CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: ASSORTED GOODS
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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE: ASSORTED GOODS

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ERNIE BALL TONE PACKS

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: The special Christmas price of between $39.95 and $45

RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists looking for a broad cross-section of tonality in an often-overlooked aspect of the instrument.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

Ernie Ball Original Slinkies are one of the most popular string sets in the world, famed for their snappy brightness and pinpoint balance. Their inclusion is probably the best end of the electric smorgasbord to start but the increased clarity of Cobalt Slinkies or the incredibly loud and expressive M-Steel Slinkies offer a range of tones you might not have known you needed until now. The acoustic tone pack offers just as wide a variety in the ever-popular Earthwood 80/20 Bronze, warmth and richness of the Earthwood Phosphor Bronze and unprecedented projection of exclusive Aluminium Bronze.

USABILITY

These trios are a great way to rifle through otherwise unexplored catalogues of tone, great for finding your own unique sonic signature.

CONSTRUCTION

Anyone who has ever ventured into Ernie Ball’s range of strings will attest to their quality. Their ability to retain ‘out of the box’ freshness for longer than most other brands has become their defining characteristic, setting them apart from the pack time and time again.

OVERALL

String choice is about as individual and fluid as the calloused fingerprints of the guitarist making said choice. Opening up the less obvious corners of their range, the tone packs are a great way to try out the myriad variations Ernie Ball have on offer for you to find an even more unique voicing in your favourite riff stick.

ERNIE BALL ULTRAFLEX CABLES

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: from $25

RECOMMENDED FOR: Players looking for a step up from the everyday, entry-level instrument cable in both durability and sonic purity.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

Ernie Ball strings have a reputation for brightness, clarity and longevity and it seems their cables are cut from the same cloth. Your signal is as chirping and clean as it is straight out of the back of your guitar. Rugged construction meets sleek, modern design in a level up in instrument cable design.

USABILITY

With a considered selection of lengths, colours and styles there’s an Ultraflex cable for just about every application. Heavy-duty outer is great for roughhousing in a live setting while the high fidelity signal transfer is the perfect partner in the studio.

CONSTRUCTION

The 20 gauge copper cable braiding is thick enough to be just about unbreakable on its own while the dual layers of shielding around both the length of the cable and its patented connection ends makes for super low handling noise and renders the Ultraflex range one of the lowest capacitance cables in its price range.

OVERALL

Ernie Ball is by far one of the most trusted names in guitar strings and accessories. Their Ultraflex line of leads and patch cables continues this tradition with high-end durability and transparency at a more than accessible price point.

KLOTZ TITANIUM INSTRUMENT CABLES

DISTRIBUTED BY: CMC Music Australia
EXPECT TO PAY:  from $89.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Electric instrumentalists in search of absolute silence and fidelity between the instrument and its sonic destination.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

Patented titanium braiding ensures a massive reduction in microphonics and movement noise that lesser leads are guilty of, as well as completely uninterrupted hi-fidelity signal the whole way down the line.

USABILITY

Neutrik’s trademarked SilentPLUG connections at both ends are the ace in the hole with these cables. A mute switch is built into each TRS connection that engages when the cable is removed from the jack to obliterate any unwanted crackle, handling noise or ground hum. Essential for anyone changing instruments regularly on stage or in rehearsal.

CONSTRUCTION

The exhaustive battery of testing that Klotz engineers run their builds through assures you that when they offer unrivaled fidelity and dynamics then that’s exactly what you’re buying. So sure of their work are they that each cable comes with a lifetime guarantee.

OVERALL

An absolute must for the sonic perfectionist in all of us. Sturdy and reliable construction delivers on every promise of impeccable noise reduction, transparency and immaculate delivery of your signal.

ZOOM Q2N CAMERA

DISTRIBUTED BY: Dynamic Music

EXPECT TO PAY: $399

RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians who want to share their craft with the world by capturing crisp HD performances that look and sound great. 

SOUNDS/VERSATILITY

The new Q2n is essentially a high performance video camera designed specifically with musicians in mind. This has resulted in a device that prioritises audio quality, with built-in X/Y stereo microphones capturing great depth and detail. The 160-degree wide angle lens is perfectly suited for capturing upload-ready live shows, easily dealing with bright stage lighting rigs or a dimly lit room.

