PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow With Bigsby
With 19 production guitars already in the affordable SE guitar range, you would think Paul Reed Smith would start working on a new series; but instead they decided to work on the ultra retro-cool SE Custom Semi-Hollow with Bigsby.
PRS have taken the very popular Semi-Hollow body and added a few cool features like a Bigsby tremolo and 3-ply black-white-black scratchplate, giving it a vintage charm. But it’s not only a pretty face and it was recently the winner of the Guitarist Choice award and when its in front of you in the flesh you can clearly see why.
The PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow with Bigsby is, in regard to its body, almost
identical to a standard Custom Semi-Hollow. However its Mahogany back is
hollowed out on the upper bass side and capped with a maple top that sports a very Rickenbacker-esque soundhole. This ‘Slash’ hole not only looks awesome but also gives the guitar greatly improved sustain. Although its semi-hollow construction isn’t actually that hollow it still produces noticeably lighter articulate tones.
Its Mahogany, glued in neck is set in the typical PRS wide-fat profile, which is very aptly named. This is probably the only love it or hate it feature of PRS guitars as it does take some getting used to, but it’s just a really nice, comfortable neck, if you’re into that sort of thing.
However many people aren’t, and it doesn’t really allow you the freedom, especially when shredding, like a flat neck does. Its jumbo frets are slightly lower than other USA models, which sit comfortably over the edge binding and are mirror polished very attractively. It has a 10-inch luxurious Rosewood fingerboard with the iconic bird inlays that feels so comfortable to hold and play.
The main difference between the PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow Bigsby and the
standard Semi-Hollow Custom is the USA made Bigsby Tremolo System. Bigsby’s
add a vintage look to any guitar and it is paired with a tune-o-matic bridge and PRS
top-locking tuners that maintain exceptional tuning stability.
The pickups are pretty typical with two PRS designed open-coil humbuckers, a master volume switch, master tone and a three way toggle selector to control them. The power is very much there, but in a subdued way as if waiting until called upon.
It was able to handle any Genre, certainly that I can play, except perhaps Metal where the neck might let you down. Unfortunately you can’t exchange the pickups for coil splits as none of the pickups have an extra-tap wire, which I wouldn’t do under normal circumstances but its well known Bigsby’s and single-coils go together perfectly.
Credit where it’s due the SE Custom with Bigsby ticks just about all of the boxes. It looks great, sounds awesome and is very well priced so it’s not very hard to see why it was voted Guitarist Choice. If you need any more convincing go and try one for yourself and you’ll see what all the hype is about.
Gibson Les Paul Studio 70s Tribute
This is a guest post by Steve Williams
The newly announced Gibson Les Paul Studio 70s Tribute joins two other 70’s tribute guitars in the Gibson range. Although when we think of Les Paul’s we don’t necessarily think of the 70s, as the guitars most revolutionary era was mainly in the 1950s, however the 70’s saw some of the most beautiful and recognisable guitars ever produced.
This particular Les Paul is based on the style of guitars from when Gibson was owned by Norlin industries, so that means the classic pared-back design and
completely new pickups; the 70s tribute is a very exciting guitar.
The most exciting feature of the Les Paul 70’s Tribute is the two mini humbuckers of a completely new design, which is a rare occurrence with Les Pauls. In fact in greatly resembles the Les Paul Deluxe from… yep you guessed it, the 70s.
These new pickups are based on the Alnico V magnet, but with a new piece configuration including dual steel blades.
The results are incredibly effective and actually produce higher output than other mini humbuckers, but as they are cheaper to produce they can be applied to more affordable guitars, making this one of the most inexpensive Gibson Les Pauls available.
The bridge pickup is wound for slightly higher output than the neck pickup. But despite all this it maintains its rich, vintage
tone with ringing chime and lots of sustain.
The Les Paul Studio 70s Tribute incorporates one of the most noticeable construction features from that decade of Les Pauls. The traditional Mahogany neck is swapped for a Maple one. Another of the guitars unique features is the introduction of the Volute.
