PDF - JHS PDF

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FEATURES The Vaccines • Midge Ure • Bootsy Collins • The Return of the Hellecasters • Paul Brett • Odyssey Brasswind • Italia
Guitars • GEAR Graham Oliver Vintage Signature Guitar • HK Audio LUCAS Nano 300 • Fret-King Black Label • Studiomaster Stereo
Valve Compressor • Carlsbro Amplification • Pilgrim Banjos WIN! Italia Maranello Speedster 2 Guitar and Carlsbro Amp • Antoni
Premiere Violin Outfit and Care Kit and Stand • Join us on Facebook with a chance to win a Stylophone & Stylophone Beatbox!
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Powered Mixing
Consoles
Mixing Consoles
Processors
Amplification
Studio
Monitors
Microphones, Microphone
Stands & Speaker Stands
Speaker Cabinets & Monitors
Portable
PA Systems
www.jhs.co.uk/studiomaster
www.studiomaster.com
2
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Gear Issue
Gear 27
11 2012
2002
FEATURES
40 The Vaccines – The UK’s best new band give us ®
the lowdown on gear, gigs and making it big...
12 Midge Ure – The Ultravox frontman on Band Aid,
his love of Kate Bush and building stuff out of Lego
40 7 Bootsy Collins – Bass legend talks Fishman
47 Paul Brett – Worldwide 12-string authority Paul
on his new Vintage signature acoustic pair
66 Dame Evelyn Glennie – An awarding-winning
percussionist – who just so happens to be deaf
The wait is over...
Welcome to a bumper issue of your favourite
30 Odyssey – Peter Pollard’s blowing for England free music magazine!
56 Italia – Step this way for more idiosyncratic axes
We’re absolutely stuffed with cool bits and
10 Hellecasters – After a ten-year hiatus, the terrifically pieces this time around, from a great interview
talented trio have returned to the stage! with cover star Justin Young of The Vaccines
– one of the best new UK bands we’ve heard in
a long, long time – to fun chats with British
rock legends like Ultravox frontman Midge Ure
and Saxon founder Graham Oliver.
GEAR
5 Graham Oliver – Saxon’s founding six-stringer gets his very As usual, there’s loads of great gear to get your
own Vintage signature axe! teeth stuck into as well. Trev Wilkinson’s back
19 HK Audio LUCAS Nano 300 – It’s tiny. And very loud!
with his latest creation, Fret-King Black Label,
while Carlsbro’s amp range has returned
36 Fret-King Black Label – Trev Wilkinson is back in Black 5 stronger than ever, and HK Audio’s new LUCAS
53 Steve Levine – The Grammy award-winning producer on Nano 300 is going to revolutionise the portable
his love of the Studiomaster VTX2 stereo valve compressor PA world – again. We’ve got it all covered in
these pages, so just dig in.
13 Carlsbro – The legendary British amp line has returned!
20 Pilgrim – Loads of new kit for folk fans everywhere Oh, and it's been quite a while since Issue 26,
but the good news is that we've now got a
bigger online presence than ever before, so if
you want a daily fix of all the latest and
greatest Gear, just head over to our Twitter
and Facebook pages. We'll see you all there!
12 Enjoy Gear 27, and until next time...
Richard Morgan
Editor
THROUGHOUT
We’re taking our usual look at what the best
musicians around are up to, so read on for
reports on the likes of Gordon Giltrap, Young
Guitarist Of The Year James Bell, 47
UFO’s Paul Raymond, Henry’s Funeral Shoe,
Silverjet, Midas Fall, Penguin, Lorenza
Woods, Clare Free... and many, many more!
19
COMPETITIONS
44 Are you feeling lucky, punk? – If you fancy
winning top kit like a cool-as-hell Italia Speedster
II electric guitar or an all-tube Carlsbro amp, head
53 over to the competitions page right now!
facebook.com/gearmagazine twitter.com/gearmagazine 3
g27p04_Layout 1 18/05/2012 10:04 Page 1
Guitarists are not generally known for their sporting Us hip and happening (ahem) guys
prowess, but even career Gearheads might be aware and gals at Gear never really thought
that London's got some kind of major sporting event guitar hangers could be considered
going on in 2012. And what better way to soundtrack cool, but now we've seen String Swing's
a load of the world's fastest people running round a awesome new Stylz range, we've been
forced to change our minds! Feelings
track in Stratford than these new Limited Edition
SpongeBob SquarePants 2012 Games Instruments?
Because although you wouldn't expect SpongeBob, Based on String Swing's classic CC01K hanger,
Patrick and Gary the snail – who, let's face the Stylz range features six different –
it, isn't exactly known for his pace – to be yes, you guessed it – styles, enabling
in the running for medals this year, you you to “put your personal style on
can now go out and buy these brand display” and “express your unique
new SpongeBob instruments to go personality” when hanging your guitar
with the big games! up. The styles are called Camo, Eternity,
Feelings, Jazz, Blues and Torn, and no matter Eternity
what type of music you're into, one of them
is bound to suit your taste.
SBUG12 k
£29.99
The newest additions to

the award-winning SpongeBob
SquarePants Real Musical Instruments Jazz
line give you the choice between a
nylon-strung, tuneable wooden uke
(£29.99) and a Shaker Pack (£19.99).
The uke's covered with SpongeBob,
Patrick and Gary,
running in their
very own
‘SpongeBob Games’, and the shaker
pack, which comes in its own handy
Torn
carry bag, features a pair of egg shakers,
a pair of maracas and a tambourine.
They're great little instruments to get

you and the kids playing, so what are On top of the looks, and just like the
you waiting for? Ready, set... go! rest of the String Swing range, the
k
SBPP12
£19.99 Stylz hangers are easy to fit (just
Sprint down to your local music store screw them into the wall and you're
and check them out today! good to go), strong and durable, and keep
your guitar up on the wall out of harm's way Digi-Camo
– plus they'll only set you back £16.99!
Shubb, we doff our cap(o)s to you What's not to like?
Did you know that capo is short for 'capotasto', which apparently means
'head of fretboard' in Italian? Neither did we. Anyway, the capo: a
simple, genius accessory that lets us change key in seconds, and no ™
one does them better than Shubb. Now, the Capotasto Kings have
brought out a fab new range of coloured Shubb Lite guitar capos.
Shubb Lites weigh less than half of an original Shubb capo – that's Blues
under 30 grams, fact fans – and feature a special rubber tip, designed
to work like the finger tip, so retuning is not necessary. Compact and
easy on the neck of the instrument, these colourful new offerings
also provide a bit of eye entertainment compared to the usual black
Get in tune with
or grey finishes, and you never know, they may even be more visible The Snark QTSN8 Chromatic Tuner
on stage too! The bottom line is that Shubb have sold more than a The award-winning Snark is already the best clip-on tuner around, but
million capos over the years, to everyone from grassroots players to now the best just got even better. Behold the catchily-named Snark
some of the best musicians on the planet. So the next time you're in QTSN8! Beyond this moniker, though, is a chromatic tuner that is
the market for a capo, check these lightweight, colourful babies out! devastatingly simple and effective. With its super tight,
£24.99 one-button tuning, its super fast response and its
Each super bright display, the QTSN8 really is a superlative
tuning experience. The display rotates 360 degrees,
a tap tempo metronome is included, and it has
transpose and pitch calibration features. Plus it's
only £19.99!
Did we mention it'll tune any instrument too?
That's right, bassoonists, the Snark QTSN8 is for
you! Well, whatever you play, we're pretty sure it'll
SHL1BLU SHL1GRN SHL1RED SHL1VIO be right up your street, assuming you like to
be in tune of course. The best Snark yet?
www.jhs.co.uk/shubb.html You betcha. Nothing else will do.
4 facebook.com/gearmagazine twitter.com/gearmagazine
g27p05_Layout 1 17/05/2012 09:20 Page 1
Get your own fix of Saxon, drugs and rock 'n' roll with the all-new Vintage VS6GO!
A signature guitar built to be as hard rocking as the man it's named after, the Vintage
Graham Oliver Signature VS6GO honours founding Saxon member Graham Oliver, the man
who went from a council house in Barnsley to playing the world's biggest stages and selling
more than 13 million records.
The VS6GO is modelled on the workhorse instrument Graham has used live and in the studio since
the 70s, and it stays true to Graham’s original axe, featuring monster tones, awesome looks and
foot-on-the monitors playability. It features a mahogany body and a set neck with a bound
rosewood fingerboard, as well as chrome Wilkinson hardware and roaring Wilkinson humbuckers.
The VS6GO is also adorned with a special Vintage vibrola

for all the divebombs and squeals you need for those
screeching solos. Available in Graham’s favourite creamy
white finish, the VS6GO is a pure attention-grabbing,
hard riffing machine that all rock fans are going to want
to play – and play loud!
Graham says: “The first thing Kirk Hammett said to me the last time I saw him
was: 'Have you still got that white guitar I saw you play in San Francisco
in '81? It was so cool!' Over the last 30-odd years it's also been admired
® by guys like Randy Rhoads, Michael and Rudolf Schenker, K.K. Downing
and Dimebag Darrell, to name but a few. They not only have to look
good, but play good too, and when my Vintage signature came and
I played it I couldn't believe I was not playing the original! But the
best thing is that it's unlike other signature guitars and in a price range
that makes it totally affordable for everyone.”
So, take Graham's advice... and go get your hands on one!
adjustable, double-sewn with heavy duty nylon thread

and fitted with genuine hard-wearing leather end pieces,
which make for a comfortable, reliable playing
experience.
For those discerning player who enjoy the feel – and

smell – of a luxurious leather or suede strap, there's
plenty of those too, with prices ranging from
£18.99 to £26.99. Unrivalled for comfort and
quality levels, these straps are sophisticated,
with lovely contrast stitching on the suede
and fab designs on the leather.
Straps, leads, strings. Lots of guitarists don't really bother
with these. Well, they do (otherwise their guitars wouldn't We couldn't resist the recent Eagle Mountain Lock-It
make any noise, would they...) but what we mean is that strap – which has locking tabs and makes straplocks redundant – and
many players just grab the cheapest things around, slap now there's Blue and Brown colours on top of
them on their guitar and off they go. That's not the original Black. They're only £19.99, so
the way forward, and, like decent leads and strings, try one today, and you'll never go back!
a top notch strap can make your guitar playing
experience much more fun. This is where Eagle Eagle Mountain haven't forgotten uke
Mountain's new additions come in! There's players either, with three new leather
a whole bunch of new straps available for uke straps on offer (all £7.99), in Black,
guitarists with any taste, and they're Pink and Red. So now there's no excuse
all USA-made, strong, durable and not to get your folk on!
excellent value for money.
First up is the new selection of

webbing straps in a range of cool
designs – there's plenty to choose from,
and no matter what colour or shape your
guitar is, there'll be something here for you!
All costing only £11.99, they're fully length
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Handy new hardware from For those about to rock

(we salute uke): Love AC/DC but find they offend your dear
old granny? Desperate to rock out like
Grover make the best quality Led Zeppelin but without blowing your
stringed instrument hardware girlfriend or boyfriend's delicate eardrums?
around, and these new guitar Want to own the stage but find six strings
and uke upgrades continue to be two too many? Then check these out!
that trend.
Smooth, sleek and unbelievably cool, this delightful trio
Guitarists after new machineheads need to from Laka by Vintage just have to been seen, heard and
check out the Grover Original Rotomatic 102 VUV2 k played to be believed, and they'll take you from When I'm
Series, which are pretty much a triumph in £119.00 Cleaning Windows to Enter Sandman with ease.
engineering and styling. Available in
Nickel (£69.99), Chrome (£69.99) or First up is the VUV2, which differs from the uke norm in
Gold (£89.99), their housing provides that it's steel-strung, so you'll find the tone will be closer
a maximum bearing for worm, gear to a typical electric guitar than a normal uke.
and string post, with a gear ratio of Styled in a classic single cutaway electric
14:1 for superbly accurate design, the VUV2 features a
tuning, and no string basswood body, maple bolt-
slippage. The gear box also has a special lubricant on neck, ebony nut, 18 frets,
for a lifetime of trouble-free service! They also single coil and piezo pickups,
include 5/8” washers, bushings and wood Volume, Tone and Pickup
screws. Blend controls, diecast
covered machine heads and a
Meanwhile, the Grover Satin Sunburst finish. It costs
1W Deluxe ukulele pegs £119, which is an absolute
(£44.99) are nickel plated, steal!
102CK k and feature a special thumb
Original
Rotomatic
screw for tension adjustment. Meanwhile, the VUVS6 (£89.99)
k
VUVS6
£69.99 and VUV100 (£109) are nylon-strung, £89.99
Finally, the GP200 Grover Parts which will appeal to uke purists.
Assortment (£179.99) features a
high-quality assortment of the most
k
commonly used guitar parts, including bushings, washers, and All ukes come in a padded Laka carry bag.
wood screws, covering all finishes. A must for any
guitar repair facility, it's also perfect if you like
to tinker with your instruments!
1W k Both ukes feature mahogany

Deluxe
Ukulele Pegs bodies, set mahogany necks,
£44.99 18 frets, ebonised nuts,
piezo pickups, Volume and
Tone controls and diecast
covered machineheads. The double
cutaway VUVS6 has an acacia top and a cool Satin
Transparent Red finish, while the singlecut VUV100 comes
in a sophisticated Satin Sunburst finish.
VUV100 k
£109.00
Possibly the best thing is that all three are equipped with
3.5mm MP3 and headphone sockets, as well as a
standard jack – so you can play along with your
GP200 k favourite tunes in relative quiet, or plug into your
Grover Parts Assortment full stack and melt faces from 100 metres. Ukes are
£179.99 in something of a resurgence right now, and these
Laka by Vintage beauties are leading the way!
So make sure you don't miss out...
For the full Grover® range visit:
www.jhs.co.uk/grover.html Electric
ukuleles
g27p07_Layout 1 21/05/2012 10:39 Page 1
Fishman might be renowned for their acoustic amps, but One such player is legendary, Grammy award-winning
founder Larry Fishman is actually a bass player – which bassist Bootsy Collins. Bootsy, a member of the Rock
explains this cool looking new gizmo! The Fishman Fission and Roll Hall of Fame who has played with the likes of
Bass Powerchord FX (£349) lets any bassist lay down soul Godfather James Brown over his 40-year career, is
beds of power by adding stacked harmonies over their instantly recognisable for his uniquely driving bass and
basslines. An intuitive set of controls and foot switches vocal skills, not to mention his outrageously flamboyant
allows several combinations of octaves and 4ths and 5ths and colourful style.
above the root note to combine to produce powerchords
or octave-up effects. Bootsy said: “I love it when the band is playing a power
riff together with stacked harmonies, add 5ths and octaves,
The Fission's four footswitch LEDs give you visible indication man, it doesn't get any funkier. Now the next best thing
of the selected harmony, and it’s also a multi-effect pedal, is playing by myself with the Fission Bass Powerchord FX
with up to three voices of harmony, adjustable noise gate, pedal. It makes me feel like I am playing with my band
overdrive, tone and effect level. It's these great features in the upper room standing in the balcony of your mind.
which have already enticed and enabled some great Feel the power of the One and check it out today baba!"
bassists to conjure up anything from subtle octaves to Riiiiight.
thick, grinding effects that even guitar players will envy.
k
PRO-BLK-STK
Take a gamble on this one... £299.00
Ah, some more traditional Fishman fare here, although the Blackstack is
actually extremely forward-thinking, giving you that vintage sound of a
humbucking magnetic pickup in a modern, battery-free design.
A departure from the warm, transparent tone of Fishman's Rare Earth soundhole pickups,
Blackstack has its own voice... a more vintage roadhouse sound perfect for high volume band
situations that require a driving acoustic
FISHMAN to cut through the mix and keep up with the rest
of the band. Hard rockers will love it, but so will those
MAKES A guitarists looking for a vintage-inspired tone.
STAND It's ultra-quiet, extremely feedback resistant, and features

adjustable pole-pieces for perfect string balance adjustments.
This is a cool new
display stand that’s Blackstack offers Fishman’s legendary quality, performance
in all Fishman Dealers and heavy duty durability – perfect for professionals and
at the moment. Using weekend warriors alike. Oh yes, and it comes packaged
this bad boy, you can in a stylish metal carry case that includes a set of
test out the best of unique, Fishman-branded poker cards and chips
their awesome amps – so the party can carry on way after the show
and pedals all at the has finished. All in all, a snip at £299!
same time!
.com
7
g27p08_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:22 Page 1
...Actual Size
Tired of lugging heavy heads and combos around?
Now all you need to take with you is the

Diago 'Little Smasher.’
5 watts of no-compromise emulated tube-amp

crunch at a size that’ll fit right on your
pedalboard.
Surprisingly loud...
• 4 Gain Stages. • 2-Band Active EQ (+15dB boost).

• 4 to 16 ohms output impedance – can be used with any cabinet
• Durable and shock resistant fabricated carbon steel construction.
• 600g, 120 x 43 x 86mm. • Powered on standard 9V DC @ 600mA facebook.com/diagogear
QTSN1 QTSN6
Chromatic All Instrument Ukulele
QTSN2 QTSN5
Chromatic All Instrument/Metronome Guitar, Bass & Violin
QTSN8
All Instrument/Metronome QTSN4
All Instrument
Tuner/Metronome
g27p09_Layout 1 16/05/2012 12:11 Page 1
LUCKY
13 GUITAR
STRAPS
The Lucky 13 series brings you a line of straps sporting full-throttle, in-your-face
imagery straight off Lucky 13 Apparel. Featuring easy adjustment custom buckles,
patented Comfort Edge® webbing and 100% leather ends.
Skull Wings
Skull GFY
Skull Paisley
Skull MFG
Diamond Skull
g27p10_Layout 1 17/05/2012 09:47 Page 1
Brace yourselves: it’s the return of Fret-King and Vintage support

Live and Unsigned talent!
Legendary instrumental guitar trio Hellecasters reformed and played Fret-King and Vintage have always supported up-and-coming and
their first show in ten years at the 2012 NAMM show in Anaheim, unsigned artists, and now the two brands have taken this backing
California. Originally only formed to play a one-off show, the band – made one step further by offering £10,000 worth of guitars to winners
up of virtuoso guitarists Jerry Donahue, Will Ray and John Jorgenson of the Live and Unsigned talent competition.
– had taken a long hiatus, but increasing calls from fans to return to
the stage led to the lightning-fingered threesome headlining the As the UK’s largest national music competition for original unsigned
world-famous Deke's Guitar Geek Festival. String bending king Jerry acts and bands of any style or genre, Live and Unsigned gets more than
has not put down his Fret-King JD, the Black Label axe he designed 40,000 musicians from across the country entering every year. It's a huge
in cooperation with Trev Wilkinson, since he got it, so of course he stepping stone to stardom for budding stars, and a set of cracking new
used it for the show. Will, meanwhile, has also become a devotee of guitars will be giving the cream of the crop a huge chance to bring their
a Trev-masterminded six-string, the Vintage ICON distressed V52MRBS, dreams one step closer to reality.
saying: "I don't know how these guys do it! How can you make a brand The winning artist/band of each of the 17 Regional Finals and the subsequent
new guitar feel so vintage? My Vintage Icon V52 plays like an old 6 Area Finals (for the winners of the regionals) get to choose a Vintage
friend to me. And old friends last a lifetime!" It's just a shame buying guitar of their choice – electric, acoustic or bass – up to the
these guitars won't give us the mad skills the pair have. value of £350, and the winners of the Live and Unsigned
Now time to practice, practice, practice, and grand final, held at London's prestigious O2
we'll see you in Gear in 30 years' time! venue, take home £2000-worth of the
awesome new Fret-King Black Label
range of electric guitars and basses –
Lemon Drop V100MRPGM

Will Ray with
as well as an endorsement deal.
his Vintage
Country Squire Semitone FKV2HBK

V52MRBS Live and Unsigned performers are judged by
world famous names from the world of music
like Slade's Noddy Holder and former The Smiths
drummer Mike Joyce, as well as influential
media figures from BBC Radio One, Kerrang!,
NME, regional press and various record
labels. Add to that these brilliant prizes,
and you've got a top opportunity
for talented young bands to get k
themselves to where they want to be!

So, have you entered?
liveandunsigned.uk.com
Above: Jerry Donahue

with the Fret-King Black
Label ‘JD’ guitar
www.hellecasters.com
The Royal Military School Of Music (RMSM) has invested in

ultra-portable HK Audio Elements PA systems for their bands
who play to soldiers in some of the world's most dangerous war
zones! London-based Just Sound supplied RMSM with the
Elements system, which will be used in dangerous hotspots like
Helmand province in Afghanistan. Elements is ideal for this as
it's compact, lightweight, practically cable-free, sets up in
seconds, and has a fantastically clear sound. That means the
bands can literally get on a chopper with their instruments and
the PA, and then actually jump off with it at the other end!
Pete Busby from Just Sounds says: “RMSM's requirement was for
a PA that could be easily handled on to a helicopter and then
taken off with as little fuss as possible, with minimum setup
time. It needed to be of a professional quality, and Elements
fell into that category very nicely because of its lightweight
format and its high power considering its size.” This is one
sound system worth taking bullets for!
www.hkaudio.com
g27p11_Layout 1 17/05/2012 10:13 Page 1
Top six-stringer Neil Taylor has joined the family of high profile Vintage
guitar players. Neil's been working as lead guitarist for Robbie Williams
for the last decade, and he also has a list of live and studio credits that
include Morrissey, Rod Stewart, Peter Gabriel, Chris de Burgh, Natalie
Imbruglia, The Pretenders, and Van Morrison, to name but a few.
To get an idea of Neil's pedigree, he's the guitar you've heard on multi-million
selling hits such as Everybody Wants To Rule The World by Tears For
Fears, Rock DJ by Robbie Williams, Steamy Windows by Tina Turner
and Rush Hour by Jane Weidlin.
Neil has chosen the V52MRBS and V100MRPGM Lemon Drop models
from the ever-popular Vintage Icon pre-distressed range as his axes of
choice for upcoming live and studio work. "My Vintage V52 is one of
the best electric guitars I've played, and I can't put it down,” he says.
“A friend of mine had one, and after I had a quick play on it I just
knew I had to get one!"
In addition to working on most Robbie albums since 2002, Neil is

signed as a solo artist with Hypertension Records, and has completed
UK and European tours promoting his album No Self Control. He also
plans to release an acoustic album in the future.
Chris de Burgh shares the

The Lady In Red chords with
Neil on their recent tour.
The Vintage Icon V100MRPGM Lemon Drop has proved to be a runaway success around the world, with
guitarists from every genre and era of music – and at every level, from dingy pubs to massive arenas
– digging Trev Wilkinson’s cheeky but heartfelt tribute to his idol, Peter Green.
As reported elsewhere in this and earlier editions of Gear, artists such as Paul Guerin from The Quireboys,
John Parr, Dave 'Bucket' Colwell and Midge Ure have all taken a shine to the Lemon Drop's looks and famous
centre position out-of-phase pickup tones. Joining the clan recently are UFO's Paul Raymond,
Manfred Mann guitarist Tom McGuinness, US session player Jeffrey Paul Ross, and Andrew
‘Rozey’ Rose of upcoming UK rockers Falling Red.
Paul Raymond, who recently completed a UFO world

tour, says of his left-handed LV100MRPGM (which he
k
Paul Raymond
plays strung like a right-handed axe!): “I took the UFO
Lemon Drop with me as my main guitar and it certainly
made an impact! In fact I would go so far as to say it
has attracted more compliments and positive attention
Rozey than any guitar I’ve ever had!”
Falling Red k
Tom McGuiness
Tom McGuinness, who has played with Manfred Mann, Manfred Mann/
The Blues Band
McGuinness/Flint and, more recently, The Paul Jones
Blues Band, says: “You could pay four times more and
not get as good a guitar as the Lemon Drop!”
Meanwhile, US session ace and '4th Hellecaster' Jeffery

Paul Ross says: “I've been trying to capture that elusive Peter Green tone for 40 years, since I was a
teenager. I walked into Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, CA one afternoon and saw the Lemon Drop hanging
on the wall. I took it down, plugged it in, and voilà – there it was. It's the closest thing I've ever heard.
It sounds GREAT!”
And Falling Red's Rozey sums it up pretty neatly: "I need a guitar that can
handle my ferocity live, and when I played the Lemon Drop I knew I'd found it!
The feel, the sound and the look just scream RN'FR out of every grain!"
facebook.com/gearmagazine twitter.com/gearmagazine
11
g27p12_Layout 1 17/05/2012 09:58 Page 1
Yes, he knows
• V100MRJBM
Distressed
Gold Top
it's Christmas...
Iconic singer/songwriter Midge Ure has
become the latest high profile player to
be charmed by the no-nonsense tones and
playability of Vintage guitars. Midge, best
known for his time as frontman of Ultravox
and his involvement with the Band Aid
single Do They Know it's Christmas? – which
he co-wrote and produced – has also worked
with Slik, The Rich Kids, Visage and Thin
Lizzy. Gear's Gav Coulson caught up with the How are your Vintage
man himself for a quick Q&A, and decided V100 guitars treating
to test the old adage: ‘ask a silly question’... 28 years, which
you?
is a feat in
The V100s are just
Gear: Who were your early influences as itself. It’s
spectacular. They feel
a guitarist, songwriter and performer? called
and sound great... a bit
Midge: Very linear really, starting with Hank Brilliant,
like slipping on an old
but
Brilliant
The new Ultravox album is quite with a
Facebook.com/
possibly the best thing I’ve ever done! VintageInstruments question
mark
Marvin and the haunting atmospheres he coat or chatting really. In
created on those great Shadows records. Then • V100MRPGM to an old friend, fact, the
I discovered Peter Green, Eric Clapton through Lemon Drop it's just right. Vintage V100GT
the British blues boom, and eventually Mick Goldtop features on
• also available
Ronson and Brian May. I think Mick Ronson If you had a big the title track! We wrote and recorded in my
LV100MRPGM
was hugely underrated as a guitarist. He could Left-handed bag full of Lego, log house in Canada in the woods by a lake,
express more in one or two notes than all the model what would you which was very conducive to being creative,
'whizz-kid' guitarists from any era ever could. build, and why? and finished it off with Stephen Lipson at
With a big enough bag SARM and Battery in London. It's quite
You've worked with some big names during you could build a little possibly the best thing we have ever done.
your career. Which collaboration did you home for everyone. Having Then we're touring the UK and Europe, which
find the most satisfying? a roof over your head and a we're really looking forward to. Ultravox were
I've managed to work with most of my door to shut out the always very much a live, touring band.
heroes over the years but one of the world is a necessity,
standouts was collaborating with Kate not a luxury. www.midgeure.com
Bush on the song Sister And Brother
from my Answers To Nothing album. Do you look
Pure genius. forward to hearing
'that' song at
What would your Desert Christmas, and how
Island luxury item be? does it feel to have
A 'Swiss Army Guitar'. been a big part of
It could keep me such a major event
entertained and let me in modern history?
build a means of escape It's always a pleasure
at the same time. to hear Do They Know
It's Christmas? for a
What's the craziest couple of reasons. Every
thing that's happened time it's played money
to you on tour? (That goes to the fund, and it
you can tell us about also brings back memories
without breaking the tour of the time. More the good ones
rules code and bearing in mind than the bad. It's a song which still
Gear's a family friendly magazine!) kind of stands up today. It's become a modern
Flying for the first time to America on hymn.
Concorde to join Thin Lizzy on tour, who were
opening up as special guests for Journey, and Spinal Tap or School of Rock?
getting off with the guitarist's girl the night Spinal Tap every time. It goes to 11.
I arrived. It made for an interesting tour!
Midge, many thanks for talking to us.
If you could be any character from Star What's on the horizon for you over the next
Wars, who would it be? few months?
Han Solo... see what I did there? Solo? We've just released the first Ultravox album in
12
g27p13_14_15_Layout 1 17/05/2012 16:22 Page 1
The return of Great British tone!
Since its inception in 1959, Carlsbro has steadily grown Because Carlsbro are back in town, with a kick-ass new
to become one of the world’s biggest names in guitar and and improved range. They’ve got some awesome new kit,
bass amplification, with a range of amps to suit every some overhauled and improved gear, and some stonecold
style and level of musician. classics that they’re just raring to show off – and they’ve
given Gear the world exclusive on it all.
A thoroughly British brand, they’ve catered to everyone
from beginner bedroom players through to some of the Now, we love amps, and we love plugging in and playing
biggest – and best – artists of all time. We’re talking LOUD! So we absolutely jumped at the chance see exactly
about bands like The Beatles, Britpop kings Oasis and what the fuss is all about, and we’re happy to report that
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. They all chose the Carlsbro boys are well and truly back in town!
Carlsbro to help deliver their genre-defining tones.
And now you can too! Turn the page to read all about it...
13
g27p13_14_15_Layout 1 17/05/2012 16:28 Page 2
and bone-crushingly effective, with

their volume, gain and EQ controls
Brand new and very, very cool is Carlsbro’s Tube series, a formidable easily tweakable to the ferocity of
family of (you probably guessed it) all-tube guitar amps. your riffs. If it all gets too loud for
the neighbours, you’ve got an MP3
k
All Valve Twin Channel Head & 4x12 Vintage Cab
Heading up the line are the and headphone input too, which
iconic 50 Top DC (£399) enable you to silently play along to
and 4x12 Vintage cabinet your favourite bands.
(£499). The 50-watt twin
channel head is inspired
by Carlsbro’s much-
loved original 50 Top, Looking to upgrade to
and boy does it sing! professional tone levels?
Combined with the If so, the Stinger guitar
cab, it’s a roaring series may be for you.
rock ‘n’ roll machine
that’ll take some Carlsbro have built the
beating. Stingers to be extremely
durable and hardworking,
The Tube TC Heads meaning they’re perfect
and Combos series for anyone, from gigging
features a range of pros through to school
incredibly versatile music rooms!
k
60W 2x8 Combo
guitar amps,
designed to be Featuring twin speakers covered by a
compact and solid metal grille, Stingers are available
k
powerful. 15W Tube Head & 2x12 Cab in 60 and 80-watt versions (at £199
and £249), with overdrive and chorus controls, and top notch EQs.
Heads are available in 15, They’ll take a good kicking and look and sound great doing it!
30 and 60-watt versions (£339, £449
and £569 respectively), with matching
1x12 (£159) or 2x12 (£299) cabs, and
there’s 5, 30 and 60-watt combos on A major player in the Carlsbro lineup, the Kickstart range of combos
offer too (for £299, £679, £899). has been designed to deliver tones for today’s budding guitarist.
k
60W 1x12 TC Combo

