No tubes? No problem. Here are a handful of plug-ins that won't wake the kids or bug the neighbors.
Whether you're trying to keep the dBs down or you need a wealth of amps, cabs, effects, and mics at your fingertips, this collection of plugins will help you realize the tone in your head quickly and easily.
IK Multimedia AmpliTube 5
In addition to official emulations of Fender, Mesa, Orange, and Wampler gear, this robust plug-in also features a DAW, looper, and much more.
$199 street
ikmultimedia.com
Line 6 Helix Native
Packed with dozens of virtual amps and effects, this gateway into the Helix ecosphere mimics the tones of the company's hardware units in handy plug-and-play form.
$399 street
line6.com
Kuassa Matchlock
A decidedly Fender-flavored setup, this trio of amp models aims at copping Fullerton's greatest hits with two options for each amp and seven different types of mics.
$49 street
kuassa.com
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro
The latest iteration offers a rack-based visual setup that allows you to customize every part of your signal chain right down to mixing up to eight mics together via the virtual mixer.
$199 street
native-instruments.com
Neural DSP Archetype: Cory Wong
Based on AI technology, this collection of amps and effects curated by the internet's favorite guitarist is targeted for players who are looking for clean and low-gain tones.
$144 USD street
neuraldsp.com
Overloud TH-U
This all-in-one suite offers hundreds of amp, cab, and effects options, including officially licensed gear from Randall, DV Mark, Brunetti, and THD.
$299 street
overloud.com
Positive Grid Bias Amp 2 Elite
Not only does this plug-in offer accurate models of legendary amps, it allows you to design your own amp from the ground up and includes technology to match either a mic'd amp or recorded track.
$179 street
positivegrid.com
Universal Audio Fender '55 Tweed Deluxe
If you dig the classic tones of one of Leo's best amps, this plug-in offers a faithful recreation and adds the ability to mix and match legendary mics.
$99 street
uaudio.com
Waves PRS SuperModels
This collection include two of the company's most popular models—the Archon and Dallas—plus an amp that was never released: the Blue Sierra/V9, which was an early version of the J-MOD 100.
$35 street
waves.com
Scuffham S-Gear
Covering tones from vintage tweed-style combos to '80s high-gain heads, this collection offers five amps, a handful of effects, and more.
$99 street
scuffhamamps.com
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At a recent outdoor NHL Stadium Series performance, it was so cold that my hands went numb. So, I had to improvise. Last month, I wrapped the NHL Stadium Series at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in front of 68,619 screaming fans and an army of TV production, crew, etc. The network chose to lean into Nashville’s Music City theme by including performances by 12 of the city’s biggest names in music. About a month ago, the director, Michael Dempsey, whom I worked with on several award shows, hired me as the music director. Here’s how it went....
FINNEAS, known for his Grammy Award-winning collaborations with Billie Eilish, collaborates with Fender on his signature Acoustasonic.
Having picked up his first guitar at the age of 12, FINNEAS' guitar-playing journey has been a key element in his career. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend acoustic and electronic elements, his music resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. In March 2019, he garnered widespread acclaim for his Grammy-winning contributions to Billie Eilish's breakthrough album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. FINNEAS then stepped into the spotlight with his own debut, the Blood Harmony EP in 2019, followed by his debut full-length album, Optimist, in 2021. His latest collaboration with Billie Eilish on her album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT continues to push musical boundaries and has garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying their impact on the music industry. Together, they have captivated a global audience, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore and embrace authenticity and vulnerability in their music. Their dynamic partnership has become a beacon for those seeking to innovate and express genuine emotion through their art.
Exploring the Finneas Acoustasonic Collection | Fender Artist Signature | Fender - YouTube
“The most important thing to me about a guitar is versatility,” said FINNEAS. “I was first introduced to the Acoustasonic guitar in 2019 when I was on tour with Billie, and I played it at every show that year. When we started conversations about my signature model, I knew this guitar was great in a live setting, and I wanted to find ways to take it into the studio and make it a versatile, expressive studio instrument. This is the result of that. ”
In addition to the release of his first-ever signature guitar, FINNEAS has just released his latest single, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!”, now available on all major streaming platforms. This track is a precursor to his much-anticipated sophomore album, For Cryin’ Out Loud!, which is set to be released on October 4.
The FINNEAS Acoustasonic Player Telecaster and the Limited Edition FINNEAS Acoustasonic Telecaster guitars mark Fender’s first-ever Acoustasonic artist signature guitars. Distinguished by custom electronics curated by FINNEAS, these models combine a magnetic Acoustasonic Shawbucker pickup and a Fishman undersaddle transducer to deliver clean electric, small-body acoustic, and dreadnought acoustic tones. Additionally, both models feature an onboard chorus effect selected by FINNEAS, seamlessly integrating added sonic characters.
