New Products
FEATURED PRODUCT » N-Tune Onboard Guitar Tuner - 06/08
June 2008
Sevilla Classical Guitar strings with patented Cleartone EMP coating
Named after the famous city in Spain, Sevilla Classical Strings are designed for the most discerning classical guitarist. Sevilla Strings are classical guitar strings that feature Cleartone Strings Patented EMP Coating. At one micron, the Sevilla Strings treatment is the thinnest coating in the industry, designed to last a long time without compromising the feel and sound of traditional strings. “Silver wrapped wound strings are very susceptible to tarnishing,” says product manager Jose Antonio. “With our EMP Treatment, Sevilla Strings last a long time while maintaining the natural feel and sound of traditional strings.”
Ball end and tie on versions are available in regular and high tension, retail price is $29.99 Canadian.
^^ UP ^^
June 2008
Little Phatty Stage II
SF Marketing will begin shipping the Moog Little Phatty Stage II the week of June 16th, 2008; the newest member of the Little Phatty family. Like the Stage and Tribute Edition before it, the Little Phatty Stage II puts the performer in control of a 100% analog signal path, two ultra stable Voltage Controlled Oscillators, a Voltage Controlled Filter and other versatile features like an external audio input, CV and KB gate inputs and a full MIDI controller.
Additionally, the Stage II boasts great new features designed for the contemporary musician:
► MIDI over USB
► MIDI Clock Sync
► Arpeggiator
► Tap Tempo
► New Black Finish
Retail price $1699 Canadian.
^^ UP ^^
June 2008
N-Tune Onboard Guitar Tuner
The N-Tune Onboard True Bypass Chromatic Tuner is the world’s most convenient solution for fast, accurate guitar tuning. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, simply pull your guitar’s volume knob and use N-Tune’s super-bright display to silently tune up in seconds. Then push it back down to play – with perfect tone, thanks to N-Tune’s true bypass design which removes all tuning circuitry from your guitar’s signal path. N-Tune installs easily using standard soldering tools and requires no permanent modification of your guitar. N-Tune: It’s professional tuning at your fingertips.
• Fast, accurate tuning built right into your guitar
• Pull volume knob to tune; Push to play
• True bypass design preserves tone
• Easily installs using standard soldering tools
• No permanent modification required
• Works in almost any electric guitar or bass with passive pickups
Retail price $109 Canadian.
^^ UP ^^
June 2008
The Moog Guitar - The Paul Vo Collector Edition
The Moog Guitar puts revolutionary new technology in the hands of the guitarist. Moog Music is known for building the finest instruments and the Moog Guitar is first and foremost a very fine guitar; designed to be played by the best musicians as their primary axe. Its AAAAA maple top, swamp ash body and ebony finger board bespeak the quality that musicians have come to expect from a Moog instrument.
The addition of Moog Guitar Electronics opens guitarists to a whole new musical vocabulary: Not a guitar synthesizer, not a MIDI guitar or an effects processor; players are intimately connected to The Moog Guitar because it works its magic on the strings themselves.
^^ UP ^^
March 2008
Stagg Traditional China Lions and Gongs
 Now available in Canada, the full range of Stagg Traditional China Lions and Gongs! China Lions are available in 14, 16, 18, and 20 models (Suggested Retail Price from $59.00 - $159.00). Wind Gongs are available in 16, 18, 26, and 36 models (Suggested Retail Price from $129.00 - $1,379.00). Tam-Tam Gongs are available in 16, 18, 26, 30, 36, and 40 models (Suggested Retail Price from $159.00 - $2,189.00). Stagg Traditional Series cymbals are hand-hammered in China using a process that authentically reproduces the mystic and trashy tones of ancient Chinese cymbals. Mount your gong on Staggs GOS-1538 gong stand, capable of holding up to a 34 gong (Suggested Retail Price of $159.00).
