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YAMAHA A1M ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $799
The acoustic guitar is an instrument that is as versatile as it is classic. It’s many uses span genres old and new and it’s significance in musical history can’t be overlooked. Regardless of the type of music you consider to be your strong suit, any guitarist worth their salt needs to be able to. navigate an acoustic. This month we look at the acoustic guitar, as well as a whole bunch of bells and whistles you can get to further your acoustic sound and performance. Peer through the following pages and have a look at what our writers have had to say about some of the latest and greatest guitars, banjos, amps, mics,
pedals, strings and accessories on the market and remember to check in with your local retailer to try the gear you fancy, out for yourself. Who knows, the missing piece of your musical puzzle might just be within these pages, enjoy the read.
YAMAHA AC3M ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT BODY ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
ACOUSTIC TYPE: CONCERT BODY ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who is looking at a range of dreadnought guitars with a cutaway and a pickup for around $600 will find this a pleasant change from so many similar guitars on the market.
RECOMMENDED FOR: For anyone looking at a guitar for around $1000 that includes a pickup and feels a little different to all the other dreadnoughts out there, this could well be the instrument for you.
SOUND AND TONE: A big sound that would suggest the back and sides were in fact solid, when they actually aren’t. There is plenty of bottom end and overall warmth to the sound of this instrument.
SOUND AND TONE: A very detailed sound that is somewhat surprising given the body shape and size. It sounds a lit bigger than what it is and has a defined mid-range that is enhanced by the solid mahogany back and sides.
PLAYABILITY: Like the AC3M also tested here, this features a wonderful neck that feels played in and comfortable right away. The semi-gloss finish to the neck moves through the hand effortlessly, making you want to play it as soon as you get it in your hands.
PLAYABILITY: What I love about the AC range of guitars from Yamaha is the necks. They feel like a guitar neck that has been played in for ten years and worn around the edges. The rolled edges of the fretboard are so comfortable; this guitar just feels familiar as soon as you pick it up.
CONSTRUCTION: A very solid build for an acoustic guitar and perhaps a little too solid in some regards. This instrument actually feels quite heavy for its size and very sturdy because of this fact. OVERALL: I love how this guitar offers something different to so many other instruments in the price range. Better still, it stands out not only by looks and feel, but by sound too. You need to play and hear one of these before your next guitar purchase. TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: System 63 S.R.T CASE INCLUDED: N/A
PG. 40 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
CONSTRUCTION: Solid top, solid back and solid sides sees this as a well appointed instrument with a well designed pickup system built in as well. These guitars are made to last and see you through many years of enjoyment. OVERALL: The AC3M sounds great and plays wonderfully. It is a big step up in sound from the lower priced models from Yamaha and offers a body shape and size that is not all that common, but which many people really like. TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce BACK: Solid Mahogany SIDES: Solid Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: System 66 CASE INCLUDED: N/A
RRP: $1199
YAMAHA APX500III ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $529.99
YAMAHA LL6-NT A.R.E ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: THINLINE ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great guitar for players who prefer a slimmer bodied instrument and also for electric guitar players who want an acoustic instrument on stage that feels more along the lines of the other instruments and not bulky like so many acoustics can be.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone wanting to get the most out of an acoustic guitar and have it sound like a full-bodied instrument, but still having the flexibility to amplify it, should it be necessary. SOUND AND TONE: There isn’t anything that is left out with the tone of this instrument. Right through its entire frequency range, you can hear all the notes with equal clarity, and it delivers so much volume, projection and dynamic response too.
SOUND AND TONE: This is the best sounding APX500 I have heard acoustically. Although it still sounds thin compared to many other larger bodied guitars, you get the full sound when it is plugged in.
PLAYABILITY: I know some people will take issue with this guitar not having a cutaway, but in reality, how often do you play those notes on an acoustic? Its full body does restrict access to a few notes, but it delivers so much more in tone that the trade-off is very worthwhile.
PLAYABILITY: The slim, smooth finished neck is more like that of an electric guitar and feels so easy to play on an acoustic. The body is very comfortable and is easy to get the right arm around whether standing or sitting.
CONSTRUCTION: Everything about this guitar’s build is spot on. The selected all solid timbers are very nice and the five piece neck has been sliced for added strength, tine and straightness ensuring it won’t have problems in years to come.
CONSTRUCTION: A very well appointed instrument with the all too familiar oval sound hole that is featured on APX guitars with a moulded rosette insert for extra strength and balance with the internal bracing.
OVERALL: I think that it is sad that the lack of a cutaway may stop some people from even trying this guitar out. It is so good that you will not worry about that after a few minutes of play. It is all about the timber and its tone with this guitar, so the more you can get on it, the better.
OVERALL: There is a reason why these guitars have been so popular in their previous models and it is easy to see that this popularity will continue with the third generation of the APX500. A great sound when plugged in and a certain ease of playability makes this a very usable instrument for a range of applications.
TOP: Solid Engleman Spruce with A.R.E treatment BACK: Rosewood SIDES: Rosewood NECK: 5-Piece Rosewood and Mahogany PICK-UP: Zero Impact Passive Pickup CASE INCLUDED: Yes
TOP: Spruce BACK: Nato SIDES: Nato NECK: Nato PICK-UP: System 65 CASE INCLUDED: N/A
YAMAHA LL16NT12 A.R.E 12-STRING ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $999.99
YAMAHA LS6M-NT A.R.E ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT 12-STRING ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
ACOUSTIC TYPE: CONCERT ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: When the guitarist wants a bigger, bolder, fuller sound, this should be where they turn. All the charm, quality and character of the LL16, but with an extra 6 strings.
