Welcome to this week’s edition of Guitar World‘s gear roundup, your ultimate source for the latest happenings in the guitar gear universe over the past week.
The guitar industry is constantly buzzing with new releases, from innovative electric guitars to updates on amp modeling technology. With so much happening, it can be challenging to keep track of every exciting launch.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide that highlights the most significant releases, boutique offerings, and everything in between.
What will this week in gear be remembered for? While it may not coincide with a major NAMM event where brands unveil everything at once, it could very well be noted as the week that introduced one of the most awaited metal guitars in recent history.
As always, don’t forget to cast your vote for your favorite new release in the poll below…
Jackson Pro Series Wes Borland King V
Wes Borland’s inaugural signature guitar with Jackson presents an intriguing dilemma for me.
While nu-metal aesthetics can be polarizing, this King V, featuring a minimalist single-pickup setup with a Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader at the bridge, finished in sleek black with striking white bevels, and its uniquely reversed headstock design, is undeniably enticing.
This guitar doesn’t scream Limp Bizkit; rather, it stands out as a remarkable metal instrument. It won’t leave your tap water tasting like hot dogs or alter the flavor of your chocolate bar. The signature elements are evident in its design, reflecting Borland’s unique style as an iconoclast in stage presence, tones, and, of course, electric guitars. He has crafted this model to resemble a left-handed King V he admired from the Custom Shop, which he then converted to a right-handed version.
Thus, the “upside-down” Jackson logo adds a cool touch. And there’s even more…
The guitar also features a recessed Floyd 1500 Series vibrato and all the modern amenities that come with the Indonesian-made Pro Series Jackson, including Luminlay side-dot markers, a compound radius fingerboard ranging from 12″ to 16″ made of ebony, and locking strap pins.
The King V is a formidable choice for high-gain genres such as death metal, black metal, thrash metal, doom, and of course, nu-metal. Its neck-through construction, featuring a fast, graphite-reinforced maple neck flanked by poplar wings, is exceptional. The Invader pickup at the bridge is a beast.
Priced at $1,299, it’s a reasonable investment, but a quick glance at the Jackson website indicates that all stock has already sold out. Though, don’t lose hope-more inventory is on the horizon.
DOD x Morley Wah-ocTo-Fuzz
Two titans of American stompbox manufacturing have teamed up to create the Wah-ocTo-Fuzz, a pedal that’s as fun to say as it is to use. This innovative pedal combines fuzz, octave, and wah effects into a single unit.
With classic circuit designs powering the sounds, the DOD/Morley collaboration allows musicians to stack, combine, or use effects individually, maximizing the utility of the pedalboard space it occupies.
The octave down effect is derived from the DOD FX35 Octoplus circuit from the mid-1980s,while Morley’s Power Wah and power Fuzz circuits complete the package. Although the controls may appear a bit cramped at first glance, we’ll see how they perform once we get our hands on one.
One thing is certain: once you dial it in, this pedal could prove to be incredibly versatile, perfect for Jimi Hendrix-style explorations or any musical endeavor that calls for a trifecta of classic effects.It’s a wah pedal,a fuzz pedal,and an octave pedal all in one. What more could you ask for?
Korn Indigo sludge Preamp + Fuzz
Korn’s latest offering, the Indigo Sludge Preamp + Fuzz, is a tribute to their iconic sound from the early ’90s. This limited-edition pedal captures the essence of their groundbreaking music, allowing guitarists to recreate that signature tone.
With its unique features and high-quality components, this pedal is designed to deliver the heavy, gritty sound that Korn is known for.Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to add some edge to your rig, this pedal is a must-have.
Stay tuned for more exciting gear updates and releases in the coming weeks!
weekly Gear Highlights: Exciting New Releases in the Guitar World
Welcome to this week’s edition of Guitar World‘s gear highlights, your go-to source for the latest and greatest in guitar equipment over the past week.
The guitar industry is always buzzing with fresh releases, from innovative electric guitars to the latest in amp modeling technology. With so many new products hitting the market, it can be challenging to keep track of everything.
