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The Spider Capo

Say goodbye to the same old capo that your Grandfather used and say hello to the future.  Some accessories provide a creative spark to the songwriter; this one serves up a jolt of electricity that will be remembered for years.  At some point in the future, someone will create a list of the greatest inventions for guitar players and the will be on that list.  I fully expect to hear some amazing guitar pieces in the near future as guitarists take this to places their ears have only dreamed of.  I play guitar and within 5 minutes of attaching this to my guitar, I was making sounds I never thought I could create.  I can only imagine what someone with real talent can do!

Appearance
The Spider Capo looks more like a torture device than anything you would attach to your guitar but it’s simplicity makes it very intriguing.  Two plastic clamps on both ends tightened with a knurled screw makes it easy to use and six individual fingers on a central shaft rotate down onto the strings to capo the strings.

Construction
The Spider Capo only has a couple of parts, the end pieces, the center shaft, the finger handles and the tightening knob.  The plastic end pieces have leather pads to protect your guitar neck’s finish.  One end piece is fixed and the other slides on the shaft to tighten on the neck.  The center shaft is metal and is flat on one side to aid in locking down the plastic finger handles.  The flat side on the shaft keeps the end pieces properly aligned.  The finger handles can slide freely on the shaft to align with any string spacing.  Finally, the metal knurled knob tightens the end pieces to hold the Spider Capo in place.

Operation
The Spider Capo works differently than a regular capo but after a minute or two of experimentation, operation becomes a snap.  Unscrew the knob and slide the end pieces apart until it fits over the neck where you want to attach it.  Rotate the finger handles so they are parallel to the neck and tighten the knob.  Slide the finger handles over the strings and its ready to go.  Simply rotate the finger handles to capo the string and you can fine tune them by the amount that you rotate the handles around.

The package comes with some sample tunings to get you started and there are also some videos on the manufacturers website to show you a few more tricks.  The great thing about this capo is that you can play both above and below the capo so you can do things with this that were not possible before.  The possibilities are unlimited!

It comes out of the package set up for a right handed guitar but if you are left handed all you have to do is unscrew the knob, remove the sliding end piece, remove the finger handles and turn them around.

Blurp
The Spider Capo is a 10 out of 10 in every category.  Period.  If you are a guitar player, you need this.  At a list price of 39.99 and a street price of around 30.00 there is no reason not to have one.  It’s like discovering a new instrument inside of your favorite guitar.

For more information check them out at their website SpiderCapo or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.

The BBE Sound Sonic Stomp

If you are having trouble cutting through your live mix and turning up is just not an option, this is the solution for you.  I don’t want to come off like a shill for BBE but I used this pedal the other day and I could not believe how it changed my sound.  I played a jumbo acoustic through it and the results were nothing short of amazing.  I use chorus to make the guitar sound more full but that does not even compare to the effect this has on the live sound.  The BBE Sonic Maximizer has been doing this for years to live sound applications on a system level and now it is available to guitarists and bassists in a convenient stomp box.

Appearance
The pedal has a white and fire engine red glossy finish with the standard BBE knurled knobs and blue LED indicator light.  Easy to read lettering finishes off the look of a no nonsense pedal.

Construction
Like all of the other pedals in the BBE family, this pedal is rugged and well made.  The metal housing makes it nice and durable for onstage use although once you turn this one on, its going to be hard to turn off.  The on-off switch is typical of the BBE family and this one is also made to last.  The input and output jacks are on the sides and marked in big letters in a contrasting color the to main paint color.  The battery compartment (9 volt) is on the bottom and has a plastic cover that is secured with a tab that can be opened with your fingers.  The AC adapter plug is on the front and this pedal comes with an AC adapter.

Operation
This one is easy to use.  You have two knobs and their operation is very intuitive.  The Lo Contour lets you boost or roll off the low end and the process knob lets you add the “Sonic Maximizer” effect to your signal.  I had the Lo Contour turned up to around 7 and the process at about 8 and it sounded perfect.  Like any effect, it is all in what the user hears and is very subjective but I found there wasn’t a lot of tweaking involved to get a good sound.

The Sonic Maximizer is hard to describe.  Most pedals fit into one category or another like modulation, distortion or delay but the Sonic Maximizer  doesn’t.  It takes your sound and makes it sound like it is coming from everywhere like a surround sound processor.  I would use it at the end of the chain but experimentation is key to developing your own style.

Blurp
This pedal is a 10 out of 10 in every category and it would be applicable to anyone looking for something more.  With the list price of $179.00 and an advertised price of $99.99, it is an inexpensive way to take your sound to new places and if you consider the included AC adapter, you can’t beat it.

For more information check them out at their website BBE SONIC MAXIMIZER or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.

Arbor AB500 5 String Bass Guitar

The most important component of a bass guitars tone is solid construction.  Solid joints and an accurate fit give a bass guitar it’s resonance.  When you pick up a well made bass you can feel it and when you play a well made bass you can feel it in your soul.

