Subdued style takes nothing away from the feel and function of this future-leaning, performance-oriented flattop.
Excellent build quality. Player port provides an intimate playing experience. Super-smooth and inviting playability.
Some traditionalists may find the midrange-forward voice brash. Player port will be one style compromise too many for some.
$1,799
Gibson G-Bird
gibson.com
Gibson’s reputation as a builder of iconic electric guitars sometimes obscures its reputation as a builder of iconic flattops. But even among an acoustic lineup stacked with legends, including the J-45, L-00, and J-200, Gibson’s Hummingbird is an instrument with pop-culture star power. And even music fans that don’t know a Gibson from a Goya recognize and are attracted to its extroverted beauty.
Lacking the Hummingbird’s striking cherry sunburst finish and pickguard etched with flora and namesake avian adornment, the G-Bird, from Gibson’s Generation Series, is unlikely to spur the same sense of recognition among more casual guitar spotters. But it’s a well-made, walnut-and-spruce-bodied guitar made entirely in the company’s Bozeman, Montana, facility. It’s the first dreadnought from the Generation line I’ve played. (I didn’t get to play the G-45 or G-Writer cutaway when I reviewed the smaller G-00 and larger G-200.) But it is certainly the most balanced and satisfying of the Generation series I’ve encountered.
Mr. Fancy Sheds Its Frills
Gibson’s introduction of the Hummingbird in 1960 was almost certainly a response by Gibson to Martin’s reliably successful dreadnoughts. And though the round-shouldered J-45 dreadnought that preceded it was an unqualified success, Gibson must have felt the square-shoulder profile was a key to chipping away at Nazareth’s domination of the dread market. Clearly, Gibson also felt that a little flash would go a long way in distinguishing their own square shoulder, and the Hummingbird was born.
If you’ve spent years longing to cradle the Hummingbird in its showiest guise, I suppose the G-Bird could be something of a letdown. But if you’re into the purely functional end of guitar design, the G-Bird’s virtues are apparent from the start. The satin finish feels inviting rather than a concession to a more accessible price. The neck, which is fashioned from utile, an African mahogany alternative, is textured in a very noticeable way. It’s not rough exactly, but it’s not satin-smooth either. It can take a minute to get used to, but in the end it tends to feel welcomely worn-in rather than unfinished. All the same, curious shoppers used to flawlessly smooth necks should spend some time with the guitar to see if it is a bother. Texture preferences aside, the advanced profile neck feels great in hand. It’s thicker than Gibson’s slim-taper profile—most noticeably toward the nut. But it is hardly chunky, and the soft U shape of the profile feels like a great compromise between some of Gibson’s fatter vintage shapes and the slim profile, which can feel a little slender.
The fretboard, with its comfortably rounded edges, uses a flatter 16" radius rather than Gibson’s standard 12" radius. I suppose the flatter radius leaves room for lower action, which will be nice for players more inclined to a softer touch. The action felt great as it came from the shop floor, however, and it left a lot of room for digging in and strumming with a vengeance without inducing fret buzz. The striped ebony fretboard also looks great, and the Generation Collection’s signature single-bar inlays are a cool touch of modernity that zest up the instrument’s otherwise austere aura. Construction details, by the way, reveal close attention to detail. And where I saw less-than-perfect kerfing and glue work on the earlier Generation Collection guitars I reviewed (bracing, kerfing, and other internal construction are easy to see through the player port), the build quality is close to immaculate here.
A Provocative Port Promotes Play
Gibson could have made the Generation Collection of guitars satin-finished, no-frills takes on their classic shapes and been assured of some degree of marketplace success. But the design and marketing of the G-Collection, as it also known, focused to a significant extent on the player port, a bass-side, player-facing second soundhole that Gibson says was considered as far back as 1964. Upper-bout soundholes are common in small-batch, high-end acoustic circles. They are less common among large-scale production acoustics. In pure style terms, they are a polarizing element. And I’m inclined to agree with those purists that like to look down and see a pretty expanse of uninterrupted wood grain on the upper bout. But while the rubber-ringed port (and the constant peek at the guitar’s innards that it affords) can be jarring, there is no doubt that it makes for a more immersive playing experience.
