Author: Peter Hodgson

David Bowie’s ‘Stay ‘97’ hits streaming services on Friday

Posted on

DAVID BOWIE IS IT ANY WONDER? STREAMING EP OF UNRELEASED & RARE MATERIAL

’STAY ‘97’ (PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED) AVAILABLE FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY THE THIRD OF SIX TRACKS TO BE RELEASED OVER SIX WEEKS

Parlophone Records is proud to announce ’STAY ’97′ the third instalment of DAVID BOWIE’s IS IT ANY WONDER? EP of six unreleased and rare tracks being released once a week.

’STAY’ originally appeared on the ’Station To Station’ album in 1976 and was released as a single in North America and Japan in August of that year.

The previously unreleased 1997 re-recording of ‘STAY’ began at The Factory in the Dublin Docklands during the pre-Earthling tour rehearsals while David, Mark Plati and Reeves Gabrels were preparing the backing/sequencer tracks before the rest of the band arrived, and the rehearsals started in earnest.

David wanted to ‘update’ some of his live show staples so they would sit well sonically with the Outside/Earthling material. The recording was completed later, potentially for use as a ‘B-side’, and mixed at Right Track Recording studios, New York in May/June 1997.

’STAY ‘97’ is produced by David Bowie, co-produced by Reeves Gabrels and Mark Plati, and mixed by Mark Plati. The track features Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and vocals, Mike Garson on piano/keyboards, Mark Plati on programming/keyboards, Zachary Alford on drums and Reeves Gabrels on guitar/synths

DAVID BOWIE ’STAY ’97’ IS AVAILABLE TO STREAM FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY ON PARLOPHONE

Faith No More will play a benefit show for Australian bushfire recovery because they are beautiful angels.

Posted on

From Faith No More’s Facebook:

“Reading the news about what’s been happening in Australia has been heartbreaking, It’s hard to even comprehend the scale of damage; hopefully this small contribution on our part can make a difference somewhere.”

So all proceeds from their show at O2 Apollo in Manchester in June 9 will benefit relief funds WIRES and CFS Foundation.

Thank you, guys. ❤️

Sire introduces the Larry Carlton series

Posted on

Sire, who has an incredible series of Marcus Miller signature basses, just has teamed up with none other than the legendary Larry Carlton for a new series of guitars based on some established classics – ES-335, Les Paul and Stratocaster – but with their own unique twists. There isn’t much info yet other than US price and general release dates but here’s what we’ve got so far:

The new Larry Carlton Series, SIRE H7. Available this 2nd Quarter of 2020 for $699.

The new Larry Carlton Series, SIRE L7. Available this 2nd Quarter of 2020 for $599.

The new Larry Carlton Series, SIRE S7FM. Available this 2nd Quarter of 2020 for $699.

NAMM 2020: IK Multimedia Sunset Sound Studio Reverb

Posted on

Y’know the legendary reverb heard on Eddie Van Halen’s guitar tone from those classic albums recorded at Sunset Sound Studio in Los Angeles? Yeah, that sound can be yours now thanks to IK Multimedia, who have worked with studio owner Paul Camarata to capture those iconic sounds. Check it out!

The NAMM Show, January 17, 2020 – IK Multimedia presents Sunset Sound Studio Reverb, a new T-RackS® module processor that brings the reverbs and sounds of the studios in the iconic Sunset Sound recording facility in Los Angeles to musicians everywhere. Sunset Sound Studio Reverb is the first convolution reverb for IK‘s industry-standard T-RackS 5 mixing and mastering software workstation.

IK worked in collaboration with studio owner Paul Camarata to give recording engineers “all access” to the sound and vibe of the studios in this landmark facility, where a who’s who of music has recorded for 60 years, including the Doors, the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Prince, Aretha Franklin, Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and countless others.

Studio owner Paul Camarata notes, “For 60 years, the sound of our studios has been heard on hit records around the world. Now, we’re proud to be working with IK Multimedia to bring our famed sound to everyone’s recordings. Sunset Sound Studio Reverb really nails the essence of our distinct character.”

