Ibanez is now celebrating the 10th anniversary of the JEM series, created as an effort with Steve Vai. As part of this celebration, Ibanez is producing a special 10th anniversary model (JEM10TH, list price $2995.95). This model has a basswood neck and maple body, configured with three DiMarzio Evolution pickups. The pickguard is made of aluminum, and is engraved with the same floral/vine pattern that adorns most of the JEM series. There are matching aluminum covers on the pickups as well.
The model on display was the first JEM10TH to come off the lines. Here is a shot of the backside, revealing Vai's autograph. Another model in the JEM series is coming out as well, with a special burnt blue finish that Vai came up with.
In other Ibanez news, the Universe 7-string guitars, designed by Vai, are now going back into production and now appears as a regular model. (the additional string in the Universe line is a low B). Ibanez's signature series guitars has also expanded now, with a new John Petrucci model (JPM200P2, list price $1499.95).
The FX100 recreates a British tube preamp (such as a Marshall JCM900), and the FX101 models the more modern American tube amps.
The third DOD pedal due out is the FX12 TUNA. The TUNA is a chromatic tuner, and allows you to kill the output signal while you are tuning.
DOD is now getting into the amp market these days. There are three solid-state models in the works right now, the Grind IT, Juice IT, and Ice IT. As the names imply, some of the circuitry in the amps are based on DOD's pedals. The first is a 2 channel, 15 Watt that makes use of the FX100 and FX101 pedal designs. It also has a jam-along jack and headphone/line out. The Juice IT again makes use of the IT circuitry, and DOD's Juice Box pedal to add a tube driver. It is footswitch controllable with two channels, and pumps out 60 Watts through a 12 inch speaker. The third amp, the Ice IT is a stereo combo with two 8 inch speakers at 30 Watts. This amp incorporates the technology in the Ice Box pedal to give you a stereo chorus. No picture of these new pedals and new amps are available just yet. Expect see them arriving in stores in September.
In the recent trend of small, compact guitars for traveling, the new Traveler Guitar made its appearance at NAMM. It is a full length guitar with a truss rod, made with Maple or Mahogany (the picture on the right is of a display model to show the internal components - it is not a production model), and is made in the US. Overall, it is 28 inches long, 9 inches wide with the arm in place, only 2 inches thick, and checks in at a little under 7 pounds. The arm can be removed and fastened to the back of the guitar's body to produce a more compact shape. As another method to reduce physical size, the tuning pegs are actually located in the body, and the strings wrap around the bridge to the backside of the guitar. These are set into the body so that they don't interfere with playing. The Traveler is available with a single coil pickups, and an optional Fishman transducer. The guitar also has a built in stethoscope for private playing without any additional gear.
Traveler Guitar, 325 Alabama Suite 9, Redlands, CA 92373.
Sovtek Tube Midget: The Sovtek Tube Midget Combo is now available packaged in Oak wood body. This is a sneak preview of sorts - they won't be shipping until late October or November.
Deluxe Memory Man: Sovtek is also reissuing the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, which incorporates an echo, chorus, and vibrato all in one box. These should be available near the end of September.
Guitar Art: Here is a guitar featured at ESP Guitar's booth. The likeness of Michaelangelo's Creation has been carefully woodburned into the body.
ZOOM 505: Here's a shot of a ZOOM pedal set to be shipped in September. The 505 is a guitar multieffects processor in a pedal (5.7" x 6.1" x 1.8"). There are a total of 24 effects available, and up to 9 can be used at once. There are 8 analog distortions to choose from, and other effects include reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, doubler, compression, auto and pedal wahs, EQ, pitch shifting, and phase shifting. The 505 also packs in a tuner, amp simulator, expression pedal capability, and 24 user programs to store your own creations. A similar box, the 506, will be available for bass as well.
The Mini Twin: Would you like to have you own Fender Twin, but can't scrape up the cash? Here's one option for you. Little baby Twins. Here's a close-up, and a shot with some of the Fender's hot rod amps for perspective. They're so cute!
