Korg Releases Volca Series For Ultimate Leads, Basses and Rhythms

Korg Volca Keys Analog Synth Machine 

The ideal introductory synthesizer, with a simple – yet powerful – polyphonic analog sound engine and loop sequencer

The polyphonic synthesizer you've been waiting for

• Three note true analogue synthesis
  
• Voicing function lets anyone create sounds easily
  
• Delay effect for even more sonic possibilities

Simple loop sequencer

• Loop sequencer lets you record phases just as you play them
  
• Motion Sequencer records knob edits in real time
  
• Active Step function and Flux function to add dynamic change to your sequences

Convenient functions for tremendous ease of use

• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
  
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• Compact size, battery-powered operation, and built-in speaker for enjoyment anywhere

Volca Keys is a long-awaited synthesizer that adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of Korg's analog synthesizers. This 27-key analog lead synth delivers unbelievably powerful sound in a compact body. Starting with a filter section that uses the circuitry of the legendary miniKORG700S (1974), it delivers astonishing sound that takes full advantage of Korg's half-century of know-how in circuit design.

With a simple structure that includes delay effect and a sequencer, it's also an ideal choice for a first analog synth. It offers the richly expressive sounds that are distinctive of analog, providing the enjoyment of simple yet deep sound-creation. The possibilities are endless; you can use the three oscillators to play chords, use them in unison with detune to produce solid lead lines, or apply ring modulation to create far-out metallic sounds. 

Korg Volca Beats Analog Drum Machine 

Peerless beats generated by solid analog drum sounds and an Electribe-style sequencer

Powerful analog drum sounds

• Real analog sounds created with reference to classic rhythm machines
  
• Six editable analogue parts with one knob per function for easy editing
  
• Maximum effect from minimal parameters - a unique advantage of analog
  
• PCM sound engine expands possibilities when used with analog sounds

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  
• Stutter function generates repeated triggers that dramatically change the sequence
  
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps.
  
• Step Jump function instantly plays only the step you're pressing

Convenient functions for incredible ease of use

• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• MIDI In for note entry, plus external sync and control from your DAW
  
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power

Even today, more than thirty years after the age dominated by analog synthesizers, we just can't let go of the sound of analog rhythm machines. Those thick sounds have the power to stand up to guitar and acoustic drums, and are still indispensable for track-making or live performance. The volca Beats gives you those analog drums plus the easy-to-use step sequencer of the Electribe; it lets you turn your inspiration into reality and generate beats with the best high quality sounds. 


Korg Volca Bass Analog Bass Machine 

Powerful analog bass sound creation and an Electribe-inspired sequencer for the ultimate bass lines

Powerful analog bass sound

• Three analogue oscillators for thick, huge bass line
  
• Newly designed analog filter for crisp, bright response
  
• Simple structure with single VCF, VCA, LFO, and EG

Loop sequencer distilled from the Electribe series

• Electribe-style 16-step sequencer with eight memory patches
  
• Slide function that’s indispensable for acid and other types of electronic music
  
• Active Step function generates new bass lines by removing or inserting steps

Convenient functions for ease of use

• Self-tuning function for constant, stable pitch
  
• Sync In and Out allows clock sync of multiple instruments from the volca Series as well as Korg's Monotribe
  
• Go-anywhere analogue: play anywhere with the built-in speaker and optional battery power

Aggressive sounds that stand up to the drums; fat sounds that support the rhythm; funky sounds that generate a groove - the volca Bass is an analog groove box that has what you need for a wide range of bass lines.

Although simple in structure, the analog sound engine has an unmistakable presence with subtle nuances that cannot be reproduced by a digital simulation; it's a great choice for acid house and many other styles of music. The step sequencer distilled from the Electribe is not only visually intuitive; it's also a powerful way to generate "free form" bass loops that will stimulate your inspiration. 

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Brand Overview: Pearl Drums

If you want to take the right stride as a drummer, then Pearl is the company to help you.  Renowned drummers such as: Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Chris Slade (AC/DC) and Eric Singer (KISS) all use Pearl kits.  To get you to their level, we thought it would be imperative to get to know what makes Pearl the 'best reason to play drums.'  On that sentiment, we have created an in-depth Brand Overview for you!

