Case J3 semi-solid guitar
If it’s good enough for Partisans front man Phil Robson, we thought we ought to have a look at this handbuilt, luthier made instrument. The only difference: our sample had standard Bare Knuckle Manhattan P90 pickups – Robson’s has Bare Knuckle ‘Mules’. The first thing that strikes you about the J3 is not only the exquisite finishing, but just how beautifully balanced the instrument is – the weight distribution is remarkably even. The body is made up of a Maple/Mahogany centre block with hand carved spruce in-fills, which is then covered by laminated quilted maple back, sides and top. The bottom bout is just over 15 inches wide, while the rims come out at a slim 1.85 inches. The one-piece Brazilian Mahogany neck is fitted with a rosewood fingerboard, mother-of-pearl “wing” position markers and 24 medium/fat frets. To the body there is a Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece, while the Manhattan P90 pairing is controlled by a 3-way switch and solid brass Case designed bell knob master tone and volume controls, each fitted with a rubber grip ring. Playing a few chords acoustically on the J3 gives some indication of this instrument’s capabilities. Go to www.caseguitars.co.uk
 

LED music light
This is one of the latest lighting ideas for those reading scores on music stands in dark corners. The unit comprises two switchable LED lights used singularly or as a double, with each attached to two adjustable “swan necks” that are connected to the base which houses three AAA batteries, has a mains connector and is attached by way of a heavily sprung clasp. We tried our sample on a Jazz Music stand (yes this does exist!), clipping it to the top rail. The clasp is well sprung and is made, as is the rest of the product, from a tough plastic compound. However, although there are a couple of rubberised pads, the grip area is very small. We needed two free hands, using one to hold the unit while the other adjusted the swan necks. With almost unlimited adjustment, the light spread is good with no hot spots. But we always seemed to need the double lights in each head, as opposed to using just the single source. Folding down into a neat, compact size for storage, this little Mighty Bright is one item no working musician should leave home without.
For more go to www.blackcatmusic.co.uk

JVC HA-FX1000 stereo headphones
Using birch wood is not new to JVC, as birch cone speakers have appeared on a number of ‘high end’ midi systems and using the same source material on ‘in the canal’ headphones was in effect a logical progression. The quality of both the construction and the overall finish of the phones is exceptional, with a polished wooden housing, a wooden diaphragm and a high gravity brass ring on a stainless unit base to control the diaphragm movement – this is clearly not a cheap product! They are surprisingly lightweight and come with removable/interchangeable ear pieces/caps which are provided in both silicon and memory foam, with a choice of shape and size which neatly and easily pop over the head of the unit. The sound quality is remarkable and I am really impressed by the range of these phones, the separation and the tonality – each beat on the ride cymbal is easily heard and it’s crystal clear. They’re not overly warm and the balance across the full spectrum is extraordinary – perfect for the jazz listener.
For more go to www.jvceshop.co.uk

Dupont Volante foldaway double bass
Have you ever wished you could fold up your string bass and pack it in a case, airfreight it and know it was going to reach the other end in one piece? The French Dupont company has come up with the answer. The Volante isn’t a stick bass and on the face of it looks very much like its acoustic cousin. The top and bottom bouts fold back and the neck comes off (all in about three minutes) and it all packs into a nicely decked out hard case measuring 45” x 12” x 12”. Coming with a quality Despiau bridge, a David Gage pickup and Schaller machines there has been no short changing on the accessories. But what makes this instrument stand out from other fold-away basses is the use of a perfectly profiled acoustic bass neck and heel and a three ply spruce soundplate set on a hollow block back, giving the Volante its resonance and a remarkably natural acoustic sound. Other features include an ebony fingerboard and nut and fully adjustable string action. And the fully cased instrument weighs in at 19kg, just shy of the airline’s baggage limit of 20kg. Go to www.sandarac.co.uk