"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."
VOX announces the VFZ-1 Fuzz, a new compact effect pedal available now through retailers and online worldwide. Designed to deliver the unmistakable character of one of the most influential late-1960s two-transistor fuzz circuits, commonly associated with the celebrated Mk 1.5 design, the VFZ-1 answers today’s players’ need for expressive vintage tone while solving the noise, inconsistency, and temperature sensitivity that have long challenged traditional Germanium-based fuzz pedals. Through meticulous engineering and precise transistor biasing, VOX has created a modern Silicon-driven interpretation that preserves the warmth, harmonic richness, and musical responsiveness of classic fuzz, only now with exceptional reliability, stability, and ease of integration into contemporary pedalboards.
VOX engineers began by studying prized original examples, finding not only their tonal qualities but also the nuanced way their transistors interact. Instead of relying on Germanium, the VFZ-1 employs two carefully selected silicon transistors, each precisely biased to replicate the musical response of the originals while keeping consistent performance in any environment. This approach gives the VFZ-1 the smooth compression, organic breakup, and expressive sustain associated with overdriven vintage valve amplifiers, but with drastically reduced noise and a significantly wider sweet spot than vintage units traditionally allow.
A key breakthrough in the VFZ-1 is its unusually high input impedance for a vintage-style fuzz. The first transistor stage has been designed to preserve the natural harmonics of the guitar signal while staying fully compatible with buffered pedals and Wah effects—situations that would normally compromise classic fuzz behavior. This allows players to place the VFZ-1 anywhere in their signal chain without sacrificing tone, immediately eliminating one of the most persistent frustrations of earlier designs. The second transistor stage then shapes and refines the fuzz character, delivering an articulate yet saturated voice that responds dynamically to picking intensity and guitar volume, while staying controlled, musical, and remarkably quiet.
To support modern performance demands, VOX expanded the tonal versatility of the classic circuit rather than altering its fundamental character. The primary Fuzz control sets the core voice, after which the VFZ-1 provides added tonal refinement without straying from its authentic sonic foundation. A Bass Cut control allows players to manage how much low end enters the gain stages, making it ideal for balancing humbuckers, cleaning up neck pickup tones, or tightening rhythm textures. A Tone Cut control then shapes the high-frequency response at the output, allowing everything from smooth, violin-like sustain to brighter, cutting articulation while maintaining clarity and presence. For players who love the lower-gain character that vintage fuzzes produce when the guitar’s volume is rolled back, the VFZ-1 introduces a dedicated Crunch switch, instantly offering those expressive overdrive-like textures without requiring any change at the instrument itself.
The VFZ-1 embodies the spirit of early two-transistor fuzz pedals by capturing their mid-forward presence, liquid sustain, and touch sensitivity, but refines the experience with rock-solid stability, exceptionally low noise, and pedalboard-friendly modern power compatibility. Its rugged, compact enclosure reflects the toughness needed for contemporary gigs and studios while honoring the unmistakable aesthetic heritage associated with vintage fuzz.
By faithfully preserving the emotional impact, musical feel, and unmistakable character of late-60s fuzz while removing the inconsistency, fragility, and environmental unpredictability of original units, VOX has created a pedal that delivers legendary tone in a form that finally meets modern standards of performance and reliability. The VFZ-1 brings iconic fuzz within reach—consistent, expressive, and ready for any stage or studio.
For more information on the VOX VFZ-1 Fuzz and the full range of VOX products, please visit NAMM Booth #6802 or online at www.voxamps.com.
Silvertone has reintroduced the iconic 1446 semi-hollow electric – one of the most recognizable guitar models in rock history.
Played by artists Chris Isaak, Elvis Costello, Hubert Sumlin and more, the Silvertone 1446 is now available for the first time in decades, and that sound - and that guitar - can be yours.
Originally sold through the Sears catalog from 1961 to 1967, the Silvertone 1446 holds a special place in electric-guitar history. Over the last 60 years it has become one of the most sought-after models among recording artists and collectors.
Now Silvertone has reintroduced the 1446—meticulously recreated with modern performance features while honoring every detail that made the original a legend.
