NEW GEAR 34/24: Ibanez Tim Henson, Mooer Combo, PJD Bass and Earthworks Microphones

Jackson Pro Series Signature Roman Ibramkhalilov MDK HT6 Baritone

Jackson has introduced a baritone superstring built to the preferences of the guitarist of the Ukrainian metal band JinJer. The 27-inch long signature has been given a brand new ash body design with contours reminiscent of the combination of solutions used on the Music Man JP15 and Ibanez RGD series guitars. "You won't find this shape anywhere else – it's unique," says Ibramkhalilov of the model, which took four years to develop. "Over the years we've gotten to the point where it's the perfect axe for gigs, for the studio, for anything..."  To maintain maximum stability, a neck with carbon reinforcements was chosen, glued together from three layers of maple and wenge. A pair of custom RI1 humbuckers are also special, and the hardware consists of a Gotoh 510FX-6 hardtail bridge and locking machines.

Ibanez TOD10 MM and TOD70: new Tim Henson models

The guitarist of Polyphia continues his collaboration with Ibanez, which is reflected in the new six-string superstrat TOD10 MM (Metallic Mauve) and the seven-string TOD70 version. Both instruments share an American basswood body, a roasted maple neck and a two-octave ebony fretboard with rich Tree of Death inlays and stainless steel frets. Integrated are a Gotoh T1502 or T1527S tremolo, Gotoh MG-T locking machines, two active Alnico humbuckers from Fishman Fluence Tim Henson, a five-position switch and a push/pull switch in the tone pot for selecting a trio of voicing mods. A padded gig bag is included.

Cornerstone Antique V3 Classic Drive

The upgraded version of the Cornerstone Antique drive has not only received a new Italian Vespa scooter-style treatment, but in addition to the Tube Screamer-based Normal distortion circuit, it also features a dual boost section that has its own Hot Mode footswitch and is located before and after the clipping circuit. Each boost, split into Hot Gain (pre) and Hot Volume (post) channels, is independently controllable, providing a wide range of flexibility, effectively making it a two-channel overdrive pedal. In addition, Normal and Hot modes can be activated via an external switch. Additional sonic options are provided by a lever switch that determines the level of signal compression. Available in a total of 61 different design options, the Antique V3 is priced at around 300 Euros.

Mooer Audio GE200 Pro and Pro Li processors

Mooer's popular GE series of digital preamp/multi-effects has two more additions in the form of the GE200 Pro and Pro Li models, the latter version distinguished by a rechargeable lithium battery in addition to its colour scheme. Equipped with 286 effects and virtual amplifiers (MNRS, IR), the affordable processors offer a 3.5-inch colour LCD, expression pedal, extensive connectivity options and an intuitive user interface. In addition, both variants function as a versatile set of instruments thanks to the Groove Station mode, featuring a drum machine, looper and metronome. Of course, there is a Bluetooth module, USB-C recording port, stereo mod, global EQ, MIDI and compatibility with external expression pedals.

The IKM Joe Satriani Amp Vault Tonex plugin has expanded to include an additional amplifier

It hasn't been that long since IK Multimedia started offering a software collection of Joe Satriani's favourite amps, and the Italian brand has already added another virtual amp to the line-up. This time it's a hot new addition in the form of the Dragon series, which 3rd Power designed with Satriani for the Best of All Worlds tour paying tribute to Edward Van Halen. Satriani wanted to get as close to Eddie's mid-80s sound as possible on the tour in question, and the Dragon 100's sound base, inspired by the old Super Leady Marshalls of 1967/1968, matches that. Satriani, who recorded the presets at Red Rocker studios using IKM AI technology, selected a total of eight samples for his Tonex plugin, which are now part of the standard package.

Mooer SD10i desktop mini-combo

While the small 10W SD10i digital combo is primarily designed for practice or home recording, it's still grounded in the advanced iAMP system and MNRS modelling technology, which allows the amplifier to offer a total of 52 amp models, 49 effects, a tuner and, last but not least, an 80-second looper synced to a built-in drum machine with 40 variations and a dozen metronomes. Of course, there's compatibility with the company app, Bluetooth 5.0 module, USB-C port, headphone output and control via the optional wireless Footswitch F4. Power is supplied by a rechargeable battery (7.4 V / 3000 mAh) and there's access to 9 amp emulations and four editable presets directly on the panel.

PJD St. John Bass: retro with a modern sound

British brand PJD Guitars has announced the production of the four-string St. John bass, which, like the guitars in this edition, features an offset body inspired by the Fender Jazzmaster concept. The premium model, with a standard 34-inch scale length, features a body made from alder or lightweight African obeche wood and a choice of single-coil P, JJ, PJ or Music Man humbucker pickup configurations. The fretboard (maple or rosewood) carries twenty high-quality Jescar frets optimized with the Plek method, while the hardware consists of a Gotoh 203B-4 bridge and GB707 mechanics from the same manufacturer. Prices start at around 1,800 euros and include a padded gigbag.

Distiller CE: instrument low-pass filter from JTEX Electronics

Not only for bassists is the Distiller CE (Combinator Edition) low-pass filter, representing a revision of the Distiller circuit from JTEX, originally based on the unique Alembic filter (12 dB/oct). The CE version differs in its range of adjustability and functions as a modifier of the higher frequency peaks of bass and guitar pickups rather than a full-range filter. As a result, the instrument's electronics can be enriched with the ability to smoothly shape the treble response from 1 to 10 kHz with a selectable boost of up to +12 dB at the cutoff frequency. The $87 kit includes a main circuit with a potentiometer, three-position boost-switch, wiring, etc.

New drum microphones from Earthworks Audio

In addition to the DM17 condenser cardioid microphone for snare and toms, Earthworks Audio has also launched a second-generation SR20sp Gen 2 overhead model, sold in a calibrated pair, and a six-piece DK 6 kit containing 1x DM6 for bass drum, 2x SR20sp Gen 2 and 3x DM17, housed in an SKB-branded carrying case. "The DM17 was a success with everyone – me, monitor engineers and our drummer," says Kevin Madigan, studio master for Carlos Santana, of the new release. Nick Morzov, Travis Barker's sound engineer, adds his experience: “With the SR20s, I was able to capture a very pure and ‘in the room’ sound to my china and stack while maintaining the control of them being spot mics. Excellent mics!“ The attached video demonstrates the DK7 Gen 2 set.

RAB Audio ProRak SRS Racking System

To complement the gear of professional recording studios, RAB Audio has prepared the ProRak SRS Series modular storage system, offering customizable configurations for organizing guitar and other gear. The ProRak SRS makes it easy to handle amps, instruments, boxes, effects, rack-mount components, etc., with several types of interchangeable racks for studios of all sizes. You may choose from a variety of models in the S, X or PD series to design storage spaces directly to your preferences. The shelves, with a load capacity of approx. 68 kg, are made of 18 mm thick plywood covered with fused black laminate, the edges are protected by mouldings made of durable moulded PVC and solid fasteners are used.