NEW GEAR 25/24: PRS DGT 15, Fender MIJ Cyclone and Upgraded Aguilars

Fender Cyclone Japanese offset limited series

The Fender MIJ Cyclone Ltd special series, whose production is handled by the Japanese subsidiary, looks back to the 1990s when Fender first introduced this instrument series, equipped with a shorter 24.75" scale length. Unlike the early editions, there are several improvements, including a thicker alder body in the offset style of the Mustang guitars, replacing the thinner poplar bodies used in the earlier collections. The Modern-C profile maple neck is complemented by a rosewood or maple fretboard with a 9.5" radius, 22 medium jumbo frets and bone nut. The classic Synchronized tremolo returns, while the original Atomic and Tex Mex pickups have been replaced with a bridge humbucker and MIJ Cyclone single coil neck. Colours include White Blonde, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Butterscotch Blonde and 3-Color Sunburst.

Stio x Taylor acoustics from the Bozeman Mountain design series

For guitarists who prefer less traditional finishes on their acoustic instruments, Stio has teamed up with Taylor for a limited Bozeman Mountain collection, featuring the popular Taylor GS-Mini models, whose solid Sitka spruce tops are adorned with colourful, nature-inspired motifs. The back and sides of the body are made of laminated sapele, while the ebony fretboard and bridge are complemented by a micarta saddle and Nubone zero fret. The shorter-length scale 23.5-inch instruments, with a matching price tag of about 700 dollars, come with a gig bag. The factory fitted this line with D'Addario XS Coated Phosphor Bronze Medium (.013 - .056) strings.

All-Pedal Devil’s Triad Essentials Overdrive

The drive, again designed in collaboration with Jeff Loomis, uses the clipping circuit of its larger predecessor and offers a wide range of distortion registers, thanks in part to an active three-band EQ tuned to optimal frequencies. Completely new is the integration of a separate Boost section with associated footswitch and Pre/Post potentiometers, so the player now has the option to kick the distortion circuit signal up for higher gain levels or increase the output volume, or mix the two options together, making the more compact version of the Devil's Triad Essentials a supremely flexible pedal. The novelty, equipped with true bypass mode, costs about 250 dollars.

PRS DGT 15 all-tube amplifier and DGT 1x12 stomp box

Following the DG Custom 30, PRS has added another amp to its catalogue designed to the specifications of its longtime factory player David Grissom. The more compact variant, labelled DGT 15 (David Grissom Tremolo), gets a single-channel preamp with a sensitivity potentiometer (Volume), switchable boost, five-band EQ, flexible master (3 mods), Bright function, reverb and tremolo with wave speed and depth parameters. Connectivity consists of a trio of speaker outputs, a DIN footswitch connector, and bias adjustment terminals for two EL84 power tubes, providing 15 W of power. The DGT 1x12 stompbox can be ordered with a rear port and an eight-ohm Celestion Vintage 30. "It just made sense for me to do something lower power, that could be used in more situations at a much friendlier price point," Grissom remarked.

New Gibson Collector's Edition pickups

The Gibson Pickup Shop has added a total of seven pickup models from the Original and Modern Collection series. The former, which features the Quick Connect system for quick assembly without the need for soldering, has expanded to include Dirty Fingers QC Rhythm/Treble ceramic humbuckers (15 kOhm) and a '57 Classic QC Rhythm/Treble version with Alnico 2 magnets. For the Modern Collection line, you can now also choose from the 496R + 500T (8.4 / 15.2 kOhm) set or the 490R "Modern Classic" Alnico 2 and 498T "Hot Alnico" humbuckers. All variants have four-conductor wiring.

PRS ATA D1 / D2 guitar cases

PRS cases from the ATA Hardshell Multi-fit Molded Cases edition are designed specifically for the brand's guitars, which is matched by the case interior featuring a custom-designed body nest and neck cradle. PRS guitar owners can choose from two versions: the D1 for Custom, McCarty, Singlecut and Specialty models, or the D2 for the Silver Sky, Fiore, Myles Kennedy and NF 53 series. The cases are made of durable polyethene, the construction conforms to military and ATA specifications, all hardware is powder coated, a patented locking system has been chosen, and an ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable carry. The interior made of absorbent foam used in motorsports is covered with black plush and there are two storage compartments for accessories. With a price tag of about 250 dollars, the cases should be available in late June.

Headless Abasi Concepts Larada 5 USA MS basses

The company of Tosin Abasi, guitarist for Animals as Leaders, has launched the Larada 5, a five-string bass from the USA Master Series that shares the shape of its okoume wood body with the manufacturer's guitars. A glued neck made of three pieces of maple and carbon bracing is supported by a fretboard made of the same material, fitted with 24 stainless steel Jescar frets. With a dual 34″ to 37″ length scale and headless construction, the modernly conceived instrument utilizes a pair of Fishman Fluence active pickups with three voicing mods and dual-band EQ. Colours: Black, Chalk, Cayenne, Latte. Price including G&G hard case: approx. 4000 dollars.

Broughton Fliptop preamp with Ampeg sound

Broughton Audio is revisiting the Fliptop bass pedal preamp, whose first product was released four years ago. Bringing the sonic character of the Ampeg B15, the preamp's gain and two-band EQ sections are designed to deliver the dynamic response and warm tone of a tube amp, while the clipping circuit will offer a decent overdrive at more extreme settings. In addition to the master control, a Cab parameter is also integrated, allowing you to make the projection of low bands or reduce the prominence of high frequencies stronger. The footswitch is wired in true bypass mode, and the power supply circuit can handle voltages ranging from 9 to 24 V DC. Price: approx. 185 dollars.

Second-generation Aguilar AG and Tone Hammer bass heads

The renowned bass and effects manufacturer has announced an upgrade to its popular AG and Tone Hammer series amplifiers. Among the most significant innovations are compatibility with Aguilar Cabinet Suite software (USB-C port) for integrating three IR pulses of different stomp boxes, the addition of a pair of DI XLR outputs with emulated signal, an Aux In jack and a headphone jack with custom volume. The Tone Hammer and AG 500 models have also seen improvements to the power section with support for a 2.67 Ohm impedance load, and the voltage circuit with universal mains power has been changed.

Korg microKORG2 virtual analogue

The microKORG is one of the world's most successful synthesizers and has helped shape music production for over twenty years. By combining the foundation of what made the original version a worldwide success with a host of powerful features, the "2" once again redefines the landscape of music-making. It retains the essence that made its predecessor a mainstay in the studios and on the stage, while adding innovative, modern elements. In addition to a vocal processor with a harmonizer and hard-tuning features, the microKORG2 also has a loop recorder, making it an ideal tool for production and stage work. The colour touchscreen can be turned into an oscilloscope, a gooseneck microphone is provided for use of the vocoder and other sections, there is an extensive effects unit and a 37-piece octave-shift keyboard is integrated.