USABILITY

The mics can handle high sound pressure levels up to 120dB SPL, which means you won’t have to worry about unwanted clipping and distortion when things get loud. There’s also the option to record in 720p or 1080p HD resolution, using the same 24 fps or 30 fps frame rate used in film. The 1/8″ stereo input jack makes it easy to add your favourite external mic into the mix too.

CONSTRUCTION

The Q2n is a sleekly designed unit and extremely portable. The built-in display offers all the information you’ll need at a glance, with handy switches making operation a breeze. The dark colour-way is a nice aesthetic touch. Like most Zoom products, this is built to last.

OVERALL

There’s never been a better time to use the internet and social media to share your sounds with the world. The Q2n is an invaluable tool for any musician wishing to do just that.   

VIRTUAL JEFF TREMOLO SYSTEM

DISTRIBUTED BY: Dynamic Music

EXPECT TO PAY: $699

RECOMMENDED FOR: Players who want to add a whammy bar to their instrument, without having to deal with added neck stress or tuning problems.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

Amazingly, the Virtual Jeff works just as well on an acoustic guitar as it does on an electric. While the idea of an acoustic whammy may sound strange, once its equipped you’ll realise that this an effect that works equally well for subtle vibrato as well as outrageous octave-swooping dive bombs.

USABILITY

Far from a one trick pony, the Virtual Jeff has more up its sleeve than first meets the eye. The added stomp box controller makes it easy to cycle through presets, with four selectable options each for both Mode A and Mode B. This ranges all the way from one semitone, to two octaves down. It all results in a device that can create everything from faux pedal steel sounds to Jeff Beck-inspired dives.

CONSTRUCTION

Unobtrusive, ergonomic and built to last, the Virtual Jeff is designed to give you whammy capabilities that you’re able to control by hand  – making for a more expressive sound than simply using a foot pedal. Best of all, it’s well considered production means you won’t have to put your guitar through the ringer to equip one – no routing or modifications required.

OVERALL

Whether you play the guitar, bass or even the mandolin – the Virtual Jeff will get you a one way ticket to whammy town. If you’re looking for an upgrade that’s easy to make and keen to explore the next generation of whammy technology – look no further.

 

MARSHALL MS-2 MICRO AMPLIFIER

EXPECT TO PAY: $79

DISTRIBUTED BY: Electric Factory

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the perfect stocking stuffer for the guitarist who has everything. From beginners to seasoned veterans, the MS-2 micro amp is going to find use as a practice tool for any guitarist.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY

It’s not the biggest amp on earth, in fact, this is only the half-stock model, so you won’t be ripping up a stage with it, but as a sidekick to the travelling musician or as a bedroom practice tool these deliver a pretty neat sound.

USABILITY 

As well as Volume and Tone controls, you can also switch between a clean and an overdriven sound on these little guys, so there is plenty of variety to be found in the sound it can create. You can even run pedals in front if you are keen.

CONSTRUCTION

The compact plastic box isn’t built for stage use, but it is tough enough for the intended purpose. The controls feel firm and well mounted and the battery compartment it easy to access and seal.

OVERALL

These have been around for years now and continue to prove popular because they have that cool factor. After all, what guitarist wouldn’t want a Marshall stack, even if it is only 6 inches tall?

ONE CONTROL CROC TEETH PATCH CABLE KITS

DISTRIBUTED BY: HOT APPLE DISTRIBUTION

EXPECT TO PAY: $169.00

RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians who need their own patch cables but don’t want to fool around with soldering irons.
SOUND/VERSATILITY

Included in the kits are ultra low impedance Japanese MSL cables, which will ensure the transference of high quality signals. The cables are a generous three meters in length and so will be useful for a variety of patching needs.
USABILITY
A lot of musicians lose interest as soon as the idea of soldering anything comes up; tasks get placed in the ‘too hard’ basket and faulty cables get put in the bin. One Control’s Croc Teeth Patch Cable Kits are here to save you hassle, while ensuring a high quality sound. The kits have 10 chrome plated plugs and assembly screws, which are extremely fast and simple to install. 
CONSTRUCTION

The plugs are some of the smallest on the market and can be installed as either straight jacks or on a right angle, which is extremely useful for added versatility.
OVERALL

This will save your fingers and your head unnecessary aggravation for quite a small of dollars.

