Steve Vai chose Musikmesse as the place to unveil his Jem77FP2 guitar. It has a basswood body and floral patterened fabric under a clearcoat finish. Its five-piece maple and walnut neck features vine inlays with red accents.
The Gibson Pickup Shop Artist Collection pickups are created in collaboration with some of the world’s most influential artists, including legends who shaped the sounds that built the foundation of modern music, as well as some of today’s most innovative players who continue to shape the sound of music across genres and influence musicians worldwide. Gibson is proud to continue its partnership with Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist of Black Sabbath, with the launch of the Tony Iommi Signature Humbucker™, available worldwide on www.gibson.com.
Tony Iommi’s legendary guitar work, powerful sound, and groundbreaking albums laid the foundation for heavy metal and inspired countless other genres. His music and his legacy are celebrated across the globe, and in the late 90s, Gibson teamed up with Tony to create their very first signature pickup. Today, that original Gibson signature humbucker makes its long-awaited return.
The Tony Iommi Humbucker features an exclusive configuration of powerful ceramic and Alnico 2 magnets, along with unique windings, that give it the incredible tone and sustain that have helped make Tony’s work with Black Sabbath instantly recognizable.Thunderous tone and incredible sustain, with crystal clarity, even in full distortion, the Tony Iommi Humbucker is fully wax-potted and epoxied for absolute protection against unwanted feedback. The 4-conductor wiring allows for series, parallel, and split coil operation.
“I’m really excited that Gibson’s bringing back my signature humbucker, they were getting pretty hard to find!” says Tony Iommi. “This pickup came about after a lot of time spent in Nashville, just experimenting with different setups to get that perfect tone and sustain from my favourite guitars. We had to make sure it worked with my light gauge strings and low tunings, but still pack a punch, and the result has got some serious output. They're on my signature guitars too, and I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out."
“I’d personally installed these on one of my Gibson guitars 15 years ago, and I was blown away with the distinct Tony Iommi and Black Sabbath sound I was able to get out of them,” explains Cesar Gueikian, President and CEO of Gibson. “They have such a great, clean look with the unique pickup cover, and we are excited to bring the Rifflord’s signature humbucker back as we continue to pay tribute to Tony.”
“It’s great to have the first signature pickup from Gibson back, and there really isn’t a more fitting artist than Tony Iommi,” says Lee Bartram, Head of Commercial and Marketing EMEA at Gibson. “Tony is synonymous with the Gibson SG™, but now the volume, presence, and overall power he produces through his playing can be experienced in other models too, whether at home, in the studio, or on stage. Thanks to Tony for his continued support and trust; these pickups are the result of our constant collaboration, and we look forward to what’s next for our partnership.”
Jack White’s Third Man Hardware and Black Mountain Designs have teamed up to release the Roto-Echo, a new delay pedal designed to give guitarists hands-free control over their delay parameters, in real time, while they perform.
At first glance, the Roto-Echo looks like a familiar-sized delay stompbox. It’s a foot-controlled delay pedal built for the stage and easily fits on a standard pedalboard. On top of the pedal, there’s a roller wheel—smooth, weighted, and spring-loaded. The player can assign that wheel to control blend, feedback, and delay time via a three-way toggle switch. The core delay circuit is based on the PT2399 chip, offering warm, gritty echoes from 60MS a slapback to roughly 588MS repeats.
What makes the Roto-Echo different is how those parameters can be shaped in the moment. The roller wheel responds to foot motion, and with practice, players can perform swells, shifts, or rhythmic changes in their delay sound as they play—no need to crouch down or dial knobs mid-song or rely on presets. Sound manipulation typically reserved for the studio is now easy to perform live.
Specs at a glance:
• Delay Time: 30ms to ~600ms (PT2399-based)
• Roller Wheel: Assignable to Time, Feedback, or Blend. Rated for full body weight.
• Power: 9V DC (center negative)
• Current Draw: <100mA
• True Bypass
• Compact design, pedalboard friendly
The new Roto-Echo pedal carries a street price of $279. For more information visit blackmountainpicks.com.
IK Multimedia releases the Brown Sound 80/81 Signature Collection for TONEX, the second part of the limited TONEX Brown Sound series. Carefully crafted to match the recorded tones of two iconic early-'80s albums, this collection features 73 precisely designed Tone Models, along with several amp-only captures that can be used with IK or 3rd-party IRs or run through a real cab live on stage.
