SoundToyz®

The Gibson Robot SG Special Ltd. combines the classic looks and feel of the traditional SG electric with Gibson's new Robot Tuning System which allows players to change tuning at the touch of a button. It also has a secure Neutrik jack and comes in a standard Gibson SG hardshell case. MSRP: $3,599 (various metallic colours available). More

The JazzBlaster DeLuxe from Mansfield-based Bell Custom Guitars is a handbuilt electric with a maple and acrylic fused body and an LED illumination system. It features hand-wound Amalfitano P90 pickups, a string-though-body bridge design, and an LED illumination system that lights up the acrylic portion of the guitar. MSRP: $3,100.00. More

Hohner are honouring Bob Dylan with a special collection of hand-signed harmonicas. There's a complete set of seven Marine Band harmonicas in the natural keys of C, G, D, F, A, B, and E, which have been played and hand-signed by Bob Dylan. They come in an inlaid ebony box handcrafted exclusively for Bob Dylan with his distinctive "Eye" logo on the lid and a framed picture of Bob Dylan on the inside cover. A letter from the President of Hohner is included, confirming authenticity. It's limited to twenty-five sets worldwide. A single Marine Band harmonica in the key of C, hand-signed by Bob Dylan, and packaged in an inlaid ebony box is also available in a limited run of 100. Also new is the Bob Dylan Signature Series Harmonica which is available individually in the key of C, as well as in a set of seven natural keys of A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. It features custom cover-plates bearing Dylan's signature, a carrying case embossed with the Bob Dylan's "Eye" logo, and an outer gift box featuring an exclusive picture of Bob Dylan in the inside cover. The set of seven Bob Dylan Signature Series harmonicas comes in a special carrying case. More

More

The SA503 TVL limited-edition signature electric, developed at Yamaha's USA Custom Guitar shop, is a semi-acoustic, double-cutaway named for Queens of the Stone Age axeman Troy Van Leeuwen. It's made of multi-ply bound maple with a 24 3/4" scale set in maple neck and bound rosewood fingerboard. Electronics include three soap bar-style, single-coil pickups and a custom "all access" multi-function switching system with dual 3-way selectors. A chrome pedestal bridge and a licensed Bigsby tremolo add to the vintage feel and sound. The SA503 TVL is available in Blood Translucent Red and Black. More

Tascam are offering three recording bundles for budget and beginner home recordists — the Track Pack T1 (US-122L audio interface, dynamic microphone, headphones and Cubase LE4 recording software), Track Pack T2 (US-144 interface, Tascam TM-78 condenser microphone) and the Field Pack (DR-1 portable recorder, TM-ST1 stereo microphone). MSRP: Track Pack T1, $299; Track Pack T2, $369; Field Pack, $498. More

Yamaha Guitars' new  RBX A2 electric bass incorporates the company's proprietary Alternative Internal Resonance (A.I.R.) technology, which apparently offers the sonic properties of a heavier, traditional-style instrument without the weight. it's made from a lightweight resonant wood core sandwiched between two harder tone woods, with sound tubes passing from the bridge through the body structure to transmit string vibrations and create a more resonant sustain. MSRP: $859.99. More

Tascam's new GT-R1 is a portable MP3/WAV 48/44.1 kHz 24-bit guitar/bass recorder/trainer that allows you to record guitar or bass parts via direct input or built-in mic with multi-effects and rhythm presets. It features a 128 x 64 backlit LCD and comes with a 1GB SD card. The GT-R1's expected to hit Japanese streets in August. More

Gibson's 2008 Les Paul Standard is appparently "an elegant revision of a true classic with upgrades and new features (chambered mahogany body, Burstbucker Pro humbuckers, gold-plated potentiometers, TonePros locking Nashville Tune-o-matic, locking Grover tuners...) that make it the best Les Paul Standard ever produced". MSRP: $3,899. More

The Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone is apparently delivers exceptional detail and low noise and features a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad to handle high sound pressure levels. It comes with a protective pouch and a custom shock mount. Street price: $149.