Premier Guitar

Sitting between the original vintage vibes of a 2-transistor fuzz and the over-the-top wall of sonic mayhem that is that 4-transistor Big Muff is the humble 3-transistor Tone Bender-style of fuzz known for being punchy with a unique sonic texture. The EHX Bender Royale is Electro-Harmonix’s new take on the Germanium MkIII version of the circuit with a ton of added flexibility to bend your tone even further. From thick and smooth to brash and spitty, the Bender Royale has a range of sounds all its own.

Housed in EHX’s Nano-sized chassis, the Bender Royale builds on a standard control set of VOL, FUZZ and BASS (originally Treble <-> Bass) controls for an authentic, familiar feel. The FAT switch adds bass and low-mids for tonal thickness. Use the BIAS knob to dial in a sweet spot for the perfect amount of rip or leave the circuit starving for voltage. Switching the CLIP switch from Ge to LED re-biases the final germanium transistor to produce a rougher edge on the fuzz tone. The TREBLE control is an active treble shelving filter used to rein in high frequencies. The BLEND knob mixes between your wet and dry signals and can be especially useful for maintaining clarity when using bass or stacking other drive pedals.

The Bender Royale employs mechanical relay true-bypass switching on a soft footswitch with selectable latching/momentary functionality. Tap the footswitch for normal latch switching function or press and hold for momentary blasts of fuzzy goodness.

The EHX Bender Royale comes equipped with a standard EHX 9 Volt power supply. It is available now and features a U.S. Street Price of $149.00.

Learn more at www.ehx.com

Orangewood has launched the Clementine, the brand’s first semi-hollow electric guitar and its most premium guitar release to date. As Orangewood continues to expand its lineup beyond acoustics, Clementine represents a new chapter for the brand.

Designed with a comfort-first approach, the Clementine features chambered construction, solid body, solid carved maple top, and a deep belly cut for a smooth yet resonant playing experience. Its glossy maple top paired with satin-finished mahogany back and sides delivers a refined blend of textures and looks. Grover Roto-Grip Locking Vintage tuners and a Tune-O-Matic bridge ensure stability and long-term durability.

The Clementine is equipped with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover™ humbuckers, known for their warm, articulate response. A coil-split toggle alongside standard volume and tone controls provides a wide tonal range. Player-friendly features, including headstock truss rod access and an electronics backplate, make maintenance simple both at home and on tour. A retro 3-ply cream pickguard comes installed, with a bonus black pickguard for players who want to customize the guitar’s aesthetic.

The Clementine semi-hollow electric guitar is available in three finishes—Americano sunburst, Bluebird, and Evergreen—and is priced at $1,495.

KEY SPECS

• Comfort-first design: A modern semi-hollow electric guitar with chambered construction, solid carved top, and deep belly cut
• Solid wood, smooth textures: Glossy maple top with satin mahogany back & sides
• Specialty hardware: Grover Roto-Grip Locking Vintage tuners and Tune-O-Matic bridge
• Award-winning pickups: Seymour Duncan Seth Lover™ humbuckers with three-way pickup selector toggle switch; two-way coil-split toggle switch; and volume/tone controls
• Maintenance: Headstock truss rod adjustment; backplate for electronics access
• Extras: Retro 3-ply cream pickguard installed, with a bonus black pickguard to switch up your style

The Clementine is available now exclusively at orangewoodguitars.com and through select retailers. Priced at $1,495.00 with a hardcase included.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens at floor level in a Nashville studio, this one’s for you. We stitched together a handful of Rig Rundowns with the city’s busiest session guitarists, all focused on the real heroes of their rigs: the pedalboards. It’s equal parts gear tour, tone philosophy, and survival strategy for players who have to nail a part in one take.

Tom Bukovac Rig Rundown

Rob McNelley Rig Rundown

Sol Philcox-Littlefield Rig Rundown

Derek Wells Rig Rundown

Charlie Worsham - Full Rundown

Adam Shoenfeld

ILIO, leading distributor of virtual instruments and audio processing software, and Overloud, renowned for their innovative audio plug-ins and acclaimed Gem Series, proudly introduce Gem Fuse. Bringing together six analog-style processors in a single plugin, Fuse emulates an acclaimed modern stereo outboard unit with a level of authenticity never before achieved in software.

Designed for the mix bus and mastering, Fuse provides the tonal color, weight, and cohesion that define great analog hardware. At its heart is Overloud’s Harmonic Matching Technology, which precisely captures the frequency-dependent harmonics and “memory effect” of transformer-based circuits—where most digital emulations, even official ones, fall short.

Introductory Price: $69 (regularly $119).

Download the free trial or purchase here - https://www.ilio.com/overloud-gem-fuse

Six Processors, One Plugin

- Analog Preamp & HPF: Adds subtle coloration and warmth with a low-cut “Fat” option for preserving deep bass.
- Analog Drive: Harmonic saturation and gentle compression, from smooth thickening to aggressive tone.
- Indigo EQ: Musical low and high shelving EQ with carefully tuned phase response.
- HF Smoother: High-frequency dynamic processor for taming harshness with tape-like smoothness.
- Stereo Image: Frequency-dependent stereo enhancement based on the “Stereo Shuffling” technique.
- Transformer: Authentic low-end thickening and high-end sparkle through accurate transformer emulation.

Beyond the Hardware

Fuse enhances and expands upon the original hardware with modern conveniences:

- Resizable interface
- Built-in Mid-Side matrix
- Internal operating level calibration
- Multilevel undo/redo
- Extended parameter control for added flexibility

Whether placed across the mix bus or used in mastering, Gem Fuse adds the finishing character and cohesion that transform a mix into a record—now with the unmatched accuracy of Overloud’s Gem Series.

Learn more - https://www.ilio.com/overloud-gem-fuse

Cort Guitars announces the launch of the Earth GO, a compact acoustic guitar that seamlessly blends classic tonewoods with modern smart technology. Designed for musicians seeking portability, versatility, and innovative features, the Earth GO brings intelligent performance capabilities to a traditional acoustic form.

