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GALLERY: NAMM 2015 - Day 4

A wrap up of the final day of NAMM 2015.

DigiTech debuted its new Trio Band Creator pedal at NAMM. A powerful tool for practice, songwriting, and even busking, the Trio analyzes progressions and riffs you play into it—including tempo, key, and chord progression—then pumps out bass and drum backing tracks in a variety of selectable genres and playing feels. Create multi-part songs, and the pedal follows your transitions remarkably smoothly. The various functions are controlled via single, double, and held taps of the footswitch, or you can use an optional three-button stomp. There's a mixer output that'll send everything to your amp or P.A., and you can either use onboard overdrive and distortion or send your guitar sound out to your pedalboard and amp separately.

Stevie Van Zandt with ā€œNumber One,ā€ the ’80s reissue Stratocaster—with custom paisley pickguard from luthier Dave Petillo—that he’s been playing for the last quarter century or so.

Photo by Pamela Springsteen

With the E Street Band, he’s served as musical consigliere to Bruce Springsteen for most of his musical life. And although he stands next to the Boss onstage, guitar in hand, he’s remained mostly quiet about his work as a player—until now.

I’m stuck in Stevie Van Zandt’s elevator, and the New York City Fire Department has been summoned. It’s early March, and I am trapped on the top floor of a six-story office building in Greenwich Village. On the other side of this intransigent door is Van Zandt’s recording studio, his guitars, amps, and other instruments, his Wicked Cool Records offices, and his man cave. The latter is filled with so much day-glo baby boomer memorabilia that it’s like being dropped into a Milton Glaser-themed fantasy land—a bright, candy-colored chandelier swings into the room from the skylight.


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David Gilmour, making sounds barely contained by the walls of Madison Square Garden.

Photo by Emma Wannie/MSGE

The voice of the guitar can make the unfamiliar familiar, expand the mind, and fill the heart with inspiration. Don’t be afraid to reach for sounds that elevate. A host of great players, and listening experiences, are available to inspire you.

In late fall, I had the good fortune of hearing David Gilmour and Adrian Belew live, within the same week. Although it’s been nearly two months now, I’m still buzzing. Why? Because I’m hooked on tone, and Gilmour and Belew craft some of the finest, most exciting guitar tones I’ve ever heard.

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Bohlinger Builds a Stellar Strat and Tests 2 Maple Necks
- YouTube

Follow along as we build a one-of-a-kind Strat featuring top-notch components, modern upgrades, and classic vibes. Plus, see how a vintage neck stacks up against a modern one in our tone test. Watch the demo and enter for your chance to win this custom guitar!


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With 350W RMS, AMP TONE control, and custom Celestion speaker, the TONEX is designed to deliver "unmatched realism."

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