RECOMMENDED FOR: The discerning guitarist who wants an instrument that is all about sound and isn’t concerned about fancy tricks, pretty inlays or unnecessary cutaways.
SOUND AND TONE: This instrument has a rich and vibrant tone thanks to a combination of the body working with the twelve strings. A beautiful chorus-like tone that sustains for longer than you would imagine is what you get with this guitar.
SOUND AND TONE: This guitar delivers a very well rounded sound that is reminiscent of guitars of this body shape and size, but with a little more low frequency response than you might have expected.
PLAYABILITY: With a neck that is so slim for a twelve string guitar, and a supremely low action, this is not a chore to play in any way. You really feel like you are playing an electric twelve it is that easy in the left hand.
PLAYABILITY: The neck is lovely and smooth; it feels so slick in the hand. Right out of the case, it plays beautifully and doesn’t need any adjustment at all. This is made all the more easy with the smaller body size that just allows this guitar to sit so comfortably on your legs as you play.
CONSTRUCTION: What can I say, this is a Yamaha and it comes with its own case, so you know the construction is going to be top quality without even getting it into your hands. The all solid timber and precise craftsmanship are of the standards set by Japan in all their guitars.
RRP: $749.99
RRP: $749.99
CONSTRUCTION: I can’t really fault these guitars for their construction. The all solid body has been put together in such a way as to make the most of all of the timber, with no preamp mounted into the side, allowing the wood to resonate freely.
OVERALL: I don’t get to hear a lot of 12-string guitars and when I do, they are usually a letdown. But the LL16-12 is anything but. It makes sense that it should be impressive, if you start with a very well made guitar and add another six strings, it has to be good.
OVERALL: This is definitely worth having a play of if you can get your hands on one. Don’t be rushing to buy a different brand name when you are looking for a similar guitar, make sure you try this model out first and you might well be pleasantly surprised.
TOP: Solid Engleman Spruce with A.R.E treatment BACK: Solid Rosewood SIDES: Solid Rosewood NECK: 5-Piece Rosewood and Mahogany PICK-UP: Zero Impact Passive Pickup CASE INCLUDED: Yes
TOP: Solid Engleman Spruce with A.R.E treatment BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: 5-Piece Rosewood and Mahogany PICK-UP: Zero Impact Passive Pickup CASE INCLUDED: Yes
PG. 41 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
YAMAHA NCX1200R NYLON STRING ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $2099.99
COLE CLARK ANGEL REDWOOD ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR (AN2EC-RDRW - 2 SERIES CUSTOM)
ACOUSTIC TYPE: NYLON STRING ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA
ACOUSTIC TYPE: ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK GUITARS
RECOMMENDED FOR: This could be the perfect instrument for the classical guitarist who wants extended reach and amplified sound, or it could be just the thing for the steel string acoustic player who wants to branch out into a quality nylon string for a change in sound.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Folk, bluegrass, country, blues, fingerpickers, studio players, guitarists wanting a smaller bodied guitar with a softer, responsive top. SOUND AND TONE: Responsive and warm, the Redwood top makes a huge difference to the typical Cole Clark Angel tone. A softer wood, it gives the guitar a more refined sound with increased overtones and a slightly darker tone that would be great for finger pickers and studio players alike.
SOUND AND TONE: This guitar delivers a really punchy nylon tone that although very classical in its softer timbre and attack, still has plenty of bite to its sound and isn’t afraid to show it off. PLAYABILITY: I think a lot of steel string acoustic players will find this is a guitar they will be able to work with very comfortably. It just wants to be played and combined with the slim body and extended fret access, the neck just makes it a really fun experience to play.
PLAYABILITY: Smaller bodied, the Angel sits nicely on your knee allowing you to really wrap around the instrument for more intricate playing. The cutaway gives you smooth access to the higher register and it’ll handle chords, strumming, finger style and single note picking with ease.
CONSTRUCTION: Everything about this guitar oozes style. The finish is flawless, the timbers used are really nice and the included case is just the perfect addition to a guitar that really deserves to be looked after and treated like something special.
CONSTRUCTION: The Redwood top is something new for Cole Clark and the grain looks amazing whilst also adding some beautiful resonance to the guitar’s acoustic properties. OVERALL: Resonant and rich sounds with nice overtones and sustain in a small body guitar that feels great.
OVERALL: We don’t often see high end Yamaha nylon string guitars here in Australia, so it is nice to have had this one for a test. I think we need to see more of these guitars and similar models on our shores.
TOP: Californian Redwood BACK: Indian Rosewood SIDES: Indian Rosewood NECK: Queensland Maple PICK-UP: Cole Clark 3-Way CASE INCLUDED: SKB Standard Moulded
TOP: Solid Spruce BACK: Solid Rosewood SIDES: Solid Rosewood NECK: African Mahogany PICK-UP: System 61 2-Way A.R.T CASE INCLUDED: Yes
COLE CLARK FAT LADY 2 BLACKWOOD ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $2599
TIMBERIDGE TR-3LTDA ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: COLE CLARK GUITARS
ACOUSTIC TYPE: ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: Folk, rock, country, blues, strummers and semi to pro live players wanting an acoustic/ electric guitar that can handle the rigours of live work.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Players looking for a well-made instrument with good, quality materials at an affordable price.