Each room of Sunset Sound’s three studios was recorded using its custom console and Sunset’s mic collection, to capture not just the acoustics but also the unique vibe of the space. IK recreated them using a powerful new dynamic convolution engine, and the result is a faithful studio quality reverb that offers the same iconic sound as countless hit records, complemented by an array of flexible control options for further tone shaping.

Abundant reverb
Users can select from among the various reverbs taken from the live echo chambers and each of the three studios found in the facility. The choices are:

  • Live room: Studio 1, Studio 2 or Studio 3
  • Iso Booth: Studio 1, Studio 2 or Studio 3
  • 3 Live echo chambers
  • 2 plate reverbs and 1 spring reverb

Control it all
An intuitive GUI provides a realistic experience, offering information and insights about each particular room, as well as additional controls to help users shape the sound to suit their tastes. Additional controls include:

  • Adjustable decay time and pre-delay
  • High-pass and low-pass filters
  • Low and high shelving EQs
  • Stereo image width
  • Wet/dry mix

and more.

Flexible use
Like all T-RackS modules, Sunset Sound Studio Reverb can be used as an individual plug-in within any recording software, or inside the T-RackS 5 shell for even faster workflow both as plug-in or stand-alone mastering software.

About T-RackS
T-RackS 5 is the latest version of IK‘s industry standard mixing and mastering software workstation that has been used on countless albums by top engineers for more than 20 years. This powerful modular system offers maximum versatility via 43 high-quality processors (EQs, limiters, compressors, etc) that can be used in parallel or series, in a variety of working environments. In total, T-RackS 5 offers everything needed to professionally treat and finalize audio from raw mixes to a perfect finished product. For even more professional results, each version of T-RackS 5 also offers free downloadable signature presets from some of the industry’s top engineers.

About Sunset Sound Recorders
Sunset Sound was opened in 1958 by Tutti Camarata, then director of recording for Disney Studios, and initially handled in-house work for Disney, recording movies like “Mary Poppins” and “101 Dalmatians.” In 1962, Sunset Sound opened to external clients, and soon expanded to a 3-studio complex, welcoming artists like The Doors, Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Prince and countless more. Now owned and operated by Paul Camarata, Tutti’s son, Sunset Sound continues to welcome world-class artists to its iconic rooms. All three original rooms remain in operation, and with their custom acoustics and consoles, fully equipped echo chambers and comprehensive mic lockers, Sunset Sound remains a dream destination for musicians.

Pricing and availability
Sunset Sound Studio Reverb for T-RackS 5 will be available in January 2020 from the IK Custom Shop, the IK Multimedia online storeand from IK authorized dealers worldwide for a special introductory price of €/$149.99* until March 31, 2020 (regular pricing will be €/$249.99).
* All prices excluding taxes

For more information about Sunset Sound Studio Reverb, please visit: www.t-racks.com/sunsetstudio

To see Sunset Sound Studio Reverb in action, visit: www.t-racks.com/sunsetstudio/video

To hear audio samples, visit: www.t-racks.com/sunsetstudio/audio

NAMM 2020: Steve Vai’s new Synergy Amps module is badass

Posted on

You may remember a few months ago I wrote about Steve Vai’s official move to Synergy Amps. Well the Steve Vai module was officially unveiled at the NAMM Show and yes of course it’s on the top of my gear wishlist for 2020 but until I can get my paws on one, here are some videos for ya! Needless to say, it sounds incredible. Keep an eye on Synergy Amps for more info soon.

 

NAMM 2020: New Charvel signature models

Posted on

CHARVEL® ANNOUNCES NEW SIGNATURE ARTIST MODELS FOR GOJIRA’S JOE DUPLANTIER, STEEL PANTHER’S SATCHEL AND MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST ANGEL VIVALDI

Scottsdale, Ariz. (January 15, 2020) – Charvel® is thrilled to expand its signature artist models with the all-new Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 2 HH E Mahogany featuring the Gojira frontman’s new signature DiMarzio® humbucking bridge pickup, as well as new colors for the Satchel Signature Pro-Mod DK and Angel Vivaldi Signature DK24-7 NOVA.

French avant-metal quartet Gojira has cemented itself as one of paramount metal acts of the new-millennium. Led by singer, vocalist and principal songwriter Joe Duplantier, the band has always dealt in extremes — uncovering light in darkness and finding beauty in heaviness while also searching to expand the sonic palette.