To help you navigate this week’s offerings, we’ve compiled a must-read guide that showcases the most significant releases, boutique items, and everything in between.
Jackson Pro Series Wes Borland King V
Wes Borland’s first signature guitar with Jackson presents an intriguing choice for guitar enthusiasts.
This king V model, featuring a minimalist single-pickup setup with a Seymour Duncan SH-8 Invader at the bridge, is finished in sleek black with striking white bevels. Its unique reversed headstock design is sure to catch the eye of any metal guitarist.
While it may not scream Limp Bizkit, this guitar stands out as a remarkable metal instrument. It doesn’t carry the quirky associations of some signature models; instead, it reflects Borland’s distinctive style as an innovator in stage presence and sound. This model resembles a left-handed King V he admired from the Custom Shop, which he then converted to a right-handed version.
The ”upside-down” Jackson logo adds a cool touch, and there’s even more to love…
This guitar also features a recessed Floyd 1500 Series vibrato and all the modern amenities that come with the Indonesian-made Pro Series Jackson, including luminlay side-dot markers, a compound radius fingerboard ranging from 12″ to 16″ made of ebony, and locking strap pins.
The King V is an excellent choice for high-gain genres such as death metal, black metal, thrash metal, doom, and of course, nu-metal. Its neck-through construction, featuring a fast, graphite-reinforced maple neck flanked by poplar wings, is exceptional. The invader pickup at the bridge is a powerhouse.
At a price of $1,299, it’s a reasonable investment, but a quick glance at the Jackson website indicates that all stock has already sold out. However, don’t lose hope-more inventory is on the way.
Korn Indigo Sludge Preamp + Fuzz
If you were lucky enough to snag the Wes Borland king V, consider complementing it with the Korn Indigo Ranch Sludge Preamp + Fuzz, designed to replicate the band’s iconic guitar tones from their early albums.
This pedal combines a high-gain preamp with a fuzz section and includes a switchable octave effect. Pair it with an Ibanez seven-string guitar, and you’re ready to rock. Built to the specifications of James ‘Munky’ Shaffer,this pedal is exclusively available on the Korn website for $249. Only 500 units will be produced, with shipping set for November.
Harley Benton ST Modern Plus HSS and ST Modern HH
Harley Benton has perfectly timed the expansion of its ST range with the current trend for S-style guitars, introducing some seriously upgraded models at impressively low prices.
The return of the ST Modern HH is fantastic news for beginner and intermediate players seeking an affordable, shreddable guitar. Priced at just $185, it offers powerful humbucker tones and a straightforward hardtail design. The stunning metallic finishes (Root Beer Metallic is a standout) and roasted maple necks are standard features. Sculpted heels allow for easy access to the higher frets, and the fingerboard boasts a trendy 12″ to 16″ compound radius, ideal for technical playing.
The ST Modern Plus range features the Dark Purple Sparkle model, which has been revamped for right-handed players. this model is slightly more upscale but still comes in under $500, offering a striking finish, quality hardware, a roasted flame maple neck, and Harley Benton’s VR-Nitro pickups.
Futone 50/60 Switch
This week has been a significant one for the modding community, with Futone Guitars unveiling the 50/60 switch, a professional-grade modification that allows players to toggle between vintage ’50s wiring and the more contemporary ’60s wiring.
This innovative switch enables guitarists to A/B the two wiring styles on the same guitar without needing to reach for a soldering iron.Both wiring systems produce similar sounds when the volume and tone knobs are set to maximum. However,as you adjust the volume and tone controls,the differences become apparent. The ’50s wiring maintains high frequencies even when the volume is reduced, while the tone and volume controls interact more dynamically.
In contrast, the ’60s wiring experiences a slight treble roll-off when the volume is decreased, but allows for tone adjustments without affecting the guitar’s output.
“Switch from a warmer, interactive vintage taper to a tighter, modern articulation in seconds,” states Futone. Discover more at Futone Guitars.
