Musical Merchandise Review • March 2021 • New Products

Eat Sleep Sing is a practical guide to the benefits of singing through the exploration of the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and ultimately life-changing benefits that singing can bring. Eat Sleep Sing has been created to encourage everyone to sing, from those who had never even considered singing but are interested in improving their mental and physical well-being, to beginner and amateur singers, right through to trained musicians and teachers. It includes simple practical exercises, a step-by-step warm-up guide, advice, illustrations which can be colored to support mindfulness, tongue-twisters to practice, as well as a mood-tracker to help monitor progress. There is no requirement to read music. Readers will learn how to discover the chemical responses to singing that reduce stress and encourage a good sleep, master exercises to gain stronger breath control and a happier mind, explore the myriad ways singing connects us to each other and the world around us, and unlock tips to boost confidence and keep memory sharp and agile. $19.95

Harmonic Warm-Ups will help choirs and vocal groups reinvent their routines with an innovative approach that leads the way to more meaningful and diversified warm-ups. Harmonic Warm-Ups is filled with uncomplicated melodies that are quickly learned, and then turned into multiple-part exercises by singing in canon or stacked parallels. An exemplary practice that invites developed groups to focus on higher listening and ensemble skills. Online access to MP3 demos of every exercise is included. $29.99

Jazz Duets: Etudes for phrasing and Articulation and Triads for the Improvising Guitarist from Berklee Press

Jazz Duets: Etudes for Phrasing and Articulation by Richard Lowell provides 27 duets in jazz and jazz-influenced styles such as swing, bebop, funk, samba, and others. They are appropriate for performance by any melodic instruments. The duets feature independent contrapuntal lines, and practicing them will give players intimate insight into how these constructs sound and can be used to create a wide variety of colors. Players will improve their ear, sense of timing, phrasing, and facility in bringing theoretical principles into musical expression. Players will learn to use: jazz staccato and legato articulations; scales, modes, harmonies and other structures; various meters and ways of interpreting them; phrasing within and between measures; swing feel; and more. $14.99

Triads for the Improvising Guitarist by Jane Miller explains how triads are the key to understanding harmony, soloing, and comping. By understanding how triads relate to larger chord structures, players can improve their command over harmony and be able to use triads more effectively in their playing. Through visualizing and using common triads on the first three strings, players can create smooth lines that make sense of the chords even when the song changes keys or modes. The book includes online access to recorded examples which include PLAYBACK+, a multi-functional audio player that allows you to slow down audio without changing pitch, set loop points, change keys, and pan left or right. $19.99.

Crafted under high heat and pressure from 100-percent organic polymers, the Archtop Bridge ensures that every nuance of an archtop’s sound is delivered with high-definition resolution. To guarantee a solid foundation to any archtop model, the Graph Tech Archtop Bridge has flexible legs that conform to the top of the guitar. Two heights are available—standard and ultra-low—to guarantee the right fit for an archtop’s neck angle, and gold or nickel thumbwheels allow players to dial in just the right action for their playing style. MSRP: $49.95

The Graph Tech Tune-A-Lele machine heads offer precision tuning, tuning stability, and a lighter weight. Their machine heads are designed expressly for a ukulele’s light weight and short scale. They are super light—one weighs just 5 grams, as compared to the 26+ gram heft of each guitar machine head. The concentric 6:1 gear ratio of Tune-A-Lele machine heads means you have the familiar guitar-tuning feel, but with zero backlash and zero backdrive for very stable and accurate tuning. MSRP: $29.95 for a set of four.

Warwick’s Distance Buffers are for use when opening the electronic compartments on the back of a guitar or a bass. These Distance Buffers feature a built-in spring that pushes the cover of the electronic compartment upwards when loosening the screws. The installation diameter is 5 mm / 0.19”. $ 5 each.

