Godin Artists Drop In at Winter NAMM 2011

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Presser -- Montreal based Godin Guitars hosted a steady flow of traffic at this years Winter NAMM Show. The many visitors received an in-depth look at what’s to come in 2011 from the company, including the new MultiOud, Icon series, Progression Boutique USB, Redline Nemesis, Shifter 5-string bass, Richmond Empire, S&P Woodland Pro Folk & Parlor burst acoustics and the 5th Avenue Jazz, among others.

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In between eager guitar enthusiasts, dealers, distributors and press, room 211A had numerous Godin artists and players walk through the doors to say hello and check out some new gear. Some of the players to drop by included: guitarist Steve Mazur (Our Lady Peace), bassist Etienne M’Bappe (John McLaughlin), legend Leroy Emmanuel (Marvin Gaye/Stevie Wonder), Peppino D’Agostino, Eric McFadden, Dory Lobel (Enrique Iglesias/Jesse McCartney), award winning producer Fred Mollin, Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch), Kat Dyson, MLB N.Y. Yankees star and accomplished guitarist Bernie Williams and many others. Several visits to the Godin showroom also resulted in a few impromptu daily performances from the likes of Nashville “Super Picker” Johnny Hiland on a Multiac ACS Slim Nylon along with Ron Lutrick on a Shifter and A4 Ultra bass. Flametal guitarist Benjamin Woods stopped by for a few jaw dropping performances on a Multiac Grand Concert Duet Ambiance. Separately, the flamenco sounds of David Maldonado playing the new Multiac Encore nylon with bassist Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot) on the Godin A4 Ultra fretless bass and percussionist Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot).

About Godin Guitars:

With its early beginnings in 1972, the Godin Guitar family now includes 7 lines of guitars. These include the renowned Godin & Richmond electric lines, as well as the finely crafted acoustic lines such as Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Norman, Art & Lutherie and LaPatrie nylon stringed classical guitars. Godin Guitars is also the manufacturer of the revolutionary TRIC acoustic guitar case and is the North American distributor of high-end Italian made SR Technology acoustic amplifiers. Based in Montreal Quebec, this Canadian company has 6 factories, 5 of which are located in the Eastern Townships of Quebec and 1 located in Berlin New Hampshire. www.godinguitars.com

Check out: Drop C Tuning

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Kramer Delta Wing Simulator R Guitar Review

http://bit.ly/ptk0x9 Gary Kramer Gained celebrity in the Eighties as the primary guitar supplier for Eddie Van Halen. He was also one of the first manufacturers to feature the era-defining original Floyd Rose tremolo. He stepped away from guitar building for more than a decade, but now he’s back with another inspiring line of guitars and a fresh set of ideas on guitar design.

Kramer’s Delta Wing Simulator R looks like an alien weapon, but the wild mahogany body shape actually serves to align the neck perfectly when standing or silting. The sweeping upper horn braces the extremely lightweight guitar against the player’s chest in such a way that it’s nearly impossible to slump into an uncomfortable posture. Similarly, the body contours ease tension on the right wrist liberating feature that’s evident when performing difficult techniques. Other high-tech attributes include recessed controls, a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo, a push/pull coil tap, a slick matte finish on the 24-fret neck and molten alnico pickups that are aimed right at players who want extreme rock and metal tones.

Love it or hate it, Kramer's Delta Wings Simulator R is an ergonomic marvel that's poised to rocket new generation of players into uncharted worlds of tonal and technical ecstasy.

Gary Kramer Delta Wing Simulator R Guitar Review

Thanks to GuitarWorld for the report



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NAMM 2011: EVH Wolfgang Stealth Guitar

http://bit.ly/oSj9lL The Eddie Van Halen EVH Stealth and Wolfgang guitars, along with the 5150 III 50W amp, were unveiled this week at the 2011 NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, a massive music-products convention that runs through Sunday.

The EVH Wolfgang Stealth is a set-neck model that features a mahogany body and maple top (the bolt-on version is basswood with a maple top) which is almost 2-inches thick. The neck is reinforced with carbon reinforcement rods that extend all the way into the headstock. The bridge is a Graph Tech Tune-O-Matic bridge with Schaller fine tuners.

Take a walk through the EVH booth with Chris Cannell — considered to be Eddie Van Halen's "right hand man" when it comes to EVH gear — in the YouTube clip below [Provided by The Tone King].

EVH Wolfgang Stealth Guitar Overview Video

EVH Wolfgang Stealth Guitar

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NAMM 2011: PRS Dweezil Zappa Private Stock Guitars

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NAMM 2011 -- Limited to a run of 50 guitars, the new Dweezil Zappa Private Stock semi-hollow model features a unique Custom 24 mandolin shape and is the modeled after the guitar Dweezil designed with the Private Stock team.

