Guitar Beans - November 20, 2024
Today’s issue: Jeff Beck’s guitar collection is up for auction, JHS discontinues Ross pedals, and the Gibson Mary Ford Les Paul Standard.
🎸🫘 Guitar Pedals
Spaceman Sputnik IIb Deluxe Germanium Fuzz: Compact, Refined, and Versatile
The Sputnik IIb Deluxe Germanium Fuzz builds on the legacy of the Sputnik II with an enhanced circuit and a more compact design. It introduces a Transformer Bypass feature, replicating the sound and feel of the original Sputnik I by bypassing the input transformer, making this the most advanced version of the Sputnik circuit yet.
Polarbear Effects Enhances Drowner Pedal with Fuzz Gain Control and New Delay Modes
Polarbear Effects has released an updated version of the Drowner pedal, enhancing its appeal to shoegaze musicians. This multi-effect unit now includes a fuzz gain control and three new delay modes, combining fuzz, bitcrusher, reverb, and delay into a single device. The Drowner offers an FX loop for integrating additional effects, a toggle switch to adjust the order of bitcrusher and reverb/delay, and a volume control for the bitcrusher and reverb outputs. These features provide musicians with a versatile tool for creating complex, textured soundscapes.
Cosmodio Instruments Gravity Well Pushes Sonic Boundaries
Cosmodio Instruments’ Gravity Well pedal combines analog wavefolding, tremolo, and a unique refractor effect for rich, dynamic modulation. Featuring eight LFO waveforms, tone and gain controls, and tap tempo support, it offers innovative sound design possibilities in an all-analog format.
NativeAudio Introduces Niisoo Harmonic Equalizer Inspired by Blackfeet Blanket Design
NativeAudio has unveiled the Niisoo Harmonic Equalizer, a versatile analog filter pedal inspired by Blackfeet blanket patterns. It features controls for lower and upper frequency bounds, resonance, filter type, shift direction, and shift time, allowing for dynamic tone shaping. Priced at $299, the Niisoo offers a unique aesthetic and functional approach to analog filtering.
Jackson Audio Introduces Twin Trem: Dual Analog Optical and Harmonic Tremolo Pedal
Jackson Audio has released the Twin Trem, a dual analog tremolo pedal featuring independent optical and harmonic circuits, each with dedicated controls and footswitches. Housed in a brushed aluminum chassis, the pedal offers separate inputs and outputs for versatile signal routing. Priced at $299, the Twin Trem combines vintage aesthetics with modern functionality.
Chord Quiz
What chord is this?
(Find the answer at the bottom of the newsletter)
🎸🫘 Guitars
Gibson Honors Mary Ford with New Les Paul Standard Goldtop
Gibson has launched the Mary Ford Les Paul Standard, a faithful homage to the iconic guitarist and vocalist. Modeled after a 1958 Goldtop, it features a mahogany body, Burstbucker pickups, and unique design details like a floral pickguard and armrest. Released in celebration of what would have been her 100th birthday, the guitar highlights Ford’s lasting impact on music.
Fender Unveils Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe Signature Model
Fender has introduced the Chris Shiflett Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe, a signature model honoring the Foo Fighters guitarist. This guitar features a double-bound ash body, a 12-inch-radius rosewood fingerboard, and custom-designed humbucking pickups, delivering a versatile tone suitable for various genres. The Cleaver Telecaster Deluxe combines classic Fender aesthetics with modern playability, reflecting Shiflett’s personal style and preferences.
🎸🫘 Guitar Amps
Blackstar Unveils Lightweight St. James 100W Tube Amp with Switchable Power Tubes
Blackstar has introduced the St. James 100, a 100-watt tube amplifier available as a head or 2x12 combo, featuring both EL34 and 6L6 power tubes that can be used individually at 50 watts or combined for full power. Notably lightweight for its class, the amp offers continuously variable power scaling from 100% to 5%, maintaining consistent tone and feel at lower volumes. The four-channel design includes Crunch, Clean, Overdrive 1, and Overdrive 2, each pair sharing a three-band EQ, providing a versatile range of tones for various playing styles.
Orange and Orianthi Collaborate on Limited Edition White Crush 20RT Amp
Orange Amplification and guitarist Orianthi have released the White Crush 20RT, a limited-edition 20-watt solid-state combo amp featuring a custom white Tolex finish and an 8-inch speaker. Designed as a portable practice amp, it offers footswitchable Clean and Dirty channels, a three-band EQ, and digitally emulated spring reverb. Orianthi praises its versatility and tone, noting its suitability for both practice and recording.
🎸🫘 Other News
Jeff Beck: A Legacy of Innovation Celebrated in Upcoming Guitar Collection Auction
Christie’s will host Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection, a live auction on 22 January 2025, showcasing over 130 guitars, amps, pedals, and tools from the legendary guitarist’s six-decade career. Renowned for his genre-defying sound and collaborations with music icons, Beck’s legacy as a virtuoso and sonic innovator remains unparalleled, blending technical brilliance with a uniquely expressive style.
JHS is discontinuing Ross Pedals: “From January 2024 to now, we sold 334 units. I went after it, but it plummeted” (Video)
Fender’s ‘Mary Kaye’ Stratocaster Achieves Record Auction Price
A 1957 Fender Stratocaster, known as the ‘Mary Kaye’ model for its blonde finish and gold hardware, recently sold at Julien’s Auctions for $1.2 million, setting a new record for a Stratocaster. This sale underscores the enduring value and collectibility of vintage Fender guitars.
Chord Quiz: Answer
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