Cort has two new models for guitarists, the 7-string Cort KX707 EverTune and the 6-string X700 Triality with three Fishman Fluence pickups and CFA-III Tremolo System.

Cort X700 Triality

The new X700 Triality was designed for modern guitarists. The contoured body ensures a striking appearance and increases playing comfort.

It has a swamp ash body, a roasted maple and walnut bolt-on neck, and 24 stainless steel frets.

CFA-III Tremolo

The hardware includes Cort Staggered Locking Tuners set and a CFA-III Tremolo. The base plate, the block and the string saddles are made of stainless steel and contribute to a better sound and more sustain.

Fishman Fluence

The Fishman Fluence Single Width single-coil pickups deliver classic, clear-sounding single-coil sounds without humming. The Fluence Open Core Classic Humbucker offers three different settings for exceptional versatility: Voicing one replicates the classic PAF tone, Voicing two offers a hot-blooded humbucker sound and Voicing three produces a muscular, overwound single-coil sound.

Available in the Open Pore Vintage Burst and Open Pore Black Burst.

• Price: 1129 Euro*
• Manufacturer’s website

Cort X-700 Triality Open Pore Black

Available for €1129 at

Cort KX707 EverTune

This Cort KX707 EverTune follows on from the previous six-string KX700 model. It offers a newly redesigned body contour, powerful, passive Seymour Duncan Sentient, and Nazgul 7-string humbucker with high output. In addition, the EverTune bridge system is used for maximum voice stability.

Mahogany body

The mahogany body meets an ash top, which results in a good balance between warm, rich basses and clear, transparent highs. A 5-piece roasted maple and walnut neck complements this with an ebony fretboard with stainless steel frets.

This model also features Luminlay side dots, Cort Staggered Locking Tuners, and the aforementioned EverTune 7F bridge system.

• Price: 1149 Euro*
• Manufacturer’s website

Cort KX707 Evertune Open Pore Black

Available for €1149 at

Verdict

Cort is making some very affordable, high-quality guitars, and these two new models offer much value. Seeing the high-quality hardware and pickups used on these guitars is excellent. They are, no doubt, going to be popular with guitarists in 2024.

More Information

• Cort Guitars
• More Cort news

The post Cort KX707 EverTune & X700 Triality: Playability & Style appeared first on gearnews.com.

This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we check out the special-edition Gibson Noel Gallagher 1978 Les Paul Custom being sold to raise money for charity. Then, we look at the Alex Lifeson Lerxst By-Tor Drive pedal. Finally, we check out the Manson MB GEO Mask Edition Guitar limited run.

Gibson Noel Gallagher

The announcement of these Gibson Noel Gallagher special-edition models will excite many Oasis fans. The guitar is a limited run of only 20, each a recreation of the 1978 Les Paul Custom that Johnny Marr gifted him. They are being sold to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust at the UK Gibson Garage. Gibson and Gallagher will donate 100% of the profits to this worthwhile charity.

As Noel is signing each one, this will also make this extra collectable for fans of his music. The fact that you can only buy them in-store is also significant, as it should deter internet scalpers.

Famous Custom

This famous guitar was used on classic albums including “The Queen is Dead” and “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”. Therefore, it will also appeal to fans of The Smiths and Johnny Marr. I’m impressed that Noel has worked with the Teenage Cancer Trust to help them raise money, which is a grand gesture and a fantastic-looking Les Paul Custom.

The guitars will only be available in person to attendees on the official opening day of the new flagship store, the Gibson Garage London, on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

More Gibson news

By-Tor Drive

The LERXST By-Tor Drive pedal was announced in December 2023 as a limited edition for Alex Lifeson of Rush. They have announced that it will now be available to everyone as it has been so popular. It is based on the custom-built OMEGA tube amp head for Rush’s “Clockwork Angels” recording and touring cycle.

Mojotone

Mojotone is building the pedal, which falls under the Alex Lifeson LERXST brand name. It seeks to replicate that custom amp he is known for using then. It has an onboard boost section, which recreates the response of a tube amp’s gain stage and offers a JFET-based +6dB gain level.

Each By-Tor is handmade in the USA from high-quality components. They sound great and, thankfully, are no longer a limited run. Great for any Rush fans who missed out on the initial batch last year, as that sold out rapidly.

