PG's Shawn Hammond is On Location at the 2010 NY Amp Show where he visits the Nolatone Amps room. In this segment, we get to check out two of their newest amps--the Rotten Johnny and the Black Tooth 50 prototype head. The Rotten Johnny has two 6V6 (EL84s available upon request) power tubes, two 12AX7 or ECC83 preamp tubes, a Mercury Magnetics transformer, and a 12" 25 watt Warehouse Speaker Green Beret. The Black Tooth 50 prototype was literally built a few days before the show. It is the big brother preamp to what is housed currently in the Rotten Johnny. Nolatone's Paul Sanders said he's looking to fill a whole line of Black Tooth heads, including 18W, 22W, 30W, 50W, and 100W. Two noteworthy controls on the prototype are the Stripper Gain and Girlfriend Gain—you'll have to check out our upcoming demo to hear what those sound like.
PG's Shawn Hammond is On Location at the 2010 NY Amp Show where he visits the Nolatone Amps room. In this segment, we get to check out two of their newest amps--the Rotten Johnny and the Black Tooth 50 prototype head.
The Rotten Johnny has two 6V6 (EL84s available upon request) power tubes, two 12AX7 or ECC83 preamp tubes, a Mercury Magnetics transformer, and a 12" 25 watt Warehouse Speaker Green Beret.
The Black Tooth 50 prototype was literally built a few days before the show. It is the big brother preamp to what is housed currently in the Rotten Johnny. Nolatone's Paul Sanders said he's looking to fill a whole line of Black Tooth heads, including 18W, 22W, 30W, 50W, and 100W. Two noteworthy controls on the prototype are the Stripper Gain and Girlfriend Gain—you'll have to check out our upcoming demo to hear what those sound like.
Day 9 of Stompboxtober is live! Win today's featured pedal from EBS Sweden. Enter now and return tomorrow for more!
EBS BassIQ Blue Label Triple Envelope Filter Pedal
The EBS BassIQ produces sounds ranging from classic auto-wah effects to spaced-out "Funkadelic" and synth-bass sounds. It is for everyone looking for a fun, fat-sounding, and responsive envelope filter that reacts to how you play in a musical way.
Positive Grid unveils Spark EDGE, a multi-channel smart amp & PA engineered for musicians demanding portability, versatility, and pro-level sound.
Positive Grid unveils Spark EDGE, a multi-channel smart amp & PA engineered for musicians demanding portability, versatility, and pro-level sound. Designed for everyone from singer-songwriters and buskers to acoustic duos and electric players, Spark EDGE packs 65 watts of studio-quality sound, built-in effects, and a looper into a lightweight, compact design. Capable of serving as an amp, PA, or personal monitor, Spark EDGE offers flexible connectivity for electric and acoustic guitars, bass, vocals, keyboards, and more. With optional battery power (sold separately), Spark EDGE delivers the freedom to perform anytime, anywhere.
Pro-Level Sound with Advanced Audio
Powered by Sonic IQ Computational Audio, Spark EDGE enhances every note with precision. Its tech-driven system features a dedicated computational audio chip that refines dynamic range, boosts vocal clarity, and deepens bass. The result? Precise, immersive sound in any setting. Complemented by an advanced speaker design—featuring a woofer, tweeter, and reflex ports—Spark EDGE delivers rich, full-bodied sound that brings any performance to life.
Seamless Multi-Instrument Connectivity
Featuring four versatile channels, Spark EDGE offers seamless connectivity for multiple instruments:
- Channel 1: Equipped with 36 amp models and 50 effects for electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, and vocals.
- Channel 2: Tailored with dedicated amp models and effects for vocals, bass, and acoustic guitars.
- Channels 3/4: Stereo input channels designed for keyboards, drum machines, and other instruments.
All the Gear in One App
The Spark App transforms Spark EDGE into a performance powerhouse:
- 36 Amps: Instant access to guitar, bass, and acoustic amp models
- 50 Effects: A comprehensive selection of built-in effects for any instrument
- Creative Groove Looper: Layer, loop, and experiment with over 100 drum patterns
- Spark AI: Automatically generate the ideal tone with AI-powered suggestions
- Smart Jam: Create dynamic backing tracks that adapt to any playing style
- Auto Chords: Real-time chord display for millions of songs
- 100,000+ Tones: A vast library of downloadable tones, created by musicians worldwide
Ready for the Road
Lightweight yet rugged, Spark EDGE is built to go anywhere. Featuring an ergonomic handle for easy carrying and a durable design that withstands the rigors of travel, Spark EDGE offers two listening angles—upright or tilted. In addition, an optional rechargeable battery (sold separately) offers up to 10 hours of playing time per charge.
