An early snapshot in the life of a StingRay. These body blanks have been carefully selected and await time in an oven for de-moisturizing before a CNC machine gives them their shape.
Continuing to shatter the boundaries of what is possible within the analog time-modulation domain, Mr. Black is proud to announce the all-new Mod.One - Analog Modulator. The Mod.One combines chorus, flanger and “high-band” flanger into a single compact pedal, readily capable of creating each effect independently, and further expanded by its ability to seamlessly morph between these processes on the fly, bridging the gaps between the classic, related modulation sounds, while affording all-new tones and possibilities.
Hand built and individually calibrated, the Mod.One also includes Click-Less relay true-bypass, six waveforms and precision tap-tempo, delivering premium analog modulation in a built-to-last compact and handsome package.
Key features:
• 100% analog signal path
• Wide range of LFO speeds
• Six waveforms
• Tap-Tempo
• Click-Less True-Bypass
• Powered by “Industry Standard” 9VDC
The Mod.One carries a MAP of $249.95 and is handmade, one-at-a-time in Portland, Oregon U.S.A. Available at: www.mrblackpedals.comand retailers worldwide.
Cooper Wentz, co-inventor of the Sonic Hammer, sampling the back plate of a Galloup acoustic in preparation for finishing.
Photo by Emily Galloup
Over the past few decades, I’ve devoted much of my lutherie career to understanding musical-grade tonewoods and the instruments that they become. While some builders seem to assess wood instinctively, I’ve always needed real, solid data—something concrete to show how a material behaves and how to best use it. That meant diving deep into the science: analyzing frequency, weight, and stiffness to understand how, and why, these characteristics shape an instrument’s sound.
One of the most powerful tools for this kind of work is the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer, which lets you track and study anything that vibrates or makes sound. When testing tonewoods or working on guitars, FFT analysis is indispensable. Over the years, I tried a variety of FFT systems, but eventually adopted SpectraPlus by Pioneer Hill Software. It elevated my analysis to a whole new level. Even mobile FFT apps, though a bit quirky at times, have their place. I’ve had one on my phone for over 15 years. They’re a great entry point for players and curious minds alike.
In 2024, a major breakthrough occurred: the launch of the Acousonix Sonic Hammer, which I helped develop. This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap. For tonewoods, it reveals key modal frequencies that help gauge a piece of wood’s acoustic potential. For guitars, it’s both insightful and fun: You can tap the top to measure its resonance, hold it near the soundhole to detect air resonance, or tap the back to read the back plate’s voice. Together, these readings paint a clearer picture of the instrument’s tonal fingerprint.
“This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap.”
Photo by Emily Galloup
Say you’re comparing two guitars: One feels more “alive,” but you can’t explain why. By sampling each guitar you’ll likely see frequency differences tied to weight, tension, and structural behavior. That kind of information can help guide buying decisions, repair work, or just satisfy your curiosity.
Although we originally developed the Sonic Hammer for tonewood analysis, its applications have since expanded. With smart software updates and continued experimentation, we’ve used it to fine-tune banjo heads, drums, archtop guitars, and even ukuleles. Today, it’s being used in studios, repair shops, manufacturing facilities, and by tonewood sawyers to help improve yield, quality control, and efficiency.
It’s no surprise that everyday players, collectors, and music shops have embraced the hammer, not just for smarter purchases, but to better understand their instruments, inventories, and collections. Once a guitar’s sonic footprint is captured, you can track it over time. Whether it’s aging, humidity, or environmental shifts, this tool provides a simple way to monitor and preserve an instrument’s acoustic health. In recording studios or on the road, if an instrument is problematic, the hammer helps engineers and guitar techs zero in on where the problem may lie. While broader implications are still unfolding, the technology is already proving both rewarding and, yes, a little disruptive. But in time, this kind of data will likely become standard in the industry.
“This handheld device detects and displays the primary resonant frequencies of almost anything you tap.”
The Founders Edition focused on detecting primary resonances, but what’s coming next is even more exciting: deeper analysis of voicing, damping, and admittance, plus built-in Bluetooth for integration with more advanced systems. Most importantly, this tool can support something I’ve long believed in: responsible tonewood use. If we want to conserve the world’s most valuable musical materials, we need smarter ways to measure and manage them. I believe the Sonic Hammer can play a meaningful role in that effort.