MSRP – USD 295

Product Page

More LERXST news

Manson MB GEO Mask Edition Guitar

These Manson MB GEO Mask Edition Guitars are a minimal run of only 20, with two versions, aptly named V1 and V2. These aren’t cheap guitars, starting at £7,999 for the V1 model and £13,999 for the V2. These guitars are exact copies of Muse’s Matt Bellamy guitar, which he used during their 2023 Will Of The People tour.

Each guitar is built by the Manson Guitar Works in the UK and is fitted with a Sustainiac Stealth Pro sustainer pickup and a Manson PF-1 MB pickup.

V1 vs V2

The V1 has an alder body, a high-flame maple neck, and an ebony fretboard. This model comes in a Manson-branded Hiscox case and a certificate signed by Matt Bellamy. In contrast, the V2 has a 5A flame, figured, roasted maple neck and ships in a UK-crafted Protechnic flight case.

The V2 package includes exclusive accessories, including a Manson Heistercamp premium strap with the GEO logo, limited edition GEO picks, a laser-etched certificate with a unique number for each guitar, and a rare colour print signed by Bellamy.

If your budget doesn’t stretch quite this far, you could always consider the Cort/Manson MBM- 2H, as it also has a Sustainer pickup, so it will get you close to that Muse/ Matt Bellamy guitar.

Cort MBM-2H Manson Meta SUS SB

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 998.00 € at

Manson Guitar Works

More Manson news

The post Guitar Gear Gems: Gibson Noel Gallagher 1978 Les Paul Custom appeared first on gearnews.com.

This week’s Guitar Deals available at Thomann include significant savings on Fender, Squier, Boss, and Höfner products.

Fender Ed O’Brien Stratocaster

These Fender Ed O’Brien Stratocaster signature models are based on the Radiohead guitarist’s personal preferences for a Strat. This model currently has over 12% off * compared to the standard price. It has a unique specification, including a V-profile maple neck with 21 narrow-tall frets and an alder body.

 Sustainer

The significant difference, however, is this signature model’s particular set of pickups. It comes fitted with a Seymour Duncan JB (bridge/humbucker) and Fender Texas Special (middle/single-coil), plus the Sustainer Driver (neck). This offers a wealth of tones and covers a lot of bases. This model comes in a Fender gig bag and is an excellent guitar for a versatile modern Strat.

Fender Ed O’Brien Stratocaster at over 12% off *

More Fender news

Fender Ed O´Brien Stratocaster

Available for $1259 at

Squier 40th Anniversary Strat LPB

These Squier 40th Anniversary Strats in Lake Placid Blue and block inlays are a bargain at over 40% off *. These are a real bargain if you want a great-looking Stratocaster in an exciting colour. Plus, they have a single-ply gold anodized pickguard that makes them stand out.

Specifications

This model has a Nyatoh body with a maple bolt-on C-profile neck and a laurel fretboard with 21 narrow-tall frets. They also come fitted with a set of Fender-designed AlNiCo single coils, offering plenty of classic Strat tones.

Squier 40th Anniversary Strta LPB at over 40% off *

More Fender news

Squier 40th Anniv. Strat LPB

Available for $315 at

Höfner Ignition SE

These Höfner Ignition SE bass models are over 20% off * the standard price point and offer some retro ’60s style. These are a great starting point if you want to emulate Paul McCartney’s Beatles bass on a budget.

Specifications

This model has a spruce top and a flamed maple back and sides. Paired with a one-piece maple neck and a Jatoba fretboard fitted with 22 frets. A pair of Höfner Ignition Staple humbuckers power it, and it has a set of Original Tea Cup potentiometer knobs on the control panel.

Höfner Ignition SE at over 20% off *

More Höfner news

Höfner Ignition SE

Available for $322 at

Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet

The Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet is a compact pedal solution for great amp tone in a single unit. This model is currently on Thomann for over 17% off * the standard price. It contains 150 high-resolution cab impulse responses from Boss and Celestion Digital. Making it packed full of useful IRs and a powerful addition to your guitar rig.

Audio Interface

It has a USB audio recording interface and 128 memory locations to save your virtual rigs. The pedal also has controls for Memory, Amp, Cabinet Ambience, Gain, Level, Bass, Middle, and Treble. Making it simple to use and very flexible.

Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet at over 17% off *

More Boss news

Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet

Available for $339 at

Boss RC-600 Loop Station

The Boss RC-600 Loop Station is the perfect solution for any musician into looping. Currently, they are almost 30% off * the standard price. This looper pedal offers six simultaneous stereo phrase tracks and nine individually assignable footswitches with three pedal modes. Making it a super versatile tool for live performance.

Effects

They have 49 Input FX and 53 track FX types, four of which can be used simultaneously. Users get 99 memory locations, and they offer 200 onboard rhythm patterns and 16 drum kits. These looper pedals make excellent tools for musicians and can be used live or in the studio. They are also handy songwriting tools to try out ideas with.

Boss RC-600 Loop Station at nearly 30% off *

More Boss news

* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!

*percentage discount will vary based on your territory and conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are used for guidance only. “

The post Guitar Deals: Fender, Squier, Boss, & Höfner appeared first on gearnews.com.

Tonocracy by Atomic Amps is a fully featured guitar amp simulation and modeling plugin – and it’s now FREE! This week’s collection of the best free plugins also includes a unique low-pass filter by NUSofting and a simple but effective Tremolo effect by Outobugi. Enjoy!

Atomic Amps Tonocracy is now FREE!

Atomic Amps has announced that the Tonocracy amp and effects modeling plugin is now free! Tonocracy was originally released in 2023 and combines the developer’s SchemAccurate modeling tech with a ToneSnap feature for capturing your own gear snapshots and loading Neural Amp Modeler profiles. It also comes with a bunch of custom IRs by ML Sound Lab. Quite an amazing deal if you ask me!

At the core of Tonocracy is the SchemAccurate modeling technology, which combines component-level modeling with AI-based techniques to produce accurate recreations of classic amps. It comes loaded with a great selection of amps from classic Marshalls and Fenders to Vox, Mesa Boogie, EVH, and even Friedman and Dumble.

The built-in ToneSnap feature is based on the free Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) by Steve Atkinson. Using a simple, streamlined interface, you can easily capture snapshots of your own gear and store them as a playable preset. ToneSnap also gives you access to a growing library of snapshots created by the community.

With the added bonus of custom IRs by ML Sound Lab, Tonocracy looks like a fantastic package for a FREE plugin!

Tonocracy is available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.

• Get Tonocracy here
• More from Atomic Amps

NUSofting Eugene Filter Free

Eugene Filter by NUSofting is a unique low-pass filter plugin based on a Cascaded Integral Comb (CIC) Ladder. The developer says that this circuit provides self-oscillating characteristics similar to typical synth VCFs, but with an airy character and a wider spectrum of resonances.

In addition to this, Eugene Filter also features a traditional 24 dB transistor ladder filter emulation. There’s even a built-in chorus effect for more sonic variety, as well as the option to adjust the dry/wet mix.

Eugene Filter comes in two versions. The paid version (€10) is the same as the free version but adds an envelope follower and a “Random Walk LFO” for modulation.

Eugene Filter is available for macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, and AU formats.

• Get Eugene Filter here
• More from NUSofting

Outobugi Wave: Free Tremolo Plugin

Outobugi Wave is a basic but effective tremolo plugin. It’s got a Time knob with the option to sync to your song tempo, and a large Amount knob for dialing in the desired intensity of the effect. Furthermore, Wave also offers Shape and Offset controls for shaping the modulation curve. There’s even a waveform display, so you can see what you’re doing.

Wave is a VST3 plugin for Windows.

• Get Wave here
• More from Outobugi

Looking for more free plugins like Tonocracy, Eugene Filter and Wave? Check out our archive!

More Videos about Tonocracy

The post Tonocracy, Eugene Filter, Wave: Free Plugins of the Week appeared first on gearnews.com.

We catch up with the one and only Verdine White, best known as a founding member and the Bassist of the legendary band, Earth, Wind & Fire.

This interview was originally conducted by Paul Rigg for Planet Guitar.

Earth, Wind & Fire have sold over 100 million records, and siblings Maurice, Verdine, and Fred White have been at its heart from the start.