SOUND AND TONE: Clear and concise, the Blackwood top produces even less overtones making it an excellent choice for a guitar to be plugged in. Sounds big and vibrant, which really translates well in an amplified setting. PLAYABILITY: Whilst strummers and chord players will appreciate the bigger body size, it’s definitely not a tough guitar to play. The neck is smooth with a little extra chunkiness that feels like you’re holding on to a battleaxe. CONSTRUCTION: The darker features are offset against the creamy white binding for an earthy, natural look. Included is a 3 way pick-up system that allows you to blend between the piezo, face sensor and microphone. OVERALL: A twist on the classic Fat Lady model, great for live and plugging in. It’s also a solid acoustic with plenty of volume and spark in the unplugged realm. TOP: Blackwood BACK: Blackwood SIDES: Blackwood NECK: Queensland Maple PICK-UP: Cole Clark 3 Way CASE INCLUDED: SKB Standard Moulded
PG. 42 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
RRP: $2999
SOUND AND TONE: Clear and bright, this Timberidge sounds great. There isn’t that real depth of sound you might get with more expensive guitars but you still get nice low end, sparkle and projection that is really pleasing. The simple pick up system sounds great and gives you a good ‘flat’ EQ to play with. Better than I expected. PLAYABILITY: Out of the case, the TR-3 feels great and well sorted. I didn’t have any intonation issues at all and the action is low enough for comfort but high enough to play a bit harder. CONSTRUCTION: Solid Spruce top with dark Rosewood back and sides, natural gloss finish, Mahogany neck and Rosewood fingerboard, ‘TUSQ’ Nut and saddle, Herringbone timber binding on neck and body, Grover gold machine heads, B-Band A 3T under saddle pick up with volume control. Also features a Rosewood (TR) bridge with recessed pins. Comes with D’Addario EXP long-life stings and a choice of 3 pick guards. OVERALL: This is a great guitar for the money. The little details on the guitar won’t disappoint and the Deluxe Paisley complimentary case is a real bonus too. TOP: Solid Spruce BACK: Rosewood SIDES: Rosewood NECK: Mahogany PICK-UPS: B-Band A 3T CASE INCLUDED: Vintage Paisley
RRP: $599
SIGMA DR-41 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
RRP: $795
MARTIN 000-18 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSIC
ACOUSTIC TYPE: OOO ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
RECOMMENDED FOR: Guitarists who want a dreadnought guitar purely for its acoustic capabilities and not for use on stage are going to love this. For big sound and a great look, this is the guitar to check out.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Fingerpickers who need clarity and detail, as well as flatpickers who need dynamics and attack. SOUND AND TONE: There’s a gently scooped quality to the 00018’s midrange, which makes it a great guitar for delicate fingerpicking, but it snaps back nicely when you pick a little harder for dramatic effect. Play with a pick and you’ll get a more aggressive treble but the impressive natural sustain keeps this guitar from ever sounding harsh.
SOUND AND TONE: This is a really well balanced instrument tonally. It does deliver plenty of top end, but the lower frequencies are well and truly there too with the Rosewood back and sides. But the best bit is all the stuff in the middle that is so evenly dispersed, no notes are left lacking.
PLAYABILITY: The neck is quite thin and very comfortable and the fretwork is neat and unobtrusive. The factory-set action is a nice gentle medium, which encourages you to try new stuff or to simply dwell on a chord for a while.
PLAYABILITY: Like so many Sigma guitars, this one has a great neck and a decent action, although it could really be great with a slight adjustment of the neck and nut to make the most of the feel.
CONSTRUCTION: Nice fretwork, nice finishing, beautiful pieces of wood. There really isn’t anything about this guitar that doesn’t hit the mark. Nice and tidy on the inside as well, which is always a good indicator of tight quality control and attention to detail.
CONSTRUCTION: This is a little bit special, as you get some beautiful inlays not only around the rosette and on the fret markers, but right around the edge of the body as well.
OVERALL: A great guitar for finger style players who need a full-range instrument to cover bass, rhythm and melody at once or for flat pickers who want a good all-rounder that will fade into the background for chord work but will jump out front when something bolder is required.
OVERALL: Looks and sound are combined in the DR-41 to deliver a really great guitar for a price that seems altogether too low for what you get. Don’t be fooled, this is so much more of an instrument than the price-tag suggests.
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce BACK: Solid Genuine Mahogany SIDES: Solid Genuine Mahogany NECK: Select Hardwood PICKUPS: Optional CASE: 433 Hardshell
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce BACK: Indian Rosewood SIDES: Indian Rosewood NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: N/A CASE INCLUDED: N/A
MARTIN D-35E RETRO DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $5199
EPIPHONE LIMITED EDITION 1963 EJ-45 ACOUSTIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT ELECTRIC ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
ACOUSTIC TYPE: ROUND SHOULDER DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: AMI
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those who want the timeless, classic Martin dreadnought tone but with modern amplification capabilities.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those who want the famous tone, looks and playability of the classic Gibson 1963 J-45, but can’t afford the justifiably high asking price for an actual vintage one.