A Classic Reborn for the Modern Player
The new Silvertone 1446 delivers enhanced playability and tonal versatility while maintaining its iconic silhouette. The original “2×4 lumber” neck profile has been re-engineered into a comfortable modern-taper soft-C shape. A chambered center-block maple body improves sustain, reduces feedback, and opens up the guitar’s dynamic range—perfect for the demands of today’s stages and studios.
Two versions of the 1446 are available. The 1446V, available in Black finish, features a genuine Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece that works seamlessly with a Tune-o-matic style bridge featuring roller saddles for exceptional tuning stability. The 1446T, available in Black or Tobacco Sunburst finish, features a ‘Trapeze’ tailpiece. The guitar’s 24 ¾” scale mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard feature state-of-the-art “Semi-Hemispherical” frets for an ultra-smooth playing feel.
Vintage Mojo, Recreated with Precision
One of the most revered elements of the original 1446 was its pickups—mini humbuckers designed by Seth Lover and manufactured exclusively for Silvertone. Known as the P19, these rare pickups had a unique 3+3 pole-piece design and a distinct, lower-wind voice.
To recreate this sonic magic, Silvertone collaborated with renowned designer Trev Wilkinson. His new Wilkinson “R Series” mini-humbuckers are exacting, era-specific recreations featuring custom tooling, period-correct Alnico V magnets, and carefully matched winding. The result: the unmistakable clarity and warmth that made the 1446 famous.
“When you pick up this guitar, you immediately understand why the original became such a cult classic” says Silvertone Product Manager, Rick Taylor. “We set out to deliver the soul of the ‘60s 1446, but with the playability and reliability modern musicians expect. The new 1446 gives you inspiration from the moment you plug in.”
The Silvertone 1446VBK with the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece carries a street price of $999. The two 1446T models with the Trapeze tailpiece are priced at $799.
BOSS announces the GX-1 and GX-1B, two entry-level additions to the popular GX multi-effects series. The GX-1 is designed for guitarists, while the GX-1B is tailored for bassists. BOSS also expands its accessories lineup with the FSC-10 Footswitch Cap, a high-quality solution that makes standard metal footswitches easier to press while performing.
GX-1 and GX-1B
The GX-1 and GX-1B deliver pro-grade sound in ultra-portable platforms for practice, recording, and performance. Authentic GX series amp and effect algorithms supply endless creative fuel, while high-res color displays, intuitive effect buttons, and Gear Suite tools make sound creation a snap. Beyond the internal sounds and chassis colors, each product offers identical features.
The GX-1 and GX-1B make premium sound accessible to every player, from beginners and home enthusiasts to touring pros seeking an all-in-one travel solution. With a vast selection of amps and effects, adjustable effect order, and eight simultaneous blocks plus a volume pedal and noise suppressor, users can easily craft custom setups for playing different music styles and performing specific songs on stage.
Whether editing presets or building sounds from scratch, the GX-1 and GX-1B are designed for frustration-free creation. Hexagon-shaped panel buttons provide a visual representation of the effect categories, and it’s possible to turn effects on/off with a tap or access detailed parameters with a long press. There are 99 memories loaded with ready-to-play presets, plus 99 user memories for storing custom sound creations.
The GX-1 and GX-1B introduce Gear Suite, a powerful new feature that enables quick setup of amps and effects. Each type includes professionally tuned Gear Suite settings, and players can save favorites in user locations for instant access to personalized parameters.
The GX-1 and GX-1B each offer freely assignable footswitches and an expression pedal that support control of everything from basic effects on/off to multiple parameter targets. Going further, wired and wireless options are available for external control. Each unit offers three versatile power options (batteries, AC adaptor, or USB), allowing users to practice and perform anywhere.
In addition to their sounds and performance features, the GX-1 and GX-1B include Bluetooth® and USB connectivity to elevate practice and recording sessions. The BOSS Tone Studio app further enhances the user experience with YouTube integration, built-in rhythms, editing features, and pro sounds on BOSS Tone Exchange.
FSC-10 Footswitch Cap
Footswitch caps are an affordable way to enhance the functionality of traditional pedal switches, making them more visible on stage and easier to press. Molded from rugged, transparent polycarbonate that allows LEDs to shine through, the FSC-10 is a high-quality solution that works with a growing range of BOSS gear.