The band’s unique blend of Afro-pop, soul, jazz, funk, and R&B has led them to seven Grammy awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a string of hits, including September, Boogie Wonderland, After the Love Has Gone, Let’s Groove and Fantasy.

Verdine White Interview: Band of Brothers

Today Gearnews interviews bassist and co-songwriter Verdine White, who is happy to talk about his beloved brothers, favourite musical moments, and introducing his gifted granddaughter to rock royalty.

Gearnews: “Verdine, we are thrilled to welcome you!”

Verdine White: Good morning from Los Angeles!

GN: You are soon to tour Earth, Wind & Fire with Lionel Richie, how are the preparations going?

VW: Great! We are starting in the U.S. first, with 25 shows. It’s going to be huge!

GN: You will be with long-time colleagues vocalist Philip Bailey and percussionist Ralph Johnson …

VW: We are together almost every day. Our life is an ongoing plane ride!

Ibanez SR5005-OL

Customer rating:

(1)

Available for 2,399.00 € at

“…life is an ongoing plane ride!”

GN: Is there anything you are especially looking forward to?

VW: We are just happy the tour sold out so fast. I can’t even get a ticket! [laughs].

GN: Going back to your beginnings, you grew up in a big family; were you always close?

VW: Very tight-knit. There were nine of us and now there are five left…

GN: Was there music around from the start?

VW: All the time. We listened to the radio station WVON; had jazz and gospel that my father liked, such as Mahalia Jackson; and played down in the basement every day. All we did was music.

Starting on Upright Bass

GN: You started on double bass before turning to electric; did that process help you?

VW: Yes, upright bass was great because I had the chance to study classical with a wonderful teacher from the Chicago Symphony orchestra called Radi Lah, who I took lessons from on Thursdays, and then on weekends I learned bass with the late great Louis Satterfield from The Phenix Horns – so I had the best from both worlds.

GN: In 1969 Maurice was starting to make an impact, moved from Chicago to LA, and then asked you to join him; was that an easy decision for you to go?

VW: No, I was 18; nothing is difficult when you are 18! [laughs].

GN: Then began your meteoric rise. If you were asked to choose three highlights from your career, which come to mind?

VW: There are so many! Perhaps the first record with Shining Star; the movies, including [the 1978 film] Sgt. Pepper’s; and then about three years ago, when we did The Kennedy Center Honors. We were the first group of colour to receive those honors.

Warwick Streamer LX 5 Masterbuilt PG No customer rating available yet

Available for 6,549.00 € at

Topping the Charts

GN: With ‘That’s the Way of the World’ and ‘Shining Star’, you became the first Black act to top both the Billboard album and singles charts. Among your achievements how does that rate?

VW: Well, it was at a time when you didn’t really see African Americans reach the top of the charts. We must thank my late brother Maurice for his leadership and vision because he understood where a group like us should go.

GN: You’ve seen civil rights fought for from Martin Luther King to Black Lives Matter; do you believe that there has been progress?

VW: We are progressing, but there is always more to do. We hope we are leaving a legacy to inspire the next generation.

Verdine’s Community Work

GN: You also help young people philanthropically through the Verdine White Performing Arts Center….

VW: Yes, we are doing some great work. This is our twentieth year! We are feeding young kids in urban communities so they can have breakfast before school.

GN: How do the children react when you go?

VW: They love to take selfies! But some don’t know me and it’s their parents who get excited!

GN: And all proceeds from your Sadowsky signature go to the charity…

VW: Absolutely. Roger Sadowsky is a wonderful friend and I have been playing his basses for over 25 years. They sound immaculate…

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 789.00 € at

Remembering his Brothers

GN: Sadly, your brothers Maurice and Fred have now passed; how do you remember them?

VW: They are in my heart forever. Fred passed away recently, on January 2. He was a wonderful person; we played music together as kids. Maurice was my mentor and leader. I couldn’t have asked for two better brothers.

Family is still at the core of what is most important to Verdine. This is shown, for example, by a touching YouTube video of his granddaughter ReinaNai singing September as he accompanies her on bass and glances at her proudly. He explains that she has just auditioned for a New York off-Broadway play and that he recently took her to Clive Davis’ (ex-president of Colombia Records) party where she met Sheryl Crow and Frankie Valli.