Their ergonomic designs allow players to
They’re all packed with features like boosts, clean and overdrive get going without difficulty, and their
channels and, most importantly, great tone! brilliant sound quality and extensive
features mean the Kickstart will stay with
the player way after they’ve laid down
their grassroots chops.
The VAC Tube series is
a culmination of efforts, a There are six
pulling together of expertise Kickstart combos
from the industry’s leading available, offering
minds. Together, they’ve choice for bass
come up with a line of players (from £89.99),
combo amps that are just electric six-stringers
bursting with Carlsbro’s (from £69.99) and
k
20W Kickstart Bass Combo
trademark tones, delivered acoustic players too k
10W Kickstart Guitar Combo
via trusted, traditional (from £79.99). Their
balanced valve sets. impressive style, cool looks and robust build deliver the very highest
standards of performance at a brilliantly affordable price, so if you’re
Choose from 15, 30 or 60 just starting out, this is the one for you!
watts of sound at £349,
£519 and £629 respectively, and
k
15W VAC Combo

get crisp, clean lead channels,
a bright switch, spring reverb, and a 3-band EQ, all included to help One for the keyboard players, the Colt combo series of amps feature
you sound as huge as you want. The controls on the VACs are on the three different power levels,
top of the amps – ideal for onstage tinkering with minimum fuss. meaning they can easily handle
the broad range of frequencies
the keyboard reaches. They’re
ideal as a keyboard monitoring
Stingray is a famous name system too, and their rugged
k
45W Stingray Combo

in Carlsbro’s history. This design and cool looks mean
line of combos is specially they’re perfectly suited to a
designed to give that life on the road.
jaw-droppingly heavy
metallic tone we all love, Players can choose between the
along with a wide gain Colt Journeyman 30 (30 watts,
adjustment control that’ll £149), Colt 60 (60 watts, £369)
take you from metal to or the Colt 120 (£519 – and
high gain, and anywhere yes, this one’s 120 watts!).
in-between. From the 30, which is great for
use in music schools, to the 120,
Available in 15, 30 and which is the touring keyboardist’s
k
120W Colt Keyboard Combo

45-watt versions at £99, dream, there’s something for everyone here
£139 and £179 respectively, – all Colts are packed full of features to help you achieve the ultimate
the Stingrays are simple sound, whoever you are, and wherever you’re playing.
g27p13_14_15_Layout 1 17/05/2012 16:30 Page 3
When it was launched over 30 years ago, the original Sherwood Carlsbro’s Bassline bass amp series is highly respected because it offers
Acoustic Guitar Combo blew the competition out of the water – and unbeatable value for money amps that reproduce the very best of
that’s still the case today. The new Sherwood’s pure British bass tones and provide an aural experience
warmth and clarity of tone simply knocks other way beyond your wildest expectations!
amps for six!
60W Sherwood Acoustic Combo k Don’t be fooled by the diminutive
Plus points here must go to Carlsbro’s R&D Bassline Bass 10/30 (£199). Its 30
team for what is an astonishing reinvention watts of pure bass power will absolutely
of a classic. They’ve listened floor you! Compact, loud, and featuring
to players the world a 3-band EQ and CD/MP3/Headphone
over and have now inputs, it’s ideal for bedroom jamming
incorporated a tiltback and band practice!
cabinet design on the
Sherwoods, as well as The Bass 12/60 (60 watts, £249) is just
developing two new perfect for those small, sweaty gigs we
models – one in all love. It’s got a host of features to
mono, the other in make you growl with the best of them,
stereo – to give players like its 12” Carlsbro Powertone speaker,
the ultimate choice. its 3-band EQ and its variable compression
switch. Oh, and it’s kick-proof too, just
The new Sherwoods are available in 30 and 60-watt versions (at
£289 and £319). Each features a 4-band EQ and a compressor circuit, like the whole
as well as EQs in the mic channel (2-band for the 30, 3-band for the Bassline range!
60). But what you’re really buying a Sherwood for is those tones; rich,
powerful and compelling on the ear, they’re what makes these amps Finally, the Bass 15/150
a true acoustic powerhouse. (150 watts, £349) is the
true big daddy of the
range. One 15” speaker,
150 watts of power, and
For far too long, bass players have been hidden in the depths of the all the features you need
stage. Not any more. Carlsbro’s Viper amps are big, bold and louder than to take your bass playing
loud! The formula is simple: choose from 350, 500 or 1000(!) watts of to a professional level
pure power (they’re £249, £319 sound-wise. The rest is
k
Viper 500W Head, 4x10 & 1x15 Cab

and £679 respectively), up to you, so get
and control it all via the learning those riffs now!
k
Viper’s 3-band fixed EQ Bassline 1x15 150W Combo
and its 9-band
Graphic Equaliser.
That all said, you’ll Last up is the EDA series, and it’s another one that proves the genius
be amazed at just of those design boffins at Carlsbro. Designing amps to handle the huge
how many tones you range of frequencies digital drum kits throw out (cymbals, snare, toms,
can get out of this bass drum – it’s all over the place!) is no mean feat, but they’ve
setup! succeeded brilliantly here.
200W Drum Monitor
k
The three heads all The EDA drum

feature passive and monitors can do it
k
50W Drum Monitor
active interfaces, all, providing those
forced air cooling rich, broad tones
(so you won’t blow that inspire you
them no matter how to play on and
hard and heavy on and on.
you go!), and an There’s two
anti-clipping device. available – the
Add these to the EDA50 (50 watts,
tone options available, £229) and the
and their durable, EDA200 (200 watts,
rugged design, and £419) – and their sound
you’re ready to hit projection is second to none, with a
the road. range of features to make them the number
one choice for percussionists who need to be heard.
Of course, when
you’ve got the Viper Both feature 2 channel inputs and built-in power amplifiers, 3-band
head, you’ll need to EQs, auxiliary inputs and a full metal grille for speaker protection.
choose a matching The EDA50 has a 10” bass driver plus tweeter, while the EDA200
cab to go with it. features a 12” bass driver, two 6.5” mid-range drivers and tweeters.
Pick from the Viper
115 (which is 300 Great for getting your e-kit heard, and also a
watts, £199) or the brilliantly different sound for your bass guitar
Viper 410 (400 watts, (you’ll hear a load of extra tones out of
£249). The 115 is ideal them that traditional bass amps forget to
for the Viper Bass 350 head, with its replicate!), Carlsbro’s EDA line should be
1x15” speaker and 1.5” treble driver providing a rich top of your list if you’re in the market for
and deep low end and a penetrating top end! Meanwhile, the Viper 410 a fresh new sound!
features 4 10” Carlsbro Powertone bass drivers and a high-performance
1.5” treble driver for a tight, focussed sound. Pair the two cabs together For more info visit www.carlsbro.com
to get a ‘Stack To The Max’! or check the whole range out at your nearest Carlsbro store!
g27p16_snips 4 18/05/2012 11:10 Page 1
RRRRRRich in sound,
UK & Republic of Ireland Dealers
BEARWOOD
BEBINGTON
BEXHILL-ON-SEA
CLASSICAL GUITAR CENTRE
SOUNDMOVE MUSIC
BIRD'S MUSIC
0121 429 7446
0151 641 9677
01424 220 204
rich in history, BIRMINGHAM

BISHOP AUCKLAND
BLACKBURN
GUITAR GUITAR LTD.
BROTHERTON & SON LTD.
REIDY'S HOME OF MUSIC
01214 561 904
01388 663 483
01254 265 212
BLACKPOOL FRETS GUITAR CENTRE 01253 853 881
rich in beauty BOLTON

BRIGHTON
BRIGHTON
HW AUDIO LTD.
THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC COMPANY
THE GUITAR AMP & KEYBOARD CENTRE
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DISS SUNDOWN GUITARS 01379 871 530
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EDINBURGH GUITAR GUITAR LTD. 0131 334 7100
EPSOM GUITAR GUITAR LTD. 01372 730 578
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GLASGOW GUITAR GUITAR LTD. 0141 552 9896
GUILDFORD NOVA GUITARS 01483 535 992
HEREFORD NILAM MUSIC 01432 278 227
HERNE BAY MUSIC BAY 01227 373 364
HUDDERSFIELD GTR GUITARS, DRUMS & BASS 01484 431 203
ILFORD CLIFF OWEN MUSIC 0208 5970 813
KING'S LYNN EAST COAST MUSIC CO. 01553 769 006
LEEDS J. SCHEERER & SONS LTD. 01132 449 592
LEEDS NORTHERN ACOUSTICS 01132 452 020
LONDON SE6 ERIC LINDSEY LTD 0208 69 0 8621
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DERRY HENDERSON'S MUSIC 02871 365 791
www.jhs.co.uk/rodriguez.html
“My primary touring guitar is an FF

Flamenco, which has a true flamenco
sound at a very affordable price.
This instrument fills the need for
mid-priced flamenco guitars perfectly.”
– Endorser Duck Baker
www.guitars-m-r-sons.com
RRRRR
g27p17_Layout 1 18/05/2012 08:11 Page 1
Less connecting of wires.

More connecting with people.
(Don’t) carry that weight...

The Fishman SA220 Performance System
. Rocks.
Rolls.
from
Solo Performance System fishman.com

g27p18_Layout 1 17/05/2012 13:32 Page 1
DM01
‘Road Ready’
& METRONOMES
Digital
TUNERS Metronome
SAT501
Chromatic Guitar
& Bass Auto Tuner
STH100
Multi-Functional Tuner & Metronome
Professional Tuning & Timekeeping
K INSMAN
Lights
Bright Lights
Whether you need to illuminate your musical score at a concert,
light up your mixing desk in a dark cavernous hall or simply
read a good book in bed without disturbing your partner,
KBL04 Kinsman Bright Lights are the perfect solution.
Twin Flex
LED Light Featuring flexible goosenecks, bright white LED lights and
£11.99
Available in Black separate on/off switches, you can cast light in any direction.
& Silver Set the intensity by pressing the button once or twice, so a large
area of light coverage is possible. Kinsman Bright Lights can be
used free standing or clipped on to a music stand or book cover.
KBL03
Single Flex
LED Light £7.99
KBL10 Available in Black, Silver
& White
Symphony
LED Light
£34.99
KBL02
Flexible USB
LED Light
£4.99
KBL01
Mini Clip-On
LED Light
£2.99
g27p19_Layout 1 17/05/2012 14:34 Page 1
HK Audio LUCAS Nano 300:

the future of PA
Every so often, a revolutionary a monitoring system for e-drums and high-
quality desktop multimedia, a near-field PA
product comes along that's just for smaller fair events, and, well, just about
so far ahead of the competition, anything you can think of. The options
are bounded only by the limits of your
a new industry builds itself imagination!
around it. We're talking about
things like the electric lightbulb, The classic Nano setup with stereo
satellites is easily reconfigured as
the Ford Model T, the hamburger. a mono system for applications
And probably the wheel. Now, HK requiring higher sound pressure and
greater range, and there's a range of
Audio's portable new masterstroke, accessories available that extend the
the LUCAS Nano 300, joins this system's capabilities even more. Oh,
and that's before you've even
list of radical trailblazers. Gear thought of linking two Nanos
got first dibs on one... together for stereo sound. Because
you can – with just one cable. Those
Everything is getting smaller these days, as we crafty HK guys really have thought
fit better, more powerful products into smaller of everything!
spaces. Take computers, cellphones, MP3 players.
Hell, there's even bitesize gherkins. Point is, So, how much is this game-changer
we like smaller! And who knows, maybe the going to cost, do you reckon? We
boffins over at HK Audio were tucking into thought it'd be a grand at least, so
some form of dinky pickled sandwich when when we found out that it's a mere
they came up with an idea to make an amazingly £599, we were staggered. For us, this
loud and versatile PA that weighs only 10kgs changes everything. The LUCAS Nano
all-in, measures plenty less than half a metre can provide amazing sound for our
squared and sounds way clearer and louder home cinema, our computer, our
than systems three times its size... conference, our electronic drum
kit, our busking slot on the High
The next step up the evolutionary ladder for Street, our open mic appearance,
HK's hugely successful LUCAS line, LUCAS Nano our... the list goes on, and on, and on.
300 is comprised of an ultra-compact subwoofer The LUCAS Nano allows you to take the best
and two fist-sized satellites. The subwoofer sound quality with you, wherever you go.
houses the electronics and a versatile three- Try it today, and you'll (literally) be walking
channel mixing console so that LUCAS Nano out of the shop with one. It's that good!
300 is ready for immediate use without any
additional equipment. The two satellites
lock into a transport bay on the Model: LUCASNANO3 £599.00
subwoofer with a simple twist of Satellites
the wrist, and its comfortable Mid/high unit dispersion
grips allow the entire system pattern, horizontal/vertical 60° x 40°
to be easily carried in just Max SPL peak 120 dB
one hand. Output power system 70 W @ 4 Ohm
Frequency response 190 Hz – 20 kHz
LUCAS Nano 300’s Maximum SPL, @ 10% THD 116 dB
application range is Dimensions (WxHxD) 13 x 26 x 11,5 cm
pretty much unlimited Weight 2 kg (pair)
from what we've
seen so far. It's a Subwoofer
phenomenally Max SPL peak 118 dB
portable sound Output power system 160 W @ 2 Ohm
reinforcement Frequency response 44 Hz – fx
solution for Maximum SPL, @ 10% THD 116 dB
presenters and Dimensions (WxHxD) 30 x 39 x 42 cm
entertainers, Weight 8.3 kg
Meanwhile, the AP-NANO2 pack (£59.99) There's also a LUCAS Nano Roller Bag (£89.99)
accessory packs features two dual purpose tabletop available, which lets you cart your
The AP-NANO1 add-on pack (£99) consists of tripods/wall mounts which let you set the system to its destination in style.
two mounting poles, a tripod and two speaker LUCAS Nano's mid/high units on a horizontal The integrated covers protect it
cables, which allow you to spread the sound of surface and mount them on walls. There’s two against moisture, dirt and damage.
your LUCAS Nano throughout your venue with speaker cables included too. Perfect for
ease! amazing sounds around the home!
LUCAS
Nano
Roller Bag
Add on
pack 1 Add on pack 2
19
g27p20_21_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:44 Page 1
For folk's sake!

Following on from the huge success of the Pilgrim by
Vintage guitar and banjo ranges, world renowned
luthier and designer Paul Tebbutt has introduced a
selection of brand new mandolins, mandolas, banjos
and more. Paul was nice enough to give Gear the
lowdown on them...
Pilgrim ‘Redwood’ Series Mandolins & Mandolas

VPMA50AV VPMA30 VPM400F
A-style mandolin A-style mandolin F-style mandolin
The first level of the Pilgrim Mandolin Another A-style mandolin with solid This is a top quality bluegrass
range. This is a spruce-faced A-style spruce top, solid fitted ebony bridge mandolin with F-shaped sound
instrument with F-shaped sound holes. and gold hardware, the VPMA30 will holes, a full 29-fret rosewood
It has a mahogany neck, mahogany hold its own as a solo instrument, fingerboard, solid spruce top,
fingerboard, and the natural, semi-matt but will also be at home in any music solid flamed maple back and sides
antique violin burst finish and solid session. Again, it’s a mahogany neck and a fitted ebony bridge. The
£169 ebony bridge (usually fitted to much £219 and fingerboard with a semi-matt £399 VPM400F has all the drive and
more expensive mandolins). These antique violin finish, and its tone projection expected of a top
produce a mandolin with superb and playability will enhance any range bluegrass mandolin, and
playability and tone. Also new performance. the semi-matt antique violin
is the VPMA50EAV (£199), burst finish and classic looks
which has the same allude to the traditional
exceptional quality instruments
specification, but with of the past.
the addition of a fitted
pickup and onboard
volume and tone control.
VPMA60 VPMA400 VPM400

A-style mandolin A-style mandolin F-style mandolin
This is another traditional A- The VPMA400 produces a clarity This is an F-style mandolin with
style mandolin, but with the of tone reminiscent of a classic oval sound hole, solid spruce top
addition of a solid spruce top A-style mandolin. Again, with an and solid flamed maple back and
and solid maple back and sides. oval sound hole, solid spruce top, sides in a beautiful aged natural
A step-up in quality and solid maple back and sides and a finish. Using these tonewoods and
performance, the VPMA60's fitted ebony bridge of exceptional a fitted ebony bridge that would
£289 attractive semi-matt walnut burr quality, the VPMA400 also has a £399 be normally found on only the
£299
finish and ebony bridge produce rosewood fingerboard and a most expensive instruments, this
a mandolin of exceptional semi-matt aged natural finish. Pilgrim mandolin features a
quality. It's ideal for the scooped fingerboard which
accomplished performer, or enables the player to create
as an instrument to which the power and projection of
players can aspire. a quality F-style mandolin,
and also play up the neck
to produce the warmer tone
of a vintage instrument.
VPMA15 VPOM100 VPMD100

Flatiron style mandolin Octave Mandola Mandola
This is a traditional flatiron Again, this instrument features The VPMD100 mandola has
style mandolin, and an ideal a solid spruce top and solid a solid spruce top, and solid
instrument to start, or progress maple back and sides, combined maple back and sides, combined
with, on your mandolin playing with an ebony and bone bridge. with an ebony and bone bridge.
journey. It has a spruce top, The Pilgrim Octave Mandola will It's a mandola with depth of
back and sides, mahogany neck deliver a stunning performance
£179 £399 £399 tone and the projection
and fingerboard and rosewood at any level – at home playing
chords, driving the band along expected of professional quality
bridge and hardware. It's a
in a live setting, or taking a instruments.
firm favourite not only with
beginners, but also with break and producing
the experienced players beautiful mellow
who helped me with the melodic tones.
'road testing’ of the
Pilgrim mandolin range,
and looks great with its
semi-matt antique violin
finish.
20
g27p20_21_Layout 1 17/05/2012 14:55 Page 2
More Pilgrims?
The new series of Pilgrim mandolins is called In addition to the Redwood range, I have also
Redwood [Paul writes], and I wanted to bring the brought four new models to the ever-popular
same ethos of high spec, quality parts, woods and Pilgrim by Vintage banjo line under the ‘Progress’
build quality that I insisted on for the initial Pilgrim banner, as well as two new ‘Performer’ ukulele
banjo range to bear on these new instruments. banjos.
Pilgrim ‘Progress’ Series Banjos

VPBG26 VPB12 VPB30G VPB35T
Guitar banjo Open back G banjo G banjo Tenor banjo
This is a mahogany This is an ideal first- A mahogany 5-string This is a mahogany
6-string guitar banjo time instrument with banjo with resonator, the tenor banjo with
with resonator. The all the influence of VPB30G is fitted with resonator. The VPB35T's
VPBG26 features a Pilgrim design. A enclosed, Grover-style Grover-style enclosed
Pilgrim guitar-style mahogany banjo fitted tuning pegs, adjustable tuning pegs and
headstock, enclosed with a geared 5th string tailpiece, and geared 5th adjustable tailpiece are
Grover-style machine tuning peg and an string peg, all designed to features not usually
heads and a semi-matt adjustable tailpiece, the enhance performance and found at this price
finish, which bring a VPB12 is worthy of more to lift this banjo to point, while the semi-
quality touch to this expensive instruments, another level. matt finish and Pilgrim
versatile instrument. featuring accurate headstock have the
It's absolutely ideal for tuning and improved look and appeal of the
£299 tonal response. £299
the guitar player banjos of yesteryear.
who wants to
access banjo
£299
style tones.
£229
All Banjos are fitted with Remo Heads
Pilgrim ‘Performer’ Series Ukulele Banjos

VPUB4 VPUB6
Open back ukulele banjo Resonator ukulele banjo
The VPUB4 has a walnut A flamed maple neck,
neck and shell, and quality resonator and quality rolled
rolled brass tone ring. brass tone ring. This Pilgrim
Received with extraordinary instrument has the power and
acclaim by players lucky tonal qualities to enhance the
enough to have already put performance of the most
it though its paces, this is discerning player. A modern
a modern uke/banjo that top of the range ukulele banjo
plays and feels like the real that is long overdue.
thing!
£279 £399
“I wanted to bring the same ethos of

high spec, quality parts, woods and
build quality that I insisted on for the
initial Pilgrim banjo range to bear on
these new instruments.”
Paul Tebbutt
facebook.com/VintageInstruments
21
g27p22_Layout 1 19/05/2012 11:29 Page 1
It's not been a bad few months for Daytona Lights. Indeed, in the space of time it would
take most of us to think about getting a new haircut, the up-and-coming shoe-groove indie
popsters have found time to appear in Hollyoaks, rock the Houses of Parliament and release
debut album This Modern Landscape to universal acclaim. And they probably got multiple
new barnets along the way too. The band – singer Dan Lawrence, guitarists Louis Souyave
and Matt Gill, bassist Laurence Saywood and drummer Sam Fordham – have already found
fans in BBC 6 Introducing radio DJs, celebrities such as Huw Stephens, Lauren Laverne and
Stephen Fry, and are now adored by legions of Hollyoaks fans, who saw the band appearing
in a drama and music-filled stint on the show.
The guys also rocked scores of the country's top politicians when they played
a short but raucously received set at the Houses of Parliament in London to
celebrate the progression of the Live Music Bill through the courts. Playing
cuts from their ten track debut release, six-stringers Louis and Matt rocked
their trusty Vintage V6MRBK and Danelectro DC56 guitars respectively,
bringing their melodious, harmony-fuelled songs to joyful life despite the
lofty setting. With regular radio play on Radio 2, 4 and 6 as well as popular
internet stations such as XFM, we're sure to be hearing a lot more about
Daytona Lights in the future, so check them out!
on Fret-King Black Label

Hailing from Indianapolis, WT (Travis) Feaster made his name on
the US midwest Young Guns Of Blues Guitar tour, and his debut album,
Long Overdue, proved to be the perfect context for his impassioned fiery playing,
with several high profile appearances cementing a growing reputation. Influenced by
blues greats like Albert King and Alvin Lee, and rockers like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi
Hendrix, Travis combines strong songwriting with impossible licks and a sense of purpose that
puts him near the top of the scene. On a recent UK tour, he
checked out some Fret-King Black Label axes, and was blown away
by the tone and versatility of the FKV2HBK Country Squire Semitone.
“Man, this guitar does everything!” Travis tells Gear. “I can go from
screaming rock tones to gentle jazz chords and twangy country licks all with
the turn of a dial!” www.wtfeasterband.com
There’s a Snake (water ) in my boots!

