"New miniature guitar setup has piqued my interest, potentially swaying me towards embracing wireless technology"
In the past week, the guitar world has been abuzz with new releases and exciting updates. Here's a roundup of some of the most significant developments that are reshaping the landscape of guitar gear.
Electric Guitars Take Centre Stage
Ibanez has unveiled its RGA Premium series, boasting lightweight basswood bodies adorned with exotic woods such as burlapoplar, maple, walnut, curly maple, and panga panga. These masterpieces come equipped with a bolt-on five-strip maple and walnut neck, ebony fingerboard, and two DiMarzio Fusion Edge humbuckers with a dyna-MIX10 switching system for an array of diverse tones. The RGA Premium series is available in 6- and 7-string versions, with options like Edge Tremolo and Cosmic Blue Burst finish [1].
PRS has reintroduced its Mark Holcomb Core Model, a signature 6-string guitar that has now been added to the Core range. This beauty flaunts an exotic mango top, Seymour Duncan pickups, and a Charcoal Wraparound Burst finish. The 25.5” scale maple neck and ebony fretboard with 20” radius ensure smooth playability, while the 5-way blade switch supports coil-splitting and drop tunings for versatile tones, making it ideal for progressive metal and technical playing [2].
Amp Modelers Evolve
Blackstar has entered the fray with its ID:X Modeling Amp, a next-generation modeling amp that competes with leading models like Boss Katana and Positive Grid. The ID:X Modeling Amp offers innovations such as In The Room technology for dynamic tone, CabRig IR functionality, and Infinite Shape feature alongside extensive connectivity, appealing to versatile players [3].
Acoustic Guitars Get a Makeover
Furch has launched the Pioneer, a short-scale acoustic guitar aiming to compete with the Martin LX1 and Taylor GS Mini. The Pioneer boasts a delightfully shaped body design and a no-nonsense build, making it an appealing choice for guitarists seeking a compact yet powerful acoustic instrument [4].
Innovative Accessories Abound
Ernie Ball has introduced Flex patch cables that glow in the dark, providing a unique touch to any setup. Meanwhile, Laney has launched the LFR-110, a 250W compact cab supporting Bluetooth connectivity and onboard cab simulation. The LFR-110 aims to set a new benchmark in FRFR performance [5].
Revolutionizing Wireless Performance
Fishman's AirLock Wireless GT promises to revolutionize wireless instrument performance, offering "true cable tone" functionality and a USB-C output for connecting to recording devices. This groundbreaking technology could be a game-changer for performers seeking wireless freedom without sacrificing tone quality [6].
Amp Innovations for One-Person Setups
HeadRush has launched the VX5, an amp modeling processor that could be an essential tool for performing singer-guitarists looking to diversify their one-person setup. The VX5 uses chords to generate harmonies, which could be a great way for lone wolf performers to bulk out their instrumentation without hiring a band [7].
New Speaker Cabs from Victory
Victory has launched a range of six speaker cabs, specifically tailored to its Duchess, Kraken, Jack, Sheriff, Copper, and Deputy heads. The Victory lunchbox cabs come with Celestion Seventy 80 speakers, Baltic birch frames, and Zintec steel cabinets, making them ultra-light, suitable for home studios and practice rooms [8].
Bad Cat's First Lunchbox Head
Bad Cat has launched its first-ever lunchbox head, the Ocelot, a revamped and redesigned version of the Rubicon first displayed at NAMM 2024. The Ocelot boasts four footswitchable modes that go from Clean to Scream, a built-in reactive load with DynIR speaker simulation, and full MIDI implementation, making it a versatile choice for guitarists [9].
Positive Grid's Limited Edition Grille
Positive Grid has released a limited edition grille for the Spark EDGE, designed in collaboration with PosterLad [10].
These highlights show significant updates across electric guitars—especially high-end signatures and innovative materials—plus next-gen amp modelers aiming to push tone fidelity and versatility further. Stay tuned for more updates as the guitar industry continues to evolve!
[1] Ibanez RGA Premium series
[2] PRS Mark Holcomb Core Model
[3] Blackstar ID:X Modeling Amp
[4] Gibson Les Paul Music City Special
[5] PreSonus StudioLive Series III SE mixers, Nux Amp Academy Stomp, HeadRush VX5, Squier, Gretsch, Fender Tone Master line
[6] Fishman AirLock Wireless GT
[7] HeadRush VX5
[8] Victory Speaker Cabs
[9] Bad Cat Ocelot
[10] Positive Grid Spark EDGE
The Ibanez RGA Premium series, featuring exotic woods and versatile humbucker systems, has been unveiled.
The Mark Holcomb Core Model, a signature guitar by PRS, has been reintroduced and added to the Core range.
Blackstar's ID:X Modeling Amp, boasting innovations like In The Room technology and Infinite Shape feature, is now available.
Furch's Pioneer, a short-scale acoustic guitar designed for compact but powerful performance, is now in the market.
Ernie Ball's Flex patch cables that glow in the dark and Laney's LFR-110, a 250W compact cab with Bluetooth connectivity and onboard cab simulation, are new accessories.
Fishman's AirLock Wireless GT promises to revolutionize wireless instrument performance with its "true cable tone" functionality and USB-C output.
HeadRush VX5, an amp modeling processor, could be a valuable tool for performing singer-guitarists seeking to diversify their one-person setup, as it generates harmonies based on chords.
Victory has launched a range of six speaker cabs, designed specifically for some of their heads. Bad Cat has introduced its first-ever lunchbox head, the Ocelot, featuring four footswitchable modes and full MIDI implementation.
Positive Grid has released a limited edition grille for the Spark EDGE. The guitar world is abuzz with these new releases and updates, pushing tone fidelity, versatility, and innovation further.