from their previous incarnations—with plenty of headroom to really crank them up without unwanted distortion. • On the back panel are two combo inputs for accepting both XLR and ¼” cables, as well as stereo RCA inputs for connecting outboard gear. Gain trim knobs are provided for each channel along with a clip LED that lets you know if your input signal is too strong. • A 1.4” titanium-dome driver handles the upper range of sound in both models, with a 10” LF driver in the SRM350 and a 12” in the SRM450. • Mackie has made tone shaping easy by providing four selectable operation modes that tailor the speaker’s response instantly: PA, DJ, Monitor and Solo. • Depending on how you’re using the speakers, these selections provide surprisingly effective tweaks to the output sound, enhancing bass, mids or highs with great accuracy. For example, select the DJ mode and the bass is made more prominent with a slight scoop on the mids and highs. PA mode provides a nice, balanced mix for full-band applications. Monitor mode ensures the right sound and cut when used angled as a wedge monitor, and Solo is perfect for the singer-songwriter who combines an instrument and vocal, making sure that your instrument and voice are given equal prominence without one overpowering the other. • Mackie's onboard Feedback Destroyer employs up to four narrow bands when activated to eliminate feedback from even the most susceptible instruments and performance settings. • Both the SRM350 and SRM450 are flyable, with the SRM350s in either horizontal or vertical orientation, making them ideal for permanent installations. The Mackie SRM350 & SRM450 Powered Live Sound Speakers The SRM350 and SRM450 share the same back-panel features and I/O Limitations • Though the low-frequency response of both models is impressive, DJs or bands looking for extra depth in that area will likely want to incorporate one of the SRM Series powered subwoofers into their setup. Conclusion Regardless of your musical endeavors, your live sound isn’t something you want to keep addressing. You want reliable power, clear and accurate sound, and a rugged enclosure to endure the rigors of performing live. The SRM350 and SRM450 give you all this along with powerful High Definition Audio Processing to keep your sound true and Smart Protect DSP to prevent damage from signal overloads. With either the SRM350 or SRM450, you can get in on pro-level, gig-ready sound at an affordable price. Resources The Mackie SRM350 Powered Live Sound Speaker at musiciansfriend.com The Mackie SRM450 Powered Live Sound Speaker at musiciansfriend.com See the whole SRM line at mackie.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Zildjian Gen16 - Low Volume Acoustic Cymbals By William Leather Director of Jazz and Percussion Penn High School Zildjian’s Gen16 line of cymbals broke into the marketplace as a innovative alternative to traditional electronic cymbal pads. With the feel of traditional cymbals and 50-60% less volume, Gen16 gives performers the ability to provide a live feel, while not sacrificing the digital quality in which they were originally intended. Over the past two months at Penn High School in Mishawaka, IN, we had the opportunity to use the Gen16 14” hi-hats, 14” crash, 16” crash, 18” crash and a 20” ride in purely acoustic settings. These rehearsal and performance settings included Percussion Ensemble, Musical Pit Orchestra, Concert Band, and an individual practice rooms. As an addition to small practice or rehearsal rooms, the Gen16 cymbals provide an acoustic alternative to traditional cymbals, allowing for the performer to practice with full intent, without sacrificing feel or sound quality. In a Fine Arts Department setup like ours, having the ability to be versatile with space, while not adding to the production of noise is a huge benefit. Students practicing drum set solos or with a small jazz combo were able to use drum pads and the Gen16 cymbals in virtually any room without disturbing musicians in the same area because of the reduction in volume these cymbals provide. In many years past, as the director of the Penn High School Musical Pit Orchestra, I consistently have felt the cymbals over balanced the rest of this small ensemble, causing the performer on drum set to have to sacrifice technique and the freedom of playing with full strokes. This spring for our musical “Man of LaMancha”, I added the Gen16 20” ride and 14” hi-hats to the setup to see how these cymbals would respond in this setting. I was pleasantly surprised with their ability to provide just enough texture without over-powering the ensemble. The application of the Gen16 cymbals into the middle school and high school concert band setting was extremely beneficial. At the middle school level, one of our band programs has a very small band room, causing concern for noise-induced hearing loss for the students. Having the option of using the Gen16 line of cymbals in a small band room environment provides students