Snakewater is a blues rock power trio hailing from Manchester, with
influences ranging from Gary Moore, Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa
through to Led Zeppelin, Cream and Free. Already making a name
for themselves on the mainstream European blues scene, their
debut album, A New Breed, was produced by Grammy nominee
Chris Tsangarides. Lead guitarist/vocalist Bobby Grant’s playing
is powerful and expressive – not being able to read music,
he learnt to play by ear, listening to his dad’s records
and playing as many local jam sessions as he could. This must
have helped, as he ended up being nominated for Young Artist
Of The Year at the 2011 British Blues Awards! And, when Bobby needed a couple of new
guitars to add to his onstage arsenal, he went straight to Vintage. “I love the sound and
feel of the Vintage ICON V100MRPGM, especially the out-of-phase centre position tone,”
says Bobby, “and my ReIssued V52BS is as close as you can get to that pure twang and bite!”
Berkshire-based stoner rockers Ded Orse are perfect festival fodder with their mammoth slabs of old
school balls-out rock, which is probably why they’ve been booked for top gatherings like the Freak Valley
Festival in Germany, as well as plenty of the UK festivals. The Orse is currently recording
its debut album, and top of guitarist Kev 'Fingers' Murray’s list of instruments to record
with will be his Vintage ICON V100MRJBM, used to deliver the band’s boulder-sized riffs
both live and in the studio. Fingers says: "My Vintage takes a pounding and keeps asking
for more! It's also the only guitar I've owned that I haven't had to upgrade the pickups
on. The Wilkinson pickups are extremely versatile – powerful without sacrificing tone.
Keep up the good work Vintage, and Up The Orse!” www.dedorse.com
g27p23_Layout 1 19/05/2012 09:52 Page 1
THE by
IS BACK IN TOWN!
STYLO
£16.99rrp
The original pocket electronic organ

No, dear readers, do not adjust your eyepieces – the original pocket organ is back, but now with additional fun features!
OK, it's no grand piano, but you can still annoy everyone in the room just as easily with a Stylophone. A mini analogue stylus-operated
synthesizer, the Stylophone's been around for over 40 years now, but it's never been as cool as this. Choose between Classic, Synth or Bass
sounds, with or without vibrato enhancement, or play along to any music on your MP3 player. It has a headphone socket and volume control
too, and its tuning control gives you loads of octaves of sound. Oh yes, and Rolf Harris plays one. What are you waiting for?
Portable electronic
beats machine
The ultra-portable Stylophone Beatbox retains all the retro
cool of its big brother, but the future is here with all new
electro sounds including samples from UK Beatbox
champion MC Zani! With three new exclusive sounds
– Beatbox, percussion and Bass Stylophone – and a
new record function that allows you to play
back loops of your work, Beatbox booms in stage
left as the coolest portable beats machine
around! MP3 input means it’s also possible to
sync your scratches with your MP3 music, so
plug in your Beatbox and layer your sounds
over the top of your favourite tracks. Hell yeah!
Wikka wikka (ahem)...
BBX1
£22.99rrp
g27p24_Layout 1 17/05/2012 12:03 Page 1
Raymond Burley
Signature SM2000RB
“Beautifully constructed, the quality of the woods used on my signature is superb throughout, as is the finish.
The playability, owing to the beautifully crafted neck shape and action, is excellent, as is the balance between
the treble and bass. From new, the guitar had a surprising amount of volume and this will no doubt improve further
the more the instrument is played. The SM2000RB represents amazing quality for a very modest price tag, which is
even more astonishing when one considers the instrument comes with a plush shaped hard case.”
Raymond also plays the Santos Martinez

SM650CEA Concierto Electro Classic.
The award-winning, critically-acclaimed Santos Martinez range offers a combination of rich, sweet-toned performance and easy playability.
Professional pickups and preamps
Available for you to try at your local Santos Martinez stockist. fitted as standard
Principante Principante Principante Estudio Estuduiante Preludio Preludio Allegro Conservatorio Virtuoso Virtuoso Virtuoso Concierto Concierto
1/2 3/4 4/4 Electro Classic Electro Classic 'Bossa Nova’ Electro Classic 'Bossa Nova'
24 24
g27p25_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:18 Page 1
Their hangers are suitable for shop display, studio, school,

home and live performance use and are available for slatwall,
wall, floor, stand and equipment fitting. Plus, each one has
a fully padded, adjustable yoke that is guaranteed not to
mark the neck of the instrument. Turn to page 4 of this
very magazine right now to check out the latest new
String Swing product: the Stylz
series of guitar hangers, and if
you're a drummer, keyboardist,
brasswind player, or anything else,
don't despair! String Swing have
something for practically every
instrument in their range.
Celebrates 25 years in the business www.stringswing.com
When String Swing first opened their doors back in 1987 in a small town in Wisconsin,
their one goal was to make great hangers and stands. They wanted to enable shops to create
attractive displays and musicians to be able to protect and store their instruments at home
simply, safely and effectively – but also to have them within easy reach, and not stuck in a
cumbersome case or under the bed. They've certainly succeeded, we reckon, as they're going
from strength to strength a quarter of a century later! CC01 k
£16.99
RIP Bob Weston

It was with great sadness that Gear heard news of the death of former
Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Weston, who passed away at his London
home on January 3rd 2012 at the age of 64. We'd known Bob for years
as an ardent and enthusiastic player of Vintage electric and acoustic
guitars. He had a long and varied career, playing with the likes of Murray
Head and Sandy Denny after playing on the Penguin and Mystery To Me
Fleetwood albums, and he also released three solo cuts. Everyone at Gear
would like to pass on sincere condolences to Bob's friends and family.
Gordon Giltrap's been busy!

When we first saw Gordon Giltrap's signature Vintage VE2000GG acoustic
in the flesh, we knew it'd be awesome, and it seems everyone else thinks
so too! It's got rave reviews across the board, players love it, and now
it's won the prestigious 2011 MIA (Music Industries Association) Award
for Acoustic Guitar Of The Year. The best thing is that the public helped
vote for Gordon's guitar on the MusicRadar website – so it's not just a
Vintage and fashion guru tired panel of industry stiffs who love it.
Paul Smith team up again Gordon says:
After great success with the idea in 2009, legendary “Getting this
designer Paul Smith has launched a second limited award is a great
edition compact Vintage acoustic model exclusively for
honour, and for me
Paul Smith shops. Made to an impressive specification,
the Vintage Paul Smith guitar features a spruce top, ranks alongside the
mahogany body, maple neck and rosewood fretboard. Ards Festival lifetime
Available in a rich purple finish, the guitar's rosette achievement award and
is finished in the Paul Smith 'signature stripe', with my Ivor Novello award
the famous Paul Smith script signature logo on the nomination!”
headstock. While it's perfectly suited for
smaller hands, the guitar's also ideal as a Gordon's been busy with the
travel guitar for more experienced players, guitar too, using it for a
or for anyone who just likes their axes to prestigious slot on the Old
look swish! Available only in Paul Smith Grey Whistle Test 40th
shops (well, if there's any left by the time anniversary show on BBC
you read this), the guitar comes with a
Radio 2, and on an
matching black padded Paul Smith travel
unrelated note, Gordon's
bag – all for £195. Grab one while you can!
portrait is now hanging in
the National Portrait
Gallery! A national
institution? He certainly is.
MUSIC AWARD
www.giltrap.co.uk
g27p26_Layout 1 17/05/2012 11:14 Page 1
Twenty-two years and 2200 guitars

donated by GuitarAid
Dave Sumner formed Guitaraid in 1990, and so far has
donated more than 2200 guitars to poverty-stricken
regions in more than 90 countries, allowing them to
make music. It's not just the places that you would
Take Centre Stage at the typically associate with poverty either, although
the likes of Ethiopia and Uganda have been
Reading and Leeds festivals! recent projects. Guitaraid also visits places
Fret-King and Vintage guitars have once again thrown their support in eastern Europe, with countries like
behind the Martin House Children's Hospice's Centre Stage talent Poland, Serbia and Romania also receiving
contest for school kids in bands in Yorkshire. As Battles Of The Bands instruments. Dave's worked with Vintage for years,
go, it doesn't get much better than this – the winners get a prestigious with the guitars he gives away based on Vintage
slot at the Reading and Leeds festivals, plus £1000 to spend on Vintage models – manufactured by Vintage themselves –
and Fret-King guitars and basses, and a Keyplayer endorsement deal and rebranded as Guitaraid. The charity also had a
with the two brands! The aim of Centre Stage is to raise over £150,000 boost recently, when it was able to announce that
in three years for the hospice, as well as to give young, talented musicians Sir Cliff Richard has become its Honorary Patron.
the chance to live their dreams. Talk about a way to get some all-important
exposure and open doors for you and your band! In fact, head to page
64 of this very magazine right now to find out what former Centre
Stage winners Penguin have been up to – and this time next year, that
could be you up there! www.guitar-aid.com
www.martinhouse.org.uk
Stagebeat provided
the guitar for Danny.
Vintage joins the Mile High Club with BA
British Airways man Danny Burrell has been jetting round the world and getting famous musicians
to sign his Vintage VRS100AW guitar! It's all for Flying Start, the global charity partnership between
British Airways and Comic Relief UK. They're aiming to raise money to help children living incredibly
tough lives in the UK and around the world, and they've already collected a whopping £2.5 million!
So far, an amazing list of stars has signed Danny's axe – which was kindly provided by Hampshire
store Stagebeat, and which he's going to auction off when it's chock-a-block with celebrity scribbles
– including Mark Knopfler, Bryan Adams, Joe Satriani, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Brian May, Scotty
Moore (of Elvis Presley fame), Duane Eddy and Jimmy Page! Stay tuned online for details of the
auction as and when we get them. www.ba-flyingstart.com www.stagebeat.co.uk
Frock Of The North nude calendar

passes £10,000 mark
Twelve brave Yorkshire rock 'n' roll women have raised over
£10,000 for Cancer Research UK after whipping their kit off
for a charity calendar that sold more than 2000 copies at £5
each! The girls used only a selection of Vintage, Fret-King
and other instruments to cover their modesty while posing
for the calendar, which was shot by esteemed photographer
Gary Barlow. Celebrities got behind the cause – with stars
from Hollyoaks and Coronation Street tweeting about it –
and copies have been sent as far afield as Australia, Italy, Lithuania and the USA
– as well as all over the UK. Calendar girl and organiser Rachel Claughton said:
“We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has bought one
so far, and I can only say a huge and humble thank you to you all!”
www.rockofthenorth.com
Signed Fret-King
raises more than £1000
A Fret-King Esprit 3 signed by a host of celebrities during a tribute concert to the late
singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl raised more than £1000 when auctioned off in aid of Cuban music school children. The guitar,
with a street value of £700, was autographed by the likes of Billy Bragg, Amy MacDonald and Ellie Goulding. Generous music fan John Lodge won
the guitar for an astonishing £1001. John says: “What a lovely bit of kit this Fret-King Esprit is! I will support anyone who gives their time to
introduce kids to the rewarding world of music, and I just love the Buena Vista Social Club. One day, these kids will be producing great sounds
long after I'm gone." Mr Lodge, we at Gear salute you! http://web.me.com/karmastudio
g27p27_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:36 Page 1
We're seeing The '59 Sound from

DOUBLE...
Guitarist and music industry veteran Tom Nolan recently
took delivery of a totally unique, custom order Vintage
double-neck V52. Interestingly, Tom plumped for a twin-
neck with two six-string necks, instead of the more
familiar 6 and 12. And why? Well, as the man himself Some of the world's best ever players
explains: “This is some beast of a guitar! I wanted one have rocked Danelectros over the
neck for normal tuning and the other for open tunings, years, but perhaps the seminal
so I can swap from one to the other without having to
change guitars. This format makes a lot of sense for a image of the Dano is that of Led
slide player, and I thought it would work. Now I know Zeppelin's Jimmy Page filling
it does!” Tom got his first guitar around stadiums with an ice-cool Black '59,
1964, and in his time has worked as
Press Officer for Island Records and flared trousers billowing, leather
EMI, and as Artist Liaison for some jacket open and bare-chested.
big name guitar Does a more primal picture of rock
brands. So what
attracted him and roll exist? We don't think so.
to the Anyway, the bottom line is that
Vintage Danelectro '59s are the mutt's nuts
brand?
– and now you can own one too!
Steve Cradock
“The Vintage
Ocean Colour Scene/Paul Weller
range is just
fantastic, great k
DC59M-BLK
designs with £399.00
outstanding value
for money,” he says.
“It astonishes me
that so much attention
to detail goes into a
guitar that everyone
can afford. Trev Wilkinson
is really coming up with
the goods, with players at
all levels picking up on his
It might not be new, but the classic Black Dano '59 (£399) is
determination to prove just
back in shops, and it's just as fabulously rocking as it used to be.
how much can be built in,
All the vital ingredients are there: double-cut masonite body,
for so little, if you really care!”
bolt-on maple neck with rosewood board, 21 frets, dual concentric
volume and tone pots, and those two lipstick
www.tomnolan.co.uk pickups. You'll get those amazingly unique
Dano sounds from both pickups individually,
or use the middle selector setting to
get both rocking in series for a huge boost
in tone. Then there's the mojo. Oh, there's
oodles of mojo on offer here – if you can
handle it, that is.
DC59BLK-12
There's also a brilliant pair of '59 12-strings
£399.00 k
Kyser Quick Change for all you fans of jangle out there. Available
in Black or Red finishes, both cost a mere
£399, which is absolutely unbelievable value
Acoustic Guitar Capos for a top notch 12. With identical specs to
the 6-string '59, these
Kyser, kaisers of the capo world (see what we did there?),
are back with two awesome new two tone machines are a
colours for their winning Quick brilliant way to get into
Change Acoustic guitar capos. 12-string playing for little
Newly available are Purple and dosh and much street cred!
Black Chrome finishes, both at £21.99, And hey, if these '59s are
and, as usual for Kyser products, they're good enough for Jimmy,
made of strong, light-weight aluminium. they're certainly good
The spring-tensioned capo clamps firmly to enough for us...
your acoustic to hold intonation, but is quickly
and easily released and
repositioned without
disturbing the tuning –
Tone
just what you need from a capo, in other words. Simple and
ergonomic, you can operate them comfortably with just one hand.
Heaven
Since’47
k
DC59RD-12
Best of all, the durable pads are soft and strong (but not very long
£399.00
– no sniggering at the back, please), so they won't mark or react
with guitar finishes.
www.kysermusical.com
g27p28_Layout 1 17/05/2012 14:06 Page 1
More Elements for success...

HK Audio's Elements system changed the way we think Elements Install
about portable line array systems. It's just so simple E 435 Install Kit:
to set up and maintain, so petite, and so crisp and clear Mid/High Unit
sounding that we thought it'd never be bettered. But HK developed the new Elements Install Kit to facilitate
simple and inconspicuous installation (which is not
we should've known that the guys over at HK's Sankt too surprising, really). It consists of two modified
Wendel, Germany headquarters were plotting away, as E 435 mid/high units and includes mounting yokes.
they always are, and coming up with another way to Up to six mid/high units (including the
Wall-mount Kit) can be combined.
make their winning system even better. And here it is:
introducing Elements Plus and Elements Install... You can adjust an Elements system on
mounting yokes 180° horizontally and
fix it in place quickly and easily using
Elements Plus the two included hex-head screws.
E 835
The E 835 mid/high unit gives you even greater E 435 A Install
flexibility and power than its older brother (the Kit: Mid/High
E 435) when you want to set up bigger systems. Unit with Amp
Loaded with eight speakers, it can handle 300 watts Module
at 8 ohms' impedance, and it comes highly recommended The active Install Kit is basically the E 435 IL
if you want to minimise the number of mechanical plus a powered EA 600 amp module, with
connections in your rig. The E 835 and E 435 mounting hardware in place of the top mid/high
mid/high units’ design and tuning are identical, unit. This turns it into an active array that can
so feel free to combine them at your leisure! power either three E 435s or a combination of one
E 435 and one E 835.
E 210 Sub AS
The new E 210 Sub AS system subwoofer comes with So there you have it. Elements, but bigger, better,
two 1,200-watt amps in its engine room. Power amp stronger – and louder when you need it. The HK boys
number one drives the two internal 10” woofers, are always looking out for new angles, add-ons, and
with plenty of juice left over to run an external improvements to their range, and this time they've
passive type L Sub 1200. The second power amp done us even prouder than usual. Elements Plus
delivers 900 watts at and Install: it's elementary!
2.6 ohms to drive
up to three E 835s
(or six E 435s).
E 835
k
k
E 435 A
E 210 Sub AS k
Install Kit
Ele
Even the most powerful, 4,000 watt Elements system
fits easily into a compact car with enough room
for the rest of the band.
www.hkaudio.com
g27p29_Layout 1 17/05/2012 14:20 Page 1
ROCK with
Photo: Gwyn Ashton with his 1.2K 4 box Elements system. www.gwynashton.com
The little, big rig "My Elements system on acoustic gigs is giving me a better sound than
my bigger tour PA - and it's a twentieth of the weight. It fits in my car
boot and I can set it up in less than 30 seconds.
that fits in your boot! It sounds fantastic and projects right to the back of the room.
I'd recommend it to anybody - It's great!"
Gwyn Ashton
HK Audio ELEMENTS, compact, lightweight, scaleable, micro line array systems.

Technology for musicians. Ultra low profile, heard but not seen, set up/teardown in seconds,
powered/passive solutions, cable free connectors, awesome sound. Take the challenge, you won’t find better!
©2012 Exclusive UK & Eire Trade Distributors John Hornby Skewes & Co. Ltd. For further info and stockists visit www.jhs.co.uk/elements.html or go to www.hkaudio.com. Download the Elements application for your iPhone from the App Store.
g27p30_31_Layout 1 21/05/2012 09:01 Page 1
Odyssey expands its

brasswind range.
The award-winning Odyssey range of
brass and woodwind instruments has
gone from strength to
strength in recent years,
and now it takes another massive step to
the front of the stage with the release of
eleven Peter Pollard-designed top new
models. Gear can now give you an exclusive
blow by blow rundown of what Odyssey’s
latest have to offer...
Odyssey continues to make waves in the brass C Flute Outfit - OFL600S
k
and woodwind worlds and, in response to
k
Curved Head C Flute Outfit for the short reach - OFL650C
demand from professional players, music This new pair of Odyssey Premiere flutes will come as a welcome
educators and the musical public alike, a raft of addition to the Premiere range, especially from players in mainland
new Odyssey Premiere instruments has now Europe. The OFL600S C Flute (£299) and OFL650C Curved Head C
been developed by master craftsman Peter Flute (£199) feature in-line, open hole keys, cupronickel bodies with
Pollard. Catering to what players across the silver-plated finishes, and high quality pads and springs. The curved
world have been clamouring for, Odyssey is now head OFL650C is ideal for younger students who need a smaller-sized
able to offer brass bands the full array of band instrument they can reach all the keys on.
instruments, while orchestral and solo woodwind
players at educational and professional level are
offered an expanded range of instruments,
including bass clarinet, oboe and piccolo.
Bb Bass Clarinet Outfit - OBCL800 k

Essential for covering the lower register of many
pieces played by wind bands and orchestras, the
visually imposing Odyssey Premiere OBCL800 Bb
Bass Clarinet (£1699) features an ABS wood C Trumpet k
composite body, silver-plated keywork and a fully Outfit -
automatic octave key. Delivering deep, rich tones OTR1200
which complement the lower range of the wind The Odyssey Premiere OTR1220 C
section – it features a Bohm system and will take Trumpet (£329) complements the range's Bb model. A C trumpet
you down to low C – the Odyssey bass clarinet will is perhaps something more used to European players than British
expand the repertoire and experience of many ones, and with a lot of music written in C is certainly very
players and find a ready home with many musical practical. The OTR1200 features cupronickel outer tuning slides,
groups. single-braced main tuning slide, rose brass bell and lead pipe
and Monel valves.
C Junior Oboe Outfit - OBE1200
k
Great for beginners and highly recommended for

k
Bb/F Trombone Outfit - OTB1800

advancing students, the Odyssey Premiere OBE1200 C The Odyssey Premiere OTB1800 Bb/F
Junior Oboe (£1199) is a simplified conservatoire Trombone Outfit (£379) adds versatility to
model with an ABS wood composite body, silver- the traditional tenor trombone setup, with
plated keywork, high quality pads and steel rods and extra tubing and a valve that can be
screws. Supplied with a Vandoren double reed, the thrown – putting the trombone into F. This
k
Odyssey Premiere oboe has a defined and well- allows the player to access higher and lower notes
articulated tone, full of mystique. than normal, along with a selection of alternate
fingerings. The OTB1800 features a brass body, rose
k
C Piccolo Outfit - OPC100E brass bell, cupronickel slide and a clear lacquer finish.
The Odyssey Premiere OPC100E C Piccolo (£229) is the
ideal marching band instrument. With a brilliant tone,
the Odyssey Premiere piccolo will scythe through the
power of a marching band like birdsong through the
forest on a bright spring morning. The OPC100E
features an easy-to-maintain ebonite body with silver-
plated keywork and high quality pads and springs.
g27p30_31_Layout 1 19/05/2012 11:47 Page 2
www.jhs.co.uk/odysseypremiere
k
Bb Baritone Horn Outfit
Eb Tenor Horn Outfit k OBH1400
OTH1900
Bb Euphonium Outfit
OEP1500
k
Eb Tuba, Eb Tenor Horn,
Bb Baritone &
Bb Euphonium Outfits
To complete the full
brass band setup you
need the big boys in there
providing the low end, and Peter's designed this new
foursome – with their matching
silver-plated bodies and gold
lacquered caps and slides –
accordingly. The OTU1900 Eb Tuba
Outfit (which costs £3999 and is so new we
haven't even got a picture of it to show you
yet!) provides the distinctive, booming low
end sounds that characterise so many
brasswind tunes, while the OTH1900 Eb
Tenor Horn (£499) and OBH1400
Bb Baritone Horn (£899) supply
the melodies. Finally, the incredibly versatile OEP1500 Bb
Euphonium (£1499) has a massive range, and is a
flourishing instrument in the world of brass at the moment,
capable of performing melodies, obligatos, virtuosos, and Peter Pollard: Brassed Off
anything else the player can throw at it. He's not a man to blow his own trumpet – well,
actually he is, but that's not what really we're
These new Odyssey Premiere instruments offer a trying to say here – but we can shout it for him:
unique playing experience for the price and are Peter Pollard has done it again.
suitable for players of all levels. Plus, they're all
supplied with an accessory pack and sturdy case to These new Odyssey instruments are testament
help players look after them, and keep them in to Peter's growing reputation as one of the
perfect working order for years of playing pleasure. most sought after instrument designers and
Take your reed or mouthpiece down to your local repairers around. It's not a surprise,
music shop today and give them a blow! really. Peter's been working with the
country’s top musicians for over 40
years and has a comprehensive
understanding of their needs, and what
makes the ideal instrument for any
specific situation. He's out on the road
all the time too, talking to players of all
levels, getting opinions from the people
who really matter – i.e. the players
themselves – and showing off his
creations! Get down to a brass show
sometime and it's likely you'll find him
there, continuing his Odyssey...
g27p32_Layout 1 16/05/2012 14:42 Page 1
30 Years of Innovation
The Rhythm Tech

Studio Pack
The Rhythm Tech Studio pack is intended for both
conventional and home studio situations, features
a FREE Gig Tray and Player’s Guide, along with a
Studio Cowbell and beater, Studio Shaker, a
Trigger Triangle and Eggz Shaker.
Carlock
yes, Keith
Danny Re Ward
ron Spea
rs, lton, Billy
Hirano Aa kl Shawn Pe
www.jhs.co.uk/rhythmtech
.com
g27p33_Layout 1 18/05/2012 08:24 Page 1
O U R
Y T
TOR
FAC Playing With The Best: a Regal Tip factory tour
There can’t be much to drumstick manufacturing, surely? That was MI Pro journalist
Adam Savage's immediate assumption when he got an invitation to take a tour
around the Regal Tip factory in Niagara Falls, New York...
I’ve been to a few manufacturing facilities before – and have seen the amount of care that
goes into making some of our favourite musical instrument products – but I couldn’t get
the image out of my head of someone putting a piece of wood in one end of a machine,
with a perfectly formed drumstick coming out the other side.
In reality, Regal Tip has made stick manufacturing an art form since Joe Calato set up the
company way back in 1958. A drummer and woodworker frustrated with the poor durability
of wooden tipped sticks – the only kind available at the time – Calato set about making his
own, experimenting with different materials until the benefits of nylon became apparent.
Now, the firm remains one of the most successful drumstick brands around and has become
the market leader in wire brushes – another result of Calato’s creative ingenuity and
determination to create the highest quality product possible.
Regal Tip’s stick making operation
in action! Once simply a tiny workshop that shared a building with a pizzeria, Regal Tip’s headquarters has also come
a long way since its inception more than half a century ago. Instead of one big magical machine there are
several, all with a specific purpose for each stage of the surprisingly detailed manufacturing process.
Everything is made in and sourced from the US. The furthest the company has to go for materials is North
and South Carolina for the wood, and much of the manufacturing apparatus was originally used to make
furniture. Being aware of where everything comes from and knowing precisely how all the products are made
is of critical importance, as Regal Tip’s Jay Medynski explains.
“We need to be aware of every step of the production and we don’t mind the extra cost that this brings,”
he says. “All our machines are made here from the ground up and each type of stick has its own knife, which
allows us to maintain the consistency of the cut.”
All this is designed to keep quality and precision as high as possible, which the company believes gives it
the edge over the competition.
Pairing and matching the sticks. Regal Tip also now has a stick suitable for virtually every type of drummer. Before it
introduced its EX Series – aimed at ‘metal heads’ – it was known for being a bit Jazz-
centric, but its decision to market itself to the young crowd has seen its reputation in
the drumming community soar further.
Being the first to do something doesn’t necessarily make you the best, but Regal Tip is
still the number one choice for so many and it’s not difficult to see why.
Adam Savage
www.regaltip.com
Regal Tip’s Classic Telescopic Wire Brushes

The Regal Tip team, including Joe Calato himself (front
row, second from right), flanked by daughters (R) Carol
Calato and (L) Cathy Calato outside their New York HQ.
Regal Tip signature artist sticks
Brian Tichy / Whitesnake
Alex Van Halen / Van Halen
Daniel Adair / Nickelback The revolutionary E-Tip
33
g27p34_Layout 1 18/05/2012 08:16 Page 1
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g27p36_37_38_Layout 1 17/05/2012 11:35 Page 1
Back in Black:
introducing Eclat Standard
Not for nothing does Trev call this
Fret-King the Eclat Standard. For £649, you get
Black Label all his decades of knowledge and
expertise wrapped up in one
JOIN FRET-KING AT FACEBOOK.COM/FRETKING sophisticated – and rocking! – package,
available in Black, Tobacco Sunburst and
Mr Wilkinson has done it again. For years, Trev's been the guiding Cherry Sunburst. The Eclat's solid maple
force behind hundreds of unique guitar innovations, and now he's back cap and two-piece mahogany body
provide amazing sustain, and the tones
with his most groundbreaking – and affordable – line of electric guitars from the legendary Wilkinson WVC
and basses ever. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Fret-King Black Label! humbuckers (built to the original recipe
created by Seth Lover, and gifted to
While he's lent his hand – and his gigantic creative brain – to many varied guitar
Trev in the '80s) give this axe a tone
endeavours over the decades he's been in the business, Trev's most at home with
Fret-King, which he's nurtured from a one-time glint in his eye to the worldwide with all the depth and clarity you’ll ever
powerhouse it is today. He still makes his Green Label and one-off STVDIO need. Of course, there's the customary
guitars with his master builder at his Southport workshop, and there's also the Vari-coil too. All this means the
Blue Label line, made by a factory team he's worked with closely for more than Black Label Eclat Standard is
20 years. one of the most versatile and
useable guitars on the planet.
They're all beautiful guitars that perform exceptionally well, and now Trev has
taken those winning attributes and combined them with supreme affordability to
Trev Says:
create an entirely new venture: Black Label. So, what's different between Fret-
“The Eclat has a PAF-style
King Black, and the Blue, Green and STVDIO lines? Well, they're still professional
humbucker designed to specs
quality workhorse gigging tools, but now they're affordable to pretty much
that Seth Lover himself
everyone. It's remarkable that Trev has managed to transfer all these amazing
gave me. Naturally, it's got
specs and top quality woods and hardware into such reasonably priced
Vari-coil too, so you're
instruments, but we won't ask how he did it – we'll just enjoy playing them for
getting two completely
all they're worth!
different tonalities! Solid
maple cap, mahogany
The Black Label range is currently made up of a dozen models. The first to be
body — it's the real deal,
released was the Fret-King JD guitar, designed in cooperation with string
and the best value for
bending king Jerry Donahue, and that's now been joined by three more guitars
money you're going to get!”
designed in conjunction with leading guitarists. But
more on these over the page. For now, we're going to
concentrate on the standard Black Label models – an
boy, do they set some standards!
Country Squire
Semitone
Country Squire De-luxe Elegant and capable, the semi-acoustic,
chambered-bodied Country Squire
The Country Squire De-luxe (£579) is a classic and Semitone (£629) is traditional and
versatile tone machine with a twist. Capable of all versatile all at the same time. Twin hum
the Nashville Snap you want, it also boasts a to the eye, it sports a classic Fret-King
humbucker in the neck which can be tapped to a Vari-coil to roll back the humbuckers to
single coil via a push-push pot. Flick the selector custom-voiced single coil tones. It'll
switch down to the bridge pickup, and take you from roaring high
the same push-push toggles between output bridge humbucker, to
authentic vintage tones and a creamy, sweet mellow neck single
focused single coil sound with enhanced coil, then back again in a
mids and increased power. It's got the twist of a knob!
Wilkinson 3-saddle bridge too – a sure
sign of the best tones around!
Trev Says:
“This lightweight, chambered
Trev Says: guitar has airy tonalities, and
“The Country Squire De-luxe is the Vari-coil gives you
very comfortable to hold, has something extra. The
great neck access and, with tortoiseshell binding is very
this pickup configuration, it's elegant too – you need to
two guitars in one!” check the Semitone out!”
facebook.com/FretKing twitter.com/gearmagazine
36
g27p36_37_38_Layout 1 17/05/2012 11:36 Page 2
Corona SP Elise
The Corona SP (£599, available in Original Inspired by a long heritage of semi-
Classic Burst, Firenza Red and Black) is a acoustic excellence, the Elise (£749,
tour de force of high-end building techniques, available in Tobacco Sunburst and Ash Blonde)
premium materials, player-friendly innovations is light, resonant and full of a huge array of
– and Trev's world-beating WV6SB vibrato tones. Equipped with Wilkinson humbuckers
bridge. Two Wilkinson singe coils and a bridge and Vari-coil, you'll go from mellow jazz and
P90 (with Vari-coil) provide the classic vintage full bore blues to emulating a P90 or producing
tones, and with its American alder body, hard sparkling single coil tones, and the Elise's
rock maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, long tenon maximises transmission of the
the Corona is tradition embodied – with the guitar’s fundamental acoustic properties. In
usual Fret-King twist of delivering more than short, it's beautiful, plays like butter and
looks suggest. can do anything you want!
Trev Says: Trev Says:

