"Former PRS designer Joe Knaggs had his full line of new JSK Guitars on display for the first time, including solidbodies, semi-hollows and acoustics."
Soyuz Microphones has launched the V1 Dynamic, the first dynamic mic from the acclaimed boutique manufacturer.
For over a decade, Soyuz Microphones has been known for original, handcrafted condenser microphones that blend classic character with modern innovation. Equally at home on stage and in the recording studio, the new V1 Dynamic provides an open, condenser-like clarity and the punch, control, and forgiveness that make dynamic microphones essential.
Named after the spacecraft that carried the first human into space in 1961, the V1 reflects Soyuz’s push into new creative and technical territory.
The V1's naturally extended top end, balanced midrange, and focused low end deliver a smooth, articulate response that sounds right from the start, needing no EQ to "come alive." The controlled proximity effect allows instruments and performers to work close to the grille for full-bodied tone without muddy buildup.
"The V1 Dynamic is an important milestone for us," said David Brown, President and Co-Founder of Soyuz Microphones. "We had always considered building a dynamic mic someday, but we held off until we could create something truly unique that felt genuinely like a Soyuz in both sound and design. It's durable, musical, and simple. It's a dynamic sounding dynamic."
Like all Soyuz products, the V1 is 100% original from concept to construction. Every element is carefully designed and engineered in-house to create a dynamic microphone that sounds as remarkable as it looks.
At the core of the V1 is a custom Soyuz transformer for a hint of color that retains detail. The precision-machined headbasket goes beyond aesthetics, serving as an acoustic component carefully shaped to refine the sound before it even reaches the capsule. The mic’s body is designed to feel balanced in hand and command attention on stage.
SEE THE DEMO VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/C_fs4nENjeA
The V1 was developed through hands-on testing and direct feedback from major artists across diverse genres, including Beck, LCD Soundsystem, My Chemical Romance, and many more, during extensive tours and studio sessions.
The V1 Dynamic is engineered to endure the demands of modern recording and real-world performance night after night.
Abasi Concepts and Córdoba® announce the release of the Abasi® Stage 7, a purpose-built nylon string electric guitar engineered from the ground up for electric guitarists seeking authentic nylon tone without the traditional limitations of classical instruments.
Designed with Abasi Concepts on its Larada ergonomic platform and built upon Córdoba’s proven Stage solidbody nylon-string concept, the Abasi Stage 7 redefines what a nylon-string guitar can be in a contemporary performance environment. Rather than adapting a classical instrument for stage use, it was conceived specifically for electrified performance, extended-range clarity, and seamless transition from electric guitar technique.
“At its core, this guitar exists to remove barriers,” said Abasi Concepts. “Electric players are often drawn to the sound of nylon, but held back by feedback, ergonomics, string spacing, or playability. The Abasi Stage 7 was designed to eliminate those obstacles entirely.”
The Abasi Stage 7 features a thin, resonant, extensively chambered mahogany body with custom internal bracing that balances acoustic character with controlled stage performance. This construction minimizes feedback at higher volumes while preserving the organic response expected from nylon strings. Built on the ergonomic foundations of the Larada platform, its sculpted contours and streamlined body depth integrate naturally with the player’s body, whether seated or standing.
Unprecedented for this category, the Abasi Stage 7 offers full 24-fret access with exceptional upper-register reach, enabling modern phrasing, extended techniques, and fluid lead playing rarely associated with nylon-string instruments. Its 7-string multiscale design, tuned B to E, delivers piano-like depth and articulation on the low string while maintaining elasticity, precision, and expressive control on the treble side.
String spacing is intentionally narrower than that of a traditional classical guitar, allowing electric players to transition instinctively without relearning hand mechanics. The result is a nylon-string instrument that feels immediately familiar while opening new sonic territory.
All Abasi Stage 7 guitars are equipped with a bespoke Stage pickup system co-developed by Córdoba and Fishman®. Combining an under-saddle transducer with internal body sensors, the system delivers a natural, balanced nylon-string tone while eliminating the piezo “quack” commonly associated with amplified nylon guitars. A professional-grade preamp with side
mounted Volume, EQ, and Body Blend controls provides precise tonal shaping for live and studio use.
Each model features Córdoba’s Exotic Top design, pairing a solid spruce top with an ultra-thin premium exotic wood veneer to achieve an ideal balance of tone, resonance, and visual depth.
Additional features include a side-mounted oval soundhole, a mahogany flat C-shape set neck with rosewood fingerboard, black top purfling, a Fusion Fan headstock with rosewood overlay and inlaid Córdoba and Abasi logos, a rosewood bridge with bone saddle, and a bone nut.
