Squier by Fender adds 15 new models to their Vintage Modified line.
Scottsdale, AZ (August 4, 2013) -- Squier by Fender is proud to welcome 15 new models to the Vintage Modified family. From upgrades to fretless basses, to left-handed models and Fender’s classic Vintage Modified Bass VI, Squier’s arsenal of new products offers something for everyone. New and upgraded models include:
Vintage Modified Cabronita Telecaster. The Squier Vintage Modified Cabronita Telecaster rocks a welcome shot of high-powered Cabronita attitude in an already-cool Vintage Modified Telecaster. Two full-voiced and stylish Fideli’Tron humbucking pickups more than get the job done, with three-way toggle pickup switching and a single knurled-chrome master volume knob for a distinctive look. Available in Black.
Vintage Modified Cabronita Telecaster with Bigsby. Squier’s Vintage Modified Cabronita Telecaster with Bigsby offers a Fideli’Tron humbucking neck pickup and standard single-coil Telecaster bridge pickup with three-way toggle pickup switching, a single knurled-chrome master volume knob, and a Bigbsy-licensed B50 vibrato tailpiece. Available in Black.
Vintage Modified Cabronita Precision Bass. The Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass comes out swinging with pulse-pounding tone, sultry-yet-simple style and a welcome dose of feisty Cabronita attitude. Might have something to do with its single powerful Fideli’Tron humbucking bass pickup. Available in Black.
Vintage Modified Precision Bass V. Squier now delivers pure P Bass power and extended range with the Vintage Modified Precision Bass V. It’s Squier’s first true five-string model, with a wealth of vintage-style touches combined with modded features including a Fender-designed split single-coil Precision Bass pickup and a comfortable “modern C” neck profile. Available in Candy Apple Red, Olympic White and 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Precision Bass Fretless. Squier proudly presents its first-ever fretless Precision Bass model, the sleek Vintage Modified Precision Bass Fretless. It delivers the knockout punch of a Fender-designed split single-coil Precision Bass pickup, combined with the deliciously slippery tone and feel of a 9.5”-radius fretless ebonol fingerboard (with white inlaid fret lines so you can easily find your way around). Available in 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Precision Bass PJ. Squier gives you the best of both worlds–Precision and Jazz–with the Vintage Modified Precision Bass PJ. Its sleek Precision Bass form features the sonically powerful and tonally versatile combination of a punchy Fender-designed split single-coil Precision Bass middle pickup and a growling single-coil Jazz Bass bridge pickup with ceramic magnets. Available in Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, and 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Bass VI. Squier brings you the welcome return of a long-vanished Fender classic in the deeply satisfying form of the Vintage Modified Bass VI six-string bass. The original model of 1961-1975 has provided distinctively voiced low end for everyone from the Beatles to the Black Keys, Cream to the Cure, and many others.
The Vintage Modified Bass VI delivers authentically vintage-style look and tone, with a few modern touches such as a comfortable “modern C” neck profile and 9.5” fingerboard radius (the originals were 7.25”), and three custom Jaguar single-coil pickups with notched “claw” shielding rings (reverse-wound/reverse-polarity middle pickup). Available in Black, Olympic White and 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special. Squier’s most versatile Jaguar bass model is even more versatile now, with the extended range of the Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass V Special five-string model. Features include a sleek offset-waist body, slim fast-action maple neck with “modern C” profile, 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, booming Fender®-designed split single-coil Precision Bass® V middle pickup and growling Fender-designed single-coil Jazz Bass V bridge pickup, active bass-boost circuit for extra low-end power, and more. Available in Black, Crimson Red Transparent and 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Jazz Bass. Upgraded for 2013, Squier’s Vintage Modified Jazz Bass delivers great traditional Jazz Bass style and performance, with dual Fender-designed pickups and a slim “C”-shaped maple neck with a vintage-tint gloss finish. Other features include a 9.5”-radius rosewood fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets, tortoiseshell pickguard, four-saddle bridge, chrome control knobs and hardware, and open-gear tuners. Also available for left-handed players as the Vintage Modified Jazz BassLeft-Handed model. Available in 3-Color Sunburst and Olympic White.
Vintage Modified Jazz BassFretless. Upgraded for 2013, Squier’s Vintage Modified Jazz Bass Fretless fuses the slippery sound of an upright and the sleek style of an electric, with dual Fender-designed pickups and a slim “C”-shaped maple neck with a vintage-tint gloss finish. Available in 3-Color Sunburst.