opportunities to practice performance on cymbals with great technique and appropriate stroke styles for the intended dynamics without compromising hearing safety. At the high school level, we discovered the Gen16 cymbals to be a valued asset to performance in professional level concert band literature. Brian Balmages’s piece “Metal” was a contest work that our top concert band at Penn performed this spring. The piece is characterized by the use of several metallic textures in the percussion section as well as its “heavy metal” feel at times. The Gen16 14” hi-hats and 20” ride cymbal provided the perfect timbre to blend with woodwinds and muted brass throughout the ensemble’s performance. Many times when hi-hat and ride cymbal parts make their way into the concert band setting, it is difficult for the performer to balance playing with confident feel and technique while blending well with the wind parts. Gen16 allowed our drum set performer on this piece to provide the necessary musical drive behind the ensemble, while not over-balancing the woodwinds and brass. In addition to Zildjian’s Gen16 cymbals providing endless possibilities through digital performance, the acoustic applications have proven value on many levels in the traditional middle school and high school band program. Resources Harmony Central's Combo Review of the Zildjian Gen 16 Zildjian Gen16 Gear at Woodwind & Brasswind Gen16 product page at Zildjian.com

One look at the artists page at Ashdown's website is enough to let you know that there's a rich legacy of bass tone in place. From their high-end tube-driven models to the smallest practice amp, Ashdown amps have a reputation for delivering solid, well-defined tone that's right at home in any genre thanks to powerful shaping and dynamics. The AAA Series looks to continue that sonic legacy while incorporating modern connectivity with your tablet and smartphone so you can make the most of every practice session. I was sent the AAA Perfect 10 amp to evaluate. What You Need To Know • The Perfect 10 is a compact practice amp boasting a 10" speaker pushed by 40W of power (RMS). • The full-featured top panel provides lo/hi inputs for both passive and active instruments; 3-band EQ; Drive, Input level and Volume knobs; and a 1/4 auxiliary input with independent level control for mixing source material with your playing. • Headphone jack and speaker mute switch are included for silent practice. • An XLR DI is provided for output to a mixer for both recording and playing live. • Using the App Tek cable, you can connect your tablet or smartphone and, in conjunction with an app like the recommended AmpKit from Agile Partners, get access to models of Ashdown's incomparable ABM 900 EVO III amp and matching 8x10 cabinet. • Once purchased, you have all the features and tones of the ABM 900 at your disposal, including its powerful tone shaping (preshape circuit, 7-band EQ), sub-harmonic boost, and onboard tube overdrive and compressor. Along with the DI output, this means when it comes time to record or play live, you can effectively have an ABM 900 EVO III in your arsenal! • The AmpKit app also has countless other amps, effects and microphones for getting the most from your iOS device and Perfect 10 amp. • If that's not enough, the App Tek connection also interfaces with other music-related apps as well, so if you have one you prefer or are already using, • None of that means that the Perfect 10 on its own doesn't sound fantastic, because it does. It's loud enough for small jams with plenty of low end and midrange punch that cuts through with clarity. While the app and related connectivity is a really powerful add-on feature, this is also an amp that delivers the kind of grade-A tone you'd expect from an Ashdown. Limitations • Most apps, like the recommended AmpKit, have some free stuff available, but if you want access to, for example, the ABM 900 EVO III, you'll have to pay for it ($5.99, in this case). Conclusion I've played plenty of amps in my many years of playing, to the point where it really doesn't take long for me to know if something is a winner or not. With the AAA Perfect 10, it was apparent early on that this is a formidable practice amp that can easily transition to a performance or recording session. It's punchy, has plenty of volume and depth and blends well in a group environment. Factor in the array of options that open up thanks to the App Tek connectivity and smartphone/tablet integration, and you have one of the most feature- and tone-rich amps available at this price point ($249 street). If the Perfect 10 is indicative of what the AAA Series has to offer, I'm sure you can't go wrong with any of the many options the line has to offer. Resources See the entire AAA Series at ashdownmusic.com AAA Perfect 10 product page at ashdownmusic.com Ashdown AAA Series Vintage 12 Product Demo Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

