Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Gibson J-185 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Antique Natural

Gibson J-185 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Antique Natural Review



Gibson J-185 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Antique Natural Feature

  • Nickel Grover Rotomatic Tuners Crown Peghead Logo Abalone rosette Rosewood Fingerboard with Rolled Edges and
  • Acoustic Pickup System Gibson Logo Tapered Dovetail Neck Joint Radius TopNitrocellulose Finish
  • Split Parallelogram InlaysFishman Aura Pro

Gibson's J-185 EC: Beauty and Sonic Excellence

Gibson's J-185 EC personifies the essence of aesthetic beauty and sonic excellence expected in a Gibson Jumbo acoustic. Its brilliance is felt as soon as the first chord is strummed, releasing the qualities and characteristics of a true legend. Gibson's J-185 EC is everything a Jumbo acoustic should be, and then some. It starts with a premium Sitka spruce top matched with some of the finest Indian rosewood in the world for the back and sides, giving the J-185 EC a warm, rich tone together with the usual full lows and well-defined highs.

The J-185 EC Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features Nickel Grover Rotomatic Tuners
Grover's original Rotomatic tuners are an engineering marvel, with style and performance exactly suited for the J-185 EC. With a gear ratio of 14:1, the Rotomatics deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. All moving parts are cut for exact meshing, eliminating the possibility of slippage. A countersunk tension screw lets players regulate the tuning tension to any degree. A special lubricant inside the gear box provides smooth and accurate tuning stability.

Fishman Aura Pro Acoustic Pickup System
Gibson's J-185 EC comes equipped with a built-in Fishman Aura Pro, featuring Fishman’s popular Aura Acoustic Imaging Technology. This ground-breaking pickup system reproduces the natural sound of the J-185 EC as miked in a professional studio, and onstage, thus eliminating the complicated setups of expensive microphones. Auro Pro uses digital algorithms to create images of various microphones' captured sounds. Players can then blend these images with an acoustic guitar's pickup to produce an immediate and dramatic improvement in amplified sound. The Fishman Aura Pro's preamp includes a tuner, and is mounted on the bass side rim of the upper bout.

Crown Peghead Logo
Gibson put the first crown peghead logo on an ES-300 back in 1940, and it has graced the headstocks of many legendary Gibson guitars ever since, including today's J-185 EC. Over the years, it has also been called a "thistle" because of the group of flowering plants with the sharp prickles, though Gibson has preferred to call it a "crown."

Pickguard
The pickguard for the J-185 EC is a custom series designed especially for its distinct cutaway shape. As with all of Gibson Acoustic's pickguards, the coloring, inlay, and binding are all done by hand.

Gibson Acoustic Guitars: Bracing
Every acoustic guitar made by Gibson features hand-scalloped, radiused top bracing inside the body, a feature normally found only in limited run, hand-made guitars. By scalloping each brace by hand, the natural sound of the acoustic is focused more toward the center of the body, enhancing the instrument’s sound projection. The bracing pattern inside the J-185 EC was created in 1951 as a smaller version of the design used in the Gibson’s legendary Super Jumbos. This traditional "X" pattern delivers an exceptionally balanced tonal palette ideal for both the stage and studio environments, making the J-185 EC a standard choice among today’s discerning players.

Nitrocellulose Finish
Applying a nitrocellulose finish to any Gibson acoustic guitar--including the J-185 EC--is one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process. Unlike the polyurethane finishes used by many guitar manufacturers, a nitrocellulose lacquer finish is porous when cured, allowing the wood to naturally "breathe" and mature.

Microscopically thin, the finish on a Gibson acoustic guitar first requires seven main coats of nitrocellulose lacquer. After drying overnight, the initial seven coats are then level sanded and given two additional coats. Left to dry for five additional days, the finish is then wet sanded and buffed to its final glass-like sheen. The time-consuming nature of applying a nitro finish has been employed ever since the first Gibson guitar was swathed with lacquer back in 1894. Why? For starters, a nitro finish means there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone. It’s also a softer finish, making it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can’t do the same on a poly finish.