This collaboration unites Abasi Concepts’ forward-looking design language with Córdoba’s deep expertise in nylon-string construction, manufacturing, and its Stage platform. Together, the two brands have created an instrument that defines a new class of nylon-string guitar, delivering professional-level performance at a price point designed to expand access to this evolving category.
Córdoba and the Córdoba logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Yamaha Guitar Group, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions.
Abasi and Larada are trademarks of Abasi Concepts.
Fishman is a trademark of Fishman Transducers Inc.
KEY FEATURES
Designed on the Abasi Concepts Larada ergonomic platform
Córdoba Stage nylon-string construction
7-string multiscale design for optimal balance of tension and playability
Thin, chambered body for reduced feedback and enhanced resonance
Full 24-fret access for modern phrasing and lead work
Narrower string spacing for seamless transition from electric guitar
Custom Fishman Stage pickup system with body sensors for live performance • Side-mounted Volume, EQ, and Body Blend controls for live and studio tone shaping • Solid spruce top with exotic wood veneer
Ships with Córdoba Abasi gig bag
SPECIFICATIONS
Body: Chambered solid mahogany with custom internal bracing
Top: Solid spruce with ultra-thin exotic wood veneer
Neck: Mahogany set neck, flat C-shape
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale Length: Multiscale
Frets: 24 fanned frets
Fingerboard Radius: Compound 16"-24"
Nut: Bone
Bridge: Rosewood with bone saddle
Headstock: Fusion Fan with rosewood overlay and inlaid logos
Pickup System: Stage pickup system with under-saddle transducer and internal body sensors
Controls: Side-mounted Volume, EQ, and Body Blend • Tuners: Córdoba brushed brass tuners
Alex Lifeson and Lerxst, in collaboration with legendary pedal innovators Morley, announce the release of the Lerxst ATWAS (All The World’s A Stage) Wah / Volume Pedal available now for $299 as a limited-run of 500 pedals exclusively through the LERXST Reverb Store. For more information and to purchase, please clickhere.
Designed for expressive live performance and uncompromising tonal integrity, the ATWAS combines Morley’s iconic optical Wah with ultra-smooth optical Volume control and an onboard Wah Boost—delivering a versatile, stage-ready tool built for modern players who demand feel, reliability, and tone in equal measure.
Inspired by Lifeson’s decades-long relationship with Wah and Volume pedals as tools of musical expression, the ATWAS is engineered to respond naturally to playing dynamics while preserving the player’s core tone. From subtle swells to commanding lead lines that cut through the mix, the ATWAS is built failsafe for real-world stages, studios, and sessions.
“All the world’s a stage, and how you control dynamics on that stage matters,” explains Lifeson. “Wah and volume pedals have always been essential tools for me, not just effects. With the ATWAS, we focused on creating something that feels completely natural underfoot, preserves your tone, and gives you control without distraction.”
At the heart of the ATWAS is Morley’s proven optical circuitry, eliminating the wear and tear associated with traditional potentiometers. A dedicated Wah / Volume mode switch allows players to select their preferred operation, while the Wah Boost control offers up to 20dB of additional gain—perfect for pushing solos forward without altering the fundamental character of the sound.
“The collaboration with Alex is always about purpose,” said Scott Fietsam of Morley. “The ATWAS isn’t about adding gimmicks—it’s about refining essential tools. Optical Wah, Optical Volume, premium buffering, and rock-solid construction. This pedal is designed to work night after night, exactly the way a professional needs it to.”
Housed in a cold-rolled steel enclosure with a chrome finish and Tel-Ray-style detailing, the ATWAS also features a glow-in-the-dark treadle grip for confident footing on dark stages. Like all Lerxst pedals, it is proudly made in the USA.
Lerxst ATWAS Specifications
Wah / Volume Mode Switch
Wah Boost Control (up to +20dB)
Smooth Optical Wah & Volume Circuitry
Premium Morley Buffer Circuit
Glow-in-the-Dark Treadle Grip
Cold Rolled Steel Enclosure
9V DC Center-Negative Power
Made in USA
Asked whether the world really needs another Wah pedal, Lifeson offered the following perspective:
“All the world’s a stage… but you still need the right tools to play your part.”