The Earth GO features a 3/4 size mini dreadnought body, making it ideal for travel, casual play, or players with smaller hands. A solid Sitka spruce top delivers clarity and responsiveness, while mahogany back and sides provide warmth and depth. This time-honored tonewood pairing ensures a balanced and resonant acoustic voice. The guitar’s neck is constructed from mahogany and shaped with a comfortable “C” profile, paired with a 22.8” (578mm) scale length for easy playability. A laurel fingerboard with 6mm white dot inlays and a 15.75” radius adds to the natural feel, while the PPS nut (43mm wide) and 19-fret configuration support accurate intonation. Both open pore and open pore brown burst finishes complete the vintage aesthetic.

At the heart of the Earth GO lies the HyVibe H2 smart system, which turns the guitar into a self-contained performance hub. Built-in features include customizable effects such as reverb, chorus, delay, tremolo, octaver, phaser, and distortion—without the need for external pedals. Players can stream backing tracks via Bluetooth, loop melodies, tune up with the integrated tuner, or keep time using the onboard metronome. Whether practicing at home or playing live, these intuitive tools offer unmatched creative freedom.

Hardware details include die-cast tuning machines with black knobs, a dual-acting truss rod for neck adjustments, and a laurel bridge paired with a PPS saddle. The Earth GO comes factory-equipped with coated strings for extended life and best feel. Each guitar includes a gig bag for even more portability and convenience when travelling.

For additional information on the Earth GO, please visit www.CortGuitars.com.

Street Price: $549.99 USD

So-called “jazz” or “jazzy” chords were in use long before jazz, but it’s jazz musicians who have, arguably, made those most of 7th and extended harmonies. So, what are they? Simply put, jazz chords are triads—chords built from the 1, 3, and 5 of any given scale—with added 7, 9, 11, or 13 intervals. They can also include alterations, such as b5s, #5s, b9s, and #9s.

Rather than bog you down with more theory, let’s put these chords into practice, with plenty of points of reference from the rock genre. Along the way you should naturally start to develop an ear for, and an understanding of, their colorful sounds and benefits.

Classic Rock

Let’s start with one of the best-selling albums of all time, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Maybe Floyd’s inclusion of jazzy chords is one of the reasons people still find this album appealing and refreshing.

Ex. 1

Ex. 1 is a variation on the end of Floyd’s “Time”—aka “Breathe (Reprise).” This example, complete with flange effect, demonstrates both Em9 and A13 arpeggios. In the key of D, that’s the IIm chord moving to the V chord, an E Dorian sound. These are followed by the essential chord shapes for both major 7 and minor 7 (in this case Cmaj7, Bm7, Fmaj7, Em7). We end with the so-called “Hendrix chord,” a 7#9, moving to a 7b9 chord (uncommon in rock), resolving to a second major 7 shape. This is a tremendously valuable progression, and time (no pun intended) should be taken to memorize all of the chord shapes.

Ex. 2

Ex. 2 comes to us via Led Zeppelin’s eclectic double album Physical Graffiti, specifically “Ten Years Gone.” This track contains more major 7 chords, including one slash-chord version. A slash chord is when the note in the bass is different than the root of the chord, in this case Bbmaj7/A. Here we also find a diminished 7th chord (this is another fundamental shape all guitarists would do well to memorize) functioning as a hip passing chord between Amaj7 and Em7.

Ex. 3

Ex. 3 has the great Edward Van Halen getting into the jazzy chord game, kind of. This progression, à la “Secrets,” contains sus chords—triads wherein the 3rd is replaced (or suspended) by the 2nd or 4th. And, while not uncommon in jazz, these are probably not the first jazz chords that come to mind. Nevertheless, Van Halen’s use of them is unique and worthy of mention. After running through the sus chords, Eddie lands on a rather ambiguous chord that I have labeled Dmaj9, but which could also be thought of as an A/D. Either way, it’s the sophisticated nature of this chord that earns it a spot in this lesson.

Ex. 4 

While Bob Marley is known as a reggae icon, there was plenty of crossover between reggae and rock, which allows us to take a look at Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” in Ex. 4. This example once again features the major 7th shape we worked on in Ex. 1, as well as a new shape for major 7 chords—in this instance, the Gmaj7. This shape can be tricky for players as it employs all four fingers, with the pinky far across the fretboard.

Funky Strums

Ex. 5

Let’s keep moving with some jazz chords in a funky rock situation. Ex. 5 is an imitation of Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne,” featuring four different chord shapes, including an F6, with the bass note fretted with the thumb. Make an effort to mute the 5th string on each of these chords. Also, note how the Bb13 chord substitutes for an E7#9 at the end (other than their roots, the chords share three of the same notes).

Ex. 6

Ex. 6, reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “If You Have to Ask,” contains the biggest variety of chords in this lesson, and time should be taken to master both the shapes and the funky right-hand strum pattern. These 9th chords are funk essentials but also play a big role in jazz.

Jazzy Metal Arpeggios

Our final two examples represent the world of contemporary metal. In both cases, their functions as mellow, arpeggiated intros that transition into heavier verses and choruses, have their roots in the classic metal of the 1970s and 1980s.

Ex. 7

Ex. 7 was inspired by Deftones’ “Sextape” and contains a lush major 7 shape, moving between the I and IV chords. In the first four measures, the shape contains only fretted notes; in the following four, the open high-E string is included, adding even more color, changing the major 7th into a major 9 and major 6.

Ex. 8

Finally, Ex. 8 features not only jazzy arpeggios, but also some mixed meters, with the time signature moving between 6/8 and 7/8. This progression was inspired by “The Coma Machine” by Between the Buried and Me, and introduces us to both a minor 6 chord and an augmented shape.

Keep It Clean?

You may have noticed that all of the examples in the lesson (except for the last group of arpeggios) feature a clean, non-distorted tone. One reason for this is that all the points of reference (except Ex. 8) I mentioned were recorded with clean tones. Another reason is that using distortion on these chords with extensions can make them sound messy and undefined, detracting from the point of the extensions. By contrast, distortion on power chords makes the chords sound sharp and biting. That said, feel free to crank up the overdrive and test for yourself. With enough experimentation, you may create the perfect combination of rock and jazz.

