NEW GEAR 2/25: PRS Standard 24 Satin, Boss W-TAE Core, IKM ToneX CAB and miniKorg 700Sm

PRS Standard 24 Satin 2025 with new DMO pickups

The PRS Standard 24 2025 series returns to the brand's pre-factory all-mahogany guitars with a warm, full, midrange tone and a finish consisting of Frost Blue Metallic, Pearl Black, Pearl White or Red Apple Metallic satin nitro lacquers, which gives the instrument a lighter look. The collection with classic edition specs, including a 25" scale, Pattern Thin neck, 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with a 10" radius, patented PRS tremolo and Phase III tuning machines, features new DMO (Dynamic, Musical, Open) humbuckers with wide-open sound and vocal character throughout the frequency range.

Cort X700 Mutility II: superstrats with dual scale

True to its name, the Cort X700 Mutility II superstrat is a versatile guitar with perfectly ergonomic curves. The deeply contoured American linden body is complemented by a bolt-on neck made of roasted maple and walnut, and the same finish is applied to the maple fingerboard with variable 25-25.5" scale, luminescent markers, 24 steel jumbo frets and Graph Tech nut. The sound is carried by two Fishman Fluence Open Core Modern humbuckers, the tuning is handled by staggered locking tuners, and there is an individual hardtail bridge for each string. The X700 Mutility II is available in Tactical Gray or Military Beige. Price including gig bag: approx. 1000 euros.

Vox V863-CA Semi-Auto Wah with three modes

The Vox V863-CA redefines the wah pedal, combining the classic manual wah function with two innovative Auto/Pedal modes to significantly increase its flexibility. It features an Envelope Generator and Envelope Follower mode that dynamically responds to playing style, making it a good choice for professionals and beginners alike, allowing them to easily get acquainted with the wah effect without the need for precise foot control. Whether you're playing rhythmic grooves or soaring solos, the V863-CA lets you switch seamlessly between modes, giving you a full range of options with an authentic Vox tone. Controls: Polarity switch, Attack, Sens/Decay, Transition Time, Switch Mode. Price: around 300 euros.

Loadbox Boss Waza Expander Core

Boss has introduced a professional recording solution for capturing tube amplifier sound with exceptional quality. The W-TAE Core relies on Tube Logic technology, which together with a reactive load design, preserves the natural feel and response of the amp, while premium cabinet emulation and studio-grade processing facilitate the creation of the final tone. Creative options include the useful Mix Assist tool, ensuring that the tracks fit perfectly into the band mix, and Air Feel, which uses advanced spatial technology to deliver an authentic ''amp-in-a-room'' sound. Plus, thanks to the integrated 30-watt amplifier, you can enjoy the sound even at lower volumes when connected to your favourite cabinet. Price: around 680 euros.

Two-channel boutique combo Bad Cat Era 30

The return of legendary engineer Mark Sampson to the American boutique brand Bad Cat is marked by the luxury Era 30 combo, powered by 9 tubes (1x EF86, 3x 12AX7, 1x 5AR4, 4x EL84). The two-channel preamp is combined with a power amp equipped with a post-phase inverter circuit linked to the Master Volume, which tames the amp's output and allows you to seamlessly move from stage volume to levels suitable for home practice, while maintaining the characteristic saturation that defines the sound of this premium model, offering also a buffered EF loop and Depth function.

IK Multimedia ToneX CAB: active guitar monitor with IR loader

For guitarists who miss the traditional cabinet sound response when using modelling on stage, IKM has prepared an active full-range cabinet, equipped with a 12'' Celestion custom speaker, a Lavoce tweeter and a 350 W power amp with a max SPL of 132 dB. The Italian manufacturer has also integrated a three-band EQ, IR loader with eight presets, two combo inputs, USB-B port, XLR output and MIDI In/Out DIN connectors into the ToneX CAB. There is also a software package including AmpliTube 5 SE, TONEX SE and TONEX Cab Control. Price: approx. 800 euros.

Headless basses Ibanez EHB5MSBSP and EHB1675MS with Fishman electronics

The EHB bass edition, featuring Ibanez's modern headless instruments, is joined this year by the five-string EHB5MSBSP and EHB1675MS models with dual-scale (31 to 35 inches), 24 stainless steel frets and a pair of Fishman Fluence pickups, complete with three-band EQ, Single Coil Mode switch (push/pull) and 3-way Voice Select switch. Depending on the type of instrument, the body is made of American linden or ash with an ebony top, while the necks, equipped with graphite bracing, are glued together with 9 layers of walnut and panga panga.

Active Electronics Trickfish J-Core Jazz Bass Plate Preamp

The J-Core preamp takes the acclaimed Flexcore Onboard bass preamp to the next level. Its design allows for seamless integration into Jazz Bass instruments without any modification or soldering. Mike Pope's four-band active EQ provides a flexible, extremely musical sound, and the sophisticated signal path enhancement brings out the best in every note you play.

Electronic drum set Alesis Crimson III

Alesis Crimson III, the third generation of the proven classic, is a nine-piece kit featuring an upgraded sound module with 80 drum kits, 470 sounds, Bluetooth, a USB port, a BFD library, reverb, EQ, a recording section and six faders for convenient editing. The kit consists of a 12" two-zone snare, an 8" bass pad, three two-zone toms 2 x 8" and 1 x 10", a 12" hi-hat with pedal and three cymbals (2 x 12" two-zone crash, 1 x 14" three-zone ride). All drum pads are fitted with high-quality mesh heads, there is a steel ramp with 4 posts and a separate snare stand with double bracing. Price: approx. 1200 euros.

Retro synth Korg miniKorg 700Sm

The miniKorg 700Sm is a tribute to the iconic miniKORG 700, which was at the beginning of Korg's analogue synth history. Newly upgraded to meet the needs of today's musicians, there are two oscillators installed for thick, warm sounds, and the signature Traveler control returns, allowing for expressive filter settings. With features such as aftertouch, spring reverb, arpeggiator and a range of connectivity options including USB and MIDI, this synth is a powerful standalone instrument as well as an excellent companion to a variety of keyboards. With a price tag of around 1400 euros, including a soft case and software package, the MiniKorg 700Sm delivers a classic vintage analogue sound that is currently back in the spotlight.