Designed with the latest in Charvel high performance, the Joe Duplantier Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 2 HH E Mahogany captures all of his preferred style and specs.

A raw beauty, the San Dimas body is crafted out of mahogany with a specially contoured heel for easy access to the upper reaches of the fingerboard. The graphite-reinforced bolt-on mahogany neck refuses to budge, despite heavy touring and dramatic climate changes. The heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel makes neck relief tweaks a breeze, while the oiled finish on the back of the neck provides smooth playability. Built for speed, the 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard has 22 jumbo frets with pearloid big block inlays.

A big fan of DiMarzio’s PAF® 36th Anniversary neck pickup, Duplantier sought something with a slightly more robust low end for his bridge pickup. The all-new Joe Duplantier signature DiMarzio® Fortitude™ humbucking bridge pickup completely responds to his needs — from crushing, heavy riffs to beautiful open soundscapes and everything in between. Combined with the PAF, these pickups deliver vintage tone with a twist.

Other features include three-way toggle pickup switching, knurled volume control knob in special placement slightly back from playing position, Charvel compound radius compensated bridge with anchored tailpiece and Charvel locking tuners.

Built to take a pounding while delivering pulverizing tone, this signature axe is also easy on the eyes with its Natural finish, chrome hardware, worn nickel pickup covers and licensed Fender® Telecaster® headstock.
___

Nobody puts the 1987 into today like Steel Panther guitarist Russ “Satchel” Parrish, and Charvel is excited to deliver a huge horns-up in the tiger-striped form of the Satchel Signature Pro-Mod DK in a wildly flamboyant Satin Purple Bengal finish.

Featuring sharper-radius top edges, the alder Dinky™ body is paired with a graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck capped with a Fender® Stratocaster® headstock with Charvel-branded die-cast tuners. Designed for comfortability and speed, the 12”-16” compound-radius maple fingerboard hosts 22 jumbo frets, offset dot inlays and a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.

Of special note are the two Fishman® Fluence® Classic humbucking pickups topped with black/purple bobbins, which share a single volume control knob with special push/pull dual voice activation. Using this control, the PRF-CHB neck pickup delivers ideal-but-elusive vintage PAF humbucking neck pickup tone with just the right dynamics and output (voice one), or a Fluence-exclusive neck tone with clear and airy chime, unreal high end, highly vocal midrange and tight lows (voice two). Similarly, the PRF-CHB bridge pickup delivers ideal vintage PAF humbucking tone calibrated for perfect output (voice one), or quintessential hot-rodded humbucking bridge tone without all the baggage (voice two).

Other features include a three-way toggle pickup switch, top-loaded Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system, Charvel neck plate and more.
___

Instrumentalist Angel Vivaldi’s otherworldly talent is captured in the Angel Vivaldi Signature DK24-7 NOVA — a 7-string axe that packs as much phenomenal force as the man playing it.

Available in a new Satin Black finish with gold hardware, Vivaldi’s signature axe delivers spectacular style with the modified Dinky™ basswood body with a sculpted shredder’s cut heel finished in classic Satin Black with gold hardware. The bolt-on maple neck—custom-shaped to Vivaldi’s preferences—has graphite reinforcement, silky-smooth satin finish on the back, Luminlay® side dots, heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel and tilt-back reverse 7-string licensed Fender® Stratocaster® headstock. Its 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard features comfortable rolled edges, 24 jumbo frets, cascading black dot inlays and Graph Tech® TUSQ® XL nut.

Unbelievably deep, full tones and rich harmonics come from an HH pickup configuration consisting of a DiMarzio® Tone Zone® bridge pickup and DiMarzio Air Norton™ neck pickup, both with gold bobbins.

Other premium modern features include a five-way blade pickup switch, dome-style knobs for the volume and tone controls, Gotoh® Custom 7-string 510 tremolo bridge, locking tuners, and more.

For more information on our new Charvel products, visit www.charvel.com. For additional product images, please visit the FMIC Newsroom at http://spotlight.fender.com/newsroom/archive.