Body Binding
In general, a guitar's binding serves as a cosmetic feature, adding a subtle elegance to any Gibson acoustic while hiding the joints between the top, back, and sides, and helping to protect the guitar's body from any nicks or dings. But to see the process of putting the binding on a Gibson acoustic is to really appreciate the effort and attention put into each instrument. After the body has been glued together, the excess from the top and back are trimmed off and a groove is cut for the binding. The binding is then glued on and held on to the body using tape, and hung to dry. When the tape comes off, any excess glue is removed and the body is moved into the next phase of production. It has been done the same way for over 100 years, and is a fundamental part of Gibson Acoustic's rich guitar-making history.

Nitrocellulose Finish
Applying a nitrocellulose finish to any Gibson acoustic guitar--including the J-185 EC--is one of the most labor-intensive elements of the guitar-making process. Unlike the polyurethane finishes used by many guitar manufacturers, a nitrocellulose lacquer finish is porous when cured, allowing the wood to naturally "breathe" and mature.

Microscopically thin, the finish on a Gibson acoustic guitar first requires seven main coats of nitrocellulose lacquer. After drying overnight, the initial seven coats are then level sanded and given two additional coats. Left to dry for five additional days, the finish is then wet sanded and buffed to its final glass-like sheen. The time-consuming nature of applying a nitro finish has been employed ever since the first Gibson guitar was swathed with lacquer back in 1894. Why? For starters, a nitro finish means there is less interference with the natural vibration of the instrument, allowing for a purer tone. It's also a softer finish, making it easily repairable. You can touch up a scratch or ding on a nitro finish, but you can’t do the same on a poly finish.

The Gibson Story
The Gibson name has graced the most innovative and revolutionary acoustic guitars of our time--the Super Jumbos, the J-45, the Hummingbird, the Dove. There is no mistaking the classic, mother-of-pearl logo, pressed onto the face of the headstock. It represents more than a century of originality and excellence. There is simply no equal.

The legacy of Gibson's line of celebrated Jumbos is not lost in the J-185 EC. This eye-catching model builds on the traditional foundation of Gibson's Jumbo body style, and moves into the present vanguard with a cutaway design for easier playability, along with several elegant, modern appointments for increased aesthetic appeal. The sound is everything you expect from a Gibson Jumbo: warm, huge low end with ringing, harmonically rich treble response, capable of achieving a pure dynamic contrast, which makes it the perfect acoustic for just about any musical genre. Nickel Grover Rotomatic Tuners Grover's original Rotomatic tuners are an engineering marvel, with style and performance exactly suited for the J-185 EC. With a gear ratio of 14:1, the Rotomatics deliver precision tuning in a durable housing that provides maximum protection for the gear and string post. All moving parts are cut for exact meshing, eliminating the possibility of slippage. A countersunk tension screw lets players regulate the tuning tension to any degree. A special lubricant inside the gear box provides smooth and accurate tuning stability. Crown Peghead Logo Gibson put the first crown peghead logo on an ES-300 back in 1940, and it has graced the headstocks of many legendary Gibson guitars ever since, including today's J-185 EC. Over the years, it has also been called a "thistle" because of the group of flowering plants with the sharp prickles, though Gibson has preferred to call it a "crown." Pickguard The tortoise pickguard for the J-185 EC is Gibson's standard 1950s-style Jumbo shape. As with all of Gibson Acoustic's pickguards, the coloring, inlay, and binding are all crafted by hand. Abalone Rosette A rosette is the beautiful, hand-crafted circle around the soundhole, and can be one of the most ornamental elements of any acoustic guitar. It is also one of the most subtle and complicated woodworking decorations on any acoustic guitar. The rosette on the J-185 EC is a double-ring rosette wi


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fender Kingman Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bass, Natural

Fender Kingman Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bass, Natural Review



Fender Kingman Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Bass, Natural Feature