Vintage Modified Jazz BassV. Upgraded for 2013, Squier’s five-string Vintage Modified Jazz Bass V has a handsome natural-finish soft maple body and one-piece maple neck with sharp-looking black binding and block inlays on the 20th-fret maple fingerboard. Other features include dual Fender-designed single-coil Jazz Bass pickups, vintage-tint gloss neck finish, three-ply pickguard, five-saddle bridge and chrome hardware and tuners. Available in Natural and Olympic White.
Vintage Modified Jazz Bass ‘70s. Upgraded for 2013, Squier’s Vintage Modified Jazz Bass ‘70s returns you to a great period in Jazz Bass history, with dual Fender-designed pickups and a slim “C”-shaped maple neck with a vintage-tint gloss finish. Other features include a black-bound 9.5”-radius maple fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo frets and stylish block inlays, three-ply black pickguard, four-saddle bridge, knurled chrome control knobs and open-gear tuners. Also available for left-handed players as the Vintage Modified Jazz Bass ‘70s Left-Handed model. Available in Olympic White, Candy Apple Red, and Natural.
Vintage Modified Jazz Bass ’77. Upgraded for 2013, Squier’s Vintage Modified Jazz Bass ’77 returns you to the age of funk and the dawn of punk with sleekly offset agathis (Black and Three-Color Sunburst finishes) and soft maple (Amber finish) bodies, dual Fender-designed pickups and a slim “C”-shaped maple neck with a vintage-tint gloss finish. Available in Black, Amber and 3-Color Sunburst.
For more information:
Fender
Halfway through the month, but the prizes keep coming! Enter Stompboxtober Day 14 for your chance to win a P-Split Stereo from Lehle!
Lehle P-Split Iii Signal Splitter
- Stereo split, summing, double DI box and problem solver
- Hum-free and lossless splitting and isolating
- Two high-impedance LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ
- Phase and ground switch per channel
- Suitable for unbalanced or balanced signals
- Passive – doesn’t need power
The LEHLE P-SPLIT STEREO combines passive intelligent splitting with the highest possible signal fidelity in a double pack.
The classic solution for splitting, eliminating hum, balancing and reamplification in recording applications, now appears in a doubled version and this time adds the passive summing of signals.
Two LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ are working at the heart of the LEHLE P-SPLIT STEREO, galvanically isolating the particular ISO outputs from each other, eliminating any possibility of ground loops and hum.
With its ability to dial in custom reverb, delay, and chorus settings without needing any extra equipment and intuitive looper and Bluetooth audio functions, the TAG3 C is designed to make it easier than ever to write, practice, and perform.
Building on its brand legacy of innovation and creating many of the world’s finest guitars, the TAG3C TransAcoustic guitar from Yamaha offers an unmatched experience in sound, versatility, and playability to spark creative expression – making it the ideal instrument for the modern guitarist. The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, available in natural(TAG3 C NT) or sand burst finish (TAG3 C SDB), and includes a convenient magnetic charging port to enhance its functionality and ease of use.
“TAG3 C is the ultimate tool for players looking to push themselves artistically. The ability to dial in custom reverb, delay, and chorus settings without needing any extra equipment is a game changer for creative workflows, and the intuitive looper and Bluetooth audio functions make it easier than ever to write, practice, and perform,” says Brandon Soriano, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars.“Even with TransAcoustic technology turned off, TAG3 C is a fantastic acoustic instrument built with all solid wood and high-quality craftsmanship. TAG3 C is a no-brainer for the modern guitarist!”
TAG3 C is equipped with powerful built-in tech and effects including but not limited to loop capability with touch sensitivity, a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth capability, new and improved user interface, controls, and indicators. Guitarists can also access the TAG Remote mobile designed for enhanced control and optimization.
TAG3 C Highlights At-a-Glance
- Built-in effects: chorus, delay and reverb
- Built-in looper• Bluetooth connectivity
- On-board tuner
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Solid mahogany back and sides
- Dreadnought-style cutaway with ebony fingerboard
- Available in natural or sand burst finish
- Superior acoustic sound quality
TAG3 C | Yamaha TransAcoustic Guitars - YouTube
Our columnist stumbled upon massive success when he shifted his focus to another instrument. Here, he breaks down the many benefits you can get from doing the same.
A while back, I was doing a session for the History Channel at Universal in Hollywood, California. After the session, I sheepishly admitted to some of the other session players that I was really getting into bluegrass and specifically the square-neck resonator, or dobro guitar. Now, as a progressive-jazz guitarist, that was quite a revelation. After some classic lines from the Burt Reynolds movie, Deliverance, another friend said he also was getting into mandolin and banjo.
Long story short, we put together a band, Honeywagon (which is the vehicle that cleans out the toilets under actors’ trailers on movie sets), started playing bluegrass around L.A. (up and down the Sunset Strip), and three months later, we had a record deal. We sang three-part harmony, made “deranged” covers of songs by famous artists, produced it ourselves, and sold well over 1.5 million albums and counting, and played all over the world.