“The power of the bridge “With the Elise, you're getting more
humbucker has always been the than you'd expect! Mahogany back
most common ‘upgrade’. With and neck, chambered body, plain,
Fret-King, where we always like to solid maple cap, hand-carved
give more than you expect, we drop inside and out... PAF-style 'buckers,
in a superb stacked P90, with a blend Vari-coil, tortoiseshell binding,
of Alnico and Ceramic magnets, and a forearm scoop for great upper-fret
little ‘black magic’, which with access – the Elise has got it all!”
Fret-King’s Vari-coil control lets you
segue seamlessly from sparkling
single coil, all the way to roaring
bridge P90.
Super-hybrid Perception 4 and

5-string basses
The forward-thinking, unique design of the
Super-hybrid (£699, available in Original Classic There's a low-end rumble in the Fret-King
Burst or Black) offers a massive spectrum of jungle with Black Label's awesome
sounds and this beautiful solid body electric/ Perception basses. Available in 4-string
acoustic hybrid design gives the player a range of (£599) and 5-string (£629) models, they're
tones, from super saturated overdrive and chunky fabulous, versatile workhorses that stand
rhythm chords to the classic out of phase sounds, up to everything a bass player can throw
and all the way to delicate acoustic voices – all at them. The Perception captures the solid,
with the flick of a switch and the spin of a knob. precise tonality that underpins so much
The split coil humbuckers and centre single coil music, and demonstrates just how versatile
pickups are supplemented by the Super-hybrid's a passive bass can be. Whatever style of
piezo-loaded Wilkinson Acoustibridge, with music you play, the Perception lays the
volume, tone and coil-tap controls for the foundation for a great groove.
magnetic pickups, and separate volume control
and a three-band active EQ for the piezo
system. If you want tones, here
you've got 'em!
Trev Says: Trev Says:

“Rock’s always been a mix of electric “The Perception has lovely, curvy
and acoustic. With the Super-hybrid, you contours and a high access neck
can leave that big old acoustic guitar so you can get right up to the end
at home and slip from solo acoustic of the fingerboard. It balances
tones, to classic rock sounds, really nicely, features all the best
weaving in between to create huge voices you can get on a bass,
stadium filling combinations of and it's rounded out by a
electric and acoustic blends. Who dynamic sounding, classic
said you can’t have it all. You can Wilkinson bridge. It's all a
with Fret-King, and now!” bass player needs!
37
g27p36_37_38_Layout 1 17/05/2012 11:37 Page 3
Black Label Artist models

For Black Label, Trev's also got together with four hugely experienced pro players,
and they've worked together to create their ideal guitar. We already know about Jerry
Donahue's JD guitar, which has won masses of fans since its release, but now say hello
to three new Black Label artist models.
Elise GG Corona GW
Designed in cooperation with Gordon Giltrap, Procol Harum's long-time guitarist,
the Elise GG is capable of articulating Geoff Whitehorn has had a career
Gordon’s unique mix of acoustic and spanning over four decades, that's
electric playing with an incredible tonal also seen him going solo and playing
palette. The neck-mounted P90 and with top acts like Crawler, Roger Chapman, Eric
vintage-voiced bridge humbucker provide Clapton, Sir Paul McCartney, Bad Company, The Who, Kevin Ayers,
traditional semi-acoustic guitar voicings, Elkie Brooks, Manfred Mann, Billy Ocean, and many others. If anyone
with plenty of extra complexity and needed a versatile, consistently high-performing guitar that cuts
versatility, and the direct mounted tune-o- through the mix, it's Geoff Whitehorn – and that's where the Corona
matic Acoustibridge piezo system – with GW comes in. Its P90, single coil and humbucker
three-band EQ – faithfully reproduces the pickups combine with two push-push pots,
sonorous pure acoustic tones of the tuned, chambered, meaning Geoff's got loads of usable tones on
mahogany body. Not surprisingly, Gordon loves it, saying: “I love offer straight out of the box! No wonder he's
playing both acoustic and electric guitar, and my Black Label Elise GG happy with it. Geoff says: “If you can't find
model brings together the best of both worlds. I loved the whole the sound you want with this guitar, maybe it
process of working with Trev Wilkinson to design a guitar for my doesn't exist! I'm extremely proud to have a Fret-
needs, and it looks like we’ve given birth to a classic and innovative King with my name on it. The GW plays great,
design which will find favour with discerning players looking for the looks great, feels great, stays in tune, and the
ultimate semi-acoustic hybrid guitar.” Who are we to disagree? natural sustain is superb.”
So there you have it. Fret-King Black Eclat DBC

Label is tradition, blended with Dave 'Bucket' Colwell’s played with the likes of
boutique design, custom shop quality, Paul Rodgers’ Bad Company and Humble Pie, and
pro playability and comfortable is currently fronting his own Bucket & Co.
project. He's been on all the big stages, and he
individuality. Seems like Trev's proved needs a guitar to satisfy his pure rock 'n' roll
that it’s possible to create spectacular credentials. When he got together with Trev to
guitars that work perfectly from design the Black Label Eclat DBC, he knew he'd
anywhere between the world's biggest found it. "The way the Eclat DBC guitar rings,
arenas and its smallest bedrooms! The even acoustically, is just incredible,” Dave says.
“I love P90 pickups – and I have done ever
next time you're in your local music since I saw Steve Marriott and Mick Ralphs
store, check one out – you'll be using them – so the Wilkinson W90B is the
amazed at how far he’s raised the bar. business. The DBC is exactly what it says it is
– a pure rock 'n' roll guitar, and I’m pure rock
'n' roll; I love it!" Dave's guitar is a no-fuss
rock machine inspired by a workhorse
instrument Bucket has played for years,
featuring a no-nonsense single Wilkinson
W90 Dog ear pickup, wrapover combined
bridge/tailpiece and its innovative thumb-
scoop for great upper fret access.
24
38 24
g27p39_Layout 1 17/05/2012 10:16 Page 1
The Sound of your Life!
E-Drums Monitor
Gaming / Home Theatre

Recording Monitor / PC Sound System
Acoustic Gig Presentations / Seminars
Unbelievable Size.
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g27p40_41_Layout 1 16/05/2012 17:07 Page 1
WHAT DID YOU
What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

reached No. 4 in the UK album charts and
has spawned a whopping six hit singles!
The Vaccines play the Converse gig series at London’s iconic 100 Club.
Photo (and front cover) by Pat Graham: www.patgraham.org
“I honestly believe that with the internet and

so many opportunities to play shows these
days, there is a level playing field, and if
you're good, you get noticed... It's about
playing live and writing songs as often as
you can.”
“Our first rule is that the song is the most

important thing. So no overplaying, no middle
eight for the sake of it.” Justin Young
40
g27p40_41_Layout 1 16/05/2012 17:08 Page 2
EXPECT FROM THE VACCINES?

When the Vaccines first burst onto the UK music scene in 2010, the London-based quartet's brand of
hook-filled, unpretentious indie rock blew a stale scene right out of the water. They've not looked back
since, earning an NME Award for Best New Band, some impressive festival slots, a Top 5 album with their
debut, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, and, in their single Nørgaard, the catchiest tune Gear's
heard in years. With their short, sharp songs bursting with pure, unadulterated energy, the band's live
shows are electric, and they've received favourable comparisons to legends like Ramones and The Strokes.
Vocalist/guitarist Justin Young told Gear’s Richard Morgan about the band's beginnings, covering Katy
Perry, and just what he loves about his favourite guitars...
Gear: The Vaccines really seemed to the original versions. The best covers though which, if I'm honest, is why I picked it – but
explode into the mainstream from out of are always when the artist has made the song it plays well and has a great twangy sound.
nowhere. What were you all doing before their own. To do that I always think you need
the band took off? to strip the song back to its foundations and What's special about the Danelectro Dead
Justin: We were all playing music. I was doing build it back up again in the way you would On '67 you use as your guitar of choice?
solo stuff and the other guys were all in your own. As you'll have probably guessed from my
bands. A friend of mine and Freddie's [Cowan, playing and the above answer, I'm not much
guitar] had a practice space we could use for What is the Vaccines' own songwriting of a guitarist. [We disagree with this
free, so we started messing around in there process? completely, by the way! We reckon Justin's an
in the summer of 2009. It soon became clear Usually I write a song at home and bring it awesome rhythm player - Ed.] I wanted
Freddie and I wanted similar things and had in to band practice, then we just start something I hadn't seen anyone else playing
similar ideas about how to achieve them, so jamming round it. Our first rule is that the that was easy to play and easy to use, and
we took it from there. The other guys ducked song is the most important thing. So no the Dead On '67 is just that. I love it! It's
out and Pete [Robertson, drums] and Árni overplaying, no middle eight for the sake cheap, light, great to play and has the exact
[Hjörvar, bass] joined shortly after. of it. You don't want the song to drown. sound I want when I put it through my amp.
You've achieved loads in the relatively You're currently writing the follow-up to And what plans do you have to get back
short time you've been together. What have your debut album. How's it sounding? out on the road?
been the key factors in getting noticed I'm not going to lie and say it's completely Lots! We're out to the States and Brazil, with
above the raft of other up-and-coming rock different. We are the same people and the a couple of European festivals too, then we
bands on the circuit? same players, but I think we've grown as tour the UK – and then we get back into
We've all been playing a very long time. song writers and musicians and so festival season!
People see that it happened quickly for the hopefully there has been a natural
band but I think that's quite misleading progression. We feel it's in a good place Thanks for your time, Justin! Just tell us
because it didn't happen quickly for the band and I don't think we're making the same before you go – where will The Vaccines be
members. I guess the most important thing record twice, but they do have lots in in ten years?
is having good songs. I honestly believe that common. It's another chapter in the same Happy, I hope...
with the internet and so many opportunities book.
to play shows these days, there is a level www.thevaccines.co.uk
playing field, and if you're good, you get If you could share the stage with any
noticed. We worked very hard at that. Having other artist, who would it be, and why?
said that, there is an element of luck. I just I'd love to hear Brian Wilson-arranged
think it's about playing live and writing songs harmonies on a couple of our songs. That
as often as you can. would be pretty special.
Who were your early musical loves and You and Freddie recently picked up an
influences? Italia axe each, Freddie a Rimini 12-string,
My first love was Elvis, and as a result I got and you an Imola 6. What are your
into a few of the other more popular rock 'n' thoughts on them?
roll artists like Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. I've already used my Imola live and in the
Nirvana changed my life, as they did for most studio. I'm really into unique looking guitars
music fans my age. I discovered them when I
was 11, I guess in 1999, and from there I
discovered all their contemporaries, like
Mudhoney, Sonic Youth, etc. It was also my
way into punk rock. I was really into hardcore
during my teens.
You've covered songs by bands as

contrasting as The Standells and Katy Perry.
What is the secret to a great cover version,
and how do you put your own Vaccines spin
on each tune you cover?
I guess we've just tried to inject a bit of The Vaccines (L-R): drummer Pete, vocalist/guitarist Justin brings the Vaccines noise with his favoured red
energy into them. We were pretty faithful to Justin, bassist Árni, and guitarist Freddie get sweaty. Danelectro Dead On 67 (left) and his Italia Imola 6.
41
g27p42_43_Layout 1 18/05/2012 09:16 Page 1
OF G RE AT NE W
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tins has grown too, with new sets The Stone Age, Offspring and Butthole Surfers.
B05
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devoted to the likes of Johnny Cash, Each of these artist tins contains six Dunlop
04
Motörhead, and The Grateful Dead. picks, costs £9.99, and is the perfect gift for
These are all acts with particularly dedicated any music fan, whether they play or not!
fans, like the Grateful Dead's Dead Heads,
who will lap up these authentic and colourful There are plenty of new Dunlop strap designs
H
eading up the range is the world's tins that contain six of the very Tortex picks on offer too, including a selection of Bob
most iconic bass player, Lemmy, the band themselves relied on for decades of Marley-inspired offerings in cotton, hemp and
who lends his name to a signature inspirational music making. They'll only set polyester (all at £29.99), and five new Lucky
set of strings. The longtime Motörhead you back £9.99, and depending on which 13 options, which feature patented comfort
frontman and general rock legend's tone is bands you go for, you'll get either 6 or 12 edge webbing, extra-long strap lengths and
as singular as the man himself with its picks in different gauges of thickness. 100% leather ends (at prices ranging between
powerful midrange and tons of punch and £20.99 and £23.99).
crunch, and the Dunlop Lemmy Signature • BL100T73
Strings – in the custom gauge of 50-70-85- • BL116T73
105 – offer players the chance to
recreate the fabled sounds of global • BL115T73 Next up is the Ben Harper Tonebar (£48.99),
designed by Ben and Dunlop to specifically • LKS
hits like Ace Of Spades, Overkill, suit the playing style of the
and loads more. Made in Benicia, singer-songwriter, guitarist and
California, the strings are durable humanitarian. Ben's become
and long-lasting (they'd have to be, a modern icon across a
the way he claws at them!) with a diverse range of musical
balanced, tactile feel – and they also styles, from rock and
perfectly complement Lemmy's signature blues to soul and
Dunlop picks. You won't need much more reggae, and while his
to sound like this true British hero, but guitar skills and passionate
the attitude, pulling power and warts? vocal performances are
You'll have to cultivate them for yourself. impressive, his mastery of
the lap steel guitar puts him in
Talking of all things plectrum, Dream a category all his own. Made of
M
01
Theater's masterful lead guitarist, John chromed brass, the Ben Harper
PT
Petrucci, has worked with Dunlop to create As well as the artists tonebar weighs only 5.44 oz. and
NT
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a new signature Jazz III pick. Designed to themselves, Dunlop is honouring measures 3/4” by 3”, making it incredibly
Petrucci's own specs, the picks (which come legendary underground artists like Dirty lightweight and easy to use for long sets,
•
in packs of six for £5.99) are made from Ultex Donny and Frank Kozik with their own pick but heavy on the tones. Ben says: “Its light
and feature raised grips and polished, beveled tin designs. The pair have, between them, weight feels great in your hand and causes
tips for the most comfortable, accurate playing created some of rock's most legendary album much less fatigue than other tone bars – it’s
experience around. They'd have to be all this, covers for some of the best bands around, exactly what I was looking for.”
facebook.com/dunlopmanufacturing twitter.com/jimdunlopusa
42
g27p42_43_Layout 1 18/05/2012 09:30 Page 2
Last but not least is a pair of sturdy Dunlop

stands that allow the player to attach their
iPhone or iPad to a mic stand or prop it up on
a flat surface for easy viewing of song lyrics
and or/sheet music while playing. The iPad
pillar sturdy stand (£69.99) will sit securely
on a flat surface, while the iPad mic sturdy
stand (£54.99) clips directly to a microphone
stand. They're tough, flexible and will protect
your gadgets however your energetic your
performance!
These fab new Dunlop accessories are all in

stores right now, and they offer something for
every budding rockstar – whatever your style
or persuasion. We say, next time you're down
your local music store, go check them out!
www.jimdunlop.com
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facebook.com/dunlopmanufacturing twitter.com/jimdunlopusa
43
g27p44_Layout 1 21/05/2012 13:10 Page 1
Fancy the chance to win a Stylophone and

Stylophone Beatbox?
Join us on Facebook and we’ll pick a winner every month!
facebook.com/GearMagazine
WIN AN ITALIA SPEEDSTER II GUITAR and

A CARLSBRO VAC15 GUITAR AMPLIFIER!
Take your playing to another level with the madly cool Italia Speedster II and a Carlsbro
VAC15 valve amp! To snag this tasty swag, just answer the simple question below...
In what year was (Please tick the correct answer) Carlsbro VAC15
Carlsbro established?
A. 1971 B. 1959 C. 1983
For the first time ever, Gear’s letting you enter our Worth over
competitions online, so head over to our official £900!
Facebook page and press Like to enter. We’ll even add you
to our Facebook-only monthly prize draw where you’ll be
in with the chance of winning a Stylophone and
Stylophone Beatbox! Score. [facebook.com/GearMagazine]
Name............................................................................................... Age................
Address......................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
Post Code...................................... Daytime Tel No ..............................................
Email.......................................................................................................................... Italia Speedster II
Send to GEAR, Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, UK. Blue Marble Finish
Closing date 31st October 2012. The first correct entry out of the bag wins.
Win an Antoni Premiere Violin Outfit, Total prizes worth £270!

Care Kit and Kinsman Music Stand!
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
9 10
11
12 13
14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 Clues 1 and 10 Across are cryptic...

Across:
1 - Robert, the axe-wielding American Red Indian (8,3) 18 - Tonic syllable used in singing a tune (3,2)
9 - A varnish (7) 20 - USA name for a guitar machinehead (5)
24 25 10 - A sick slang musician (3,4) 22 - Demure, prim (3)
11 - A set of drums (3) 24 - One-horned white horse (7)
26 12 - Famous guitar machineheads (7) 25 - Saying, "____ __ a whistle" (5,2)
13 - A show-off (7) 26 - Much ___ about nothing (3)
27 28 14 - Join by thread (3) 27 - You might say this as a helper (1,6)
15 - A guitar tuner worth watching (5) 28 - Your aunt's brother (2,5)
17 - A brand of pedalboards (5) 29 - Some one thousand millionths of a second (11)
29
Down: Clue 5 Down is cryptic...
1 - Guitar designer and guru (6,9) 8 - Slang journalist (6)
2 - Percussion sticks (7) 16 - Pronounces with voice movements (9)
Name............................................................................................... Age................ 3 - Mediocre journalists – not Gear writers! (5) 18 - A place to record your composition (6)
Address...................................................................................................................... 4 - Geoff _ , Respected guitarist and Fret-King endorser (9) 19 - Type of harp (7)
5 - Accommodation to run to (4, 3) 21 - Sir Henry _, portrait painter (1756-1823) (7)
...................................................................................................................................
6 - JHS make of mouth organs (5, 10) 23 - Skilful violinist (6)
Post Code...................................... Daytime Tel No .............................................. 7 - Habits, customs (6) 25 - Amusing performer (5)
Email..........................................................................................................................
Send to GEAR, Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, UK. Closing date
Competition entries are only accepted on the original coupons cut from the magazine (If you require a free
31st October 2012. The first correct entry out of the bag wins. replacement copy of Gear, please send a £1.10 stamped A4 envelope with your address added). Photocopies
will not be accepted. Multiple entries are not allowed. Only one entry per competition per household.
44 24
g27p45_Layout 1 18/05/2012 09:36 Page 1
Fabulous & Fun

New SpongeBob SquarePants
Real Musical Instruments!
Let's face it. We love him, you love him – in fact,
everyone loves him – and now the world's
favourite sea sponge has rocketed out of Bikini
Bottom to see a raft of new additions to the
extremely popular range of SpongeBob SquarePants
Real Musical Instruments...
For fans, these bright and colourful new electric and acoustic guitar and
ukulele outfits – which all feature eye-catching designs featuring
SpongeBob and all his friends from Bikini Bottom – are a no-brainer,
what with their sounding amazing, being great fun to play, and coming
at prices ideal for kids and younger learners. They also come with a
range of accessories to let you get started straight away. Just pick the
one that's right for you, and you're good to go!
GUITARS
First up is the SBG78 The SBUP2 Pineapple Ukulele Outfit (£34.99) is
7/8 Size Electric pineapple-shaped – just like SpongeBob's under-
Guitar Outfit (£149). water home – while the classic-shaped
SBUK1 Ukulele Outfit (£32.99) is
for traditionalists.
Finally, the none-more-rock 'n'

With its classic double-cutaway roll SBUV3 Flying ‘V’ Ukulele
7/8 size body and its fast Outfit (£44.99) is possibly the coolest
and comfortable full-sized of the lot with its black body and neck
neck, the SBG78 is perfect for contrasting amazingly with the
budding rockers and rollers, and it comes with a Micro SpongeBob faces adorning its front.
Blaster Amplifier with Volume, Tone & Overdrive controls, Carry Bag,
Guitar Strap, Guitar Cable, Pick & SpongeBob Tutorial DVD. The whole lot of these are in store
now, so unleash your inner SpongeBob
Ideal for smaller hands is the and get rocking – or get them for your
SBG34 3/4 Size Electric
Guitar Outfit (£129).
Featuring a funky built-in
speaker, the SBG34 allows you to get

loud at the flick of a switch,
although you can plug it into a kids, and get them learning and
conventional amp too, and there's having fun straight away!
also a headphone socket for silent practice if you've
already pushed your parents to the end of their tether. The SBG34 Oh, and if you just need to see
comes with a Carry Bag, Guitar Strap, Pick & SpongeBob Tutorial DVD. the team in action, check out this
awesome video of Gear's resident
Great for acoustic players is the SBG01 Junior Guitar SpongeBob shredder, Gav Coulson,
Outfit (£49.99). This junior- as he puts SpongeBob through
sized nylon string acoustic his paces: tinyurl.com/sbob2012
guitar is easy on the fingers
but heavy on the tone, and

comes with a Carry Bag,
Guitar Strap, Pitch Pipe, Spare
Set of Strings, Pick and instructions to get you started.
UKULELES
Leading the global ukulele resurgence is this new SpongeBob trio, all of
which feature wooden bodies, nylon strings and geared machines – so
they tune very accurately – and they also come with a carry bag, pitch
pipe, plectrum and instructions.
© 2012 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Created by
g27p46_Layout 1 18/05/2012 08:56 Page 1
Bass in a Big Country:

Vintage Tony Butler Signature Bass
Bassist Tony Butler is known for rock solid grooves and a penchant for
awesomely melodic and memorable basslines, and now he brings them
to sell-out crowds the world over courtesy of the new Vintage Tony Butler
Signature V4 Bass.
Tony's bass, the V4MTB, joins the hugely successful Vintage V4 bass stable. It features a
gloss black body and matching scratchplate, with an eye-catching one-piece maple
neck and fingerboard. Chrome Wilkinson hardware completes the look, and the
awesome split-coil Wilkinson pickup adds the thunderous, powerful sounds
that give more low-end rumble than a mountain lion in a pickup truck!
The multi-million selling Big Country are known for their distinctive alternative
rock sounds, with Tony's uniquely melodic bass lines simultaneously acting
as a third guitar and a strong rhythmic foundation. Tony has been touring
the bass ever since he got his first sample of it, and he's been finding more
and more to enthuse about it with every show.
Tony said: “My new Vintage signature bass is a fantastic instrument. It's a
comfortable weight to play, made with top quality components and it's really
affordable – but the first thing I was struck by was its instant playability.
It just felt good straight away, and for a new bass player
to own a quality instrument from the word go is inspiring.”
And the V4MTB naturally has the chops to keep up

with Tony's unmistakeable playing style. Tony says:
“The Wilkinson pickup has a lovely new quality to it.
It's got a very, very aggressive sound to it, which gives
it incredible clarity. For a bass player like me in an
orchestrated typed of band, that's seriously important.
I hope everybody checks the V4MTB out!”
The Vintage V4MTB is out now, and it'll only set you back £299, so get down to your local
music store to try one out today!
If you can't wait, head here to see Tony introduce the V4MTB: http://tinyurl.com/V4MTB
Diago Micropower9 Pedal Power Supply

What should a guitar FX power supply be? Well, it should do the job it's supposed to do, it should be reliable, and it should be small enough to
easily fit on your pedalboard. Hell, you could always find a use for that extra distortion stompbox, couldn't you?
Anyway, the Diago Micropower9 is what you've been looking for. A smaller version of Diago's amazing Powerstation power supply, Micropower9
uses the same low-noise digital technology as its bigger brother, making it perfect as a direct universal replacement for hundreds of other
proprietary bulky and ugly wall warts, as well as being ideal for smaller pedal boards of up to 6 pedals.
The Micropwer9 is tidy – it looks like a laptop power adaptor – versatile
(it works with over 90% of effects pedals) and powerful, with 1,000mA
available. It's also quiet, practical – it only measures 72mm (L) x 47mm
(W) x 27mm (D) – and works worldwide using automatic voltage and
frequency sensing circuitry.
Best of all, the Micropower9 lets you concentrate 100% on bringing

New capos
the rock, because it's safe, meeting all national and international safety Guitar Tech, the kings of ergonomic, dependable
regulations, and it's intelligent too – its short circuit protection means and no-fuss musical instruments accessories, are
that you or your pedals won't fry if something back with a brilliant clamping capo that's ideal for k
does go wrong. GT203
acoustic and electric guitars, 12-strings, classical £12.99
guitars, banjos and mandolins.
The bottom line is, the Micropower9 does
the job amazingly well, it weighs 70g, and Available in Silver and Black, and costing just £12.99, these new GT capos
it costs a mere £29.99. We've got one. are remarkably simple and easy to use – just squeeze them into place with
What are you waiting for? one hand, and off you go. They're smartly constructed, lightweight
with smooth operation and no sharp edges, and the rubber parts
that touch your instrument's neck are durable but soft, so they
won't leave unsightly marks. This style of build also means that
you can place the capo incredibly accurately, so you'll never have the
problem of strings buzzing or going out of tune, and they look cool too.
What's more, they're an ideal tool to quickly and easily change the key
PS10 k of songs to suit your vocal range, so don't go straining for those high
£29.99 notes – slap on a Guitar Tech capo instead!
g27p47_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:45 Page 1
Vintage Paul Brett

