GUILD D-125-12 STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR
RRP: $1299
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ZENITH MUSIC
RECCOMENDED FOR: Acoustic players that want to branch out into the world of 12-strings, and also established lovers of 12-strings
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Guild’s slogan is ‘made to be played’, and they do really operate by that motto. Their instruments explore popular guitar traits, and get the best out of them. This 12 string is no different. Some people find them to be a little off-putting and are a bit apprehensive about playing one, but they are actually remarkably simple to play and the sound you get from this one is something else.
USABILITY: It’s remarkably easy to play. The neck is particularly smooth, and the C shape sits well in the hand. It feels sturdy, as though it’s made to go with you for a long, long time.
CONSTRUCTION: This guitar features solid mahogany top, back and sides. The neck is also mahogany, with twenty frets leading up to the nut which is 47.6mm in width. It also features an Indian rosewood bridge and comes in a hard case.
OVERALL: I’m a real sucker for 12 string guitars, so it’s hard for me to find a fault with this one. Acoustic players that are looking out for a 12 string variant that will be a lifelong companion without breaking the bank would be doing themselves a serious favour checking one of these out.
AC10C1 GUTAIR AMP
RRP: $699
PRODUCT TYPE: GUITAR AMP
DISTRIBUTOR: VOX AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: The guitarist looking for a multi-purpose amp that’s portable, but loud enough for gigging. It generates more power than a practice amp, and its compact size and moveability make it a sensible option for the live setting where it can more than hold its own. Any guitarist that has experienced VOX’s renowned Top Boost sound, and is looking for even greater versatility, will be suited to this amp.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The classic Top Boost tone circuit provides a plethora of classic and modern tones. Intricate and precise tone shaping is delivered by the bass and treble EQ knobs, while the gain and master volume knobs can be altered to ensure there is enough headroom for multifaceted overdrive and crunch. There’s also studio-quality reverb on board that is expansive, without losing clarity. The single 1×10 inch Celestion VX10 speaker resonates both at low volume and when being cranked.
USABILITY: With gain, bass, treble, reverb and volume controls, using the AC10C1 is intuitive and will be straightforward for any guitarist looking to shape their tone and sound.
CONSTRUCTION: The combination of two 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 surging 10 watts of output power means there is enough firepower and depth to capture the clean ringing of brighter tones and solid overdrive. The rectangular housing, which leans closer to the AC15 Custom, provides extra length for more low-end tonality and greater volume projection.
OVERALL: This amp upholds the Top Boost personality of the iconic AC30 in a more compact and versatile package. Without losing too much power, the scope of sound that the AC10C1 provides makes it ideal a practice and gig amp, with the addition of reverb adding another string to your bow.
BLUERIDGE BR-40 SOLID TOP DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC
RRP: $799
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ZENITH MUSIC
RECCOMENDED FOR: Those looking to upgrade from their entry level acoustic to a genuine workhorse of a guitar that’s extremely playable and brilliantly voiced.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: This is your classic go to guitar. It’s the kind of acoustic that lends itself to a host of different genres and playing styles and feels great every time you pick it up.
USABILITY: This is a light guitar, but one that still resonates well. There’s a real Americana vibe to this one. It’s understated in its design, and quite easy to manoeuvre around for players of all calibres.
CONSTRUCTION: This guitar features solid sitka spurce top with scalloped braces, mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, Indian rosewoord fretboard and nicket plated 14:1 tuners. So you could say it’s built from the right stuff.
OVERALL: Blueridge guitars are very reasonably priced, especially considering how playable they are. This guitar makes as much sense to a seasoned veteran as it does to a novice.
DTX522K ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT
RRP: $1,299
PRODUCT TYPE: ELECTRONIC DRUM KIT
DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: This feature-packed electronic kit packs all that you need to develop advanced techniques and playing styles.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The new DTX502 drum trigger module offers twice the wave ROM and over 250 more sounds than its predecessor. New laser technology optimises the kit’s ability to analyse drum strokes, ensuring a greater natural feel and accuracy. Cymbal muting, natural cymbal swells and smoother snare drumrolls are all made possible by this kit.
