Guitarists have long been intrigued by the idea of using digital processing to get scores of tones out of one box. Early on, digital solutions—at least in the realm of distortion—couldn’t really hold a candle to analog options. Swedish effect outfit Elektron is one of the latest companies to try to remedy that deficiency in a compact stompbox format. The Analog Drive pairs eight discrete analog overdrive circuits with the ability to digitally recall 100 tonal permutations drawn from those circuits (10 of them factory-programmed).
The Analog Drive doesn’t seem intended to generate bristling mayhem at low volumes. Even in “high gain” mode, many players of the thrashing persuasion will wish for more saturation. But this may be because the pedal’s primary purpose seems to be pushing hardworking tube amps over the edge rather than being an all-in-one distortion smorgasbord.
The most impressive thing about the AD is that its circuits really do sound every bit as warm and inviting as a favorite ol’ dirt stomp—particularly the “dirty drive” and “clean boost” voicings. There’s absolutely no hint of digital grossness, and the lone fuzz voicing—a big, thick, sustaining sound—is a lot of fun for middle-of-the-road applications.
Clip 1: Recorded with Schecter Ultra III with TV Jones Magna’Tron bridge pickup into Jaguar HC50 combo. Elektron Analog Drive is in clean boost mode with gain at 3 o’clock, low at max, mid freq at 3 o’clock, mid at 8 o’clock, high at 11 o’clock, and level at noon.Clip 2: Recorded with Schecter Ultra III with TV Jones Magna’Tron bridge pickup into Jaguar HC50 combo. Elektron is in dirty drive mode with gain at max, low at noon, mid freq at max, mid at noon, high at 4 o’clock, and level at 11 o’clock.
Clip 3: Recorded with Schecter Ultra III with TV Jones Magna’Tron bridge pickup into Jaguar HC50 combo. Elektron is in harmonic fuzz mode with gain at max, low at noon, mid freq at minimum, mid at max, high at 11 o’clock, and level at 11 o’clock.
Test gear: Squier Vintage Modified Tele with Curtis Novak Tel-V and JM-V pickups, Schecter Ultra III with TV Jones Magna’Tron and Duncan Designed pickups, ’76 Fender Vibro-Champ with WGS G8C speaker, Jaguar HC50 with ceramic Weber Gray Wolf speaker
Ratings
Pros:
Organic-sounding overdrive. Mid-sweep control. Expression-pedal inputs for gain and mid sweep. MIDI in and out jacks.
Cons:
Some drive circuits seem very similarly voiced. Mid-sweep could be more wide-ranging. Only one fuzz type.
Street:
$379
Elektron Analog Drive
elektron.se
Tones:
Ease of Use:
Build/Design:
Value:
At the heart of the Harvezi Hazze pedal is a waveshaper designed around a unijunction transistor - a relic from the early days of the semiconductor industry unearthed from the e-waste bins of flea markets in Tbilisi, Georgia, the Eastern European country's largest city.
The unijunction transistor offers unique properties allowing one simple component to replace a number of very complex devices. Therefore. depending on the operating mode, users can access a distortion, a limiter, a waveshaper and a generator - with smooth transitions among each of these.
The name "Harvezi Hazze" translates from Georgian as "a fault on the transmission line" or "signal jamming", and both the semantic and phonetic nature of these translations imply what users can expect: an impediment to the input signal, which can range from pleasant harmonic distortions to complete obliteration. The signal chain of Harvezi Hazze consists of an optical compressor with fixed parameters; a dual-mode distorting amplifier with either softer or harsher clipping; a waveshaper built around a unijunction transistor; and a tone stack section designed to tame these sonic building blocks.
Signal flow and controls
Following the input, the signal goes to the Compressor, Distorting Amplifier, Waveshaper, and then to the Tone Stack and output stages. Harvezi Hazze features six control knobs, a three-way switch and a footswitch.
- Gain Control: This controls the output amplitude of the signal in the distorting amplifier section. Depending on the position of the switch, the distortion introduced by this section is soft (with the switch in the left position) or more aggressive with an abundance of high harmonics (with the switch in the middle position).
- Spoil and Spread: This knob controls the operation of the unijunction transistor (waveshaper section). Spoil sets the point on the amplitude axis at which the wave will fold, and Spread sets the amplitude of the folding. The higher the Spread value, the more severe the distortion will be, while Spoil will change the timbre and response threshold. By adjusting Spoil, users can achieve various gating and cutoff effects; at low Spread values, distortion sounds are mixed into the clean sound.