The dramatically different shape of the mandolin inspired body is a departure from any body shape PRS has ever created, and the rowdy bass and treble clef inlay motif pays homage to the Zappa family legacy of eclectic playfulness. Dweezil's personal model and the limited run of 50 are, however, unmistakably PRS.

"It was really fun - and easy - to work with the team at PRS Guitars. I spoke with them a few times at various stages of the instrument. They were very helpful and knowledgeable. It's a great experience to build something from raw pieces of wood into the finished instrument. I never had the opportunity to do that before," said Dweezil.

Features include a one-piece curly or quilted maple Private Stock top, ribboned mahogany back, ebony fretboards, 24 fret pattern neck with a 25" scale length, a stoptail bridge or tremolo, and an exclusive thin, semi-gloss nitro finish with an array of Private Stock colors to choose from. 57/08 pickups add to the dynamics, and are rounded out with vintage tuners, a 3-way toggle and coil tap.

"The guitar has a beautiful natural sustain and fantastic playability all the way to the 24th fret. The shorter lower horn gives you great access. It's one of the easiest guitars I've ever had the good fortune to play. The pick up configuration offers some really nice tonal variety as well. The out of phase quack is really cool," said Dweezil.

PRS Dweezil Zappa Guitars

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NAMM 2011: Phil Collen Introduces the new Jackson PC Supreme

http://bit.ly/n5ZSrz Guitarist of Def Leppard, Phil Collen, introduces the all-new Jackson PC Supreme guitar during the NAMM 2011 Jackson Showcase in Anaheim California. Watch the YouTube video below.

Phil Collen Introduces the new Jackson PC Supreme

Jackson Phil Collen PC Supreme Guitars

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NAMM 2011: Vox Series 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars

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NAMM 2011 -- The Vox Series 22 provides a serious guitar, at a seriously affordable price. These exciting double-cutaway models borrow production techniques, styling cues, and use many of the same distinguished components found in our premium Vox Virage, Series 77, Series 55, and Series 33 guitars.

Combining advanced modern production methods with irreplaceable hands-on craftsmanship results in a superior instrument that is remarkably playable; yet versatile enough to provide you with your own personal voice.

Comfort, fit, and balance

Available in four popular finishes, the Vox Series 22 features a bold, double cutaway design. State-of-the-art 3-D carving methods provide the Series 22 with a contoured body that ensures impeccable comfort and fatigue-free playing. Our SBE (Strap Button Extension) system delivers enhanced instrument balance while playing standing.

The set neck features an inverse heel design and deep cut that offers unobstructed access to the upper frets. Position dot markers adorn the rosewood fingerboard.

Superior String Handling

The advanced MaxConnect aluminum bridge features extended saddle travel for flawless intonation with any gauge string. The full contact shape and light weight combine to deliver thick rich tone with clear, singing harmonics. Strings slide in from under the back edge of the bridge to make changing strings a snap.

Our sealed Vox tuners offer enhanced tuning stability, so you can play with confidence. The mahogany necks are finished with a rosewood fingerboard.

Potent Pickup Design

Each Series 22 guitar is outfitted with two of our XLM (Xtra Loud Mini) compact humbucking pickups. Use the pickup mode switch to choose a tight, punchy lead tone or more open, chordal voice. Using the three-way pickup switch, you can select either pickup individually, or use them both together.

The passive analog tone circuitry offers both a Master Volume and a Master Tone control to refine your individual sound. Logically laid out and easy to use, the controls allow fast changes during performance.

Vox Series 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars Features

• Mahogany bodies with 3-D contouring for unparalleled comfort


• SBE provides improved instrument balance


• Inverse heel joint offers playable access to the upper neck


• Vox design XLM compact humbucking pickups with two tone settings


• MaxConnect aluminum bridge offers easy stringing access and wide intonation range


• Sealed Vox tuners deliver enhanced tuning stability

Available Finishes:

• SDC-22 RD • Red


• SDC-22 BK • Black


• SDC-22 WH • White


• SDC-22 SU • Sunburst

SDC-22 Series Specs

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• Neck Material – Mahogany


• Neck Joint – Custom set-in joint with inverse heel for greater access to the upper frets


• Body Material –Mahogany


• Fingerboard –rosewood


• Inlay –Acrylic dot


• Nut – Synthetic, self-lubricating


• Scale – 638mm


• Fingerboard Radius – 300mm


• Nut Width – 43mm


• 1st Fret Thickness – 21mm


• 12th Fret Thickness – 23mm


• Number of Frets – 22


• Fret wire – Medium Jumbo


• Pickups – XLM two-voice mini humbucking pickups (x 2)