If you’re strictly old-school and accustomed to a single soundhole, the effects of a first, forceful strum can be a touch disorienting. The G-Bird, by virtue of its spruce top and walnut back and sides, already has a midrange-leaning voice that can, at times, sound almost brash compared to the combatively mellow, strong-in-the-fundamentals sound of a mahogany-backed Hummingbird or J-45. The player port emphasizes that mid-forward tone signature, and if it’s not your cup of tea, you could end up put off in the space of a few strums. But time spent with the G-Bird reveals much about the player port’s upside. Light, even tentative play—the kind that often goes with the songwriting process—feels more immediate and alive. And in a related way, fingerstyle dynamics are enhanced in a manner that encourages focus on technique and harmonic nuance. Interestingly, the player port can also teach a performer a lot about what an engineer hears and what might sound good in front of a microphone. And the way the port gives immediate feedback about your dynamic touch reinforces lessons about how to approach a recording situation.
The Verdict
At nearly $1,800, the G-Bird is not a bad deal for a U.S.-made flattop that reveals a careful eye for quality and detail. It’s a super-smooth player. The L.R. Baggs Element Bronze electronics are simple and elegant in sound and function. The walnut-and-spruce tonewood recipe is balanced, but very midrange heavy. This makes the guitar a nice fit for many contemporary recording settings and methodologies, but it might sound a bit bright for those who associate the Hummingbird with earthier mahogany tones. Finding out how the G-Bird fits into your musical universe really demands a trip to a shop where you can play one. But players less bound by tradition—on both the sound and style front—may well revel in the tone alternatives the G-Bird puts at one’s fingertips.
Gibson G-Bird Demo | First Look
- Gibson Unveils the Generation Collection of Acoustics ›
- Gibson G-00 and G-200 Review ›
- Gibson’s Robi Johns: “Designing guitars is the most joyous part of my work.” ›
Updates feature PRS DMO and McCarty III pickups, EQ mini-toggles, Phase III tuners, and expanded color options.
PRS Guitars announced the continuation of its 40th anniversary celebration with two new models and several specification updates across their Maryland, USA-made electric instruments. New models include the Standard 24 Satin and Swamp Ash Special, while the new specs in multiple lines include PRS DMO and McCarty III pickups, EQ mini-toggles, Phase III tuners and expanded color options.
2025 marks the 40th Anniversary of PRS Guitars. After announcing SE Series updates in October and officially kicking off their 40th Anniversary celebration this past November with the introduction of the 40th Anniversary Private Stock Dragon and Custom 24 limited-edition instruments, this month's launches are the next in a schedule of many product announcements to be made throughout the year.
“Our mission hasn’t changed since day one in my first Garrett workshop - we want to build the best tools for musicians to do their jobs,” said Paul Reed Smith, founder & managing general partner of PRS Guitars. “But, as the saying goes, ‘windshields are larger than rearview mirrors for a reason.’ We do not want to spend our anniversary only looking back. We want to keep advancing our craft and adding value to our instruments by focusing on details we believe matter to musicians.”
New Models: Standard 24 Satin and Swamp Ash Special
When a young Paul Reed Smith was raising money to start his business, he traveled the East Coast with two guitars: a PRS and a PRS Custom. The PRS was an all-mahogany guitar that would later come to be called the PRS Standard. For 2025, the company is introducing a version of that pre-factory instrument in its Core line. Featuring a “sinky” satin nitro finish and the new PRS DMO pickups, the PRS Standard 24 Satin is a powerful, roadworthy workhorse. Its full, warm, organic tone is maximized not only by the finish, but thanks to the Phase III locking tuners with brass shafts, proprietary bone nut, and design of the PRS patented tremolo.
The Swamp Ash Special bolt-on model is also making a comeback for 2025 but with an updated electronics layout. Its swamp ash body is equipped with a versatile hum/“single”/hum pickup configuration. Two 58/15 LT pickups flank a PRS Narrowfield in the middle position, which adds a single-coil bite – without the hum. Paired with a volume, tone, 5-way blade switch, and dual mini-toggle coil-tap switches (for the first time on this model), the Swamp Ash Special has a total of twelve sound combinations. Overall, the PRS Swamp Ash Special features tight low-end, bright but mellow high-end, and a welcome twangy tone that can reach “hot country,” blues and jazz territory.
