NEW GEAR 32/24: Solar Signature, Blackstar TV-10 A Combo, Fender Telepath and Spector Bass

Superstrats Mooer GTRS M810

Mooer's GTRS smart guitar edition has expanded with the M810, which, like the previous M800 series, features the G100 IPS system, giving players access to amp simulations, a rhythm unit, a looper and effects section directly in the instrument. Everything can be edited via the GTRS mobile Bluetooth app and presets can then be switched with the guitar's "Super Knob" or using the GTRSPTNR GWF4 wireless footswitch. The luxurious M810 series features a 5-piece flame-roasted maple and rosewood neck with dual bracing, the alder body now has a poplar top, resonance and tuning stability is improved by the new GTRS PW tremolo, the fingerboard carries abalone inlays and the sound is transmitted by HMT-1N/B humbuckers. Choose from Natural, Green, Purple and Blue Burst transparent shades.

GC2.6 Killertone Jason Frankhouser from Solar Guitars

The third signature model from Solar by Texas guitarist Jason Frankhouser should be available in late August. "This is a budget-friendly model - I really wanted to have something that more people could grab - but it's not very budget in tone. It sounds killer," says Frankhouser of the GC2.6 Killertone single cut, which takes the basic concept from the previous Solar C1.6 signature. The all-mahogany construction with a glued neck is complemented by a two-octave rosewood fingerboard, a solid TOM fingerboard, locking tuners, a Killerbucker bridge pickup and a Solar Standard Alnico V neck option. The V. GC2.6 in Silver Burst Gloss, evoking the finish used on Adam Jones' signature Gibsons, costs around 900 euros.

Compact tube combo Blackstar TV-10 A

Blackstar has added the TV-10 A to its lineup of lightweight, portable vintage tube combos, paying homage to the classic American sound of Fender amps from the 50s and 60s. The amp features simple controls consisting of gain, tone, master and reverb potentiometers plus a Drive button activating distortion with crunch character. A 10W Class-A power amp (1x 6L6) provides sensitive dynamic response and saturation at a tolerable volume, and there's an emulated output for silent recording. There is an effects loop (+4/-10 dB), a footswitch (reverb/drive) jack and a trio of main outputs. The boutique-style combo, fitted with a 12" Celestion speaker, can be purchased for around 650 dollars.

D’Addario Auto Lock Swivel Strap: not only for SG guitars

A new type of instrument strap, developed primarily for guitars or basses whose strap handle is located on the back of the body, combines two D'Addario innovations and allows the strap knob to be locked with the patented Auto Lock strap end, while the swivel segment prevents unwanted twisting of the strap. Designed in collaboration with Joe Satriani and designer Ned Steinberger, the model is made of polypropylene with a width of 5 cm and a maximum length of approximately 150 cm. The official price is around 24 euros.

Wireless Instrument System Fender Telepath

Providing wireless connectivity for guitar, bass and other instruments, the Telepath system consists of a small transmitter and receiver, offering uncompromising tone while eliminating interference from other devices. The signal operates in the 5.8 GHz frequency band, avoiding the crowded 2.4 GHz band used by many wireless systems. There are four simultaneous channels available with automatic multi-unit pairing, the full range is set by a limit of approximately 21 metres, a low latency of 4ms maintains a natural play feel multiplied by optional cable simulation, it is fitted with an angled jack and the rechargeable battery can handle up to 8 hours of operation after 2 hours of charging. Price: 200 dollars including the dual USB-A/2x USB-C cable.

Basses Spector Euro CST, LX and LX Bolt-On

Spector has expanded its product catalogue with new four and five-string models from the Euro series. The flagship of the collection is the Euro CST edition, featuring materials, components and lacquer finishes previously only found on the high-end USA Custom Shop series, while the Euro LX (neck-through) and Euro LX Bolt-On (bolt-on neck) versions are inspired by the iconic NS-2 model. In the case of the Euro LX, a six-string version is also available. All basses use a lightweight aluminium bridge, EMG pickups and the brand-new Spector Legacy preamp developed in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics.

5 Fender pedals from the new Bassman edition

Especially for bassists, Fender has designed five affordable effects from the Bassman series, including an analogue compressor, drive and fuzz and digital reverb and delay, with the first three pedals costing around 95 euros each and reverb models available for around 115 euros. According to the manufacturer, the Bassman Pedals series draws inspiration from the original tube amplifiers, which in Fender's case laid the foundation for subsonic signal processing. The common features are, besides the identical chassis, one footswitch and three potentiometers, two slide switches for voicing and other functions dependent on the type of effect.

Cymbal Sabian HHX Dominator 20“ Chinese

In tribute to Dom Fabularo, drummer, respected lecturer and percussion populariser whose name has been associated with Sabian since 1985, the Canadian brand releases the HHX Dominator 20" Chinese effect cymbal. When playing this type of cymbal, Fabularo would often direct his blows to the edge, which would change the shape over time. Sabian managed to achieve the cymbal's characteristic waviness with the new cymbal by applying a special lathing process to the top, which, together with the raw bell and HHX-style hammering, produces a sound with a fast, dark attack. Along with the Dominator, the company has also launched the crash/ride 22" HHX Tempest and is converting the originally limited octagonal reissue 18" AAX Rocktagon into a permanent product.

Casiotone CT-S1-76: a more adult version of the popular keyboard

The 61-key Casiotone CT-S1 keyboard, which first appeared in 2022, is one of the best models for beginners, a position it still holds to this day. Casio will try to build on the success of the CT-S1 with the newer CT-S1-76, which features an expanded keyboard with 76 keys as well as several improvements. These include, for example, an upgraded 2x 6.5W dual sound system combined with Casio's Horizontal Bass-Reflex port for more prominent low-band projection, or an upgraded Bluetooth MIDI/audio circuit linked to Casio's Music Space app. More than sixty sounds for pianos, organs, synths and other instruments, a MIDI recorder, an effects section, a metronome, etc. are included.

Sunglasses Knockaround Fender Stratocaster

As part of the summer season and the Stratocaster's 70th anniversary, Fender has teamed up with California-based Knockaround to produce a special series of Stratocaster Sunglasses, consisting of a pair of stylish sunglasses with frames in classic Surf Green or Black guitar shades, combined with sides imitating maple or rosewood fingerboards. They are fitted with shockproof lenses with full UV400 protection, the price of around 40 euros includes a microfibre case with the Fender Deluxe Reverb Tone Master combo amp and a pick decorated with the logos of both manufacturers.