I Heart Guitar

REVIEW: Ibanez RGIR28FE Iron Label 8-string

Peter Hodgson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:42:27 +0000

Ibanez was at the forefront of 7-string guitar development when they launched the Universe more than 20 years ago, and they’ve continued to innovate in extended-range instruments at all price points, from inexpensive GIO 7-strings to J.Custom 8-strings. The Iron Label series of 6, 7 and 8-string guitars includes RG and S models all of which are designed specifically for metal players, yet the styling is clean and neat enough to appeal to, if not every player, then certainly a wide cross-section of the guitar community.

On paper, the RGIR28FE 8-string (I bought mine from Ibanez Guitar Centre) reads pretty similarly to much of the RG line: super-thin neck (in this case a five-piece Maple, Walnut Nitro Wizard-8 profile), Basswood body, Maple neck, Rosewood fretboard and Jumbo frets. It features a chunky Gibraltar Standard-8 bridge with through-body stringing (and when you flip the guitar, you’ll see that the ferrules for the lowest two strings are staggered progressively further back than the rest in order to more easily accommodate proper intonation); a three-way pickup selector switch for the pair of EMG 808 active pickups; and a kill switch for manual stutter effects or just for bringing between-song noise to a quick end. The body is elegantly bound in white, and the four-per-side headstock follows a similar outline to the venerable Iceman headstock, which is a perfect fit for this style, if you ask me. The truss rod cover is one of Ibanez’s newer designs: simply use the edge of a pick to slide the hinged cover out of the way instead of having to deal with screwdrivers awkwardly poised between strings. And the neck joint is, of course, Ibanez’s famous All Access Neck Joint, which provides unfettered access to the highest frets.

The neck feels very stable – and so it should, thanks to the addition of KTS Titanium rods – and the playing surface is very finger-friendly, especially for those who prefer modern shredder guitars rather than vintage-vibed ones. The fretboard radius is a flat-feeling 400mm (15.75″) and the scale length is 27″. The string gauges are 009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042, .054 and .065, and the guitar leaves the factory tuned down a half-step from standard: low to high F, A#, D#, G#, C#, F#, A#, D#. Me, I tuned it up to standard, F#, B, E, A, D, G, B, E.

The Iron Label series sits below the Premium series in Ibanez’s Indonesian-made line. As such it doesn’t have the same level of finesse applied to the fret ends, but truth be told, the fretwork here is easily on a par with my beloved 90s Fujigen-made RGs, and noticeably better than my Japanese 2007 RG550MXX Roadflare Red 20th Anniversary model. Sure, it wouldn’t hurt to take it to a trusted tech for a little fretwork overhaul at some point, but there’s no cheese-grater effect here. The only workmanship issues I can see are a few little rough edges in the binding (but even these are less obvious than the binding blemishes on my UV777BK) and a bit of clearcoat overrun on the edges of the headstock.

So how’s it sound? Well, if you’re familiar with EMGs you’ll know that they sound great no matter what guitar you put them in: they always sound very ‘EMG.’ This is perfect for modern metal and Metallica-style thrash, and you probably already know by now if you’re an EMG fan or not. In this case the two pickups are identical to each other, rather than being individual neck and bridge versions, and it’s interesting to compare the two positions and to note the similarities and differences. In the bridge position the 808 sounds fat and compressed, with that famous grainy EMG high-end and smooth spongey quality which helps to even out the dynamics of palm-muted riffs, and makes for great multi-tracking. Power chords sound thick and full, and single notes have plenty of body and harmonic richness as you travel up the neck. As far as the lowest string speaking clearly, I had no problems when using amp sim software but I found that through my Marshall I had to stick to single notes rather than power chords when riffing out on that string. Your mileage may vary depending on what amp you use. I did find that chords played on the middle strings around the region between the 7th and 12th frets with a bass note on the low F# sounded pretty damn good.

