My top picks for Winter NAMM 2013
Now that Winter NAMM 2013 is over I thought I might post about the new products that really excited me. I don’t have much time to cover Winter NAMM these days on account of my wife and youngest son having their birthdays at the same time, but I do keep an eye out on the new product announcements. So here’s my shortlist of cool gear that I’d love to check out:
Marshall SL-5 Slash Signature Combo
The cool new Marshall SL-5 Slash signature 5 watt combo
Now I love a good low wattage valve amp, and this one ticks all the boxes for me. 5 watts, EL34 and ECC83 valves, two channels, and a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker. The only downside is no effects loop, which is an important part for me. I’d still really like to try one out though.
Laney Ironheart IRT15H
The awesome Laney Ironheart IRT15H.
Another awesome low wattage valve amp, the IRT15H is a 15 watt single high gain channel head. Sporting 2 EL84s and 4 ECC83 valves, a variable level effects loop, and with options for silent recording and playing, this is one killer amp. I first properly heard the Ironheart series at a Mattias Eklundh clinic a while back, and it blew me away. I’d love to have this killer amp on hand for home and live use.
Ibanez Iron Label series
The Ibanez Iron Label series are sure to be a hit with rock and metal players.
It’s no secret that I am a huge Ibanez fan. The new Iron Label series really excites me. Plain, simple, well spec-ed guitars designed to rock. With a range of RG and S series shaped guitars covering 6, 7, and 8 string setups, these will appeal to many players around the world. Loaded with Either DiMarzio or EMG pickups they look to be guitars that are ready to slay straight out of the box. I’d really love to see a maple fretboard option in there, especially with the white models, but still, these are really cool.
EVH Striped Series
Finally there is an affordable series of striped EVH guitars.
Finally, a way to buy a legitimate EVH striped guitar that doesn’t cost thousands of dollars! Sure the body isn’t made out of ash like the original Frankie, but these Mexican-made (presumably out of the Fender Mexico plant), basswood bodied guitars with a compound radius fretboard, EVH branded Floyd Rose bridge, and Wolfgang pickup should be hot items for a long time to come. I sure as hell want one!
TC Electronic Ditto Looper
The Ditto Looper is a seriously powerful looper in a compact package.
I’ve been blown away by TC Electronic’s stuff over the past year. I’ve been fortunate enough receive a few items to review, and every item I’ve tested has really impressed me. I’m sure the new Ditto Looper is just as impressive in the hand as it has been in the demo videos TC Electronic have released. It’s great to finally see a nice simple looper that doesn’t take up heaps of room.
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