Signature models
When Vintage guitars teamed up Both guitars feature solid spruce tops
with rosewood backs and sides, along
with Paul Brett to create a pair of with unobtrusive Fishman pickups and
signature acoustics, Gear knew preamps. In fitting with classic
the results would be something to stylings, the 12-string guitar's neck
behold. Then we played them, and joins the body at the 12th fret, while
the 6-string's joins at the 14th fret.
we were blown away. Here's the Being parlour in size, they are easy
story of this remarkable new to transport and are manageable
to handle, and they also come
couple... supplied with a sturdy but
lightweight Vintage zero-gravity
We're not joking when we tell you that
case.
Paul Brett is one of the best acoustic
guitar players in the world. When most
A versatile cannon
guitarists play a 12-string, they sound
Paul's naturally over the moon
like they're playing a sixer with a bit of
with how his signature models
extra chorus and jangle. Not Paul Brett.
have turned out. He says: “I
When he gets going, Paul's playing each one Paul Bre
am absolutely amazed at tt
of those 12 strings, wringing the very last Vintage with his new
how well my new Vintage signatu
re acou
drop of tone from them, be it for dirty stics.
Signature Guitars have turned
downtuned blues or melodic medieval
out. They're small-bodied with a loud voice ww
folksongs. It's raw, intense and thoroughly w.paulbre
and will play just about any style, from ttguitari
enchanting. st.co.uk
traditional blues and folk through the
genres to rock classics. Comments from
Paul's been at it for over 40 years, of course,
6-string players who have already
so he knows what makes a decent sounding
purchased the 12-string are nothing short
guitar, and his sound and playing style have Paul’s signature guitars have
of amazing [look right for them – Ed.].
evolved over the years. Paul originally started already won the respect of
They're just so versatile and... the sound is
playing as a 6-string electric lead player in
like a cannon! All I suggest you do is try several legendary players.
the 60s before switching to acoustic 6-string
them out and judge for yourself. I very
in the early 70s, but it wasn't until the
much doubt you will be disappointed – Stefan Grossman says: “What
mid 70s that he found a greater love
and your pocket certainly won't!” a big sound for a little twelve
for acoustic 12-string.
He has developed his own string guitar. The PB 12-string
“When I attend shows and
distinctive fingerpicking style, has the rich tonal qualities of a
promote these guitars, I always
and over his career has played 1920s Stella that set the standard
ask the punters to play them and
with or shared the stage with for old country blues recordings.
get the feel and sound for
the likes of The Strawbs, Crazy And the price can't be beat!”
themselves, rather than hear
World of Arthur Brown, Jimi
me play. Every player plays
Hendrix, Free, Motörhead, The
differently and in many different Guitarist and songwriter John
Who, Status Quo, Manfred
styles, so I will keep on Renbourn says: "Paul Brett knows
Mann, and many more.
saying to interested parties, all about 12-strings and the new
go along to your local Vintage guitar is a breakthrough,
Decades of experience
Vintage dealer and a real winner!”
With the new Vintage
try them out for
Paul Brett signature
yourselves.
six-string (VE8000PB,
It's really the
£449) and the 12-
only way
string (VE8000PB-12,
to see if
£499), Paul and Vintage
they can
have brought his
enhance
decades of playing and VE8000PB/VE8000PB-12
your playing
performance experience Top: Solid Spruce
and inspire a
together – as well as his Back: Rosewood
new creativity in
unsurpassable knowledge of • VE8000PB-12 Sides: Rosewood
your songwriting and
vintage and rare acoustics – to Binding: Maple/Wood Purfling
playing as they have
create a pair of guitars that are beautiful Neck: Mahogany
done for me.”
to look at, fantastic to play, and bewitching Fingerboard: Rosewood
to hear. Bridge: Rosewood
You've heard Nut: Graphtec TUSQ
The pair are influenced by the beautiful the man – Saddle: Graphtec TUSQ
parlour guitars of the 1930s, many of which now go try Scale: 649mm/25.55”
make up part of Paul's impressive personal them out! Tuners: Gold
collection. Taking the best bits from the Paul's Preamp: Fishman
hundreds of guitars in his possession, Paul Vintage Acoustic Matrix VT
set out to create instruments with superb signatures are (USA Made) with
playability and tone, great woods and in stores now, Volume and Tone Control
hardware, and bags of sophistication – all and there's Pickup: Fishman MAT
while erring on the side of affordable. With loads of videos of (USA Made)
the VE8000PB and VE8000PB-12, there is no Paul playing them up Carry Case: Vintage
question that he and Vintage have succeeded. on his website. • VE8000PB Zero-Gravity Case
47
g27p48_Layout 1 21/05/2012 13:41 Page 1
Odyssey Care Kits

Brand new from the Odyssey brass and woodwind range is a comprehensive
selection of USA-made care kits for the Debut and Premiere series instruments.
With a number of specific cloths, swabs, brushes and oils designed to keep
your instrument in tip-top condition, and an individual care guide in each
pack, Odyssey care kits will help you perform better and your instrument
last longer.
In the Debut series, there are care kits for the flute (OFK – £15.99),
clarinet (OCK – £17.99), alto and soprano saxophone (OSK – £16.99),
tenor saxophone (OTSK – £18.99) and trumpet
(OTK – £17.99) available. Meanwhile, the Premiere
series has the added bonus of a durable accessory
carry bag, and provides care kits for clarinet (OPCK –
£24.99), saxophone (OPSK – £24.99), flute (OPFCK – £24.99) and trumpet (OPTK – £24.99).
As well as the care kits, Odyssey has also released a new, all-encompassing range of
individual instrument cleaning cloths, swabs, sprays and oils for brasswind
instruments: Flute cleaning rod (£2.29), Cork grease stick (£2.29), Magic Mist Spray
(£4.49), Valve Oil (£3.49), Slide Oil (£3.49), Cotton Polish Mitt (£7.99), 2-in-1
Polish Cloth (£6.49), Trombone Synthetic Snake (£6.49), Saxophone
Synthetic Snake (£3.99), Alto Sax Repairer Saver Swab (£15.49),
Microfibre Oboe Swab (£8.99), Flute Repairer Saver Swab (£8.99),
Rainbow Swab (£4.99), Thumb Rest (£2.29), Foam Neck Sax Strap
(£12.99) and Ligatures from £6.99. Pick ‘em all up at your local
Odyssey stockist.
Odyssey Premiere Reeds

Crafted from the finest French cane by one of the world's leading manufacturers, Odyssey Premiere Reeds
provide a rich timbre and lively response for students and professionals alike. Carefully selected by its
season and the texture of its fibres, only the finest cane is cut for Odyssey Premiere Reeds, which makes
them long lasting and, more importantly, consistently playable – reed after reed. Odyssey Premiere
Reeds are available for clarinet and soprano, alto and tenor saxophones in the most popular strengths.
Prices range from £6.49 – £11.99 per pack, and each pack contains three reeds.
Give them a blow today!
Trombonist Wizz Bateman

Manchester-based Elizabeth ‘Wizz’ Bateman is the latest top player to embrace the Odyssey range,
choosing the OTB1500 Odyssey Premiere Trombone. “I find the instrument free-blowing and it has a
good even tone throughout all registers,” says 20 year-old Wizz. “It is a light, comfortable trombone
which makes it enjoyable to play.” Wizz, whose roots are in brass bands, is a big fan of the likes of
JJ Johnson and Jiggs Whigham, and idolises trombonists such as Christian Lindberg, Joseph Alessi,
Jorgen Van Rijen and Ian Bousfield.
Odyssey Parts Kits

For the brass and woodwind instrument repairer, or
experienced player/teacher capable of performing a bit
of instrument maintenance, Odyssey have introduced a
set of parts kits for clarinet, flute, saxophone and trumpet.
Comprising of all those essential little knick-knacks
required for basic instrument upkeep and set-up, the
parts kits feature pads, corks, rods, springs, ligatures
and a variety of instrument-specific screws and bolts Elizabeth ‘W
izz’ Bateman
designed to put all those necessary (but often hard
to find!) bits and bobs right at your fingertips. Perfect for
if you need to give your favourite bit of brass a little bit of TLC!
g27p49_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:28 Page 1
Hampshire Music Service welcomes the world with
Hampshire Music Service has been celebrating the region's AfroReggae, a

musical culture and diversity with Hampshire Welcomes the group from Brazil
World, a programme of five county-wide events representing who use music
the five Olympic rings and the London 2012 games. and education
to improve the
Each event focuses on a different continent and warmly lives of young
encourages audience participation through workshops and people and to
other exciting activities, and Hampshire Music Service is combat the
delighted to use Boomwhackers – brightly coloured tubes proliferation
that are struck to play musical notes – in these events. of gangs.
They've also used Boomwhackers Attendees at

with other Hampshire County events are given a
Council departments and Boomwhacker as part of
with external partners, their entrance ticket to use
like for the Test Valley in a massed performance.
'ring' event, a family
fun day concentrating The Boomwhackers are tuned to one of five notes, E, F, G,
on the Americas, and B, or C – get 1000 people whacking them simultaneously and
specifically on Brazilian you'll get a series of massive melodies!
Samba – with offerings
such as artistic projects, There's loads of events going on at brilliant venues like Winchester cathedral,
samba performances by so get over to the Hampshire Music Service website to find out more!
local school children and
a headline performance by www3.hants.gov.uk/hwtw.htm www.boomwhackers.com
Angel Glockenspiels
Antoni pads and care kits
New and Beaters
The heavenly sounds of Angel glockenspiels can
Fans of stringed instruments, look
after your pride and joy (no, not
now be yours with these three fabulous new models! that one) with these handy new
accessories from the fine people
Ideal for kids, students and anyone else, Angel's at Antoni! Young violinists can
glocks are made of great quality components, colourful often experience pain as the
for the kids, and sensibly restrained for the pros. Ideal violin presses into their
for beginners, the AX3083 shoulders, but Antoni's handy
features an 8-note range shoulder pad (£2.99) will
(C3-C4) and costs a mere £14.99, while eliminate this immediately
the AX2019W (19 notes, from C3 to F#4, – they're actually really comfy.
£87.99) and the AGW4921A
(23 notes, from C2 to You can also grab a set of 25
A#3, £149.99) Antoni string cleaning pads for £3.49
are perfect for to extend their playing lifetime as much as possible
anyone from Dog while preserving great tone. There's three new care kits
And Duck to Royal too. First up is the Antoni Debut cello kit at £19.99,
Albert Hall level! which includes a polishing cloth, polish, rosin, a
cello dead stop (which will drastically reduce
There's also two new sets of glock unwanted vibration and post-release
beaters available: both £2.99, they come in noise), and a maintenance guide
blue, with soft PVC pamphlet.
heads, or red, with –
you guessed it – hard
PVC heads. Now, go get beating!
Meanwhile, the Antoni Debut
violin care kit (£14.99) includes
a Slim Softie violin pad, rosin,
polish, a polishing cloth, and the
maintenance guide. Finally, for the
pros is the Premiere violin care kit,
which includes rosin, a microfibre
cloth, polish and polishing cloth, string
View the cleaner, a duster brush, peg grip and a
full range at chin rest wrench – all supplied in a stylish
black carry pouch – for £24.99. You'll never
www.jhs.co.uk have a dirty instrument again!
g27p50_Layout 1 19/05/2012 09:22 Page 1
Stick kings Regal Tip are back with three awesome new models! The boys from
Niagara Falls have always had great drummers using their gear, and now
Brian Tichy of classic rock titans Whitesnake has put his name to a signature
pair. If you're a bangin' rock drummer who puts serious wear on your sticks
while performing, the Brian Tichy 'Tish Stix' (£13.99) are your match. With
a design featuring a heavy neck and taper as well as an extensive length,
Tish Stix sticks will stand up to the heaviest hitters on the biggest possible
drum kits, and they're also topped off with an acorn tip, allowing you to
exercise your rudiments and style through sharp accents and stick definition.
Next up is the Anarchy X (£13.49) which, as the name suggests, is built to

stand up to the blast beats of the extreme metal drummer, with expanded
dimensions and additional brawn. Anarchy X sticks feature a durable heavy
shoulder, extended length for increased reach and a rounded bead tip for
articulations. Playing full-on for 90 minutes a night can get tiring, so
Anarchy X also features Regal Tip's brilliant Performance Enhancing Finish,
which helps minimise hand fatigue and improves grip too!
www.regaltip.com
k
Brian Tichy’s Tish Stix

k
Anarchy X
k
Mayhem Mallet
Last up is the Mayhem Mallet (£34.99), which is perfect for the drummer who prefers
the darker and heavier side of the music scale, but also appreciates the finer points of
classical music and the soft timbre of a percussion mallet. The Mayhem Mallet features an
all-maple handle with a gradual comfortable tapered profile for a familiar grip while you
tastefully build or aggressively blast – a real fusion of two worlds of drumming – and
with a black, durable, hand-sewn head to top it off, this mallet leaves no question who
it was designed for.
Kinsman steps up to the mic Frequency Response: 60Hz – 15KHz

Need a decent mic that'll sound great wherever, however Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Transducer: Dynamic
and no matter how often you use it – all without breaking Sensitivity: -76dB
the bank? Then look no further than these three fab Impedance: 600Ω
new affordable offerings from Kinsman! The Kinsman KM001 Includes: 17ft XLR Cable
KM001 Dynamic Microphone (£19.99), KM002 Microphone Dynamic Microphone
(£24.99) and KM003 Microphone (£39.99) all feature
crystal clear vocal reproduction, whatever your budget,
and they sound great wherever you use them: onstage
in front of hundreds of screaming fans at your latest Frequency Response: 50Hz – 16KHz
gig, onstage in front of hundreds of mildly interested Polar Pattern: Cardioid
conference attendees, onstage in front of 12 attentive Transducer: Dynamic
Sensitivity: -72dB
churchgoers on a Sunday morning... the applications
Impedance: 600Ω
are pretty much endless. What's more, the mics all come Includes: 17ft XLR Cable
with a top quality five metre long Jack to XLR cable, so KM002
you'll have years of perfect use Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone
ahead of you. The KM003 also
comes in a practical hard shell
Frequency Response: 50Hz – 18KHz
case with another soft, padded Polar Pattern: Super Cardioid
carry bag inside, and a Transducer: Dynamic
mic clip. So, check out the Sensitivity: -71dB
Impedance: 600Ω
specs to see which mic
Includes: 17ft XLR Cable, hard shell
is for you, and go case, with another soft padded
communicate KM003 carry bag and a mic clip
with the world, Unidirectional Dynamic Microphone
Kinsman style!
k
KM003 accessories
g27p51_52_53_Layout 1 19/05/2012 09:41 Page 1
re Gear gives
t lead ing au dio products. He
d mar ke ility and
be en lead ers in innovative an gi ven St udiomaster the ab
iomaster have ch ha ve now...
Since 1976, Stud the prod uc ts and stories whi rn ov er the pa ge to see them
of Tu
g look at some its current rang
e.
you a tantalisin th e world class products in
oduce
knowledge to pr
In the mid '90s, Studiomaster expanded the D Series range of amplifiers.
T
he roots of Studiomaster go back to 1976, when a small group of With the development of the Horizon, the modular 600 Watt stereo
sound engineers designed and built their own high power amplifiers amplifiers were adapted to produce the 1200D. Later that year, the final
under the name RSD. The major innovators in sound then were not development of the D series came with the 1600D – 800 Watts per
electronics or loudspeaker companies, but a rock band called Pink Floyd, channel and all models using the same size 2 unit high chassis.
who used the 800B amp made in old chicken sheds in Hertfordshire!
Fusion for DJs
Mixers followed amplifiers, and in 1980 a hire service gave the engineers The DJ and karaoke markets have steadily grown over the years and
valuable feedback of the need for for eight input, four output consoles the time was right for Studiomaster to enter this segment. True to form,
for multi-track recording in live and studio situations, from tours with instead of going with the flow of the many other mixer products, a
bands like Ultravox, Judas Priest and the Buzzcocks. At the same time new approach was taken. The first ever Entertainment Console emerged,
multiple keyboard setups and drum machines were also becoming more called the Fusion. The Fusion mixed studio quality mic inputs, high
popular, so to make the product easy to move around it had to be 19-inch quality CD/phono inputs with opto-coupled cross fader, and an onboard
rack mountable. The Studiomaster 8-4 mixer was the answer, and years DSP for great vocal effects. It's an astounding combination that’s still
ahead of anything else around, with great features and spec, plus the in demand today as a console in a large club installation and just as at
first departure for the company from VU needle meters to more rugged home in a small pub karaoke.
LED bargraph 'ladders'. Many sound and audiovisual companies made it
their standard audio console. Soundking
Today, Studiomaster's UK R&D office is the creator of a steady stream of
Everything gets bigger innovative products, built in state of the art production facilities in Ningbo,
The launch of the Mosfet 1000w power amplifier in 1984 marked a China, by the Soundking organisation, owners of Studiomaster, and other
significant development in amplifier design, and ended the long-running iconic British brands such as Carlsbro. With a team of some 200 technical
800B range. Demand for larger format mixers to support the growing engineers, and 2000 production design, sales and marketing personnel,
number of project and home studios resulted in the Series 2 consoles, Studiomaster is built to uncompromising standards of quality.
the first mixer with MIDI automation. Phil Collins, Phil Lynott and
Martin Kemp were just a few who were using Studiomaster products.
Enthusiasm breeds innovation

The vast majority of Studiomaster's innovations came from enthusiastic
employees, many of whom are musicians. A common problem in home
studios in the 90s was lack of space, which prompted a comment
from one employee: 'why don’t we turn the mixer upright to
save space'? – a bit like a Moog with the faders still flat.
The Studiomaster Star System was born, and as the rear
panel was not restricted for space any more, it
contained more than 50 input sockets with
stacks of output and insert points.
The new Power House Vision was launched in March

'94, securing Studiomaster as the No. 1 brand in powered
mixers. Among its many features, it contained an optional
crossover port so, when 700 Watts was not enough power, you
could add a crossover which filtered the internal amplifiers for just high
frequency signals – allowing an additional bass amplifier to be connected.
g27p51_52_53_Layout 1 19/05/2012 09:42 Page 2
FUSION k
£339
MCX24 k (prices between £599 and Need a graphic equaliser
£1,649 £679), and with up to 1000 watts of that won’t break the bank? Then try
audio power available. These are the way out Studiomaster’s SRQ Series, which features
forward for bands and solo artists, as they’re three models. The SRQ30 (£149) features 2x15
MIXING CONSOLES rugged and durable, with great DSP effects band 20mm faders, while the SRQ62 (£179)
Studiomaster’s ever-growing range is spearheaded and a 9-band EQ thrown in. has 2x30 band 20mm faders and the SRQ62L
by its world beating mixing consoles. The (£199) has 2x31 band 45mm faders.
Studiomaster C3M and C3X Compact Mixers AMPLIFICATION
(£165 and £209) are ideal for solo acts and The Studiomaster DX400 1U Rack Amplifier SPEAKER CABINETS
duos, karaoke, and as part of small installations. (£179) is compact, has multiple inputs – XLR, The Studiomaster range is full of top quality
Both feature 12 inputs – 4 mic and 4 stereo, Jack and Phono, to be precise – and a switchable and affordable active and passive speaker cabs.
giving you the flexibility you need, whatever limiter. Perfect for studio monitoring, mobile The Active Injection Moulded VPX Series is
your application – balanced inputs and outputs, sound systems and installations, it’s compact, portable and self-contained, with mic/line
and two auxiliary sends, while the C3X also robust and sounds great on live or monitoring inputs and 3-band EQs. Choose from the 250W
features an array of crystal clear delays, duties. VPX10 (£239) the VPX12 (300W, £279), VPX15
reverbs and other FX. (400W, £319) or the VPX15SUB (Sub Bass
The AX Series of Professional Power Amplifiers 600W, £359).
The Studiomaster Fusion+ Entertainment will take you up to 2900 watts in only 2 rack
Console (£339) is a complete mixer for spaces (saving you money on racks and flight Meanwhile, the VSX Series features four high
karaoke, clubs, solo performers, duos and cases) and is great for PA rental/hire, clubs performing, lightweight passive speakers,
sound installations. The Fusion+ offers 3 mic and bars, and as a stage monitor system. ranging from £169 and 400 watts through to
channels and 4 music channels (the right inputs Prices range from £369 to £579, and all AX a 15” Sub Bass cab with 600 watts of pure
for all of your gear, basically) and, thanks to its amps feature Hi Pass filters to save power power (£269).
FX DSP, is a complete professional entertainment and help keep your bass tight! They also
console – no need for a PA and DJ mixer any feature an active crossover and continuous Featuring 9 models, the Professional Trapezoidal
more! Fusion+ can do it all. operation at 2 ohms. LX Series is ideal for bands, clubs and general
PA work.
k
AX1500
£369
Perfect for club and venue installation, small Want up to 3600 watts of power in two rack
bands, for live recordings and as a keyboard spaces? Then choose the Studiomaster SX
mixer, the Studiomaster 162BPX 16 Channel Series of Professional Switch Mode Power
Rack Mixer (£409) offers 28 inputs for extreme Amps. Lightweight and highly efficient, the
flexibility. Compact, reliable and secure, it SX range comprises the SX2500 (£549), SX3500
is packed full of DSP effects and other cool (£649) and SX4500 (£899), and they all
features that make it a one-stop solution produce pro quality sound at all power levels.
k
for professional installations. VSX Series

PROCESSORS £169-£269
The daddy of the Studiomaster mixers line is The Studiomaster VMS Vocal Management Great on their own or in a cluster, you’ll easily
the MCX Medium Format Mixer Series. Ideal System will capture every detail of your voice find the ideal LX setup for you, with prices
for rental hire, as a monitor mixer or for installs, with distortion-free clarity. It features a great from £209.
they’re available in five sizes, from 12 to a noise gate (that turns off the mic when it’s
whopping 48 channels! Prices range from £879 not in use) and a 7-band graphic EQ, so you’ll The active and passive GX Series is the perfect
to £3,799, and they’ve all got everything you sound great across your whole vocal range, PA solution for the musician on a budget,
need for professional sound. and there’s compression and six stunning with a range of portable active and passive
effects built in there too. At only £189, the loudspeakers (from only £89.99) suitable for
POWERED MIXING CONSOLES VMS is perfect for karaoke, DJs, duos and solo any occasion or price point.
The Studiomaster Powerhouse 1000X Series acts, and club and venue installation.
of lightweight powered mixers features four For those with slightly more to spend,
models, from 10 to 18 channels Meanwhile, the AC Series Digital Audio the JX Series is more of the same but with
Processors (prices from £749 to unbeatable sound quality levels – and it’s
£1,649) are available in passive and active formats too,
awesome for with prices from £199 for a passive 8” cab.
touring PA
systems and Choose Studiomaster PAS/PS active injection
installations. moulded speakers if you want background
The three models music for your bar or restaurant, or an amazing
available all feature the same PC sound system. Available in 60 or 80 watt
digital control but have different input versions, and passive or active (prices from
k
VMS and output configurations, so choose which £54.99 to £119), they’re the ideal small
£189 one’s best for you! sound solution.
g27p51_52_53_Layout 1 19/05/2012 09:42 Page 3
Perfect for conference rooms, clubs and as MICROPHONES contour switches to help match your
foreground/background music systems, the AND ACCESSORIES room’s acoustics.
Studiomaster CTR Series of install speakers Studiomaster’s KM52 (£19)
are available in white or black and, and KM92 (£19) cardioid PORTABLE PA SYSTEMS
although diminutive in size, feature mics are amazingly Walkabout or Runabout to your heart’s
great quality, full range sounds. affordable considering content with Studiomaster’s portable PAs!
just how good they The perfect match for public speaking,
The PAX10/PX10 Series of sound, and they come busking, or small-level band performances,
10” stage monitor speakers supplied in a soft zipper both are compact and extremely portable.
are ultra compact, ultra simple bag with an XLR cable The Walkabout (£379) features a 150-watt
to use, easily linkable, and and stand clip. What more internal amp – loud enough to be heard
they’re blessed with 120 watts kM8SA do you want? wherever you are – 300 watts of clear audio
of power. Perfect as vocal £249 power, and packs away into a handy wheeled
monitors or in rehearsal rooms, The rest of the Studiomaster accessories case. The Runabout (£309) packs 200 watts
you’ll come to rely on range includes top quality, well-priced all into a nice suitcase-type arrangement.
k
KM92
them as the speaker stands (from £69 for a pair, with You’ll be amazed at how great you can
£29 perfect live carry bag) and mic stands (from sound with these transport friendly,
monitoring system. £19) that just won’t let you down feature-packed systems!
The passive unpowered no matter how many gigs you put
80 watt version is £109, them through. £379
k
WALKABOUT
KM52 k
and the powered 120 watt
£19 version is £189, but the years STUDIO MONITOR SPEAKERS
of support they’ll give you is The M Series of studio monitor speakers is
priceless! If you need a bit more power than the latest development from Studiomaster,
the PX10, plump for the active PAX12 or the featuring three full range cabinets and
passive PX12. With 12” speakers and 100/150 one low frequency sub. Their design
watts of power, they’ll be with you right the ensures crucial monitoring of your mixes,
way up to those cavernous arena shows. so they’re perfect for home studios and
computer-based
INSTALLATION music production.
Studiomaster’s Installation All active, they
Distribution Mixer (£149) is a cost from £129 to £249,
2 input/4 output mixer housed and the full range models
in a single unit rack mounting are all bi-amplified with
case. A great tool for pubs and CTR105-W (white)
clubs, it features a bargraph and k
CTR105-B (black)
level control for each channel £26.99 each www.jhs.co.uk/studiomaster.html
and individual mute switches.
Review
Studiomaster VTX2 stereo valve compressor
The VTX2 can also operate as dual mono, so if you are a singer/songwriter
you could compress your vocal and your guitar independently. Another
cool creative feature is that the gate can be triggered by a side chain
input, enabling lots of creative gating and compression effects.
Here's an example of how to creatively use the VTX2: Put your drum
Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Levine takes a look at the reverb through the compressor, but send the snare drum to the side
Studiomaster VTX2 stereo valve compressor... chain to 'trigger' the gate to open. Then, using the valve warmth
control, beef it up to taste... for a great sound!
I’m a big fan of AU and VST plugins [Steve writes] – don’t get me wrong,
they do a wonderful job and may be the current generation's only www.studiomaster.com/products/VTX2.htm
experience of using a compressor! – but nothing quite beats the tactile
feedback and immediate response of a piece of dedicated hardware.
Tweaking a control knob or flicking a switch is enormously satisfying,

especially on the new Studiomaster VTX2, the front panel of which is
laden with knobs and switches, as well as four sexy illuminated vintage
style meters. Meanwhile, the rear of the unit is equally festooned with
XLR and 1/4” jack sockets.
I first came across the Studiomaster brand in the early 1980s, and it
was one of the first 'home' mixers I used on my early demos. This new
piece of kit will appeal to pros, but is easily affordable to the home
recording artist, engineer or producer. The VTX2 is priced around the
same as a good compressor plugin (at £299), making this 2U 19” rack
unit extremely good value for money.
Now, that's all very well, but how does it sound? Well, I’m pleased to Steve Levine
report that it's very good indeed, and the build quality is also remarkable Steve Levine has been producing since the 70s. He's worked with the
at this price point. It really is a sonically 'creative' stereo compressor, likes of Gary Moore, Ziggy Marley and Motörhead, and pop bands like
so if you want thick creamy fat drum or guitar sounds, the VTX2 can Mis-teeq, Louise and Honeyz, as well as producing all of Culture Clubʼs
deliver exactly that! Plus, if you want smooth, warm backing vocals at classic hits and the band's three multi-platinum albums. He won a
the same time you want to clean up the headphone spill, its superb Grammy for his work with Deniece Williams, and he's also a songwriter,
gate/expander is perfect for the task. guest speaker and presenter on radio and television.
g27p54_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:22 Page 1
Tom Milner
He's probably best known for his role
travels with Vintage
It’s about how one minute you can be on top of
the world and the next you're on the floor – but
as Paul Langley in hit BBC TV series there is always a corner to turn and things
Waterloo Road, but now Tom Milner has always look up.”
turned his talents to a career in music
and is using it to help young people in Being a left-hander, it's difficult for Tom
to find a guitar that suits him, but he
desperate situations. recently bought a Vintage travel
guitar, and can’t put it down.
Tom is championing Papyrus He says: “I’m loving the Vintage
(www.papyrus-uk.org) – a charity – best guitar I’ve ever had and it
dedicated to the prevention goes everywhere with me.
of young suicide – and has I call it Vinny! Being a
recently undertaken a tour of small-bodied guitar I prefer
schools in the North of England it.” Tom’s still very much
promoting the charity’s work with an actor, and is appearing
performances, talks, and a single in Steve Coogan’s new
release available as a download, comedy, Starlings, on
with all proceeds going to the Sky 1. “I play a good
LH-VTG100N charity.
£209 k
Christian boy who takes
a girl out on – and won't
“The single is called Keep Plugging kiss on – the first date,” he
Away,” Tom explains. “I wrote it says. “Kind of incongruous
after I came out of Waterloo in today’s society!”
Road after three years, and
work had gone dead quiet www.thomasmilner.net
– no phone calls from the
agent or anything, and I
thought, what can I do?
So I picked up the guitar
and started writing
some songs, and this ®
was one of the first
I came up with.
James Bell scoops In the end, it was James's

confident virtuoso performance,
coupled with a technique and
feel well beyond his years, that
Young Guitarist Of The Year award! swayed the very close voting.
“When I won I felt amazed,”
In the last issue James said. “I thought it was
of Gear, we reported a dream! I cannot thank my
on how 13-year-old teacher Brian Viggars enough
James Bell from Audley for telling me about the
(that's near Stoke-on-Trent, competition and helping
geography fans) had qualified me with the mixing of my
for the finals of Guitarist magazine’s backings. Brian is absolutely
Young Guitarist Of The Year competition. amazed at the tone of my
Well, we are absolutely delighted to Vintage VS6, by the way...”
report that despite thousands of
other entrants and five amazingly James has a busy YouTube account with more than
talented finalists, James won the 120 videos uploaded and 1200 subscribers and, hot
coveted award after giving a on the heels of his success, he was offered endorsement
storming rendition of his by Fret-King guitars. He accepted,
track A New Hope using his main and went on to record the demo
guitar – a cherry red Vintage video for the brand new Fret-King
ReIssued VS6. Black Label Eclat, which you can
see by going here:
The nationwide competition's tinyurl.com/JamesBellEclat
final, which took place at the
prestigious London Royal Festival Speaking of his new guitar, James
Hall as part of the London Guitar says: “I am truly amazed at this
Festival, was judged by a panel of great guitar, and my thanks to
industry professionals – and headed everyone at Fret-King! I can’t wait
by Guitar Techniques editor Neville to get some videos posted using it...”
Marten – who had the tough task of
picking just one winner from the five Check out James on YouTube:
extremely talented and capable young www.youtube.com/user/mapexdad
players performing that day.
g27p55_Layout 1 21/05/2012 13:50 Page 1
QUIET IS THE NEW LOUD

