The guitar industry continues its rapid pace of innovation, with a fresh wave of instruments and effects pedals hitting the market this week. Among the notable arrivals are budget-friendly electric guitars offering high-end aesthetics, a signature baritone model for a prominent lead guitarist, and a new signature instrument for a celebrated modern guitar hero. Several other intriguing pieces of gear, from amplifiers to unique effects pedals, have also been unveiled, providing guitarists with a diverse range of new options.
Harley Benton Aged Series: Custom Shop Looks for Less
Harley Benton has launched its new Aged Series, featuring electric guitars that emulate the sought-after look of vintage, road-worn instruments at an accessible price point. These guitars, available for as little as $238, showcase hand-relic’d finishes and aged hardware, aiming to provide the aesthetic appeal of custom shop instruments without the premium cost. The series offers various color options and body styles, making it a compelling choice for players who desire the vintage vibe of a relic’d guitar.
The appeal of a relic’d finish, reminiscent of heavily played vintage instruments, has long been a draw for guitarists. Historically, achieving this look often meant investing in expensive custom shop models or undertaking extensive modification projects. Harley Benton’s Aged Series directly addresses this desire by offering guitars that come factory-equipped with these vintage-inspired cosmetic treatments. This approach democratizes the relic’d aesthetic, allowing a broader range of musicians to acquire instruments that visually evoke decades of playing history.
John Page Noah Levine Signature DL Baritone: A New Take on Extended Range
John Page Guitars has introduced the Noah Levine Signature DL Baritone, a long-scale electric guitar designed in collaboration with Noah Levine, the lead guitarist for Noah Kahan. This signature model features a relic’d finish and is available with a choice of Fishman Fluence or Lollar P-90 pickups. It also boasts a Bigsby tailpiece and comes in four distinct colorways, including a notable Olive Drab finish. Pre-orders are currently open, with the guitar slated for release on the 27th.
The DL Baritone represents a significant offering in the realm of baritone guitars, which are known for their extended range and lower tuning capabilities. By partnering with Levine, John Page Guitars has developed an instrument that balances distinctive styling with versatile tonal options. The inclusion of high-quality pickup choices and premium hardware like the Bigsby tailpiece underscores the instrument’s commitment to both performance and aesthetic detail. This collaboration highlights John Page’s ongoing reputation for innovative electric guitar design.
Malina Moye Signature Pacer Deluxe: A Landmark Release
Kramer has unveiled the Malina Moye Pacer Deluxe, the first signature guitar for acclaimed guitarist Malina Moye. Moye, recognized for her genre-bending blues influences and distinctive playing style, has joined Kramer as their first woman of color signature artist. The Pacer Deluxe is built on Kramer’s S-style Pacer platform and is offered in both right and left-handed configurations. Key features include DiMarzio pickups, gold hardware, and a striking Splash Blue finish, complemented by a color-matched headstock.
This release marks a significant moment for both Moye and Kramer. Moye’s career, marked by critical acclaim and a dedicated following, has established her as a formidable force in contemporary guitar music. Her partnership with Kramer, a brand with a rich history in electric guitar manufacturing, signifies a commitment to supporting diverse artists and expanding the brand’s reach. The Pacer Deluxe itself is designed to reflect Moye’s individual style and performance needs, incorporating premium components and a visually arresting aesthetic that sets it apart.
Additional Notable Gear Releases
Beyond these headline instruments, several other pieces of gear have captured attention this week:
- Orange Baby Terror: The latest addition to Orange’s compact amplifier series, this 20-watt amp offers unique features suitable for practice and recording.
- MXR Textures Granular Synth Engine: This compact pedal delivers complex granular synthesis effects, catering to the growing trend of ambient and experimental guitar tones.
- Origin Effects EQDeluxe: Inspired by the classic Pultec EQP-1a, this unit provides studio-grade equalization and drive capabilities, promising enhanced tonal shaping.
- Third Man Hardware x Beetronics Old Zoo Lion Meat: A collaboration between Jack White’s Third Man Hardware and Beetronics, this fuzz pedal features a distinctive vintage aesthetic reminiscent of a tuna can.
- Shergold Telstar 12-star: A 12-string variant of the Shergold Telstar, this guitar is designed to deliver classic tones and serve as a platform for sonic exploration.
- Bad Cat Mod Shop Cub 15: A revived and updated version of the original 1999 Cub amp, this model from Bad Cat’s Mod Shop offers a refined take on a classic tube amplifier design.
These diverse releases underscore the ongoing dynamism within the guitar gear market, offering musicians a wide array of choices for enhancing their sound and playing experience. From affordable vintage-inspired electrics to sophisticated effects processors and updated amplifier designs, the latest wave of products caters to a broad spectrum of player preferences and needs.
