1. Reverend Pete Anderson + Ron Asheton signature models
Reverend Guitars have unveiled two brand new signature guitars for country session stalwart Pete Anderson and the late Ron Asheton, best known for his formidable guitar work with The Stooges. Both models are decked out with vibrant finishes, and feature all the specs we’ve come to expect from Reverend over the years.
Anderson’s signature model is based on a Gretsch-style hollowbody, and features a 24.75″ scale with Reverend’s Uni-Brace system to restrict unwanted feedback. It’s built with laminated maple for the backs and sides, while a laminated spruce top provides a clear, cutting tone. The Reverent PA-1 RB also features a three-piece korina neck with a 22 fret blackwood fretboard, and is loaded with twin 2020 Retroblast mini humbuckers, a Bigsby tremolo and Reverend’s killer bass contour control. This one’s also available in two slick finishes: Satin Emerald Green or Satin Mulberry Mist.
Next up, there’s the Reverend Ron Asheton Jetstream 390, honouring the late Stooges legend who supposedly used a Jetstream 390 on the band’s reunion tour in 2007. This tribute model doesn’t stray too far into adventurous territories, and for the most part, is a pretty stock standard Jetstream 390, other than the three lightning bolt decal on the upper horn and its warm Rock Orange finish. Expect nothing but raw power from this thing.
2. Electro-Harmonix 1440 Stereo Looper
New York’s Electro-Harmonix have debuted a powerful follow-up to their popular 720 Stereo Looper with the 1440 Stereo Looper. Doubling the recording time of the 720, the 1440 Looper offers a whopping 24 minutes of uncompressed 24-bit audio, which can be synced up to the tempo of an external MIDI device for live looping scenarios.
With controls for level, tempo, overdub and mode and two footswitches to control loop and stop, the EHX 1440 also offers unlimited overdubbing, reverse and octave speed effects, as well as a cool one shot function and adjustable fadeout times. It looks like it’d be a great pedal to use for Frippertronics-inspired infinite loops, and the fact that it’s accompanied with EHX’s Loop Manager App and USB functionality to organise your audio certainly makes it worth checking out.
3. Zoom V3 Vocal Processor
Following on from the success of the V6, Zoom have unleashed another tidy little vocal effects processor, the desktop V3 Vocal Processor, which can also double as an audio interface with 44.1 kHz / 16/24/32 bit recording quality. With 16 voice altering effects such as three-part harmonisers, vocoders, pitch correction, formant shifting and doubling, the V3 is perfect for experimental vocalists and those streamers, podcasters and content creators looking to get a bit whacky with their voice-overs.
On top of the inbuilt effects algorithms, the V3 also gives users access to reverb, delay and compression effects, as well as an EQ shaping enhance button to ‘automatically optimise the performance of any mic’. On the back of the unit, there’s an XLR microphone input with a preamp and phantom power, as well as two 1/4″ analogue audio outs, a headphone output, connectivity for a footswitch or expression pedal and a micro USB for power.
4. Godin Nylon Series
Canadian guitar manufacturing mainstays Godin have debuted a brand new range of nylon string guitars as a tribute to the heritage and quality of their La Patrie brand, which has been rebranded under the Godin name to combine the reverence of both companies. These new guitars are constructed from high-grade, lightweight tonewoods with select pressure-tested solid tops and slick mahogany necks, and can be purchased with or without electronics depending on your pricepoint and needs.
The new Nylon series is comprised of a wide range of body types and sizes to suit players of all kinds, with the series ranging from the entry-level Elude and Motif to the intermediate Concert and Concert CW models. Meanwhile, there’s also a range of Collection and Presentation models for those with a little bit more spend, while the Arena models aim to deliver the finest nylon string experience to have ever come from Godin. These guitars are all made in La Patrie, Quebec, and definitely look to be the real deal. Keep your eyes peeled for them in your local music store soon.
5. Sterling by Music Man Jared Dines Signature StingRay
YouTube guitar star Jared Dines has teamed up with the legends at Sterling by Music Man to envision a rather appealing and affordable new signature StingRay model. With a mahogany body, hard maple neck and fretboard with 24 frets, the Dines signature model also features a pair of hot-rodded custom humbuckers wired to a kill-switch for creative playing, as well as a concentric volume/tone knob and a three-way pickup toggle selector.
The Sterling Jared Dines is also fully decked out with gold coloured hardware to complement its black finish, and features a vintage style tremolo bride and locking tuners. This model is only available online, and given Dines’ popularity and the alluring design of this guitar, it’s probably bound to sell out in no time.
Check out last week’s picks for essential gear here. For all the latest news, reviews, features and giveaways, make sure to sign up to our mailing list.