NEW GEAR 49/24: Wampler Catacombs, PRS Limited Editions, Blackstar TV-10 B and Brubaker Basses

PRS Custom 24 and Private Stock McCarty Dragon 40th Anniversary

"Celebrating the one that started it all and  four decades of craftsmanship and innovation." Under these slogans, PRS launches the Custom 24 40th Anniversary and Private Stock 40th Anniversary McCarty Dragon special series. Limited to 400 pieces, the Custom 24 version commemorates the creation of PRS' first mass-produced guitar and features all-new PRS DMO Treble/Bass pickups (in addition to select materials). The PRS McCarty Dragon Collector's Edition, available in 165 pieces and referring to the early 1994 version, features lavish fretboard inlays in Pacific blue opal, genuine mother-of-pearl, etc. The body base has been reinforced and new PRS McCarty III humbuckers and a wraparound bridge with brass segments have been installed.

Three Japanese Charvel superstrats from the Dinky 2024 edition

The Japanese-built Charvel MJ Series DK24 HSH 2PT W Mahogany models in Caribbean Burst, Antique Burst and Black have been given a mahogany body, which is complemented by a flame maple top in the case of the burst finishes. The Speed Neck profile necks are built from durable wenge wood, as is the variable radius fretboard with 24 steel jumbo frets and Graph Tech nut. The Gotoh 510's tremolo features a Seymour Duncan TB-10 Full Shred humbucker, combined with a Flat Strat SSL-6 single and an Alnico II Pro APH-1N neck pickup. Fitted with the company's locking mechanisms and Dunlop strap locks, the guitars come with a Multi-Fit case.

Wampler Catacombs: digital delay/reverb with analogue sound

Early next year, the new Catacombs reverb effect from Brian Wampler will arrive on the European market, having integrated six types of delay into this model, including emulations of the famous Roland Space Echo and TCE 2290 templates, as well as the company's Faux Tape Echo. The reverbs are represented by five algorithms (hall, plate, spring, shimmer, room), eight presets are also available, the number of which expands to 128 in case of MIDI, a modulation section is installed, there is a tap tempo, external expression pedal, mono, stereo or true stereo modes in parallel and serial mode, etc. Catacombs with a price tag of approx. 350 euros come with a complete software version (plugin) in AAX, AU and VST3 formats for Mac/PC.

JHS Violet: the first signed pedal by guitarist Lara Basilio

The development of a prototype distortion designed by Josh Scott of JHS Pedals for prog-rock guitarist Lari Basilio has entered its final stages. The result is the Violet model, whose name and chassis finish refer to Lari's favourite colour but JHS also advertises a black version, where the purple finish is applied to the caps of the volume and gain pots and the three-band EQ with semi-parametric mids. The circuitry affecting the midbands is separated from the rest of the corrections and placed before the distortion section, which has a significant impact on the character and flexibility of the sound. Price: approx. 200 dollars.

Ibanez TS808HWV2 Hand-Wired

The second version of the Tube Screamer HW hand-assembled in Japan is the new flagship of the TS808 series, with a now-classic midrange-focused sound. This time the new product uses a JRC NJM4558 operational amplifier, and attention has been paid to the selection and quality of other components, including top-of-the-line Mogami OFC cabling. According to the manufacturer, the Ibanez TS808HWV2 offers a wider sound spectrum, which is also matched by the boost added to the last stage of the circuit, which increases the maximum output level by +6 dB.

Blackstar TV-10 B: tube combo with a British sound

Less than half a year after the premiere of the TV-10 A compact tube combo, Blackstar has come out with the second version of the TV-10 B, which offers the sonic character of classic British instruments with a distinctive midrange, which is ensured by a Class-A 10 W Class-A power amp equipped with an EL34 tube, in addition to a preamp with gain, switchable boost and tone pot. The TV-10 B is designed for stage, home and studio use (emulated output), with tonality and ease of control being a priority. Digital reverb, effects loop and outputs for external boxes are integrated. Price including FS-4S footswitch: approx. 670 euros.

Brubaker NBS Headless series boutique basses

American engineer Kevin Brubaker has included NBS Headless four- and five-string basses in his company's offer, available in classic 34″ or shortened 30″ length scale versions. The alder body with maple top is followed by a bolted maple neck and a fretboard fitted with 24 frets. The hand-built headless instruments are equipped with a high-quality Hipshot Headless bridge and a quick-change B.O.B. Swappable Preamp module – a passive version at the base but variants with Bartolini, DarkGlass, John East, Aguilar or Nordstrand circuits can also be ordered. You can choose from J/J, P/J, H/H, etc. pickup configurations.

Mapex Saturn Evolution Special Edition anniversary kit

In celebration of 35 years of existence, Mapex Drums has prepared a special edition of the Saturn Evolution series kit with Mapex Burl Blaze finish applied to the exotic-looking maple outer plate. A touch of exclusivity is also added to the set with the product designation SESE628XMBEC (BD22x18, TT10x8, TT12x9, FT14x14, FT16x16) with black brushed hardware and gold emblem. The hybrid bodies are glued maple and walnut, and feature SONIClear edges and Halo Mount-type handles, which together with the flawless craftsmanship ensure a full, round, versatile and open sound with increased resonance and easy tuning.

Alesis Nitro Amp: a pickup for electronic kits

Playing electronic drums usually involves headphone listening, which depending on the playing situation may not always be ideal. The answer is the Alesis Nitro Amp, an active monitor with the option of mounting it on a stand or ramp, which can provide the drummer with a headset, with dimensions of just 114 x 109 x 114 mm. Fitted with a three-inch woofer, the model offers clear sound without unwanted signal distortion, the Class-D power amp delivers 70 W of power, the frequency range is 120 Hz – 18 kHz and the max SPL is 98 dB. The small cube is equipped with a volume control, TS/TRS input and the power supply is provided by an 18V/2A adapter. The price is under 100 euros.

Behringer Spice in Moog synth style

Behringer continues to produce financially friendly clones with the Spice, inspired by the semi-modular Moog Subharmonicon synth. Capable of producing surprisingly complex and intricate sequences, the analogue polyrhythmic synth has two VCO oscillators under the hood, a quartet of sub-oscillators, a multi-function filter section and a dual four-step sequencer controlled by the mathematical division of the master tempo. A patch bay unit, USB, headphone output and MIDI In, Out/Thru DIN connectors are installed. Price: approx. 260 euros.