- Tone: This knob adjusts the brightness of the sound. With higher values, higher harmonics become present in the signal.
- Three-way switch. This feature regulates either the distortion mode in the amplifier section (left and center positions), or turns on the total feedback mode (right position) when the values of all knobs begin to influence each other. In this position, effects occur such as resonance at certain frequencies and self-oscillation.
- Level knob: This controls the output volume of the signal.
- Footswitch: This routes the signal through the effect circuitry or from input to output directly (true bypass).
The array of switches on the side of the unit provides even further tonal options; the lower position of the switch enables the specific function:
- Tone Stack: Routes the signal through the tone stack section (Tone knob).
- Bass Boost: Enhances bass frequencies.
- Tone Mode: Changes the behavior of the Tone knob (tilt or lowpass).
- Notch Freq: Changes the central frequency of the filter.
- High Cut: Attenuates high frequencies.
- Compressor: Routes the signal through the compressor.
Harvezi Hazze is priced at €290. To learn more, please visit https://somasynths.com/harvezi-hazze/.
Ibanez has unveiled its new Blackout series of acoustic guitars to their lineup. Inspired by the popular Iron Label series, these instruments feature an all-black aesthetic, including a matte black finish and black hardware. The Blackout series offers three distinct models: the AEG721 7-string acoustic-electric, the AEWC621, and the TCY621. Each model boasts in-demand woods, including a Spruce top, Sapele back and sides, and Macassar Ebony or Purpleheart for the fingerboard and bridge.
To complement their unique appearance, the Blackout guitars are equipped with high-quality electronics. The AEG721 and AEWC621 feature Fishman’s S-core pickups and Ibanez AEQ-SAP2 preamps, while the TCY621 utilizes an Ibanez under-saddle pickup and AEQ-2T preamp.
For more information, please visit ibanez.com.
AEG721
- AEG body
- 634mm/25" scale
- Spruce top
- Sapele back & sides
- Comfort Grip 3pc Nyatoh/Maple neck
- Macassar Ebony fretboard & bridge
- Black dyed Bone nut & saddle
- Black Die-cast tuners (18:1 gear ratio)
- Fishman® S-core pickup
- Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp w/Onboard tuner
- Balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs
- Ibanez Advantage™ bridge pins
- D'Addario® XTAPB1253, plus .070 guage Phosphor Bronze
- String Gauge: .012/.016/.024/.032/.042/.053/.070
- Factory Tuning: 1E,2B,3G,4D,5A,6E,7B
- Recommended case: AEG10C/MAP: $169.99
- Finish: Blacked Out
LIST PRICE: $599.99
ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $399.99
AEWC621
- AEWC body
- 634mm/25" scale
- Spruce top
- Sapele back & sides
- Comfort Grip Nyatoh neck
- Macassar Ebony fretboard & bridge
- Black Die-cast tuners (18:1 gear ratio)
- Fishman® S-Core pickup
- Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp w/Onboard tuner
- Balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs
- Ibanez IACS6C coated strings
- Recommended case: AEG10C/MAP: $169.99
- Finish: Blacked Out
LIST PRICE: $599.99
ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $399.99
TCY621
- Talman Double Cutaway body
- Neck joint at 16th fret
- Spruce top
- Sapele back & sides
- Okoume neck
- Purpleheart fretboard & bridge
- Black Die-cast tuners
- Ibanez Undersaddle pickup
- Ibanez AEQ-2T preamp w/Onboard tuner
- Ibanez Advantage™ bridge pins
- Recommended case: TM50C/MAP: $179.99
- Finish: Blacked Out
LIST PRICE: $374.99
ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $249.99
C. F. Martin & Co. is unveiling an exciting lineup of new guitars ahead of The 2025 NAMM Show, including refinements to its trusted Standard Series and two all-new Retro Plus guitars.
With the Standard Series refresh, Martin brings fans enhanced playability, timeless aesthetics, and three stunning new models, while its two new Retro Plus guitars offer thermally aged spruce tops and the classic appearance of an 18-style guitar at an accessible price point. These releases showcase Martin's mission to create instruments that unleash the artist within.
These new guitars and more will be on display at The 2025 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, through Saturday, January 25, with more releases to come.