Additionally, Verdine has been married to Honey Cone founder Shelly Clark for 42 years and says if there is any ‘secret’ it is meeting the right person at the right time, with love and friendship. “She’s a go-getter with high energy; you’d like her more than me…” he laughs, “I should get off and let you interview her!”

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 Verdine White 5 W No customer rating available yet

Available for 3,699.00 € at

More about Verdine White:

• Verdine White and Jeremy Pope
• More Interviews

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Verdine White Interview: Band of Brothers appeared first on gearnews.com.

The Red Panda Radius is an innovative ring modulator and frequency shifter with pitch tracking and an advanced LFO. Red Panda says that the “eight-quadrant multiplier” algorithm smoothly transitions from ring modulation to frequency shifting. With MIDI implementation and a host of audio mangling options, is this the most advanced Ring Modulator we’ve seen?

Red Panda Radius

Ring modulators eh? You wait for ages and then two show up at once! Just this week, Warm Audio released the Ringer Bringer, their tribute to the very analogue Moog MF-102. Now, Red Panda gives us the Radius, a very different, very high-tech approach to ring modulation and frequency shifting.

Typically, a ring modulator works by multiplying two signals together, creating new frequencies that are the sum and difference of the input frequencies. Typically, one signal is your instrument or audio input and the other is the internal oscillator of the ring modulator.

However, the Radius goes beyond the typical limitations of a conventional ring modulator…

Digital Design

Notably, the Red Panda Radius utilises a digital design architecture, with a 96kHz sampling rate. Going digital undoubtedly opens up many possibilities. You’ll find stereo inputs and outputs for starters, as well as a wealth of sound design possibilities.

For example, you can experiment with pitch tracking and envelope-triggered LFOs. You can even play the carrier oscillator via MIDI! All of this adds up to a pedal that could be a dream for sound designers, guitarists and synthesists alike.

The ability to control parameters via foot pedal, as well as sync and control parameters via MIDI, is very impressive. Sure, analogue snobs may moan but when the sound-sculpting possibilities are as numerous as this, who cares?

Good Value?

The Red Panda Radius hits the streets with an MSRP of $349. Granted, that’s not cheap for an individual effects pedal. However, if you watch and listen to the demo video, it’s obvious that this is far from a conventional pedal. In a world of absurdly priced overdrive and fuzz pedals, it’s refreshing to come across something innovative and fresh.

More information

• Price – $349 MSRP
• More information on Red Panda
• Product Page for Red Panda Radius

The post Red Panda Radius: MIDI Ring Modulator/Frequency Shifter appeared first on gearnews.com.

Until March 31, you can save up to 25% on selected Universal Audio effects pedals with the UAFX Instant Savings Event at Thomann.

UAFX Instant Savings Event

Planning to expand that pedal board? There couldn’t be a better opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at the UAFX offers available, but remember that this sale is until March 31 – so don’t miss out!

You can shop the entire sale here, or take a closer look at the individual offers below:

Orion Tape Echo

A tape-style echo effect with three tape modes, preamp modelling, and selectable true or tails bypass.

• Save nearly 25% on the UAFX Orion Tape Echo now at $158

UAFX Orion Tape Echo

Available for $158 at

Heavenly Plate Reverb

A plate reverb effect with 3 plate variants, modulation, and trails/bypass modes.

• Get nearly 25% off the UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb now at $158

UAFX Heavenly Plate Reverb

Available for $158 at

Evermore Studio Reverb

A digital reverb with 3 reverb styles, modulation, and trails/bypass modes.

• Save nearly 25% on the UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb now at $158

UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb

Available for $158 at

1176 Studio Compressor

The UAFX pedal version of the famous studio compressor with single, dual, and sustain compression modes and a parallel compression function.

• Get over 15% off the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor now at $158

UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor

Available for $158 at

Max Preamp & Dual Compressor

Equipped with a UA 610 preamp emulation with EQ, as well as the 1176, LA-2A, and Dyna Comp compressors.

• Get over 10% off the UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor now at $269

UAFX Max Preamp & Dual Compressor

Available for $269 at

Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb

A stereo reverb and tape echo pedal with tap tempo, three tape head modes, and UAFX app control.