This is a bump on the reverse side of the neck where the neck meets the headstock which is designed to reinforce the neck and improve sustain, this in coherence with the 17° headstock emphasises the temporal authenticity. The neck is then shaped to a SlimTaper profile and finished with a baked maple fingerboard and trapezoid inlays.
I think basing a Gibson Les Paul on a 70’s model was a brilliant idea as it’s such an underrated generation of guitars. Gibson have delivered with historical accuracy and that vintage feel yet maintaining modern aspects and continuing to look forward. It’s a truly brilliant guitar and it’s a Les Paul, so you know you’re getting guaranteed out and out quality. Plus for a US made Gibson LP its great value for money.
Its available in four finishes: Gold Top, Vintage Sunburst, Cherry and Silverburst and are available in a left handed equivalent.
Yamaha FG700s Review
Average User Rating: 
Welcome to my Yamaha FG700s Review, where I outline the pros and cons of this guitar and whether or not to consider it as your acoustic guitar.
I assume you've reached this page because you're looking to buy a new guitar either as a beginner or even as a more experienced player.
The Yamaha FG700S is an entry-level, six string acoustic guitar. The guitar has a natural wood color with a satin finish to create a beautiful looking instrument. It has a reasonably low price point to allow for first time guitar buyers to purchase an affordable instrument, yet still contains the high quality of construction synonymous with the Yamaha name.
For example you can get this guitar for under $200 with FREE shipping at Amazon here.
Let's look at some of the features of the Yamaha FG700s
The guitar features a spruce top and a rosewood fingerboard, as well as die cast tuners. A large tortoise shell pick guard protects the body from any scratches. While many inexpensive guitars can play poorly due to shoddy manufacturing, people say that the Yamaha FG700S retains a smooth action to allow the beginner to learn guitar with a well made instrument.
Pros
- Professional quality design and materials
- A good smooth action to stop your fingers hurting
- A great beginners instrument
Cons
- No cutaway for reaching very high notes
- A plastic saddle which might effect sound quality
Some may find the cost of the guitar to be a con compared to the price of some other starter guitars, but the lack of quality in many cheaper guitars make spending a small amount more for quality worth it.
This guitar is designed for anyone who needs a well constructed acoustic guitar. While a beginner will appreciate the price point and ease of play, even a seasoned guitar player will be able to enjoy the fantastic sound and action of the instrument. This makes for a great first guitar, and also can serve as a good back-up guitar if one is accustomed to using a pricier model.
Check out this in-depth video review of the Yamaha FG700s
If you are someone in the market for an acoustic guitar, give this model a look. It is a well-made and good sounding instrument that will meet your needs admirably. While it doesn't contain the bells and whistles of pricier models, it will perform admirably in almost any situation that requires a full bodied acoustic guitar.
What are people saying about this guitar?
People who already own the guitar have given fairly glowing praise of the Yamaha FG700S. One man had previously had trouble with other acoustic guitars that had overly high and unresponsive action. This had caused undue pain on his fingers to the point where he considered abandoning guitar playing altogether. When he tried out Yamaha's acoustic guitar, he found the action to be much more comfortable to the point that it rekindled his attraction to guitar playing.
Another customer found that the sound of the guitar was very desirable. There was no buzzing or poor resonance, and the sound was big and clear. The only complaint he had was the quality of the plastic saddle, and recommended replacing it with an ivory one.
The best Zoom H4n price?
Zoom H4n
Many people are looking for the best online Zoom H4n price. Given the number of electronics online retailers these days it's sometimes confusing when you're shopping for a specific item.
After doing some in-depth online resarch I've concluded that you shouldn't pay more than $300 for the Zoom H4n. And you should really make sure you get free shipping with that too. The list price is $609.99.
For example, Amazon are currently offering a 50% discount on this recorder and are throwing in free shipping too.