The next generation of IK's critically acclaimed studio monitors offers superior acoustic correction with ARC X, along with enhanced performance and more mounting options.

IK Multimedia is proud to release the iLoud Precision MKII studio monitors, which build on the legacy of their critically acclaimed predecessor to offer unparalleled accuracy, advanced DSP control, and seamless integration with the new ARC X room correction and calibration software, providing the fastest and most accurate mixing yet.

Next-level Precision and Integration

When monitors reveal every nuance, issues can be addressed before they develop into problems. The iLoud Precision MKII delivers the unfiltered truth of a mix, enabling users to work more efficiently, maintain their flow, and finish with confidence, knowing that the sound will translate on any system, anywhere. Whether producing music, mixing for clients, or creating content for global platforms, these monitors provide the ultimate reference.

Key MKII Enhancements:

• New ARC X Acoustic Correction: ARC X dramatically upgrades Precision's auto-calibration to full acoustic correction.
• ARC X Customization: Coupled with new speaker customization options and virtual monitor profiles, ARC X and iLoud Precision MKII deliver the most advanced and versatile mixing experience yet.
• New Advanced Tweeter Design: Ultra-lightweight construction and graphene reinforcement enhance rigidity, improve transparency, and minimize distortion.
• Improved Enclosure: A new enclosure optimizes sonic clarity, providing precise transient response and an improved soundstage presentation critical for immersive setups.
• New Mounting Options: New built-in fixing mounts and dedicated metal brackets (available separately) make it easier to mount speakers and precisely set angles for optimal positioning.

Reference-grade Clarity and Translation
The Precision MKII is designed to deliver best-in-class transparency. Its linear phase and time-coherent design ensure exceptional imaging accuracy, allowing users to position every element of their mix with confidence. With an impressively flat response of ±1 dB from 45 Hz to 30 kHz and an extension down to 37 Hz at -4 dB, it provides full-spectrum clarity and precise low-end reproduction.

The outcome is impressive clarity across the frequency range, enabling users to create more efficiently, make informed decisions, and trust that their mix will translate effectively anywhere.

Includes New ARC X System
The Precision MKII integrates seamlessly with the ARC X system, IK's new Advanced Response Correction technology, delivering intelligent 3D acoustic correction directly into users' workflows.

ARC X enhances IK's award-winning ARC 4 by automatically analyzing the listening area at three distinct heights, creating a 3D snapshot of the space and effectively identifying acoustic issues without over-processing the sound. The result is a remarkably natural correction that feels like simply mixing in a properly treated room.

With just a few moments of measurement, ARC X generates and applies a precise correction for a flat frequency response, eliminating room-induced issues that can obscure mixing decisions. The correction profile is then loaded onto the iLoud monitor, which stores the profile for standalone use.

Beyond correction, ARC X enhances any setup with customizable system tuning and advanced speaker emulation. Users can tailor their monitoring systems to match their personal preferences or emulate over 20 iconic speaker systems, ranging from high-end studio monitors to consumer playback devices. Whether working in a professional studio, a treated home environment, or a portable setup, ARC X ensures that all monitors function at their full potential.

A Free Update and Upgrade
ARC X software replaces both X-MONITOR and ARC 4 software and comes included with the Precision MKII. Registered owners of the original iLoud Precision studio monitors can download ARC X for free through the IK Product Manager, along with the firmware update below.

ARC X is also fully compatible and free for all registered owners of iLoud Micro Monitor Pro, iLoud MTM MKII, ARC Studio, and ARC 4 software, enabling users to mix more effectively anywhere, whether on their iLouds or through the plug-in on another set of monitors.

A Future-proof Investment
The Precision Series MKII features completely redesigned firmware, enabling faster feature updates within the ARC ecosystem. This leads to continuous improvements in setup, correction, and control, keeping systems at the forefront of audio innovation. With seamless ARC X integration, users will benefit from automated room correction and advanced calibration, ensuring their studio monitor remains cutting-edge.

Professional Integration
Built-in fixing mounts and optional mounting brackets simplify the integration of the iLoud Precision MKII into immersive environments such as Dolby Atmos rooms or complex multi-channel setups. For enhanced control, the iLoud Precision Wired Remote Control is a compact device that allows users to switch between up to four ARC X profiles, assign functions like Mute or Dim, and directly manage the room correction process from their listening position.

With unmatched transparency, precision, accuracy, and advanced calibration tools, the iLoud Precision MKII redefines what's possible in modern monitoring, enabling users to create more efficiently, finish with confidence, and trust their audio.

Pricing and Availability
iLoud Precision MKII studio monitors are available for purchase from the IK Multimedia online store and IK-authorized dealers worldwide at the listed prices. All Precision models include ARC X control software and plug-in, and Precision pairs also come with an ARC Measurement microphone (a $/€199.99 combined value).

iLoud Precision 5 MKII - €699.99/$799.99* ea. - 5" Woofer + 1.5" Tweeter, 135W RMS
iLoud Precision 6 MKII - €799.99/$899.99 ea. - 6.5" Woofer + 1.5" Tweeter, 150W RMS
iLoud Precision MTM MKII - €899.99/$999.99 ea. - 2 x 5" Woofers + 1.5" Tweeter, 175W RMS

iLoud Precision Isolation Pods - $/€49.99 - 4-pack (suitable for one monitor)
iLoud Precision MKII Mounting Brackets - $/€99.99 (5 and 6), $/€129.99 (MTM)
iLoud Precision Remote Control - $/€99.99

ARC X - $/€99.99 intro price (reg. $/€199.99) - Advanced room correction plug-in and measurement microphone.

*All pricing is excluding taxes.

For more information about the iLoud Precision MKII series or to see the studio monitors in action, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/iloudprecision

Anthology Gear has released its newest guitar strap called Harvest, inspired by the aerial view of farmlands - the patchwork of squares in varying colors of gold, brown and green that blankets the landscape. Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Farm Aid on September 20, Harvest will support family farms via donations made to the organization.

