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Attention, tone chasers! Ever dreamed of harnessing that legendary Klon-like overdrive with modern versatility? Now’s your chance.
Keeley Electronics Manis Overdrive Giveaway

Keeley Electronics Manis OverdriveThe Keeley Manis Overdrive uniquely combines both germanium NOS transistors and diodes for more compression and saturation plus a 3db bass-boost makes it unlike any other mythical Klone!Keeley pens the next chapter in the legend of the mythical Klone with several storied upgrades and features. First up is the germanium diode switch. The “essential” germanium diodes are at the heart of the myth. By substituting essential germanium diodes with germanium transistors (circa Cold War era) we increase the compression and saturation of the tone. The Manis can give you a softer attack that sounds more like a tube amp. Less ice-pick, more tube amp. This feels incredible under your fingertips too. Wouldn’t you like to hear a little more of the natural low end from your guitar? The bass boost switch lowers the cutoff by exactly one octave and increases the output by +3dB. It’s the perfect low end recovery and push for single coil guitars. True Bypass or Buffered Silent Switching on the fly. The Manis is built like a tank and is the first klone you can power with 18 volts. The Manis is a Hard Clipping ‘clean boost’ that has been updated and modernized with our power supply improvements as well as other mind bending fixes to the inherent tonal problems of the original circuit.The Manis is Hard Clipping “clean boost” using Russian transistors as germanium diodes Ge-Trans Switch – Diodes or Transistors – Huge difference in feel with increased saturation and tube like compression The Bass+ Switch – Lowers the frequency response by one octave and then pushes 3dB harderTrue-Bypass or Buffered Bypass/silent Switching – Whichever works and sounds best in your rig.

Black metal vets try something new in Achathras.
The post Track Premiere: Achathras – ‘The Despiser Triumphant’ appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