SOUND AND TONE: This is quite a bold-sounding guitar, with a little more lower midrange and less treble than you might usually expect from a dreadnought. This makes it a very powerful rhythm strummer and a commanding lead instrument. It features a Fishman Aura preamp with electronic imaging from a 1967 vintage D-35 ‘donor’ guitar for tonal authenticity when amplified. PLAYABILITY: The factory-set action is pretty high and punchy, which is great if you like to really dig in, but might be a bit intimidating for smaller hands or more delicate playing styles. Warm up your hands first before diving into anything too tricky. Ouch. Martin’s High Performance Neck taper helps a little. CONSTRUCTION: Everything is top-notch, from the carefullyfinished fretwork to the thin 1/4” width internal bracing to the outline of the pickguard. Martin’s famous quality control is really on the ball here. OVERALL: A beautifully musical, well-made take on a Martin classic, with the added bonus of greatsounding electronics. a guitar that rewards you for persevering by offering you amazing tone. TOP: European Spruce BACK: Solid East Indian Rosewood SIDES: Solid East Indian Rosewood NECK: Select Hardwood PICKUPS: Fishman F1 Aura Plus CASE: 445 Hardshell
RRP: $3399
RRP: $399
SOUND AND TONE: The J-45 has a full-bodied tone and there’s still a sweetness to it which is contained in the gentle way the treble frequencies roll off before they become harsh. PLAYABILITY: A playable guitar that seems to be just right for a number of different styles, from fingerpicking to flatpicking and chording to soloing. It makes a great solo instrument. CONSTRUCTION: A few rough glue spots here and there, and the sunburst finish isn’t quite as evenly applied as its Gibson counterpart. The tuners also feel a little basic for such a sweet instrument, but overall quite nice and definitely one to hang on to for a lifetime. OVERALL: A big-toned acoustic which is great as a soloists’ instrument or as part of an ensemble. Chord work sounds full and supportive while solos and melodies are expressive and nuanced. Rather nice for slide too, by the way. TOP: Spruce BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: N/A CASE INCLUDED: N/A
PG. 43 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
EPIPHONE EJ-200 ARTIST ACOUSTIC GUITAR
RRP: $449
EPIPHONE LIMITED EDITION 2014 HUMMINGBIRD GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: FLAT TOP DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: AMI
ACOUSTIC TYPE: SQUARE SHOULDER DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: AMI
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those who also appreciate the vintage instruments of days gone by. This is Epiphone’s version of the legendary J-200, a powerful instrument introduced in 1937.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Those who need a bright, vibrant-toned acoustic, and who want to stand out from the crowd visually in the same way that they stand out from the band musically.
SOUND AND TONE: Loud, full-toned and not very subtle. This guitar was made to be heard back in the days before amplification was really a thing, and it sounds great for country, rock and singer/songwriter styles.
SOUND AND TONE: Based on the legendary Gibson Hummingbird, the Ltd. Ed. 2014 Hummingbird Artist has a very bright and detailed tone with great projection. It’s perfect for fingerpickers or for single-note lines because every note is so damned articulate.
PLAYABILITY: The EJ-200 Artist is a little unwieldy due to its size, but the Slim Taper neck profile mitigates this to a certain extent.
PLAYABILITY: The SlimTaper neck goes a long way towards enhancing the Hummingbird’s playability and encouraging you to get bolder with your playing styles. This guitar’s natural volume and power is so overwhelming that when you first give it a good thwack you’ll be taken back and forced to more carefully consider your playing choices. That’s a good thing.
CONSTRUCTION: The construction looks great from a distance, but there was a huge splodge of glue running from inside the sound hole all the way down to the treble side bout on the review guitar. Stuff like this won’t affect the actual construction but it does concern some players.
CONSTRUCTION: The Ltd. Ed. 2014 Hummingbird Artist has a beautiful Wine Red flame Maple top (other colours are available too).
OVERALL: A beautifully big-toned guitar which is based on an instrument that’s shared the stage with Don Everly, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Gram Parsons, Buddy Holly, Pete Townshend and many more.
OVERALL: A great-sounding, great-playing acoustic which is packed with classic attitude.
TOP: Spruce BACK: Maple SIDES: Maple NECK: Maple PICK-UP: No CASE INCLUDED: No
EPIPHONE PRO-1 PLUS ACOUSTIC GUITAR
TOP: Wine Red - Flame Maple, Ebony - Spruce BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: No CASE INCLUDED: No
RRP: $349
MATON SRS60 C ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC DISTRIBUTOR: AMI
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREADNOUGHT ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: MATON GUITARS
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone looking for an easy-to-play dreadnought that sounds authentic, has a solid spruce top and a shorter scale length.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a guitar that I regularly recommend to a lot of people. It is great for both acoustic and amplified performance, practice and personal playing. But best of all, it is a guitar for life.
SOUND AND TONE: This is the Led Zeppelin ‘Babe I’m Gonna Leave You’ acoustic guitar tone: delicate and detailed, yet warm and full. It’s not quite as complex in tone as an equivalent Gibson model but the general tone is certainly there and it sounds great. PLAYABILITY: Surprisingly playable. The neck seems pretty narrow which makes it a little bit fiddly to fingerpick, but flatpicking, open chording and barre chords are all very comfortable. If you have small hands but still want to play a dreadnought acoustic, this one is going to suit you just fine.
SOUND AND TONE: This guitar still has that brightness and punchy dynamic that you would expect from a Maton acoustic guitar, but with a very well rounded sound underlying all of that. You can hear the difference going to an all solid design has made for their guitars at this price point. PLAYABILITY: I love the Maton neck, especially the slightly wider string spacing. Every one of these I have picked up feels great right out of the factory with no further setup required.
CONSTRUCTION: While not up to US-made construction quality standards, this is still a nicely made guitar that feels like it’s in it for the long haul. The shorter scale length is a bold choice but it sure works.
CONSTRUCTION: There is no doubting the quality control adhered to by the team at Maton. These guitars may reflect their entry level price point, but they are still made to an exacting standard that leaves many others to shame.