In the neck position, the 808 has more of a singing quality, or perhaps a little flute-like. There’s almost an ‘Ooo’ vowel sound present in sustained notes on the high B and E strings from the 9th fret onwards, and as with the bridge position, the neck pickup sounds quite full and bold on the higher frets, rather than becoming thin and piercing like some pickups can. The killswitch is a cool idea that will be great for some players, but personally I’d prefer a tone control there – surely I’m not the only guy in metal who likes to use one to get some of that honky, almost-like-feedback lead sound?

The clean tones are great for modern metal – that is, rather ‘hi fi’ – and if you’re a fan of super-clean intros, maybe with a little chorus, delay and reverb, these will do the trick very nicely. You’re not going to find old-school classic rock tones or gritty semi-cleans here, but that’s not the aim of either the EMG 808 specifically nor the Iron Label series in general. For the guitar’s stated goal, these pickups do the job very well. Personally, I’ve swapped them out for a Seymour Duncan Pegasus (bridge) and Sentient (neck) with coil splitting just because I’m more of a passive-pickup guy, but I’ve held onto the EMGs in case I need that sound for a specific recording.

Ibanez’s Iron Label series is geared towards heavy metal. This much is obvious just from the most cursory glance at the spec sheet. And this 8-string model in particular would seem purpose-built for aggressive, heady, deep metal. But as I’ve already discovered, it’s capable of more than that. Much more. Do you ever feel frustrated that after a certain point the notes on the guitar just …run out? I know I do. So don’t think of this Iron Label 8-string as a low string with a bunch of superfluous high strings. Think of it as a six-string guitar without the limitations of a six-string guitar. Or, even better, think of it as its own instrument that presents no real inhibitions aside from maybe asking that you warm up your fretting hand a bit more than usual before trying to make those big stretches.

Jackson Unveils Summer 2013 Models

Peter Hodgson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:20:20 +0000

Seven and eight string guitars aren’t going anywhere, by the looks of things. Sure, there’s a bit of resistance from the traditionalists (and here’s how to respond to people who say ‘Seven strings? I have enough trouble with six!) but guitarists have been tuning down for decades now and I like the idea of music dictating the development of the instrument, rather than being restrained by it. So while there’ll always be a place in my heart and guitar rack for six-stringers, I’m glad that companies like Jackson are as serious about their extended-range offerings as the players are who are using them. Jackson is releasing three new models for the summer season, and all of them have an upped string count. Here’s the press release:

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (June 18, 2013) – Jackson is pleased to present three new models for this summer season. With new and improved features to the JS Series on the revered Dinky™ body shape, each addition comes as an alluring addition to the prominent Jackson line-up.

The JS22-7 Dinky seven-string model includes an arch-top basswood body, bolt-on maple neck, 16″-radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and “piranha” inlays, 26.5″ scale length, dual high-output Jackson humbucking pickups, single volume and tone controls, direct-mount hard-tail bridge and die-cast tuners.

The JS32-7Q seven-string model includes an arch-top basswood body with a dazzling quilt maple top, bolt-on maple neck, 16″-radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and “piranha” inlays, 26.5″ scale length, stylish fingerboard and headstock binding, dual high-output Jackson seven-string humbucking pickups, single volume and tone controls, direct-mount Jackson HT-7 hard-tail bridge and die-cast tuners.

The JS32-8Q eight-string model features an ?arch-top basswood body with a lustrous quilt maple top, bolt-on maple neck, 12 to 16″ compound radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and “piranha” inlays, 26.5″ scale length, stylish fingerboard and headstock binding, dual high-output Jackson eight-string humbucking pickups, single volume and tone controls, direct-mount Jackson HT-8 hard-tail bridge and die-cast tuners.

For more information, go to www.jacksonguitars.com.

Stream The New Queensryche Album Now!