Offering both authentic recreations and thoughtful variations to reflect different theories about how these legendary tracks were recorded, the new Brown Sound collection captures the darker swagger and heavier edge that marked a milestone in the guitarist's journey.
1980 Tone Models
On the 1980 album, the tones are thicker, drier, and more saturated than on the second album, marking a return to a raw, aggressive sound that echoes the ferocity of the debut. It's more in-your-face with a noticeable midrange punch, tighter low end, and more focused articulation. It reflects a shift toward a more modern, high-gain tone, hinting at the sonic direction that would influence the next generation of rock and metal players.
1981 Tone Models Compared to the raw brightness of 78/79, the 1981 tone is tighter and more controlled, with pronounced low-mids and a more percussive attack. There's less of the spacious, open-air feel of the earlier records, replaced by a thick, almost claustrophobic intensity that matches the album's darker vibe. The gain is higher, the reverb is dialed back, and the overall sound feels more focused, brooding, and polished, yet still unmistakable.
The Amp: "The ONE" At the heart of the Brown Sound 80/81 collection is "The ONE" - a meticulously crafted Marshall-style amp built from the ground up with the exact same spec as the infamous 1968 Super Lead serial number #12301, including crucial mods that capture the DNA of the early brown sound like no other amp model.
Ready to Play As with all collections in the series, these Tone Models were crafted using period-correct gear and capture techniques to recreate the middle two albums of that era genuinely. Each Tone Model reproduces the recorded album tone in exquisite detail, offering an ideal foundation for adding time-based effects-either within TONEX or through a favorite pedal.
Pricing and Availability The Brown Sound 78/79 Signature Collection is now available via ToneNET and within any version of TONEX for Mac/PC at $/€99.99.*
TONEX Brown Sound 82/84 – $/€79.99 pre-order (reg. $/€99.99) – Includes 77 Tone Models. Coming soon.
TONEX ONE Brown Sound Limited Edition – $/€249.99 – Available in white, red, or yellow. Includes Brown Sound 78/79 and a choice of one other Brown Sound collection (a $/€199.98 software value). Existing Brown Sound 78/79 users will receive a $/€50 discount at the IK store.
TONEX Brown Sound Anthology Collector's Limited Edition – $/€599.99 – Box set includes all three colors of TONEX ONE (white, red, and yellow) plus all three Brown Sound Signature Collections (78/79, 80/81, and 82/84). Limited to 200 units worldwide. Shipping soon.
*Pricing excluding taxes.
For complete details and information about the Brown Sound Anthology collections and pedals, and to hear the tones, visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/tonex-brown-sound
MONO has introduced the M80 Classic Ultra – the latest evolution of the company’s sleek, iconic gig bag, now enhanced with smarter storage, effortless mobility, and tougher protection.
Building on the innovation of the original M80, the Classic Ultra features a refined silhouette and thoughtful upgrades designed to make life on the move easier for gigging musicians, touring professionals, and everyday players alike.
At the core of the Classic Ultra is the patented Freeride® Wheel System, allowing users to attach wheels for seamless transport when navigating airports, sidewalks, or venues. The system is especially impactful on Dual models, lightening the load while moving two instruments at once. Storage has also been supercharged. A newly designed expandable front pocket offers more room for tools and gigging essentials, while built-in compartments help keep everything in place. For even more capacity, the Classic Ultra case is Tick-ready and compatible with the MONO Tick 2.0 and Tick+ 2.0 Accessory Cases.
Inside, the instrument is protected by the Headlock® neck suspension system, keeping it securely in place and shielded from impact. A discreet tracker tag-compatible pouch adds peace of mind for travel. The exterior is built tough with water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, waterproof zipper tape, and reflective strips for added safety.
Key Features of the M80 Classic Ultra:
The patented Freeride® Wheel System allows users to seamlessly attach wheels to the case, providing smooth and effortless mobility.
Expanded smart storage includes dedicated internal compartments and an expandable front pocket, offering ample space for tools and gigging essentials.
The case is Tick-ready, fully compatible with MONO’s Tick 2.0 and Tick+ 2.0 Accessory Cases for even greater storage flexibility.