WITH VINTAGE
ACOUSTICS
Lorenza Woods singer Sarah goes Vintage
Describing themselves as ‘music art/horror with a modern hybrid of industrial tinged
electronic inspired metal music', Wakefield-based Lorenza Woods might not be the
first band you’d think of as liking their acoustic music. Nevertheless, frontwoman
(person? Damn this political correctness!) Sarah Green's music tastes go way
beyond this. "I have a really varied range of influences,” she says, “From great
female vocalists such as Karen Carpenter and Gwen Stefani, to the tortured rock
of Alice in Chains, the versatility of Deftones, and the precision of Mastodon.”
In fact, rock and metal was a world away from what Sarah expected to be singing after she
finished college.“I imagined I would pursue a career on stage in musical theatre,” she says.
“I knew Lorenza Woods wanted a vocalist, but I had no inclination to audition as I'd never been
in a metal band, and didn't think I could do it!
When Trev [Nicholls, bassist] asked me to audition,
my initial reaction was to say ‘no’, but he persuaded
me to give it a try. We just clicked, and I haven't
looked back since!”
An accomplished musician too, Sarah has bought

a Vintage Synergy VR6RB for songwriting and
performance. "I love my Vintage Synergy!”
she enthuses. “It's lightweight, comfortable
to play, and a great addition to my collection."
And Sarah was so enamoured by the guitar
she even persuaded her fellow bandmate,
guitarist Mik Krone, to get himself a Synergy
Model acoustic too! Lorenza Woods are
currently putting the finishing touches to their
debut album, and have an EP available on
iTunes which was released to great reviews.
www.lorenzawoods.com
Photos: © Craig Pick
Nikki Loy's an Oxford-based recording artist and

songwriter with a voice that will leave you with
goose-bumps! When she started out though, she
had problems finding a guitar that was comfortable
to play. “I used to have a dreadnought… but it was
just too big for me,” she says. “I could barely get my arms around it! My Vintage V300
acoustic – which I have affectionately named Gracie [perhaps we should introduce her to
Tom Milner’s Vinny? – Ed] – and I are the perfect fit. When you get a guitar that fits you,
it’s suddenly so much easier to play well!”
As well as working as a professional entertainer and session vocalist, Nikki has co-written
for a Saatchi and Saatchi Ad campaign and the video for her song Can I Keep You? was
chosen by the BBC to be part of their Music Video Festival screening on big HD screens in
major cities across the nation. The song also reached the finals of the UK Songwriting
Contest.
For live performances Nikki uses a Fishman Rare Earth pickup on her V300, as she believes
it’s the closest you can get to the natural sound of the guitar itself. She says: “When I'm
gigging, people often comment on my guitar. They like the size and they like the sound...
I’m quick to tell them they will like the price too!”
www.nikkiloy.com Photo: ©Angus Thomas
g27p56_Layout 1 18/05/2012 11:03 Page 1
Bella Italia!
If you want your guitar to get a pair of Wilkinson W90 Dog ears. Combining pickup layout – that's two Wilkinson WBJ
these with hollow mahogany body construction pickups, fact fans – that gives plenty of access
you noticed, then look no and a spruce top gives the Fiorano a great, rich to the most essential bass sounds around, and
further than Italia. Their tone that's full of sustain and sophistication – a little something extra thanks to the Imola's
and is also stunningly versatile. The set neck is acoustic chambering to its korina body.
beautiful, full of character maple, with a rosewood fingerboard of 22 frets, Available in Black and Tobacco Sunburst
instruments are the optimum and there's lashings of chrome hardware to finishes (both £569), this is one four-string
choice for guitarists who want perfectly set off the two available finishes: that really stands out from the crowd,
Cream or Tobacco Sunburst. If early rock and especially in the way its distinctive f-hole
to inject a bit of flair and style roll, rock, pop, indie or jazz is your thing, takes a bite out of the scratchplate! If you're
into their playing, so, without you'll love the Fiorano! hungry for a bass you can sink your teeth
into, the Imola is certainly worth a try.
further ado, here's the lowdown Modulo Tipa 3
on three brand spanking new We're guessing – natural linguists that we are This trio of new models continues Italia's
– that the above header translates as 'Type 3', commitment to making amazing guitars with a
models for you to lust after... and this is indeed the third Modulo to be difference. Ultimately, if you play them, you'll
produced. Anyway, the Modulo Tipa 3 is an look different, you'll sound amazing, and
We seem to be introducing a new bevy of impressive melee of ultra sparkle and pearloid, everyone will want a piece of
Italia beauties with every issue of Gear we do with its doublecut agathis body (with pearloid you, so give them a
at the moment, and this one is no different. back, naturally) sporting a soapbar P90-style whirl when you're
The Trev Wilkinson-masterminded brand of bridge pickup housed in an arty triangular next down your
classically inspired, idiosyncratic axes has scratchplate. You've got 22 frets to play with local music
brought three new models to our attention, here, and a super-smooth Wilkinson vibrato shop.
and – yet again – we just couldn't resist their bridge for all the bends and wobbles you can
unique tones, their eye-catching looks and handle. Coming in two amazing finishes –
their out-of-this-world, sparkly charms! Sparkle Red and Sparkle Black (both £449) –
you can see where Trev's coming from when he
What makes Italia stand apart from other says: “Guitars don't come much wilder than
guitar brands is their willingness, or even their this! Classic double-cutaway layout with
desire, to make something a little different styling cues from the planet ZOG!”
from the norm. You might recognise features,
shapes or themes in their guitars that take Imola 4
influence from elsewhere – from off-the-wall, One for bass players with a
eccentric 60s Italian designs, usually – but if bit of derring-do, the Imola
you take an Italia onstage, you just know your 4 is part 60s, part 21st
crowd will remember you and your six-string. century. Striking to
Frankly, you can only get away with naming look at and
your guitars exclusively after racetracks and ergonomic
particularly cool Ferrari models if they turn out to play, it
this cool. But then again, would you expect features a
anything less of a guitar designed by none classic
other than Trev Wilkinson? Thought not.
Fiorano
The Italia Fiorano (£549) continue's Trev's love
affair with the humble P90 pickup, featuring
56
g27p57_Layout 1 21/05/2012 13:56 Page 1
German pro audio giant HK Audio has

rolled out Linear 5, its new series of
high-performance speaker cabinets.
Manufactured in Germany to HK's usual consummate standards, Linear 5
is designed to bring concert audio performance levels to ambitious
musicians and DJs as well as surprising discriminating hire companies
with the price/value/performance ratio!
Let's cut to the chase. No other system in the 1" class can match the
sound pressure levels produced by Linear 5, and the levels of bass these
cabs can produce eclipses anything else on the market. The usual hallmark
attributes of superb intelligibility, controlled projection, and natural
sound reproduction all set Linear 5 apart from the pack.
The rigid hybrid birch housing HK have used ensures not only superior
acoustics – it is also incredibly durable, and it’s tough enough to withstand
the daily rigours of the road, making Linear 5 surprisingly affordable.
There are five powered Linear 5 models available now, and HK are also
producing a series of matching passive counterparts to follow.
All you need to do is pick the cabinet(s) to suit your needs, and build
the perfect system; anything from a pair of awesome powered one twelve
and horn cab, all the way to a full-blown compact 6k, six-box system.
L5112FA (£899.00)
This 12"/1" fullrange top delivers the most powerful bass performance
in its class. Equipped with a switchable EQ, it can be deployed as a
standalone cab, in stereo pairs, and as a satellite paired with a Linear 5
subwoofer.
L5112XA (£899.00) LSub2000A (£1,299.00)
Engineered to deliver high sound pressure levels (135 dB MAX SPL peak), A 1,200-watt powered subwoofer in a bandpass housing (sixth-order
this 12"/1" model also sports a switchable filter. Its considerable range double bandpass), this unit features fast response, long throw 12”
makes it an excellent choice as a top unit, as well as in combination drivers with 2.5" voice coils using advanced cooling technology, and
with the Linear Sub 2000 A. It also serves as an excellent monitor with a dual spider suspension driver perfectly centred for ultra precise
plenty of gain before feedback, with the rotatable 60° x 40° CD horn tracking and low frequency reproduction.
providing exemplary coverage and directivity.
As well as its amazing sound quality and its awesome power, Linear 5 is
L5115FA (£959.00) also exceptionally versatile. For example, it takes just two L5112FAs to
This powered 15" fullrange top delivers 1,000 watts as a standalone set up a full-fledged, fullrange stereo system. Two stackable subwoofer
cabinet, making it the loudest reference speaker in its class. Like the models are available for applications demanding lower-ranging bass
L5 FA 112, it features an asymmetrical horn with an optimised coverage response, and the tops can also serve as delay line monitors (the XA
pattern that is wider up front and grows more directed with distance, model) and as speakers for decentralised sound reinforcement systems.
thereby achieving greater range. Really, the sky's the limit with Linear 5!
LSub1200A (£999.00) www.hkaudio.com

Compact, light and housed in a bass reflex enclosure, this sub is ideal
for band PAs. Loaded with two 10" woofers and a remarkably effective
1,200 watt, Class-D power amp, it can also drive a
connected passive L5 210 Sub.
57
g27p58_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:43 Page 1
And did we mention the amp's natural sound? The Loudbox Artist
perfectly projects Fishman's legendary tone across small to medium size
venues with no problems, and it's outstanding as an onstage monitor.
To top it all off, the amp only weighs about 11.5kg! Add to that a price
120W Acoustic Instrument Amp tag of only £659, and we reckon the Loudbox Artist must be the ultimate
portable acoustic instrument amplifier for the seriously active musician.
All guitarists need a decent amp, but if you're a delicate acoustic
player using just voice and instrument to get your songs across, www.fishman.com
you need the kit to back you up and perform solidly every time,
night after night. Fishman is the household name to go for when
it comes to reliable acoustic amps, and in this new model, the
Loudbox Artist, they've struck gold again.
A worthy successor to the now-discontinued Loudbox 100,

the Loudbox Artist packs 120 watts of ultra-clean, bi-amped
acoustic power into an incredibly lightweight and portable package.
Utilising combination inputs, each of the Loudbox Artist's channels
can accept either 1/4" or XLR sources for total versatility. Each
channel also features 3-band EQ and feedback controls, shelving
bass and treble, resonant-style midrange, Notch filter (feedback
control), input gain with 10dB pad and clip indicator, a Phase
switch (feedback control), dedicated effects loop, and 24V
phantom power for condenser mics.
The Loudbox Artist's back panel features auxiliary stereo

inputs for 1/4” and 1/8” connectors, balanced DI outputs for
each input channel and main mix, channel mute to silence
both input channels, and a headphone output. A new dual
digital effects section offers independent channel and effects level PRO-LBX-EX6
controls for Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Echo, and Slap Echo. £659.00 k
Lake LM 44 digital audio loudspeaker processor

The new LM 44 from Lake is a powerful, full-featured digital audio applications, including as a mix-matrix and full system EQ when sitting
system processor based on the highly acclaimed Lake Processing between a mixer and virtually any high-end
technology. performance loudspeaker system. Other possible
assignments include switching between consoles
As its name suggests, LM 44 features 4-in/4-out analogue configuration, on large events, inserted EQ for monitor systems,
while also accommodating 8-in/8-out AES3 and 4-in/8-out Dante digital FOH-to-stage digital transmission, line driver for
audio transport. The LM 44 benefits from the latest implementation of self-powered systems, and as a Dante break-in
Lake’s iconic ‘Mesa EQ’ configuration, utilising 4 Mesa modules, each /break-out box. The LM 44 retails at £3,220.
with an independent input mixer and output signal processing chain.
With this configuration, the LM 44 is ideally suited for a wider range of lake.labgruppen.com
Firestix k
£19.99
(Each)
Add some colour to your beats with these awesome new additions to the Firestix range! From Queen's
Roger Taylor pouring beer over his drums to Keith Moon's dynamite dynamics and Joey Jordison's
mad revolving risers, percussionists are often forced to go out of their way to get noticed.
With Firestix, all you need to do to wow the crowd is play normally – well, in the dark of the stage,
obviously – and the risk of death by explosion is pretty much nil! Firestix
are made from heavy duty, solid clear plastic, and when you start to
play, they'll light up right down the stick in a bright flash of colour.
Now available are three funky new shades – Purple Haze, Mango
Tango and Screamin’ Green – so there's something
for every taste.
They're battery powered (screw-in end

caps mean replacing them is quick and
easy), cost £19.99 each, and will give
you some pretty rocking tones as well, so
give them a whack today!
g27p59_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:03 Page 1
Fret-King sponsors
Three Men on a Bike
Kinsman: the perfect place for your pedals
If you're a lover of your FX pedals – and most of us here at Gear certainly are! – then
you'll be needing a fine pedalboard to keep your stompboxes in order. Step forward
Kinsman, with their brand new KUPB8. The board, which costs only £59.99, follows the No, not one bike. The three men in question are Tim Walter,
philosophy Kinsman has adopted for its whole range of accessories – classy, ergonomic, Simon Griffiths and Peter Heath, all very important
durable, affordable – and it'll easily fit at least a handful of your favourite FX without chaps over at Roland, and they're getting on a bike
problem. Distortion/overdrive, compressor, chorus, tuner, maybe a delay... that's all you each (we hope) to ride the 926 miles from John O’
need, right? With reinforced corners, the lightweight KUPB8 doubles as a handy hard Groats to Land's End, all in the name of the Children In
case and is ideal for getting your stompboxes from place to place all in one piece. Need and Music For All charities. Their goal is to raise
When you get to the gig, just undo a massive £30,000 for those who need it more than
the case, remove the lid, them, and they'll receive part of that through Fret-King,
plug in, and rock out! who have become a key sponsor and made a sizeable
donation to the cause. The three bike men have actually
Pedals shown below: done something similar before. In 2010, they did
Danelectro Cool Cat
Vibe (CV1) £54.99, Fuzz (CF2) £64.99 a Land's End-London ride and raised more than
Transparent Overdrive (CT02) £54.99 £22,000. We're sure they can hit the big
Chorus (CC1) £59.99
Guitar Tech 30 this time! If you feel like
Vintage Chorus (GTE003) £49.99 donating, then head over to
Dot Matrix Tuner (GTE004) £49.99
the Three Men on a Bike
website now.
k
KUPB8
£59.99
www.jhs.co.uk/kinsman.html Pedals not included
www.threemenonabike.org
New Danelectro Hodad
Guitars and Basses
Holy Hodads, er... Batman? Yes, that's right ordinary These Hodads should be in shops by the time you read this, so
folks and comic book superheroes, the much-loved go and check them out today!
Danelectro Hodad is back in town with these fabulous
reissues in guitar and bass form. No, these lovely
new axes won't help you in the ongoing fight against
crime, but they will ensure that you have great fun
every time you pick up your instrument.
DHD6RD k The Hodads are available in Black, Blue Metallic and k

DHD6BK
£429 Red Metallic as guitars, and in Black and Blue Metallic £429 – Black
as basses. They're similar to their predecessors in looks
and features, and of course if you've played Danelectros
before you'll recognise that idiosyncratic feel right away.
We defy you not to fall right under their spell the
minute you pick them up! The Hodads all feature maple
C-shape necks with rosewood fingerboards
(well, what were you expecting?) for that
k
DHD6BL
classic Dano feel, and then there's the £429 – Metallic Blue
masonite-topped body we all know and
love, which produces a beautifully loud and
brash tone acoustically and electrically.
The guitars have 22 frets and the basses 24.
Meanwhile, the pickups are of the classic lipstick k

DHD4BK
variety, with two single coils on the basses, £429 – Black
and two pairs of lipsticks on the six-strings
(with a coil tap option available via a
push/pull pot). Of course, these being
Danelectros, the pickups are wired in
series (as opposed to many other guitars,
which are wired in parallel), so flick to the
middle setting for a load of extra beef! k
DHD4BL
£429 – Metallic Blue
g27p60_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:36 Page 1
Light your symphonies with Kinsman

Kinsman Bright Lights have saved the blushes of short-sighted orchestra members with the
release of this brilliant new Symphony Light. Costing £34.99, the Kinsman Symphony Light features ten super-bright LEDs
with two-step brightness adjustment. These are attached to a 28cm flexible gooseneck that ends in a chunky mounting clip,
which you can sturdily attach to your music stand – or anything else within reason – and it's freestanding too.
The LEDs have a wide illumination coverage, and there's also a handy anti-glare
K INSMAN
Lights shade to focus the light on your music, and not on the audience and the players
around you. The icing on the cake is that the KBL10 comes with a mains power
adaptor, and it also runs for up to 18 hours on three AA batteries (also supplied).
Need plectrums?
Pick Guitar Tech!
The new Guitar Tech range of picks has something for everyone,
KBL10 whether you really like to dig into your strings for your down-tuned
Symphony Light riffs, or if you pick your country tunes hybrid style. GT picks
£34.99 come in packs of six, and they're available in different thicknesses
and designs. You can choose from .71, .96 and 1.2mm gauges, and
tortoiseshell, black, mixed pearl and confetti colour
schemes. They're all comfy, durable, mega
affordable: in short, perfect for the job at hand.
For those of a more twangy persuasion, Guitar Tech have brought
out a nice little selection of thumb and fingerpicks – you
can either go for a pack of six GT thumb picks (with a
medium loop, 1.5mm gauge) in mixed pearl colours,
or a thumb/finger pick set (again containing six picks,
Tortoiseshell k
medium loop and 1.5mm gauge) in tortoiseshell.
Pack of 6 Picks
New PP Cajóns Thumb Picks Pack of 6 Picks k
for those with cajones

Ice Music in the Celestial Sphere...
We took a look at the first ever PP
Drums Cajón back in Gear 26, and
now PP has broadened its range to
include a new finish for adults and When ice sculptor Tim Linhart built a 9ft tall violin – out of ice, naturally –
a cute little box for the kids! Cajóns back in 1998, he strung it with piano wires, called it Octobass, and Ice Music
are cool right now, with loads of was born. Since then Tim and his Ice Orchestra have toured the world performing
percussionists using them for concerts with these beautiful, fragile instruments.
acoustic gigs or jam sessions where
a full kit would be too excessive. "The ice instruments are fully functional," Tim explains. "The material used to
For what just looks like a hollow construct the sound box is a blend of snow and water we refer to as 'white ice',
wooden box with a hole in one side, while the neck and fingerboard are made of wood, since ice will not perform
they're surprisingly versatile too all of the functions of the neck. The sound produced by the ice sound box is
k
– you just sit on them and magnificently clear, rich, and energetic, like light shining through clear water."
strike and slap the back PP144
and sides to create £84.99 The greatest challenge associated with ice instruments is with tuning (we'd have
different percussive thought a bigger problem would be with melting instruments, but there you go!),
sounds. Tilting the as the temperature difference between the warm musician and the heat generated
box at an angle by bowing makes ordinary 'friction' tuning pegs – which make use of a wax-based
while playing will paste to facilitate both movement and holding grip – difficult to use.
also change the
tone and timbre, Tim contacted Horst Wittner, who sent Ice Music a whole fleet of Wittner
while interior snares finetuning pegs. "The difference was, in a word, revolutionary!" says Tim.
add extra 'snap' effects. "From the first moment I installed the Wittner pegs, all of my troubles went
The new adult-sized away. This past winter
Cajón (£84.99) has a classy, we performed in Swedish
dark brown and black veneered Lapland in temperatures
finish, while the child-sized as low as -28°C without
offering (£74.99) is a rich any difficulties." If you're
burgundy in shade. Light in an ice cool player, you
weight, and with non-slip rubber could make use of
feet for extra grip, the pair come Wittner too...
in a padded carry bag to keep them
safe when in transit or storage. www.icemusic.us
PP145
£74.99
k
g27p61_Layout 1 19/05/2012 13:44 Page 1
k
VUKE1 £49.99
Elsewhere this issue we look at

three new Laka by Vintage electric www.facebook.com/VintageInstruments
ukes, and now feast your eyes
on this, a trio of amazingly high performing – and
k
VUKE1BK £49.99
wallet-friendly – e-ukes from Vintage themselves. The
nylon-strung VUKE1 is a singlecut model that is available in 3
different finishes – black, cherry sunburst and a classic tobacco burst.
It's a soprano model and features an eastern poplar body, set maple
neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, 15 frets, and open geared
k
KRU20 £14.99
machineheads. Just like the Lakas, you can plug in via a standard jack
socket, as the VUKE1 features a hidden piezo pickup, and tweaking the
sound is easy thanks to some handy sliding Volume and Tone controls.
The great thing about ukuleles is that anyone can play them, they're a
great way to get started with stringed instruments, and they're ideal
for kids with smaller hands. At only £49.99, the Vintage VUKE1 is a
great way to get uked up for very little cash!
k
VUKE1CSB £49.99
Plus, if you want to get them to practice or a gig safely, check out
the new Kinsman KRU20 Soprano Uke Bag. A padded gigbag with
handy shoulder strap, and costing a very reasonable £14.99,
it’s a match made in heaven! www.jhs.co.uk/vintagefolk.html
Get a grip with Dava’s

new Jazz Grip picks... New from Kinsman Stands – and a complement to the ever-growing
Odyssey brass and woodwind instruments range – is a selection of
Dava, designers of the unique, multi-grip plectrum brand new dedicated floor stands to keep your beloved instrument
range that guitar players everywhere rave about, safe when not in use.
have announced their new Jazz Grip selection.
First up is the BC45 Bass Clarinet Stand (£19.99), which features an
adjustable neck support and bell rack. The FH46 French Horn Stand
k
OPS6
(£12.99) is a traditional A-frame style stand that folds away neatly when Music Stand
not in use. Completing the trio is the TS70 Tuba Stand (£34.99), which £39.99
provides a durable and fully adjustable method of securing your instrument.
Kinsman has also introduced a brand new heavy-duty music stand

that’s also compact and fully adjustable, the OPS6 (£39.99).
Seemingly bombproof in construction – we haven’t put that to the
test yet, though – the OPS6 will hold even the heaviest of music
scores. Gear has an AC/DC anthology TAB book that weighs about three
Available in Delrin, Nylon and Gel finishes, Jazz Grips kilograms, and it managed that no problem!
feature a smaller body design with an accentuated
point, ideal for those intricate runs and delicate Finally, for those budding Paganinis out there,
chordal passages. the Kinsman VS60 (£14.99) is a unique and
secure way of storing your violin.
Jazz Grips, along with the popular Grip Tip, Rock and
Master Control Series, are available individually or in Go check all these fab new stands out at
multipack bags. You can pick up a pack of six Jazz your local music store today!
Grips for only £5.99 – either plump for six of your
favourite material, or go for a combo bag for the
same dough. k
BC45 Bass
Clarinet Stand
It's a bit like pick 'n' mix in plectrum form, with a little £19.99 k
TS70
bit of everything included! Try 'em out today – we Tuba Stand
don't reckon you'll ever look back... £34.99
k
VS60 Violin Stand
k £14.99
Delrin Delrin Jazz Nylon Nylon Dava Control FH46
Grip Tip Grip Grip Tip Jazz Grip Nylon French Horn Stand
£12.99
Stands
Dava Control Delrin Master Control Gel Gel
Gels Rock Control Nickel Silver Grip Tip Jazz Grip Tip
g27p62_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:07 Page 1
© Pictures courtesy of The Yorkshire Post.
Ricky’s School Of Rock:

