Gretsch adds three new models to their Center-Block series, the G5620T-CB Electromatic, G5655T-CB Electromatic, and G5622T-CB Electromatic guitars.
Scottsdale, AZ (October 24, 2013) -- Gretsch is proud to welcome three additions to the popular Center-Block series, the Gretsch G5620T-CB Electromatic, G5655T-CB Electromatic, and G5622T-CB Electromatic guitars. The new models join three previously released guitars, launched in Jan. 2013, targeted at guitarists looking for an alternative instrument that combines the infamous Gretsch aesthetic, increased sustain and reduced feedback, even at high volumes.
Available in Black, Rosa Red, and Georgia Green gloss finishes, all models offer the ācenter-block advantage.ā The interior solid spruce center block running the length of the guitarās body makes for a lively āhigh gain-friendlyā tone and delivers greater control over the kind of feedback players want. The three new dual coil Super HiLoāTronā¢ pickups are voiced to produce a clean, high-end sparkle with robust low-end, low-noise performance, along with versatile pickup switching. Together with the āBlack Topā FilterāTronā¢ bridge pickup, itās a potent tonal combination.
The single-cutaway G5620T-CB Electromatic Center-Block features a five-ply maple body construction with a bound arched top and back, bound ācatās eyeā sound holes and a bound maple neck. The G5620T-CB also has a 12.5ā-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and Neo-Classicā¢ āthumbnailā inlays, three-way pickup switching, single-ply black pickguard with Gretsch logo, five āG-arrowā control knobs (volume for each pickup, tone for each pickup, master volume), anchored Adjusto-Maticā¢ bridge and flat-handle Bigsby-licensed B70 vibrato, GroverĀ® tuners and knurled strap retainer knobs.
The Double-Jet G5655T-CB Electromatic Center-Block offers afive-ply maple body construction with a bound arched top and back, a bound maple neck and a 12.5ā-radius rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and Neo-Classic āthumbnailā inlays. The G5655TCB also has three-way pickup switching, single-ply black pickguard with Gretsch logo, four āG-arrowā control knobs (volume for each pickup, bridge-pickup-only tone, master volume), anchored Adjusto-Maticā¢ bridge and flat-handle BigsbyĀ®-licensed B50 vibrato, Grover tuners and knurled strap retainer knobs.
The double-cutaway G5622T-CB Electromatic Center-Block includes a five-ply maple body construction with a bound arched top and back, bound ācatās eyeā sound holes and a bound maple neck, a 12.5ā-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets and Neo-Classicā¢ āthumbnailā inlays, three-way neck/bridge pickup switching with two-way auxiliary switching (middle pickup on/off), single-ply black pickguard with Gretsch logo, five āG-arrowā control knobs (volume for each pickup, master tone for bridge and middle pickups, master volume), anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge and flat-handle Bigsby-licensed B70 vibrato, Grover tuners and knurled strap retainer knobs.
Watch the company's video demo:
For more information:
Gretsch
After more than two decades, Mark Sampson has rejoined Bad Cat to unveil his first amplifier with the company in over 20 years.
Sampson, renowned for his pioneering work in boutique amplifier design, was instrumental in shaping the golden age of hand-wired tube amps. His original designs set a benchmark for tone, craftsmanship, and reliability. Now, with the Era 30, Sampson has distilled over 35 years of amplifier design evolution into a product that embodies the best of his creative vision.
With four EL84 power tubes, the Era 30 delivers 30 watts of output power and offers two fully independent channels, each designed to bring out the best in your playing, no matter your style.
- Channel One: Powered by the iconic EF86 tube, this channel delivers harmonically rich, three-dimensional tones that tube enthusiasts dream of. The stepped six-position depth control sculpts low-end frequencies with precision, while the Treble control acts as a masterful tone-shaping tool.
- Channel Two: Featuring a 12AX7-based preamp, this channel offers a tighter, punchier tone. Its linear bass and treble controls provide intuitive shaping for everything from vintage chime to earthy, woody textures.
- Complete Control: Both channels feature independent gain and pre-phase inverter volume controls, giving players complete authority over their sound. Want the best of both worlds? The included two-button footswitch makes it effortless to switch between channels or combine them together.
Era 30 product features include:
- True Point to Point Hand-wired Construction made in Costa Mesa California, USA
- Custom Bad Cat Transformer Set by Pacific Transformers
- DC Filament Heaters in Preamp
- 30 Watts of Power from 4 x EL84 Power Tubes
- 1 x EF86 Preamp Tube
- 3 x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
- 1 x 5AR4 Rectifier Tube
- 2 Switchable or Mixable Channels
- Independent Gain and Pre-Phase Inverter Volume Control per Channel
- 6-way Deep Control and Treble Control on EF86 Channel
- Linear Bass and Treble Control on 12AX7 Channel
- Global Post-PI Master Volume
- Buffered Effects Loop
- 4, 8, 16 Ohm Switch for Speaker Outputs
- Ultra-Durable Heather Tolex with Premium Leather Corners
- 2 Button Footswitch and Amp Cover Included
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
Bad Catās Era 30 amp is available as a head with matching 112 ort 212 cabs. Pricing is:
Head: $3899.99 US
112: $699.99 US
212: $999.99 US
For more information visit badcatamps.com.
Adding 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: āLiveā and āPresetā 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 hoursāeven when thereās no power source nearby. Combining this with how the amp weighs just 2.9kg and comes with a built-in handle, itās 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 MOOERās 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
- Ā¼ā 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.
Did Holdsworth's fretboard wizardry make him the Coltrane of the guitar? And more questions that emerged as we did our deep dives.
Here at 100 Guitarists, we thought we knew a lot about Allan Holdsworth. But after we did our deepest of dives, we only emerged with more questions: Was Holdsworth the John Coltrane of the guitar? Was he the quintessential fusion guitarist? Why isnāt there a Holdsworth signature Synthaxe? And how do you read his weird chord charts?
We might not have all the answersāand when it comes to his chord charts, we definitely do notābut weāre taking some big swings. We also share our top picks, which includes Tony Williams rippers, slick Ted Templeman-production, and a Beatles cover.
In our current listening segment, weāre talking about a Wayne Horvitz/Bill Frisell archival release and Jersey Boys.