Just prior to the release of the Harvest guitar strap, Anthology Gear made its first donation to Farm Aid and will continue to donate $10 for every Harvest strap sold on the Anthology Gear website www.anthologygear.com. Additionally, one Harvest guitar strap will be included in the Farm Aid 40 Memorabilia Auction. Often autographed by artists at the festival, these items will be open for bidding September 20 through October 3 on the Farm Aid website at farmaid.org/auction. Proceeds raised by the auction support Farm Aid’s work.

“In addition to providing high quality crafted leather goods, we want to add even more meaning to our small business and support organizations that matter to us,” says Katya Hirsch, Co-Owner of Anthology Gear.

All Anthology Gear guitar straps offer the following features:

Straps are made with high quality full grain leather which burnishes and beautifies with use

Leathers are chosen for their ability to fully distribute the weight of the guitar across the strap, for a more comfortable playing experience

A high-density premium padding maximizes comfort

Straps adjust from 39" - 54" in length; length can be extended to up to 63” with an optional jumbo tongue

Pricing for the Harvest guitar strap is $149 (with free shipping within the USA) and can be purchased directly from Anthology Gear at www.anthologygear.com.

The list of artists scheduled to appear at Sweetwater’s GuitarFest has been finalized. GuitarFest is taking place Saturday, September 27, on the company’s Fort Wayne, Indiana, campus. Music legends, industry leaders, and more than 70 top brands will welcome guitar lovers to this all-day event scheduled from 9AM to 5PM.

As the nation’s leading online retailer for music makers, Sweetwater has a full day of activities planned for GuitarFest attendees. Renowned guitar brands such as Gibson, Fender, Marshall, and many others will have booths, giving guitar enthusiasts the chance to speak directly with brand experts about their favorite brands. Guitar lovers will be able to get up close to thousands of guitars on display, including an entire section of unique and one of a kind guitars only available at Sweetwater.

GuitarFest will also feature appearances by major artists and other music industry notables. Confirmed artists for this year’s GuitarFest include PhilX, Yvette Young, Ariel Posen, Rob Scallon, Courtney Cox, Reeves Gabrels, Ken Susi, Freekbass, Fluff, Danish Pete, Chris Holt, Bella Perron, Bakithi Kumalo, Al Joseph, Beau Burcell, and Phil Demmel. You can see the full list of artists appearing at Sweetwater.com/guitarfest/.

Sweetwater will showcase legendary gear from the exclusive Rock & Roll Hall of Fame collection. The gear on loan includes Nita Strauss’s personal Signature Series Ibanez from her Wrestlemania tour, Slash’s Appetite for Destruction prototype that was used live from 2011 to 2025, Zakk Wylde’s iconic Gibson Les Paul, and Joe Satriani’s 1997 Ibanez JS Series Chromeboy.

“We will have something for everyone,” said Samantha Hunter, Director of Artist Relations and Campus Events at Sweetwater. “We are creating an unforgettable celebration for music lovers. You can check out the booths from all our partner vendors, meet some amazing artists, see some amazing gear, as well as save some money with the fantastic deals we have planned.”

This year’s GuitarFest will feature the return of DealZone, a popular destination from previous events. Attendees can enjoy exclusive, in-person savings of up to 70%.

Registration for this free event is available now at Sweetwater.com/guitarfest/, where visitors can stay up to date on all the planned activities. Registrants will also be entered for a chance to win a $2,500 Sweetwater giveaway.

This event is family friendly and takes place on Sweetwater’s state-of-the-art campus located at 5501 US Highway 30 West in Fort Wayne. The Sweetwater campus includes the largest music store in the United States and other attractions for visitors to enjoy.

There are more flexible means for mashing up fuzz and delay than Benson’s Deep Sea Diver. And in a time of preposterously low-priced pedals, there are more economical methods, too. But there’s no guarantee that a more traditional and cost-conscious path will yield results as interesting—or inspirational—as those offered by the Deep Sea Diver. It’s a pedal that often serves up zigs where you seek zags—depending on your sense of adventure and creative latitude, it can feel versatile, forgiving, and full of exciting surprises.

Bathyspheric Battiness

The Deep Sea Diver was developed with Jessica Dobson, who fronts the band that shares the pedal’s name—and for whom more unusual applications of the fuzz/delay equation are a sonic cornerstone. The basic architecture of the Deep Sea Diver makes a great departure point for any player keen to ply the odder corners of that stompbox formula. It’s hard to know firsthand exactly what that architecture is—Benson flipped the circuit board so that you don’t see components, but rather a stylized representation of Dobson’s face in silhouette. (For the record, the solders you can see all look exceptionally tidy).

Chris Benson says that the 3-transitor fuzz section of the circuit uses a mutant mix of the 2-transitor Tone Bender MK 1.5 and the 3-transistor Tone Bender MK 2.0 as a foundation. Dobson says she envisioned a less hectic version of the ZVEX Fuzz Factory—a relation borne out here by the gate and bias controls. The delay section, meanwhile, is built around a PT2399 chip. This is a device many builders have put to creative use in spite of first turning up in karaoke machine delays. Its sonic signature—lo-fi, hazy—can be similar to that of bucket brigade delays, but still occupies a different lane than the analog EHX Memory Man and Diamond Memory Lane devices that underpin Dobson’s rig. As a whole then, the Deep Sea Diver doesn’t really replicate any particular part of Dobson’s tone recipe as much as it adds a new color formed in the spirit of where her playing has been and where it might be going.

One Deep Sea Diver feature that is a fixture of Dobson’s tone is a delay that is situated before the fuzz—except for when it isn’t. By holding down the bypass switch while powering up, you can reverse the order of the effects. If you’ve never experimented with switching fuzz and delay, the results can be revelatory.

Submarine Flip Flops

Given how interesting it is to move between the order of effects on the Deep Sea Diver, it’s a shame that you can’t make the switch without powering off the unit. Obviously, that’s not the most complicated process, but it’s also not one you’ll attempt in the middle of a song or set. Many pedals enable effect-order switching via a toggle or alternate footswitch input. In this case, the latter possibility was difficult for good reason, as pressing and holding the footswitch activates an endlessly entertaining runaway oscillation effect.

To a passively listening bystander, a switch in fuzz/delay effects order isn’t always glaringly obvious. In a very general sense, fuzz before delay results in greater clarity, and vice versa. But on the Deep Sea Diver, situating the delay before the fuzz lends a gauzy, foggy smear around the edge of transient notes and the repeats that you feel as much as hear. Comparing the Deep Sea Diver to a bucket brigade delay and a ZVEX Fuzz Factory, you can hear why Chris Benson employed the PT2399 chip. There’s a slightly more lo-fi blur to the Deep Sea Diver’s delay signature, which, to my ears, lends extra mystery.

One Deep Sea Diver feature that is a fixture of Dobson’s tone is a delay that is situated before the fuzz—except for when it isn’t.

But it’s the fuzz section of the Deep Sea Diver that really expands its performance envelope. The gate and bias controls both have impressive range and work together pretty seamlessly to broaden the pedal’s fuzz voice. There are lots of collapsing, fractured fuzz-on-the fritz and dying-AM-radio sounds made more appealing by the smoky delay signal. You’ll find many shades of super-cool mid-1960s buzz, too. But it’s also capable of unique, punchy drive sounds that hit hard and are easy to compose with, and situate in a mix without sounding entirely unhinged. The Deep Sea Diver will happily go bonkers if that’s what you’re after though, and as you get a feel for the way the gate and bias controls interact you might not even miss the conspicuously absent gain level control—which, I venture, would complicate matters significantly.

The Verdict

I played the Deep Sea Diver next to a few different fuzz/delay combinations, and there is an audible cohesiveness in the two effects at the Benson's core. Furthermore, the resulting dovetailed fuzz/delay voices lend the Deep Sea Diver a truly individual voice at many settings. Though it falls short of mimicking the butter-smooth sustain of, say, a Big Muff and a Boss DD-5, it can still dish many rich fuzz tones in that spirit—just a bit filthier. The Deep Sea Diver is most certainly eccentric, just as its creators no doubt intended. But it’s not exclusively weird. There are plenty of sounds here for classicists, even if the Deep Sea Diver tends to beckon the player toward more unorthodox ends.

On this episode, James Bay joins Cory Wong from backstage at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. (It takes Wong all of 10 seconds to recognize and name the green room.) Bay is still supporting his fourth full-length record, Changes All the Time, and Wong picked up on a different guitar approach on the new album. Bay walks him through how his playing matched the collection’s title.

Bay also reveals the first solo he learned to play (or, rather, failed to learn to play; it’s a Bon Jovi hit), and how Jack White’s philosophy of struggle against his instrument has shaped Bay’s relationship to his own guitars. As bandleaders, Wong and Bay both have plenty of experience hiring players to join them in studio and on the road, so what do they look for when selecting colleagues? Tune in to find out.

It wouldn’t be a chat with a Minnesotan guitarist without some Prince talk, so stick around to learn the appropriate etiquette for covering The Artist when touring his home state.

Realistic vintage-like wear on the neck and body of this rock-solid P-Bass make it feel as familiar as a favorite sweater.

Featuring a variety of vintage colors finished in Road Worn® aged nitrocellulose lacquer, the Vintera II Road Worn ‘60s Precision Bass recreates the look and feel of a well-played classic. The limited Road Worn models are enhanced with a new subtle aging process combining light checking, gentle wear patterns and a semi-gloss finish, while maintaining the authentic broken-in feel players love about vintage Fenders. The ‘60s “C”-shape maple neck with 7.25” radius rosewood fingerboard and vintage-tall frets provides supreme comfort and outstanding feel. Under the hood, you’ll find a vintage-style ‘60s split-coil Precision pickup that delivers all the warm, dynamic and powerful tone that made Fender famous. The vintage-style 4-saddle bridge and vintage-style tuning machines provide classic looks with enhanced intonation and tuning stability to complete the package. Options include Rosewood Fingerboard in Fiesta Red and Charcoal Frost Metallic.

Today, Taylor Guitars, the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars, announced the expansion of its Gold Label Collection with three new models: the Gold Label 514e, Gold Label 714e, and Gold Label 817e. The launch follows the success of the Gold Label Collection 814e introduction in January and Grand Pacific models in June, reflecting strong market demand for the heritage-inspired line. The new models bring the Gold Label collection to 18 total models, offering players more options within Taylor's premium acoustic range that delivers a rounder, warmer, more robust flavor of acoustic tone. The models are available at authorized Taylor dealers worldwide and on taylorguitars.com.

Three Defining Innovations

The Gold Label Collection showcases three key innovations that set it apart from traditional Taylor offerings. Fanned V-Class® Bracing features a fan-like arrangement of braces in the soundboard's lower bout, delivering on the original promise of a flexible voicing platform that gives these models a warmer, more resonant, more powerful sound. The patented Action Control Neck® features a long-tenon neck joint that extends deeper into the body to boost low-end resonance while maintaining a slim, fast-playing profile. It also enables quick, precise string height adjustments with a turn of a bolt through the soundhole without the need to remove the neck or strings. Completing the package, the collection's Heritage-Inspired Aesthetics draw from old banjos and mandolins, early Taylor designs, and Powers' pre-Taylor archtop work, featuring his modified headstock shape with an angled back cut and a script-style Taylor logo inlay and unique pickguard shape.

Gold Label 514e Super Auditorium

Solid mahogany back and sides paired with torrefied Sitka spruce deliver a rich, earthy midrange character with woody response and powerful projection. Available in natural, blacktop or golden-brown sunburst finishes with cream-colored "Crest" inlays and cream body binding.

Gold Label 714e Super Auditorium

Indian rosewood and torrefied Sitka spruce showcase rosewood's characteristic deep lows, rich trebles and blooming overtones with impressive dynamic range. The model features understated appointments that channel the collection's workhorse spirit.

Gold Label 817e Grand Pacific

Honduran rosewood and torrefied Sitka spruce offer harmonically rich tone with inspiring old-school sonic character. The Grand Pacific body shape, with 3/8-inch of extra depth at the soundhole, provides greater volume, warmth and low-end expansiveness that are ideal for robust strumming and dynamic flatpicking.

Stage and Studio Acclaim

The Gold Label Collection has earned praise from both recording professionals and touring crews for its distinctive sound and innovative features. Producer/engineer Ben Moore, who has recorded guitar players for over 30 years, noted the collection's unique sonic character: "When a client opened the case and I saw a Taylor, I already had a sonic shape in mind before they strummed a single chord. The Gold Label guitars sound nothing like those guitars. The harmonic complexity

and midrange voice are nothing like any Taylor I have heard before. Microphones LOVE them.”

The Gold Label’s practical innovations have also won over touring professionals. "Having the 517e out on the road was such a treat,” said Matt Yankovich, Guitar Tech for Balance and Composure, and Mom Jeans. “The Action Control Neck is a touring guitar tech's dream come true — finally having the ability to quickly make action adjustments on the fly to keep things comfortable without needing to sand down saddles is an absolute game changer in the world of acoustic guitars."

The Gold Label 514e, 714e and 817e models are available now at authorized Taylor dealers worldwide starting at $2,599. All models include Taylor's Deluxe Hardshell Case and feature LR Baggs Element VTC electronics. For more information about the Gold Label Collection, visit TaylorGuitars.com.

The EVH® 5150® Iconic® Series satisfies the needs of gigging and recording guitarists craving that powerful EVH tube tone, but at a more affordable price. Evolving from the revered EVH 5150III® amplifiers, the Iconic Series delivers the signature sound and growling gain that Eddie Van Halen made famous throughout his groundbreaking career.

Designed by renowned amp engineer, James Brown, the 5150® Iconic® Series 15-watt Head is powered by one EL34 power tube and voiced by a complex, multi-stage hybrid preamp section anchored by a duet of ECC83 tubes providing all the fire power the modern guitarist needs.

Punching above its weight, this head features two channels with an extra voicing on each for even more versatility. The Green channel boasts an overdrive button to run from clean tones to increased gain, while the Red channel’s burn button adds fiery crunch that’s ideal for blistering leads. Each channel houses its own gain and volume controls, allowing for level-matching the volume when switching between the clean and high gain channels. The Boost control allows you to add another 10Db of foot-switchable volume to your tone - perfect for ensuring your solos cut through the mix.The control panel also includes shared EQ (Low, Mid and High), global resonance and presence knobs to adjust the low- and high-end aspects of your tone, and a global reverb to add the perfect amount of bounce and decay for any room.

Other features include a two-button footswitch, effects loop, dual parallel speaker output jacks, ¼ power switch to reduce wattage - allowing you to crank the amp and still preserve tone but without destroying your neighbor’s solitude, and a speaker-emulated DI XLR with power amp mute for accurate all-tube EVH tone for recording direct or using through any PA system. Sporting sophisticated and distinctive EVH style, the 5150 Iconic Series 15-watt Head is wrapped in Black textured vinyl with a brushed gold anodized aluminum front panel and black steel grille featuring gold and black 5150 and EVH logo badges. This This tube head is finished off with a brushed gold anodized aluminum control panel, vintage-style chicken-head knobs and molded black plastic top handle.

Learn more here.

D’Addario announces the Premium String Change Mat, a must-have for luthiers, techs, and players who need reliable, finish-safe support during string changes and instrument maintenance.

​Reliable Support for Every Restring & Repair

Designed with D’Addario’s iconic ball-end logo, the oversized mat measures 37.4” x 17.7”. On the surface is a soft, smooth fabric surface that’s safe for all finishes. Meanwhile, the underside is made of anti-slip rubber to ensure stability while you work, and the stitched edges improve long-term durability. Whether you’re performing an at-home tune up or prepping gear on the road, this mat keeps your instrument steady, protected, and scratch-free while you care for it.

A Must-Have Tool

"We want you to enjoy changing your strings. This mat was designed to be comfortable and functional, transforming your string change from a chore to a retreat," said D'Addario's Business Development Manager, Danny Mele.

Features:

• Soft, Smooth Fabric Surface
• Anti-Slip Rubber Underside
• Stitched Edge
• Ethically sourced and packaged with zero plastic
• D’Addario’s iconic ball-end logo

Product Info:

• Street Price: $29.99
• Available now at daddario.com and through participating retailers and distributors
• More Info: https://ddar.io/pscm-pr

Today, Jackson introduces a legendary shape to its prestigious American Series lineup: The American Series Rhoads RR24 and RR24 HT. Born from a 1980 collaboration between metal icon, Randy Rhoads, and founder, Grover Jackson, this distinctive angular shaped design was built for the ultimate shredding performance. Featuring USA-made Seymour Duncan® JB and ‘59 humbuckers pickups, a reverse 6 in-line headstock and the signature offset Rhoads alder body, the American Series Rhoads delivers the bold, brutal tone that metal enthusiasts demand.

Meticulously crafted in Jackson’s Corona, California factory, the American Series Rhoads is built to devastating perfection through premium materials and components including alder bodies with three-piece neck through construction and 12-16" compound radius ebony fingerboard with jumbo stainless steel frets. This launch expands the American Series beyond its current Soloist™ and Virtuoso™ models, reinforcing Jackson's commitment to supporting heavy music artists with uncompromising quality instruments. Rhoads' pursuit of precise, architectural solos helped define the template for metal guitar playing that continues to influence generations of players. Embodying the authentic Rhoads DNA, this American-made guitar is engineered for shredding perfection.

“The American Series Rhoads was created to bring the legendary shape that metal guitarists have coveted for decades to a new generation,” said Jon Romanowski, VP of Product, Jackson. “Built in the U.S., this premium guitar is engineered for players who demand uncompromising metal tone and performance.”

The American Series Rhoads is available in two models: the RR24 and RR24 HT, with the bridge being the main difference between them. The RR24 HT features a Hipshot hardtail bridge made for rock-solid tuning stability and ease of use for string changes or for drop tunings on the fly. This guitar is available in Satin Black and Snow White. The RR24 takes a different approach with its recessed 1500 Series Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo system for dive bombs, squeals and flutters while staying in tune through brutal playing. This tremolo-equipped model is available in Satin Black, Matte Army Drab and Snow White.

To introduce the legendary American Rhoads series, Jackson has partnered with metal virtuosos and signature artists, Brandon Ellis and Jeff Loomis. Both Ellis and Loomis continue to leave an indelible mark on the metal genre through their revolutionary playing styles and technical mastery. The Rhoads shape continues to empower guitarists to push the boundaries of heavy music, delivering crushing tone and uncompromising performance. This collaboration reinforces Jackson's commitment to supporting the artists who define modern metal while honoring the legacy of one of guitar's most influential innovators.

“This axe embodies everything the Jackson name has always stood for to me,” said Brandon Ellis. “It's built for metal and speed, and comes 100% tour-worthy right off of the shelf, with bulletproof American construction, high quality specs and hardware and contemporary upgrades. The easily accessible spokewheel adjusted truss rod, push-in style tremolo bar, stainless steel Floyd Rose upgrades, glow in the dark side dots and locking tuners are all huge quality of life improvements for performing musicians like myself. I have the matte finished olive drab version which both feels amazing in my hands and looks killer on anybody who wields this classic, sharp-angled, metal beast of a guitar!”

“The American Series Rhoads is an amazing metal masterpiece!” said Jeff Loomis. “Aggressive looks with killer playability all over the neck, this guitar really stands out. Partnering with Jackson again to showcase this guitar with Brandon Ellis was a total blast and unforgettable experience.”

Watch these legends unleash their metal prowess: Presenting the American Series Rhoads Feat. Jeff Loomis & Brandon Ellis | Jackson Guitars. High-resolution product and lifestyle images of the American Series Rhoads RR24 can be found HERE. Full product descriptions and specifications of the American Series Rhoads RR24 can be found HERE.

AMERICAN SERIES RHOADS RR24

($2,849.99 – $2,899.99 USD, £2,249 GBP, €2,649 EUR, $5,149 – $5,249 AUD, ¥528,000 JPY)

The RR24’s offset Rhoads alder body turns heads with its sleek, weapon-like contours while providing resonant, lively tone. Its neck-through-body three-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement delivers supreme stability and sustain. 24 Jumbo stainless-steel frets top the 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard allowing effortless bending across the entire fretboard. For tone that’s tight yet expressive, we’ve equipped the RR24 with Seymour Duncan® JB and ‘59 humbuckers. These USA-made pickups roar with thick distortion when you dig in, cleaning up nicely for singing leads. The recessed 1500 Series Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo system lets you execute dive bombs, squeals and flutters while staying in tune through heavy abuse.

AMERICAN SERIES RHOADS RR24 HT

($2,729.99 – $2,779.99 USD, £2,199 GBP, €2,599 EUR, $4,949 – $5,049 AUD, ¥517,000 JPY).

The RR24’s offset Rhoads alder body turns heads with its sleek, weapon-like contours while providing resonant, lively tone. Its neck-through-body three-piece maple neck with graphite reinforcement delivers supreme stability and sustain. 24 Jumbo stainless-steel frets top the 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard allowing effortless bending across the entire fretboard. For tone that’s tight yet expressive, we’ve equipped the RR24 HT with Seymour Duncan® JB and ‘59 humbuckers. These USA-made pickups roar with thick distortion when you dig in, cleaning up nicely for singing leads. The Hipshot® hardtail bridge makes for rock-solid tuning stability, and ease of use for string changes or for drop tunings “on the fly”.

California metal giants Deftones returned this year with Private Music, their first album in five years. In support of it, they ripped across North America on a string of headline shows and support slots with System of a Down.

We linked with Deftones guitarist Steph Carpenter for a Rig Rundown back in 2013, but a lot has changed since then (and as Carpenter reveals in this new interview, he basically disowns that 2013 rig). Back in August, PG’s Chris Kies caught up with Carpenter again ahead of the band’s gig in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the guitarist gave us an all-access walkthrough of his current road rig.

Brought to you by D’Addario

Blue Battle-Axe

This headless, color-shifting Kiesel Vader 8 was the first Kiesel that Carpenter got his hands on.

Kiesel Kavalcade

Carpenter requested Vader models in all-black, all-white, and goldtop finishes, then Jeff Kiesel himself surprised Carpenter with the remainder, including the camo and green sparkle models shown here. Carpenter will choose which guitar to use based on how he’s feeling each evening. To record Private Music, he switched between his trusty ESPs and these new favorites.

Steph’s Selections

One of Carpenter’s two guitar vaults is full of his current favorite ESPs. Of those, this glow-in-the-dark version, along with the pink-finish model, is his top pick. Curious about his pickup configuration? It’s got nothing to do with sound; it’s purely based on how guitarists like Vivian Campbell and Adrian Vandenberg set up their guitars. Carpenter loved the look, so he copied it.

Back to Bogners

Carpenter says he’s had “too many fails” relying on a completely digital rig, so these days he rolls with a hybrid setup designed by his tech, Greg Dubinovskiy, and Dave Friedman, the latter of whom built the rig.

It’s based around these KT88-loaded Bogner Uberschall Uber-Ultra heads, which are wired to two Bogner 2x12 UberKabs (with one Celestion V-30 and one G12T-75 each) and two Bogner 4x12 UberKabs (with two V-30s and two G12T-75s in an X pattern). A Shure Nexus 57 and Shure KSM32 are used to capture the amp sound.

Rack Rundown

Beside the Bogner’s, another rack houses a Shure AD4Q, Radial JX 44, and a Fractal Axe-Fx II. (Carpenter has no desire to upgrade to the latest model.) Lower down, there’s a pair of Rivera Mini RockRecs.

Most of Carpenter’s pedals are shelved below these units, including an Eventide H9, Boss FZ-1, ZVEX Fuzz Factory, custom ZVEX Machine, , Pigtronix Gatekeeper, Xotic SP Compressor, Strymon Mobius, Strymon BigSky, Strymon Timeline, and TC Electronic TC 2290. A Voodoo Lab Hex powers the pedal party.

Steph Carpenter’s Pedalboard

Carpenter’s Line 6 Helix unit is the brain of his setup, and handles all switching. Also on hand are a DigiTech Whammy Ricochet, a Dunlop Volume (X) Mini pedal, and a TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Noir.

Source Audio, a leader in next-generation guitar and bass effects pedals, proudly introduces the Encounter Ambient Delay+Reverb, a fully loaded, dual-engine effects pedal designed to unlock immersive, atmospheric soundscapes. Building upon the legacy of Source Audio’s award-winning Collider Delay+Reverb, the Encounter features dual signal processing, allowing users to combine any two of the pedal’s six delay and six reverb effects. Where the Collider focused on classic delay and reverb effects, Encounter ventures into uncharted tonal territory, delivering new, otherworldly effects for guitar, bass, synth, and adventurous sound designers of all kinds.

“You asked, so we delivered!” says Roger Smith, President of Source Audio. “Ever since the release of the Collider Delay+Reverb, players have asked us to push further — into more adventurous, exploratory delay and reverb textures. Encounter answers that call. It opens up an expansive new universe of sonic possibility, combining reimagined classics with brand-new algorithms that explore both the familiar and the beautifully unknown.”

At the heart of the Encounter are six delay and six reverb engines that can be used individually or combined in pairs — this includes dual delay and dual reverb setups. Users can route dual effect combinations in series, parallel, or split stereo, with independent footswitch control for each engine, effectively offering the power of two pedals in one easy-to-navigate enclosure. Stereo ins and outs, full MIDI implementation, 8 onboard preset slots (128 presets with MIDI), external expression control, and seamless integration with Source Audio’s free Neuro 3 editing software for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows further elevate the pedal’s flexibility and creative potential.

The Encounter’s effects collection features brand-new engines such as Hypersphere, a gravity-defying ambient reverb inspired by infinite spatial reflections, Kaleidoscope, a cascading, harp-like delay effect, and Shimmers, a rich, dual-pitched shimmer reverb designed for lush harmonic layering.

Modernized favorites from Source Audio’s acclaimed Ventris Dual Reverb and Nemesis Delay ADT also make a return — Reverse, Lo-Fi, Trem Verb, and Swell reverbs, along with Helix, Drum Echo, Noise Tape (based on the Roland Space Echo) and Resonant delays — all reimagined with expanded parameter control.

In addition, musicians can preview and explore the sounds and editing capabilities of the Encounter before purchasing the pedal, using the Neuro 3’s new SoundCheck™ feature. Neuro 3 is Source Audio's entirely free effects editing, preset sharing, and organizing software. SoundCheck features prerecorded, unaffected guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum loops that can be played through bit-perfect replications of Source Audio One Series pedals. Users can audition presets or use the effect editor and hear changes in real-time, using only a smartphone or computer.

Adding to the company’s lineup of premium US-made pickups, Brickhouse Toneworks has introduced the Mason Deluxe P.A.F. pickup. Available individually or in matched sets, the Mason Deluxe delivers the classic, exquisitely balanced tone of a vintage 1960s P.A.F. humbucker with added bite. They are a direct drop-in replacement for standard sized humbuckers.

Sporting AlNiCo 4 magnets for enhanced attack and articulation, the Mason Deluxe P.A.F. has the clarity of a lower wind with the power of a fuller wind. Pickup master David Shepherd designed the pickup with two slightly different wire thicknesses on each coil, along with carefully calibrated asymmetrical coils, to bring out the maximum frequencies and dynamic range possible.

Expanding on the legacy of Brickhouse Toneworks’ highly regarded 1960 P.A.F. and Semi 60 P.A.F. humbuckers, the Mason Deluxe P.A.F.'s deliver a unique tonal profile characterized by a chimey, bell-like clarity and exceptional articulation. The sound is both smooth and responsive, with a dynamic range that allows for a sweet, rolled-off tone as well as a powerful, aggressive distortion. A defining feature is the rich, harmonic overtones that bloom and sustain, providing a heightened sense of depth and dimensionality. The pickups also exhibit a slight microphonic effect, which enhances pick attack definition. This results in a complex, yet clear sound—fat and woody in the neck position, and sparkling with pronounced punch and tonal definition in the bridge.

The result: an extraordinarily responsive P.A.F. humbucker with a transparent and open sound, allowing the guitar and player's natural tone to be the star of the show.

Key Features of the Mason Deluxe:

• AlNiCo 4 Roughcast Long Bar Magnets, Unpotted Coils
• Vintage Correct Long Leg Frames and Butyrate Plastic Bobbins
• Vintage Correct Alloys, Coil Wire and Braided Single Conductor Leads
• Vintage Correct Hand Ground, Hand Buffed P.A.F. Covers
• DC Resistance - Bridge: 8.1k (Average)
• DC Resistance - Neck: 7k (Average)
• Made in the USA with premium quality materials

The Brickhouse Toneworks Mason Deluxe P.A.F. street price starts at $195 each and starts at $390 per set. Visit www.brickhousetone.com or contact info@brickhousetone.com for more information and order yours directly.

Mad Cat!—The 2 X EL84, 20-watt Ocelot can breathe fire when it’s not sounding silky smooth. The Ocelot brings together the warmth of pure analog tube circuitry with advanced digital features, redefining what’s possible in a small-format amp. Whether you're recording at home, gigging, or practicing silently with headphones, the Ocelot adapts to your environment without ever compromising your tone.

Channel 1 features sparkling, high-headroom cleans with the ability to nudge into rich edge-of-breakup tones via a Hi/Lo mode switch. Channel 2 brings tight, punchy crunch and full-bodied, high-gain saturation—with articulate response and massive sustain.

Each channel has its own volume control, and the amp includes shared Treble, Mid, Bass, and Presence EQ for easy tone shaping.

Two Notes Torpedo DynIR integration with six onboard virtual cabinet presets from the official Bad Cat DynIR Pack. Selectable Power Modes – Choose between 20W for full punch or 1W for quiet playing. XLR and Headphone Outs – For silent practice or direct-to-DAW recording, complete with Cab Sim and adjustable Cab Level control. Buffered Effects Loop – Keep your pedals sounding pristine and punchy. USB-C Port – For firmware updates and remote editing via Two notes Torpedo Remote software. MIDI Control – Full MIDI implementation for switching channels, modes, and cab presets on the fly. And thanks to its internal speaker load, you can use the Ocelot without an external cabinet—perfect for late-night jams or tracking in a silent setup.