Strings and Accessories
Tube Rocks
With a vintage design and classic features recalling amps of the late ’60s, new all-tube amps from AXL offer tons of output power and tube tone.The AXL Akita Series (AA-AK) have tubes in the pre-amp and power amp, as well as Accutronics reverb, Alphatone speakers, clean and overdrive channels, and a three-band EQ. The AT40 pumps 40 watts RMS through two 12-inch speakers, and is equipped with four 12AX7 tubes in the preamp and four EL84 tubes in the power amp. Twenty- and 30-watt models are available, as well as a half-stack 50-watt amp head and 200-watt output cabinet combination.
For more information, visit www.axlguitars.com
Big Project
With a classic wide-shouldered design and beautiful natural finish, the new Palatino VB-012 Violin-Corner Bass offers rich and balanced tones, excellent projection, and an affordable price. The cornered bass is a favorite with jazz musicians. This model features a premium, crack-resistant spruce top, flamed maple sides, a solid maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The bass’s flat back, made from maple, allows for greater acoustic projection. Available in ¾-size, the VB-012 comes with a padded carrying bag.
For more information, visit www.palatinousa.com
Plugged-In Picking
The acoustic/electric Alvarez A1E mandolin features solid flame maple back and sides, solid spruce top, maple neck, natural satin finish, and a bound ebony fretboard with pearl dots. It also has an adjustable rosewood bridge with a built-in transducer wired through a top-mounted volume knob and then into a standard quarter-inch endpin jack, for when the bluegrass breakdown gets amplified. It can be played acoustically, especially for silent practice, but this is a mandolin built for a Marshall stack!
For more information, visit http://www.alvarezgtr.com/
Maggini Magic
The Maggini is a step-up violin from Palatino based on a Giovanni Paolo Maggini replica from 1834. Maggini is considered one of the great violin makers and his instruments are among the most sought-after in the world. This replica captures the style, the look, and tone of the original. Featuring a premium spruce top, premium maple back and sides, Hill-style ebony fittings, and hand-inlaid double rows of purfling, the hand-carved Maggini has a very resonant body that’s also extremely lightweight.
For more information, visit http://www.maggini.net/
Well Aged
Washburn has given its new B120 banjo an aged appearance so that it has all the looks and tone of a 100-year-old banjo. With it’s maple resonator, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, this matte-finished beauty has a vintage vibe. The rolled brass tone ring is beautifully detailed with very fine scrolling work. Combine that with old school neck inlays and bronze plated hardware and you’re ready for some serious old-time pickin’.
For more information, visit www.washburn.com