New Pickups
Most notably, PRS is introducing two new pickup models in its Core lineup: PRS DMO and McCarty III treble and bass pickups. Through hands-on research into beloved vintage pickup models to advancements in signal analyzation and “tuning” technology, these pickups incorporate every detail of pickup knowledge PRS has gained in recent years of R&D.
PRS DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) pickups are more modern-sounding and have a “wide open” sound with vocal character, meaning they deliver clear, pleasant-sounding tones across a wide range of frequencies (bass to treble) in each pickup. While McCarty III pickups are vintage-inspired humbuckers that bring a vocal clarity to their full, warm tone. PRS DMO’s will be found on the Custom 24, while McCarty III’s will be found on McCarty, Hollowbody, Special and Studio models.
EQ Switch Feature
On select models, PRS has also updated the spec on their dual mini-toggle switches from coil-taps to EQ switches. EQ mini-toggles act as tuned high-pass filters when engaged (in the up position), removing shelved low-end and allowing the high frequencies through for more clarity and musical highs. This spec will be found on the Custom 24-08, Modern Eagle V and S2 Custom 24-08.
“These EQ switches were developed with and first featured on the Private Stock John McLaughlin model in 2023. Both John and I felt that they offered a different, but just as versatile, sound that played a significant role in the musicality of that guitar. I am happy that we are now extending this feature into more models,” said Paul Reed Smith.
Phase III Tuner Expanded Offering
The entire S2 Series and select Bolt-On models are also being updated with Phase III tuners. Designed from scratch in 2012 to be wholly different from Phase II’s, Phase III tuners were originally introduced on PRS’s Core line. Notable features of these tried-and-true tuning machines include a handsome open-back design, highly usable gear ratio, unplated brass shafts, overall lightweight construction, and PRS’s proprietary wing button.
PRS has also introduced new colors across their lineup, including Aurora Borealis and Black Gold on select Core models, Egyptian Gold and Platinum Metallic on the Myles Kennedy signature Bolt-On, five new colors on the NF 53, including Matcha Green and Jasper Smokeburst, and three new satin colors on the Fiore, including Lilac Satin, Hibiscus Satin and Amaryllis Satin.
All of these specification details are aimed to make better guitars for musicians. Beyond these foundational updates, PRS Guitars is planning a year full of new product and limited-edition introductions. Stay tuned for those updates over the coming months.
For more information, please visit prsguitars.com.
Vola Guitars collaborates with guitarists Pierre Danel and Quentin Godet to announce the all new J3 series to their line of signature guitars.
With both Pierre Danel and Quentin Godet rising to the forefront of the heavy music scene, they have caught fire with distinct approaches and undying tenacity. Furthermore, their involvement with Vola Guitars has led to brand growth as a direct result of their endeavors. Equipped with Bare Knuckle pickups, 27” scale length, Gotoh hardware, and crafted with precision. "These two unmistakable designs are meant to be extensions of their handlers, catalysts for creative expression."
Features include:
• Country of Origin: Handmade in Japan
• Scale Length: 27" Extended Scale length
• Construction: Bolt-on neck with new contour heel
• Body: Alder
• Fingerboard: Roasted Maple
• Neck: Roasted Maple neck with 3x3 Vola headstock
• Nut: 48mm * 3.4T Graphtech nut
• Frets: 24 Medium Jumbo Stainless Frets
• Inlay: Custom Luminlay Kadinja with Luminlay side dots
• Radius: 16" Radius
• Pickups: Bare Knuckle™ Bootcamp Brute Force HSS
• Electronics: 1 Volume (Push/pull : Add neck Pickup switch) 1 tone 5 way switch 1 mini switch (On-On-On: series/parallel/ coil tap)
• Bridge: Gotoh NS510TS-FE7 tremolo
• Tuners: Gotoh SG381-07 MG-T locking tuners
• Strings: Daddario XTE1059 10-59
• Case: Vola Custom Series Gig Bag (included)
The Vola Oz and Vasti J3 Series are the culmination of Vola’s dedication to designing top quality instruments for demanding players, without sacrificing the beauty that invites a closer look. Street price $1,749 USD. Vola Guitars now sells direct! For more information on this model and more, visit www.volaguitars.comAdding to the line of vintage fuzzboxes, Ananashead unleashes a new stompbox, the Spirit Fuzz, their take on the '60s plug-in fuzz.
