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NAMM 2020 Day 3 Gallery

Get close-up looks at new tone toys from Walrus, Eventide, Collings, Mythos, Orange, and more.

IsoAcoustics Stage 1 Board

Here's what tone fiends the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Eric Johnson are currently using under amps and monitors. Making its NAMM debut in an impressive demonstration, the IsoAcoustics Stage 1 Board portable isolation platform is a light-but-heavy-duty resin board with round, proprietary isolator cushions on the bottom. Drop anything from a small combo to stacked 4x12s on top, and the amps are isolated from the stage surface. The result is a clearer, more articulate tone with richer mids and improved bass. That's achieved by eliminating vibrations that smear sound when the amp and floor—especially a hollow stage—react to each other. Skeptical? IsoAcoustics have been leaders in pro audio isolation, especially for studio monitors, for 18 years, and the product was inspired by John Mayer, who was fed up by vibrational interference with his amp's sound. It's 99 bucks.

Very diverse slate of tones. Capable of great focus and power. Potentially killer studio tool.

Sculpting tones in a reliably reproducible way can be challenging. Midrange emphasis may be a deal breaker for some.

$199 street

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Bold-voiced, super-tunable distortion that excels in contexts from filtered boost to total belligerence.

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After 40 years at the helm of PRS Guitars, our columnist reflects on the nature of evolution in artistry—of all kinds.

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PG contributor Tom Butwin demos seven direct boxes — active and passive — showing off sound samples, features, and real-world advice. Options from Radial, Telefunken, Hosa, Grace Design, and Palmer offer solutions for any input, setting, and budget.

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Billy Strings' signature dreads are distinguished by a 25" scale and wider nut width.