Limited Edition Grilles
Limited-edition grilles (sold separately) allow for personalization, with bold designs like Sunburst and On the Edge offering a distinct, eye-catching look before the first note is even played.
Essential Extras
- Bluetooth® Streaming: Stream music directly through the amp and blend tracks with live performances using onboard volume control
- WiFi: Over-the-air firmware updates ensure seamless improvements, with no computer required
- Send stereo outs to the PA and use Spark EDGE as a monitor while maintaining tone control
- Compatible with Spark accessories including Spark Control X, Spark CAB, Spark LINK and more
Handmade in Japan, this bass features a bolt-on hard maple neck, alder body, VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, and a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ. Experience top-quality craftsmanship and tonal potential with the ZVA 5 Bass.
The tried-and-true ZVA bass is back, this time with additional range! The all-new 5-string version maintains its most prominent features while providing players with an expanded scope of tonal potential. Its bolt-on hard maple neck is equipped with 21 frets, a rosewood fingerboard, a 34.5” scale, and a Duracon nut for optimal performance. The modern C-shaped neck allows for easy access to the entire fretboard while maintaining perfect comfort. The body is made of alder, offering a balanced playing experience. From a hardware standpoint, the nickel components were manufactured by Gotoh, including the machine heads and a string-through bridge setup. The bass is equipped with VolaJS5-N neck and Vola JS5-B bridge pickups, coupled with a Vola ATR-I Active 3-band EQ and a handy mini switch for seamless transition between passive and active modes. Overall, the ZVA 5-string carries on its predecessor’s legacy with extended range and accessibility for every type of bassist.
Features Include
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Construction: Bolt-on neck
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple/Rosewood, Vola Modern C shape (bass) 1F(21.5mm)/ 12F(24mm)
- Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5" Radius
- Inlays: Classic dot inlay
- Nut: 47.6mm Duracon nut with Zero Fret
- Frets/ Scale: 21 Frets/ 34.5"
- Pickups: Vola JS5 neck, Vola JS5 Bridge
- Electronics: 1 Volume, 1 Balance, Vola ATR-I Active 3band EQ, 1mini switch(passive/active)
- Hardware: Gotoh 303 SJ 5 Bass bridge w/String thru the body, Gotoh 404SJ-5(4:1) Tuners
- Strings: Daddario EXL-170-5SL 45-65-80-100-130 Super long
- Misc: 4mm Allen key for truss rod adjustment
- Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
- Case: Vola Custom Series bass Gig bag
The Vola ZVA 5Bass is the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top-quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Visit their website or your local Vola dealer for a closer look at the Vola ZVA 5 Bass. The Vola OZ Supernova has a street price of$1,189 USD. Vola Guitars now sells direct!
For more information, please visit volaguitars.com.
Introducing: The All-New ZVA 5 Bass - YouTube
If you’re new to Priest’s music or are trying to find your own starting point, we’ve got some great tips for guitar jammers. And if you’re a hardcore fan, maybe you’ve got some tips you can share for our next steps.
In this episode, we’re celebrating the thrill of guitarmony, sick riffs, and driving 8th-note rhythms by talking about Judas Priest. Before getting ready for this episode, neither of your esteemed hosts had ever delved into the Priest discography beyond the rock-radio hits and Beavis and Butthead—though we’d both spent our time with Heavy Metal Parking Lot. Since so many of the GOATs hold the band in the highest of regard, we knew that K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton belonged on this list, so we embarked on a journey to find out why.
After hours of listening and watching, we’re happy to report that we get it. From their debut, 1974’s Rocka Rolla, through 1980’s British Steel, deep into the ’80s-production era with 1986’s Turbo, and through the speed-metal bravado of 1990’s Painkiller, plus live videos and records—the super-loud US Festival performance and the crushing Unleashed in the East record—we found a lot that we love.