But before you rush off to get the best Zoom H4n price, let's have a look at the Zoom H4n in more detail. This little recorder is perfectly competent and it can compete with the all the high-end models in the market.
Perfect for guitarists to record multiple tracks, the Zoom H4n is already earning rave reviews because of its amazing performance. The ‘N’ stands for next generation. They say that it provides world class recording features and is thought to be the most sophisticated device of its kind currently on the market.
The Zoom H4n Recorder is not just any run of the mill recording device. It is a jack of all trades because it boasts a multitude of recording formats, stereo headphones, quarter inch mono jacks and professional XLR.
Key Product Features
The Zoom H4n Recorder has had a lot of improvements since its predecessor. The first thing that one notices is its lightweight design but beware because some people are not happy with the size of it and apparantly it won't fit in your shirt pocket. Not a major problem for most people.
It incorporates a four track recording mode which is a welcome from the previous model. This mode records at CD quality. You can record from the device’s condenser mikes or from two input points providing for 24 and 48 phantom power at the bottom of it. There are three recording modes in this device – stereo, multi-channel and four track.
For gutiarists and bass player the in-built studio effects and amp modelling will come as a nice surprise.
Pros
- Recording is extremely smooth and impeccable with no manual required
- The buttons have individual functions, which is a great relief because there are other devices in the market that provide a multitude of functions for a single button
- The two condenser microphones are placed on opposite axes so the sound is always recorded from a sound source that is set at equal distance from both mics
- Easy to use for non-techies
- Sound quality is exceptional
Cons
- It has an awkwardly placed mini-jack microphone input
- The unit is hardly tiny
- The H4n does a memory check during boot-up and the more memory you have the longer it takes
Check out this comprehensive video review
Click here to get it cheap at Amazon today
Who is this product for?
If you're a guitarist or bass player you'll probably love this device. The built in 4 track recorder and effects are perfect for musicians. As is the integration with Cubase for mixing down.
Students, teachers, musicians and event producers will like device because it is pretty affordable, compact and easy to use. A radio journalist may not find the device very handy because its features are more useful for a musician.
People who are entering into the music field and are novices will also find this device extremely useful. Teachers can make use of this device in classes, especially language classes where pronunciations are given a lot of importance. Conferences and seminars can be recorded with the help of H4n and the listeners can easily playback or edit the audio and listen only to the edited version.
Why should you buy this product?
The Zoom H4n Recorder allows for impeccable sound recording with absolutely no loss of sound. The device allows for 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recording. This is very important when one needs to record events, seminars and conferences.
Since this is light, compact and portable, one can carry this device into the midst of an audience to capture sounds. You can record four channels at one time and no software is required. The less baggage one needs to carry the better, and this device will definitely help reduce baggage.
You also get some nice accessories with it including a wind muffler, mic clip adaptor and protective case.
What Are People Saying About The Zoom H4n?
"It's so easy to use even for me and the resulting sound quality is outstanding. This recorder is highly recommended. I'm a violinist and I often record what I play so this device is perfect for that."
Helen - (paraphrased. Read the full review here)
Conclusion
The overwhelming reports for most people is that this is a top little recorder with excellent sound quality and ease of use. It may be a little bulier than you think but that's not an issue for most people. Don't pay more than $300 for it online
Portable Recorder Report: Zoom H2 Recorder Review
The Zoom H2 Recorder
Average User Rating:
Read the reviews here
The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder is an easy to use, portable recording device with recording quality that is quite unique for both its size and price. Its contains a total of 4 internal microphones, capable of 360 degree recording in high-definition stereo sound.
The unit has a wide range of applications that include; recording business conferences, class-room seminars, music performances, and podcasting. However, it is really up to your imagination what its limits are.
If you hear a sound that pleasingly pounds on your ear drum, the Zoom H2 Recorder can instantly capture that sound in the moment.
Let's have a look at some of the features:
- Contains four internal microphones, making it capable of capturing 360 degrees of sound.
