The company''s website introduces the Dark Fire guitar--a Les Paul-based, PLEK''ed multi-pickup beast--with the following statement:
"Tone meets innovation in this incredible marriage of Chameleon Tone Technology and second generation Robot Guitar technology."
Chameleon Tone Technology
So, what in the world is Chameleon Tone Technology? According to the Gibson website, Chameleon Tone Technology involves infinite tonal possibilities. The guitar comes equipped with a P90h black soapbar in the neck, a PAF-minded Burstbucker 3 in the bridge and a piezo, too. Technically, the piezo is actually 6 little piezos (one for each saddle.) The wiring of these pickups harnesses 20 different base tonal combinations. The pickup switch has a pot built into it that allows you to blend the piezo variably.
Gibson Roots
The guitar itself is basically a mahogany chambered Les Paul with a fire red nitro finish and dual black binding. The back of the guitar and neck have a satin finish. The guitar is set up with a PLEK machine and features a flowerpot inlay on the peghead that was once used on the headstock of the 1911 F4 mandolin and later on L5s.
The Dark Fire also features classic block inlays that are familiar from early 60s 335s and Custom Flying Vs, but are made out of acrylic.
Mr. Roboto
When the first rumblings of this guitar hit the internet, many people, ourselves included, wondered if the company''s hints about groundbreaking technological advancements had something to do with digital modeling. We now know that Gibson was refering to a combination of things: the Chameleon Tone Technology, the newest version of the Robot Guitar automatic tuning system and a buffet of connection options. The self-tuning system has apparently been upgraded so that it is faster and lighter. Gibson''s website states that the Dark Fire''s smaller powerhead tuners can access any preset tuning in less than one second and can also be operated by hand. The company is offering Dark Fire upgrade kits for players who bought original Robot Guitars and would like their tuning systems to be upgraded to Dark Fire quality specs.
Ins and Outs
As for the ins and outs, the Dark Fire comes equipped with a 1/4" stereo input, a 1/8" headphone out with a level control and a pilot light, two balanced 1/4" line outs, a FireWire connector for your computer and a hex connector that can isolate individual outputs from each saddle''s piezo.
As if that isn''t enough, Gibson alludes to the guitar''s ability to adapt to future advancements, such as BlueTooth compatibility for your computer or even the next generation of Robot technology.
Contest
No new product promotion is complete without a contest. Gibson''s contest for the new Dark Fire guitar involves a big press conference and performance at Times Square on December 15th. One lucky contest participant will win a trip to the event and another will win a Dark Fire Limited Edition First Run guitar. Winners will be chosen from a song they write about (...wait for it...) the Dark Fire guitar. To enter, cut your song on video, upload it to Gibson''s YouTube page and fill out the online form found here.
For more info:
Gibson Dark Fire Guitar
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.
A Galloup guitar made from paulownia.
Guitars priced between $1,500 and $4,000 typically utilize domestic woods or other widely accessible alternatives that provide excellent value. However, in recent years, sustainability has become an increasingly critical concern regarding the sourcing of these natural resources. We are committed to ensuring that the materials we select not only deliver superior sound but also align with sustainable practices, helping to preserve the environment for future generations of musicians.
Over the years, I’ve encountered difficulties with alternative, sustainable soundboard options. That is, until I took part in the paulownia experiment initiated by World Tree, an environmental organization “focused on nature-based solutions to some of our biggest global challenges.” This project highlighted wood from the fast-growing paulownia tree, which was cultivated by former President Jimmy Carter. Initially, the prospect of using paulownia appeared impractical. Yet, upon further analysis, we recognized its potential as a viable substitute, though some of its material property characteristics, such as damping and admittance, still require further testing.
Many luthiers understand traditional soundboard materials well. Despite this knowledge, integrating new tonewoods into our repertoire can be an arduous process. Fortunately, advancements in wood testing technology have significantly expedited the evaluation process. Currently, for the assessment of wood, I use the Acousonix Sonic Calculator, a handheld application that enables me to input various wood-property parameters for a thorough evaluation. Upon entering the data, the application delivers a precise rating, considers multiple factors, delineates the wood's sonic characteristics, and then specifies its best use applications.
Fig. 1
My Acousonix analysis of paulownia indicates that its 11.3 sonic rating makes it unexpectedly well-suited for use as a soundboard (see Fig. 1). As my builds with this material progressed, the results were exceedingly promising. Paulownia features well-rounded tonal characteristics, exhibiting a rapid response with a seemingly high admittance, which indicates a lower damping factor. Another noteworthy aspect of paulownia is its sustainability: The tree reaches full maturity in approximately 12 years. Upon harvest, a new sapling can be replanted in the same root system, allowing for accelerated mature growth in around seven years. This cycle can be repeated multiple times, establishing paulownia as a highly renewable resource. But unlike typical spruce, which commonly yields eight to 11 growth rings per inch, paulownia’s growth rings come in at around three to four per inch. But don’t let this fool you. Despite its non-traditional appearance, paulownia has a reputation for being stable and warp-resistant (see Fig. 2).
Fig. 2
“Another noteworthy aspect of paulownia is its sustainability: The tree reaches full maturity in approximately 12 years.”
While testing paulownia for guitar making, we observed that this species yields a highly responsive instrument. It offers a fast musical response similar to many late-1930s Gibson J-35s I have played. It exhibits a quick response with a lower fundamental and a pleasant decay. But, due to its lightweight—around 5 grams per cubic inch—it tends to exhibit lower headroom. Thus, despite being a powerful and enjoyable guitar to play, it tends to distort when pushed to higher volumes. In its defense, most players commonly don’t play hard enough to reach these limits.
Ultimately, the tests I conducted affirm its potential as a substitute tonewood for guitars, possessing desirable acoustic properties. While paulownia has historically been utilized in instruments like the Japanese koto, it stands to reason that the acoustic guitar market should explore this avenue further. To prove a point, we used paulownia for the top, back, sides, bracing, and neck, with the total price tag for all tone woods used coming in at around $70. So, given its low cost, stability, availability, and the grower's commitment to environmental sustainability, paulownia is a resource deserving of serious consideration.
For more information about World Tree, visit worldtree.eco, and to learn more about the Acousonix Sonic Calculator, visit acousonix.com.