What started all of that was my love for Jerry Douglas’ dobro playing. It’s so vocal, and his timbral range! You see, music is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, and linguistic boundaries. And learning another instrument is a gateway to unlock levels of self-expression, creativity, and emotional exploration you might not even be aware of.
I don’t believe in “mastery”—there are always deeper levels to discover—so let me say that while gaining significant proficiency on one instrument is a huge achievement, the benefits of learning to play at least one other instrument are immense. It will enhance your musical skills, cognitive abilities, and personal growth. Tighten up your belts, the Dojo is now open.
Enhancing Musical Skills and Understanding
Learning multiple instruments can profoundly deepen a musician’s understanding of music theory, composition, and performance. Each instrument has its unique challenges, techniques, and approaches that require you to adapt and learn new skills. For instance, a guitarist transitioning to the piano will need to understand new techniques, two-hand interdependence, chord shapes, and different ways of producing sound.
New instruments also allow you to appreciate different timbres, textures, and roles within an ensemble. A drummer who learns to play the bass, for example, will gain a deeper understanding of rhythm and timing, as they experience how their drumming interacts with the bassline. This cross-instrumental knowledge can lead to more creative compositions and more nuanced performances, as musicians become adept at thinking from multiple musical perspectives.
Cognitive Benefits
The cognitive benefits of playing an instrument are widely documented. Learning to play an instrument can improve memory, enhance coordination, and increase cognitive flexibility. When a musician learns to play an additional instrument, these cognitive benefits are amplified. The process of learning new fingerings, reading different clefs, and adapting to various physical requirements engages the brain in unique ways, promoting neuroplasticity and cognitive growth.
“Music is a universal language that transcends cultural, social, and linguistic boundaries.”
Moreover, playing multiple instruments can improve problem-solving skills and adaptability. We often face challenges when learning a new instrument, but successfully navigating these challenges builds resilience and perseverance—skills that are valuable both in music and in other areas of life.
Emotional and Personal Growth
Music is not just a technical skill, it is also a deeply emotional and expressive art form. Learning to play multiple instruments can enhance your ability to express and connect with your rich emotions. Each instrument has its own voice and character, offering different ways to convey those emotions and tell stories. A violinist who learns to play the flute, for instance, may discover new ways to express lyrical melodies or subtle nuances in phrasing. In addition, taking on another instrument can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Expanding Musical Opportunities
It can also open you up to a wide range of musical opportunities. Musicians who can play multiple instruments are often more versatile and in-demand for various musical projects. The more you’re able to adapt to different genres, styles, and ensemble settings, the more valuable a collaborator you’ll be in bands and recording sessions.
Which One?
Ultimately, I’ve found that the instruments I can play besides the guitar have helped me deepen my connection with music and discover new ways to express myself. If this article is resonating with you, I would suggest choosing your new instrument based around what excites you the most. Is it bass, keys, pedal steel (one of my personal faves), or modular-synth programming? The possibilities are as wide as your mindset. In “Song of Myself, 51,” Walt Whitman said, “I am large, I contain multitudes.” Namaste.John Mayer Silver Slinky Strings feature a unique 10.5-47 gauge combination, crafted to meet John's standards for tone and tension.
“I’ve always said that I don’t play the guitar, I play the strings. Having a feeling of fluidity is so important in my playing, and Ernie Ball strings have always given me that ability. With the creation of the Silver Slinky set, I have found an even higher level of expression, and I’m excited to share it with guitar players everywhere.”
— John Mayer
hese signature sets feature John’s previously unavailable 10.5-47 gauge combination, perfectly tailored to his unique playing style and technique. Each string has been meticulously crafted with specific gauges and core-to-wrap ratios that meet John’s exacting standards, delivering the ideal balance of tone and tension.
The new Silver Slinky Strings are available in a collectible 3-pack tin, a 6-pack box, and as individual sets, offered at retailers worldwide.
"Very few guitarists in the history of popular music have influenced a generation of players like John Mayer. For over 25 years, John has not only been a remarkable artist but also a dear friend to the Ernie Ball family. This partnership represents our shared passion for music and innovation, and we can't wait to see how John’s signature Silver Slinky strings continue to inspire guitarists around the world.”— Brian Ball, CEO of Ernie Ball
Product Features
- Unique gauge combination: 10.5, 13.5, 17.5, 27, 37, 47
- John’s signature gauge for an optimal balance of tone, tension, and feel
- Reinforced Plain Strings (RPS) for enhanced tuning stability and durability
- Custom Slinky recipes tailored to John’s personal preferences