For more information on the Lerxst ATWAS Wah / Volume Pedal, please visit: https://lerxstamps.com
Blackstar Amplification announces the launch of the new ID:X Digital Floorboard series, a powerful new family of advanced DSP floor modelers. Designed in Northampton, UK, the ID:X Floor range has been created for electric guitar, bass and acoustic guitar players who need professional sound, intuitive control and complete connectivity in a single, stage-ready unit. Blackstar set out to solve a familiar problem—how to combine the flexibility of a modern digital modeller with the immediacy and feel of a real amplifier and achieved it through advanced component-level modelling, authentic “In The Room” tone technology, simple, musician-focused controls and three carefully tailored models to suit every style of player.
At the heart of every ID:X Floor unit is a high-performance modelling platform that captures the true behavior and musical response of tube amplifiers rather than simply recreating their sound. The series delivers 12 authentic electric amp models alongside three bass amp models, two acoustic voices and an acoustic simulator, complemented by Blackstar’s patented ISF tone shaping and selectable EL84, EL34 and 6L6 power-valve Responses to recreate the feel of different tube architectures under the fingers. More than thirty-five effects are directly editable from the top panel, including drives, modulation, delays and reverbs, while exclusive “In The Room” technology allows players to experience the dynamic sensation of an amp moving air, whether using the floorboard direct to front of house, recording, or integrating into an existing rig. CabRig speaker and microphone simulation with room options is fully controllable from the unit, and 99 patches can be created, stored and recalled without menu-diving thanks to an intuitive control layout and clear OLED display.
The series introduces three distinct models. ID:X Floor One offers the core platform in a compact footprint, providing full amp modelling, effects, CabRig, USB-C audio interface capability, MIDI input, XLR outputs, tuner, streaming input and headphone connectivity. ID:X Floor Two builds on this by adding an onboard expression pedal that can control Wah, volume or expression parameters, making it ideal for players who want continuous real-time performance control while keeping the same sound engine, editing capability and connectivity. At the top of the range, ID:X Floor Three expands the concept further with MIDI IN and THRU, an effects loop for integration with external pedals, extended switching for patches and effects, and a larger chassis designed for more advanced stage use, while maintaining the same immediate, musician-focused workflow across the lineup. All three models support deep software editing and online patch sharing via Blackstar’s free Architect software, connecting players to a wider creative community.
In use, the ID:X Floor series is intended to feel like a real amplifier rather than a menu-driven processor. Blackstar’s component-accurate modelling, precision tone-stack behavior and carefully developed interaction between preamp, power section and speaker response contribute to a lively, responsive playing experience that reacts dynamically to touch. Combined with robust I/O, USB-C audio interface functionality and an emphasis on ease of use, the ID:X Floor range is positioned as a complete professional floor solution for studio, rehearsal and live performance alike.
For further information on the new Blackstar ID:X Floor range, including ID:X Floor One, ID:X Floor Two and ID:X Floor Three, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.blackstaramps.com
Aguilar has announced the TLC DLX Compressor EQ, an expanded evolution of its trusted TLC Compressor pedal. Designed to give bassists complete control over dynamics while adding musical tone shaping inspired by classic studio workflows, the TLC DLX follows a simple philosophy: control dynamics first, then enhance tone. The result is transparent compression paired with broad, musical EQ in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format suited for both stage and studio use.
At the core of the TLC DLX is a comprehensive compressor control set featuring Threshold, Attack, Release, Ratio, Output, and Blend. These controls allow bassists to shape not just how much compression is applied, but how it feels—from subtle dynamic smoothing to firm peak control. An integrated LED gain-reduction meter provides clear visual feedback for dialing in consistent results, while the Blend control enables parallel compression, preserving natural feel and articulation while adding punch and consistency. The Output control compensates for gain reduction, making unity gain easy to achieve.
Beyond dynamics, the TLC DLX adds integrated tone shaping inspired by Aguilar’s DB 925 boost circuit. Broad, boost-only Bass and Treble controls enhance the instrument’s natural character, adding fullness, clarity, and presence without harshness. Used alongside compression, the EQ helps bass tones sit comfortably in a mix while remaining expressive and musical.
Designed as a compact channel strip for the pedalboard, the TLC DLX delivers studio-inspired dynamic control and tone enhancement in a format built for real-world bass performance. “The original TLC Compressor has been part of so many players’ rigs for years, and the TLC DLX is a natural evolution of that idea,” says Aguilar. “We kept the feel and musicality people love, but expanded on it by adding tone shaping inspired by our classic designs. The result is a pedal that still feels familiar, but gives bassists more flexibility and expression than ever before.”
For more information, visit NAMM Booth 6802 or online at www.aguilaramp.com
The TLC DLX Compressor EQ is available now with a street price of $329.99.