^^ UP ^^
Mapex Black Panther Deluxe Snare Bag
 The EBG146500BP has an easy-care rubberized exterior, soft-padded interior, heavy duty zipper, padded handle and shoulder strap. An inner flap has a pocket for accessories and adds another layer of protection for your prized snare drum! Holds up to a 14x6.5 snare drum. Suggested Retail Price of $109.00.
^^ UP ^^
Mapex Rolling Hardware Bag
 The PMK-M113 rolling bag from Mapex is made of a highly durable fabric, has convenient side pockets for accessories and sticks, and holds up to six pieces of hardware including stands, pedals, and thrones. The top flaps full-length parallel zippers are joined by a durable handle for a quick and easy open or close. Bag dimensions: 38 long x 14 wide x 10 deep. Suggested Retail Price of $129.00.
^^ UP ^^
Mapex Cowbell / Accessory Holder
 The fully-adjustable AC913 cowbell/accessory holder can be attached to any stand helping you to achieve the most comfortable placement. Suggested Retail Price of $49.00. Visit www.mapexdrums.com to see the latest line-up of Mapex multi-clamps.
^^ UP ^^
Mapex Cloth-Top Throne
 Mapex has released a pair of cloth-top throne models. The T760A features a 4 thick x 14 diameter round-seat throne, and the T765A features a 4 thick x 17 wide saddle-style throne. Both models feature a threaded steel rod with collar and memory locks, double-braced Natural Curve legs, and an 18-26 height range. Suggested Retail Price of $185.00 each.
^^ UP ^^
August 2007
New Affordable Guitars and Basses rom Spector:
ARC6 Pro Electric Guitars and Performer Classic Basses 
Spector is proud to present two new additions to its lineup: the ARC6 Pro electric guitars and the Performance Classic basses. Both models offer high-end features on an affordable instrument.
The new line of ARC6 Pro electric guitars from Spector feature a bolt-on neck, genuine quilted maple top on a fully carved body, 3-ply rock maple neck, 25 inch scale, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard, Tesla vintage style humbuckers and black chrome plated hardware. Offered in both fixed bridge and tremolo models, controls include dual volume and tone, plus pickup selector switch, while an optional Spector embroidered logo cordura gig bag is also available.
The new Performer Classic bass is available in 4 or 5 string version and features the original NS curved carved body style, figured maple top, solid basswood body, 24 fret rock maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and EMG/SSD pickups with dual volume and passive tone controls.
Canadian retail prices start at $679 for both models.
^^ UP ^^
July 2007
LINE 6 IS NOW SHIPPING POCKET POD™
--Your tone everywhere you go –
Line 6, Inc. is now shipping Pocket POD®, the most portable, easy-to-use and rockin' new member of the acclaimed POD® family of amp, effect and cabinet modelers.
 The ultra-light Pocket POD is the only personal guitar processor to boast over 300 presets developed by some of today's hottest rock stars and studio musicians. Packed with 32 classic and modern amp models, 16 cab models and an expansive range of 16 effects mean guitarists will always be prepared to create great guitar sounds whenever and wherever inspiration strikes.
Pocket POD connects to any computer via USB, giving convenient control over each preset using the free Vyzex editing software. Users will be able to create completely original presets from scratch or download any of the 5,000 free presets created by guitarists from around the world by visiting CustomTone.com.
1/4-inch inputs, a 1/8-inch headphone jack and battery-powered makes Pocket POD the ultimate practice companion. It's also equally serviceable as a front-end recording device and as an onstage multi-effects box, with a user-friendly design, straightforward controls,
built-in chromatic tuner and the legendary POD tone
heard on countless platinum albums.
Pocket POD suggested retail price: $209
^^ UP ^^
LINE 6 IS NOW SHIPPING TONEPORT GX™
--The legendary sound of POD® in a mobile USB recording interface –
Line 6, Inc., the industry leader in guitar amplifier and multi-effects modeling, is now shipping TonePort™ GX, the latest addition to Line 6’s acclaimed TonePort™ family of audio recording interfaces.
