Our guide to the biggest drops in gear land this week.
With so many brands to keep up to date with, it can be easy to lose track of all the latest equipment launched into the gear-sphere each week.
Today, we’re taking a look at some of the best releases that might’ve flown under the radar recently, with this week’s wrap-up spotlighting new gear from Moog, Gibson, Origin Effects, Pioneer DJ and Sadowsky. Let’s tuck in.
This week’s top picks:
- Moog Sound Studio
- Gibson Slim Harpo ‘Lovell’ ES-330
- Origin Effects RD Compact Hot Rod
- Pioneer DJ VM Monitor Range
- Sadowsky Masterbuilt Bass
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Moog Sound Studio
We all knew this was coming, but man are we happy to see it anyway! Moog have bundled up a combination of their latest semi-modular synth and drum modules – the Mother 32, DFAM and Subharmonicon – into two unique packs that serve as a gateway into the wild world of modular.
Buyers can choose between a Mother 32 and DFAM to pair classic mono-synth sounds with the DFAM’s wonky percussive goodness, while the other package pairs the DFAM and Subharmonicon to unlock some totally twisted polyrhythms.
Both Moog Sound Studio bundles also come with a two-tier bracket, bag of Moog patch cables and a miniature mixer and headphone amp for you to assemble into the full package – kind of like Lego, but for modular synths. Check both out below.
Gibson Slim Harpo ‘Lovell’ ES-330
Gibson are honouring blues artist James ‘Slim Harpo’ Moore with a new tribute Slim Harpo ‘Lovell’ ES-330 model, packing some sweet vintage specs in addition to its old-school Vintage Sunset Burst finish. This blues pig features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with a spruce bracing, while a mahogany C-shaped neck and rosewood fretboard occupy the pointy end.
Sticking true to its bluesy roots, the ‘Lovell’ ES-330 also features dual dog-ear P90 pickups wired to a three-way selector switch with twin volume and tone controls, while other appointments include an ABR-1 bridge with Trapeze tailpiece and Vintage Deluxe tuners with white tuning pegs.
Origin Effects RD Compact Hot Rod
The latest unit from Origin Effects is an all-analogue stompbox that seeks to replicate the classic high-gain Plexi tones that you all know and love.
The RD Compact Hot Rod features controls for Gain, Output, Blend, High, Low and a More/Pres control to hone in on that sweet spot, while a post drive EQ section with adjustment controls lets you tune the pedal to match the drive of your amp.
Pioneer DJ VM Monitor Range
Pioneer DJ’s latest launch comes in the form of the VM series of monitors, with three new products on offer: the VM-50, VM-70 and VM-80. They boast a linear frequency response with Class-D amplifiers and lightweight Aramid fibre woofer cones to offer an authentic signal reproduction from any source, while Pioneer’s new ‘Vortex Bass Accelerator’ ensures free air flow from the speaker for clear, articulate bass.
The VM Monitor range also features integrated DSP that runs at 96kHz, letting you fine tune your speakers to whatever nuances your listening environment may include. Elsewhere, all models feature XLR, 1/4″ and RCA inputs to make them friendly with a range of mixers and controllers, making for a comprehensive update to Pioneer’s old-school S-DJX speakers.
Sadowsky Masterbuilt Bass
Following in the footsteps of last year’s Masterbuilt and MetroLine range, Sadowsky have introduced three new Masterbuilt basses to their range. These instruments feature incredibly modern, deep-cut five string designs with 24 frets, as well as Sadowsky Soapbar pickups with a three-band EQ to unlock some insane tones.
The range includes an Olympic White model with a chambered swamp ash body and roasted Birdseye maple neck and fretboard, as well as a model with a chambered okoume body with a natural Brazilian rosewood top, roasted flame maple neck and fretless ebony fretboard. The last model of the bunch features a chambered swamp ash body with a spalted maple top, maple neck and flame maple fingerboard – talk about deluxe!
Check out last week’s gear round-up here.
