Illinois Entertainer September 2017 | Page 54

By David Gedge FENDER MEETS PHONE Speak To Me Fender Bluetooth Speakers Fender’s classic style and quality lis- tening experience goes almost anywhere with their new line of modern Bluetooth- streaming speakers. Two new models will be added to the brand’s ever-expanded consumer audio offerings, including a Newport model and premium Monterey model for music-enthusiasts. Both names were inspired by two of Southern California’s iconic music festivals – the 54 illinoisentertainer.com september 2017 Newport and Monterey Pop Festivals. Created with the Fender afficionado in mind, the Bluetooth speakers feature a classic Fender amplifier design and signa- ture sound – all in a compact Bluetooth device. The Newport Bluetooth speaker model derives its design cues from Fender’s classic ‘silverface’ amplifiers, featuring a guitar amp-style metal grille and knobs to adjust volume, bass and tre- ble, as well as a blue LED amp jewel light. The portable Bluetooth streaming speaker has a powerful battery life of 12 hours and more than 33 feet of wireless freedom using a Lithium-ion battery for extended playback time. The Newport features two full-range drivers matched to a tweeter, 30 watts of powerfully clear audio, and support for aptX and AAC high-quality digital audio signals. The speaker is able to conduct cell phone calls with an echo cancellation, along with a built-in USB port to charge smartphone and tablet devices and the ability to con- trol your music playlists. “At Fender, we take pride in delivering a first-class, quality sound we’ve provided musicians for decades,” Jim Ninesling, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics, told IE. The Monterey model features a high-power, high-fidelity stereo Bluetooth streaming speaker, powered by an AC power source, supporting aptX and ACC high quality digital audio sig- nals. Featuring the trusted Fender sound qualconsumers have come to now, the Monterey provides an elevated listening experience with an EQ preset switch to shape the sound for the room, as well as two 5.12” woofers and two 1” tweeters, boasting 120 watts of audio. True to Fender’s classic guitar amplifi- er designs, the Monterey features Fender’s ’68 custom grille cloth, blue LED amp jewel light, and guitar amp-style knobs to adjust volume, bass and treble. In addition, the 1/8” and RCA dual ana- log inputs connect with your favorite music sources, along with offering more than 33 feet of Bluetooth audio connectiv- ity. Fender’s first Bluetooth speaker line pricing is in line with higher tier Bluetooth speaker brands like JBL and Altec Lansing. The Newport (MSRP $199.99) and Monterey speaker (valued at $349.99) – is available now at local dealers and on Fender.com. For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. New Fusion Fusion all-in-one Guitar More than 20 years in the making and two years to their IndieGoGo investors, the long-awaited and highly anticipated line of Fusion Guitars are now available online to musicians in the U.S. at www.fusionguitars.com. Billed as “the world’s most advanced electric guitar” Fusion Guitars allow musicians to unplug, learn and create music anywhere . Incorporating a built-in amp, speakers and seamless iPhone integration for unprecedented access to tones, guitar