• Pickup Selector – 3-way toggle


• Pickup Mode Switch – 1x 2-position Master Mode Switch to select Clean and Lead modes


• Controls – Master Volume and Master Tone controls


• Hardware –Vox MaxConnecttm aluminum bridge with easy stringing access and wide intonation range; Vox sealed tuners; Vox SBE tm strap button extender for improved on-strap balance

Vox Series 22 Solid Body Electric Guitars

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NAMM 2011: Dean Guitars Bret Michaels Guitar Series

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NAMM 2011 -- Two acoustics and two electrics kick off range. Multi-Platinum, Award-Winning Musician Bret Michaels has partnered with leading guitar manufacturer, Dean Guitars, to design his first ever signature Bret Michaels guitar series.

There is much anticipation for this special series of guitars slated for unveiling January 13th in the Dean Guitars booth at the 2011 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, the biggest musical instrument tradeshow in the world. Dean Guitars will webcast the unveiling via www.deanguitars.com/webcast.

Josh Maloney, Director of artist relations for Dean Guitars says, "We are inspired by Bret's monumental career and our hope is to build on his momentum and inspire all rockers and guitar enthusiasts to play with the passion that Bret clearly exhibits."

The Bret Michaels Signature Series guitars have been designed for guitar players of all levels. It was important to Bret to create a product that would be affordable to all of his fans and musicians alike.

The Dean Guitars Bret Michaels Signature Series will debut with two acoustics and two electric guitars. The acoustics, the Jorga-Raine and The Player, feature custom graphics designed by Bret in direct collaboration with Dean Guitars. The electric guitars are Bret's customization of the classic Dean Z guitar, the very instrument Bret played in the Celebrity Apprentice intro. It features a beautiful rosewood fingerboard, inlayed with Bret's iconic iron cross at the 12 fret and will be available in both metallic black and metallic white.

Bret says, "Just like my career of 25 years, Dean Guitars has withstood the test of time, manufacturing the very best guitars in the industry for over three decades. Dean's acoustic and electric models have been there for me night after night all over the world. They are the only guitars that can keep up with me, holding up tour after tour. Dean Guitars Rock!"

Dean Guitars Bret Michaels Guitar Series

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Godin Velocity Guitar Review With Video

http://bit.ly/mUJyRG Godin’s success with its line of acoustic-electric guitars has overshadowed the company’s ferocious solidbody guitars. Today we review the Godin’s Velocity electric guitar, with its unique High Definition Revoicer feature, affords an opportunity to discover some of the hidden treasures from Canada’s most celebrated guitar manufacturer.

FEATURES
The Velocity is a player’s guitar built on design principles that were popularized by technical luminaries in the Eighties. The Godin’s body is constructed with poplar body wings and a AAA-grade flamed maple top, and a silver-leaf maple core infuses it with crisp attack and beaming highs- The jumbo frets encourage a lighter touch and increase overall volume, while Godin’s heavily rolled “Ergocut” fretboard edges make for left-hand comfort, particularly for players who wrap their thumbs over the neck. Some hardcore rockers may see the six-bolt vintage-style bridge and wonder why the guitar doesn’t have a Floyd Rose, but the answer will be evident when they hear the Velocity’s open tone and jangly single-coil rumble.

Godin placed its own GS1 single-coils in the Velocity and let a classic Seymour Duncan SH-5 humbucker take the screaming lead chores. The rather innocuous-looking black pushbutton between the volume and tone knobs activates Godin’s exciting High Definition Revoicer circuit This key feature switches the pickups seamlessly between active and passive operation and greatly increases the Velocity’s range of tones.

PERFORMANCE
Treble didn’t explode through the Velocity’s passive clean tones. Rather, it chimed with a soothing resonance and accord, very similar to Jeff Baxter’s tones on classic Doobie Brothers recordings. The Revoicer’s active setting acts like a transparent harmonic accelerator and provides the impression of more musical energy and sustain. Driving the single-coils, it got me closer to Texas blues country but without the hearty midrange emphasis. When paired with the Duncan humbucker and a high level of Marshall-created gain, Godin’s H.D.R. transformed the tone from classic Eddie brown to wild Zakk black tone. Pinch harmonics were exaggerated, and the Velocity’s sparkling chime turned to a greasy sizzle.

THE VERDICT
Godin’s retro-hot Velocity is a serious contender for best value in a rock machine. The maple-core body and popular sides produce a balanced treble spectrum, and the High Definition Revoicer switch instantly changes the pickups from passive to active. Rock on, Canada!

Godin Velocity Guitar Review

Thanks to GuitarWorld for the full report




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