Seymour Duncan Ryan “Fluff” Bruce FLF model Humbucker
Ryan ‘Fluff’ Bruce’s latest signature pickup will resonate with anyone familiar with his custom Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay. This pickup combines the characteristics of a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker and a Black Winter in one powerful unit.
Designed around an Alnico IV bar magnet,it features one coil from the JB and one from the Black Winter,finished in a sleek blackout style with matte black bobbins and black nickel screws. The result? “A throaty midrange and percussive bite perfect for aggressive drop-tuned rhythms, while a smooth, buttery top end ensures expressive and musical leads.”
Perfect for high-gain settings, this pickup is a must-try for any guitarist looking to enhance their sound. Learn more at Seymour Duncan.
Exciting New Gear Releases: Your Weekly Roundup
Could IK Multimedia have just launched the ultimate classic rock guitar plugin? It’s certainly a possibility. The latest addition to their acclaimed Tonex series features tones sourced from three “museum-quality” Marshall amps from the 1960s,two of which are part of capitol Records’ collection,while the third comes from a highly regarded vintage marshall collection in Europe.
For those seeking that authentic JTM45 sound, this plugin is a fantastic digital tool for recording, allowing you to keep that classic vibe right on your computer.
As always, IK Multimedia utilized its proprietary tonex V2 AI Machine Modeling technology to capture these iconic amps, employing top-tier studio equipment and a variety of vintage cabinet and speaker simulations.
If you’re looking to nail that Eric Clapton rock and blues tone or just want to embrace some “dad rock but make it digital” moments, check out IK Multimedia’s latest offering.
blackstar’s Tone3000 Capture Pack
One of the most exciting features of the blackstar Beam Mini was the ability to access user-generated Neural Amp Models (NAM) from the Tone 3000 online community. blackstar is the first amplifier manufacturer to collaborate with this platform, providing access to hundreds of thousands of amp captures directly on the Beam Mini. It’s only fitting that they have also created their own NAM captures, which are now available for free through Tone 3000.
This collection includes 14 distinct tones, featuring some of the standout models from Blackstar’s lineup, such as the St. James 100, Series One 100 MKII, TV-10 AH, and Artisan 100. We’re also thrilled to see the HT-Dual Overdrive pedal included in this offering.
“These captures are not third-party interpretations; they are the authentic sounds created by the engineers who designed and built the hardware. From the boutique warmth of the Artisan handwired series to the high-gain power of the Series One, each capture provides a direct link to the sound you envision,” explains Alex Gee, Blackstar’s head of products.
“These are some of the most prestigious tube amplifiers we’ve ever produced, and many players may never have the chance to play through them.By partnering with Tone 3000, we’ve accurately captured each one and made them accessible to anyone eager to try them out.”
You can access these amazing tones now via Tone 3000.
Unleash Your Sound: This Week’s must-Have Stompbox Collaborations and Nu-Metal Essentials!
Latest Stompbox Collaborations
This week, the guitar world is buzzing with exciting stompbox collaborations that promise to enhance your sound. Here are some of the standout pedals that every guitarist should consider adding to their rig:
- DOD x Morley Wah-ocTo-Fuzz: This innovative pedal combines fuzz, octave, and wah effects into one compact unit, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard.
- MXR Custom Shop Distortion+: A collaboration that brings a modern twist to the classic distortion pedal, offering enhanced tonal control and versatility.
- Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker: This collaboration features a unique tone control that allows players to shape their sound,making it perfect for nu-metal riffs.
DOD x Morley Wah-ocTo-Fuzz
The DOD x Morley Wah-ocTo-Fuzz is a game-changer for guitarists looking to explore new sonic territories. With its ability to stack effects, this pedal allows for creative sound design that can elevate your playing. Here’s what makes it a must-have:
- Classic Circuitry: The Wah-ocTo-Fuzz utilizes vintage circuits, ensuring that the sounds are familiar yet fresh.