 The compact new TonePort GX is sleek, striking and stripped-down, but this palm-sized powerhouse offers professional-grade 24-bit audio recording, 96KHz sample rate support, and over 100dB signal-to-noise ratio, along with rock-solid drivers supporting its fast and widely compatible USB audio connection.
Boasting the unrivalled amp, cabinet and effect models of POD®, TonePort GX promises expert tone and hassle-free, low-latency recording making it a surprisingly affordable, and fun-to-use package. Small enough to clip to a guitar strap, TonePort GX is designed to let any guitarist enjoy portable recording on their laptop with ease.
A single 1/4-inch input accommodates guitar, bass or microphone. (XLR inputs require an adapter) Users will need to install the included GearBox™ software in order to access all the finely crafted guitar and bass models, and Line 6’s exclusive ToneDirect™ Monitoring technology virtually eliminates the annoying problems of latency during recording. TonePort GX works with most recording applications including Ableton® Live, GarageBand, Logic®, Cakewalk®/Sonar, and others.
Director of Product Marketing for Line 6, Erik Tarkiainen claims “TonePort recording interfaces turn your computer into a state-of-the-art recording studio, and TonePort GX is the easiest and most affordable way to take it with you.”
TonePort GX suggested retail price: $99
^^ UP ^^
April 2007
Cleartone Introduces Longer Lasting Bass Strings
 Cleartone Strings has introduced Cleartone Bass Strings, a premium brand of bass strings designed to last longer but without the compromised feel and sound that coated strings are known for.
Cleartone Bass Strings feature a patent pending EMP Coating (Enhanced Molecular Protection); the technology that makes Cleartone guitar strings unique. At 500 nanometers thin, the EMP Treatment is the thinnest coating in the industry. “It’s accepted that coated strings last longer and uncoated strings sound better,” said Joe Iacobellis, Sales and Marketing Manager for Cleartone Strings. “There has been a tone compromise, and up until now, bass players had to accept it. Cleartone gives you unbelievable clarity, and lasts a really long time.”
Since their introduction in January 2005, Cleartone strings have garnered rave reviews from electric and acoustic players alike. “ These strings are simply revolutionary,” said Marc-André Fournier, Cleartone Product Manager at SF Marketing Inc., Cleartone’s Canadian distributor. Fournier, a bass player for nearly 20 years, continued, ”I never thought it would be possible to get a long-lasting bass string set that also sounds awesome without the slippery feel associated with coated strings. The tone is clear and stays clear for a very long time. Yes, my fellow bass players, string boiling is now a thing of the past!"
Cleartone Bass Strings are available from SF Marketing Inc.
^^ UP ^^
February 2007
Check out these Line 6 demo videos from Winter NAMM 07:
^^ UP ^^
Moog Introduces the Moogerfooger MF-107 FreqBox Effects Module
The world of electronic musical effects is expanding into previously undiscovered dimensions. Moog Music has added yet another imaginative effect to their already unique Moogerfooger line, the FreqBox.
Unveiled at Winter NAMM 2007, and unlike any other effect module, the FreqBox does not actually modify the audio input signal to produce an altered version of the sound source. Instead the effected sound is an analog Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) modulated by the sound source input—an Audio Modulated VCO. The result is a vast array of effects that were once only possible with a complex modular synth setup. The FreqBox creates a variety of new sounds to musicians and producers alike.
"This effect is so over the top that we had a hard time naming it," recalled Moog Music product development engineer Steve Dunnington. "The sounds it can produce range from fuzz-like distortion to glitching sweeps through the harmonic series to cataclysmic timbral morphing; it truly is a freak box."
 The FreqBox accepts instrument to line-level inputs, and the signal is then passed through a drive circuit capable of massive overdrive, followed by a voltage controlled mix circuit (for dry/wet balance) and an output level control for balancing the effected signal level with the bypassed signal level. The VCO section features frequency and waveform controls, and like all Moogerfooger effects, these parameters are also controllable with an input expression pedal. The sync switch allows the oscillator to be either free running or retriggered with the audio input signal for classic oscillator hard sync effects. The FreqBox VCO can also be frequency modulated by the input signal. It contains an envelope follower and mix controls to further enhance the sonic dimensions. All of this is hand-built into the Moogerfooger enclosure for sonic versatility and stompbox durability.