Standard Series Refresh
Martin is refreshing its popular Standard Series lineup to bring subtle yet impactful refinements to enhance the look, tone, and playability of these iconic guitars, while introducing three new models to the series: the D-17, 000-17, and OM-45.
One of the key updates is Sitka spruce Golden Era (GE) top bracing, as featured on the Modern Deluxe Series, which offers a more vintage, breathy tone with enhanced sustain. The GE modified low oval neck profile maintains its popular shape but is optimized for vintage appeal with minimal increase in total mass.
It's paired with playability enhancements like a thinner fingerboard with a gently beveled comfort edge and refined string spacing at the nut, while the new GE modern belly bridge features smoother, more comfortable corners.
Standard Series guitars also now feature either bone or ebony bridge pins, along with newly added sunburst and ambertone finish options for select models. Additional aesthetic updates include a long diamond neck transition, a nut cut on angle, and a sleeker vintage-style heel.
These are the changes Martin enthusiasts have been asking for, delivering a blend of vintage appointments and modern playability enhancements. Players will notice improved comfort and vintage tones, particularly with the GE-inspired bracing and aesthetic refinements.
For more information, please visit martinguitar.com.
D-17
The Martin D-17 is a bold new offering in the refreshed Standard Series, combining vintage-inspired appointments with modern refinements for players seeking rich sounds and enhanced playability. Its iconic Dreadnought body shape is a favorite among players for its loud, projective tone and strong bass. This model is handcrafted with a satin-finished solid mahogany body, delivering a warm and woody tone, while vintage-inspired details such as a sleeker heel and nickel open gear tuners give the guitar a timeless, elegant look. With its satin-finished select hardwood neck and 25.4" scale length, whether you’re strumming big chords or picking intricate tunes, the D-17 delivers powerful, dynamic sound with a classic, vintage vibe.
000-17
The Martin 000-17 is another fresh addition to the Standard Series lineup. Its Auditorium (000) body shape offers a balanced tone and comfortable size, making it great for both fingerstyle playing and heavy-handed strumming. Crafted from solid mahogany with a satin finish, it delivers a warm, woody tone with a clear top end and a punchy midrange—ideal for players seeking a vintage-inspired sound with a modern edge. Its satin-finished select hardwood neck and 24.9" scale length contributes to a more relaxed string feel and warmer, mellower tones. Whether you’re playing at home, in the studio, or on stage, the 000-17 delivers the balanced, dynamic sound that players expect from a high-quality Martin.
OM-45
The Martin OM-45 is a pinnacle of craftsmanship in the refreshed Standard Series, combining classic appointments with modern enhancements for a truly exceptional instrument. This all-new full-gloss acoustic is crafted with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top, delivering a rich, resonant tone with remarkable sustain. Its genuine mahogany neck ensures a smooth, effortless feel, while the longer 25.4" scale length provides just the right amount of string tension for enhanced clarity, making this guitar great for intricate picking and strumming. Its dazzling pearl inlay, aging toner, and gold open gear tuners offer an elegant touch, making the OM-45 as stunning to look at as it is to play.
De Retro Plus Mahogany
The Martin DE Retro Plus Mahogany is inspired by Martin’s legendary 18-style flagship models. It combines powerful tone and iconic design with cutting-edge craftsmanship at a fraction of the price. Its torrefied solid spruce top is thermally aged for enhanced resonance and a beautifully seasoned sound, delivering the rich, broken-in tone of a vintage instrument from the first strum. It’s the same premium feature long reserved for our Authentic and Modern Deluxe series, now available for the first time ever in the Road Series. It even comes stage-ready with Martin E1 electronics, featuring a built-in tuner and controls for dialing in your perfect live tone.
000E Retro Plus Mahogany
This 000 model blends balanced tone with the same cutting-edge craftsmanship and 18-style appearance as its Dreadnought counterpart, including a torrefied solid spruce top. With solid mahogany back and sides, scalloped spruce X bracing, a Performing Artist neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, and Martin E1 electronics, these guitars have everything you could want in an acoustic. Ideal as a gigging workhorse or your first step into premium acoustics, they deliver best-in-class quality at an unbeatable value for serious players, and a lifetime of inspiration for anyone who picks one up. Just be warned, you won’t be able to put them down—because nothing compares to a Martin.