Dare to be Awesome!
Established in 2006, Ricky’s School of Rock occupies part of a former 70s rock, which makes them indispensable when teaching our RiffMasters
mill building in Huddersfield. The walls are lined with electric and course!”
acoustic guitars, rock posters and large photographs of pupils absorbed
in playing riffs and rocking out on stage. You can see immediately why The 10-week RiffMasters course comes in two flavours, for either adults
this has become the place to be for anyone in search of their inner or kids, and focuses on learning a diverse range of classic rock riffs.
Jimmy Page! Other popular courses – like the school’s foundation beginners’ guitar
course – take individual songs as the starting point and aim to get
Ricky says proudly: “We’ve got 300 people coming through the door budding strummers playing tunes at the BBQ or round the campfire.
each week. The youngest kid is five, the oldest kid is 80! No matter “Not everyone wants to be Slash!” Ricky muses.
what age you are, it can be a daunting experience picking up a guitar
and trying to learn it, so we think it’s a good idea to make the first Along with expert one-to-one
steps as painless as possible.” tuition available on guitar,
drums, bass and vocals,
And to do that, he needs top quality, affordable instruments. “It’s budding rock stars can also
easy to focus on performers and artists as the benchmark for what is participate in the school's
required of a guitar,” Ricky says, “but from the perspective of music awesome rock band sessions,
teachers, the easier a guitar is to play, the easier it is for a student called RockJam. This 10-
to advance in their capabilities as a musician, and hopefully attain week session climaxes with
the skills of their heroes. Vintage guitars do all that and more!” a gig in front of family and
friends in the school's
“It’s for this reason my guitar tutors and I love the Vintage range of venue-like concert room.
products and particularly the playability and affordability for those just
starting out on guitar,” Ricky continues. “Having and using a reliable So, if you’re ready to dare
and consistent brand of guitars in stock means it's infinitely easier to yourself to be AWESOME,
facilitate our teaching. We're continually impressed with the attention Ricky’s School Of Rock
to detail and usability of the Vintage range of guitars.” and Vintage can help!
But it's not just the students who are loving the Vintage range, because www.rock-school.co.uk
Ricky and his colleagues have also been seduced by their performance
and value for money! “The kicker for us is, as guitar teachers and advanced
players we love playing the Vintage range as well,” Ricky says. “So a ®
Vintage guitar may well be the only guitar you’ll ever need! I love
playing my ReIssued VP6 for down-tuned metal and my AV1 for raunchy
62
g27p63_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:11 Page 1
S M O
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The new Defender 5-watt guitar head has only one knob – Volume! • 31⁄2” piezo horn Ch3: 3.5mm sub out
But the fun lies in hearing what this knob does as you turn it up. • Channel 1&2: XLR/6.35mm Inputs
Starting at its lowest volume position and moving clockwise, you’ll • Channel 3: 3.5mm Inputs
hear clean and clear tube tones that progressively give way to • Sync I/O, Sub Outputs
overdrive until this little sucker is simply screaming.
Features include one 12AX7 preamp valve, one EL84 power valve
and three speaker outputs (4, 8, and 16-ohm). This lets players mix
and match its use with a variety of speaker cabinets, providing even
more flexibility.
DEFENDER 1X12
The Defender 5H head is designed to work perfectly with the new
Defender 1x12 speaker cabinet. This solidly constructed cabinet
features a single Kustom 12-inch speaker and a plywood baffle
board for enhanced tone and resonance. It is rated at 30 watts RMS
and produces rich, articulate clean tones and when overdriven,
elivers gutsy, soul-stirring tones that will put a smile on your face.
Exclusive UK & Eire Trade Distributors:
www.jhs.co.uk WWW.KUSTOM.COM
g27p64_65_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:54 Page 1
ough a load of top

In the last issue of Gear we ran thr
to Trev Wilkinson's
new players who have all been drawn
ths to a flaming
'affordable boutique guitars' like mo
prised to be having
fretboard, and frankly, we're not sur
time out a wealth of
to do that again now, as since last
up-and-coming musicians have
at
a t t
t r
r a
a c
c t
t s
s t
t
joined the Fret-King ranks.
t
t a
a l
l e
e n
n Here's some of the best!
mmo orree
PENGUIN accolades
UK-based post-rock quartet Midas Fall have built It’s been a busy couple of years for Wakefield alt
MIDAS FALL a devoted fanbase across Europe since their rockers Penguin, and, having racked up various
inception in 2009, recently releasing five- – including playing the prestigious Leeds &
track EP As Our Blood Separates and playing Reading Festivals – the band are showing no signs of slowing down,
a slot at Switzerland's Deadline Festival with new recordings and promo vids in the can, and countless gigs
to rave reviews. The band also opened being played. The Fret-King range wowed lead guitarist Matt Cornish
the Monotreme Records 10th Birthday so much that he decided to treat himself to a Blue Label Country
Celebration, which featured post-rock Squire Super S. “This is the BEST guitar I've ever played,” he says.
heroes 65daysofstatic and “It stays in tune, gives me a lot more power to my sound and fits
Reigns. On the lookout like a glove. The fretboard is a work of art, and
for a new bass for you can tell a lot of thought has gone into
recording, Midas's each detail – like the contours, which blow
Scottish-born multi- all other current designs away. For me it's
instrumentalist Rowan the best of classic builds and modern
Burn’s eyes fell on the reliability, like an old guitar pumped with
Fret-King Blue Label steroids!” We suggest you catch
Perception. “It sounds Penguin live ASAP, because, as Leeds
great!” she explains. “It's Music Scene point out: “Carefully
incredibly well-balanced, with planned stops and breakdowns to
excellent definition when using make any rock band envious, and
distortion and delays. It also plays three-piece harmonies that made
well with synths, which was a problem the hairs on your arms rise.
with the last bass I was using, but
there's so much clarity with the
Perception, it opened up the bottom
end, complementing the synth sounds.
I'm really happy with it!” Catch Midas Penguin are awesome!"
Fall's mesmerising live show soon! Check out new track Sforzando!
www.midasfall.com tinyurl.com/PenguinSforzando
IZON
ROAD TO HOR
Luke Higgins is a session player
Road To Horizon are an alternative rock LUKE HIGGINS busy

from London who's been very
working as guitarist for
band from Wakefield, England, who have Claire McGuire and more recently with Spanish
quickly gained a loyal fanbase for their singer/songwriter Juan Zelada. A longtime
powerhouse tracks and energetic live Fret-King player, Luke can be seen using his
performances. Cornerstone to the band's Fret-King Blue Label Super 60HB and Eclat 2
sound and heavy riffage is guitarist Mark guitars at Juan's gigs and in the videos for
Thirkill, who relies on his Fret-King Blue The Blues
Label Eclat Standard to create the Remain and
band's trademark Barman. “They say
sound both a guitarist's tone
live and in is ultimately in
the studio. his fingers,”
“Throw away says Luke, “but
your other having a great
guitars guitar definitely
because the helps, and when
Eclat blows them it comes to
out of the water with Fret-King guitars
its perfectly balanced they are up there
pickups and its solid build with the best
quality,” Mark says. “The arm and a welcome
cutout in the body makes it such addition to my
a comfortable guitar to play, and collection. They are
the guitar holds its tuning perfectly, second to none when it comes
no matter which tuning I go to!” Catch to quality and consistency, and
Road To Horizon at a gig near you soon! I look forward to playing them
for many years to come.”
tinyurl.com/RoadToHorizon
www.juanzelada.com
facebook.com/FretKing
64
g27p64_65_Layout 1 18/05/2012 15:55 Page 2
BARRY WILLIAMS Barry Williams is a freelance session

TON
DAN STAPLEDan Stapleton was inspired to pick up the guitar
player originally from London but aged 14 after hearing a friend play Oasis's Be Here Now one day
now working in Manchester. In his after school. He went on play live with local bands in pubs and
time, Barry has worked with Maxi clubs around Devon while studying for his
Priest, Candi Staton, Floetry and BTEC in Popular Music, before moving
alongside Jamiroquai’s Matt north to attend Leeds College Of Music.
Steele, Marvin from JLS, as well Dan now works as a full time musician
as playing in various projects with based in Leeds, but is regularly gigging
members of backing bands for and touring throughout the UK and
Westlife, Boyzone, Five, Blue, Ireland, as well as doing session
Kylie and Take That. He's also work. He currently lends his
had a long residency abilities to a number of acts,
within the London including Vibetown,
Community Gospel Cavebirds, Oaysis and The
Choir. Barry has just Total Stone Roses. Dan's
acquired a Fret-King a huge fan of his
Black Label JD Fret-King Ventura,
guitar, as he needed saying: "Doing what
a guitar versatile I do, I need to be
enough to cover able to play in a
every situation he versatile way and
finds himself in. in many different
“I can’t believe styles, including
how great this rock, pop,
guitar is!” he blues, funk,
enthuses. “I don’t country, etc.
think I’m ever going My Fret-King
to pick up another Ventura gives
guitar again!” me the tonal
versatility that
I need to do
my job!"
www.guitarlessons-leeds.co.uk
Exclusivity assured.
STVDIO & Green Label UK hand-built basses.
A unique, one-off by Trev Wilkinson
STVDIO Perception 60 JJ
California Green with red tortoiseshell pick guard
Green Label Perception 60 PJ

Original Classic Burst
Fret-King Perception 60
Hand built from carefully selected swamp ash, with optimal weight and density, the
Perception bass is designed for perfect balance and comfort.
The one-piece hard rock maple neck offers the journeyman bass player a true
workhorse; versatile, positive and precise.
Featuring either a balanced set of Fret-King Alnico V double polepiece single coil pickups
(60 JJ) or a split coil/single coil (60 PJ), the Perception 60 covers the needs of the most
.com discerning studio and live performance bass player.
,,
MODELS ILLUSTRATED: PERCEPTION 60. BODY: SWAMP ASH, NECK: HARD ROCK MAPLE BOLT-ON, SCALE 34 /864MM, TUNERS: GOTOH FB3, BRIDGE: WILKINSON WB2P, PICKUPS: (JJ MODEL) 2 X FRET-KING ALNICO V SINGLE COIL
J-TYPE, (PJ MODEL) 1 X FRET-KING ALNICO V SPLIT SINGLE COIL (M) 1 X FRET-KING ALNICO V SINGLE COIL J-TYPE (B), CONTROLS: 2 X VOLUME , MASTER TONE. STVDIO 60 JJ £1,799.00, GREEN LABEL 60 PJ £1,679.00 RRP INC. VAT.
g27p66_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:18 Page 1
The western world's first full-time solo eyes – the sense of sight – and really
percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie has won concentrating on that sense of touch to gauge as a kind of demonstration, when I'm
a Grammy, been awarded the DBE, toured the the dynamics and to gauge the sound's colour.” using different percussion instruments, and it's
world repeatedly for 25 years and played in just something that's so lightweight and easy
Oscar the Grouch's Junk Band on Sesame And what more colourful sounding instruments to fit in the car. They're just really handy!”
Street. This is all pretty remarkable, but when than Boomwhackers? The brightly coloured
you discover that Glennie has been profoundly musical tubes are just one of more than 1800 As well as her Boomwhackers fun, Glennie's
deaf since the age of 12, it's even more instruments in Glennie's collection, and she's currently got loads of projects
astonishing! extremely fond of them. “I've had Boomwhackers on the go, including
myself for a number of years, and I use them for children's books (including
A musical child from a musical family in a all sorts of things,” she says. an autobiography specifically
musically-rich region (Aberdeenshire), it seems written for young readers), a
like music was in Glennie's blood right from “They're so adaptable for the kids, but then jewellery range, motivational
the start. She has certainly had to defy the of course adults become curious about them speaking all over the world –
odds to make it to where she is today, and as well! They discover that they can take part as well as all her touring, of
her techniques and skillset are utterly unique and have fun with the kids. You don't have to course. Make sure you go and
in the world of music – performing barefoot, feel as though you have to be a musician or a see her when she's next in
Glennie 'feels' her music through the percussionist or something like that. For me, your town, as she's truly
instruments' vibrations. “I really believe that obviously I'm using them more as a musical inspirational.
the body just opens up and becomes like a instrument, and in a musical context. A real
huge ear, in a way,” Glennie says. “It literally thing for some media music, TV or film music,
involves opening up all the senses, using the that type of thing. Sometimes I use them just www.evelyn.co.uk
Fishman has the

More pro players have found that Fishman have
the answers when it comes to great – and portable
– live acoustic sounds! When freelance musician
Tom Kent went on a busking tour with X Factor
finalist John Adams recently, portability and
X Factor!
UK blues rock guitarist John
Verity is another fan of the
SA220. “I use the Fishman
SA220 at my acoustic gigs large and small,"
he says. “It's a great sounding, reliable
ease of use was the key requisite. "It really was monitor for me at large gigs, and has
a whistle stop tour of cafes and various places enough volume to fill the room on its own
and I needed something I could easily carry," at small gigs. What a fantastic piece of kit!”
explains Tom. "With the trolley bag supplied
with the Fishman SA220 it was ideal. Plus, In a further coup for Fishman, acoustic icon
setting up was a doddle. I'd have expected Gordon Giltrap – who knows a thing or two
some compromise with the sound, but no – the about acoustic amplification – has had no X Factor finalist John Adams on tour with Fishman
SA220 delivered in spades and then some!" hesitation in choosing a Fishman PRO-LBX-500
Loudbox Mini for recent live performances. Get down to your local music store today and
The self-contained 220-watt SA220 rig uses line "The Fishman Loudbox Mini is a terrific and see for yourself why the Fishman amplification
array technology for fantastic projection and powerful little amp," he tells Gear. series continues to find new fans!
allows you to hook up two instruments and/or "It's just perfect for shaping your onstage
two vocals, and comes chock full of features sounds, and it makes a great monitor.
www.fishman.com
such as built in reverb, anti-feedback, and I love it!"
• PRO-AMP-SL1
phase control – but you can set it up in a FISHMAN SA220 SOLO
PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
couple of minutes.
66
g27p67_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:01 Page 1
Bubingas out for the lads!

Vintage have announced a new series of basses to join the ranks of their hugely popular bass
range. The Bubinga Series compromises of four Trev Wilkinson-designed models, all featuring
his highly regarded pickups and hardware, and built to take you from your bedroom to the
world's biggest stages!
First up is the passive Vintage V8004B (£299) which has an eastern poplar body with 6mm Bubinga
top, a bolt-on hard maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. A pair of authentically voiced split Wilkinson
WBP pickups are matched with a WBJ at the bridge position, giving you a full spectrum of classic bass
guitar sounds via dedicated tone and volume controls. Wilkinson designed the WBBC and WJB650 bridge
...........................................................................................................................................................................
and machineheads to ensure perfect intonation and tuning stability.
The Vintage V9004B (£399) features the same basic spec as the V80004B,
but with the added appeal of active electronics, and a 5-piece laminated
bolt-on neck of maple and nato.
Next in the series is the V10004B (£499). With its 5-piece laminated
maple/nato through neck design, a beautiful Bubinga top on a solid Two great new lights from Mighty Bright
mahogany body, plus a pair of high output Mighty Bright have been providing musicians with light for an impressive
• V10004B
VINTAGE BUBINGA Wilkinson designed MWJH4 active quarter of a century now, so what better time than to drop two ace new
4 STRING ACTIVE
humbucking pickups, the V10004B is products on us? The Mighty Bright Encore Music Light (£39.99) – which
truly a force to be reckoned with is a miniature version of the popular Mighty Bright Orchestra Light –
spec-wise and more than able to features six super-bright energy-
hold its own in any situation. efficient LEDs (each of which
For five-string aficionados, the lasts for a staggering 100,000
V10005B (£519) has the same hours), two brightness levels, a
spec as its four-string brother, flexible gooseneck and a chunky padded clip that
but with a low B string for those opens extra wide. The lights are spread evenly thanks to an
room-rattling low notes. optical grade lens, and it's supplied with a durable travel bag,
three AA batteries for portable use, and an AC adapter with a
4-metre cord. Start practicing – with the Encore Light you'll be
playing long into the night!
Introducing Then there's the HammerHead Music Light (£19.99), which is

Mighty Bright's fiercest, most powerful book light
Lab.gruppen's ever. Taking its name from its distinctive light
bar, the HammerHead's six LEDs and two • 54930
brightness settings scare away the
E Series amps
MIGHTY BRIGHT
ENCORE MUSIC LIGHT
darkness. No
need to be
Swedish firm Lab.gruppen's reputation for creating boundary-breaking intimated
sound reinforcement products for the professional audio industry by the beast, though, as this one
continues with their new E Series range of amps. There's three models requires no maintenance. With LEDs
available – the 400-watt E4:2 (£620), the 800-watt 8:2 (£750) and • 54810 that last 100,000 hours, included
the mighty 12:2 (1200 watts, £880) – and in designing them, MIGHTY BRIGHT
HAMMERHEAD MUSIC LIGHT AAA batteries, and an optional AC
Lab.gruppen's engineers drew upon the cutting-edge amplifier design adapter, you won't tire out the
philosophies developed for the flagship PLM 20000Q Powered mighty HammerHead any time soon.
Loudspeaker management system. They've evolved these to create So position that light bar just where
new circuit topologies and control features to meet the demands of you want it, press that button, and
21st century AV installations. The result is the E Series amps line, illuminate!
which is ideal for use in bars and restaurants, shops, hotels and
ballrooms, conference centres, auditoriums and more. Encore LED Music Light HammerHead LED Music Light
• Six bright white energy-efficient LEDs • 6 bright white energy-efficient LEDs
.....................................
• Each LED lasts 100,000 hours • Two brightness levels

• Two brightness levels • Durable LEDs last 100,000 hours
• Optical grade lens spreads light evenly • Precisely engineered lens spreads
• Flexible gooseneck light evenly
• Padded clip opens extra-wide • Flexible gooseneck
• Durable travel bag (included) • Clip opens extra-wide
• Three AAA batteries (included) • AAA batteries (included)
• AC adapter with 13 foot/4 metre • Durable gig bag (included)
• 400 WATT E4:2
power cord (included)
• 12.75" x 6" x 1.75" (Length x
• 800 WATT E8:2 Height x Width) www.mightybright.com
• 1200 WATT E12:2

g27p68_69_Layout 1 19/05/2012 15:13 Page 1
Vintage all over the world!

The perfect workhorse for touring professionals and the best axe for aspiring bedroom players, Vintage electrics are ideal for
guitarists of any age, style or ability. With top quality woods and lashings of ace Wilkinson hardware, they're built for brilliant
performance night after night, gig after gig – or just practice after practice. Here's who's got that Vintage vibe recently...
Henry’s Funeral Shoe

Henry’s Funeral Shoe are a 2-piece blues rock combo from South Wales, consisting of brothers Aled and
Brennig Clifford. They've been wowing audiences around the world with their powerful, riff-laden brand
of rock 'n' roll for years now, and their new album – the brilliantly-named Donkey Jacket – features
lead track Dog Scratched Ear, which has just been used by Fiat in an advert starring none other than
Charlie Sheen! It's been seen FOUR (yes, four!) MILLION times already... Oh, and it's been on the BBC
series Being Human too. Not bad, eh? Guitarist and frontman Aled has been a longtime fan of Vintage
guitars, and uses his V99CS guitar at every gig. “We've just returned from our European tour,” he told
Gear mag. “The Vintage is holding up and still sounding great despite being stuck in the van for over
6000 miles! It's been a great workhorse – stays in tune throughout the show despite me using it for
four different tunings and battering the hell outta it!” Check 'em out now before they go stratospheric!
e – it stays
“My Vintage V99CS has been a great workhors
it for four
in tune throughout the show despite me using
different tunings and battering the hell outta it!”
henrysfuneralshoe.com
Wayne Plummer
Since graduating from the London College of Music Guitar Institute with a
Diploma in Popular Music Performance, Wayne Plummer has carved himself a
career as a professional guitarist, working sessions around the world with
artists such as Kelly Rowland, All Saints, Gloria Gaynor, Craig David, Shaggy
and NeYo. Working pro sessions naturally requires a pro instrument, so Wayne
had no hesitation in choosing a Vintage ICON V100MRJBM guitar for those
potentially pressured situations. "I’ve taken this guitar into recording
sessions a number of times now,” he says, “and folks are amazed. They think
it's a really expensive custom shop job! Never judge a book by its cover – a
great guitar is a great guitar!"
“Never judge a book by its cover r!"

– a great guitar is a great guita
Silverjet
Charismatic and energetic quartet Silverjet have fused together the authentic bluesy sound of
the likes of Led Zeppelin and AC/DC with the hard and heavy edge of bands such as Mötley
Crüe, Buckcherry and Papa Roach to come up with their own distinctive sound. And, with the
increasingly big gigs they're playing – they've already toured alongside Buckcherry, The
Quireboys and Hanoi Rocks – the Sheffield-based band need reliable workhorse instruments
that nevertheless fit their image, and can handle the rigours of life on the road. Frontman
and guitarist Dave Kerr says: "Not only does my Vintage VRS110C look the part, it plays the
part and it sounds the part! This guitar is of the highest quality. HELL YEAH!”
silverjetmusic.co.uk
rt,
"Not only does my Vintage VRS110C lookrt!the pa
it plays the part and it sounds the pa LL YEAH!”
This guitar is of the highest quality. HE
facebook.com/vintageinstruments
68
g27p68_69_Layout 1 19/05/2012 15:15 Page 2
Dave Daniel
Dave Daniel, one of the youngest top call session players on the UK scene, has chosen the Vintage ReIssued V4
as his bass guitar of choice for his European tour with rapidly rising blues rock outfit Snakewater. A self taught
bassist and drummer, Dave's melodic groove style allows him to slip seamlessly from rock and pop through to
indie, jazz fusion and gospel, and has taken him to many major venues across the UK and Europe, with many
more to come. Already a bassist to the stars despite his tender years, Dave's live and studio session credits
include chart-topping acts like Pixie Lott, Tinie Tempah, Daniel Bedingfield, Sugababes and Beverley Knight.
On his Vintage V4MVW bass, Dave says: "It's fantastic – I wasn't expecting the pickups to have such
power and punch being passive, but the tones from these Wilkinson WPBs are fantastic, and able to
handle any situation I might find myself in."
"The tones from these Wilkinson WPBs are fantastic,

and able to handle any situation I might find myself in."
Joel Van Dijk

American soul sensation Aloe Blacc made
massive waves recently with Top 10 album
Good Things (which went gold in the UK,
selling more than 100,000 copies) and his
global hit I Need A Dollar, making
appearances at major festivals such as
Glastonbury and on TV shows like Later...
With Jools Holland. Aloe's backing band,
The Grand Scheme, features Dutch-born
lead guitarist Joel van Dijk, whose guitar
of choice live and in the studio is his
Vintage AV3HNF. “I almost always grab
it first from my guitar rack,” he says.
“It just has that classic 'favourite
pair of pants' vibe. Solid and
smooth tone, beautiful looks,
and humble playability.
“I originally bought it in a little

music store in Germany on one of the previous
tours and remember being stricken by its beautiful yellow top. ‘Spy’ tones
joelvandijk.com from the bridge pickup, meaty leads from the neck and funky clean in the
middle. Overall, I just like it!”
“It just has that classic

'favourite pair of pants' vibe.
Solid and smooth tone, beautiful looks,
and humble playability...”
Gary Grainger
Gary Grainger, probably best known for his time with the Rod Stewart
Band, has a rock 'n' roll pedigree to die for – Roger Daltrey, Ronnie
Wood, John Entwistle and Roger Chapman are just some of the names
he has worked with. His latest venture, Apart From Rod, brings together
leading past members of Rod's band, including Jim Cregan, who
recently introduced Gary to the delights of the Vintage range with his
V100MRPGM Lemon Drop guitar. After buying one for himself, Gary
decided to also give a Vintage V100CS a try out – and was so impressed
he ended up buying FOUR! “The body weight and balance is just how I
like it,” he explains, “and it plays, looks and feels great – plus the
sound is spot on!” During his time with Rod, Gary co-wrote many of his
hits, including I Was Only Joking, Hot Legs, Ain’t Love A Bitch, and
Passion, and Apart From Rod are now playing these and many other of
those classic Rod tracks!
“The body weight and balance is

just how I like it,
and it plays, looks and feels great Gary Grainger (right)
– plus the sound is spot on!” and Jim Cregan with

their Vintage axes.
apartfromrod.com
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See these Bones...