OVERALL: A great ‘folk or classic rock’ acoustic which feels and sounds like it’s going to be with you for many a campfire sing along.
OVERALL: Presenting an all solid guitar for this end of the market is something Maton wanted to do without compromise or increased price points. What they have delivered is a real winner and ticks all the boxes.
TOP: Solid Spruce BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: N/A CASE INCLUDED: N/A
PG. 44 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
RRP: $399
TOP: Cedar BACK: Qld Maple SIDES: Qld Maple NECK: Qld Maple PICK-UP: AP5 Pro CASE INCLUDED: Hard Case
RRP: $1799
MATON SRS808 ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
RRP: $2099
MATON SRS70C ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITAR
ACOUSTIC TYPE: 808 ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: MATON GUITARS
ACOUSTIC TYPE: DREANOUGHT ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTOR: MATON GUITARS
RECOMMENDED FOR: Fingerpickers, strummers, flat pickers and anybody who wants a sweet-toned acoustic - not boomy and punchy like a dreadnought, but with lots of nuance and detail for ‘sole accompaniment’ work.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the guitar I think should be the ‘go to’ instrument for musicians who are regularly gigging and want a worthy tool that can be used week in and week out while performing to the standard they demand.
SOUND AND TONE: A very sweet-toned instrument with a gentle, but clear high end, muted bass and a harmonically rich midrange. It sounds fantastic when you play softly too, and upper fret access is actually a little easier than it looks.
SOUND AND TONE: The complexity of sound in this instrument with the solid Blackwood back and sides really brings an added warmth to it. Acoustically it is beautifully resonant and amplified with the new AP5 Pro preamp and microphone system.
PLAYABILITY: Extremely playable right out of the box. A nice low-medium string height makes it easy to wander up and down the entire neck with no discomfort. The neck shape itself is also very welcoming to long playing sessions. It’s especially finger-friendly for wide chord voicings that might find you stretching by five or six frets.
PLAYABILITY: Just like any other Maton acoustic, this guitar plays great right out of the case it is supplied in. The factory setups are pretty slick and suit the Elixir strings supplied, but a slight tweak along the road to suit your playing style will make it even better. CONSTRUCTION: The new design work that has been going on at Maton over the last few years is seeing instruments like this come out with increased resonance and combined with strength in the build. You will not have a problem with this instrument; you will have it for life.
CONSTRUCTION: Beautiful construction from the nice solid neck joint to the firmness of the tuners to the finishing of the frets. And the piezo/mic/preamp system is well implemented, unobtrusive and perfectly tuned for great tone no matter what you play it through. OVERALL: This will be the ultimate small-bodied guitar for many players. It really brings it all together: tone, playability, looks and construction quality.
OVERALL: Although I was saddened to see certain Maton models getting retired this year, the SRS70C more than fills the gap and delivers so much more to the Maton range than there ever was. This guitar is a real winner, hands down.
TOP: Cedar BACK: Solid Blackwood SIDES: Solid Blackwood NECK: Qld Maple PICK-UP: AP5 Pro CASE INCLUDED: Hard Case
TOP: Cedar BACK: Solid Blackwood SIDES: Solid Blackwood NECK: Qld Maple PICK-UP: AP5 Pro CASE INCLUDED: Hard Case
NASHVILLE NBJ-42 OPEN BACK BANJO
RRP: $595
MARTINEZ MBJ-65E 6-STRING ELECTRIC BANJO
PRODUCT TYPE: 5-STRING OPEN BACK BANJO DISTRIBUTOR: JACARANDA MUSIC
PRODUCT TYPE: 6 STRING ELECTRIC BANJO DISTRIBUTOR: JADE AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: Any banjo player looking for a quality openback instrument that isn’t about to break the bank. This model is especially worthwhile for those interested in learning frailing style banjo.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This 6 string banjo is ideal for any guitarist wanting to get a banjo sound on stage without having to learn a whole new range of chord voicings or techniques.
SOUND AND TONE: From the player’s listening position, this is a very loud instrument as most of the volume is thrown back at the player. Out front, it has a bright, lively tone with a rich resonance that is unlike open-back models of similar prices. PLAYABILITY: With a slim neck and flattened fret board at the body joint, this is ideal for frailing style banjo playing where down picking with the back of the fingernails is the preferred method. You don’t often see banjos at this price with a frailing styled fret board. CONSTRUCTION: This is a really well constructed instrument. The headstock inlays are neatly finished, the planetary tuners offer fast and precise tuning and the 24 bracket ring mount allows for great tone transfer from the skin to the body. OVERALL: I didn’t think much of these banjos when I first saw them about a year ago, but I changed my mind as soon as I got one in my hands. They are easy to play and sound like a banjo with twice the price-tag. TOP: Fiber Skin Head BACK: N/A SIDES: Maple Plywood NECK: Hard Maple PICK-UP: N/A CASE INCLUDED: N/A
RRP: $2199
RRP: $849
SOUND AND TONE: The resonator on this banjo does deliver a big sound for the price tag. It projects really well acoustically, but does even more with the included pickup, allowing it to stand out on stage as well as acoustically. PLAYABILITY: Easy to play for a guitarist looking for a banjo sound. It does have a pretty big neck on it for a banjo, but anyone used to a solid acoustic guitar neck will get along with this one quite alright. CONSTRUCTION: This is a nicely appointed instrument with a brass tone ring and well finished binding and components. The lower notes don’t quite resonate as well as they should, but no 5-string banjo really tunes that low or uses strings that heavy. OVERALL: A great concept that allows guitarists a change in tone but doesn’t quite sound just like a banjo should. This is the problem with 6-string banjos, but in all, this is a very workable instrument made more usable by the included pickup to allow the user freedom on stage. NECK: Mahogany RESONATOR: Mahogany ARM REST: Chrome plated BRACKETS: 24 brackets TUNERS: Diecast machines
PG. 45 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
WASHBURN B-9 RESONATOR BANJO
RRP: $499.95
OSCAR SCHMIDT OGU6E GUITARLELE
PRODUCT TYPE: BANJO DISTRIBUTOR: DOMINANT MUSIC
PRODUCT TYPE: UKULELE DISTRIBUTOR: DOMINANT MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a great beginner’s banjo. For anyone looking to start out and doesn’t quite know what they are looking for in a banjo, this is a great option and will get you on the right path until you find your next instrument.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is a really cool instrument that is going to appeal to guitarists and ukulele players alike. It allows one to play like the other and brings the two worlds together very nicely. SOUND AND TONE: For a tenor sized ukulele, this is a really big sounding instrument, partly so due to the extended range from the six strings tuned ADGCEA. The all mahogany body delivers plenty of warmth in the tone and the UK2000 preamp works a treat for amplified performance.