• Save over 20% on the UAFX Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb now at $269

UAFX Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb

Available for $269 at

Del-Verb Ambience Companion

A stereo reverb and delay pedal with three reverb modes, three delay modes, modulation, and UAFX app control.

• Get over 20% off the UAFX Del-Verb Ambience Companion now at $269

UAFX Del-Verb Ambience Companion

Available for $269 at

Dream ’65 Reverb Amp

A stereo amp sim. pedal with three amp simulation modes, three cabinet/speaker models, reverb, vibrato, and more.

• Save over 10% on the UAFX Dream ’65 now at $315

UAFX Dream ’65 Reverb Amp

Available for $315 at

Ruby ’63 Top Boost Amplifier

A stereo amp sim. pedal with three amp simulation modes, three cabinet/speaker models, treble boost, vibrato, and more.

• Get over 10% off the UAFX Ruby ’63 now at $315

UAFX Ruby ’63

Available for $315 at

Woodrow ’55 Instrument Amplifier

A stereo amp sim. pedal with three boost styles, three cabinet/speaker models, Bluetooth, and presets.

• Save over 10% on the UAFX Woodrow ’55 now at $315

UAFX Woodrow ’55

Available for $315 at

Astra Modulation Machine

This stereo modulation effects pedal is equipped with BBD Chorus, Flanger/Doubler, and Amp Tremolo.

• Get over 10% off the UAFX Astra Modulation Machine now at $315

UAFX Astra Modulation Machine

Available for $315 at

Golden Reverberator

A stereo reverb pedal with spring, plate, and hall reverb effects.

• Save over 10% on the UAFX Golden Reverberator now at $315

UAFX Golden Reverberator

Available for $315 at

Starlight Echo Station

A stereo delay pedal with tape, BBD, and digital delay effects.

• Get over 10% off the UAFX Starlight Echo Station now at $315

UAFX Starlight Echo Station

Available for $315 at

More about the UAFX Instant Savings Event:

• Shop the entire sale
• All about Universal Audio
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

The post UAFX Instant Savings Event: Get up to 25% off Universal Audio pedals appeared first on gearnews.com.

Godin Guitars presents the Alex Lifeson Signature. The Limelight is a tribute to Lifeson’s Hentor Sportscaster that he used during the time of the Rush album Moving Pictures.

Update

[February 15, 2024] The two models are now officially available in stores*. Unfortunately, the price is high, which is no surprise.

Lerxst Limelight Floyd Rose LTD No customer rating available yet

Available for 4,998.00 € at

Lerxst Limelight Vega Trem LTD No customer rating available yet

Available for 4,998.00 € at

Godin Lerxst Alex Lifeson Signature

This Godin Lerxst Alex Lifeson Signature is the latest model and follows on from the recent signature amp range that was released at the tail end of 2023. It is built using a swamp ash body and has a maple neck with a 12-inch radius ebony fretboard, 22 medium stainless steel frets, and a classic 25.5-inch scale length. It has a cream finish and a black pickguard, so looks quite minimal aesthetically.

HSS setup and two tremolo options

This signature comes as an HSS model with a Lerxst Mojotone Humbucker and two Mojotone Lerxst Single Coils as pickups. There is also a volume control and a tone control, plus a three-way switch.

On the Godin Guitars website, you will notice that there are two versions of the Alex Lifeson Signature model. One model comes with a Floyd Rose Tremolo system and a matching Floyd Rose Locking Nut. The second model comes instead with a Vega Trem and matching 18:1 locking tuners.

Both iterations will be solid in tuning stability terms, just I suspect the feel will be a little different for each one. But great to have a choice of trem system on a signature model and quite unusual.

How much does the Alex Lifeson Signature cost?

The Limelight costs 3,999 dollars and can be pre-ordered on the Godin Guitars website. The two mentioned Tremolo models do not differ in price. Again, this is a bonus, though both models are already pretty expensive.

More Information

• Lerxst Limelight product page
• More Godin news

The post Godin Lerxst Alex Lifeson Limelight Signature model – available! appeared first on gearnews.com.

Understanding time signatures is crucial for your development as a musician. Knowing how many beats you’re working with will help you out! But how can you know for sure? Stick around as we tap our way through various time signatures. 