For years, Taylor Guitars design guru Andy Powers was ruminating on a sound. It was something deep and warm, with the soul of a bygone era—but unrealized in Taylor’s lineup.Like any relentless innovator and natural luthier, Powers set out to develop an instrument that could channel this “new-old” sound while preserving the essential feel and musicality of a Taylor guitar. That effort came to life with the unveiling of the Gold Label Collection, launched at the 2025 NAMM Show. This new family of guitars introduced a warmer, fuller, more robust acoustic voice to the Taylor landscape—one that lives comfortably alongside the high-fidelity sound Taylor players have long embraced.The new heritage-style sound has been made possible by a three-part sonic recipe, including one of two new non-cutaway body shapes (the Super Auditorium and deeper-bodied Grand Pacific, a round-shoulder dreadnought), a new internal bracing pattern and an innovative long-tenon neck joint design.The Super Auditorium was designed with a slightly longer body and wider lower bout than Taylor’s flagship Grand Auditorium, serving up an open, muscular sound with warm, heavy-bodied trebles. “There’s a kind of honesty in this voice,” Powers says. “It’s not about hi-fi precision or isolated detail—it’s about a more natural kind of musicality. There’s warmth and fullness, but it still responds easily to your touch.” With its comfortable proportions and balanced tone from the lower to upper register, the Super Auditorium retains the versatility of Taylor’s original Grand Auditorium while delivering a fuller, more traditional tone.But the Super Auditorium wasn’t the only body style envisioned for the collection. Equally central to the lineup is a reimagined version of Powers’ original slope-shoulder dreadnought Grand Pacific, an acoustic shape that doubles down on the sonic warmth and depth that inspired the entire project. For the Gold Label Collection, he’s added an extra 3/8-inch of depth at the soundhole. The extra lung capacity creates a deeper resonant frequency and contributes to a sound that has been compared to “sonic comfort food.” Compared to the Super Auditorium, the Grand Pacific’s broader curves and deeper body yield enhanced low-end power and projection, with a more seasoned, blended sonic character that invites players to really dig in.The aforementioned long-tenon neck joint is just one design element of Powers’ patented Action Control Neck™—currently featured exclusively on Gold Label models. The glueless, long-tenon design enhances the wood coupling between neck and body, further boosting low-end resonance. Perhaps the most ingenious part of the Action Control Neck’s design is its namesake string height adjustability. Players and technicians can adjust the action in seconds by using a quarter-inch nut driver (or standard truss rod wrench) on a bolt in the neck block, accessible through the soundhole. For guitarists jumping between different climate conditions, playing styles and musical applications, or just looking to dial in their ultimate playing setup, the Action Control Neck is a game changer. And the neck’s slim profile ensures players have the familiar hand-friendly playing experience expected from a Taylor guitar.The first guitars to showcase the old-school sonic personality of the Gold Label Collection were a group of Super Auditorium models introduced at Taylor’s traditional 800 Series level, including the torrefied spruce/Honduran rosewood Gold Label 814e. After playing a Gold Label Super Auditorium for the first time, singer, songwriter and Asking Alexandria frontman Danny Worsnop says he was “blown away” by the warmth and fullness of the sound, and that he loved the easy neck adjustability. “It is a massive deal,” he says. “When it comes to traveling musicians, it’s absolutely game changing.”Since the collection’s initial launch, Taylor has introduced a family of powerhouse Gold Label Grand Pacific models—three at Taylor’s 500 Series level, built with solid mahogany and torrefied spruce, and three at the 700 Series level, with Indian rosewood and torrefied spruce. Each model comes with one of three top finish options. The Gold Label 517e and 717e feature a natural top for a classic acoustic look. A black top finish and cream colored pickguard give the Gold Label 517e Blacktop and 717e Blacktop a bold, stage-ready visual presence. Players can choose either a cream or firestripe pickguard for the sunburst-top Gold Label 517e SB and 717e SB. The mahogany models offer a woody, dry attack and seasoned warmth, while the rosewood versions add extra depth and harmonic complexity. Artists across genres have rallied around the Gold Label Grand Pacific models, praising their warmth, resonance and stage-ready presence. “There’s not a more popular instrument to play in Nashville than an acoustic guitar,” says solo artist Gina Venier, “and I feel like I’ve got the top dog in the game right now.” Others echo that sense of discovery and connection. Chris Conley of Saves the Day calls the Gold Label 717e “the world’s most perfect acoustic guitar,” citing its “neck so buttery and beautiful” and “resonance so rich and warm.” Tiger’s Jaw’s Ben Walsh describes his Gold Label 717e as “the acoustic guitar I will grow old with,” while Jon Simmons of Balance and Composure praises his Gold Label 517e for feeling “so natural to play” and sounding “perfect” both unplugged and onstage. Longtime producer and engineer Ben Moore (Blink 182, Switchfoot) put it succinctly: “At this point, I thought I knew what a Taylor guitar sounds like. I couldn’t have been more wrong.”Each guitar in the Gold Label lineup sports Andy Powers’ modified headstock shape, with an angled back cut and a script-style Taylor logo inlay. His newly stylized pickguard shape is another visual hallmark of the collection and gets a dual-layer treatment with an engraved “Continental” design on 800 Series models. The Gold Label Collection introduces a new sonic dimension to what’s thought of as the “traditional Taylor sound”—one rooted in tradition and elevated by innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the versatility of the Super Auditorium or the power of the Grand Pacific, these guitars invite players into this new breed of Taylor tone, where old-heritage inspiration meets modern musical expression. Gold Label guitars are available at authorized Taylor dealers.