NAMM 2020: EVH 50 watt 5150III 6L6 head and matching cab

Posted on

EVH® ANNOUNCES NEW 5150III® 50S 6L6 HEAD AND MATCHING 5150III® 50S 212ST CABINET

Scottsdale, Ariz. (January 16, 2020) – EVH® today announces the all-new 5150III® 50S 6L6 Head and 5150III® 50S 212ST Cabinet.

The EVH® 5150III® 50S 6L6 Head is the perfect amp for players who want Ed Van Halen’s touring tone, arena volume and performance in a compact package. Three channels of road-tested sound work for any playing style—crisp cleans, chunky overdrive, tight distortion and searing leads, while newly added independent dual-concentric controls allow for gain and volume level matching.

Tweaked to meet Ed’s touring requirements, this 50-watt head delivers a full-spectrum of tone. Channel one powers crystal-clear clean tone; channel two features increased gain for greater sustain and is re-voiced for improved low-mid frequency definition; channel three also has improved range for the “low” control and oozes with increased liquid gain. Channels one and two each have dual concentric gain/volume controls, with shared EQ (low, mid, high). Channel three has its own gain, volume and EQ (low, mid, high) controls. All three channels also have global presence and global resonance controls.

The 5150III 50S 6L6 Head is also loaded with seven JJ ECC83 preamp tubes, a pair of Shuguang 6L6 power tubes, switchable output impedance (4, 8 and 16 ohms) and an adjustable bias control.

Seductively dark in black textured vinyl with a dual black EVH striped steel grille front panel, the 50-watt stealth head also comes with vintage-style “chicken head” black control knobs, red lamp jewel, dual speaker output jacks, four-button footswitch, effects loop, direct out and molded plastic handle.

A high-quality fitted cover is available as an EVH accessory.
___

The EVH® 5150III® 50S 212ST Cabinet is the perfect companion to the new 5150III 50W 50S Head, with matching stealth black chrome EVH logo badges.

This 60-watt, 16 ohm front-loaded 2×12 straight cabinet features rock solid birch construction and a pair of 12” Signature Celestion® G12H Anniversary Series speakers.

Wrapped in Black textured vinyl with woven grille cloth, the 5150III 50S 212ST Cabinet comes with attached tilt-back legs, removable EVH pop-out casters and a head-mounting mechanism. A high-quality fitted cover is available as an EVH accessory.

NAMM 2020: Charvel Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 makes life worth living

Posted on

Not gonna lie, that natural-finished one at the bottom of the pic makes me feel funny in the pants.

CHARVEL® ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW PRO-MOD SO-CAL STYLE 2 MODELS, EXPANDS OFFERINGS FOR SO-CAL STYLE 1 AND SAN DIMAS® GUITARS

Scottsdale, Ariz. (January 16, 2020) – Charvel® is proud to announce the brand-new Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 models, as well as additional finishes and pickup offerings for Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 and Dimas® Style 1 guitars.

Charvel’s all-new ultimate in sonic sophistication and design virtuosity lies in the Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash and Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM—a stunning summit of modern Charvel vibe, power and performance.

With one of the most beloved and iconic body shapes as the starting block, Charvel’s innovative design team sculpted even more dramatic curves for enhanced ergonomic comfort. The So-Cal Style 2 body features a scalloped lower back bout and shredder’s cut heel for easier upper fret access and hours of grin-inducing playing-feel and performance.

A graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck offers rock-solid stability regardless of ravages of the road and climate, while a heel-mount truss rod adjustment thumbwheel makes for quick and easy neck relief tweaks. Engineered for effortlessly nimble and highly expressive playing, these So-Cal Style 2 models have a speed neck profile with hand-rubbed urethane finish on the back, and a 12”-16” compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets, pearloid dot inlays and Graph Tech® TUSQ® XL nut. Luminlay® side dots light the way across the fretboard, even on the darkest of stages.

These instruments are equipped with multi-voiced Fishman® Fluence® Open Core PRF-COC pickups for layered, dynamic tone. The bridge pickup delivers quintessential hot-rodded humbucking tone without all the baggage (voice one), or ideal vintage PAF humbucking tone calibrated for perfect output (voice two). Similarly, the neck pickup delivers a Fluence-exclusive tone with clear and airy chime, unbelievable high end, highly vocal midrange and tight lows (voice one), or an ideal-but-elusive vintage PAF tone with just the right dynamics and output (voice two).

