NEW GEAR 44/24: Gibsons LP Mahogany Top, Fuchs ODH head, Quilter V803 and Behringer Grind

Fender Player II Ash and Mahogany series

The affordable Fender Player II collection has added Stratocaster SSS, Stratocaster HSS and Telecaster models with chambered ash or mahogany bodies. The Modern-C profile maple neck carries a 9.5-inch radius rosewood or maple fingerboard with rounded edges, fitted with 22 medium jumbo frets. They are equipped with Alnico 5 single-coils and the Strat HSS has an Alnico 2 humbucker Player at the bridge. The satin urethane lacquer instruments are available in Aged Cherry Burst, Transparent Cherry Burst, Transparent Mocha Burst, White Blonde and the Telecaster also in Butterscotch Blonde finish. Prices start at approx. 885 euros.

Gibson Mahogany Top Les Paul 50s and 60s TV Yellow

A pair of Les Paul Standard 50s and 60s with a mahogany top replacing the traditional maple are heading for worldwide distribution. This modification gives the new models a slightly warmer tone and more pronounced midrange projection, bringing their expression closer to the early Les Paul Custom. Apart from the different neck profiles (50s thicker Vintage, 60s subtler Slim Taper), pickup type (50s Burstbucker 1/2, 60s 2x Burstbucker 60s), tuners (50s Vintage, 60s Grover Rotomatic), etc., the two variants are equipped with ABR-1 bridge, aluminium stop bar, Orange Drop condensers as well as black binding. Colour: TV Yellow, price including hard case approx 2600 dollars.

Overdrives Nobels ODR-1X and ODR-mini2

Continuing the evolution of its ODR series of overdrives, which some guitarists prefer to the classic Tube Screamers, German Nobels has introduced a pair of ODR-1X and ODR-mini2 models. Both variants received a Spectrum parameter, functioning as a dual bass and treble filter, a new variable Bass Cut circuit to eliminate low end, and the manufacturer also added luminescent markers on the potentiometer caps. The ODR-1X design also adds an externally controllable Gain Boost button and a true/buffer bypass switch inside the chassis. Pricing: The ODR-mini2 is about 110 euros and the ODR-1X is 190 euros.

Multieffect Jam Pedals Koch Ness Monster Supreme

A generous yet intuitive multi-effect designed to guitarist Greg Koch's specifications should hit the market later this year. Jam Pedals has integrated 10 of the company's effects into the new product, including the Wahcko wah, Retrovibe chorus/vibrato, Gristle King, Eureka and Lucydreamer overdrives, Boomster boost/buffer, Waterfall modulation, Harmonious Monk tremolo and Llama II / Llama Extreme delays. The developers also included the effects loop, inputs for expression pedals and footswitches selecting tap tempo plus Llama Extreme reverb presets. A power supply and carry case are also included. Price: approx. 2200 euros.

Amplifier Fuchs Audio ODH Hybrid

Fuchs Audio's first guitar hybrid uses a tube preamp for maximum warmth, musicality and dynamic response, combined with a 400W/4 ohm ICE Power amp (150W/8 ohms, 500W/2.65 ohms). The two-channel model delivers a variable clean sound suitable for a range of genres, while the Overdrive channel brings the character of Howard Dumble's iconic amps. It features Reverb, Eff. Loop, Line Out, Accent/Depth function and optional voicings for mids, presets and EQ. Price approx 1300 dollars.

Positive Grid Spark Edge: AI sound system not only for busking

Compact dimensions, 65 W, 120° sonic spread, battery life of approx. 10 hours, four channels plus Master EQ for guitar, bass, microphone, keys, groove boxes, etc., streaming Bluetooth module, backing tracks, USB-C, WiFi and compatibility with a mobile app for selecting virtual amplifiers, looper or effects – all this is offered by the Spark Edge active sound monitor from the American brand Positive Grid. What's more, the system is powered by intelligent Sonic IQ technology for advanced sound processing with a custom acoustic design that automatically enhances every tone. Expect clear highs, robust bass, complex range and performance previously unattainable in amplifiers of this size.

BITE Punch P Flower Power 24 by Klaus Voormann

For leading bass collector Uli Salm, whose collection numbers over 850 instruments, Austrian manufacturer BITE Guitars has built a unique model of the Precision Punch P series, decorated by artist, bassist and producer Klaus Voormann, two-time Grammy winner, author of the Beatles Revolver album cover, collaborator with Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, etc. A heat-treated alder body is complemented by a hard maple neck and fingerboard, Gotoh brass bridge, Cloverleaf 1:17 tuners and a passive BITE 1000mV split-coil. The price of the model was set at around 9000 euros.

Compact Head Quilter Labs Bass Block V803

The American brand Quilter Labs has established itself on the market with compact amplifiers offering high-quality sound and, given their size, superior performance. The new Bass Block V803 model lives up to these attributes, providing 800 W at 4 ohms (450 W/8 ohm) and a single-channel preamp equipped with an active three-band EQ with semi-parametric mids. You can choose from a trio of Modern, Warm, Q-Tube vocal modes, passive/active instrument modes, as well as two Flat/Scoop inputs. Connectivity consists of an effects loop, headphone jack and 2x Speakon + XLR line outputs with a grounding switch.

Adam Audio D3V: nearfields with a good price/performance ratio

The D3V is a compact, 240-watt monitoring system based on Adam Audio's 25 years of experience. Designed for composers, producers and music lovers, the new product is available in black or white and features a 3.5" aluminium woofer, a handmade 1.5" D-ART tweeter and dual-sided passive radiators to boost bass projection up to 45 Hz. In addition to the three switches (Room, Desk, Position), volume control, headphone jack, and TRS inputs, the main monitor is equipped with a USB-C port that makes the D3V act as a digital output device without the need for an additional interface for playback. Price of the pair: approx. 332 euros.

Behringer Grind: semi-modular synth with 24 engines

Behringer has launched pre-orders for the Grind, a hybrid semi-modular synthesiser featuring an analogue ladder filter, 32-step sequencer and 24 digital engines, including 15 MIPs (Mutable Instruments Plaits), which can be used to create a range of sounds from etheric layers to chords to funky bass lines. With Poly Chain, multiple synths can be combined for up to 16-voice polyphony, there is an arpeggiator, low/high-pass filtering, Morph, Timbre, Harmonics, etc. The price should be around 190 euros.