MOGEES PRO

DISTRIBUTED BY: Innovative Music

EXPECT TO PAY: $199.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Remember that annoying kid in high school that was always playing drums with pens? That kid. So probably everyone reading this. But in all seriousness, anyone with a passing interest in making music will find fun here, regardless of what instrument they play.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

The whole idea is that you can turn anything you’re capable of sticking the vibration sensor to into an instrument or controller. Be it your desk, a coffee mug or an actual instrument like a drum. With the included ios app or VST/AU plug-in, you can amplify your objects natural sound properties, set your hits up to resonate melodic notes, control a drum machine and, via MIDI control, just about anything else you can imagine.

USABILITY

The inclusion of the VST/AU plug-ins tells us Mogees mean business, mucking around with a vibration sensor and an app is fun and all, but an included fully featured plug-in compatible with most DAWs means the Mogees Pro has a very real production and live performance value. 

CONSTRUCTION

The sensor is heavier than it looks, made from sturdy plastic with a rubber mount, you’d have to really give it hell to break it. The cable is nice quality anti-tangle braided cord.

OVERALL

It’s not hard to see what the Mogees Kickstarter campaign was successful, the Mogees is everything a music gadget should be – fun, easy and opens a world of possibilities.

SONUUS i2M MUSICPORT MIDI/AUDIO INTERFACE

EXPECT TO PAY: $149.99

DISTRIBUTED BY: Innovative Music

RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the ideal gift for any guitarist who has everything. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want an audio interface that can go with you on your keyring ready to be used at any time?

SOUND AND VERSATILITY

CD quality audio conversion for a high impedance signal like a guitar or bass, ready to run into any DAW. Plus, it offers audio to MIDI conversion as well for both guitar and bass in a variety of modes.

USABILITY

This is a true ‘plug and play’ device, with drivers sorting themselves out in moments. It’s easy to set the mode for MIDI data capture depending on what you are doing and tracks fairly well for single note playing.

CONSTRUCTION

Lightweight and compact, ready to go anywhere. The included metal ring allows for this to be attached to your keyring and always travel with you. And for the best part, the plastic housing seems to be pretty tough, so it should stand the ‘pocket full of keys’ test.

OVERALL

I think Sonuus have a real winner with this product. It is simple, but it does offer more than just audio conversion for guitar with the MIDI conversion a big plus. Any guitarist who likes to record for song writing purposes will love how handy this device is.

TEENAGE ENGINEERING POCET OPERATOR PO-20 ARCADE

DISTRIBUTED BY: Innovative Music

EXPECT TO PAY: $109.99

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who has a passing interesting in synths, sequencers, gadgets or even video games. It’s a difficult time buying gifts for producers, but even the most kitted out studio-owner can spend hours tinkering with this little guy.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

For something that looks like a DIY calculator, there’s a lot going on here. An 8-bit digital synthesiser provides the tools to make the chip-tune soundtrack of your childhood. 16 preset sounds are available – percussion, synths and effects – each with their own pitch and waveform parameters to tweak. Use the step sequencer to dial in a pattern and use the parameter lock function to change each sound’s pitch throughout your pattern. Then there’s the fx and chord functions too.

USABILITY

It may be tiny and the instructions pretty vague, but getting up and running won’t take long. There is no MIDI sync, but it does have a sync line-in that works with others in the Pocket Operator series and apps like Korg’s SyncKontrol so there’s no reason you couldn’t use this in a serious production sense. It runs on AAA batteries and promises a 1 month battery life.

CONSTRUCTION

Despite it’s fragile haphazard appearance, the PO-20 is surprisingly very sturdy, with all sensitive circuitry hidden under the LCD screen.

OVERALL

A brilliant little bit of kit. Even the little arcade inspired animations are super cute. It’s truly mind boggling how much functionality can be squeezed out of something so tiny. Perfect for jamming with on-stage, while road tripping, sitting on the couch or in the studio.

MJC IRONWORKS BASS STRINGS

DISTRIBUTED BY: Seltaeb Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: Special introductory prices starting at $27.71

RECOMMENDED FOR: Bass players who are sick of their strings falling foul of metal fatigue, rust and the stresses of time.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

A relatively new name in the string game, MJC Ironworks come across as master-craftsmen in an industry dominated by megalithic manufacturers that have been at it for years. Primarily operating in the heavy gauge world of bass strings, they take the black art of string winding very seriously and offer a plethora of sets that purport to stand the test of time.