"Moog is all about expanding the sonic palette; inventing tools musicians can use to create distinctive music," said Moog Music president Mike Adams. "The FreqBox falls right at the core of that promise. Guitar players will gravitate toward its harder-edge distortion capabilities. DJs looking for an extra edge in live performances may find this to be the 'fooger that awakens them to the whole line."
To be fully understood and appreciated, the FreqBox must be heard. Sound samples are available, along with a comprehensive product description, at www.moogmusic.com.
The FreqBox will be available in spring 2007 from SF Marketing Inc.
^^ UP ^^
Line 6 Announces a Road-Ready Pedalboard with Sounds from the Legendary POD 2.0: Floor POD Plus Proven Platinum Tone Right at Your Feet
 Line 6 Inc., the leader in digital modeling instruments and professional recording products, announced at Winter NAMM the Floor POD ® Plus, the latest addition to the award-winning POD ® line. Floor POD Plus gives you all the great features of the studio-standard POD ® 2.0 along with additional premium effects in a road-ready floor pedal with real time foot controls.
Floor POD Plus can be used as a multi-effect unit in front of any guitar amp or PA, a complete direct to the board recording tone solution, or the ultimate headphone practice partner. “Since 1998, POD has appeared on countless platinum-selling records,” explained Mike Murphy, Associate Product Manager for Line 6. “With Floor POD Plus, the guitarist can have all of those proven tones right at their feet in a package that’s ideal for the stage.” Floor POD Plus comes loaded with 32 amp models and 16 cab models that can be mixed and matched for ultimate tonal versatility.
In addition, the guitarist now has access to 6 delay models, full-time compressor, and 20 other effects including choruses, flangers, reverbs, sub-octave, and synth. Floor POD Plus also features 120 custom-crafted presets, onboard tuner, CD/MP3 input, MIDI in/out, and much more. “On stage, in the studio, or for bedroom jamming,” Mike Murphy says, “the Floor POD Plus delivers a huge variety of award-winning tones to keep the guitarist inspired.”
At an MSRP of $499 CDN, the Floor POD Plus will beavailable in April 2007 from SF Marketing Inc
^^ UP ^^
Line 6 Announces the Affordable Solution for Professional Bass Tone, Bass Floor POD
Delivers Professional Bass Sounds in a Portable Floor Unit
Line 6 Inc., the leader in digital modeling instruments and professional recording products, announced Bass Floor POD ®, the latest addition to the world-renowned POD ® line of products. A complete all-in-one solution, Bass Floor POD provides the bass player with premium tone and effects in a portable, easy-to-use package. Bass Floor POD is an affordable solution for any beginning or professional bass player.
 Bass Floor POD can be used as a front-end multi-effects/tone pedal for any bass amp, a complete direct to PA and recording tone solution, or simply the ultimate headphone practice partner. “For the bass player, having professional bass tone usually requires a lot of extremely heavy, and often very expensive gear,” explained Rich Renken, Product Manager for Line 6. “With Bass Floor POD, a legacy of pro sounds are built into an extremely portable pedalboard that can be taken anywhere.” Inside Bass Floor POD live 5 bass amp models and a synth, pulled directly from the best-selling LowDown™ bass amp line.
Line 6’s revolutionary Smart Control Effects include Envelope Filter, Octaver, and Chorus — all effects can be easily tweaked with the twist of a knob. Bass Floor POD also features a studio quality compressor model, an onboard tuner, CD/MP3 input for jamming, a deep switch for even more bass, and a volume/wah pedal. “Whether jamming or recording at home or playing on stage with a band, Bass Floor POD delivers massive bass tone every time,” said Rich Renken.