With the release earlier this year of the AMPLIFi guitar amps, Line 6 revolutionized the way music and consumer electronics interface. Their multi-speaker design, Bluetooth connectivity and intelligent iOS companion app, AMPLIFi Remote, seamlessly blended the ways we play, learn and listen to music into one great-sounding, versatile package. There were few products at the Winter NAMM show that had nearly as much buzz around them, and sales have been off the charts. So it should come as no surprise that Line 6 is now taking the AMPLIFi concept to a multi-effects pedal, the AMPLIFi FX100. Also boasting Bluetooth connectivity and integration with the AMPLIFi Remote app, it’s a reinvention of the multi-effects unit that makes the path to great tone easier than ever. What You Need To Know • By incorporating with your iOS device using its Bluetooth connection, the AMPLIFi FX100 puts you on the fast track to the perfect sound, whether you’re writing, jamming or practicing. • Flexible ¼” connections let you output to your amp, PA system, headphones or even your home stereo system. • Control knobs on the unit itself control tone, drive, volume and effects, as well as four footswitches for loading and saving patches. • A tap tempo switch lets you set the delay time and other modulation parameters on select effects, and there’s a responsive expression pedal for controlling volume and wah. • Even with all this onboard control, the AMPLIFi FX100 really shines when used in conjunction with the AMPLIFi Remote app on your iOS device. Want to jam along to songs in your music library? No problem. All you have to do is pull up a song from your collection in the app, and it will automatically search the cloud for appropriate patches. Just select the one you want and it’s loaded via Bluetooth onto the AMPLIFi FX100. AMPLIFi Remote App for iPad • The audio from your iOS device also streams via Bluetooth, eliminating the need for additional cables and connections. It’s fast, seamless and makes practicing and jamming to your favorite songs a breeze, complete with the guitar tone of the original. It really couldn’t be easier or more intuitive. • Searching by song or artist is another quick way to access legendary tones and instantly load them onto your AMPLIFi FX100. You can use them as a starting point for your own patches or incorporate them into your own songs. One of the primary benefits to this cloud-based tone library is the ability for you and your fellow musicians to upload your own creations and rate those of other users. The more you rate tones, the more AMPLIFi Remote learns your tonal taste and delivers personalized results. • You can also add specific tones to your favorites list for easy access, which is helpful if you need something outside of your normal style. • The AMPLIFi FX100 also has over 200 amps and effects, so if you want to create your own rig from scratch, you have some pretty amazing options at your disposal to do so. Limitations Functionally it's hard to find anything limiting with the AMPLIFi FX100. It performs as it's supposed to and delivers the ease of use it promises. But as with any crowdsourced material, it's up to the community and users to ensure the quality of the content. So you may load up a patch expecting one thing, and hear something that differs. However, even when this happens I found that the tone I was originall after was easily attainable with a few tweaks of my own, so even if it's not spot on, it's a great starting point. Conclusions Multi-effects units have traditionally been aimed at players who need access to a lot of tones in one place. However, the process of creating, editing, storing and accessing those tones has been one that involves a USB cable, mouse and computer-based editor, or in some unfortunate instances, trying to manipulate menus on a miniscule screen with controls that are as far from intuitive as they can be. Addressing this, Line 6 has continued their legacy of innovation with the AMPLIFi FX100, giving players the freedom to create without the obstacles of the past. The popularity and ease-of-use of iOS devices makes them the perfect partner for musicians, and with the FX100, guitarists finally have the ideal mix between our mobile devices and our music gear. Whether you use it as a practice tool, a studio partner or a live-performance rig, the AMPLIFi FX100 will introduce you to a new level of ease and creativity when it comes to making music. Resources Buy the Line 6 AMPLIFi FX100 Multi-Effects Unit at Musician's Friend Learn more about the Line 6 AMPLIFi FX100 at line6.