GluBoost Fill n’ Finish is a perfect option for pore filling. With far less odor than any of those messy brown pore fillers, Fill n’ Finish is easy to use and can be applied simply with just a squeegee. Your piece can go to the booth and be sprayed within 30 minutes of application. Fill n’ finish stays flexible, breathes with the wood, and provides superior lasting results.

Electro-Harmonix’s Metal Muff has shrunken to a pedalboard-friendly size with the same massively heavy tones. The Nano Metal Muff features the same powerful EQ section and high-gain sound as its big brother, but now also features an adjustable noise gate for a tight and dynamic performance. Its VOL control sets the pedal’s output level while its DIST knob adjusts the Nano Metal Muff’s input gain and distortion. A newly designed-noise gate removes unwanted hum when you stop playing. It utilizes an adjustable noise floor threshold and includes a dedicated LED which indicates when the output signal is muted $72.70.

D’Addario’s XS coated strings offer players maximum life, and an unprecedented level of strength and stability. Led by Jim D’Addario, the team incorporated D’Addario’s proprietary manufacturing processes and well-known innovations— like NY Steel high-carbon cores in the wound strings and Fusion Twist technology in the plain steels— to give XS incomparable break strength and tuning stability. XS will be available beginning in April 2021 in Phosphor Bronze string sets for acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, and mandolin in the most popular gauges.

The Phil Jones Bass PE-5 pedal is designed for bass guitar and upright bass. It incorporates a sophisticated 5 band EQ and also offers superior function as a Pre-Amp, Direct Box, and signal booster. The PE-5 is engineered with a unique switchable input impedance, which allows the pedal to match exactly to either a magnetic or piezo pickup. It achieves the full band spectrum for either pickup source. In addition, it is a signal booster which compensates for low output pickups and will also provide ample drive for any amplifier. The input level and gain controls are designed to precisely match the pickup output to an amplifier. The line output is strong enough to use directly into a power amplifier or a powered speaker. The PE5 can be powered by a standard 9-volt DC pedal adaptor or run on its own internal lithium-ion battery that is charged with a standard cell phone charger via its USB socket. The two foot switches provide a mute function and a true bypass. The rugged housing is constructed of die cast aluminum alloy made to deliver years of service.

PreSonus has released five retro-inspired effects with the Analog Effects Collection. The collection includes Analog Delay, Analog Chorus, Red Light Distortion, Rotor, and Tricomp. Each effects plug-in in the collection represents the apex of PreSonus craftsmanship, from State-Space Modeled drive stages with inspiring sonic textures to their classic, vintage-inspired user interfaces. Formerly only available in Studio One® Professional and Artist, these plug-ins are now available via PreSonus Hub in VST3, AU, and AAX format.

Analog Delay is a classic emulation plug-in of an analog BBD delay known for its ability to create a warm delay sound that can range from subtle modulation to spirals down a psychedelic rabbit hole. It also features a State-Space Modeled Drive control to add analog grit to your sound for even more tonal sculpting.

Analog Chorus is a one- to three-voice chorus processor with optional LFO delay-time modulation and stereo-width control. It offers a wide range of effects, from subtle to extreme, with its roots in ‘70s-era analog guitar pedals and studio effects processors.

The Red Light Distortion is an analog-distortion emulator with six selectable distortion models plus two EQ controls, a Mix control, and independent Drive and Distortion controls to let you to design a unique, signature distortion.

Rotor is a rotary-speaker emulation plug-in that simulates the sound of a tube-powered amplifier with independently rotating high-mid horns and a bass woofer that excels at adding a sense of motion and unique tonal character. Each speaker’s rotation can be set to a range of speeds, with realistic braking and acceleration effects when changing speeds. State-Space Modeling technology provides authentic tube emulation for extra warmth and character.

Rounding out the collection is Tricomp, a three-band compressor plug-in with automatic threshold and ratio settings, plus a relative control for the low and high bands and switchable Attack and Release controls to finalize your mix or add brilliance or punch to frequency-rich signals.