Peter Hodgson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:12:09 +0000

Whoa! With week left until its release, Queensryche (that’s the version featuring the mighty Michael Wilton, Scott Rockenfield, Eddie Jackson, Parker Lundgren and new vocalist Todd La Torre), have put their new self-titled album up online for all to crank. And it’s killer. I especially like In This Light: with all the talk of how heavy this album was going to be, I was hoping they’d still find room for more melodic stuff. And they have! This album feels like a very, very good start indeed for this new era of Queensryche as a recording entity (they’ve already proven themselves on the stage) and I hope they make it down here to Oz on tour some time soon. You can listen on the band’s site here.

Win A YouRock MIDI Guitar

Peter Hodgson — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:20:04 +0000

Hey! Here’s something cool. Making Music Magazine is holding a sweepstakes for someone to win a YouRock MIDI Guitar. The MIDI Guitar is a really innovative instrument that plays just like any other guitar, but without the strings and tuning pegs. You can plug it into your computer and take lessons, play games and even add percussion to your guitar playing, plus it has countless settings. And you can see my review of it here, including a sound clip of me using one to pull off some cool sitar-sounding stuff. But more importantly, you can enter to win one here! It’s a great tool for the home recordist, especially those of us who kinda suck at playing keyboards (that would be me) but still want to add some keys to their tracks without manually drawing them into the MIDI edit window.

TC Electronic Announces Steve Vai TonePrint

Peter Hodgson — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:53:16 +0000

Risskov, Denmark, June 11th 2013 – TC Electronic is excited to announce one of the biggest names on the TonePrint artist roster yet – Steve Vai! The creative genius has contributed a TonePrint for Hall Of Fame Reverb entitled Ocean Machine. This TonePrint is available immediately and free of charge through www.tcelectronic.com/steve-vai or through the free TonePrint app for iOS and Android phones. Steve Vai’s signature Ocean Machine reverb is a very natural sounding reverb, with a bit of chorus and Steve’s artistically precise parameter and EQ settings. Both introspective and flowing, Ocean Machine truly lives up to its name.

As an added bonus, TC Electronic will be giving away a Hall Of Fame Reverb signed by Steve. Entry is simple and straightforward – just click ‘like’ on the TC Electronic Facebook page at www.facebook.com/tcelectronic. Competition ends July 2nd.

Tore Mogensen, Business Manager for Guitar at TC Electronic adds: “To put it simply: I think it’s totally awesome Steve Vai has done TonePrints. He’s worshipped by guitarists far and wide– plus I’ve been a fan since forever, so meeting him was definitely a perk. Also, I think Ocean Machine turned out great and has a wide range of applications. A must try!”

Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane Comes To DVD, Blu-ray

Peter Hodgson — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:46:34 +0000

PRESS RELEASE: Eagle Rock Entertainment releases The Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane on DVD and Blu-ray. Crossfire Hurricane is the kaleidoscopic new film that documents the key periods of the Rolling Stones’ career and their incredible journey. Directed by Brett Morgen, Crossfire Hurricane provides a remarkable new perspective on the Stones’ unparalleled journey from blues-obsessed teenagers in the early 60’s to rock royalty. It’s all here in panoramic candor, from the Marquee Club to Hyde Park, from Altamont to Exile, from club gigs to stadium extravaganzas.

With never-before-seen footage and fresh insights from the band themselves, the film will delight, shock and amaze longtime devotees, as well as a new generation of fans, with its uniquely immersive style and tone. Crossfire Hurricane places the viewer right on the frontline of the band’s most legendary escapades.

As befits the first rock band to reach the 50-year milestone with their global stature now greater than ever, the film combines extensive historical footage, much of it widely unseen, with contemporary commentaries by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts,Ronnie Wood and former Stones Bill Wyman and Mick Taylor. Period interviews, extensive live performance material and news archives give the production a truly kinetic aura and no-holds-barred approach.

