November 2005 Jazz Instrument Update

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November 2005 Jazz Instrument Update

Tuesday, 13 February 2007 11:22

D’Aquisto New Yorker
Something new from the D’Aquisto factory is always of interest to the jazz guitarist and this full 17 inch New Yorker will not disappoint. With a solid sitka spruce top table and flame maple back and sides, together with an ebony fingerboard, bridge and tailpiece, this guitar has that warm woody tone that you might expect from a class act. The single “floating” humbucking pick up complements the warm, rich and defined tones of the acoustic instrument adding an extra depth and dynamic to the overall sound. Needless to say the finishing is immaculate, with ivory binding to both the body and fingerboard. The typical “crown” D’Aquisto headstock is fitted with a set of M6 vintage, 22K, gold plated stepped Schaller machine heads. If you love D’Aquisto, then you’ll l love the New Yorker. But you’ll have to put your hand in your pocket to the tune of just a penny under £2,500 – but then you know it’s worth it.
November 2005 Jazz Instrument Update

Free Ride Bongos
Most percussionists will know that bongos have been a core product of the Meinl range for some years. So what’s with this “free ride” I hear you ask. Simple really. For the first time ever, by using a suspension system attached to the bottom rims, a pair of Bongos have been able to resonate freely, without the need for drilling into the Bongo shells to fit the wood block. The free ride system is now standard on all Meinl Professional Series Bongos and it is true to say that you really can hear the difference. The shells are definitely more responsive, particularly on the fibreglass models.

Hummingbird Alto
This is the one you’ve all been waiting for – as played by our very own Courtney Pine. Selmer Paris have marked the 50th anniversary of the death of Bird, by adding a special edition alto to the ‘Reference’ collection. It features a unique acoustic tube that has a particular body/bow/bell assembly, paired up with an original neck design that not only offers greater flexibility and a more natural positioning through the different angle and bore, but that also sports the unique engraved Hummingbird. The leather keypads feature a plastic booster which contributes to the roundness of sound, which is further enhanced by the hand finished, hard rubber “super session” mouthpiece. This has been especially designed for jazz players, to give power and projection without those forceful, aggressive qualities. The mouthpiece also has a specific ‘Bird’ ligature, specially made by Ligaphone to optimise the acoustic qualities of the instrument. As if all this wasn’t enough to tempt every altoist on the planet, the horn comes in it’s very own compact and luxurious imitation leather case, that not only gives excellent protection, but also adds to the overall ‘style’. Classy or what!

Jazz king Amp
Guitarists looking for that smooth, silky jazz vibe need look no further, this latest 140 Watt combo from Fender has everything you’ll ever need. Based on Fender’s already successful ‘Steel King’, this solid state amp has been specially voiced for jazz guitar. The all new preamp design has been specifically tailored to provide clean and versatile tone shaping, and is paired with a 15” USA made Eminence ‘Legend’ speaker, to deliver stunning sound, with a big full bottom and a smooth high end. Added to this is a long spring Fender reverb for that extra depth, plus a professional XLR line output with level control, ground lift and pre-post EQ, together with an effects loop and tuner output with mute. Also included is a three button footswitch and a rather swish fitted cover. There never was a better time to get plugged in!

IJ2 Jazz Guitar
This single cutaway “Florentine” semi is loosely based on the Gibson 135 and in the ‘natural’ silk finish, it certainly looks the business. Made by Indie, the laminated spruce top and curly maple back and sides are complimented by a Canadian hard maple neck and a grade ‘A’ rosewood fingerboard with lozenge type mother of pearl inlays. The hardware is Grover, with ‘in house’ Indie electrics. Acoustically thin, and with a pair of rasping alnico humbuckers, the IJ2 is not an instrument ideally suited to the smoother sounds of the jazz player. Although it may find favour with those of a more “bluesy” bent.

Baritone sax
This Baritone is the latest offering from the J Michael ‘signature’ series. Aimed at the advanced student and semi-professional player, these horns offer excellent value for money and you’ll be amazed at the instrument’s rich, warm tones. The Baritone has a reinforced wire bell with an optional adjustable metal support, an auxilary front ‘F’ key and a low ‘A’, offering the player all the characteristics of a much more expensive instrument. Coming in a clear laquer finish, the outfit includes reed, sling and cork grease and all packs away into a luxury semi-hard case.

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