The FSC-10 is fully compatible with BOSS products that have metal footswitches, including multi-effects such as the GX-1 and GX-1B, select pedal effects, and Loop Stations. Each FSC-10 package includes 10 units.
Availability & Pricing
The GX-1 and GX-1B are available now for $229.99. The FSC-10 is also available now for $14.99.
To learn more about the GX-1, GX-1B, and FSC-10, visit www.boss.info.
New for 2026, Ibanez has announced the debut of the Alpha series electric guitars, a line engineered from the ground up to meet the demands of the modern, performance-focused musician.
The Alpha models blend cutting-edge features with thoughtful ergonomics, leaning heavily into concepts that optimize tone and playability. Key specifications include multi-scale construction for enhanced clarity and intonation across extended ranges, and Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers, providing versatile, noise-free, and aggressive tonal options.
The highly sculpted, ergonomic body design is central to the Alpha series, engineered for extreme comfort whether standing or seated. The lightweight body features a deep, comfortable forearm cut and an innovative lower body carve that facilitates both conventional and classical-style seated playing positions.
Some of the unique design innovations include a rear-mounted input jack for a cleaner stage profile, and an innovative three-bolt neck joint design. This system utilizes two screws mounted within an oval-shaped stainless-steel plate, complemented by a third screw driven directly from the body into the neck. This distinctive construction not only ensures robust joint strength but also significantly improves access to the high frets and enhances overall playability.
The Alpha series is offered in both 7- and 8-string configurations. Each model features one of three contemporary metallic finishes: Iron Pewter, Nebula Shift, and Coral Mirage.
Features
A527
Parallel Wizard AS 5pc Maple/Walnut neck
691mm/27.2” scale at 7th string, 648mm/25.5” scale at 1st string
American Basswood body
Ebony fretboard w/Mother of Pearl Step off-set dot inlay
Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Alnico 8 (H) neck pickup
Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Ceramic 8 (H) bridge pickup
Fishman® Fluence™ Voicing switch
Mono-rail G2 bridge
Black hardware
Gotoh® MG-T locking machine heads
Luminescent side dot inlays
Gig bag included
Finishes: Iron Pewter, Nebula Shift
LIST PRICE: $2,533.32
ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $1.899.99
A528
Parallel Wizard AS 5pc Maple/Walnut neck
698mm/27.5” scale at 8th string, 648mm/25.5” scale at 1st string
American Basswood body
Ebony fretboard w/Mother of Pearl Step off-set dot inlay
Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Alnico 9 (H) neck pickup
Fishman® Fluence™ Modern Humbucker Ceramic 9 (H) bridge pickup
Trace Elliot® introduces the Trace Elliot Overdrive pedal. Overdrive is by far the most popular category of pedals on the market - and for good reason. With just a simple twist of a knob or push of a button, the colors and character of a player’s tone can completely change leading to endless inspiration and fun. But there is an obstacle for bass players. The lower notes on a bass guitar can often get muddy and lose definition. Thus, extra care needs to be taken in the circuitry and features. Trace Elliot believes they have solved the problem.
As a pioneer in bass amp innovation, Trace Elliot aims to set the standard in all bass overdrive pedals to follow. With true bypass operation, this pedal offers classic full range overdrive specific for bass guitar. The proprietary high overhead soft asymmetrical clipping circuit really contributes to the pedals overall performance creating that vintage, tube-like drive. The pedal has four knobs to help players dial in their tone. The DRIVE controls the amount of overdrive on the signal. The LEVEL control dictates the overall output volume of the pedal. The TONE control is a basic EQ helping players define their overall tone and the BLEND control allows players to mix the clean and overdrive signal. This pedal is also equipped with an internal transformer to give more headroom to the signal ensuring better quality of tone- especially on those lower frequencies.
Alongside the traditional ¼” input and outputs is a separate DRY OUT that helps this pedal standout amongst other overdrives. By offering the player a separate DRY OUT, the player can send the dirty signal to a separate amp while sending the dry signal to either front of house or an effects chain for maximum flexibility in tone. As with all things Trace Elliot, the pedal is built for long lasting durability and performance.