Interview with Stuart Spector
When Stuart Spector released the NS-1 bass for the first time in 1977, it was unlike anything the bass world had seen. Up until that point, electric basses were either derivatives of the popular Precision and Jazz styles developed by Fender, or were one of a handful of unique models designed by the likes of […]
PRS Reveals Reclaimed Wood Vela, CE24
When PRS reps visited zZounds HQ a couple of weeks ago, they brought along a new model that had most of the guitarists in the building drooling. The semi-hollow S2 Vela — along with a CE24 model — is part of the “Reclaimed Limited” series just announced by PRS over the weekend. The series of 600 […]
$400 Minimoog Clone? Uli Behringer Shares “D” Synth First Draft
Yesterday, Uli Behringer, founder of the musical instrument manufacturer, hopped on the Gearslutz.com forum and proceeded to drop a bombshell. Behringer analog synthesizers have been fixtures in online rumor mills in the last few years, with the DeepMind recently becoming a reality. Another whisper was that Behringer was developing an analog monosynth “clone” of the Minimoog Model D […]
Gretsch Salute Malcolm Young with Jet Replica
For Malcolm Young, it’s been a long way to the top of the rhythm guitar heap. His timeless riffs form the foundation of AC/DC’s sound and continue to serve as the gold standard of rock guitar riffs for many. Now, Gretsch’s USA Custom Shop is saluting Malcolm with an incredible painstaking recreation of his #1 […]
’57 Custom Series Amps Overview
Fender’s ’57 Custom Series amps harken back to the heyday of their first tweed combo amplifiers. These new reissues deliver the same fat cleans and throaty overdrive when pushed via their simple, yet expertly hand-wired circuits. Recently, we received the full stable of amps here at zZounds HQ, along with a visit from Fender Product Manager […]
Perfect Pairings: Orange Rocker Stereo Rig
In this edition, we’re pairing up Orange’s new Rocker 15 and Rocker 32 amps with a slew of stereo-friendly effects to create unique, immersive sounds. So, what do you when you get a delivery of two killer Orange combo amps? You make the wildest-sounding stereo rig you can think of, that’s what. We took the […]
EHX Announces SYNTH9 Synthesizer Machine
Electro-Harmonix announced the release of the SYNTH9 Synthesizer Machine pedal today, along with a solid overview video showcasing its features. The SYNTH9 is the latest in the company’s 9 family of pedals that emulate everything from classic electric pianos to organs to the tones of the Mellotron. The SYNTH9 features 9 presets, emulating classic synths from Oberheim, […]
Legends of Tone: Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan – even the name sounds legendary, huh? SRV was a part of the later period of the “Blues Revival” that initially started in the 1960s. The demand for authentic blues music in the 1970s and ’80s opened the door for Stevie and his rude brand of the blues to take the Austin […]
Ribbon Microphones 101
Attention, home studio musicians: If you’ve already invested in a large-diaphragm condenser mic or two, perhaps it’s time to add a ribbon microphone to your bag of studio tricks! Here’s a beginner’s guide to ribbon microphones and how you can use them to get that smooth, “vintage-style” sound you’re going for. Ribbon Microphones, Yesterday and […]