USABILITY: A huge range of voices and the ability to utilise advanced techniques creates and fosters a natural drumming experience. Enhancing the playing experience is a drum training function, which works with you to improve rhythmic timing, pad accuracy and endurance.
CONSTRUCTION: The three-tom, threecymbal, snare and bass drum setup will meet the needs of a diverse range of drummers and drumming styles. There is also the option to use a hybrid kit, with the ability to connect your acoustic drum hardware, and expand the kit with four additional pads or triggers.
OVERALL: With added features such as the 3-zone cymbals and the DTX-PAD snare, both of which increase sound versatility for more realistic production, the DTX522K sits extremely close to the sound of an acoustic kit. A huge array of voices, practice components and playing options then ensure that using this electronic kit will only make you a better and more accomplished drummer.
M-AUDIO BX6 CARBON STUDIO MONITORS
RRP: $699.99 (pair)
PRODUCT TYPE: STUDIO MONITORS
DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP
RECOMMENDED FOR: When you want a budget studio monitor that delivers a clear sound but also has plenty of power behind it for high volume listening, these monitors should be worth a look in.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The 6” Kevlar low frequency driver in these speakers ensures you get plenty of low-frequency response form what are seemingly very compact units. These do sound more like a larger driver, but without having a false bottom end to them. They still sound relatively _ at, considering the size.
USABILITY: As a near field monitor in a home studio, these are going to be very easy to integrate into most existing setups. As they are not a large footprint, they will slide into a small space and operate well at low levels when you have to work within a close range.
CONSTRUCTION: All six sides of these boxes seem to have held together for the duration of the test. The rugged coating on the shell will take a few bumps and scratches, but it will show up your coffee stains if you aren’t too careful.
OVERALL: These are a neat pair of studio monitors for home use. They offer some room control with a fixed three-position switch to counter the rear ported bass response depending on their placement. Not bad for the asking price really.
M-AUDIO CODE 49 MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
RRP: $549.99
PRODUCT TYPE: USB KEYBOARD CONTROLLER
DISTRIBUTOR: PRO AUDIO GROUP
RECOMMENDED FOR: Home studio producers who want a lot of control in a slick package will be keen to get their hands on this. It is the ideal home MIDI control surface and keyboard in one.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The Code 49 offers so much control over your software. It works as a keyboard, a sample player, a transport system, a mixing device and an effects editor, allowing you to take control of all aspects of your DAW on this one device.
USABILITY: The centrally located controls above the keyboard have them right at your _ ngertips; however having the pitch and modulation wheels off to the side above the drum pads is a little annoying.
CONSTRUCTION: This looks and feels like a really nice piece of kit. It might be tough for some people to keep it clean, but it will hold together at least. Even the drum pads feel like they are ready to take some serious abuse.
OVERALL: I really like what this keyboard offers. Plenty of control and interaction with your DAW, so you can make the most of not only your Mix and Edit windows, but all your plug-ins and effects too.
NOVATION CIRCUIT GROOVE BOX
RRP: $629
PRODUCT TYPE: DRUM MACHINE/SYNTH/SEQUENCER
DISTRIBUTOR: INNOVATIVE MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: For anyone that wants to make music and have fun. Anyone who remembers the groove boxes of the late nineties will love this modern spin on that fun workflow.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: With the engines of essentially two MiniNovas under the hood paired with drums, there is so much you can get from Circuit. Applying filters and effects to your sounds within the sequence makes every new session a unique one.
USABILITY: With modern grid based sequencer controllers popping up everywhere these days, this is going to be very easy for people to get well acquainted with very quickly. The workflow is quite intuitive.
CONSTRUCTION: Solid pads, well mounted pots, firm responsive buttons and a non-slip rubber base all come together as part of a really solid build. The addition of a speaker on the underside and battery option means the Circuit can go anywhere.
OVERALL: This is going to change the way a lot of people make electronic music. One small device with a synth engine inside, it doesn’t require a computer to generate sounds, so you can work wherever you want.
GOLD TONE OB-250 BANJO
RRP: $2195
PRODUCT TYPE: BANJO
DISTRIBUTOR: GLADESVILLE GUITAR FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Bluegrass and country players who want a high-quality banjo, perhaps after slogging it out with an entrylevel instrument for a while.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: A very loud, richtoned instrument with great projection and a clear focus on the upper midrange. The mids aren’t overly honky and the treble isn’t too harsh. The bass is tight, and perhaps a little fuller than you might expect. Nice dynamic range too.