For guitar makers and players, we’re living in a truly exciting era. For years, I said, “This is going to take off,” and every couple of years it felt just around the corner. But during the COVID shutdown, something changed. People had time to explore, to experiment, and the science of acoustics started to catch fire. These are exciting times indeed.
Living up to its name, “Colossal,” this pickup set has more of everything. Play them softly and they deliver an unmatched airiness to the notes; play them aggressively and they will blow your hair back. These passive pickups are designed to effortlessly respond to soft touch, slap, or aggressive pick attack with ease.
As with our game changing Relentless™ pickups, we removed all the hard edges from the metal covers, and added an arch to the top contour, bringing the sensing coils closer to the middle strings. These improvements increase the string balance and overall dynamic range.
The Colossal™ pickups are a fully humbucking design and are completely shielded, making them a better choice for both recording and live shows. These pickups can be used with the coils in series, parallel, or split configurations, making multiple sounds easily achievable without the need for digital filters. The Colossal™ Bridge and Neck can easily be combined with active electronics.
Using a thick .09375” circuit board baseplate as the foundation, the Colossal™ pickups are simple to install and use our quick connect cable system. The soapbar shaped (EMG40® sized, 37.75mm x 101.25mm) pickups incorporate Neodymium magnets, producing significantly more output and dynamic range than traditional active or passive pickups. To improve the balance when both pickups are used together, we made the bridge position pickup louder than the neck position pickup. When the pickups are blended, you get a better volume match.
Colossal™ pickups have a richly detailed mid-range that growls, delivering notes with definition and openness, and they work well with dropped tunings. The highs are present and precise without harshness, and the lows are thunderous and tight, like the footsteps of a giant.
Available in Nickel, Gold, or Matte Black finishes.
Band Industries has unveiled Roadie 4, the latest generation of the company’s innovative automatic tuners.
Designed for fast, reliable tuning for nearly any instrument with geared pegs, the new tuner is built from the ground up with enhanced accuracy and usability. Roadie 4 delivers a smoother, faster, and more reliable tuning experience. With revamped algorithms and upgraded audio circuitry, it offers excellent noise immunity and pinpoint tuning accuracy, whether you're tuning on stage, in a noisy rehearsal room, or at home.
Key new features include:
Completely reengineered algorithms and audio circuitry for superior tuning accuracy and better performance in noisy environments
Larger 1.9" full color LCD screen with over twice the display area for greater visibility when tuning
New intuitive scroll wheel for lightning fast selection and navigation
Auto detect feature: In previous models, Roadie tuned your instrument in a fixed sequence lowest to highest string or required manual string selection. Now, just pluck any string. Roadie 4 will automatically detect which string you are on, tune it precisely, and notify you when it is in tune with a vibration and audible beep
Redesigned peg connector to accommodate a wider range of larger and smaller pegs
Improved ergonomics: Taller build, anti slip backing, and a more natural, secure grip
Band Industries introduced the original Roadie Tuner in 2014, followed by the breakout Roadie 2 in 2017 and the powerful Roadie 3 in 2020. Roadie 4 builds on that legacy and provides even better performance.
From electric and acoustic guitars to mandolins, ukuleles, banjos, and more, Roadie 4 tunes almost any instrument with geared pegs. It also winds new strings quickly and accurately, making string changes a breeze.
Roadie 4 is available for street price of $139. For more information visit roadiemusic.com.
Cory Wong and Mitarotonda go deep on jambands, feeling misunderstood, and more.
Sound the alarms, tell your neighbors, hire a banner plane: Wong Notes is back. Cory Wong’s beloved podcast returns after a healthy break, and this exciting comeback episode features Wong in conversation with Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda.
The Connecticut rock band’s guitarist and vocalist talks through the band’s origins and position in the jam-band and broader music scenes, and Wong and Mitarotonda debate an ancient, critical question: Can jam bands actually write great songs?
The duo talk through their philosophies on recording, staying sharp on your instrument, all-star moments and standout players in the jam community, and feeling misunderstood as an artist. Like a good jam set, there are plenty of rich tangents, fascinating rabbit holes, and unexpected insights, so tune in and keep your ears open.