- USB 2.0 port is built-in for quick and easy for data transfer.
- Mac & PC compatible
- Included 512mb SD media card for saving the recorded sounds internally.
- Maximum card size is 16gig SD card, allowing a total of 24hours of recording time in 16-bit mode
- Record directly to the SD card or record on to your computer via the USB connection.
- Records in MP3 format up to 320kbps qualit and WAV format at 96kHz, 48kHz, and 44.1kHz at 16-bit quality or 24-bit quality.
- 1/8" stereo output so you can easily monitor the sound your recording with headphones.
Here's a good in-depth review of the Zoom H2 recorder
You can save 50% on this recorder at Amazon here
Pros vs Cons:
- Great size and portability, fits right in a coat pocket / Not exactly fashionable like a sleek ipod (but who really cares?)
- Runs off of two AA batteries, which being batteries, eventually out but it also takes a power wall adapter.
- The recording quality is fantastic but the viewing screen is a little small.
- Recorded files get stored conveniently on the 512mb SD card. This can fill up if you record a lot but you can also upgrade to a 16gig SD card.
- Easy USB transfer of recorded files to PC and it can even be powered via USB when plugged into your computer.
- Comes with a variety of recording modes for professional quality.
- Sound files can be converted into other formats directly in the device, rather than converting them on the computer.
- The menu screen is not that necessary but does come in handy on occasion.
Who is this product for?
As previously stated, the Zoom H2 Recorder is a great recording solution for all different types of people. Musicians may use it to record their live performances or their practice sessions to evaluate what they need to work on. College students may use it to record long lectures that they might otherwise forget. It is also very practical to have during business meetings or seminars.
Why should you buy this product?
People looking for a quick and easy, yet professional quality recording solution could seriously benefit from the Zoom H2. The majority of users report that it records high quality sound, has a slim form factor that makes it very portable, and it quickly integrates with your computer for recording or data transfer.
Also, If you are a creative person and constantly have ideas at strangest moments, like when your driving or just before you fall asleep, the Zoom Recorder could be a great companion for quickly capturing your ideas for the next great invention or novel.
What Have People Been Saying About The Zoom H2?
"Zoom have produced an awesome recorder here. I really love it but I just wish it had a slow-down function so that I could transcribe stuff."
by Lyndsey (Rewritten for uniqueness. Read the full review here)
"The recording quality and clearness is amazing. I have a computer with a Creative Labs sound card and this recorder is way better than that."
by Stan (Rewritten for uniqueness. Read the full review here)
Line 6 DL4 Delay Pedal Review
A true artist by nature, is constantly looking for ways to expand creatively. For musicians, it's often that creative 'edge' that separates the mundane from the original; the merely functional from the exceptionally unique.
To 'challenge oneself' is the artist's credo. Adding a complement of cutting edge tools can take one's creativity to the next level. The 'Line 6 DL4 Delay Pedal' is precisely such a tool.
(by the way this pedal is available for cheap at Amazon here)
Transforming Kent Into The Big 'S'
The 'Line 6 DL4 Delay Pedal' will allow you to enhance an otherwise clean-sound by adding a limitless array of effects. Bends, riffs, slides, dive-bombs, etc. all suddenly take on new meaning.
Your axe is immediately transformed into a guitar 'hero' (apologies for the pun).
Features include:
- Built in Loop Sampler (with 14 seconds memory) can store up to 3 presets
- 800ms of Pre-delay (further extending delay range... within the initial delay)
- Expression Pedal Input providing real-time control
- Up to 30 hours running time on batteries (quick note: also opt for the optional PX-2G AC Adapter to reduce persistent battery replacement – just a word to the wise)
- Onboard Tap Tempo footswitch adds ability to match delays with tempo of song being played
The Good, The Bad, The Nondescript
The DL4's range of offerings is impressive. Four foot switches and six knobs for loops, delays, reversals, ping pongs, echoes, overdubs and more present endless possibilities. Despite a relative number of complaints about its 'supposed' lack of durability, unless you're the unusually cavalier type, the DL4 is actually quite durable. My own personal complaint is that the unit looks like Lee De Forest built it himself – and the color doesn't exactly help either. Thankfully, its performance more than makes up for its lack of sex appeal.