USABILITY:
It’s pretty damn heavy especially if you’re used to open-back banjos, but it’s all worth it when you hear it. The fretwork is really nice too, which helps to take some of the sting out of the weight.
CONSTRUCTION: Beautiful inlays and flame maple back, this banjo is made with very solid construction. You could whack someone over the head with this banjo and it would all be over for them. But don’t, because it’s a beautiful instrument to play, and this level of construction quality is meant to help it survive life on the road, not life on the run.
OVERALL: A fine quality banjo built to last, with a ‘this will last a lifetime’ feel and a ‘this will look good forever’ look to go with it.
GOLD TONE GM-50
RRP: $795
PRODUCT TYPE: MANDOLIN
DISTRIBUTOR: GLADESVILLE GUITAR FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: People who want to play mandolin?
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: A surprisingly loud little instrument – like, “how the hell does it get so loud?” loud – with incredible sustain. The tone is focused in the highs and high mids but there’s also a respectable level of low end which reinforces the projection of the highs.
USABILITY: Very easy to play with the sole exception of a slightly sharp nut which kind of hurts when playing chords right down low on the neck. Otherwise it’s a well-balanced instrument.
CONSTRUCTION: Nice fretwork, really beautiful wood selection and quality components. Solid top, curly maple back, and the bridge feet are sanded for a perfect fit with the arched top. Gold Tone levels, crowns and polishes the frets, oils the fingerboard, adjusts nut and bridge slots, and intonates the bridge before letting it out the door.
OVERALL: A great playing and sounding mandolin with slinky low action and incredible sound projection. It’s also beautiful to look at, and a lot of care has gone into the final setup, an important step which is often left to the store or distributor instead of the manufacturer.
PRS S2 CUSTOM 24
RRP: CONTACT FOR PRICING
PRODUCT TYPE: ELECTRIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists wanting that exceptional U.S made PRS Custom 24 build quality.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The S2 Custom 24 takes the original PRS guitar, the Custom 24, and re-imagines it with stripped-down features and a new aesthetic. Its versatility comes from its custom-wound pickups and 3-way blade switch. Familiar for PRS players of old, and a fresh take for players of all types.
USABILITY: A guitar should be comfortable and feel familiar from the moment you pick it up, and the neck is paramount to that connection. PRS S2 feature a 25” neck with scarf-joint construction and the Pattern Regular neck shape making it extremely comfortable to hold and play.
CONSTRUCTION: Retaining the classic maple top/mahogany back combination, with PRS’ classic body shape and a new asymmetrical bevelled top, this guitar is resonant with a funky familiarity.
OVERALL: PRS’s cost-cutting efforts are smart and thoughtful, resulting in no loss of tone quality. The S2 Custom 24 is everything that you would expect from PRS, with the quality living up to the expected PRS standards. Available in antique white, black, dark cherry sunburst, elephant grey, scarlet red, violin amber sunburst and whale blue, with a gig bag included.
PRS 30th ANNIVERSARY CORE CUSTOM 24
RRP: CONTACT FOR PRICING
PRODUCT TYPE: ELECTRIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: PRS enthusiasts looking to add a U.S made collectors item to their set.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Designed personally by Paul Reed Smith in conjunction with the new 58/15 pickups for PRS’s 30th Anniversary year, 85/15’s are uncovered pickups with remarkable clarity and extended high and low end perfect for more modern applications.
USABILITY: The 30th Anniversary Custom 24 is extremely mainstream in shape, a sloping shouldered ‘C’ that doesn’t feel big or small, just right, in the hand.
CONSTRUCTION: The 30th Anniversary Custom 24 is specially appointed with a unique inlay pattern and commemorative truss rod cover to celebrate 30 years of PRS Guitars and the Custom 24 model. In addition to the specifications that have remained unchanged on the Custom 24 since its inception, it also features the new 85/15 treble and bass pickups.
OVERALL: Celebrating the rich history of PRS Guitars, the 30th Anniversary Custom 24 is truly a guitar that reflects the high standards of PRS. It celebrates ingenuity, quality, and persistence. However, the price tag is a reflection of the quality.
