By David Gedge
GUITARS, DRUMS & WIRELESS
Fender Alternate Reality Series
Fender's Rare Performers
Fender Performer and Rarities Series
Guitar giant Fender unveiled their
American Performer and Rarities Series
at January's NAMM Show. “We’re very
excited to showcase one of our most
diverse electrics offerings at Winter
54 illinoisentertainer.com april 2019
NAMM,” said Max Gutnik, VP of Fender
told the press. “Our leading electric guitar
and bass series for 2019 is American
Performer, which resets the standards for
quality, craftsmanship, and tone in our
entry-point American guitar series with
newly designed Yosemite single-coil pick-
ups and an innovative DoubleTap hum-
bucking pickup. The Alternate Reality
Series continues our recent tradition of
creating limited runs of uniquely com-
pelling guitars with interesting body styles
and tonal configurations; and finally, our
limited-edition Rarities guitars are crafted
from exotic woods, with high-end finishes
and electronics to create an extraordinary
line of instruments for the most discerning
player. As our electrics lineup continues to
evolve, we look forward to players of all
genres and backgrounds making music as
inspired and imaginative as the instru-
ments themselves.”
The recently launched American
Performer Series celebrates both the boom
in live musical performances and the
demand for a roadworthy instrument
that can handle any artist’s needs, no mat-
ter the arena. Featuring 36 models, the
American Performer Series brings the
Jazzmaster, Mustang and Mustang Bass
into the US-made line in the $1,099.99 -
$1,199.99 price range. The Performer
Series blends traditional Fender design
with new elements for modern tone and
performance. Together, the updates deliv-
er sonic versatility and ease of use for per-
formers, helping them hone their sound
across musical genres.
The limited-edition Rarities Series
($2,499.99), available beginning this month
features an upscale, boutique style series
of nine models, all crafted in Corona,
California. Built with figured maple, ash,
and koa-topped bodies, premium pickups,
and high-end finishes and special electron-
ics, the results are stunning in appearance
and tone. For product descriptions and
images
of
each
model
visit
www.fender.com.com
Listen to the Drummer
Simmons DA Series Drum Monitors
Simmons, the pioneers of electronic
drums in 1978, is releasing the DA50B and
DA200SB drum combo amplifiers. Both
models offer wireless, Bluetooth connec-
tivity with a slanted wedge design that
fires sound directly at a seated drummer.
With 50 watts of Class-D power driving a
10-inch woofer and 2-inch tweeter, the
DA50B is suited for solo practice, band
rehearsals, and even smaller live perform-
ances, while The DA200SB can serve as the
drummer's primary monitor at profession-
al gigs. Powered by 200 watts of amplifica-
tion, it offers true stereo sound using dual
6.5-inch woofers and dual 2.5-inch tweet-
ers, plus a 12-inch, downward-firing sub-
woofer. Separate level controls for the sub-
woofer lets you dial in the perfect amount
of boom so you can feel the beat.
Both models offer stereo 1/4-inch line
inputs, a 1/4 inch auxiliary input with
dedicated gain control for routing a click
track or other external mono signal, and a
1/8-inch stereo input for connecting media
players. Each model features a 1/8-inch
stereo headphone jack that defeats the
internal speakers for silent practice. A
three-band EQ makes it quick and easy to
adjust the tone for the room.
The Simmons DA50B and DA200SB
drum combo amps are available at street
prices of $249.99 and $349.99, respectively.
To view the full line of Simmons electronic
drums and related products and read the
story of inventor Dave Simmons, visit
http://simmonsdrums.net.
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