Al The Yeti Bones has been a staple in Usually baritone guitars and 7-strings only sound good in our
Canadian stoner metal since 1999. He's toured tuning, but these Vintage guitars, when set up for B,
the country many times, released a bunch of open up a new world. I use them on tour, and in
awesomely powerful albums with bands like the studio, and I've never been happier. Hands
Mister Bones, Georgian Skull, The Mighty down, better than any other guitar out there!"
Nimbus, and his current Gypsy Chief Goliath
project, and been signed to top cult alternative
European labels like Italy's Scarlet Records and
Sweden's Threeman Recordings.
Gypsy Chief Goliath is a is a heavy blues/metal

outfit with three guitar players and a massive
sound that is influenced by bands like Thin Gypsy Chief Goliath's album, It's A
Lizzy, Black Sabbath, and The Allman Brothers. Walk In The Mist, is out now on Black
To fully achieve GCG's powerhouse wall of Vulture Records, with their next record,
sound, and to keep up with their hectic touring New Machines Of The Night, coming
schedules, Al The Yeti Bones needs guitars that soon. It's going to blow us all away!
do the business. Step forward Vintage, and
their rock-solid ReIssued range. Al owns www.facebook.com/GypsyChiefGoliath
Vintage VS6s and V100s, and just loves them!
He says: “The amazing tones and the
amount of push and pull I can get from my
Vintage guitars are just unbelievable. They
honestly play and feel like the best guitars in
the world. Ever since I started using Vintage,
I haven't used anything else!”
And the Vintage axes can even cope with

GCG's mega-heavy, down-tuned riffage.
“They are heavy as hell,” Al says, “so tuning
in standard B like we do in Gypsy Chief
Goliath makes my Vintage guitars work
overtime and they prevail with flying colours.
Radford family joins the Vintage

and Fret-King families
Vintage guitars continue to gain fans across the world, “The Eclat is proof that you can improve on a classic design,” Sean
with many pro players being charmed by the plethora of Trev says. “The subtle body contours add comfort and reduce playing
Wilkinson-designed features these instruments provide. fatigue, and the streamlined neck joint gives me greater access to
the whole fingerboard. The Vari-coil adds so much sonic versatility
Among the newest converts are US-based guitar playing and lets me fine tune my tone like never before. From spanky clean
father and son Mick and Sean Radford.... to dirty and mean, the Eclat gives you everything you’d expect
from a guitar that looks like this, and then some!”
Father Mick's versatility as a singer-guitarist-writer-producer has
earned him credits in a wide variety projects over the years. He's Sean is also a fan of the Vintage ICON range of distressed axes. “My
worked with the likes of Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, and John Vintage V62MRAB twangs with the best of 'em!” he exclaims. “The
Mayall, to name but three and, needing a guitar that can handle a hardware is rock solid and lets me play in tune and stay in tune,
variety of tunings and with a versatile tonal palette, he was and the pickups give me the power and clarity to cut through the
naturally taken with the self-tuning Fret-King Super-matic. mix. I need a guitar that combines classic looks and sounds with
modern features and playability, and my Vintage delivers the
“I’ve been waiting a long time for a guitar like the Fret-King goods!” Like father, like son...
Super-matic to come along,” Mick says. “I got it, plugged it in,
and played through a few of my songs in different tunings, all with
William Hines Photography
a touch of a button! It is the most versatile guitar in my arsenal –

totally chameleonic yet with a voice of its own. The versatility and
playability of the Fret-King Super-matic is why it’s my main axe. It
does the job of several guitars. It takes me there and
back all in real time. The first time I played it I
stopped... then it struck me that I was holding a
piece of history yet, at the same time, the future...”
Mick’s son Sean received his first guitar at the age of

five and never looked back. A student of all things
musical, he studied Spanish guitar and jazz in college
before moving to Europe to focus on performing. Now
back in the States, he is writing music for a variety of
new projects as a solo artist and working on a new
guitar instruction book and DVD, in addition to
performing locally and nationally with country artist
Amber Leigh. So taken was he with the Fret-King
range, he bought himself a Blue Label Series Eclat
Standard and Elan Super 60 HBP. www.seanradford.com www.mickradford.com
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g27p71_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:32 Page 1
New Laka ukulele quartet A VINTAGE BASS FOR

Here's something special for the discerning uke player (in fact, the type
ALL FOUR SEASONS
of discerning player who probably doesn't refer to them as 'ukes', but New from Vintage basses is
there we go). With these four new acoustic-only models, this classically-styled violin
VUS75 Laka have continued their trend of making utterly bass, known as the VVB4SB.
beautiful instruments that are a joy to play. The VUC85 A real eye-opener to look at, it's
(£169) is a slim-bodied concert ukulele, with spalted full of mojo to play, and its tonal
maple back and sides, a solid spruce top and an open pore palette (controlled via two
VUC85 finish. Meanwhile, the soprano VUS75 (£169) is made of volume knobs and rhythm, bass
striking butterfly wood with a satin finish. The VUC95 and treble switches) is very wide
(£189) is a concert uke featuring spalted maple back and indeed! The hollow-bodied
sides, solid spruce top, VVB4SB features a beautiful
and a satin finish, while burst finish, spruce top with
the VUT95 (£199) is a flame maple back and sides, a
tenor version with the hard maple set neck with
same specs. All four chrome hardware. The white
ukes feature binding VUC95 pearl scratchplate sets the look
and a sonokeling off perfectly, and the Wilkinson
fingerboard and bridge, WDB bass pickups provide the
and each lends its own VUT95 sounds. The VVB4SB's a real snip
personality and tones at £329, and it comes with a
to a subtly different, free hard case too, so it's fair to
but always luxurious, say that the taxman certainly
playing experience. won't be knocking on your
Try them all and door any time soon...
see which one
is right for you... jhs.co.uk/vintage.html
The beautiful
back of
VUS75
facebook.com/
VintageInstruments
Punk it up with
the Vintage VR100! The
Wittner Finetune-Pegs
best tuning pegs in the world are back.
We'd been hoping Trev Wilkinson Wittner's Finetune-Pegs are to be found on some of
would do one of these for, like, the best violins and violas around, and some of the
aaaages, and now it's finally here! most expensive. Indeed, world-famous violin
No sir, it doesn't get any more virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn has them on her 1720
punk 'n' roll than a single cutaway Stradivarius – the most famous, and valuable,
axe with one screaming P90 instrument of its type anywhere in the world!
pickup – and that's exactly what Elizabeth has had the violin ever since it was
we've got here with the Gloss won by her uncle in an world record-breaking
White-finished Vintage ReIssued auction in 1990 – and Wittner are all she'll
VR100. What you get here for your use to keep it in top working order.
moolah (£269) is the no-fuss body Elizabeth says: “With Wittner pegs, it is so
with set neck, rosewood delightfully easy to tune my violin
fingerboard, wrapover bridge onstage before performing in a major
tailpiece and a single volume and concerto. They have solved my problems
tone control for the Wilkinson with pegs sticking and slipping, and I
W90SK stacked ceramic feel they are saving me from pain and
pickup, which – being strain too. I am a huge fan and am
stacked – offers spreading the word about this
hum-cancelling wonderful product wherever I go
performance alongside just because I like them so much!”
all the reassuring clarity Finetune-Pegs are made of high
and bite of the traditional tech composite materials that
soapbar type pickup. help provide easy, quick,
And boy, does it effortless and precise tuning.
scream! You'd have Get some on your violin today
to be something of – you won't look back.
an American Idiot www.wittner-gmbh.de
not to like this one. www.elizabethpitcairn.com
Photo: Joy Strotz
The Wittner Finetune-Peg
jhs.co.uk/vintage.html
facebook.com/VintageInstruments
71
g27p72_73_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:31 Page 1
Fret-King STVDIO…
Trev Wilkinson explains the concept behind his Fret-King STVDIO guitars.
In the Fret-King
workshop – an airy, vibrant
and atmospheric atelier in an
elegant Southport Victorian
workshop – I, along with Mike
Smith, my master builder of
many years’ experience, craft the
occasional extra special, unique
Fret-King STVDIO guitar
to show what can be
done when the
creative process is FKS1692 gives
allowed to break
today’s
free of the bounds
player a true
of conformity.
modern-vintage
classic, and I’ve
It's where I experiment
even gone so far as
a little and try things the Fret-King replicating the wear
that maybe were not styling studio, patterns found with the
actually made but with each very first vacuum formed
could have been creation being pickup covers. Not only will the
if someone had an awe-inspiring sound of this great guitar astound you
thought about it! and highly with its authenticity, but that little bit
desirable of contemporary versatility
930
HTY BRIGHT
Beyond even object of provided by the 'out
CORE MUSIC LIGHT
the excellence beauty. of time' aged P90
of my UK-built demonstrates the now
Fret-King Green We will never traditional Fret-King
Label guitars, repeat any ‘twist’.
these unique Fret-King STVDIO
styling exercises are guitar, and the
exotic one-off creations and discerning few who will We love cool shapes, and
can be many things; stunning custom finishes, own one will possess a the FKS2090 Ventura 60
a particular combination of esoteric peerless and very certainly is that, but it's
specifications or materials, rare and beautiful collectable player’s like no other I’ve ever
tonewoods, an embellishment of precious instrument. built. Sure, those
metal, an experimental pickup configuration pickups look like P90s,
or switching, a new take on a body shape... but with STVDIO, very
But whatever, while hovering between The FKS1692 Corona is an little is strictly
the boundaries of master-built musical example of how simple can 'normal'. This unique
instruments, exclusive luxury goods, and art, very often be the very best. body style, which I originally
a STVDIO guitar showcases the capabilities of The P90 on this ’54 recreation FKS2090
72
g27p72_73_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:32 Page 2
… what if!
powerful influence on me. I have vibe, while operating to the exceedingly high
a determination to get every detail standards that the modern player demands.
of my STVDIO guitars spot
FKS2076
on, and my FKS2076 Remember, all Fret-King STVDIO
Country Squire guitars are absolute one-offs –
represents the so if you see one you absolutely
epitome of country must have, then get your hands
cool, with a level of on it straight away! It won't be
attention to detail in around for long, and when it's
voicing the pickups – a gone, it's gone forever...
beautifully fat sounding
P90 in the neck and a You can check out all the
designed around ten years ago to blend biting bridge single currently available STVDIO
together elements of some of the coolest coil – which will guitars on the Fret-King
guitar body shapes the world knows, has make a country website.
absolutely breathtaking stacked P90 style player smile
humbucking pickups, with each routed from ear to ear. I hope you find one
through its own Vari-coil control, letting you fall in love with.
you roll each of the pickups back The FKS2031
progressively to single coil. It's an Corona 60 HB
awesome arrangement which, features one of the
with the five-way selector earliest customising
switch and master tone mods performed on this style Trev Wilkinson
control, gives this guitar of guitar; replacing the bridge
a tonal palette of single coil with a humbucker.
absolutely stellar This endows the guitar
capabilities. It'll take with the two most popular
you from the bell-like voicings of the electric
clarity of vintage single guitar world, creating a real
coil, to the raw power of workhorse that's capable of
a high output P90 – and performing any playing style
anywhere between! you wish. The inclusion of my
trusty Vari-coil roll control
also gives you the added
The so-called 'classics' advantage of being able to
hold a great appeal for adjust the output of the
me. So does everything humbucker from 'full' to
I learned during my 'single coil' modes and all
years in Fullerton, sounds in-between.
California, and The FKS2031's authentic
collaborating with 'the distressed green finish
master' remains a hugely and hardware give it a classic
FKS2031
73
g27p74_Layout 1 18/05/2012 16:48 Page 1
Clare Free gives us

Blues, Dust And Bones
Up-and-coming British blues starlet Clare Free has had a busy Former UK Subs drummer Stevie Ze Suicide, who now
time of it recently. As well as being almost permanently on performs solo as a singer/guitarist, had a nasty surprise in
tour – either solo or with her band – Clare has somehow found store for him when he returned home from walking his dog
the time to write, record, release and tour her new album, Dust and found his house surrounded by a police armed response
And Bones. Happily, it's a corker, and easily the release of her team... “Because I’d told a few people
career so far. Clare's on superb form, her deep, about my customised Encore machine gun
throaty voice giving the songs depth, and her guitar that I had at home,” explains
trusty Fret-King Blue Label Eclat standard – her Stevie, “a version of Chinese whispers
go-to axe and the weapon of choice for every began, culminating in the police being
track on the album – is full of tight bluesy informed that I kept an AK47 machine
riffs and sweet, clean lead lines. It's gun in the house!” Once the police were
probably songs like the album's title track shown the Encore axe, they realised it
and Can't Slow Down that have won Clare was a case of mistaken identity, and
the WRC Best Acoustic Performance of after asking for some pictures and
2011 Award, following on from the autographs, quietly left Stevie
British Blues Awards nomination she alone! The new Ze Suicide album,
received for Funky Mama's Kitchen Hellraiza, which also features
Blues. It's all happening in Clare collaborations with former David
Free land right now, so head over Bowie and Uriah Heep bassist
to her website to see when Trevor Bolder, is available now
she's playing your town next! on Noise Revolution
records.
t
.ne
ide
esuic
w.z
ww
www.clarefree.co.uk
Tom Bingham from Corby, Northamptonshire has caused a bit of a

stir recently with his hand-built Millennium Falcon six-string. The
guitar, which features the iconic smuggler spaceship from Star
Wars combined with the neck of an Encore guitar, is just one of a
number of unusual items Tom has built into guitars over the years,
including an oil can and a record player! “I love sci-fi movies like
District 9 and Star Wars,” says 64-year-old Tom. “I first made a
Millennium guitar about three years back. I got the idea from a
picture I saw hanging on the wall with a neck stuck in it.” So,
does Tom envisage a future career in custom built guitars? “No,
they are not for sale – I don’t sell the
guitars I make,” he says – quite
emphatically! That unfortunately
means that all you geeky
guitarists out there [i.e.
people just like us! -
Ed.] will just have
to carry on with
our rather more
earthbound
instruments for
the time being...
74
g27p75_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:46 Page 1
Angel's new Melodyhorn The return of Danelectro's

They're delightful little things, melodyhorns, and now
– thanks to Angel – you can give one a blow too!
iconic Longhorn bass!
Probably the most iconic and recognisable bass
Angel's AMEX27K is a 27 noter (running from F to G2), of all time – it's been played by four-string
and costs just £59.99. It's sturdily built, and supplied luminaries such as The Who's John Entwhistle
with a classy carrying case, so you've got everything you need to – and certainly one of the most quirky, the
get out there and playing straight out of the box! Melodyhorn blow Danelectro Longhorn Bass is back, and funkier
keyboards are ideal instruments for school use, solo playing or than ever! With its hugely exaggerated double
ensemble work, and they're also an inexpensive way to teach cutaway (which makes the 24-fret neck look
children the basics of keyboard playing (with the definite plus that absolutely massive, although in fact it just makes
they can't start going all prog on you. If they so much as hit the upper fret access super easy!), masonite body and
opening note of A Whiter Shade Of Pale, just confiscate the tube). its classic Dano lipstick pickups, the Longhorn's the
You can play them 'recorder style', or on a desk/table top – and, perfect rhythm machine for rock, punk, jazz, country,
being, non-electrical, they can be used in any environment. and loads of other genres, all while making you
A musical must for anyone who stand out on stage. Available in an awesomely
wants something retro-looking copperburst finish with beautifully
fun, easy contrasting chrome 'n' cream binding for a mere k
DL58CB
and cool! £399, the Longhorn is a surefire way to inject £399
some cool character into your playing!
Body: Masonite, laminated wood frame

Neck: Maple, bolt-on
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 30.5” / 775mm
Frets: 24
Tuners: Kluson Style, cream plastic buttons
k
AMEX27K
£59.99 Nut: Aluminium
Bridge: Rosewood Bridge Saddle
Pickups: 2 x Lipsticks alnico magnets
Controls: Dual Concentrics, Volume, Tone
Hardware: Chrome/Cream
The
Palma Junior
Dezperadoz
Dead Man’s Hand
Acoustic It’s not just UK-based artists who
are digging the Vintage guitars
Guitar Pack vibe. Alex Kraft from German
An ideal introduction to country metallers Dezperadoz is
playing acoustic guitar. just blown away with his Vintage
Available in Natural and ICON V52MRBS and V100MRPGM
three other striking Lemon Drop. "Vintage guitars not
only sound like instruments from
metallic colours.
the good old days when perfection
was emphasised more than today,”
he says. “They feel that way too!”
Originally a unique experimental

crossover project between heavy
rock and western sounds (that's
western as in cowboys and Indians,
folks!), and originally featuring Tom
Angelripper (of thrashers Sodom and
Onkel Tom) on vocals, Dezperadoz
became a real band, with Alex taking
on vocal duties as well as guitar.
He says: “I use my Vintage guitars,
with the original Wilkinson parts
and pickups, live on stage as well as
in the studio, and they have never
let me down. YEE HAAWW!” Quite.
www.myspace.com/dezperadoz
73
g27p76_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:13 Page 1
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Pro Audio Guitars Irish Classical The UK’s No.1 Classical
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COMPETITION
26 ANSWERS
Danelectro DC590-WH Guitar Signed by Paul Weller
Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25 2HR, U.K.
and his band Competition: C. Wild Thing Tel: 0113 2865 381
Fax: 0113 2868 515 E-mail: gear@jhs.co.uk
WINNER: Alan West Publisher: Simon Turnbull
CROSSWORD Editor: Richard Morgan
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ACROSS: 7. ANGEL 8. CONE 9. HOOP 11. ASHTON 12. PLUCKING 13. Art Team: Richard Dennison, Gary Barlow, Ryan Crossland
TURN 15. MXR 16. LAY IT 19. KINSMAN 20. FORMATS 23. PETER 25. OIL Staff Photographers/Illustrator: Gary Barlow, Richard Dennison
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FORGIVE 24. EXTRAS 27. MINDS 29. REAM 31. IT UP The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. Unsolicited contributions are welcome,
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76
g27p77_Layout 1 19/05/2012 14:09 Page 1
Whether you’re perplexed by PA, fired up by Fret-Kings or resurrecting a

rusty Rodriguez classical, you can tell us about it on this page.
Write to Gear at Salem House, Parkinson Approach, Garforth, Leeds LS25
2HR, email gear@jhs.co.uk, or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter!
Betting on Brett Irish-made acoustic guitar that has been

languishing unplayed in its case since then...
Hi Lee. Bad backs
really are a thing
Dear Gear of the past with
Tintinnabulation. A word I have always wanted Thank you, Elements! We love
to use that perfectly describes the bell-like Roger Sim, via email the fact that there's
tones which emit from my new Vintage Paul It's great to hear you're feeling better Roger, practically no wires
Brett 12-string. I have been playing this guitar and what better than a V880 to help with your either. Stops pub gig
for the past two weeks and wish to congratulate rehabilitation? They're lovely little guitars with a breakdowns getting
everyone involved in achieving an absolutely massive tone, and that solid cedar top's only going messy if you've
incredible instrument at a budget price. to sound better as the years go by. Happy playing! had a few. Ahem.
Incidentally, check
I have played 12-string guitars for almost 50
years, starting alongside my old friend – the
DIY mullets out our article on
Dear Gear the brand new HK
late Johnny Joyce – in the early 60s with a Elements Plus kit on
Harmony Sovereign, and have owned and As a previously mulleted child of the 80s (all
page 28 of this very
played a Gibson, gone now, sadly), just wanted to say that I
issue! It'll be right
Guild, Martin and an loved the John Parr interview in the last issue
up your street we
Ovation. The Vintage of Gear! The guy's a real hero of mine. Anyway,
reckon...
Paul Brett is more I'm in the middle of a DIY guitar build project
for myself, and was after some decent hardware
versatile and player-
friendly than all of on limited funds. Anything you can recommend? Silent witnessed
these. Its ringing I needs pots, knobs, tuners, pickups, the whole Dear Gear
tone and sustain is works really...
I run a local jam night, and I was getting sick
amazing, the Fishman of people plugging in and unplugging their
Cheers,
pickup works really guitars without turning the volume down first,
well, and the Bob, Tunbridge Wells, via email
and thereby creating that godawful crackle and
supplied lightweight Bob, we’re really glad you liked the John Parr
pop that does your amp no good whatsoever.
case is a real bonus. interview. We were surprised at what dark times
However, I found some GYC Silent Plug Series
I believe you have a the man has had, and even more so at the
cables in a local music store and I am delighted
real winner with this fact that he was prepared to tell us all
with the results – plus it also means
guitar. I personally give it five out of five on about them! Anyway,
that when I do my own gigs I can
all counts! It really was worth the wait! guitar bits and
swap guitars in an instant,
bobs. Depends
noise free! I'll never go back
Best regards, what your budget
to a 'normal' guitar lead now,
Michael Cook, Besthorpe, Norfolk is really, but you
and I extoll the virtues of the
We're as crazy about the Vintage Paul Brett absolutely can't go
Silent Plug wherever I go.
models as you are, Michael – and the only wrong with Guitar Tech's
person more excited is Paul himself! We can't range. They've got everything you
need, and probably a lot more. If you're S. Edmunds, Bury
wait to see what everyone else thinks when they
after the best quality hardware money can buy, We feel your pain, S.
see them. The Paul Bretts offer something that NEUTRIK ®
though, go for Wilkinson. Trev's kit is always Musicians can be so

no other guitars do – pro sounds and unique
second to none! inconsiderate – and with
design at less than £500 each. Have fun!
other people's kit, too. Thankfully, GYC make
All-day Vintage An Elementary PA some fairly awesome cables, and the Silent Plug
series really is the icing on the cake. We only
Dear Gear Dear Gear enjoy snap, crackle and pop at breakfast time!
A few months ago I had an unexpected night in Just wanted to drop you a line and say how
hospital, and the next day I went out to treat pleased I am with my HK Audio Elements PA We get so many letters that we can’t reply to them
myself to an all-day breakfast to make me feel System! I play in a busy function band, and all here. If you’ve not heard back yet, try us online!
a bit more cheerful. Next to the cafe was a music set up and breakdown was always an incredibly
shop, and on impulse I went in and purchased time consuming affair, and venues with stairs
a Vintage V880 parlour style acoustic guitar. were always approached with dread! But now, gearmagazine.co.uk w
Am I glad I did! It is an absolutely excellent we literally have the entire PA rig into the
instrument and I love it to bits. It has a pure venue in one go, it sets up in minutes and facebook.com/gearmagazine
sound, is beautifully balanced and handles really the sound is fantastic!
nicely for the style of folky trad/celtic tunes Many, many thanks!
twitter.com/gearmagazine
that I play. I am the owner of a quite expensive Lee Ruane, Leeds, via email
24
77
g27p78_79_Layout 1 19/05/2012 12:12 Page 1
The #1 Choice for student

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Feadog
The Feadog ‘Original
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g27p78_79_Layout 1 19/05/2012 12:25 Page 2
RS82
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America’s Favourite Capo
While the Kyser Quick Change Capo clamps firmly for on-pitch intonation,
you can quickly release it and slide it up or down – or remove it in
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aluminium, the Quick-Change is designed to be
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sleeve won’t mark or react The new Shubb Lite Capo weighs
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The Shubb Lite affect the guitar ‘s tuning stability
Half the weight of the by bending the strings over the
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SEE THE FULL RANGE AT WWW.JHS.CO.UK
g27p80_Layout 1 19/05/2012 11:38 Page 1
Precision
Engineered
Back in 1895, Gustav Wittner started a precision mechanical factory for the
production of his own brand of Metronomes.
Gustav's son Rudolf went on to expand the factory further, and soon new
standards were established. Besides the established Maelzel Metronomes,
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Now, thanks to its years of experience and tradition, new technologies

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Finetune Pegs
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Check out the entire range at WWW.JHS.CO.UK/PERFORMANCE
27p81_Layout 1 19/05/2012 13:11 Page 1
Antoni
Orchestral Stringed Instruments
and accessories
VIOLIN
The ‘Symphonique’ will astonish the most accomplished player
with its focussed tone, beauty and breadth of ability.
\
nspired by the masters, the Antoni ‘Symphonique’ violin brings together
Atelier construction methods, premium tonewoods, and a level of fit and
finish of a very high standard.
With the ‘Symphonique’, we wanted to provide features and feel usually only found
on esoteric professional masterclass instruments.
In achieving this goal, we bring you an instrument

which we truly believe will inspire you.
ASV44 – ‘Symphonique’
full sized violin outfit £369.00 rrp
‘Symphonique’ Violin Bow

ASB44 – Full size £99.00 rrp
‘Symphonique’ Violin Case

ASC44 – Full size £79.00 rrp
ELECTRALIN
Ideal for playing live, recording or for silent practice.
g
he Electralin™ low mass solid spruce body is a classic
combination of craftsmanship, and contemporary design,
with comfort contouring for good balance, and great
ergonomics. Traditional materials and building techniques provide
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The heart of the Antoni Electralin™ sound is the discreet, bridge mounted vibration sensitive
transducer, which ‘listens’ to the bridge, and body, for a truly natural sound. The hum free preamp,
voiced for the electric violin, is feedback resistance, provides extensive tonal control, and produces
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Melding the very best of the old and the new, the
Antoni Electralin™ is a player’s instrument, built to perform.
APEV44 – ‘Premiere’ Electralin full size violin outfit - £299.00 rrp
bÜv{xáàÜtÄ fàÜ|Çzxw \ÇáàÜâÅxÇàá

g27p82_Layout 1 17/05/2012 10:20 Page 1
*Analog Delay
TUNERS & METRONOMES

FAST, ACCURATE AND EASY TO USE!
QTGP1
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tuner with ‘OFF METER’.
Beginners are often way
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tuning tells you which string
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even if the guitar is severely
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Guitarist’s ‘Dual-Stool ’ Qwik Time Metronome with a

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true ‘Wood Block’ click!

With 40 to 250 bpm, 2/4, 3/4, or
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Stool Ideal for stage,
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stand for the performing musician! GOOD MUSIC STORES
g27p83_Layout 1 17/05/2012 10:26 Page 1
FAB Effects
YOU WON’T BELIEVE Ultra cool effects pedals

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METAL PSYCHO FLANGE
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£31.99rrp FREE SPEECH-TALK BOX
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£31.99rrp Cool Cat pedals offer pro features
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DAN-ECHO £129.00rrp
FLANGE
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FUZZ TREMOLO VIBE

£32.99rrp £54.99rrp £59.99rrp
DTE1 £159.00rrp
DELAY 600MS
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A Perfect simulation of those great 50s tape

echoes with added features: ‘Warble’ control to
YOU’LL BE AMAZED
simulate the slight pitch deviation you get from any
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does. Tube/Solid State control you can choose either
BY THEIR TONES! sound. Up to 1.5 seconds of delay time. Sound on Sound hit
this button and play on top of the lick you just recorded.
g27p84_Layout 1 21/05/2012 10:04 Page 1
Black Label
© 2012 JHS & Co. Ltd.
At Fret-King® we have a saying...

“Knowledge is Power.”
What does this mean?
Artist Inspired
Our vision is to inspire you.
Decades of listening to guitar players’ needs has taught us that while we have some great There are standards to be acknowledged, surpassed and improved upon.
ideas, it is your goals which must be ours too! Fret-King meets these three tasks head on.
With a design team led by the legendary Trev Wilkinson, the father of Fret-King, we use The result, Fret-King Black Label™ – the newest member of the Fret-King family.
our knowledge positively; we have a determination to produce guitars with flair, and Part of the Black Label design brief was to actually listen to pro players, and to work with
creative innovations that give you an amazing, tactile and emotional guitar playing them to create their ideal guitar.
experience. Hugely experienced players like Jerry Donahue, Dave ‘Bucket’ Colwell, Gordon Giltrap,
Our love for what we do means that we create with a passion. and Geoff Whitehorn - all players who have definitely paid their dues and reflect a huge
Trev Wilkinson's decades of guitar building expertise and unrivalled guitar know-how mean variety of styles. As well as being great players, they know a thing or two about guitars,
that we can go where other guitar makers don’t, using innovative, meticulous construction and have collaborated with us to create a series of artist-inspired guitars featuring
methods and premium materials and components throughout the whole Black Label attributes that all players will find valuable, useful, and above all,
building and finishing process. musical.
We embrace obsession, follow our hearts, not our heads, and revel in detail to make Because you deserve the best, with no compromise, Black Label
Fret-King guitars stand apart, consistently outclass the established benchmarks, yet be takes a fresh view of how to build in real custom shop high end
comfortable, friendly and familiar. features, the benefits they bring, and the advantages you get from
Our passion for thinking outside the usual constraints, while keeping a close eye on the instruments designed to be professional working tools.
styling cues we are all comfortable with, and the classic tones we all enjoy produces
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter WORLDWIDE TRADE DISTRIBUTORS
guitars you’ll feel you’ve played all your life. facebook.com/FretKing twitter.com/GearMagazine www.jhs.co.uk

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g27p01_Layout 1 21/05/2012 09:44 Page 1

Speaker Cabinets & Monitors

12 Enjoy Gear 27, and until next time...

The newest additions to

They're great little instruments to get

The VS6GO is also adorned with a special Vintage vibrola

So, take Graham's advice... and go get your hands on one!

adjustable, double-sewn with heavy duty nylon thread

For those discerning player who enjoy the feel – and

First up is the new selection of

Handy new hardware from For those about to rock

1W k Both ukes feature mahogany

Take a gamble on this one... £299.00

STAND It's ultra-quiet, extremely feedback resistant, and features

Now all you need to take with you is the

5 watts of no-compromise emulated tube-amp

• 4 Gain Stages. • 2-Band Active EQ (+15dB boost).

Brace yourselves: it’s the return of Fret-King and Vintage support

Lemon Drop V100MRPGM

Country Squire Semitone FKV2HBK

themselves to where they want to be!

Above: Jerry Donahue

The Royal Military School Of Music (RMSM) has invested in

In addition to working on most Robbie albums since 2002, Neil is

Chris de Burgh shares the

Paul Raymond, who recently completed a UFO world

Meanwhile, US session ace and '4th Hellecaster' Jeffery

The return of Great British tone!

and bone-crushingly effective, with

60W 1x12 TC Combo

15W VAC Combo

45W Stingray Combo

120W Colt Keyboard Combo

Viper 500W Head, 4x10 & 1x15 Cab

The three heads all The EDA drum

rich in history, BIRMINGHAM

rich in beauty BOLTON

“My primary touring guitar is an FF

Less connecting of wires.

(Don’t) carry that weight...

Solo Performance System fishman.com

Professional Tuning & Timekeeping

HK Audio LUCAS Nano 300:

For folk's sake!

Pilgrim ‘Redwood’ Series Mandolins & Mandolas

VPMA60 VPMA400 VPM400

VPMA15 VPOM100 VPMD100

Pilgrim ‘Progress’ Series Banjos

All Banjos are fitted with Remo Heads

Pilgrim ‘Performer’ Series Ukulele Banjos

“I wanted to bring the same ethos of

on Fret-King Black Label

There’s a Snake (water ) in my boots!

The original pocket electronic organ

Raymond also plays the Santos Martinez

Their hangers are suitable for shop display, studio, school,

RIP Bob Weston

Gordon Giltrap's been busy!

Twenty-two years and 2200 guitars

Frock Of The North nude calendar

We're seeing The '59 Sound from

More Elements for success...

HK Audio ELEMENTS, compact, lightweight, scaleable, micro line array systems.