The Spirit Fuzz is a mix of the two first California versions of the plug-in fuzz used by Randy California from Spirit, Big Brother & The Holding Company or ZZ TOP among others, also maybe was used in the "Spirit in the Sky" song.
A handmade pedal-shaped version with less hiss and more low-end with modern fatures like filtered and protected 9V DC input and true bypass. Only two controls for Volume and Attack that goes from clean to buzzy fuzz with some fuzzy overdrive in-between, also it cleans well with the guitar's volume.
The pedal offers the following features:
- Two knobs to control Volume and Attack
- Shielded inputs/outputs to avoid RF
- Filtered and protected 9VDC input
- Daisy-chain friendly
- Popless True Bypass switching
- Low current draw, 1mA
Each of the Hornet 15 Li amplifiers is designed to leverage Mooer's digital modeling technology to provide 9 preamp tones based on world-renowned amplifiers.
This modeling amplifier comes in two colors (White, Black), each of which is paired with its own carefully curated selection of preamp models.
The modulation dial can be adjusted to choose between chorus, phaser, and vibrato effects, whereas the delay dial facilitates analog, tape echo, and digital delay. Also, the reverb unit includes room, hall, and church emulations, making sure that there is an atmosphere and effect chain that works for any practice scenario.
A unique feature of this amplifier is how it can be used in two modes: “Live” and “Preset” mode. When using Live mode, guitarists will be able to browse the device's built-in preamp tones, which they can then enhance if they wish to throw the effect units. In contrast, the "Preset" mode allows users to save these effects and dynamic parameter changes into each preset, enabling them to customize them without overwriting the originals.
As any good amplifier should, the Hornet 15 Li is complete with industry-standard features, such as three-band EQ adjustment dials, volume and gain dials, a 1/4" guitar input, and both an auxiliary input and headphone output. However, MOOER has gone above and beyond to pack the amplifier with several special features; for example, this modeling amp boasts separate tap-tempo buttons for both the modulation and delay units, in addition to a dedicated tuner button and function, allowing guitarists to use the device's screen to ensure their guitar tuning is precise. What's more, the Hornet 15 Li also supports Bluetooth input, meaning that any guitarist can stream their favorite songs and backing tracks directly to the amplifier, making practice sessions and rehearsals easier than ever.
Arguably, the most impressive feature of the Hornet 15 Li is the fact that, in addition to being powered by a mains supply, it can also operate on battery. The device is built with an integrated 4000mA.h lithium battery, empowering guitarists to practice guitar on the go for hours–even when there’s no power source nearby. Combining this with how the amp weighs just 2.9kg and comes with a built-in handle, it’s clear that MOOER had portability and convenience in mind when designing this product.
Features:
- Available in 2 colors (White, Black), each with its own selection of classic preamps
- 9 high-quality preamp models, each captured through MOOER’s MNRS technology (controllable through the 9-way tone rotary switch)
- Modulation effects unit (chorus, phaser, vibrato) and dial
- Delay effects unit (analog, tape echo, digital) and dial
- Reverb effects unit (room, hall, church) and dial
- Three dials for three-band EQ adjustment (treble, mid, bass)
- Gain and master volume dials
- Live/Preset mode toggle switch
- Tap tempo buttons and features for modulation and delay effects
- 15 watts of rated power, ideal for practicing
- Digital screen for displaying functional and tuning information
- Built-in digital tuner
- ¼” guitar input
- 3.5mm auxiliary input
- 3.5mm headphone output
- Bluetooth support for high-quality audio input playback, perfect for backing tracks
- Convenient handle for easy transportation
- Rechargeable 4000mA.h lithium battery for portable play
- Power switch for easy on/off control
The Hornet 15 Li is available from distributors and retailers worldwide now.