Understanding Time Signatures: Metre Made Simple

Metre refers to the regularly occurring rhythmic patterns in a piece of music. It’s the same with poetry. How something feels is dependent on many factors. Such as if it is in a major or minor key, digital effects, and the metre.

Have you ever looked at the start of a piece of notation, and seen two numbers sat on top of each other? Well, this shows us the time signature for that piece of music and gives us our base rhythm. As musicians, there are lots of techniques that we can use to spice up the rhythm.

However, one key factor remains. The time signature governs us, as players, as to what we can do with our music. So, let’s look at understanding time signatures and how they can help you.

4/4

Starting us off, we’re looking at arguably the most commonly used time signature in Western music. Helping us to understand this time signature, we’ll be using this banger from The Cult.

4/4, referred to as common time, contains four beats to one bar. Specifically, four crotchet beats. Getting your head around this one is pretty simple. Have you ever been to a concert and clapped your hands along to the beat? Well, chances are you were clapping in 4/4!

In total, we’re only allowed a maximum of four beats that add up to the equivalent of four crotchets. There are of course subdivisions of each note, such as semi-quavers and minims etc. For now, why not check out this TAB for She Sells Sanctuary? Moreover, you could start counting to four from the 5th bar when the guitar riff starts.

This timeless and tense guitar intro has some pretty cool effects going on. Take a look at this Flanger pedal from MXR to see what the fuss is all about:

MXR M-117R Flanger

Customer rating:

(44)

Available for 218.00 € at

3/4

Secondly, we’re going to look at another widely used time signature. Often labelled as the Waltz time signature, 3/4 has some classical roots.

Despite a more traditional background, this time signature has still been used in some pretty cool songs. Yes, you can hear the trademark one two three, one two there in Waltz Of The Flowers, however, Jimi Hendrix and Metallica have also used 3/4.

So, what is it then? Unlike with 4/4, we’ve now got three crotchets, otherwise known as quarter notes, per bar. This creates a sweet and sentimental feel. Whereas 4/4 is much more driving and upbeat. This Eagles number showcases this time signature perfectly.

To play this in the original key, you’ll need a capo on the 4th fret of your guitar. Good job there are plenty to choose from, here’s one that I’ve got in my gig bag right now:

Dunlop Trigger Fly Capo GM

Customer rating:

(2)

Available for 22.00 € at

5/4

Continuing our look at understanding time signatures, we’re here to check out what 5/4 is all about. This is where things start to get a bit more involved…

Whereas 4/4 and 3/4 were fairly even, this time signature has an odd number of beats, creating an unusual feel within a piece of music. The quintuple metre allows for different groupings within a bar, such as three and two, or two and three.

Essentially, there can be any number of combinations of equally stressed beats within one bar. Anything goes, as long as you end up with five beats per bar. Such as two 1/4 notes, followed by six 1/8th notes. This example by Cream features a 5/4 intro but resolves to 4/4 for the verse.

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Understanding Time Signatures: 6/8

Back to some normality now, 6/8 is potentially one of the most soothing time signatures out there! As we’ve seen already, a time signature varies the mood and feel of the music.

Aside from illustrating this next time signature, Everybody Hurts is a great fingerstyle guitar piece to have a go at! Regardless, we’ve got six beats per bar here. Logically, it would appear to be the same as 3/4, only double right?

Not quite. Where they differ is that 3/4 consists of 3 crotchet beats, whereas you’ll find 2 dotted crotchet beats in a 6/8 time signature. Hence the varying mood and feel.

12/8

Concluding our look at understanding time signatures, we’re delving into this 1990s metal riff. Complete with a 12/8 compound time signature.

What’s a compound time signature? Well, we’ve already seen a few already. Compound time signatures contain groupings of equal-length notes. Therefore,12/8 has four large or stressed beats and each of these is divided into three 1/8th notes.

Broken down, you can count four emphasised beats in a 12/8 time signature.

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Understanding Time Signatures: Easy as one two three?

There we have it! A look into some time signatures, some more common than others! Regardless of their use, it’s always worth having a comprehensive understanding in the back of your mind for the next time you’re at a writing session, or even a pub quiz!

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Further Information:

• Guitar TAB
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• Guitar Barre Chords 

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