- Versatile Effects: Use the fuzz, octave, and wah effects individually or in combination for a wide range of sounds.
- Compact Design: Its small footprint makes it easy to fit on any pedalboard without sacrificing functionality.
MXR Custom Shop Distortion+
The MXR Custom Shop distortion+ is a collaboration that redefines distortion for modern guitarists. Here’s why it’s gaining popularity:
- Enhanced Tone Control: this pedal features a three-band EQ, allowing players to sculpt their sound with precision.
- Robust Build Quality: Designed to withstand the rigors of touring,this pedal is built to last.
- Dynamic Range: From subtle overdrive to full-on distortion,this pedal can handle it all.
Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi with tone Wicker
The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi with Tone Wicker is a staple in the nu-metal genre. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Unique Tone Control: The Tone Wicker feature allows players to cut through the mix with clarity.
- Rich Harmonics: This pedal produces a thick, creamy distortion that is perfect for heavy riffs.
- Versatile Applications: Whether you’re playing metal, rock, or blues, this pedal adapts to your style.
Nu-metal Essentials
nu-metal has made a significant impact on the music scene, and having the right gear is essential for achieving that signature sound. Here are some must-have items for any nu-metal guitarist:
- 7-String Guitars: Bands like Korn and Deftones popularized the 7-string guitar, allowing for lower tunings and heavier riffs.
- High-Gain Amplifiers: Look for amps that can deliver the punchy, aggressive tones characteristic of nu-metal.
- Heavy Gauge Strings: Using heavier strings can definitely help achieve the desired tension and tone for drop tunings.
7-String Guitars
7-string guitars are a staple in nu-metal, providing the extended range needed for heavy riffs. Here are some popular models:
| Model | features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Korn Signature Model | Active pickups, lightweight body | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Ibanez RG7321 | Fast neck, versatile pickups | $500 – $700 |
| Schecter Hellraiser C-7 | EMG pickups, stunning finish | $800 – $1,000 |
high-Gain Amplifiers
To achieve that heavy, saturated sound, a high-gain amplifier is essential. Here are some top choices:
- Peavey 6505: Known for its aggressive tone, this amp is a favorite among metal guitarists.
- Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier: Offers a wide range of tones, from clean to crushing distortion.
- marshall JCM800: A classic choice that delivers a powerful punch and clarity.
Benefits of Stompbox collaborations
Investing in stompbox collaborations can significantly enhance your sound. Here are some benefits:
- Unique Sounds: Collaborations often bring together the best features of different pedals, resulting in unique tones.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Many collaborations are produced by reputable brands, ensuring high-quality components and durability.
- Versatility: with multiple effects in one pedal, you can experiment with various sounds without cluttering your pedalboard.
Practical Tips for Using Stompboxes
To get the most out of your stompboxes, consider thes practical tips:
- Experiment with Placement: The order of your pedals can drastically change your sound. Try different configurations to find what works best for you.
- Use Power Supplies: Invest in a good power supply to avoid unwanted noise and ensure consistent performance.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your pedals clean and check for loose connections to maintain optimal performance.
Frist-Hand experience: A Guitarist’s Perspective
As a guitarist who has experimented with various stompboxes and nu-metal gear, I can attest to the transformative power of these tools. For instance, using the DOD x Morley Wah-ocTo-Fuzz allowed me to create sounds that I never thought possible, blending fuzz and wah for a unique tone that stood out in my band’s mix.
Additionally, switching to a 7-string guitar opened up new creative avenues, allowing me to explore lower tunings that perfectly fit the nu-metal genre.The combination of high-gain amplifiers and quality stompboxes has truly unleashed my sound.
Join the Beatbounty Community
Ready to take your sound to the next level? Create an account at Beatbounty and submit an ad to connect with other musicians and gear enthusiasts. Share your experiences, discover new gear, and collaborate with like-minded individuals!
Become a valued member of Beatbounty platform.
Start selling and connect with fellow musicians – LOGIN or REGISTER!