Appearance

The AB500 is a two pickup, solid body electric 5 string bass guitar.  It has a two octave rosewood fingerboard, chrome plated tuners, a fully adjustable bridge, a volume control for each pickup and a master tone control.  The AB500 is offered in Black and Transparent Red finishes over a comfortably contoured body.  All of the edges are rounded giving it a nice modern look.

Playability
I have been playing bass guitar for over 20 years and when I picked this bass up and started to play it, I knew it was going to be hard to put down.  The fact that I couldn’t put it down was the first indicator that this instrument was special.  I have smaller hands than most bass players and because of that, 5 string basses are harder to play.  This neck is comfortable in my hands and made it very easy to play.  The thin body along with the cutaway on the G string side makes it easy to get to the 24th fret.  The strap button on the extra long horn helps to keep the bass from being too neck heavy and gives the bass a nice balance when you stand up to play it.

Sound
I played this bass through a solid state head with a 4×10 cabinet and with a 2×15 cabinet and it sounded full and balanced over the entire neck.  The high end was nice and clear and the low end was deep and rich without being muddy.  This is due in no small part to the solid construction.

Accessories
The Arbor AB500 comes with two allen wrenches necessary for adjusting the truss rod and bridge saddles.  It does not have a custom made case but it does fit in a number of different commercially available hardshell cases and gig bags.  I recommend hardshell cases because of the protection they offer and when you have your guitar in the back of a van or truck, it makes it easier to stack them.

Blurp
I give the Arbor AB500 5 String Bass Guitar 10 out of 10.  no ifs, ands or buts.  If you are looking for a 5 string bass that looks cool and sounds great this is the ideal choice.  Factor in the $300 list price and it is unbeatable.  The quality construction makes this a prefect addition to any bass guitar players arsenal.

For more information or to grab one today, go to BoutiqueMusic.com.

BBE SOULVIBE Rotary Speaker Effect

The rotary speaker effect was made popular in the late 60’s by Jimi Hendrix.  Of course everything he touched became popular as everyone wanted to be like him.  The rotary speaker simulator or “vibe” is no exception.  The modulated sound that ranges from a slow sweep to a fast warble is typical of the vibe sound and adds depth to a guitars overall tone.  The BBE Soul Vibe is one of the better offerings in that category.

Appearance
The pedal has a beautiful, bright yellow glossy finish with a cool funkster kicking back in a chair sipping a glass of wine and chilling out in a retro leisure suit, platform shoes and wicked afro.  But that’s where the retro ends.  The chrome knobs are knurled in case you have to make a quick change on stage and the indicator light is a blue LED that pulsates in time with the speed of the rotary effect.

Construction
This pedal is made to be played.  The metal housing makes it nice and durable for onstage use.  Any guitar player knows that when things get groovin’ on stage, stompboxes really earn their name.  The on-off switch is a typical high profile effects box switch and the metal construction means it will have a long service life.  The input and output jacks are on the sides and marked in big letters in a contrasting color the to main paint color.  The battery compartment (9 volt) is on the bottom and has a plastic cover that is secured with a tab that can be opened with your fingers.  The AC adapter plug is on the front and this pedal comes with an AC adapter.

Operation
There is no great mystery here.  Operation is very simple.  The two knobs control speed of the rotary effect and intensity of the effect and the blue indicator light lets you visually know the speed of the effect.

The SOUL VIBE is a modulation effect similar to a flanger or phase shifter without the spacey sound.  It gives you a deep growling sound when played through an amp that is distorting and has a very Leslie like organ effect when played clean.  The SOUL VIBE makes your leads come alive without the heavy effect sound of a phaser or flanger.  The effect sounds best by itself but if you want to use it with other effects, I would use it at the end of the chain because it is modulating the signal and will tend to overdrive any effect it is fed into.

Blurp
This pedal is a 10 out of 10 in every category but it is not for everyone.  Modulation effects can be very cool if used in moderation but they can be tiring if you overdo it.  With the list price of $189.00 and an advertised price of $129.99, it  may seem steep but the metal construction makes it a good, long term value and if you consider the included AC adapter, you are paying about $115 for the pedal.

For more information check them out at their website BBE SOUL VIBE or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.

SJS98CE Sierra Tahoe Series

Not all high end guitars have a high end price tag.  The Tahoe Series is a real surprise and for about one third of the price of one of the big name jumbos it is truly a bargain.

Appearance
The SJS98CE is a true solid top jumbo acoustic electric that comes in both Natural and Black gloss finishes and has a nice wooden inlay around the sound hole.  The back and sides are flamed maple and the back is arched.  The tuners are custom made comfort grip that have a very unique look.

Playability
The first thing I noticed when I picked up this guitar was the shape and feel of the neck.  I have small hands and this guitar was very comfortable to play.  The body is slightly larger than the body of a Gibson J185 and is easy to play in the seated position.

