News

If you're a synth connoisseur, Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith are two names that will certainly ring a bell. Together, these legends have developed the OB-6, and what better time to present a new polyphonic analogue synthesizer to the public than NAMM?

When it comes down to it, the British are very proud of their heritage, and clearly, so is amplifier-maker Blackstar, with the unveiling of their Limited Edition FLY 3. This mini guitar amp combo has a cream-coloured housing and the good ole Union Jack printed on the grille - you can't get much more patriotic than that! Of course, it also includes ISF and digital tape delay, making it just as good as any of Blackstar's other amplifiers.

When ESP LTD announced their collection for 2016, two big names appeared to be missing: Metallica's James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett. By now, though, their brand new signature models have been presented to the public!

NAMM 2016 has already introduced us to a number of fantastic new products and now we have some more to tell you about. The E series from QSC. The E series is based on QSC's widely renowned K series, but the E series is completely passive.

The German brand Mode Machines is following the micro-pedal trend by introducing their MM-1 distortion, MM-2 overdrive, MM-3 fuzz, MM-4 chorus, MM-5 delay, MM-6 phaser, MM-7 compressor, MM-8 flanger and MM-9 power supply. What's so special about these pedals? You can connect them to your electric guitar, bass, or even synthesizer! They are also compact enough to leave some room on your pedal board.

No matter what you've got planned, ION has a creative solution for all your audio wishes. A wireless speaker with a cool light show? No problem! A waterproof speaker for your pool party? Done. A wireless speaker with solar panels for your back yard, disguised as a rock? Why not? Summer will be here before you know it.

Remember Teenage Engineering's Pocket Operators - the calculator-like devices that turned out to be pocket-sized synthesizers? Last year, the innovative Swedish company issued the first three, and now they've introduced a new batch with the PO-20, the PO-24 and the PO-28. Get ready to have some more fun!

Ibanez unveiled their new steel-string acoustics at NAMM 2016, as well as some great new semi-acoustic guitars. What to think of new, vintage-style hollow-bodies, and acoustic guitar with fanned frets, and even a piccolo guitar.

Laney's guitar and bass guitar amplifiers are known for their pure sound. By now, the British company has already issued a wide range of great products, but with the new GHR series - two tube heads, a tube combo and matching GS cabinets - they're certainly hitting a new high. The preamp and power amp are especially note-worthy.

Sterling by Music Man has exciting news for fans of John Petrucci and Dream Theater.