R U... 'The One'
The DL4 is truly for the bold & brave (at heart). While I certainly would not call myself an ardent fan of Line 6, this product nonetheless is exceptional. In the right (even not so right) hands it's capable of truly amazing feats. Guitarists, vocalists (or both) and everyone in between should appreciate what this pedal has to offer.
Get What You Deserve
The Line 6 DL4 Delay Pedal retails for nearly the same as when it was originally released, although it's quality has since improved. Every sound can be expanded to allow for even greater creative control. As such, regardless of skill level this unit constantly challenges you. It's potential is only limited by your imagination.
User Opinions
“I have 17 years playing guitar, and this is the most amazing delay that I ever used before. I play all kind of music, from pop to black melodic metal”. From: Cesar “Rotten Souls vocals”
“If you are a fan of the delay sound buy this product. 4.5 stars. I've had it for about 2 weeks and its starting to interfere with my personal life. Any free moment I have all I want to do is go play with my new toy.” (amended) From: jef “johnny2boots”
Cheap Electric Guitar Packages
We've looked at the top 4 best selling cheap electric guitar packages. The following product has received more great reviews than any other electric guitar package from a huge number of buyers on Amazon. I recommend that you check it out:
These other electric guitar packages are also VERY good and worth checking out. I've looked at over a dozen guitar packages available online and these are the ones that people have said that they are pleased with:
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Best Package for Accessories & Extras - Silvertone SS10 Citation Guitar & Amp Package
Average User Rating: What I love about this guitar is that most people have reported that it's very well built and made of solid materials. This means not only that it will last but that it will resonate and sound better. You also get a huge bundle of extras including a cable, strap and picks. You can get it cheap on Amazon at the moment. |
| Best For Jazz - Fender Stop Dreaming, Start Playing Set Average User Rating: 
It has a 5 position selector switch which means it's great at everything from sweet jazz tones to twangy surf tones. Users have also reported that it has extremely good construction as you would expect from Fender. You get nice light gauge Fender strings with it making it easy and smooth to play if you're a beginner. No sore fingers! |
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| Best For Complete Beginners - Electric Guitar Pack For DummiesAverage User Rating:
If you're just starting out this could be the perfect electric guitar pack. Users report that it has everything you need to get started including gig bag, picks and chord chart. It might not be as cool as a Fender but if you're used to the Dummies series then you might like this one. |
More Guitar Websites
- Guitar For Beginners - Your Guide to Learn to Play Guitars
A comprehensive beginners guide to mastering the world's most
popular instrument - Justin Guitar - Free guitar lessons from Justin
Boss RC2 Loop Station: A Guitarists Personal Orchestra
Musicians who have a variety of musical tastes will be greatly impressed with the Boss RC2 Loop Station. The stomp box, or the pedal, has created percussion sounds which have the effect of making your basic sound far better.
Right from guitarists to drum players everyone has and continues to use the pedal to enhance their music as well as the listening experience.
I would give this stomp box a nearly perfect rating; these are the reasons behind that particular assessment of this product. This particular product has some outstanding features that are described in the following list. For starters, this is an extremely durable pedal for your money. Regardless of the level of interest that you have in playing, as well as your experience, you will be simply impressed by the quality of sound you receive.
Get this great loop pedal from Amazon cheap here
The second outstanding feature found in the Boss RC2 Loop Station is its tremendous sound quality which is not typical in other devices of this type. Your music will benefit from the clear ringing of the sound this stomp box will give you. Whatever musical instrument you are playing will be adjusted to, and the style of music you play will also be compensated for.