  • Solid Spruce Top, Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
  • X-Bracing
  • Fishman® Presys(TM) Pickup System with Active On-Board Pre-Amp
  • Rosewood Bridge with Compensated Saddle and chrome die cast tuning keys
  • Fender® Jazz Bass® Headstock and Neck Profile, Block Position Inlays, Aged Fingerboard Binding, Vintage Inspired Gold Pickguard, Traditional Fender Bridge, Solid Rosewood Bridge Plate, Factory Mounted Forward Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement, Multiple Body Bindings, Checkerboard Rosette
  • Solid Spruce Top, Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides, X-Bracing
  • Fender® Jazz Bass® Headstock and Neck Profile, Block Position Inlays, Aged Fingerboard Binding, Vintage
  • Factory Mounted Forward Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement,
  • Inspired Gold Pickguard, Traditional Fender Bridge, Solid Rosewood Bridge Plate,
  • Multiple Body Bindings, Checkerboard Rosette
  • It has a solid spruce top,laminated mahogany back and sides. X-Bracing
  • Traditional Fender Bridge, Solid Rosewood Bridge Plate, Factory Mounted Forward Strap Button with Internal Block Reinforcement
Oh yes, we did! From deep within the cavernous and labyrinthine Research and Development department down at Fender headquarters, we’ve come up with this totally new take on the acoustic bass guitar—designed for the discerning bassist, yet friendly to guitarists, too. From its Jazz Bass® guitar headstock, neck shape, strap button, and machine heads, it feels like home to the electric bassist, but it embodies all the deep and rich tones acoustic players look for. With a solid spruce top, traditional bridge, gold pickguard and lusciously bound fingerboard with eye-catching block position inlays, this bass is destined to make groundbreaking music!


Sunday, August 28, 2011

Fishman Loudbox 100

Fishman Loudbox 100 Review



Fishman Loudbox 100 Feature

  • Power: 100W RMS cumulative, bi-amped with active crossover and master volume
  • Drivers: 8” woofer (90W), 1” neodymium soft dome tweeter (10W)
  • SPL @ 1 meter: 114dB SPL,Auxiliary stereo input with level control
  • Digital effects: hall 1 & 2, plate 1 & 2, chorus, with master level
  • D.I. output: balanced XLR outputs for instrument channel, instrument/mic channel, main mix

With 100 powerful watts, two channels, dedicated drivers, and weighing under 25 lbs., the Loudbox 100 is the ultimate portable acoustic instrument amplifier for the active musician.

With all the features a gigging performer demands, this two channel amplifier is lightweight, compact and ultra-flexible. Three bands of EQ with feedback-fighting controls give you incredible control over your tone.

  • Power: 100W RMS cumulative, bi-amped with active crossover and master volume
  • Drivers: 8" woofer (90W), 1" neodymium soft dome tweeter (10W)
  • SPL @ 1 meter: 114dB SPL
  • Auxiliary stereo input with level control
  • Digital effects: hall 1 & 2, plate 1 & 2, chorus, with master level
  • D.I. output: balanced XLR outputs for instrument channel, instrument/mic channel, main mix
  • Tuner output
  • Headphone output
  • Mute for instrument and inst/mic channels
  • Dimensions: 16" H x 15.5" W x 11.2" D (40.5cm x 34cm x 29cm)
  • Weight: 23 lbs.


Friday, August 26, 2011

Fishman Full Circle - UNC 5/16-18 Format Upright Bass Pickup

Fishman Full Circle - UNC 5/16-18 Format Upright Bass Pickup Review



Fishman Full Circle - UNC 5/16-18 Format Upright Bass Pickup Feature

  • Sturdy aluminum height adjuster wheel
  • The Full Circle is a quick retro-fit on instruments with 1/4-20 thread height adjustment wheels
  • A preamp is recommended, but not required.
Plug in the Full Circle and the sound of your upright is all there. Whether it's big, fat and punchy pizz, full-voiced arco or slap, you'll hear all the acoustic qualities, dynamics, and nuances of your bass - only louder. Encased in a sturdy aluminum height adjuster wheel, the Full Circle offers accurate, transparent sound. To match the pickup to your instrument and playing style, a fine-tuning feature lets you quickly choose between an open, resonant response or a drier and more focused amplified tone.