Sound
If you like the deep, rich sound of a jumbo, this guitar will not disappoint.  The large body and arched back give the Sierra Tahoe an exquisite tone that is almost identical to the Gibson sound.  To my ear the bass was a little more robust than the Gibson and the overall sound output was louder.  The Barcus Berry Realm III electronics are the perfect addition.  The 1/4″ jack / XLR output and the built in tuner make it clear that this guitar was designed for playing live.

Accessories
The Sierra Hardshell Case is a well made, durable case that will protect your investment for years to come.  The heavy duty latches and the beautiful brown extra push interior are the signs of a well made case.  There is also a gig bag available but if you are going to be gigging with this guitar I would recommend the Hardshell Case for the protection it offers.

Blurp
I give the Sierra Tahoe Series Jumbo Acoustic electric guitar a 10 out of 10 for the instrument and a 10 out of 10 for the case choices.  It is a well made instrument of the highest quality with the sound of a high end acoustic and the price tag to fit your budget.

For more information check them out at Sierra Guitars or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.

Danelectro Free Speech Talk Box

There is nothing that a guitar player enjoys more than a floor full of effects. There is such a wide variety of effects to choose from and if you are looking to set yourself apart from all of the others you’ve got to get a talk box.

Appearance
This pedal is typical of the Danelectro line; well made, durable and excellent sound. From the cool retro finish to the high quality Dan-O-Tube, this pedal is made to last. It has a switch to activate the effect, a volume and a growl(distortion) control. There is also the output hole to attach the Dan-O-Tube and an input to attach the inline mics.

Construction
The Free Speech Talk Box has a metal housing and a large, low profile metal switch to turn the effect on and off. I like the low profile switches as your foot can activate the effect even if it is slightly off axis. It is easier to miss the taller switches on some pedals and that can affect your performance if a particular phrase depends on an effect. The Dan-O-Tube is a very thick, flexible plastic tube with a clip for mounting to a mic stand and a pair of mics to send the sound back to the pedal.

Operation
The great thing about this pedal is that it will even work on a small combo amp. That’s right, a small combo amp. This is an inline pedal as opposed to the original design talk box that required the user to place the talk box between the output of a guitar head and the speakers. This talk box takes the signal at the input of the pedal, routes it out to the Dan-O-Tube and uses a pair of minature mics to send the signal back to the pedal and out to the amplifier.

To make the famous talk box sound (Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, Richie Sambora) just place the tube in your mouth and shape your mouth around the Dan-O-Tube to control the sound coming out of the tube. The sound will be picked up by the minature mics and routed back to the pedal. Its that simple! You can also use this through a PA system by running the Dan-O-Tube next to a vocal mic. The minature mics on the Dan-O-Tube are removeable.

Blurp
This pedal is definitely a 10 out of 10 in every category. From it’s ease of use to it’s ultra cool sounds, the Danelectro Free Speech Talk Box will give you a wide variety of sounds that are only limited by your imagination. With a list price of $129.00 and an advertised price of $93.75 this pedal costs about one third of the original talk box.

For more information check them out at their website Danelectro Free Speech Talk Box or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.

Sabine Zoid Tuners

An important piece of any musicians setup is a tuner. No matter how talented you are, no one will notice if you are out of tune.

Appearance
The tuner is a small black plastic box that fits in the palm of your hand. It has a strong spring loaded clip that attaches to the headstock of your guitar, bass or other stringed instrument with rubber pads to protect the finish. There is also a version of the tuner for Band and Orchestra instruments. The LCD screen changes from red when you are out of tune to green when you are in tune making it very easy to tune in a noisy environment.

Construction
The case is a very durable plastic made to withstand the abuses of a performing musician. The tuner screen can be rotated on the clip to adjust the viewing angle making it easy to see no matter what type of instrument it is attached too. There are three small buttons on the front of the screen for power, calibration and tuning mode. The tuner weighs 1.3 ounces

Operation
This tuner is easy to use. Just clip it on to your instrument and press and hold the I/O (power) button for two seconds and the unit turns on. It is now in Mic mode. It picks up sounds through the mic in the front of the screen. Hold the I/O button for two more seconds and toggles to Clip mode. This means the unit tunes from vibrations picked up through the clip. This is how it tunes in a noisy environment.

The Cal button allows you to change the tuning frequency from a standard 440Hz. The available range is 433Hz to 477Hz. The Flat button on the String version allows you to tune down up to four half steps and the Transpose button on the Band/Orchestra version displays notes for keys of C, Bb, Eb, and F.

Blurp
I give the Sabine Zoid Tuners a 10 out of 10 in every category. A tuner is a necessity and a high quality tuner will give you a more accurate tuning. With a list price of $39.95 and an advertised price of $29.96 the features and ease of use make his tuner a great value.

For more information check them out at their website Sabine Zoid Tuners or you can purchase them at BoutiqueMusic.com.