Blackstar St . James Series All-Tube Amps
Blackstar has introduced the St . James Series of lightweight , portable valve amplifiers . The series offers amps in two formats : an EL34 design for classic British rock tones , and a 6L6 model with clean tones and higher gain , which are both available as Celestion-equipped combo or amplifier head with matching vertical 212 cabinet . The amps offer a two-channel setup that delivers clean and overdrive tones .
All four amp models feature two-channel 12AX7 preamp tube circuitry , along with three power switch options : the 50W full power setting , offering the loudest clean headroom ; the SAG setting , proving the softer , vintage-feeling dynamic compression of a power supply , most noticeable on the loud transients ( attack ) of the sweetest tube amps ; and a 2W low-power setting for recording or smaller gigs , delivering a more overdriven power amp tone by controlling HT ( high voltage ) and bias in the power stage , which delivers a more natural tone than the usual “ power soak ” load resistor method often used .
The St . James amplifiers feature an internal reactive load , providing use of the amp without a speaker connected , mimicking the response of a typical speaker for authentic power-amp tones . Blackstar ’ s new Cab Rig simulator technology reproduces the sound and feel of a mic ’ d-up guitar cab via XLR or 1 / 4-in . output , and allows further tweaking of the built-in DSP-based presets for speaker / cabinet / microphone / room emulation via the Cab Rig app . An integrated effects loop , studio-quality reverb , and footswitch round allow further tonal options .
HUG Solid Cedar Rosewood Ukulele
Hawaiian Ukulele & Guitar ( HUG ) has unveiled its all-new Solid Cedar and Rosewood Ukulele in standard and pineapple styles . Designed to fit a variety of playing styles , this ukulele combines the popular acoustic guitar wood of cedar with the sought-after tonal characteristics of rosewood .
This ukulele features a cedar top , which gives acoustic guitars a softer , rounded sound compared to spruce . HUG has selected laminate rosewood for the sides and back , further enhancing the instrument ’ s warm tones . Each size , the 24-in . - scale concert and 26-in . -scale tenor , is finished with a wood and abalone binding . For a more authentic Hawaiian look and feel , the pineapple style of the Cedar and Rosewood Ukulele is also available in both concert and tenor sizes . The pine- apple shape is more than just a novelty , offering body depth that helps maximize the volume of performances .
The C-shaped mahogany neck of the Solid Cedar and Rosewood
Ukulele provides a strong , balanced tone , complete with a synthetic walnut fretboard matched by a corresponding bridge that enhances sustain . A thin layer of high-gloss lacquer provides a subtle finish that protects the instrument and allows the tones to fully resonate . For more information , go to
www . hugukulele . com .
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