By Eric Dahl
ORTEGA BEATNICK STOMP BOXES Ortega is known for their percussive foot pedals to add a nice beat to your music as you tap your foot . I was impressed with the new Ortega BeatNICK since it provides two different percussion sounds in a low-profile pedal that is easy to transport and take to shows . The pedal is in a sturdy metal casing and the beats are controlled by the tapping of your foot . There is also a volume control on back of the pedal . Select Bass Drum or Snare and Tambourine Combo sounds . You don ’ t need to be a Beatnik to enjoy the added sound the BeatNICK will bring to your playing . Estimated price is $ 99 for the Ortega BeatNICK and it should release its percussive sounds on the world this spring . www . ortegaguitars . com
KALA SOLID BODY U-BASS If you ’ ve been looking to add a little bottom end to your sound but don ’ t really need a full-size bass , then take a look at the brand-new Solid Body U-Bass from Kala . Available in 4-string , 5-string , and fretless models . These instruments have a 23.5 scale with 22 frets and play and sound amazing . Choose from six different colors and dial in the tone you want with the passive split-coil pickups . Rumors are that more pickup variations may be launched in the next year . Each Kala Solid Body U-Bass includes a gig bag also . The fun factor is very high on these and they range in price from only $ 349 to $ 449 . I want one of these after playing them . The problem is which one ? www . kalabrand . com
LR BAGGS EXPANDED PICKUP SYSTEM The LR Baggs team made a big splash last year with their High-Fidelity Acoustic Bridge Plate Pickup System and priced at $ 199 it was incredible value in a great sounding acoustic system . For 2024 we viewed , played , and heard their new High-Fidelity Pickup & Microphone Mixing System . The new Baggs electronics essential merge the Hi-Fi Duet bridge pickups with a Silo Microphone attached to the bridge plate in between the two other pickups . Using TRU-Mic technology LR Baggs has made the Silo Mic feedback resistance while still adding a more ambient sound dimension to your acoustic sound . A built-in studio grade preamp delivers the capability to mix between the two pickups to achieve the sound you seek . The controls and preamp fit inside of the sound hole like other LR Baggs pickup systems . Street price for the HiFi Due High-fidelity Pickup & Microphone Mixing System is $ 449 . www . lrbaggs . com
MARTIN UPDATES THE X SERIES ACOUSTICS C . F . Martin ’ s X-Series comprised of budget conscious acoustic instruments has been reimagined for 2024 . These instruments have long been a great value in a player grade instrument but now they are even better . The line has added in fresh High-pressure laminate patterns to the bodies including Brazilian rosewood , ziricote and cocobolo ( my favorite ). Satin finished tuners are subdued and the new rosette is a more traditional accent . The X Series includes body shapes from 0,00,000 , D and
SILVERTONE BARITONE GUITAR Based on the 1960 ’ s Silvertone Bass , the new Baritone model was a showstopper with everyone wanting to play it including me . The sleek black finish and lipstick pickups are classic and fun . The neck plays easy , and you can add in some nice lower frequencies with this Silvertone Baritone guitar for the cost of a boutique guitar pedal . Prices haven ’ t been released yet and I ’ ve been told that the model shown at NAMM was a prototype and the street models will have a sparkle black finish . This is a great way to add to tonal pallet for church services and praise team functions and still afford the gas to make it to church and back . www . silvertoneguitars . com
GPC . The fingerboard has beveled edges , and the body edges are rounded too . Each guitar has Martin E-1 electronics and a builtin tuner at the bottom of the sound hole . Volume and tone controls are located at the upper bout of the sound hole . Martin also offers a 12-string model in the X Series line . The company has made a good value even better in these X Series instruments . I played them all at the show and people were waiting in line to do the same . Prices range from $ 599 to $ 799 depending on the model you prefer . www . martinguitar . com
62 February 2024 Subscribe for Free ...