Fractal Audio have announced an update for their market leading amp and FX simulator Axe FX, simply named the Axe FX II. Here’s what they have to say about it. Three years of R&D at Fractal Audio Systems have yielded our next generation product, the Axe-Fx™ II. With twice the power of our former flagship “Ultra,” the Axe-Fx II unveils new state-of-the-art algorithms and an innovative array of great hardware and software features and improvements. This all-in-one preamp/effects processor stunningly…

Halo Custom Guitars has been building custom guitars for many years and has recently honored the late, great Bettie Page with the release of an officially licensed Bettie Page Guitar. Now, fans of the All-American Bombshell have a premier item to add to their Bettie Page collection. Halo Custom Guitars is currently producing fifty Bettie Page guitars and each will come with a certificate of authenticity, serial number, and luxurious guitar case. “It’s exciting to be a part of Halo…

A couple of weeks ago we reported that Gibson’s new flagship model, the Firebird X, would be in stores on 1st May. The latest update on Gibson.com announces delivery delays. Gibson assure us all that they are, “taking advantage of the unlimited capabilities of the instrument and is exploring additional functionality on the guitar suggested by players and dealers”. They go on to point out that, “this will delay shipment, but everyone at Gibson is absolutely committed to making sure…

In a press release, IK Multimedia have announced a new free download version of Amplitube 3 with a built in feature to access, at a cost, their new Custom Shop features. The free version comes with 4 amps, 9 stomp boxes, 5 speaker cabs, 3 microphones, 2 rack FX and a digital tuner. Good enough as a start but this thing really opens up when you head off to the Custom Shop. You can choose from over 200 models stomp…

Almost one year on from the Nashville flood, Gibson has introduced the Anniversary Flood Les Paul Studio. From the press release; “The Nashville flood of May 2010 devastated not only the city in general but the music community in particular–and Gibson lies right at the heart of that community. Countless guitars, both vintage and new, were subsumed by waters that seemed would never stop rising, and for many of their players it was hard to see how this community would…

Gibson’s much ridiculed Firebird X is hitting the stores on 1st of May so, should you be inclined, you’ll be able to get your hands on one and make up your own mind. Gibson bill it as “The most anticipated guitar in recent memory”. Henry J, Chairman and CEO, went on to say, “The Firebird X went through the most thorough review and testing of any product Gibson has ever produced. As we went through every aspect of the product,…

Fifteen LX Martin guitars will be donated to the Dessaix-Baptiste Music School in Jacmel, Haiti courtesy of C.F. Martin Guitar and Jimmy Buffett’s charity, “Singing for Change.” Buffett will present the school with the Martin guitars later this month. The Dessaix-Baptiste Music School offers music education to children, regardless of ability to pay tuition. Many of the school’s instruments were destroyed in Haiti’s 2010 earthquake. Instruction at the school is offered in string, wind, brass and percussion starting at age…

Rafael Atijas has developed a three string, self assembly guitar with the hope of engaging young musicians. Atijas says: “We love six-string guitars but we believe they can be overwhelming for little kids and beginners. The Loog, with its three strings, makes it easy for them to tune, play and listen to what they’re playing. “You can play any song on a three-string. A regular chord on a standard six-string is usually comprised of no more than three notes –…

The iPad 2 has arrived and with the new hardware comes GarageBand for the iPad. The new GarageBand App will be available March 11th for $4.99 and will deliver a wide collection of instruments and guitar amps to your iPad. It also includes some 250 loops, 8 track recording and uses the accelerometer to make some of the instruments touch/velocity sensitive. Source: http://www.gottabemobile.com/

Gibson have been working with Rush stalwart, Alex Lifeson, to create the Gibson Custom Shop Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess. Here’s what Gibson have to say about it: “In his work with Rush from the ’70s to today, Alex Lifeson has redefined the boundaries of progressive rock guitar. Embodying far more than that genre label often implies, Lifeson’s playing soars beyond the drama and the bluster to reveal truly stunning virtuosity that has been praised and admired by fans—and players—of…