PRS SE 245 Standard Electric Guitar
RRP: $999.00
PRODUCT TYPE: ELECTRIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Players looking for a classically voiced single-cutaway at a great price, the SE 245 is the answer.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Built in Indonesia, the SE Standard 245 has a classic voice that is eminently recordable and gigready. The all-mahogany body is reminiscent of Paul’s first pre-factory instruments and offers a warm, woody tone.
USABILITY: The 24.5” scale length makes this instrument instantly comfortable to players who prefer short-scale guitars. An added gig bag is also a convenient addition for transporting.
CONSTRUCTION: Classic PRS appointments include a set Wide Fat mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard with bird inlays, PRSDesigned stoptail bridge, tuners, and 245 humbuckers.
OVERALL: PRS models are hard to criticise, and this 245 is no exception. Available in black, platinum metallic, translucent blue, tobacco sunburst and vintage cherry, the PRS SE 245 Standard Electric Guitar plays just as well as it looks, and should be the next option for any feisty rock guitarist looking to add to their arsenal. This Indonesian made model is a good way to get into the PRS family.
PRS SE CUSTOM 24 7-STRING ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $1349.00
PRODUCT TYPE: ELECTRIC GUITAR
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: For players looking to cover new ground, the SE Custom 24 7-String offers the feel and tones you’ll need.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The SE Custom 24 7-String, PRS Guitars _ rst 7-string production instrument, takes familiar PRS aesthetics and playability to new sonic territory. Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or metal, this guitar provides extended lowend growl, increased chordal variance, and a greater ability to embellish standard chords.
USABILITY: The addition of a low-B string will help you explore new sonic territory whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or metal.
CONSTRUCTION: The SE 7-String features a bevelled maple top with _ ame maple veneer and mahogany back, a 24-fret, 25” scale length maple neck with rosewood fretboard and bird inlays. The electronics package pairs SE HFS and SE Vintage Bass pickups with a volume, push/pull tone, and 3-way blade switch.
OVERALL: The PRS SE Custom 24 7-String Electric is a breath of fresh air from the usual 6-string models. This model will be well suited to any rock guitarist looking to expand their tonal range. Available in black and black cherry, it also comes with a gig bag as an added bonus.
HAMMOND XK-1C PORTABLE ORGAN
RRP: $1895.00
PRODUCT TYPE: KEYBOARD/ ORGAN
DISTRIBUTOR: BERNIE’S MUSIC LAND
RECOMMENDED FOR: Organ players who don’t want a moving van with burly movers to transport their standard organ around.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The XK-1c uses the same Virtual Tonewheel ‘engine; as Hammond’s flagship B3-mkII Console Organ, with all the traditional elements, such as Hammond’s original chorus/vibrato and Touch-Response percussion.
USABILITY: The XK-1c features extensive customization capabilities, allowing the Organ to be tailored into replicating any Hammond/Leslie vintage, with all settings stored in each patch.
CONSTRUCTION: Weighing only 7kgs, this organ packs a lot of tone for its size. Juxtaposing a classic Hammond organ, this sleek, lightweight design ensures that this organ is tour-friendly.
OVERALL: The XK-1c is the real deal, not a clone or imitation, but a genuine Hammond Organ, worthy of the name and the legacy of nearly 80 years, packaged into a lightweight casing at your convenience.
HAMMOND LESLIE SPA-150
RRP: $1595
PRODUCT TYPE: SPEAKER
DISTRIBUTOR: BERNIES MUSIC LAND
RECOMMENDED FOR: Hammond owners who are looking to get the best possible sound out of their instrument. Also suitable for owners of other products of similar prestige, who are seeking to get the full breadth of full and warm sound.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: The Leslie speakers are designed specifically to be used with Hammonds, so are as compatible as humanly possible. Hammonds (like other organs) run the proverbial gamut of frequencies. Their high frequencies are characterful and rich, as are their low frequencies, unlike other instruments that have a shorter range of frequencies.
USABILITY: While they’re designed to cope with the incredible highs and lows of a Hammond organ without faltering, they are perfectly usable in a host of other applications. In fact because it’s capable of dealing with those frequencies, it’s an extremely dynamic unit that would perform well in just about any loud speaker situation.
