November 2009 Jazz Instrument News

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November 2009 Jazz Instrument News

Friday, 30 October 2009 11:03

World Rhythm finger piano / four tone box

Finger pianos and tone boxes may sound a little left-field, but for the adventurous musician, the possibilities of extending the sound palette are almost limitless. Although they are not particularly viable acoustically, so rather than using off-board mikes with all the associated problems, Jazzwise amplified the two instruments using a Schertler moving coil transducer contact mike and put them through a Headway Shire King 60 acoustic amplifier which made for some intriguing results. Positioning on the body of the instrument, as might have been expected, is crucial to getting the optimum sound but once found, not only was the tone of the instrument faithfully reproduced, so too was the timbre. Needless to say, bass, mid and high end levels can be adjusted to suit the particular sound the player is looking for and putting an effects pedal into the mix can take you to musical heights you never thought existed. Although the tone box is a non-tuneable instrument, the finger piano can be tuned to a pentatonic scale or alternatively siting naturals to one side and sharps to the other. There is also the option of thirds, fifths and so on – the choice is yours. These are basic instruments, but they’re remarkably versatile and deserve greater attention. For more go to www.worldrhythm.co.uk

Dupont Stimer M12 Retro Combo guitar amp

If retro-1950s sounds are your thing, then this is the amplifier for you. French manufacturer and luthier Michele Dupont purchased the Stimer trade mark so as to bring back this iconic valve amplifier which accurately reproduces the original tonal quality while preserving that very distinctive look. Made entirely by hand in his Cognac workshops, the combo is constructed of parts made to the original specification of the original components. And there’s no built-in reverb, this baby comes as a pure and simple amplifying setup. I thought I’d try it out with its related kit, the Macafferri Selmer-style guitar, using a Dupont instrument and a Stimer ST48 retro pickup (also made by Dupont to the traditional specs). There’s no denying the retro sound. It’s bright, gritty and has an edge that could burn through the seat of your pants. Although the overall sound might be considered thin by today’s standards, when it’s fully cranked up and toned down, the ST48 delivers that typical svelty warmth of a traditional valve amplifier. So for those of you who are looking for the joie de vivre and authentic sounds of Paris in the late-40s this is it. For more go to www.sandarac.co.uk

John Packer JP231 Rath trombone

This is the first we are told, of a number of collaborations between retailer John Packer and manufacturer Michael Rath, with Rath having had a hand in the design of the instrument and Packer finding a quality manufacturer in China. The 231 comes with a large bore and a very playable, lightweight slide. The build quality is excellent and the finishing is nothing short of superb. It’s a very responsive instrument, particularly in the middle-to-lower register, where it can really bark. The upper register needed a little getting used to, requiring as it did a lot more puff. But the tone is warm and the character of the sound suggests that the 231 would be just as comfortable in a symphony orchestra setting, as it would be used by a jazz group or big band. At a fraction of the price you might expect to pay for a horn of this quality, it all packs into a standard nylon denier semihard, zippered shaped case, with exterior zippered pocket, grab handles and a back harness with a velcro flap cover. For more go to www.johnpacker.co.uk

Ludwig Black Magic snare drum

This is one of Ludwig’s centenary models and it’s quite a character. You’ll either love or hate the laser engraved shell with, for me, its rather overworked swirls and whirls. With a deep brass shell coated in black nickel, a 14-inch head and diecast hoops and tube style lugs, there’s no doubting its Black Beauty lineage. I loved the feel of it as it’s wonderfully responsive, has a really full tone at the bottom end and a highly defined sound even when it was being played softly at lower levels. It also has a crisp, clear snare sound. The rims are higher than normal and this gave cutting rim shots an extraordinarily well defined “stick click”. But behind a 35-piece band, this baby was struggling on projection and power. Slot it into a small combo however and this Black Magic really comes into its own and this is clearly where it is best placed. The Black Magic isn’t a fully fledged Black Beauty, but a little customising could make it into a really tidy piece of kit. For more go to www.activemusic.co.uk

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