VOX announces the global debut of the AC30 Hand-Wired Amplifier Head and the matching V212 Hand-Wired Cabinet, two meticulously crafted additions to the company’s legendary AC Series. Engineered for serious players, recording engineers, and tone enthusiasts, these new models revive the spirit of the 1960s AC30 while delivering the reliability, flexibility, and performance demanded on modern stages and in contemporary studios. By faithfully reconstructing the original design, employing hand-wired circuitry, custom transformers, tube-driven spring reverb, and vintage-accurate cabinet construction, VOX has created a head-and-cabinet pairing that brings timeless tone squarely into the present day.
Few amplifiers have shaped music history like the VOX AC30, and the new AC30 Hand-Wired Head has been developed to honor that legacy with extraordinary attention to musical feel and authenticity. Designed as a complete reconstruction rather than a simple reissue, it features hand-wired circuitry and custom transformers, supported by modern refinements including a master volume that can be fully removed from the circuit when engaged at maximum setting, a transparent and fully bypass-able FET-buffered effects loop, and a custom-voiced spring reverb driven through a dedicated tube stage. Every element has been engineered to ensure that the unmistakable sound of a true vintage VOX experience is delivered with consistency and reliability.
Central to the amplifier’s sonic character is its 30-watt EL84 power section, supported by a GZ34 rectifier and a carefully developed power circuit designed to recreate the distinctive voltage “sag” that influences dynamics, sustain, and playing feel. The amp retains the expressive phase inverter behavior that contributes to the AC30’s complex harmonic response when pushed, offering the touch sensitivity, openness, and natural compression associated with sought-after early-1960s examples. A custom-wound output transformer further shapes the amp’s dimensional tonality, delivering bell-like highs, defined midrange character, and the layered harmonic bloom that players associate with classic VOX heritage, while keeping modern noise performance and stability.
The AC30 Hand-Wired Head offers two defining VOX channels. The Normal channel delivers warm, articulate tone with the choice of adding extra brilliance via a Bright switch, making it equally suitable for single-coil or humbucking pickups. The Top Boost channel provides the chime, clarity, and dynamic drive that has defined generations of British rock, with independent Treble, Bass, and Volume controls enabling precise tonal shaping from shimmering cleans to expressive vintage crunch. Supporting features include tube-driven reverb with Level and Tone control, footswitchable bypass, and versatile speaker outputs with compatibility for both 8- and 16-ohm cabinets. Measuring 27.76 by 10.35 by 11.89 inches and weighing 43.43 pounds, the amplifier is built with premium tubes including four ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes, one ECC81/12AT7, four EL84 power tubes, and a GZ34 rectifier. The head ships with power cable, owner’s manual, VFS1 footswitch, and speaker cable.
Developed to be the ideal partner for the amplifier, the V212HWRX Hand-Wired Cabinet has been precision-designed to reproduce authentic VOX tone with authority, depth, and musical resonance. Far from being merely a housing for speakers, the cabinet construction itself was engineered through detailed study of original 1960s AC30 designs. Built from 12mm birch ply to match vintage specifications, it delivers an open, three-dimensional response that enhances clarity while keeping warmth and body. Inside, a pair of 12-inch Celestion Alnico Blue speakers provides the unmistakable sonic signature long associated with VOX amplifiers, featuring brilliant top end, smooth overdrive character, and rich harmonic response that complements the AC30 Hand-Wired Head perfectly.
Visually, both products pay tribute to VOX heritage. The amplifier features period-inspired styling elements such as copper control panel, brass vent accents, and traditional VOX branding, while the V212HWRX cabinet showcases diamond-pattern grill cloth and classic VOX identity. The cabinet measures 27.36 by 10.31 by 22.32 inches, weighs 40.79 pounds, and is rated for 30 watts RMS into 16 ohms. Together, the AC30 Hand-Wired Head and V212HWRX cabinet deliver not only tone and performance but an authentic connection to VOX’s iconic legacy.
With these releases, VOX offers players, collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and working professionals a faithful yet forward-thinking path to true AC-series tone in a flexible head-and-cabinet format.
For additional details, specifications, and availability information, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.voxamps.com.
C. F. Martin & Co.® today announced four new instruments debuting ahead of The 2026 NAMM Show: the Super D-18, Super HD-28, Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus, and Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst. Following the recent launch of the refreshed Road Series, these additions mark another significant step forward for Martin in 2026, with one more major announcement planned during NAMM.
Super D-18 & Super HD-28
The Super D-18 and Super HD-28 build on the success of the Custom Shop Super D, Martin’s largest and most powerful body shape. With approximately 20% more internal air volume than a standard Dreadnought, the Super D delivers deeper bass, greater projection, and an extended dynamic range—while keeping the iconic silhouette intact. Acoustic testing showed gains of up to 12dB, offering more volume with less effort.