SOUND AND TONE: A bright and vibrant tone that jumps out from the instrument, but not really big in the lower frequency range. PLAYABILITY: As a beginners instrument, this is a really playable banjo. Right out of the box, once the bridge is set in place, it is easy playing and doesn’t need any great adjustment. The lightweight resonator and tone ring make it very comfortable too for those who are not used to heavy brass tone rings.
PLAYABILITY: Being a bit of a hybrid instrument it is hard to liken this to anything as far as playability goes. Ukulele players will love the extended space on the neck and guitar players will find it a comfortable change from larger scale instruments.
CONSTRUCTION: This banjo is a big step up from the model below it in the Washburn range and sees nicely finished binding and inlays with a smooth gloss and Mahogony timbers used for looks and sound.
CONSTRUCTION: With the design team at Washburn behind this instrument, it has been well put together and resonates very nicely. The slotted headstock accommodates some lovely gold Grover tuners and the inlays all go together to make for a special looking instrument.
OVERALL: This is easily one of the best banjos in its price range and a great option for beginners who want something that will last a number of years. It will stand up alongside banjos that sit in a higher price point and deliver confidently.
OVERALL: This is a really fun instrument that will be enjoyable for a wide range of musicians and will no doubt spur on a creative process that hasn’t yet been explored by many.
TOP: N/A BACK: N/A SIDES: N/A NECK: Mahogany with bound Rosewood PICK-UP: N/A CASE INCLUDED: N/A
TOP: Mahogany BACK: Mahogany SIDES: Mahogany NECK: Mahogany PICK-UP: UK2000 active preamp with pickup CASE INCLUDED: N/A
ERNIE BALL ALUMINUM BRONZE ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS
RRP: $24.95
PRODUCT TYPE: GUITAR STRINGS DISTRIBUTOR: CMC MUSIC AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone! The ultimate multi-purpose string, road tested by everyone from Andy McKee and Antione Dufour to John Mayer. SOUND AND TONE: Some strings are great at expressing clarity. Others excel at expressing fullness. Ernie Ball’s Aluminium Bronze construction is somehow able to do both of these at the same time, and they do it nice and loud. The clarity seems nice and consistent across the full range of the fretboard, and the low end is full and powerful without being too boomy. PLAYABILITY: These strings feel relatively smooth (especially for non-coated strings) with the bare minimum of finger noise, which is impressive for strings with such clarity.
RRP: $499.95
MARTIN TONY RICE SIGNATURE ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS
RRP: $19.95
PRODUCT TYPE: GUITAR STRINGS DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
CONSTRUCTION: The windings seem very tight and consistent, the ball end is quite smooth and the strings themselves come out of the package extremely clean, so whatever Ernie Ball is doing to keep corrosion at bay is working. Ernie Ball says the addition of aluminium enhances resistance to acids, sweat and string contaminants, so that’s surely a big part of it, and bodes well for their long-term usability. OVERALL: Great multi-purpose strings for those who really want their guitar to be heard. If you prefer to blend into the background then these might not be for you, but if you want all of the nuances of your playing to be appreciated you should check them out.
PG. 46 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
RECOMMENDED FOR: Bluegrass legend Tony Rice, or those who want to sound like him. Or for those who want to capture the classic tone of long-discontinued Martin Monel strings, which haven’t been around since the 1970s. SOUND AND TONE: These strings are designed to mellow quickly which allows the natural tone of the individual guitar to shine through, rather than be clouded by that ‘new string sound.’ The tone will sit nicely within a band setting but there’s still enough projection to let you be heard when it’s time to solo. PLAYABILITY: These aren’t particularly smooth strings but they encourage you to really dig in, which is important for bluegrass flat-picking.
CONSTRUCTION: Martin engineers are using a new formula to capture the sound of Martin Monel strings. They use a compound nickel-based alloy that feels suitably old-school. OVERALL: Legend has it that when Tony Rice tried the final version of these strings he said “Welcome back, old friend.” So if you’re after that classic Clarence White 1935 D28 tone, which hasn’t been available since the 1970s, check out this missing link to strings gone by.