A two-way mini toggle switches between these two voicings, while a tone control with push/pull activation bypasses the mini toggle to activate voice three, which outputs clear, vintage single-coil tone on the neck pickup or slightly overwound single-coil tone on the bridge. Throw in the three-way blade pickup switch and volume control knob and tonal possibilities are virtually endless.

The So-Cal Style 2 24 HH 2PT CM Ash features an ash body and is finished in either Black Ash with black pickguard and black hardware, or in Natural Ash with black pickguard and chrome hardware. These 2PT models are built with a Gotoh® Custom 510 tremolo bridge for smooth action and enhanced sustain.

The So-Cal Style 2 24 HH HT CM offers an alder body and is finished in either Satin Black with black pickguard and black hardware, or in Snow White with parchment pickguard and chrome hardware. These models feature a Charvel® HT6 string-through-body hardtail bridge with brass saddles, providing endless sustain with laser intonation.

For even more unique style, these sophisticated beauties are all capped off with a reverse licensed Fender® Telecaster® headstock.
___

The Charvel® Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR E and Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M pay homage to their 1980s Southern California roots, blending vintage-style appointments with the classic playability and innovative design elements that have made Charvel a legendary name.

More comfortable than an overstuffed armchair, the So-Cal body is sleekly sculpted out of alder and paired with a rock-solid bolt-on maple neck with a pair of graphite reinforcement rods to handle the ravages of the road and climate. Engineered for effortlessly nimble playing, the speed neck profile and 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard with 22 frets is perfect for all styles of play — from low end riffing to soaring leads with worry-free upper-register bends.

Hot-rodded for unparalleled performance and sound, these instruments host a high-output Seymour Duncan® Distortion TB-6 humbucking bridge pickup and a warm, fat Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N humbucking neck pickup. The volume control hides a push/pull coil split for even more highly useful tonal variations, ideal for everything from a biting lead sound to thick, chunky rhythm work. The no-load tone control operates like a standard tone control from positions one through nine, removing itself from the circuit at position ten for transparent sound that lets the full natural voice of the guitar shine through.

Other features include a Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system and a conveniently located heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.

Featuring an ebony fingerboard, the So-Cal Style 1 HH FR E comes in a fiery Satin Orange Blaze finish with black pickguard and black hardware. The So-Cal Style 1 HH FR M offers a maple fingerboard and is available in Vintage White with parchment pickguard and chrome hardware, as well as in Satin Burgundy Mist or Satin Shell Pink with white pickguard and chrome hardware.
___

Charvel also adds to its Pro-Mod San Dimas lineup with the all-new Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E Ash, as well as new finishes for the Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E and Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR M.

Wrapped in a striking Old Yella finish with black hardware, the all-new San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E Ash features an ash body coupled with a graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck. Perfect for faster tempos, the 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard hosts 22 jumbo frets and dot inlays. For regularly touring musicians, a heel-mount truss rod adjust thumbwheel is a must, allowing for quick and convenient neck relief tweaks.

This model features an HH pickup configuration consisting of a direct mount Seymour Duncan® Custom Full Shred™ SH-10B bridge pickup and direct mount Seymour Duncan Custom Alnico II™ Pro APH-1N neck pickup. Like all Pro-Mod San Dimas models, this axe features a volume control with a push/pull coil split and a no-load tone control. A Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system and Charvel-branded sealed die-cast tuners complete the package.

Featuring an ebony fingerboard, the Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E now includes a Gloss Black finish with black hardware, while the Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR M offers a maple fingerboard with a Shell Pink wrapping and chrome hardware.

Both models feature an alder body with a graphite-reinforced bolt-on maple neck, 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets and dot inlays, and a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.

These axes are loaded with high-output Seymour Duncan® JB and Seymour Duncan ‘59™ humbucking pickups directly mounted to the body, cranking out high octane rock ‘n’ roll tone with plenty of sweet overtones.

Other features include a volume control with a push/pull coil split, no-load tone control, three-way blade and Floyd Rose® 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system.

For more information on our new Charvel products, visit www.charvel.com. For additional product images, please visit the FMIC Newsroom at http://spotlight.fender.com/newsroom/archive.