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Record quickly and easily to your iOS device as well as your computer with this compact, single-channel interface. Thanks to the ever-decreasing size of laptop computers and the advent of mobile technology like smartphones and tablets, the “portable studio” is now truly a reality. All that’s needed is your favorite recording software and a compact interface, and you have more recording power at your fingertips than ever before. With its palm-sized profile and powerful capabilities, the Fender® SLIDE™ interface makes mobile recording as seamless as ever. As a bonus, it’s also designed to be a learning tool when used in conjunction with the included Rock Prodigy Lite app. It all adds up to an affordable, versatile and very functional tool. With its small footprint and two-knob, no-nonsense controls, the Fender Slide is ideal for recording on the go. What You Need To Know About the size of a laptop mouse, it’s as straightforward as an audio interface can be. There’s a ¼” input at the front for your instrument, volume and mix knobs on top, and data and 1/8” output connections on the back.Easily connects to your device's USB port or Lightning-equipped iOS devices with included cables. SLIDE lets you hear and mix your dry signal with the output signal via the mix control. This allows you to address any latency issues you may run into when recording, and SLIDE is the only iOS interface currently on the market to offer this feature. SLIDE captures audio via premium AD/DA converters, with recording quality up to 24-bit/48kHz available. Fender employs what they call Dynamic Range Extension circuitry, which provides maximum dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. It functions like an automatic trim control in that it can sense the strength of a pickup’s signal and adjust the gain accordingly, ensuring your performance is always captured with accuracy and detail.AmpliTube Fender software for your computer or mobile device is included. This starter app gives you a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp and single-track recorder so you can start jamming and laying down ideas immediately.When you purchase SLIDE you’ll receive a free license to the Lite edition of Rock Prodigy, a bonus app that includes the entire first course of Rock Prodigy. If you're a beginner or need to brush up on your chops, you’re just seconds away from a lesson on your iPad or iPhone, wherever you are. Limitations It's easy to say that SLIDE's single input is limiting, but that's missing the point; you're not going to record an album with this interface. It's a personal connection to your device that allows you to focus on capturing ideas, jamming and improving your skills as a player. Conclusion Now that we have touch screens and intuitive software programs to work with, many of the roadblocks of yesterday’s gear are gone. Of course, taking advantage of all that means having a no-frills interface, and for around $100, the Fender SLIDE is an ideal companion for mobile music making. And not only does SLIDE make your recording more mobile, it makes learning easier too with the Rock Prodigy Lite software. It’s an incredible value with tremendous functionality that any player will appreciate having. Resources Buy the Fender SLIDE Audio Interface at Musician's Friend Fender SLIDE product page at fender.com Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.

Classic, heavy riffs meet spaced-out fuzz in this second offering from The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic. Los Angeles-based The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic continue to explore the outer reaches on their sophomore effort, Through The Dark Matter, a five-song EP that brings more of what made their self-titled debut a raucous, riff-heavy, psychedelic good time. The trio, made up of guitarist Ed Mundell (Monster Magnet, The Atomic Bitchwax), bassist Collyn McCoy (Trash Titan, Otep) and Sasquatch drummer Rick Ferrante, certainly has deep roots in the stoner rock and metal scenes, but the combination of the three makes for an eclectic blend of styles fueled by Mundell’s Hendrix-laden tone and knack for great riffs and a rhythm section that just don’t quit. As with the first album, all tracks are instrumental, except for the cover of the classic “Spoonful,” a nod to perhaps the greatest rock trio of all time, Cream, who also famously covered it. While the debut album from the UEMG featured space-rock jams and guitar solos galore along with a very improv-centric feel throughout, Through The Dark Matter comes across as a more focused effort, packing as much punch into five tracks as any EP can. The short, delay-drenched intro track, “Small Magellanic Cloud,” sets the controls for the heart of the sun, as Mundell and a fuzzed-out McCoy create an otherworldly soundscape that bleeds into the title track’s crushing riff. McCoy and Ferrante lay down a lock-step groove for Mundell to deliver his signature leads on top of. Tasteful overdubs and panning throughout take you back to the golden age of bluesy guitar jams, at times sounding like there are three or more distinct players in the band rather than just one. It’s a testament to what a powerhouse guitarist Mundell is and his knack for interweaving melodies. The cut fades out before the five-minute mark, right as the band launches into double time, leaving you wanting more (as any good band does). Up next is the