Canadian Musician - January / February 2020 | Page 66

HOT GEAR SonoTone Symphonic Acoustic Guitar Strings SonoTone has debuted its Symphonic series of acoustic guitar strings, which are designed to project a sound that is pure, warm, and harmonically rich, producing a bal- anced acoustic guitar tone. Made with high-quality materials, SonoTone’s pre- mium strings feature a precision hex core and an ultra- phosphor bronze wrap for improved tactile responsive- ness. Additional measures are taken throughout the man- ufacturing process to optimize string behavior, playability, tuning stability, and longevity. No coatings are used so that only the pure elements that make up the string-wire ring out, unencumbered, through the entire body of the guitar. The Symphonic series strings are designed to remain pliable and vibrant through their entire lifespan. The Symphonic series acoustic guitar strings are available in three sets: 11-50, 12-53, and 13-56. For more information, contact SonoTone: 508-341- 3499, [email protected], www.sono-tone.com. Waves Berzerk Distortion Plug-In Waves Audio is now shipping Berzerk, the first in a new line of distortion plug-ins. The Berzerk plug-in is designed for “wild, unhinged, and creative” distortion and includes 10 original distortion shapes, advanced feedback, pitch, dynamics, sidechaining, and M/S options for experimentation, plus a “Go Berzerk!” button for randomized, unpredictable sonic distortion. The 10 unique shapes each have their own personality. Some transform the sound to add grit, dirt, and character, while others are designed to reach new sonic extremes. The “Go Berzerk!” button creates random variations in each waveshape, letting the user personalize the signal. Turning the Density knob shifts the waveshape in amplitude and the unique Feedback section is like an onboard analog synth. It also includes a Speed knob to shape the groove, as well as octave, pitch, range, and blend adjustments, all of which can be sidechained. For more information, contact Waves Audio: 865-909- 9200, [email protected], www.waves.com. Alvarez 8-String Baritone Guitars Alvarez Guitars has expanded its range of baritone guitars with two new eight-string models, the ABT60CE-8BK and ABT60CE-8SHB. Both models feature octave strings on the third and fourth string to deliver enhanced sparkle in the sonic mid-ranges and create sonic palettes. Both models feature solid A-plus-grade Sitka spruce tops and mahogany backs and sides and feature cutaways and LR Baggs Stage Pro electronics. Both guitars are offered in black and shadow- burst finishes. For more information, contact SFM: 514-780-2070, [email protected], www.sfm.ca. 66 CANADIAN MUSICIAN