NEW GEAR 35/24: Moog Muse, EQD Delay, Zoom MS-80IR+ and Ibanez Signatures

Ibanez FRM350: another Paul Gilbert signature

The FRM350 is the latest addition to the Fireman collection primarily designed for guitarist Paul Gilbert. It has inherited the extravagant inverted body shape of the Iceman series, which, like the glued neck with its special FRM profile, is made of okoume. The ebony fingerboard bears acrylic and abalone markers, 22 high frets and a 43mm wide Graph Tech nut. The hardware consists of Gotoh tuners, a Gibraltar Performer bridge, and a vintage Quik Change Classic tailpiece for easy string changes. There are DiMarzio Air Classic passive humbuckers with Alnico magnets, and a neodymium magnet on the bottom corner of the body under the pickguard to hold the metal slide.

Mahagony Ibanez ATZ300 Andy Timmons

Except for the black lacquer that replaced the traditional Tobacco Burst finish on the older series, the renowned player's new signature doesn't differ much in design from his previous ATZ models, but there are a few innovations. First of all, it has a mahogany body, which gives the instrument a different timbre with a more pronounced midrange compared to the alder variants, and the rosewood fingerboard, this time decorated with ATZ inlays, is also new. The sound transmission is handled by a DiMarzio AT-1 bridge humbucker complemented by a pair of Cruiser rail mini-humbuckers from the same brand. The controllers are the same as those used on Strats, sustain and resonance are supported by a Wilkinson-Gotoh VSVG tremolo, and tuning is handled by Gotoh Magnum Lock tuners.

Baritone edition Jackson Pro Plus XT

The Jackson Soloist SLAT HT6, Monarkh SC T6, Warrior WR HT6 and Kelly KE HT6 six-string models represent the new Pro Plus XT baritone series, defined by the Satin Black finish, 27-inch long scale and other features. The main ones include nyatoh bodies, neck-through designs with the neck glued from three pieces of maple and ebony fingerboards with variable radius and jumbo stainless steel frets. There is also a pair of high-quality Seymour Duncan Nazgul / Sentient humbuckers, a three-position switch and Volume + Tone knobs. Depending on the type of guitar, either hardtail or tune-o-matic bridges are used. Prices including gig bags start at approx. 1000 euros.

EQD Silos: delay with three modes

Silos from EarthQuaker Devices offers digital, analogue and tape delay with tap tempo and control via an external expression pedal with a TRS connector. In addition to the traditional Time, Mix and Repeat controls, the effect features a rotary switch for selecting one of six storable presets. The reverb time ranges from 0 to 1000 ms, with spontaneous oscillation occurring in analogue and tape mode when the Repeat parameter is set to approximately 3 h. The pedal uses the Flexi-Switch system, where the foot switch goes into a momentary mode when pressed for a longer period. The official price is around 150 dollars.

 Compact Stereo Modeler Zoom MS-80IR+

The Zoom MS multi-effects product line has added another version, the MS-80IR+, offering 23 virtual amp and cabinet models created with Multi-Layer IR technology, 12 effects and a Studio Sound section with natural-sounding reverbs. The memory can store 80 presets, there are dual inputs and outputs for true stereo mode, which can be split to send both IR and non-IR signals simultaneously, and there are 4 Cross Key switches in addition to the metal footswitch. The MS-80IR+ can also be used as a USB-C card (2xin/2xout) and it is compatible with the company's Handy Guitar Lab app (iOS only for now). Power is provided by an adapter or two AA batteries.

Way Huge Deep State with Klon Centaur sound

Way Huge, in collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, has produced a limited edition Deep State drive that delivers the sound of the mythical Klon Centaur overdrive. The pedal will be produced in a run of 550 units and can be ordered exclusively through Bonamassa's Reverb.com site for 189 dollars. The clipping circuit is based on the diodes also found in the Conspiracy Theory Overdrive; the result is a tone with nicely accentuated mids, responsive to the dynamics of the playing and preserving the instrument's essential character.

BECOS FX CompIQ Twain Pro Compressor MK2

One of the best pedal compressors on the market has undergone an upgrade and its second generation is heading to stores. The CompIQ Twain MK2 version is an advanced tool for analogue dynamic sound processing for bass, guitar, keyboards and others. Its extensive features provide exceptional control over compression parameters and allow users to achieve superior sound and tonal characteristics. With an automatic timing mode, the Twain can be easily set and adjusted for professional results. With the flip of a switch, the analogue Twain can function as either a two-band compressor/limiter with a variable crossover point or as two "stacked" compressors with separate controls. Price: approx. 320 euros.

Sabian 22″ HHX Wide Lip China

The Canadian manufacturer has added a 22″ HHX Wide Lip China version to its Vault Drop cymbal collection, which has a massive lip that encompasses half of the cymbal. The unconventional concept allows for a louder and more voluminous sound. Unlike most other China-type cymbals, the WLC can also be played lightly to conjure a softer sound with a crash character. The new model is quite easy to control, its striking profile produces a dark, musical, metallic tone with a sufficiently assertive expression, the bell and edge strikes are clearly separated and the cymbal also handles timpani mallets without any problems. The European price was set at around 670 euros.

D'Addario XPND Pedalboard Mic Stand

As the name suggests, D'Addario is expanding its accessories program with a microphone stand designed for singing guitarists, bassists and other musicians who, in addition to their instruments, also perform vocal parts and have an effects pedalboard as part of their gear. The stand, with the product designation PW-XPNDPBMS-01, attaches directly to the pedalboard in seconds and can save valuable stage space, especially in smaller clubs. The telescopic design with arm is lightweight, which contributes to a smooth setup without compromising stability, and only takes the place of one standard pedal in the board. It is worth noting that the stand is compatible with at least double-row rail pedalboards. Price: about 80 dollars.

Polyphonic Synthesiser Moog Muse

The long-awaited Moog Muse bi-timbral polysynth arrives on the market, promising to combine the best features of the brand's classic analogue models with the benefits of modern digital control. The eight-voice version, with a 61-note semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and velocity functions, features discrete oscillators derived from the Minimoog Voyager, combining a saturation mixer, dual transistor ladder filters and stereo VCA inspired by the circuitry used in the Moog Modular edition. In addition to creative immediacy, Muse provides a powerful arpeggiator, chord memory and polyphonic sequencer with extensive editing capabilities and generative behaviour. It also features a Diffusion Delay processor with the sound of older rack delays and a set of diffusion, multitap and filter functions, among other things. Price: approx. 3500 euros.