For 2026, Martin brings this groundbreaking body shape into the Standard Series for the first time, offering players Super D performance paired with classic 18- and 28-style appointments, with the Super D-18 (above) featuring solid spruce and genuine mahogany and the Super HD-28 (below) pairing solid spruce with East Indian rosewood—both powered by forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped X-bracing for exceptional responsiveness and tone.
Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus
The K-42 Hibiscus expands the Martin O’ahu line with a design that reimagines the historic Kealakai-inspired body. A 12-fret body paired with a 14-fret neck—an unprecedented combination for Martin—shifts the bridge for added focus and projection. Broad-flamed koa back and sides, a reclaimed spruce top with a dark toasted burst, Style 42 appointments, Madagascar rosewood binding, and hibiscus fingerboard inlays make it visually striking and sonically rich. Limited to 100 instruments, it offers a blend of heritage, rarity, and modern craftsmanship.
Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst
Designed by Martin President and CEO Thomas Ripsam, the Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst features a custom Engelmann spruce top with a “Martin paisley” pattern incorporating historic snowflake and diamond motifs. Quilted maple back and sides and an Ember Burst finish create a unified, premium aesthetic. Forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped bracing produces clear, articulate tone, while flamed maple binding, abalone inlays, Waverly gold tuners, L.R. Baggs® Anthem™ electronics, and a hand-signed label elevate this one-year limited model for players and collectors.
A Strong Start to 2026
Following the recent launch of the refreshed Road Series, the debut of these four new instruments continues Martin’s strong start to 2026 and sets the stage for a standout showing at this year’s NAMM Show.
Taylor Guitars has announced its most ambitious tonal expansion to date with two key launches: a Next Generation evolution of its flagship Grand Auditorium guitars and the growth of its heritage-inspired Gold Label Collection to include a trio of deeper-bodied square-shoulder dreadnoughts. This dual launch underscores Taylor's commitment to offer players the industry's widest spectrum of acoustic tonal possibilities, from cutting-edge modern acoustic performance to time-honored traditional tonal character.
“As guitar makers, we see the ever-wider variety of players and styles,” said Andy Powers, Taylor’s Chief Guitar Designer and CEO. “This means different types of sounds, feels and aesthetic presentations—all in step with the creative world of today’s players.”
EVOLVING A MODERN FLAGSHIP: Next Generation GRAND AUDITORIUMS
For more than 30 years, the cutaway Grand Auditorium body style has defined the Taylor brand—comfortable, musically versatile, and equally at home in living rooms, pro studios, and on big stages. Yet in keeping with Taylor’s ethos of continuous improvement, Andy Powers has continued to bring voicing enhancements to Taylor's most popular body style. The latest refinements arrive as a potent trio of performance-enhancing, “Next-Generation” innovations that fundamentally transform the feel, sound, and live performance utility, all while retaining the core identity that players love. Debuting in Taylor’s best-selling 300, 400 and 800 Series, including both Standard and Builder's Edition models, the Next Generation Grand Auditoriums combine Taylor’s patented Action Control Neck, a new scalloped variant of Andy’s V-Class bracing, and all-new Claria System electronics—with all three design breakthroughs working in harmony to inspire players by offering a richer, more expressive musical experience.
ACTION CONTROL NECKTM— The patented Action Control Neck features a long-tenon joint extending deeper into the guitar body for dramatically enhanced sustain, warmth, and resonance, while allowing instant, precise string height adjustments directly through the soundhole—with no string or neck removal required.
SCALLOPED V-CLASSTM BRACING — Working in harmony with the neck, a new scalloped V-Class bracing pattern lightens key brace zones for increased top movement and responsiveness, delivering the warmth and richness players crave with enhanced low-end response while preserving V-Class's renowned pitch accuracy, projection and sustain.
CLARIATM PICKUP SYSTEM —Finally, Taylor’s all-new Claria System electronics revolutionize amplified performance with an improved under-saddle piezo pickup paired with a proprietary onboard preamp that eliminates traditional piezo harshness. Discrete soundhole-mounted Volume, Mid-Contour, and Tone controls enable a wide range of tone-shaping—players will find it easy to quickly dial in their preferred sound in any type of performance venue, offering remarkable plug-and-play utility.
Next Generation Grand Auditoriums start at $2,499 and include:
*These 12-string models feature standard V-Class bracing.
GOLD LABEL GROWTH: SQUARE-SHOULDER DREADS + NEW 900 SERIES MODELS
One year after its debut, Taylor’s Gold Label Collection, which draws inspiration from past eras of traditional, non-cutaway guitars, welcomes another body style to the family: a square-shoulder dreadnought with a deeper body that creates an acoustic powerhouse with pronounced warmth and projection. The new dreadnought models include three tonewood pairings: the mahogany/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 510e, the Indian rosewood/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 710e, and the Honduran rosewood/torrefied Sitka spruce Gold Label 810e. (One other dreadnought that sits alongside these models is the Trey Hensley Gold Label 510e, introduced in Q4 of 2025.)