This model very easily blends with the instruments tonal quality giving it a good sound which is very uncommon in products of this category. It also accommodates other pedals and gives the musician what he needs to make his music desirable.
The Boss RC2 Loop Station enables the musician to loop and dub for up to sixteen minutes of recording time. For music listeners as well as for music players, this loop station is definitely worth a try. If you are learning a new genre of music or getting better at your favorite style already, you would do well to invest in this. No matter what you use it for, you could do a lot worse than getting this loop station.
Loop stations like these take a little bit of practice in order to provide the best loops. You can take this loop station wherever you please with the help of the durable red case. You might feel a little daunted by all of the features you have to work with at first, but you can read up on them and get used to it. In the end, you should really get this loop station if you want the best looping possible for a good price.
Loop Pedal Report: Boss Loop Station Review
If you're a solo artist without a band and you're looking to create some variety in your act then I can highly recommend taking a serious look at the The Boss RC20 XL Loop Station. Read on to find out why it's the perfect choice for giving your act a unique sound and delighting your audience.
Boss RC20 XL Loop Station
One of the main criticisms that many solo artists get is that 'all his songs sound the same'. This is somewhat inevitable given you usually have only 1 pair of hands and one voice. But a good quality loop pedal like the Boss RC20 XL can provide a perfect solution to this problem.
(by the way, you can get this pedal cheapest online through Amazon here)
If you're not familiar with how a looping pedal operates, it is important that you understand how this works.
A loop pedal allows you to record a 'track' of sound - often guitar, percussion or vocals and then instantly play back that loop and add another one on top.
With it you can create rich multi-layered performances and all in real time as your audience looks on.
So What's So Special About The Boss RC20 XL?
The Boss RC20 XL Loop Station is a fantastic loop pedal with a super long recording time (16 minutes!) that can be used for quite a few tasks.
The Boss RC20 XL Loop Station allows you about 16 minutes of recording time in total and lets you store up to eleven loops at one time so that you can use it for a later day play back or recording. And you can easily delete a loop in real time too - essential when you make a cock up.
The Boss RC 20 XL Loop Station is available with a bass drum sounding metronome. You can now adjust the speed of the metronome with the foot pedals.
Likewise, you can now synchronize the starting and ending points of the loop to that of the metronome so that you get a perfect length loop for you to carry on the recording process without having the need to hit the pedal at just the right time. This is called Auto-quantize.
Let's take a closer look at the features:
- A massive 16 minutes recording time available - (you'll probably never need even half of that)
- You can layer up to 11 tracks at the same time
- Easy to use 'undo' functionality
- Auto-quantize function
- Optional footswitch available
- Change tempo without changing pitch
There's also a very cool reverse mode. This means that you can now get some wonderful sound effects and at the same time you can also change the loop speed without actually making any changes to the pitch.
This means you can switch from one stored loop to another in a controlled way by adding another pedal to the Boss RC20 XL Loop Station.
Here's a great example of what you can do with the Boss Rc 20 XL
You can buy this pedal cheap online through Amazon here with free shipping and over 20% discount
The Good
- Impressive 16 minutes of recording time
- Easy to use double pedal system
- Perfect for creating layered performances
- Perfect for practicing too
The Bad
- AAA batteries can be expensive!
- You might not get a power supply included
- Can be tricky to get used to working the pedal
- Might be a little pricey for some folks
So What Are People Saying About the Boss RC 20 XL?
"Although the user manual is pretty good, the pedal is quite easy to learn and lasts a while with the AA batteries. The pedal before this, the Boss RC-2, was a bit less intuitive and straight forward. This is basically due to the two pedals and easier user interface. Really, get this thing and you will not regret it."
nowhereman1991 (review re-written for uniqueness. read the original review here)
"This pedal is very easy to learn how to use and exceeded my expectations. I can recommend buying this because of its ease of use."
Carlos (review re-written for uniqueness. read the original review here)