Thursday, August 25, 2011

Seymour Duncan Woody HC Hum-Canceling Soundhole Pickup

Seymour Duncan Woody HC Hum-Canceling Soundhole Pickup Review



Seymour Duncan Woody HC Hum-Canceling Soundhole Pickup Feature

  • Transducer: Magnetic
  • Placement: Soundhole
  • Jack: 1/4" male
  • Color: Black
The Woody HC utilizes our hum-canceling Stack technology for a full-bodied tone without noise or hum. Great for working around neon signs or fluorescent lights. Also features a 14' studio-quality cord with a metal-cased 1/4' plug for enhanced durability.


Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Fishman SBT-E w/end pin jack

Fishman SBT-E w/end pin jack Review



Fishman SBT-E w/end pin jack Feature

  • Designed for classical/ nylon string guitar and all flat-top string instruments - includes endpin jack for permanent installation
  • Soundboard transducer produces transparent tone
  • An impedance matching preamp is recommended, but not required
  • Professional installation recommended
The SBT Series pickups will reproduce a full, natural, transparent tone and can be mounted on any type of acoustic stringed instrument equipped with a flat soundboard.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Fishman 15 Foot Premium 'two-pair Foot Stereo Cable

Fishman 15 Foot Premium 'two-pair Foot Stereo Cable Review



Fishman 15 Foot Premium 'two-pair Foot Stereo Cable Feature

  • 15 Foot Premium Stereo Guitar/Instrument Cable
  • Two-Pair Fully Shielded for Better Isolation
  • 1/4" Male Straight to 1/4" Male Right Angle
This superior quality two-pair cable gives excellent output to and from stereo devices, while the separate pairs limit bleed issues between channels.


Monday, August 22, 2011

Fishman Classic Series Passive National Style Pickup

Fishman Classic Series Passive National Style Pickup Review



Fishman Classic Series Passive National Style Pickup Feature

  • stens to the center of the cone in National style instruments. An impedance matching preamp is recommended, but not required.
Captures and reproduces the unique tonal character of your resophonic guitar. This simple and unobtrusive pickup (the size and shape of a small washer) captures that funky, throaty signature resophonic tone with unprecedented accuracy and resistance to feedback.


Saturday, August 20, 2011

Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend w/ Wide Undersaddle Pickup

Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend w/ Wide Undersaddle Pickup Review



Fishman Ellipse Matrix Blend w/ Wide Undersaddle Pickup Feature

  • Wide Format includes 1/8 (3.2mm) width undersaddle pickup
  • Soundhole-mounted Mic Pickup
  • Includes an Active Preamp and an Endpin Jack Complete Stereo System
  • Nearly invisible once installed
Combining the very best of Fishman's popular Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickup and proprietary Ellipse blending system, the new Ellipse Matrix Blend produces exceptional amplified tone and installs without any major modifications or cosmetic defects to the instrument. The Ellipse Matrix Blend's design features the Acoustic Matrix pickup in a choice of wide, narrow, and split pickup formats. The system is complemented with a high-quality flexible gooseneck condenser mini-microphone to provide enhanced tonal reproduction through blending. Most importantly, the Ellipse Matrix Blend can be discreetly mounted inside the instrument's soundhole for quick, easy access in a way that is virtually 'transparent' to its appearance.


Friday, August 19, 2011

Gibson J-200 Custom Vine Antique Natural Acoustic Guitar

Gibson J-200 Custom Vine Antique Natural Acoustic Guitar Review



Gibson J-200 Custom Vine Antique Natural Acoustic Guitar Feature

  • Type: Steel-string Super Jumbo acoustic-electric guitar
  • Top Material: Premium Sitka spruce
  • Back and sides: Indian rosewood
  • Tapered dovetail neck Nitrocellulose finish
  • Fishman Ellipse Aura pickup system
Originally built to cut through the loudest acoustic ensembles, this dreadnought defined the new American music scene of the 1930s on its way to becoming the world's most famous acoustic. The SJ-200 Custom resonates with deep, well-balanced tone and powerful sound that leaps from the solid Sitka spruce top and beautiful curly maple body. The Fishman Ellipse Aura pickup system faultlessly amplifies the robust, lively, and natural acoustic sound, providing excellent dynamics and delicate high end.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Taylor Guitars NS32-CE Grand Concert Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar

Taylor Guitars NS32-CE Grand Concert Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar Review