The new Gold Label Collection guitars start at $2,799 and include:
Additionally, a pair of new Gold Label models debut at Taylor’s 900 Series level, featuring an ultra-premium blend of materials and aesthetic refinements. Models include two body styles: the Super Auditorium Gold Label 914e and Grand Pacific 917e. Both pair Honduran rosewood with Adirondack spruce and feature exquisite paua-shell trim along the top, fretboard and headstock, in natural or golden-brown sunburst finishes. All Gold Label models feature the collection's signature innovations: Fanned V-Class Bracing, the Action Control Neck, and heritage-inspired aesthetics.
“It’s like players are stepping into a different musical skin with our Gold Label guitars,” says Powers. “Songwriters, bluegrass players, Americana players, rhythm players, weekend strummers, worship leaders, all kinds of different players saying, ‘Wow, I love this sound. This is a whole different face of Taylor.’”
The Next Generation Grand Auditoriums and expanded Gold Label Collection models are available now at authorized Taylor dealers worldwide. For more information, visit TaylorGuitars.com. Follow Taylor Guitars on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
Walrus Audio announces Canvas Volume, a next-generation volume pedal designed to deliver precise control, consistent performance, and expressive feel without the mechanical compromises of traditional designs.
Canvas Volume allows players to tailor the pedal’s feel and response to their playing style through deep under-heel customization. Adjustable tapers, minimum-on volume, maximum gain, and lag controls give users the flexibility to dial in everything from straightforward volume control to expressive swells and clean boost applications.
Key features include:
• Eight selectable tapers, including a custom Canvas Taper and seven taper models inspired by classic volume pedals.
• Fully analog signal path with digitally controlled precision for consistent, musical response. • Mono, stereo, and dual-mono routing options with a dedicated tuner output.
Unlike traditional volume pedals that rely on strings, pots, or gears, Canvas Volume eliminates common wear points while remaining housed in a rugged steel and aluminum enclosure. Built around a contactless position sensor and high-quality VCAs, Canvas Volume provides a premium all-analog signal path with digitally controlled accuracy for smooth, musical volume response night after night. A built-in Utility Menu provides calibration, mode selection, and firmware update access to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
Engineered in the heart of Oklahoma City, Canvas Volume is built for players who demand durability, precision, and expressive control in a modern volume pedal.
Walrus Audio is offering the Canvas Volume for $299.99. Experience the Canvas Volume exclusively at walrusaudio.com and authorized dealers worldwide.
Cort Guitars announces the release of the new GB Short Scale bass guitars, a compact, short-scale instrument designed to deliver full, versatile bass tone in a more comfortable and portable format. Available worldwide through authorized local retailers and online, the GB Short Scale basses combine a 30-inch scale length with modern electronics and player-focused ergonomics, offering an accessible choice for bassists seeking comfort without sacrificing tonal flexibility.
The GB Short Scale features a poplar body providing a balanced tonal response with warm mids and smooth highs. Its body is approximately 20% more compact than a standard bass, contributing to improved comfort and ease of play. The bolt-on neck is crafted from roasted maple, a process that enhances stability while imparting a distinctive golden-brown appearance. The neck has a C-shaped profile with a 30-inch scale length and is paired with a roasted maple fretboard featuring a 15.75-inch radius, 22 medium-jumbo frets, and black dot inlays with matching black side dots. A PPS nut with a 1 1/2-inch (38 mm) width and 4-inline headstock complete the neck specifications.
Electronics are centered around a single Cort® Powersound humbucker pickup, designed to deliver both full humbucker and single-coil-style tones. The bass is equipped with a Markbass® MB-1 preamp, providing a natural and transparent boost that preserves the instrument’s inherent tonal character. Controls include a master volume, a 3-band EQ for detailed tone shaping, and a 3-way pickup function selector that allows players to switch between series, split, and parallel modes.
Hardware appointments include a vintage-style bridge and open-gear tuning machines, finished in chrome. The bass ships strung with .045–.105 gauge strings and features a spoke nut hotrod truss rod for easy neck adjustment. Added design elements include an ergonomic neck joint that improves access to the upper register while reducing playing strain. The GB Short Scale bass is offered in Gloss body finishes with a Matte neck finish, available in Yellow Crush, Forest Green, and Fandango Purple.
For more information on the new GB Short Scale bass guitars and the full Cort Guitars lineup, please visit NAMM Booth #6810 or online at www.cortguitars.com