MARTIN RETRO LIGHT ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS
RRP: $19.95
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRINGS DISTRIBUTOR: ELECTRIC FACTORY
FISHMAN SA 220 SOLO PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
RRP: $2149
PRODUCT TYPE: PA SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC RECOMMENDED FOR: Soloists, duos, small bands for rehearsals, gigs at smaller venues and where a large PA isn’t needed and space is an issue. Suits a range of musical styles including folk, country, blues, pop and anything in a more relaxed singer/ songwriter type vein. SOUND AND TONE: Fishman have employed a line array setup in the SA 220 with six 4” speakers and a single tweeter to help disperse the sound for a full and clear tone. This type of design is great for getting your sound out there, as opposed to it being lost in the front row. With a range of EQ options, built in reverb on each channel, antifeedback and phase controls, you get some added control of those extra nasties that can creep in on the live circuit.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone who has an appreciation for vintage bluegrass tones. Also for those who don’t like the zippy, zingy tone of brand new modern strings. SOUND AND TONE: These strings are full-bodied with even-tones, which is great for strumming techniques and flat-picking. Fingerpickers might want to check out some of Martin’s other strings though, depending on how sharp they would like their sound to be and how exaggerated they want their note separation to be. PLAYABILITY: There’s something pleasantly ‘grippy’ about these strings. They don’t punish you for moving your way around the neck, but they aren’t all slippery and slick-feeling either.
CONSTRUCTION: Martin Retro strings are crafted from a longlasting proprietary nickel-based alloy blend. Similar to the Tony Rice signature strings, these are also designed to mellow quickly rather than sound too ‘new-stringy.’ Like the Tony Rice strings, these are also made with Monel (an alloy which is primarily composed of nickel and copper, with small amounts of iron, manganese, carbon, and silicon). OVERALL: Great strings for those who appreciate vintage tone and who want their guitar to sound that way now, not in a few hours, gigs or weeks when the strings have broken in. The tones are confident and full-bodied and the playability reflects that as well.
FISHMAN LOUDBOX MINI ACOUSTIC AMPLIFIER
RRP: $899
SOUND AND TONE: Rated at 60 watts the Loudbox Mini has quite a lot of headroom and plenty of tonal variation. The woofer and tweeter combination helps with covering a broad EQ spectrum and I was impressed with the sound reproduction for both guitar and vocals. Reverb is a nice addition too with controls for both channels. USABILITY: Straight forward and easy to navigate with an Instrument channel and a Microphone channel. Typical EQ controls and some aforementioned effects built in are both usable and logical whilst you also get a DI out
CONSTRUCTION: Acoustic properties aside, the SA220 looks clean and modern, feels tough and rugged, and the front and rear panels seem logically set out. The complete system design gives you one central point for inputs and control, alleviating extra setup of individual components. OVERALL: Another option for smaller gigs, buskers, solo artists and small sound installations with the benefit of a complete system that sounds good, yet is uber compact and easy to operate.
TC HELICON PLAY ACOUSTIC EFFECTS PEDAL
RRP: $649
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC EFFECTS PEDAL DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC AMPLIFIER DISTRIBUTOR: DYNAMIC MUSIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: Buskers, solo artists, live performances, smaller gigs, rehearsals, acoustic instruments in a range of styles and anyone needing something portable that still has tonal flexibility with some guts.
USABILITY: Coming in a well designed carry bag (with wheels on one end), the whole system, including speaker stand, is quite portable and not overly heavy. The all-in-one design then gives you two channels for mic or instrument as well as Monitor in/out, DI outs or Aux in for plugging in a sound source and an effects return. Easy as.
and Aux input if you want to plug in your iPod and the like. CONSTRUCTION: Tough and well laid-out, the Loudbox seems well-built and at just under 9kgs it’s light enough to lug around for gigs and rehearsals. I like the slightly angled slant of the face of the amp which gives a bit more spread and fold-back to the performer and the angled control panel is easy to see and tweak when standing up too - well thought out! OVERALL: Fishman have a solid reputation in the acoustic world and the Loudbox Mini is a strong addition to their line of quality products. As a practice to smallish gig system the dedicated Microphone channel is great whilst the amp does a fine job of reproducing your acoustic tones (whatever instrument they are) with ease of a quick ‘plug-and-play’ type setup.
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is the ideal companion for any acoustic guitarist who also sings on stage with their instrument and wants a simple, all-in-one solution for effects, EQ, compression and harmonies. SOUND AND TONE: There is so much going on in this unit. You get amazing guitar effects aimed more towards the acoustic guitar, as well as vocal harmonies and voice processing all combined with in-built mixing and compression.
CONSTRUCTION: Built into a tough casing with silent switches and recessed connections, this unit has been designed to be stood upon on stages all over the world. OVERALL: I love how this unit has been designed with the acoustic guitarist in mind. It works so well for solo or duo acts, doubling as a simple mixer so you can just run directly into your powered speakers and reduce the amount of gear you need to set up for most of your gigs.
PLAYABILITY: This is easy to set up and play around with the pre-set patches, but it works best when you build your own specific sounds. You can run your guitar and vocals out as separate lines should you want them to go to the FOH mixer, or you can simply send a stereo mix direct to you powered speakers for simple solo setups.