Bonus features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include previously unreleased concert footage - “Live in Germany ‘65”, NME Poll Winners concert footage from 1964 and 1965, a new interview with director Brett Morgen, “The Sound and Music of Crossfire Hurricane”, footage from The Arthur Haynes Show (1964), and the theatrical trailer

Crossfire Hurricane received its worldwide premiere at the London Film Festival in October, where Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood all hit the red carpet to the delight of fans and media from all around the world. The film received a similar premiere in the U.S. the following month, hosted by HBO at the Ziegfeld Theatre.

Asked in a formative interview in the film what it is that sets them apart from other groups, Jagger says with quiet understatement: “A chemical reaction seems to have happened.” Keith Richards added, “You can’t really stop the Rolling Stones, you know when that sort of avalanche is facing you, you just get out of the way.” It’s been happening ever since, and the life and times of the Rolling Stoneshave never been as electrifyingly portrayed as they are in Crossfire Hurricane.

Listen To The New Black Sabbath Album Now!

Peter Hodgson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 04:30:59 +0000

Head over to the Black Sabbath artist page on iTunes to stream the 8-track regular version of their new album 13 right now! It’s incredible – lots of great guitar playing, killer Geezer Butler riffage, and Ozzy is in fine form. It’s a very dark album – y’know how Sabbath Bloody Sabbath kinda sounded like ‘Yay! We’re young and we have drugs and groupies and everything’s going to be awesome forever!’? Well this one is kind of like ‘Oh… we’re old now and we know what comes next…’ So it’s a bit of a downer. But in a good way. If you can’t be bothered wading through iTunes, go here then click View In iTunes to go straight there. 13 is out on June 11, and you can order 13 [Deluxe Edition] from Amazon and other retailers – it has three extra songs.

IK Multimedia Releases AmpliTube 3.0 for iOS

Peter Hodgson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:10:54 +0000

Aaah, IK Multimedia. They just keep getting better and better. The first desktop AmpliTube was pretty darn impressive for the time (three amp models!?!) but then they released AmpliTube 2 and it really kicked ass. Then they released AmpliTube 3 and it really, really kicked ass. And similarly for their iOS offerings. The new version of AmpliTube adds a complete multi-track studio as well as new gear models, really unlocking the power of the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. Here’s the press release:

IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube 3.0 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch

The complete mobile guitar studio adds timeline audio editing and new models

May 30, 2013 – IK Multimedia, a leader in mobile music-creation apps and accessories, is proud to announce the new version of the highly acclaimed AmpliTube® App, which now adds a complete multi-track Studio with timeline audio editing and new gear models, making it the most comprehensive guitar and audio production app available. Now users can play, practise, compose and record complete songs from start to finish, anywhere inspiration strikes, on their iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

The new release of AmpliTube completely changes the game for mobile music production and offers everything musicians need to quickly and easily record complete songs: a full guitar/bass rig; a multi-track recorder with effects; a new timeline audio editing suite for arranging, editing, mixing and mastering; a built-in programmable drummer; professional export features for sharing creations with the world; and the possibility to work simultaneously with other audio apps.

When used with the IK Multimedia iRig® line of guitar interfaces (like the new high-quality iRig HD, iRig STOMP or the iRig adapter), microphone products (like iRig MIC or iRig PRE) AmpliTube 3.0 provides an all-in-one solution with unmatched sound quality, guitar tone, recording flexibility and ease of use for the professional mobile musician.

The New AmpliTube Studio – Timeline Audio Editing Suite

The newest feature in AmpliTube 3.0 is the Studio, where users will see their audio tracks on a timeline with a waveform display, much like they are used to on their DAW (digital audio workstation) software on their computer. Audio regions can be manipulated with a full set of commands and controls: cut, copy, paste, delete, normalize, split (at playhead), create fades and crop clips.

Clips can easily be moved and adjusted with a simple gesture for precise alignment with other clips, and a grid feature provides “snapping” of regions to the timeline for easy positioning. Recording into a track is as simple as touching it, arming it and hitting record. AmpliTube Studio makes recording, arranging, editing and perfecting a complete song from start to finish a breeze, and once again revolutionizes the way musicians create on the go.