A Little Bit of History ...

Pearl was founded by Katsumi Yanagisawa in Tokya, on April 2 1946.  By 1953, Pearl was officially established as 'Pearl Musical Instrument Company' and began manufacturing drums and percussion that includes: drum kits, marching drums, Latin percussion instruments, cymbals, stands, and accessories.  Pearl initially made shells for other companies, but eventually in the 1960s started manufacturing under their own logo. An interesting fact, Pearl released their first professional level kit called the 'President Series' in 1966 and thus began a legacy of innovation in the music-making industry.

Drum Sets

Masterworks - Completely custom made; every drum is designed by the customer and built to perfection.
Reference Pure and Reference - The mission behind Reference Series: To create a perfect sounding drum set where every drum is optimally engineered to produce the best sound possible within its respective tonal range.  Reference delivers maximum projection for live performances while the Reference Pure is optimized to crate the most resonant professional series, perfect for recording.
What makes Reference Pure and Reference Different?  Reference Pure consists of Thin Ply Shells, STL Lugs and FatTone Hoops.  Reference consists of Regular Ply Shells, BRL Lugs and MasterCast Hoops.
Masters MCX  - Masters MCX are adorned with MasterCast Hoops, the finest die cast hoops available, and feature the perfect blend of thickness and mass to improve the depth, clarity and focus of the drums.

Pearl MCX924XSPC  Quilted Bubinga Sunburst

The Session Studio Classic follows the original Session “recipe” with blended Birch and Kapur shells, recreating the classic “Session sound” of strong attack and projection with outstanding lows and punch that you can feel.
Vision - Vision Birch Laquer (VBL)  is Pearl's most affordable 100% Birch drum set. Vision Birch Artisan II is based on the original Vision formula and features blended Birch ply shells. Vision Birch has a unique shell combination gives projection to the low end while equally matching the high frequencies produced by smaller drums.

Pearl Vision Birch Artisan VBA825 Amber Burst Eucalypstus

Export - Let’s face it, most entry-level drum sets are plain vanilla with no regard to sound. But not Export. Taking its cue from Pearl’s award-winning Reference Series, the new Export puts sound first by blending premium Poplar and rich Asian Mahogany for an incredibly lush and full-bodied tone.
Rhythm Traveler  - Easy to transport and easy to practice, this kit is a gigging and practice kit in one.

Electronic E-Pro Live offers the limitless sonic capability and realistic feel of electronic drums on a drumset built with real drum shells, real brass cymbals, and real drumset hardware.

Pearl's Unique Construction Technique: Superior Shell Technology

1. Begins with hand selected woods, chosen for their acoustic resonance capabilities
2. Wood is then milled to precise thickness with overlapping scarf joint seams for a perfect air-tight fit and strength.
3. The wood plies are then saturated with Pearl’s proprietary “AcoustiGlue.”
4. While in the press, it is heated so that the glue is brought to a boil forcing the shells to fuse very closely.

Here is a video to further explain SST:

The Importance of Shell Wood on Sound

Maple

Maple is an excellent choice for general purpose applications due to its smooth, warm, well rounded tone, with equal amounts of hi-end attack and mid-range body and an excellent low-end punch.

Birch

Birch is known for its "naturally EQ'ed sound" that offers slightly boosted hi-end frequencies, a smooth, mellow mid-range and a deep low-end presence and is a great choice for any applications that require extra presence and cut. 

African Mahogany

 

African Mahogany is extremely rich in low-end frequencies, with beautifully smooth mids and a slight roll-off in the higher register. Drums made from African Mahogany have warmth and body that sets them apart from all others. Without question, if your main requirements are "bottom" and punch, African Mahogany should be your wood of choice. 

Pearl Hardware

Pearl offers hardware that consists of: boom stands, straight stands, hi-hat stands, snare stands, drum racks and pedals.

 Here is a quick overview on one of their best selling hardware: the Demonator Pedal.

The Demonator is a single-chain drive pedal, equipped with a Demon Style Powershifter long-footboard, an interchangable cam and infinitely adjustable beater angle, allowing you to customise to your desired feel and power. The pedal also comes equipped with Pearl's Click-Lock spring tension keeper and Control Core Beater. 