seven-minute “Spoonful” cover, which for the first time gives us a taste of the band with a vocal accompaniment. McCoy steps up to tear into Willie Dixon’s blues staple and delivers a distorted, growling vocal that fits perfectly with the band’s romping, grooving approach. Mundell delivers blistering solos throughout the song that capture the same sonic character of Clapton’s fuzz on the Cream version. And like other great power trios like Cream and Gov’t Mule, these guys clearly understand the importance of the space between the notes. Though the mix is dripping with fuzz on the vocals, guitar and bass, everyone rides the wave together without getting in each other's way. This version of "Spoonful" is seven minutes of pure psychedelic blues awesomeness. The original “Day of the Comet” follows, this one featuring a duel between McCoy’s cutting bass lines up and down the fretboard and Mundell’s trippier side as he modulates his sound to the outer limits. As always, Ferrante is right in the pocket, holding the band in orbit even when the rocket's engines are at full throttle. Coming from the groove-heavy Sasquatch, he’s really the perfect guy to play drums in this outfit, and the instrumental format allows him to let loose and show what a multi-dimensional player he is. As it began with “Small Magellanic Cloud,” it ends with “Large Magellanic Cloud,” a laid-back, seven-minute Twilight Zone-ish jam with plenty of jazzy guitar leads and atonal, analog-synth goodness. McCoy’s bass really drives this one; he never repeats himself as he builds the overdrive and volume until it overtakes everything and launches into a wah-wah soaked solo in the upper registers. Through The Dark Matter is the natural progression for The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic following their debut album in 2013. Though the first album certainly highlighted the musical chemistry these three guys have with one another, it’s clearly been enhanced by time. There’s still that feeling of improvisation, but with a tightness that only comes with many hours of playing together. This extended EP is a great companion to the first album and a look at what we can expect on the next full-length release. The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic Resources For more band info, tour dates, gear lists, merch and more, visit: The Ultra Electric Mega Galactic Official Website Follow the UEMG on Facebook

Suffering from TMG Syndrome (Too Many Guitars)? Here's an affordable and stylish solution. I suppose it's not exactly appropriate to call it a "problem" when one has too many instruments. That's really more of a blessing, actually. The problem is storing them and having easy access to them. Once you get past two instruments, your standard, one-instrument stands just don't cut the mustard anymore. And while there are certainly many options out there for keeping multiple guitars and basses at arm's length, some put a premium on functionality over style, with sterile metal frames that are more at home on the side of a stage than in your jam room or home studio. With its compact size and wood construction, the String Swing Inline Guitar Rack is a great option for those needing to house multiple instruments while maintaining an air of style and sophistication. What You Need To Know The side-loading Inline Guitar Rack holds up to six electric guitars/basses or three acoustic guitarsConstructed of solid ash hardwood, so it's sturdy and looks great holding your instrumentsFoldable for easy transport if you want to use it at a gig or rehearsalAssembly required, though not difficult with the included directionsDimensions: A - 25.5", B - 14", C - 30.5" Limitations All of the instruments I house in this stand have rounded lower bouts, so I can't say how odd-shaped guitars might sit in itThere's no locking device to hold each instrument in place, so care should be taken if used in tight areas or if kids are aroundConclusion As I said at the start, there are many multi-instrument stands and racks on the market, and like most pieces of gear, you can spend a lot or a little and typically you'll get what you pay for. For its $89.99 retail price, I found this rack to be a great value. It's stylish, functional, compact and you can fold it up for use elsewhere (though I plan to keep mine in my jam room at home). It took me about 10 minutes total to put it together and immediately became one of the best purchases I've made in a while. Resources Buy the String Swing Inline Guitar Rack at Musician's Friend Inline Guitar Rack product page Ara Ajizian, Harmony Central's Editorial Director, has been playing bass and guitar as well as singing since he was 18, and soon that love of music combined with a passion for writing; launching what's now a decade-long career immersed in the gear world. He's thrilled to be back on the Harmony Central team after two years as Managing Editor for Musician's Friend covering gear, bands and events and gigging in the Los Angeles area.