The new Studio is an extension of the AmpliTube recorder,which starts as a single-track recorder, and can be expanded to 4-track (iPhone/iPod touch) or 8-track (iPad) putting a full multi-track recorder with mastering effects the fingertips of the user. The multi-track recorder has features rivalling even the most sophisticated studio setups, like effects send and master multi-effects, which can add that professional feel to any recording. The recorder with the new Studio section is designed to allow players to quickly and easily get their musical ideas recorded, polished and ready for prime time.

A Complete Guitar Rig with New Gear

At its core, AmpliTube continues to be all about outstanding guitar and bass tone, and offers a full guitar/bass rig including tuner; selectable stomp box effects; amplifiers from the world’s top amp manufacturers like Fender®, Ampeg®, and Soldano®; collections from artists like Jimi Hendrix™, Slash and others; plus selectable speaker cabinets and microphones.

Exclusively for iRig HD users, AmpliTube 3.0 now also offers four new free gear models that address the tone needs of the most demanding metal and rock players – the Metal 150 and Metal W amps, and the X-Flanger and Wharmonator “Whammy” pedals. Never before has such a massive and comprehensive collection of tone machines been offered to mobile guitarists, right at their fingertips.

A Drummer Always in the Pocket

With AmpliTube’s built-in Loop Drummer, players will always have a professional drummer with them. Loop Drummer features complete groove “building blocks,” including intros, fills, main and alternate rhythms, and outros. It’s extremely flexible and easy to use, and covers virtually every style of music. Start with the free Rock style installed, and add more genre packs via in-app purchase, covering most musical styles, including Metal, Funky, Blues, and many others.

The Perfect Rehearsal Tool

AmpliTube also features a robust Song section that allows you to load pre-recorded material into it, change the tempo if desired, and practise along. This is a great tool for learning new material, or simply creating new riffs over existing material by using the “No Voice” centre-cancel button that mutes audio panned to the centre of the stereo field.

Supports Other Favorite Mobile Music Apps

AmpliTube is also Audiobus compatible, which means that it can be used simultaneously with up to 4 other compatible audio apps. Players can use other IK apps like SampleTank®, iLectric™ Piano or iGrand™ Piano; record material directly into the AmpliTube recorder or studio section; or use the AmpliTube signal chain as a tone generator, effects processor or recorder for other apps like GarageBand.

Price and Availability

AmpliTube 3.0 is a free update for all previous users and it’s available now on the App Store^SM both as a free or paid app for iPhone/iPod touch or iPad for only $19.99/€17.99 for new users. The new Studio feature is available as in-app purchase for $9.99/€8.99 on iPhone and iPod touch and $14.99/€13.99 on iPad for users who have already purchased the multi-track recorder, or at a special bundle price that also includes the multi-track recorder for new users.

The four new gear models are exclusively available to iRig HD interface users, by simply connecting the interface to the app.

For more information:

www.amplitube.com/studio

www.irighd.com

Line 6 Announces Sonic Port

Peter Hodgson — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:00:42 +0000

It’s been very interesting watching the evolution of iOS audio interfaces over the years. The first few were very primative and they didn’t sound so great. The next generation was, of course, better. But now everyone’s really stepping up, and it’s no longer a matter of ‘Listen! We can get your guitar into an iPad!’ It’s ‘Listen! We can get studio-quality sound out of an iPad!’ Line 6′s Sonic Port is their latest interface, building on the success of the rather neat Mobile In but taking it all much further and featuring integration with the Jammit app. Here’s the press release:

Line 6 Sonic Port Transforms iPod touch, iPhone and iPad into Studio-Quality Guitar System

Guitarists can experience unsurpassed audio quality and legendary Line 6 guitar tones while making music with iOS devices

CALABASAS, Calif.—June 3, 2013—Line 6, Inc., leading manufacturer of innovative solutions for musicians, today announced the new Sonic Port™ guitar system for iPod touch®, iPhone® and iPad®. Building on the success of the popular Line 6® Mobile In™ digital interface, the Sonic Port system delivers pristine audio quality, legendary Line 6 guitar tones and all the inputs and outputs needed to transform a mobile device into a studio-quality music creation system.