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SENNHEISER MD421 MKII DYNAMIC MICROPHONE
RRP: $567
PRODUCT TYPE: DYNAMIC MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA
RECOMMENDED FOR: As a ‘do everything’ microphone, there isn’t anything else out there like the MD421 MKII. Although not strictly a microphone designed for acoustics, it has many talentscapturing bold guitar sounds on stage or in the studio. SOUND AND TONE: This microphone shows just how much bottom end can be captured from an acoustic with a dynamic microphone. You also get a really warm high frequency response that offers a different sound to that so commonly acquired with a condenser microphone for an acoustic instrument. PLAYABILITY: It has the ability to adjust this response with a bass control switch so you can get the microphone up really close to the sound-hole
DPA D:VOTE 4099G ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE RRP: $779 PRODUCT TYPE: ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: AMBER TECHNOLOGY
for a dynamic attack and not end up with a sound that is too booming or overpowering. CONSTRUCTION: These microphones can be dropped and stood on (but please don’t), regardless they will continue to deliver quality results. I have used some MD421s in the past that looked like they had seen several world wars and a Martian invasion, yet still they got the job done. OVERALL: This is the sort of microphone every engineer should have in their kit and for any musician who wants to maintain continuity in their sound from one performance to another.
RRP: $369
MOTH SOUND MOTH MIC
RECOMMENDED FOR: For any musician with an acoustic instrument that needs to amplify it on stage, this is the perfect solution to allow you to capture the sound with a microphone, but still have the freedom to move around stage. SOUND AND TONE: As it is a microphone placed directly in front of the instrument and kept in the same position, you get a much fuller sound than what you would usually hear from a transducer pick-up amplifying the vibrations through the body. PLAYABILITY: This is really easy to mount on a range of instruments. There is a selection of clips to mount it on just about any acoustic instrument and ensure that the microphone sits where it needs to for a great sound, but also keeping it out of the way whilst you play the instrument.
CONSTRUCTION: Being that it is right in the firing line for getting damaged, DPA have ensured this microphone is built tough. It also offers excellent shock protection in the isolation of the capsule as being mounted onto the instrument can get pretty rough at times. OVERALL: The designers at DPA microphones have offered all sorts of solutions for difficult applications over the years. With the new 4099G microphone and assorted clip attachments, DPA have got amplification for acoustic guitars pretty much nailed.
SENNHEISER EW 172 G3 WIRELESS GUITAR SYSTEM
RRP: $919
PRODUCT TYPE: WIRELESS GUITAR SYSTEM DISTRIBUTOR: SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA
PRODUCT TYPE: MICROPHONE DISTRIBUTOR: FEDERAL AUDIO
RECOMMENDED FOR: Great for gritty vocals, harmonica, slide guitar and banjo. This microphone is perfect for when you want to create a retro sound in your acoustic instrument or voice.
CONSTRUCTION: Handmade in Spain from reclaimed and recycled components means every Moth Mic is built to an incredible quality, yet each is slightly different.
SOUND AND TONE: A very narrow frequency range means you get a real nasal sound from this microphone that is reminiscent of an old wireless radio. But it has some grit to it as well, so it breaks up slightly when driven hard and so has a lot of character.
OVERALL: This is a really unique tool that is going to have a lot of people interested when they are discovered. Great build, great price and a really unique sound that all come together to deliver a brilliant product.
PLAYABILITY: Easy to set up on a stand and compact enough for any application. Uses a 6.5mm jack connection, so it works well going straight into a guitar amplifier too for an even more organic sound.
PG. 48 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014
RECOMMENDED FOR: This is exactly what any guitar player needs if they don’t want to be stuck standing in one part of the stage when performing. For an acoustic guitar player, there is nothing better than being able to roam the stage or room and be free to express yourself on your instrument. SOUND AND TONE: Clarity is the thing to note with this wireless system. You get an unhindered transmission of your guitar’s signal with a full frequency range to allow all of its tone to be delivered to your amp or PA system. There is no compromise to the tone from your pick-up when you use the G3 wireless. PLAYABILITY: This is so easy to set up. The transmitter attaches to your guitar strap and you barely
notice it is there once you have the guitar over your shoulder. Then, you are free to move around without being inhibited by the restraint of a guitar lead. CONSTRUCTION: Metal construction in both the transmitter and receiver means this unit is built for the rigours of touring and isn’t going to let you down even when you take it out day-in and day-out. OVERALL: The big advancement in digital transmission with the latest G3 wireless systems means they conform to wireless compatibility laws and deliver a flawless signal that stands tall against any rival.
G U I TA R K E Y BODY
PICK-UP CONTROLS BRIDGE MACHINE HEAD NECK
BINDING
SOUND HOLE
INLAYS
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FRET NUT
CUT-AWAY
D I S T R I B U T I O N D E TA I L S DISTRIBUTOR COLE CLARK GUITARS ELECTRIC FACTORY AMI JACARANDA MUSIC JADE AUSTRALIA MATON GUITARS
PHONE (03) 8727 5655 (03) 9474 1000 (03) 8696 4600 (08) 8363 4613 1800 144 120 (03) 9896 9500
WEBSITE www.coleclarkguitars.com www.elfa.com.au www.gibsonami.com www.jacarandamusic.com.au www.musocity.com.au www.maton.com.au
DISTRIBUTOR YAMAHA MUSIC AUSTRALIA DOMINANT MUSIC DYNAMIC MUSIC CMC MUSIC AUSTRALIA AMBER TECHNOLOGY FEDERAL AUDIO SENNHEISER AUSTRALIA
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WEBSITE www.yamahamusic.com.au www.dominantmusic.com.au www.dynamicmusic.com.au www.cmcmusic.com.au www.ambertech.com.au www.federalaudio.com.au www.sennheiser.com.au
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PG. 49 / MIXDOWN NO. 246 / OCTOBER 2014