At an MSRP of $339 CDN, the Bass Floor POD will be available in April 2007 from SF Marketing Inc
^^ UP ^^
January 2007
Line 6 announces ultra-compact Lowdown™ Studio 110
The most desirable rock bass tones now in a portable combo
 Line 6 Inc., the leader in digital modeling instruments and professional recording products for musicians, recently announced the newest addition to the LowDown line of bass amplifiers, LowDown Studio 110. With superb tone, and flexibility for live and studio use, LowDown Studio 110 offers incredible sonic flexibility in a convenient 1’ foot cube with 75-watts and a custom-designed 10-inch speaker.
“Studio 110 offers pure rock bass tones in an affordable combo designed for the gigging and recording bassist on the go,” said Darrell Smith, manager of amplification and sound design for Line 6. LowDown Studio 110 has four essential bass amp models and an incredible bass synth that deliver dialed-in tones for everything from classic funk to modern rock and beyond.
LowDown Studio 110 also features a modeled vintage studio compressor, headphone out, CD/MP3 in for jam-along, a studio quality XLR direct out with Line 6’s exclusive Bass POD ® amp and cab modeling that’s the “go to” for studio direct recording and a line level Preamp Out. “Using the LowDown Preamp Out, you can easily take your tone from studio to stage simply by jacking into the house or rehearsal studio rig,” explained Smith.
The LowDown Studio 110 (1x10 – 75-watts) is available at an MSRP of $399 from SF Marketing Inc.
^^ UP ^^
 Tanglewood Guitars Introduces the TW170-AS Grand Auditorium Model
Tanglewood Guitars adds a new member to its acclaimed Premiere Series, the TW170-AS Grand Auditorium style acoustic guitar. With well-defined bass response, punchy midrange, and silky highs, the TW170-AS truly is the perfect “folk” guitar. Thanks to a very balanced tone and great projection, this new model is particularly well suited for fingerstyle as well as flatpicking styles.
The TW170-AS features: a solid spruce top, solid mahogany back, bonded mahogany sides, maple binding, Kluson style tuners, vintage-style reinforcing volute, Abalone inlays as well as many other premium design elements found on the industry’s highest quality acoustic guitars. The companion TW170-AS-CE-B model is also available and features a B-Band pickup and a cutaway. With retail prices set at $499 CDN for the standard model and $699 CDN for the Acoustic/Electric model, the new Tanglewood TW170-AS is within the reach of most every guitarist.
^^ UP ^^
December 2006
Line 6 Unveils SPIDER ™ III Amplifier Family
The only guitar amps with rock star settings!
Line 6 Inc., inventors of modeling guitars, basses, amplifiers, and effects, announced the latest evolution of the popular Spider amplifier series, Spider III. The all-new Spider III 75, 120, 150, and HD150 amplifiers offer perfectly dialed-in sounds with 200 incredible artist presets created by over two dozen of today’s hottest bands and guitarists. Along with artist tones, there are also another 200 presets based on the greatest rock guitar songs of all time.
Spider III 75, 120, 150, and HD150 amplifiers offer 12 custom amp models that go everywhere form spanky clean to insane grind. "We’ve assembled an incredible team of well-known guitarists to dial up their favorite sounds,” explained Darrell Smith, Manager, Line 6 Amplification and Sound Design. "You get instant recall of hundreds of preset sounds organized by genre and artist, that are essential for any guitarist," says Smith.
Line 6's revolutionary Smart Control FX (seven different effect types, three simultaneous) include Phaser, Chorus/Flanger, Tremolo, Sweep Echo, Tape Echo, and Reverb . Plus, all the effects can be easily tweaked and delay times can be adjusted using tap tempo. And, with the exclusive Line 6 POD ® cab modeling Headphone/Direct out, Spider III can go everywhere from the practice room to the recording studio. Features also include a footswitch jack that’s compatible with the FBV2™, FBV Express™, and FBV Shortboard™ foot controllers, a CD/MP3 input jack, and a built-in tuner.