Famous Pearl Endorsees

Chad Smith - Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Tico Torres - Bon Jovi

Ian Paice - Deep Purple

Mike Cartellone - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Mike Mangini - Dream Theatre

Tommy Lee - Motley Crue

Eric Singer - KISS

Chris Slade - AC/DC

Mike Mangini of Dream Theatre

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New Fender Classic Series High Gloss Nitro Laquer

Fender recently added five new guitars to their Classic Series.  These new releases are coated with their high gloss Nitrocellulose finish.  Nitrocellulose lacquer (“nitro”) was the finish most often used during Fender’s original 1950s and ’60s golden age, although acrylic lacquers were also used.

Here is an overview of the latest additions:

'60s Stratocaster 

The Classic Series '60s Stratocaster Lacquer evokes that golden chapter in Fender history with an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on its sleek alder body. Other features include a "C"-shaped maple neck, 7.25"-radius rosewood fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets and vintage-style ivory-dot inlays, three vintage-style single-coil pickups with five-way switching, multi-ply pickguard, aged control knobs and switch tip, vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuners. Tweed case included.

'50s Stratocaster

The Classic Series '50s Stratocaster Lacquer epitomized the instrument in the era of its origin, with an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on its alder body. Other features include a "soft V"shaped tinted maple neck, 7.25"-radius maple fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets and black-dot inlays, three vintage-style single-coil pickups with staggered alnico pole pieces and five-way switching, single-ply white pickguard, aged control knobs and switch tip, vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge and vintage-style tuners. Tweed case included.  

'60s Jazz Bass 

The Classic Series '60s Jazz Bass Lacquer evokes the instrument in the decade of its origin, with vintage style and an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on its sleekly offset alder body. Other features include an ultra-slim "C"-shaped maple neck, 7.25"-radius rosewood fingerboard with 20 vintage-style frets and white-dot inlays, dual vintage-style single-coil alnico pickups, four-ply brown shell pickguard, four-saddle American Vintage bass bridge, and vintage-style reverse tuners. Tweed case included.

'50s Telecaster

The Classic Series '50s Telecaster Lacquer evokes the instrument in the decade of its origin, with an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on its ash body. Other features include a "C"-shaped maple neck, 7.25"-radius maple fingerboard with 21 vintage-style frets and black-dot inlays, dual vintage-style single-coil alnico pickups with three-way switching, single-ply white pickguard, knurled chrome control knobs, vintage-style string-through-body bridge with three chrome “barrel” saddles, and vintage-style tuners. Tweed case included.

'50s Precision Bass

The Classic Series '50s Precision Bass Lacquer delivers the distinctive 1950s-era look, sound and vibe of those first Fender basses, with vintage style and an authentic nitrocellulose lacquer finish on its alder body. Other features include a "C"-shaped maple neck, 7.25"-radius maple fingerboard with 20 vintage-style frets and black-dot inlays, vintage-style split single-coil pickup, gold anodized pickguard, four-saddle American Vintage bass bridge, and vintage-style reverse tuners. Tweed case included.

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Yamaha Premiers New DTX-502

Yamaha premiered its revamped DTX-502 electronic drums at Musikmesse, in Frankfurt, Germany. Based on the DTX-PAD, the kits feature including newly designed tom pads, a lighter-weight steel rack and a new drum trigger module.

With almost twice the wave ROM and more than 250 additional sounds than the previous model, the new DTX502 drum trigger module is the first to incorporate drum and cymbal samples that have been optimized for DTX by Yamaha?s sound engineers. The system lets users import audio samples and MIDI files for further expandability.


During the development phase, Yamaha created laser technology to analyze drum strokes and precisely tune the trigger settings, so that the playing experience on each of these sets provides “a more natural feel.” It also includes advanced features such as cymbal muting, natural swells and smoother snare drum rolls.
?Most of the changes to the new DTX502 series can?t be seen but they can be heard and felt,? said Athan Billias, Director of Marketing, Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division.

The new DTX502 module has a streamlined front panel layout, and features plug-and-play USB connectivity for easy “interfacing” with a computer. The newly-designed DTX502 can be easily mounted to acoustic drum hardware using a standard multi-clamp for use in a hybrid acoustic-electronic drum set.
The DTX502 series also includes new training and educational functions, and practice routines for drummers to improve their playing.

The DTX522K, the most affordable model in the series, includes the three-zone XP80 8″ DTX-PAD snare and three newly designed TP70 7.5″ tom pads. The new TP70 pad is softer and quieter, yet more expressive, than the previous model. This kit, which comes with three-zone, choke-able ride and crash cymbals, is the first electronic drum kit ever to feature a three-zone hi-hat pad.

The next kit in the lineup, the DTX532K, uses the same drum pads and rack system as the DTX522K but features an upgraded hi-hat and two large PCY135 13″ three-zone choke-able cymbal pads. The RHH135 vertical motion hi-hat pad, which mounts to the included Yamaha HS650A hi-hat stand, provides a setup that more closely matches an acoustic kit.

The top model in this series is the new DTX562K, which includes the large cymbals and real hi-hat pad, upgrades the toms to an all-DTX-PAD configuration with three XP70 7″ pads.

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Overview of Guitar Finishes

With the release of Fender's new Nitro Lacquer Classic Series last week, there have been lots of inquiries about what the differences are between the three mainly used coatings: Nitrocellulose, Polyurethane, and Polyester finishes.

It is our belief that a guitar receives much of its character from its finish.  In aim to help you get to know your guitar better, we put together a complete guide on finishes.  Although the science behind guitar finishes is heavy in technical content, don’t be alarmed.  It is easy to understand.  Let’s jump right into it:

Finishes and Wood

A guitar’s finish isn’t as influencing on a guitar’s sound as its wood.  But, a guitar’s finish does impact overall health, sustainability and durability.  It’s worth noting that a guitar is produced from once-living plant matter; namely, wood.  Therefore, since a finish is applied to a substance as sensitive as wood, the guitar finish is also receptive to changes in climate, treatment and age.

Purpose of Guitar Finishes

The principle purpose of a guitar finish is to protect the guitar from external elements.  But also, finish does provide slight nuances in the tonal colour of the guitar as well as a personalized visual element.

History

Nitrocellulose Lacquer was originally developed by DuPont Chemical Company in the 1920s, initially intended for use in the auto industry.  DuPont deliberated for it to be used as a sealant against harmful forces caused by nature.  Nitro was formerly used in the ‘50s and ‘60s by the music-making industry, although acrylic lacquers were also used at that time.

Polyurethane was invented in Germany in 1937 and was introduced into the music industry in the 1950s.  Polyester finishes were first used in the 1970s.  Both finishes are plastic based.

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

Nitrocellulose Lacquer (nitro) is made out of the nitration of cotton.  What makes nitro finishes so distinguished is that it is an evaporative finish and mainly that it is very thin.  This thin seal does less to get in the way of the natural vibrations of wood, making your guitar sound more open and full-bodied.  It allows the guitar’sbody to resonate more and thereby giving it more depth in its tone. Since they are evaporative finishes and also very thin; age, sudden exposure or change in temperature and humidity can cause the finishes to become more brittle.  This results in small hairline cracks, called ‘checking,’ and also causes the guitar to yellow.  Some guitarists find these characteristics extremely appealing.  

Polyurethane and Polyester

Polyurethane allows a glossier and easier and more even finish.  In liquid plastic resin form, it made an extremely fast-drying, tough and durable finish (also used for dance floors and bowling alleys) that formed a much harder and abrasion-resistant layer around a guitar than nitro, while still allowing good wood resonance. Further, urethane ages well—it doesn’t check, crack and yellow as nitro finishes do. If you aren’t a fan of the beat-up look, a urethane-finish instrument is probably for you.

 

The chief advantage of polyester is that it makes for a colorful and extremely tough, durable finish. Polyester guitar finishes age and weather especially well and are seemingly immune to climate and injury—they are highly resistant to scratching and checking, and colors remain remarkably pristine. Sonically, you get tones that are more purely those of the pickups rather than other elements of the instrument’s construction, which many players prefer.

 http://www.fender.com/news/finishing-touches/

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