“Sonic Port provides an easy way for guitarists to make studio-quality music on their iOS devices,” said Max Gutnik, Vice President of Product Management, Line 6. “Customers can pair it with CoreAudio apps to record, practice, perform and more. For example, the free Line 6 Mobile POD app lets guitarists dial in their favorite artists’ tones in an instant, while the Jammit app is perfect for practicing. All in all, Sonic Port brings amazing audio quality and a great music-making experience to iOS devices.”

Sonic Port is a sleek, highly compact digital audio interface that connects to an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad 30-pin or Lightning connector, enabling guitar players to jam and record using CoreAudio music apps such as GarageBand®, and gain access to the acclaimed Line 6 Mobile POD® app. Unlike other devices that connect to the analog headphone jack of an iOS device, Sonic Port features an all-digital signal path resulting in best-in-class sound quality. With 110dB of guitar dynamic range and up to 24-bit/48kHz audio quality throughout, Sonic Port allows musicians to get the most from CoreAudio music apps.

For forward-thinking musicians who want to use an iPod touch, iPhone or iPad as the centerpiece of a mobile studio or as a performance tool, Sonic Port provides a variety of inputs and outputs for connecting instruments and outboard gear. A 1/4″ input makes it easy to connect guitars and basses, while keyboards, mixers, CD players and other iOS devices can be connected via the 1/8” stereo input. For monitoring, users can simply plug in their headphones or powered studio monitors and enjoy unparalleled audio fidelity. Musicians can also connect to a guitar amplifier via the 1/4” guitar/line-level output.

The companion Mobile POD app (available as a free download from the App Store) opens the door to an incredible collection of highly prized vintage and modern guitar gear. The app includes 32 amps, 16 speaker cabinets and 16 effects—all of which can be fully adjusted, mixed and matched to create a virtually endless range of tones. Mobile POD includes over 10,000 tone presets created by artists, Line 6 and other guitar players—and guitarists can also store and instantly recall their own custom tones.

Thanks to a partnership between Line 6 and Jammit®, Sonic Port instantly integrates with the award-winning Jammit app, allowing guitarists to learn, jam and record along with original multi-track master recordings of their favorite songs. When used together, Sonic Port and Jammit form the ultimate jam-along experience. Each track can be isolated for closer scrutiny, looped for extended practice or slowed down to a comfortable pace for learning. When used with Line 6 interfaces, Jammit loads amp and effect sounds that are custom made for the song, automatically changing the sound when appropriate as the song plays.

Sonic Port includes a detachable 30-pin dock connector cable and a Lightning connector cable for direct connection to iPod touch, iPhone and iPad devices. Mobile POD is a free download from the App Store. Sonic Port is compatible compatible with iPod touch (4th and 5th generation), iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPad (3rd and 4th generation), iPad 2, iPad and iPad mini.

Sonic Port is expected to ship in June of 2013. Learn more about Sonic Port and Mobile POD at http://line6.com/sonicport.

GarageBand, iPod, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Jammit is a registered trademark of Jammit, Inc.

Learn Guitar With David Brent

Peter Hodgson — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:53:35 +0000

David Brent muses on the divide between dreams and reality, the nature of posession, and the vagabond spirit of travel – or something – in this guitar tutorial for the song Ooh La La posted below. David Brent is, of course, Ricky Gervais – or is Ricky Gervais really David Brent? Mind = blown. Anyway, if you want to subscribe for more Brent tutorials, go here: http://is.gd/RickyGervais. And you can follow Ricky on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/RickyGervais, and check out the official Ricky Gervais Website here: http://www.RickyGervais.com. I wonder if Brent would be up for doing an inteview about guitar… Anyway, here’s the video: