The new strings are made using cobalt ribbon wire wrapped around hex cores with cobalt under-wraps.
Coachella, CA (May 7, 2015) -- Ernie Ball Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of guitar strings, musical instrument accessories and hand-crafted high-end Ernie Ball Music Man guitars and basses, announces the introduction of its new Slinky Flatwound electric bass guitar strings. These highly innovative new offerings feature an “industry first” – combining two equally important bass tones in one – literally creating a “new category” of strings. This allows bass players to achieve a vibrant round wound sound, paired with the silky smooth feel of traditional flatwound strings. The announcement was made by Ernie Ball President Brian Ball and represents the latest groundbreaking product in the company’s legacy of innovation. It is also part of an intensive series of Ernie Ball product rollouts to be unveiled through the end of 2015 and into 2016.
“For over five decades, Ernie Ball has had a rich history of driving innovation in the Musical Instrument space and providing artists with pioneering products that allow them to create and develop their signature sound,” stated Brian Ball. “Developed with Ernie Ball's patented cobalt/steel alloy, our new Slinky Flatwound electric bass strings provide significantly more tonal versatility than any other bass string ever produced.”
As part of the development of the Slinky Flatwound electric bass stings, Ernie Ball’s R&D department road-tested the strings with some of today's most respected bass guitarists, including Pino Palladino (The Who, Paul Simon, John Mayer Trio), Matt Mangano (Zac Brown Band), Juan Alderete (Mars Volta, Deltron 3030), Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel), Mike Herrera (MxPx), Ed Friedland (The Bass Whisperer) and more.
“Having been involved in the development of Ernie Ball’s Slinky Flatwound strings, I can honestly say that they offer an innovative combination of feel, tone and durability unlike any other string I’ve played. A game changer for bass players” – Pino Palladino, The Who, Paul Simon, John Mayer Trio
“The perfect balance of deep bottom, punchy mids, a smooth top-end...the quest for the perfect flatwound string is finally over.” - Matt Mangano, Zac Brown Band
Available in five four-string sets (40-95; 45-100; 45-115; 50-105; and 55-110) and a five-string set (45-130), the Slinky Flatwound electric bass strings are made using cobalt ribbon wire wrapped around hex cores with cobalt under-wraps for unmatched clarity and projection. Additionally, the strings feature an optimal core-to-warp ratio for comfortable tension and playability.
The new Ernie Ball Slinky Flatwound electric bass strings will be available in stores early May 2015 with an estimated U.S. street price of $34.99 (4-string) and $39.99 (5-string).
For more information:
Ernie Ball
D'Addario's new Bridge Pin Puller and Tour-Grade Peg Winder are designed to make string changes a breeze.
The Bridge Pin Puller is designed to be the fastest, easiest, and safest way to remove bridge pins from an acoustic guitar. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the standalone bridge pin puller is a great way for acoustic players to avoid fumbling with bridge pins during string changes and maintenance. The ergonomic design comfortably fits in hand but won’t place extra pressure on the instrument or bridge during use. Best of all, the clamp design encloses the pin, keeping it secure inside the puller until it’s released.
The Tour-Grade Peg Winder offers next-level performance for luthiers, techs, or anyone who wants to change strings with maximum speed and ease. The multi-tool design brings together a ball bearing, non-damaging socket for smoother winding, molded grips, and a spring-loaded bridge pin puller, delivering an all-in-one option to handle most standard string changes.
From the straight-forward simplicity of the Bridge Pin Puller to the all-around convenienceof the Tour-Grade Peg Winder, D’Addario has your string changes covered.
For more information, please visit daddario.com.
With built-in effects, headphone output, and AUX connectivity, these compact devices are designed to provide ultimate versatility for practice sessions at home or on stage.