Latest models combine modern playability with authentic vintage vibes, thanks to elements like Pure Vintage pickups, aged Heirloom™ lacquer finishes, and stainless-steel frets.Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announces the launch ofAmerican Ultra Luxe Vintage. Built upon the original American Ultra II models, this new collection represents the pinnacle of Fender innovation and craftsmanship, setting the benchmark for premium electric instruments whilst showcasing the finest of the brand’s heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromisingly modern technological refinement.At the heart of this collection are the ’50s and ’60s custom editions of the legendary Stratocaster® and Telecaster® models. Paying homage to the golden era of Fender’s innovation, these instruments all feature Pure Vintage Pickups with advanced electronics and S-1 Switching, to capture the distinctive sound and feel that has propelled the brand to pioneer status in its field. Every curve, contour, and detail has been carefully reproduced and finished in Meticulously Aged Heirloom™ Nitrocellulose Lacquer, with each guitar model boasting a quartersawn maple neck with upgraded stainless steel frets.Complementing these classics is the HSS ’60s Stratocaster® model, an instrument designed to offer expanded tonal versatility without sacrificing its vintage soul. With its powerful Pure Vintage ‘61 Single-Coil Strat® pickups at the neck and a Haymaker™ Humbucker sitting by the bridge, this model provides an extensive sonic palette; from warm, nuanced cleans to searing, high-gain leads, all while maintaining the iconic Stratocaster® voice, also finished in Fender’s trademark Meticulously Aged Heirloom™ Nitrocellulose Lacquer.Key Features Include:Heirloom™ lacquer finish: A meticulously aged Heirloom lacquer finish lets the tone wood breathe as it wears naturally and uniquely.Iconic pickups: Get genuine classic Fender tone from the Pure Vintage pickups and powerful,articulate crunch from the Haymaker™ Humbucker.Stainless steel frets: Fast playing and nearly indestructible, stainless steel frets are preferred for their consistency and durability“With the American Ultra Luxe Vintage series, we’ve redefined the balance between heritage and innovation,” said Max Gutnik, Chief Product Officer, FMIC. “This collection honors our iconic legacy while pushing the boundaries of modern craftsmanship. Every detail is built for exceptional tone, feel, and timeless style. We’re proud to offer players an elevated experience that respects tradition and sets a new standard for performance.”The American Ultra Luxe Vintage series offers musicians the best of both worlds: classic Fender design, timeless elegance, and historical significance, combined with modern sonic engineering’s unparalleled performance and versatility. These instruments are an evolution that honours the legacy that continues to define the Fender brand while being cherished by a new generation of players.American Ultra Luxe ‘50s Stratocaster®($2,849.99-$2,999.99 USD, £2,899.00-£2,949.00 GBP, €3,449.00-€3,499.00 EUR, $5,199-$5,399 AUD, ¥489,500 JPY) Representing the pinnacle of innovation and craftsmanship, Fender American Ultra Luxe sets the benchmark for premium electric instruments. The new American Ultra Luxe Vintage series takes it a step further, showcasing the finest of Fender heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromising modern refinement. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 50s Stratocaster® features premium ash or alder with carved contours that complement the aged Heirloom™ lacquer finish. Built for precision performance, the quartersawn maple neck with a Modern ‘D’ shape and Ultra rolled edges features medium jumbo stainless-steel frets, Luminlay® side dots and a Graph Tech TUSQ® nut. Each instrument features a tapered neck heel to ensure unparalleled access to the higher register. Under the hood, Pure Vintage ’57 Strat® pickups deliver classic Fender tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, expressive leads. Performance hardware includes a precision-engineered 2-Point American Ultra synchronized tremolo with polished stainless steel block saddles, cold rolled steel block, and deluxe locking tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability. The American Ultra Lux Vintage 50s Stratocaster® delivers flawless modern performance with distinctive classic design. Available in3-Color Sunburst and White Blonde. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’50s Stratocaster Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar

American Ultra Luxe ‘60s Stratocaster®($2,849.99 USD, £2,899 GBP, €3,449, $5,199 AUD, ¥489,500 JPY) Representing the pinnacle of innovation and craftsmanship, Fender American Ultra Luxe sets the benchmark for premium electric instruments. The new American Ultra Luxe Vintage series takes it a step further, showcasing the finest of Fender heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromising modern refinement. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster features premium alder with carved contours that complement the aged Heirloom™ lacquer finish. Built for precision performance, the quartersawn maple neck with a Modern ‘D’ shape and Ultra rolled edges features medium jumbo stainless- steel frets, Luminlay® side dots, and a Graph Tech TUSQ® nut. Each instrument features a tapered neck heel to ensure unparalleled access to the higher register. Under the hood, Pure Vintage ’61 Strat® delivers classic Fender tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, expressive leads. Performance hardware includes a precision-engineered 2-Point American Ultra synchronized tremolo with polished stainless steel block saddles, cold rolled steel block, and deluxe locking tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability. The American Ultra Lux Vintage 60s Stratocaster® delivers flawless modern performance with distinctive classic design. Available in Ice Blue Metallic and Surf GreenFender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’60s Stratocaster Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar

American Ultra Luxe ‘60s Stratocaster® HSS($2,899.99 USD, £2,749 GBP, €3,249 EUR, $5,299 AUD, ¥500,500 JPY) Representing the pinnacle of innovation and craftsmanship, Fender American Ultra Luxe sets the benchmark for premium electric instruments. The new American Ultra Luxe Vintage series takes it a step further, showcasing the finest of Fender heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromising modern refinement.The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster® HSS features premium alder with carved contours that complement the aged Heirloom™ lacquer finish. Built for precision performance, the quartersawn maple neck with a Modern ‘D’ shape and Ultra rolled edges features medium jumbo stainless-steel frets, Luminlay® side dots, and a Graph Tech TUSQ® nut. Each instrument features a tapered neck heel to ensure unparalleled access to the higher register.Under the hood, Pure Vintage ’61 Strat® single-coils deliver classic Fender tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, expressive leads while the Haymaker™ humbucker brings powerful, articulate crunch. Performance hardware includes a precision-engineered 2-Point American Ultra synchronized tremolo with polished stainless steel block saddles, cold rolled steel block, and deluxe locking tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability.The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Stratocaster® HSS delivers flawless modern performance with distinctive classic design. Available in Fiesta Red and Sea Foam Green. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’60s Stratocaster HSS Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar

American Ultra Luxe ‘50s Telecaster®($2,999.99 USD, £2,949 GBP, €3,499 EUR, $5,399 AUD, ¥511,500 JPY) Representing the pinnacle of innovation and craftsmanship, Fender American Ultra Luxe sets the benchmark for premium electric instruments. The new American Ultra Luxe Vintage series takes it a step further, showcasing the finest of Fender heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromising modern refinement. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 50s Telecaster® features premium ash with carved contours that complement the aged Heirloom™ lacquer finish. Built for precision performance, the quartersawn maple neck with a Modern ‘D’ shape and Ultra rolled edges features medium jumbo stainless- steel frets, Luminlay® side dots, and a Graph Tech TUSQ® nut. Each instrument features a tapered neck heel to ensure unparalleled access to the higher register. Under the hood, Pure Vintage ’51 Tele® pickups deliver classic Fender tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, expressive leads. Performance hardware includes a precision-engineered 6-saddle string-though-body bridge with brass block saddles and deluxe locking short post tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 50s Telecaster® delivers flawless modern performance with distinctive classic design. Available in Butterscotch Blonde and White Blonde. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’50s Telecaster Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar

American Ultra Luxe ‘60s Custom Telecaster®($2,999.99 USD, £2,949 GBP, €3,499 EUR, $5,399 AUD, ¥511,500 JPY) Representing the pinnacle of innovation and craftsmanship, Fender American Ultra Luxe sets the benchmark for premium electric instruments. The new American Ultra Luxe Vintage series takes it a step further, showcasing the finest of Fender heritage – where timeless classics meet uncompromising modern refinement. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Custom Telecaster® features premium alder with carved contours that complement the aged Heirloom™ lacquer finish. Built for precision performance, the quartersawn maple neck with a Modern ‘D’ shape and Ultra rolled edges features medium jumbo stainless-steel frets, Luminlay® side dots, and a Graph Tech TUSQ® nut. Each instrument features a tapered neck heel to ensure unparalleled access to the higher register. Under the hood, Pure Vintage ’63 Tele® pickups deliver classic Fender tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, expressive leads. Performance hardware includes a precision-engineered 6-saddle string-through-body bridge with chromed brass block saddles, and deluxe locking short post tuners for quick string changes and superior tuning stability. The American Ultra Luxe Vintage 60s Custom Telecaster® delivers flawless modern performance with distinctive classic design. Available in 3-Color Sunburst and Lake Placid Blue. Fender American Ultra Luxe Vintage ’60s Custom Telecaster Rosewood Fingerboard Electric Guitar

Hear Needful Things members return with more Czech grind badassery with Sick Destroyer.
The post Blast Worship: Sick Destroyer appeared first on Decibel Magazine.

D’Addario is proud to introduce Jack Plugs: a fast, effective way to block unused ¼” jacks on pedals, amps, and audio gear. Touring guitarists, studio engineers, and live sound techs alike can prevent accidental connections, speed up the rig set up process, and protect their gear from dust, debris, and interference. Even better, installing these small, easy-to-use accessories is simple and requires no tools, minimum hassle, and no cleanup. Small Solution, Big Impact“We created the Jack Plugs to solve a problem we kept seeing on stage and experienced ourselves — accidental connections that kill your signal or worse, damage your gear.” As Product Development Manager Robert Cunningham put it, “these plugs are a simple fix that prevent mispatching, especially with speaker outputs where the wrong ohm load can be a real issue. They’re small and inexpensive but they’ll save countless gigs.”Features:Blocks unused jacks to avoid unwanted signal paths or disruptionsShields open ports from dust, debris, and potential damage.Simple plug-and-play design for fast setup and removal.Ideal for musicians, studio engineers, and live sound techs.Maintains a clean, organized rig for optimal audio performance.Product Info: Street Price: $4.99Available now at daddario.com and through participating retailers and distributors

Step into the world of colossal, meticulously crafted pedalboards that power some of the heaviest, most creative guitar tones in modern music.In this Best Of compilation, we revisit our biggest, wildest, and most intricate metal rig rundowns to date, featuring Matt Pike (Sleep), John Baizley & Gina Gleason (Baroness), Page Hamilton (Helmet), Erik Bickerstaffe (Loathe), Will Swan (Dance Gavin Dance), Sunn O))), Reba Meyers (Code Orange), and Will Putney (END). From boutique one-offs to vintage rarities, from precision routing to total chaos, these pedalboards redefine what’s possible in heavy guitar tone. Thanks to our sponsor, D’Addario!

Stemming from the deepest roots of the brand’s rich history, D’Angelico is proud to introduce the Excel 16—an all-new 16-inch-wide archtop offering undeniably punchy, woody and sweet tone that immediately recalls classic New York City jazz. A happy medium for traditional jazz players looking for an instrument that is easier to wield than its larger counterparts, the Excel 16 has a slightly shallower body depth at 2.75″ but still yields all the full-bodied warmth one desires from an archtop. A 12-inch fingerboard radius and slightly thicker C-shape neck create remarkable comfort—equal parts hefty and fast-playing. The Excel 16’s acoustic resonance is complemented by either a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Floating Mini Humbucker that maximizes top sustain or a Seymour Duncan ’59 Humbucker, for those in pursuit of bold and balanced tones that can more easily cut through in a larger band setting. Available in Amber and Amaretto Burst.D’Angelico Excel 16 Hollowbody Electric Guitar – Amber

Excel 16 HB, Amber

Phoenix groovecore brutalizers Incite take us track-by-track through their thrashtastic seventh full-length, Savage New Times.
The post Track by Track: Incite –Savage New Times appeared first on Decibel Magazine.