The signature Headlock® neck suspension system keeps your instrument securely in place, now enhanced with a discreet pouch designed to hold a tracker tag.
The durable exterior is constructed from water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon and features waterproof zipper tape and reflective detailing for added protection and visibility.
The Classic Ultra is available in versions for guitar, bass, dual guitar, and dual bass, ensuring a fit for every player’s needs.
The MONO M80 Classic Ultra carries street prices of $359.99 (Guitar/Bass) and $459.99 (Dual Guitar/Bass) and is available via monocreators.com and select authorized dealers worldwide.
Inspired by Third Man’s raw, gritty aesthetic and strikingly vibrant yellow-on-black colour palette, the Fender x Third Man Hardware Collection embodies the unmistakable style that has defined Jack White’s artistry from his time as founder of the White Stripes, all the way through to his work with The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather and more recently, his ventures as a solo musician.
With products ranging from a tee and hoodie to a gold-etched harmonica and Mini Jack Rack inspired by the Pano Verb™ Amp, the collaboration showcases Jack White and Third Man’s boundary-pushing creativity and innovation.
“Our co-branded apparel and accessories collection brings a vintage flair that speaks to Jack White’s storied legacy and continued creativity,” said Jordan Gruver, Senior Product Manager of Accessories at Fender. “It’s been a pleasure tapping into Third Man’s bold image to create a collection that amplifies the timeless appeal and vibrant style of the iconic label and record store.”
“This collaboration with Fender is more than just accessories — it’s a meeting of legacy and style,” said Christina Inman, Director of Merchandising at Third Man Records. “Third Man Hardware is proud to inject our signature style and look into tools that speak to the hands of creators everywhere.”
The Thirdman Hardware™ Mini Jack Rack is wall-mounted and turns your keychain into part of your rig. Comes with real 1/4” input-style keychains that plug in just like a guitar cable – perfect for the studio, the jam room, or anywhere you want a little more tone in your home.
The Thirdman Hardware™ Lapel Pin set brings the raw, analog energy of Fender® and Third Man Hardware™ into your everyday fit. Featuring bold designs inspired by the iconic Pano Verb™Amp and signature Jack White Triplecaster™Telecaster®, these pins are built for fans who live and breathe the sound.
Add retro-inspired style to your guitar with the Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Leather Strap. Made from premium full-grain leather, this 2.5” wide strap features ample padding for maximum playing comfort. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s iconic aesthetic, the strap’s bold yellow trim and Third Man Hardware logo deliver a vintage flair and timeless appeal. Whether you’re on stage or in the studio, this strap brings a touch of Jack White’s legendary look to your performance.
Add retro-inspired style to your sound with the Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Harmonica. Designed for everyday players, this 10-hole diatonic harmonica features phosphor bronze reeds for bright, bold tone and a moisture-resistant ABS comb for long-lasting reliability. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s iconic aesthetic, its sleek gold-etched casing, and Third Man Hardware logo deliver vintage flair and timeless appeal. Bring a touch of Jack White’s legendary look to your performance with the Fender x Third Man Harmonica.
The Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ 30’ Coil Cable combines high-performance design with retro-inspired style. Featuring spiral shielding and durable nickel-plated connectors, this cable delivers reliability in the studio or on stage. Drawing inspiration from Third Man’s bold aesthetic, the cable features a striking yellow PVC jacket and custom ends featuring the Third Man Hardware logo, adding a vintage flair to your setup.
The Fender® x Third Man Hardware™ Strap Blocks deliver the ultimate in strap security with unmistakable style. The most reliable and hassle-free instrument strap lock system ever devised. No need to remove or replace existing strap buttons on your guitar; just slip a Strap Block over the existing strap buttons and that’s it - you’re ready to go, with your strap locked securely in place.
Each package includes two complete sets: one in classic black and one in bold yellow, giving you the freedom to mix, match, or outfit two Instruments.
Third Man Hardware™ and Fender® join forces on this standout tee, showcasing the notable Pano Verb™ Amp graphic up front and a co-branded logo across the back. Built for the stage, the street, or the studio. Sizes: S – XXL
Third Man Hardware™ and Fender® join forces on this standout hoodie, showcasing the notable Pano Verb™ Amp graphic up front and a co-branded logo across the back. Built for the stage, the street, or the studio. Sizes: S – XXL