The YVN Model 3 Violin family is comprised of the YVN Model 3 and the YVN Model 3 three-quarter and one-half size violins. Each provide students of all statures with a durable, well-crafted starter instrument for an exceptional playing experience. Among the innovations used to create the YVN Model 3 family is the proprietary graduated “press-formed” spruce top that offers exceptional resonance, as well as the patented three-layer construction of the tops and backs that uses just one-third the amount of wood previously consumed. These improvements allow the violins to sing with the rich tone of a graduated carved instrument while maintaining student-proof durability for renters, all at a family-friendly price for those ready to invest in a quality starter violin.

Computer-aided design makes the Model 3 family of violins easier to service than traditional string instruments. Each piece is as precise as the one before it, making it both faster and more cost-effective to keep the violin at peak performance — an important consideration in academic music programs. Includes a bow and sturdy-shaped ABS case.

Cannonball celebrates 25 years in business with a new special-edition model of the popular Big Bell Stone Series saxophones. Each of these models is handcrafted with a nickel silver bell, bow, original neck, and FAT Neck, and is further enhanced with an oversized, solid titanium neck screw and lyre screw. An intricate pattern selected from Cannonball’s catalog of premium hand engravings - White Tiger

Eastman has introduced the EPH495 BBb marching sousaphone, marking the beginning of advancements being made across the full line of Eastman marching instruments. The new Eastman EPH495 BBb sousaphone includes a shoulder brace matched to finish, redesigned neck bracing, and support throughout the instrument, all while maintaining a lightweight design that is comfortable on players of all statures. It also features an accessible first valve tuning slide, a shoulder guard for added comfort, and powerful sound through all registers.

Using many of the same design elements as the Buffet Crampon 400 Series professional saxophones, the 100 Series student saxophones give young band students a high-quality instrument that plays well right away, a crucial first step for beginning saxophonists. These 100 Series saxophones feature a gold lacquer finish, leather pads with metal resonators, a high F# key, and a large bottom bow for easier low note response.

Gator’s new professional desktop broadcast/podcast microphone is the step-up from the best-selling GFWMICBCBM3000, with features an on-air indicator light, 360-degree rotation ability, and a replaceable XLR cable. The stand is fully adjustable for desired mic placements and will clamp or directly mount to surfaces up to 2.17”/55mm in thickness, including the ability to rotate a full 360-degrees. To reduce the potential for noisy interruptions during sound-sensitive recordings, the stand is engineered specifically to produce minimal sound when being moved. The spring-loaded articulating arm has a maximum weight capacity of 4.4 lbs./2 kg and can extend up to 32.25”/940mm, allowing it to support the load of extra heavy broadcast mics and large-diaphragm condensers, regardless of the length of extension. The stand comes equipped with a 3”/76mm extension adapter to further distance the mic from the boom end, which allows plenty of extra room to comfortably attach an XLR cable without having to bend or force cables.

Gator’s utility cart series includes two models: a standard model with non-pneumatic wheels and an All-Terrain model with rugged rear tires meant for travel over rough gravel, dirt, grass, and uneven ground. The new utility carts haul gear safely without the hassle, hold up to 500lbs, and are constructed of a rugged, welded steel frame. Constructed of a heavy-duty, welded steel frame, the carts will bear the abuse of multiple trips with a maximum load capacity of 500 lbs. Both carts feature no-flutter locking swivel casters and are specially designed to counteract cart wobble and prevent any unwanted noise. Engage the locking casters when on an incline to prevent your cargo from rolling away during loading and unloading. The carts easily adapt to a variety of needs with eight different configurations: Compact Dual-Handle, Extended Dual-Handle, Compact Single-Handle, Extended Single-Handle, Compact Collapsed, Extended Collapsed, Compact Upright, and Extended Upright.

Fender’s Chrissie Hynde Telecaster comes complete with an alder body finished in Faded Ice Blue Metallic RoadWorn lacquer; vintage- style ‘50s single-coil Tele pickups voiced to match Chrissie’s original set; a 6-stainless steel barrel saddle bridge; and much more in an incredibly faithful recreation of one of the world’s most iconic guitars, Hynde’s treasured ‘65 mode.

