| Hughes & Kettner Ships Switchblade Combo Amps
Switchblade guitar amps were introduced at this year's Winter NAMM Show and combine real tube tone with the sound flexibility of fully programmable amps. The new combos complete the Switchblade line-up with a 1x12 50W and a 2x12 100W model. Like the Switchblade head, the combos provide 4 fully programmable tube channels, on-board digital multi- FX and include a MIDI-board for instant access to 128 user presets. The combos' four channels are optimized to cover a wide range of tones from California clean to British crunch and classic rock to contemporary American nu metal. The FX-section provides considerable effects power and features three independent blocks that all work simultaneously (delay, modulation and reverb). The amps' front panels offer classic tube amp look & feel - but are fully programmable for a total of 128 different tube tones at the touch of a button.
Strictly Acoustic
Surf's up this Saturday at Leonesse Cellars in Temecula's Wine Country when the Duo-Tones perform surf guitar music straight from the '60s. Paul Johnson was 15 when he cut his first record, "Mr. Moto," with the Belairs in 1961, and Gil Orr has played with the Chantays since the mid '60s. Their number one hit, "Pipeline," is still popular at surf music concerts. The two have formed a partnership in the Duo-Tones and perform the music they love. Their sound, like that of most original surf guitar, is unique in that there's no amps, no drums and no bass. It's strictly pure acoustic guitar which fits right in with the 100-person venue at Leonesse Cellars. Johnson has been playing rock instrumental music for more than 40 years. He started with the Belairs in 1961 and continued playing with some of surf music's biggest names, including the Galaxies.
Budda Amplification Performs on "Rock Star: Supernova" Reality Show
Budda Amplification announced today that their award winning Superdrive Series II amplifier was chosen as the official guitar amplifier for contestants on Tommy Lee's "Rock Star: Supernova" Reality Show. It's frequently said, "every overnight sensation has been ten years in the making," and while the name Budda Amplification might seem new to some, those in the know have been watching Budda become the essential link to the new voice of rock and roll. "Rock Star" Musical Director, Clyde Lieberman, selected the Budda Superdrive Series II amplifier for its versatility, simplicity, modern look, and exceptional rock tone. With the many diverse styles the performers bring to the stage, the show demands an amp that can faithfully re-create those sounds and still allow the performers an opportunity to express their own individuality.
Frampton, Pops hit right notes at Riverbend
At one point during his Riverbend concert with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra Saturday night, Peter Frampton played conductor. No, not leading the orchestra, but the audience, waving his arms conducting a sing-a-long of his classic "Baby I Love Your Way." It was a Frampton love fest as the '70s guitar hero teamed up with the Pops to open the orchestra's 22nd season at its summer venue. It made for a thrilling evening with audience and performers alike mindful that risk-taking was in the air. It was the first time the Cincinnati Pops had played with such an edgy blues-rock guitarist and the first time Frampton's songs - many from his monster 1976 album "Frampton Comes Alive" - had received an orchestral treatment. They were arranged by Steven Reineke, who conducted Saturday. "Playing in your hometown is one thing," said Frampton, who lives in Indian Hill.
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