GRAB SOME BENCH
By David Gedge
PRS Super EAGLE II
Must Be In The Front Row
Fender Front Row Legend Empire
Fender announced several new guitars at Summer NAMM in Nashville . The collection features seven highly collectible , limited-edition models with various finish options – all showcasing the innovative spirit of the legendary Fender Custom Shop . The endless display of creativity continues with two , limited edition creations from Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov : the Front Row Legend Esquire and Pacific Battle Strat and Tele guitars .
A testament to the Custom Shop ’ s constant quest for innovation , the 2017 Mid- Year Collection showcases new roasted wood bodies , necks and finishes , as well as a Dual-Mag pickup design and other new features . Each model pushes the limits of guitar building to spark inspiration for future custom guitars . All Mid-Year Collection guitar headstocks wear the Fender Custom Shop 30th Anniversary decal and will be available for one year beginning July 15 .
“ For 30 years , the Fender Custom Shop was built on a rich history of innovation – and these Mid-Year collection guitars show that spirit is alive and well ,” said Mike Lewis , VP , Product Development – Fender Custom Shop . “ This collection of guitars is not only eminently collectible , but gives guitar enthusiasts a rare chance to own a historic , limited-edition model celebrating the Custom Shop ’ s 30th anniversary .”
Built by legendary Master Builder Yuriy Shishkov , the Front Row Legend Esquire " is made from 100-year-old Alaskan yellow cedar reclaimed from original bench boards taken from legendary music venue , the Hollywood Bowl ", as reported by MusicRadar . com .
" The wood ’ s original patina , with cracks , bolt holes and scratches , is preserved , and the Custom Shop even picked out the boards with the most distinct markings . In addition , each guitar has an original seat number on the top of the body , making every satin-finished piece unique . Playing-wise , the Front Row features a ’ 60s-style ' Oval C ' -shaped quartersawn maple neck , 7.25 ” -radius fingerboard and vintage frets , as well as an original-spec Broadcaster bridge pickup , oxidised brass hardware and push-pull volume pot ."
The Front Row Legend Esquire will be custom ordered in limited quantities , with a price tag of $ 12,000 , according to MusicRadar . com .
60 Years of Vox ?
Vox 60th Anniversary Had-Wires Series
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Vox Amplification , Vox has announced the new 60th Anniversary Hand Wired Series , which includes the AC15HW60 and AC30HW60 . Engineered and built from the ground-up entirely in the United Kingdom , these amplifiers are completely hand-wired using only the finest available components . The anniversary amps are a faithful recreation of the 1957 AC15 / 4 and the 1964 AC30 / 6 amps that paved the way for some of the most notable musicians in the industry today .
“ Working alongside one of the most iconic and important amplifier companies is incredibly rewarding , especially when we get to work on a project like this ,” Director of Guitar Brands at Korg USA , Brian Piccolo told IE . “ It ’ s an honor to be able to reintroduce these amps to the world 60 years later ,” he concluded .
The ever-evolving AC15 underwent three revisions in 1957 , with the last being represented in the 60th Anniversary model . Much of what players would come to know and love about Vox was
54 illinoisentertainer . com august 2017