The Joe Strummer Campfire model is a small-body acoustic-electric guitar inspired by the legendary campfires that he held at Glastonbury Festival. Boasting a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, the Campfire reflects Strummer’s legendary aesthetic with its matte black finish, nickel hardware and star inlays. Available March 2021.

The Reverend Gil Parris GPS has tons of Reverend upgrades and is loaded with Fishman Fluence Single Width pickups. A push-pull knob in the bridge tone control switches between the two pickup voicings –a vintage tone and a more muscular “Hot Texas” tone. The Reverend Gil Parris GPS is available in Midnight Black with a choice of Roasted Maple or Pau Ferro fingerboards.

Luna Guitars’ Henna Dragon Ukulele Series is available in three body sizes with varying tonal depths. These Henna Dragon Ukuleles have a laser-etched henna dragon design and a slotted headstock that’s reminiscent of a classical nylon-stringed guitar. Luna includes a built-in pre-amp to convey the warm tones of the all-mahogany body. The three body sizes offer different scale lengths: the 15-inch concert, the 17-inch tenor, and the 20.2” baritone. Each ukulele is built with an all-mahogany body that provides a vibrant, warm tone that varies in depth depending on the instrument’s size. The henna dragon design by UK henna artist Alex Morgan is delicately laser-etched onto the mahogany top, which has an open-pore natural finish that further improves the instrument’s resonance. Gig back included. Available in April, starting at $169.

Yamaha’s DGX-670 digital piano features a modern, attractive aesthetic and a simplified user interface. The new “Portable Grand” ensemble instrument is a full, 88-note weighted action keyboard with exceptional playability, superb sound and visual appeal, making it ideal for beginners and accomplished pianists. The DGX-670 includes the company’s Graded Hammer Standard keyboard action—the low keys have a heavier response and the high keys have a lighter response—which delivers the touch piano teachers recommend for building proper finger technique for playing acoustic pianos.

While the DGX-660 had a traditional, rectangular frame, the DGX-670 has been totally redesigned with a modern body featuring curved edges. Operation of a wide selection of functions is made quick and easy, thanks to a new, full-color LCD screen featuring a simplified user interface. The keyboard also has enlarged buttons on the front panel that feel nice to the touch without taking up too much space. Additional features of the DGX-670 include: 601 instrument Voices, including 29 Drum/SFX Kits, as well as 263 accompaniment Style presets; Bluetooth audio, which allows musicians to play their music through the new 10W x 2 speaker system; and “USB to Host” that functions as a two way 2-channel audio and 16-channel MIDI interface.

Paiste has announced a new phase of Signature Series re-launches and new models. 19“ & 20“ Power Crash are assertive instruments for bright, full accents. 20“ & 22“ Power Rides pierce the loudest guitar walls with a solid, bright ping and strong bell sound. 14“ & 15“ Power Hi-Hats complete the triumvirate of Signature Power models with their bright and cutting character. The 14“ Heavy Hi-Hat features power and brilliance as well, and features clear, full sound with a rich low-end. For the first time, Paiste presents the 22” Mellow Ride - a larger version of the popular light ride cymbal. In the new size, the sweet, mellow stick sound and the rich, soft wash obtain even more depth and volume. Signature Cymbals are made by hand from Signature Alloy using traditional methods that have remained unchanged in over half a century.

In celebration of what would have been Armand Zildjian’s 100th birthday, the Avedis Zildjian Company will be releasing vintage cymbals from the Zildjian family vault. This first ever family vault release features 200 hand selected genuine vintage 20” A cymbals from Armand Zildjian’s personal collection. Included with each cymbal is a pair of limited-edition Armand Zildjian signature drumsticks, a pair of gloves, a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity, and a book celebrating Armand Zildjian’s life and legacy. All of these come packed in a premium Calzone road case.