Aguilar is introducing the amPlug3 Tone Hammer, a portable headphone amplifier inspired by the iconic Tone Hammer sound. Ideal for practicing anywhere, this compact device packs dual channel Clean and Drive modes for ultimate versatility. To help keep practice sessions inspiring, the unit includes reverb, chorus, and compression as built-in, onboard effects and a built-in rhythm feature to keep any players favorite basslines in time. Lastly, the amPlug3 features AUX connectivity to allow players to play along with tracks, or via a TRRS cable, record straight to a phone or laptop with ease. Whether at home, in the studio, or on the road, the amPlug3 Tone Hammer offers a convenient practice solution without compromising tone.
In addition to the amPlug 3 Tone Hammer, Aguilar has revamped their iconic Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Built upon the original design that has become an essential tool for bass players seeking tone and flexibility. Incorporating customer feedback and refining key features, the new Tone Hammer Preamp offers enhanced drive functionality featuring an expanded gain range with a separate "drive" control for greater tonal precision, allowing users to refine their overdriven and clean tones independently. New Practice-friendly features include the addition of a headphone output and auxiliary input, allowing the pedal to double as the perfect practice companion at home or on the road. The updated, compact enclosure has a modern aesthetic, complementing the Tone Hammer series of amplifiers.
“We are thrilled to expand the Tone Hammer family with these new products,” said Jordan Cortese of Aguilar Amplification. “The reimagined Preamp/DI pedal and the all-new amPlug3 Tone Hammer provide bassists with even more options to achieve their perfect sound, whether they’re on stage or practicing on the move.”
Street Prices:
- Tone Hammer Preamp Pedal $299.99
- amPlug3 Tone hammer $59.99
Aguilar amPlug 3 Tone Hammer Bass Guitar Headphone Amplifier
amPlug 3 Tone Hammer Mini AmpFralin launches custom Prewired Tele Deluxe ’72 Pickguard featuring Lindy Fralin’s Wide Range Humbuckers.
"Our custom pickguards are not just upgrades; they are transformations. Each pickguard is skillfully built with the legendary Lindy Fralin’s Wide Range Humbuckers, renowned for their rich, full-bodied sound that will take your tone to the next level.
Paired with CTS Pots that provide unmatched reliability and precise control of your sound, every strum and pick will resonate with clarity and depth."
Features
- The ultimate “Build Your Own” Telecaster Deluxe ’72 Pickguard
- USA-Made pickups & electronics for superior quality
- Hand-wired with USA-Made vintage cloth lead for a traditional look
- Fully customizable – from appearance to function
- Hand-assembled, signed, and dated by our pickguard craftsman
- 10-year warranty on materials and craftsmanship
For more information, please visit fralinpickups.com.
With buffered bypass and top-mounted jacks, this compact pedal is perfect for adding punch to your playing.
Carl Martin has introduced the Tone Tweaker, a 12dBboost pedal designed to unleash the full potential of your favorite gear. This subtle yet powerful booster pedal is built with an internal voltage booster that provides extra headroom and makes your beloved tube amp sound even better. It is perfect for cutting through the mix during solos and adding extra punch to your rhythm playing.
Tone Tweaker features an efficient 3-band equalizer, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with dedicated controls for Mid, Treble, and Bass. Whether you want to add warmth to your midrange, more sharpness to your treble, or extra depth to the low end, Tone Tweaker gives you the tools to shape your sound with exceptional effect – subtle yet powerful.
Key Features
- 12dB Boost: Instantly enhance your signal with a clean, transparent boost that preserves the integrity of your original tone.
- Internal Voltage Booster: Increases the amount of voltage sent into the pedal’s circuitry, providing extra headroom and boost.
- 3-Band Equalizer: Customize your sound with precise adjustments using the Mid, Treble, and Bass controls. It's far more powerful than you think.
- Buffered Bypass: Preserves signal strength and tone quality, ensuring your sound remains consistent even when the pedal is not engaged.
- Top-Mounted In/Out Jacks and Compact Design: Designed to take up minimal space on your pedalboard, with top-mounted jacks saving space and providing a cleaner setup.
You can purchase The Tone Tweaker for $149 directly from Carl Martin and, of course, also at leading music retailers worldwide.
For more information, please visit carlmartin.com.