USABILITY

There are two schools of thought where string manufacture is concerned; those who wind around circular core wire versus those who prefer the hexagonal cross-section. The basic difference, for bass players at least, is how stiff the strings are when tuned to pitch. MJC Ironworks opt for hex cores, who’s characteristic is relaxed tension resulting in easier playability and greater dynamic range.

CONSTRUCTION

Each and every MJC Ironworks string is wound under a watchful human eye, ensuring consistently high quality. Cores are strung up under the most balanced tension in order to ensure uniformity and they all come housed in a stylish tin package guarded by patented RN Protect technology that acts as an electrochemical umbrella shielding your strings from the elements and the ravages of time.

OVERALL

Built to stand the test of time and the elements, these are strings for the most discerning bass player. Someone who likes to know that care and attention to detail are behind every vibration in every note they are playing.

WALL-AXE GUITAR HANGER

DISTRIBUTED BY: Seltaeb Music

EXPECT TO PAY: $59.95

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone from the space conscious housemate to the most ambitious collector/interior designer.

SOUND/VERSATILITY

Anyone who has ever walked into a guitar store will recognise the basic function of the Wall-Axe Soloist, however this particular design takes an achingly simple concept and runs a mile with it. Not only will it hang even your heftiest rock box from any wall in your studio or home, it also provides ample allotments for capos, straps and many other essential accessories.

USABILITY

It seems the creators of the Wall-Axe Soloist have made a comprehensive list of every single accessory today’s guitarists could want or need and given it a home. Picks slot into the main wall plate, pegs offer a place to hang capos, clip-on tuners, straps and leads and slides slot neatly onto the end of the forked headstock rest with the greatest of ease.

CONSTRUCTION

Sturdy oak shimmers with high gloss poly varnish and high-grade steel and rubber to ensure that the Wall-Axe Soloist is not only practical and functional but a stylish addition to your studio wall.

OVERALL

The perfect gift for the guitarist who has, and has a habit of misplacing… just about everything.

IK MULTIMEDIA IRIG HD2

EXPECT TO PAY: $229.99

DISTRIBUTED BY: Sound and Music

RECOMMENDED FOR: For any guitarist looking to get great tones for practice at home, at rehearsals or anywhere on the go. This is an ideal addition to any guitar setup whether you are a beginner or seasoned professional.

SOUND AND VERSATILITY

The iRig HD2 offers an excellent range of amp and pedal simulations all powered by your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The pedals are good enough to use in front of any boutique amp and get great results.

USABILITY

With the addition of an amplifier output to compliment the headphone out, this device can now be used for more than bedroom practice and can be taken to the rehearsal room or even the stage if you so wished.

CONSTRUCTION

A solid little device. It fits in your pocket, or can be mounted to a microphone stand with the clip and velcro strap. The inputs and outputs seem sturdy enough too.

OVERALL

This is the combination of several previous iRig devices, with the best bits of each thrown into one compact unit. If you haven’t gone to the iRig yet, now is certainly the time to try.

LINE 6 RELAY G10 WIRELESS GUITAR SYSTEM

DISTRIBUTED BY: Yamaha Music Australia

EXPECT TO PAY: $399.99

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any small company or band wanting to use an effective and simple wireless system.
SOUND/VERSATILITY

Being a Yamaha product you know the sound is reliably accurate and the transmitter can send a signal up to 50 feet away, so this is a very useful system.
USABILITY

Of all of their Relay wireless systems, this is the simplest to use, as it is cable and battery free. Featuring a transmitter and receiver, the G10 only needs to be plugged in at the mains with a lead connected from the receiver to wherever you want to send it to. This minimal ‘plug and play’ setup equals a very user friendly system.
CONSTRUCTION

Gone is the need for a big pack that clips onto your belt or strap with the G10. At around 8cms
 in length and just over 2cms at its widest point, the transmitter is very portable. It charges when docked into the receiver, and has a clear LED indicator to show its charge status. The jack end also has a clever notch that engages operation only when the lead is completely plugged in. This eliminates the need for an on/off switch, saving
on accidentally leaving it in operating mode. The receiver has a 1⁄4” unbalanced and 
XLR balanced output, giving you options for running to pedalboards, amps, PA systems, mixers, audio interfaces and plenty more. Power is via a compact Micro USB slot, which works two fold; it also works as just a normal USB connection for plugging into a computer if needed for firmware updates and the like.
OVERALL

The features of the G10 added with the ease of use and affordability, this unit means that wireless rigs are no longer solely the realm of large touring companies.