Spider III 15, 30, and HD75 deliver an unprecedented amount of independent amp channels for their price range with 4 extraordinary amp models (Clean, Crunch, Metal, and Insane) all dialed in by an amazing team of artists. Six Smart Control FX (two simultaneous) including, Phaser, Chorus/Flanger, Tremolo, Sweep Echo, Tape Echo, and Reverb are all set up by expert Line 6 sound designers. Features also include a CD/MP3 input jack and a headphone/recording output. Spider III 30 and HD75 also include a footswitch jack that is compatible with the FBV2, FBV Express, and FBV Shortboard foot controllers.
 The Spider III Amplifier Family:
Spider III 75 (75-watts mono/12-inch Celestion ® speaker)
Spider III 120 (120-watts stereo/2x10-inch Celestion speakers)
Spider III 150 (150-watts stereo/2x12-inch Celestion speakers)
Spider III HD150 (150-watts stereo head)
Spider III 15 (15-watts mono/8-inch speaker)
Spider III 30 (30-watts mono/12-inch Celestion speaker)
Spider III HD75 (75-watts mono head)
The Spider III Amplifier Family is available through SF Marketing Inc.
^^ UP ^^
November 2006
Neutrik Unveils the Silent Plug
New Generation Instrument Plug Allows Noise-Free Switching
 Neutrik, which has designed and manufactured the industry standard in professional audio connectors, jacks and plugs for more than a quarter of a century, continues to introduce innovative solutions to the audio industry. This tradition continues with the recent introduction of the Silent Plug.
The Silent Plug is the perfect solution for switching an instrument, such as electric guitar, under load without creating the pops or squeals typically associated with plugging and unplugging a cable from an instrument or amplifier jack.
“Performing musicians have always had to endure loud, harsh pops or feedback when switching instruments that are plugged into amplifiers or mixers,” stated Jim Cowan, president of Neutrik USA. “Such noises are jarring to an audience and disrupt between-song transitions, particularly for guitarists who use two or more guitars in the course of a performance. The Silent Plug puts an end to that, allowing silent and seamless transitions between electric instruments.”
With a ¼-inch mono plug that fits into any ¼-inch stereo or mono jack, the Silent Plug features gold-plated contacts, red coating, chuck-type cable retention and the integrated “Silent Switch,” which is hermetically sealed and, due to its “REED technology” –based design, offers unrivalled lifetime durability.
The Silent Plug is available through SF Marketing Inc.
^^ UP ^^
FEATURED PRODUCT »  LINE 6 UNVIELS LOWDOWN FAMILY OF BASS AMPLIFIERS
--THE MOST DESIRABLE ROCK BASS TONES OF ALL TIME--
Line 6 Inc. announced its new line of bass amplifiers, LowDown™. LowDown LD150, LD175, and LD300 Pro bass amplifiers deliver superb tone and performance, flexibility for live and studio usage, as well as, affordability.
“Most inexpensive bass combos focus only on volume and clean tone,” said Darrell Smith, manager of amplification and sound design, Line 6. LowDown bass amps have five essential bass amp models that deliver dialed-in, stage perfected tones for everything from classic funk to modern rock and beyond. “LowDown offers pure rock tones that can take you from modern punch to a thunderous, full-on assault like no other bass amp in this price range can even attempt,” explained Smith.
The LowDown line features a critical, must-have collection of bass effects including a modeled vintage studio compressor, Bass Synth, Chorus, Envelope Follower, and Octaver. LowDown amps deliver performance flexibility with 4 programmable channel memories, footswitch jack (FBV Express™ compatible), headphone out, line in, and a studio quality XLR direct out with Line 6’s exclusive Bass POD® modeling.
The oversized, high-speed power amp has incredible articulation and bottom end punch that’s ideal for live or studio work. LowDown LD150 (150-watts) features a custom-designed 12-inch speaker in a convenient tilt back monitor design. LowDown LD175 (175-watts) and LD300 Pro (300-watts) both feature a custom-designed 15-inch speaker with a horn. Available Spring 2006
^^ UP ^^
|
