Download - Downbeat

holiday gift guide 2011 ✽ gear
Outta-Sight Tuner
The Planet Waves NS Mini Headstock
Tuner discreetly clips to the back of
a guitar headstock, where it remains
virtually undetectable to anyone other
than the player. A minute version of the
company’s original Chromatic Headstock
Tuner, the super-lightweight unit features a
green-and-red backlit display and uses an
ultra-sensitive piezo sensor system for accurate,
interference-free tuning, even in loud
environments. MSRP: $29.99.
Ordering info: planetwaves.com
No Flakes, Fewer
Breaks
Cleartone’s series of treated
guitar, drop-tuning, mandolin
and bass strings are made to
not only sound great but also
last a long time. A micro-thin
protective film significantly
prolongs the lifespan of each
set without compromising tone
or flaking off. MSRP: $22.
Ordering info: cleartonestrings.com
Archtop Elegance
Godin has beefed up its 5th
Avenue series of Canadian-made
archtop guitars with the Uptown
GT and Jazz editions. The
Uptown GT (gloss top) features a
pair of custom Godin humbucker
pickups and Bigsby tremolo,
and it’s available in Solid Black
GT and Trans Red Flame GT
finishes. The Jazz model has
an arched back and top,
a mini humbucker, and
an ebony fingerboard,
and it comes in highgloss
Piano Black HG
and Natural Flame HG
finishes.
Ordering info:
godinguitars.com
Blue Bigfoot
The Blue Yeti Pro USB
microphone upgrades
the original Blue Yeti USB
mic with 24-bit recording
and a stereo XLR output.
It stands a foot high
when mounted on
its base stand and
weighs just over 3
pounds. A black metal
encasement rises to a
chrome screened caged
protector of three 14-
mm condenser capsules.
The Yeti Pro features four
mic patterns and works
without loading any
drivers or software.
MSRP: $249. Ordering
info: bluemic.com
Ringa-Ding
Easy
to play
and bursting
with improvisational possibilities, the
Dingdrum is a steel hand drum with
a soothing, hypnotic tone. There are
eight tabs on its face, and each produces
a different tone. Dingdrums are
available in a variety of five- and sixnote
melodic scales, each with its own
distinct character. Ideal for percussionists
looking for a simple way to get
some melody into their art, the drums
are designed to be completely intuitive
and fun for kids as well.
Ordering info: dingdrums.com
74 DOWNBEAT DECEMBER 2011