The key differences lie in their finishes and places of manufacture: the standard model boasts a modern Cappuccino Fade satin finish on its solid spruce top, while the LE features an all-Arctic White satin finish for a premium aesthetic. Both guitars share a Modern Deep “C”-shape neck for a confident yet comfortable feel and a Shawbucker magnetic pickup known for its tonal charm and noiseless performance, ideal for studio use. The standard model is made at Fender’s Ensenada facility in Mexico, whereas the limited edition is crafted at Fender’s historic facility in Corona, California.
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with FINNEAS on his first signature guitar,” said Justin Norvell, Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at FMIC. “The FINNEAS Acoustasonic Player Telecaster and LE FINNEAS Acoustasonic Telecaster capture the unique blend of acoustic, electric and onboard effected tones that characterize his music. This guitar is more than an instrument; it's a versatile tool meant to inspire the next generation of producers and artists to explore new sonic landscapes and push their creative boundaries. FINNEAS's innovative spirit and dedication to authenticity shine through in every detail of these signature models.”
FINNEAS Acoustasonic Player Telecaster ($1,399.99) Purposefully streamlined and equally versatile, the Fender Acoustasonic intuitively transitions from acoustic to electric thanks to revolutionary magnetic and under saddle piezo electronics with 3-way switching co-designed with Fishman to deliver an unmatched acoustic experience. This evolution of the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster offers a set of six voices chosen by FINNEAS to range from clean electric to small-body and dreadnought acoustic, and includes a hand-selected onboard chorus effect in two positions for a versatile array of studio-worthy sounds. Built with uncompromising tonewoods including a braced solid spruce top, mahogany body and neck, and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, this Acoustasonic is crafted to deliver the organic sonic nuance that is sure to resonate. Other personalizations include a Cappuccino Fade satin finish and an engraved FINNEAS signature on the back of the headstock. A deluxe padded gig bag is also included to provide premium protection and portability.
Limited Edition FINNEAS Acoustasonic Telecaster ($2,499.99) This limited edition American Acoustasonic Telecaster offers a set of ten voices chosen by FINNEAS to range from clean electric to various flavors of acoustic and includes a hand-selected onboard chorus effect in two positions for a versatile array of high-fidelity studio-worthy sounds. Built with premium tonewoods including a braced solid spruce top, mahogany body and neck, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge, this Acoustasonic is crafted to deliver organic sonic nuance that is sure to resonate. Other personalizations include an all-Arctic White satin finish and a FINNEAS signature on the back of the headstock. A deluxe molded hardshell case is also included to provide premium protection and security while traveling.
For more information, please visit fender.com.
Fender Finneas Signature Acoustasonic Player Telecaster - Cappuccino Fade
FINNEAS Sig American Acoustasonic Tele, CappuccinoTom Petty’s righthand man proved time and again that he could get to the heart of the matter and find the perfect guitar part for a song.
Tom Petty’s right-hand man proved time and again that he could get to the heart of the matter and find the perfect guitar part for a song. But he’s also cooked up plenty of hits as a player and writer for artists such as Don Henley—with whom he co-wrote two of his biggest hits—Stevie Nicks, Roy Orbison, Matthew Sweet, Brian Setzer, and so many others. Plus, his Blue Stingrays and Dirty Knobs are like candy for the deepest of guitar-tone nerds.
Shop at fender.com and receive free shipping on orders $50+
Pure nickel wound strings designed to capture classic tones. Available in popular gauges (9s and 10s), these strings are intended to offer rich, warm tones and longer string life.
The Seymour Duncan Antiquity series of pickups have always given musicians access to the true vintage tones of the most famous guitars ever produced. To further our commitment to capturing these influential sounds, Seymour Duncan is now pleased to offer the perfectly voiced companion, a set of Antiquity Vintage Modern Strings.
Before nickel-alloy plated strings became commonplace, pure nickel wound strings were found on most electric guitars. Their rich, warm tone became a crucial ingredient to the sounds of classic blues and rock & roll. An added benefit of a pure nickel wrap is a longer string life and a more consistent tone between string changes. Now our Antiquity Vintage Modern Strings bring you even closer to the sound of electric guitar’s early heyday. Pure nickel wound and available in your favorite modern gauges (9s and 10s), Antiquity Vintage Modern Strings are the perfect start to your signal chain in the quest to unlock your favorite classic guitar sounds.
For more information, please visit seymourduncan.com.