CONSTRUCTION: Built in a sturdy and rigid housing, this speaker houses a 10” speaker with two 4” tweeters. It’s a fairly rudimentary construction, not dissimilar to other loudspeakers.
OVERALL: Those who take particular care in their instruments tend to take care in the speakers they use for said instruments. Typically, if someone has the inclination to purchase and play an instrument as beautiful as a Hammond, they’ll want to acquire a speaker that’s going to deliver the rich tone in all its glory. This is the go to speaker for the go to organ.
LEWITT DTP BEAT KIT PRO 7
RRP: $1749 – $2149
PRODUCT TYPE: DRUM MICROPHONE KIT
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those after a complete drum microphone solution, fitted with all the necessary clamps and mics contained within a durable case. Great for people setting up their own shows, or sound guys that are starting out and looking for an inexpensive, but reliable kit to take with them to work.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: In the last issue of Mixdown we explored the versatility and quality of Lewitt mics in some detail. These drum mics offer the same reliable quality that you can expect from the rest of the range, with an emphasis on consistent performance and innovation. USABILITY: This kit really contains everything you need to get yourself set up. This will be able to competently mic up your rudimentary drum set up with ease. The case it comes with is a huge plus too.
CONSTRUCTION: The frequency response on each of these mics is individually tailored the percussive traits of the drums they’re built for. Durable all-metal bodies and hardened steel mesh grills ensure that an errand stick or a particularly rambunctious, or (dare I say it, inebriated) drummer won’t put an end to their lives.
OVERALL: A good drum mic kit is necessary to get the best out of your drums in a live mix. Poor drum mixing will completely ruin the overall sound, so it’s good to have your own dependable kit that you know what you’re going to get with. This Lewitt kit ticks all the boxes. Ordinarily it retails at $1749, but it’s also available with additional cardiod capsules for the condenser mics for $2149.
AUDIOFLY AF180 IN EAR MONITORS
RRP: $549
PRODUCT TYPE: IN EAR MONITOR
DISTRIBUTOR: AUDIOFLY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Musicians who are seeking a premium in ear monitor. Something that’s going to give you top shelf, super-reliable accuracy while remaining comfortable and durable enough to go the distance.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Clarity and accuracy is the key strength of these guys. They’re fitted with four balanced armature drivers and designed to perform with the best in any environment. They really separate the mix and give you clarity.
USABILITY: These in-ears are well weighted and comfortable to wear. The assortment of noise isolating tips is a big plus too. They’re really designed to be a tool of the trade, and to perform in the live setting, which they will, again and again.
CONSTRUCTION: Like all Audio_ y products, these in-ears are resilient. They feel as though they could take a beating. The four balanced drivers are housed within a very rigid, but lightweight plastic housing, and the tough cordura fabric reinforced sheath is wrapped around the cable, ensuring it doesn’t twist, bend or crack.
OVERALL: A top shelf monitor that delivers. For the uncompromising musician who demands accuracy in their monitoring.
STANMORE MARSHALL BLUETOOTH STEREO SPEAKER SYSTEM
RRP: $649
PRODUCT TYPE: PORTABLE SPEAKER
DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the perfect Christmas gift for the guitarist who has everything, or a welcome addition to any ‘man-den’.
SOUND AND VERSATILITY: Surprising. That is what comes to mind. The rear ported design on this compact box delivers big bottom end, and there’s a crisp high frequency response. As well as Bluetooth, RCA and mini-jack connectors, there’s also an optical input for the best quality audio playback.
USABILITY: Incredibly simple with a volume, low & high controls, you simply need to select the sound source and you’re away. Bluetooth pairing is pretty easy too, so you can sit back and wirelessly choose your music with ease.
CONSTRUCTION: This speaker is a brick. Solidly constructed, like a real Marshal amp, but housing a stereo speaker system instead. The sturdy case allows for plenty of volume without rattles or vibrations too. I only wish there were a handle on top as I kept reaching for one, thinking it was a real Marshall amp.
OVERALL: This is just too cool. It goes down with the Marshall fridge in the “I want one” category. If you have a chance to listen to one, definitely do, it delivers a bigger sound than you would expect.