Taylor Guitars NS32-CE Grand Concert Acoustic Electric Classical Guitar Feature

  • Solid Sitka Spruce Top
  • Solid Sapele Back/Sides
  • Grand Concert
  • Hardshell Case Included
This Grand Concert model combines Sapele and Sitka spruce to create an exquisite tonal palette


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Fender DG200SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Rosewood Back and Sides Natural

Fender DG200SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Rosewood Back and Sides Natural Review



Fender DG200SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Rosewood Back and Sides Natural Feature

  • Series: classic design series Body Style: Fender style dreadnought, single cutaway acoustic electric guitar Colors: natural Finish: polyurethane gloss Top: solid spruce Bracing: X-bracing Back and sides: rosewood Neck: nato Fingerboard: rosewood Frets: 20 Bridge: rosewood with compensated saddle Machine heads: gold die-cast Electronics: Fishman Aero pickup system with active on-board preamp Preamp features Volume Integrated electronic tuner with on/off switch Bass, mid, treble, phase controls Lo
The Fender DG220SCE acoustic electric guitar has 20 frets, 25.3" scale, nato neck, with a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a compensated saddle. The finish is natural gloss polyurethane. The body starts with a Fender dreadnought style for full, balanced tone. It features X-bracing, dot position inlays, and a Gold silkscreened Fender logo. The guitar plays with a very bright and full tone, with clear notes. Thanks to the on-board electronics in the Fishman Aero pickup and active preamp, this Fender acoustic guitar can perform live gigs with ease. The durability of the body woods, matched with Fender's craftsmanship, has made a rugged and durable guitar for a great price, and out of the box is ready to take to the stage.


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Fender® DG-22CE - Natural Finish 6-String Acoustic Electric Guitar

Fender® DG-22CE - Natural Finish 6-String Acoustic Electric Guitar Review



Fender® DG-22CE - Natural Finish 6-String Acoustic Electric Guitar Feature

  • Body Style: Dreadnought Cutaway Electric
  • Top: Flamed Maple
  • Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
  • Neck: Maple
  • 20 Frets, Rosewood Fingerboard
The beautiful 'Flamed Maple' top, back and sides are available in three colors. All have a Fishman Acoustic Matrix pickup teamed with an onboard preamp and powerful EQ for excellent tone and control. Midas-touch gold tuners, too! ***Shown in Blue***


Monday, August 15, 2011

Fishman 1/4 Inch Jack assembly for Banjo

Fishman 1/4 Inch Jack assembly for Banjo Review



The jack mounts simply, using the provided bracket, to the flange of many standard resonator equipped banjos. It is not suitable for open backed banjos or non-standard resonator flanges.


Saturday, August 13, 2011

Fishman Classic Series Active National Style Pickup

Fishman Classic Series Active National Style Pickup Review



Fishman Classic Series Active National Style Pickup Feature

  • Fastens to the center of the cone in National style instruments. Includes an impedance matching endpin preamp
  • Requires onboard 9V battery.
Captures and reproduces the unique tonal character of your resophonic guitar. This simple and unobtrusive pickup (the size and shape of a small washer) captures that funky, throaty signature resophonic tone with unprecedented accuracy and resistance to feedback.


Thursday, August 11, 2011

Great Divide Songsmith SDCE-18-NA Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar

Great Divide Songsmith SDCE-18-NA Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Review



Great Divide Songsmith SDCE-18-NA Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Feature

  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • Laminated sapele back & sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood bridge and fretboard
  • Fishman ISY-201 Isys T pickup
The all new Songsmith Series from Great Divide complements the performer in you. This dreadnought cutaway electric beauty features a solid Sitka spruce top for crisp tonal clarity and range. Laminated African sapele back and sides, rosewood brige and fingerboard. Also features Fishman ISY-201 Isys T pickup. Color: Gloss Natural.


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Fishman Viola Turnbuckles

Fishman Viola Turnbuckles Review



Fishman Viola Turnbuckles Feature

  • Adapts the V-200 Professional Violin Pickup for Viola
  • Adapts the V-200-M Professional Violin Pickup w/mini Mic for Viola
Pair of turnbuckles turns the V-200 pickup series for violin into a pickup for viola.