This is the kind of gear that makes you think, “What a great idea?” at
the same time you’re thinking, “Why haven’t we had this all along?” All
of the gear in this category is being recognized either because it solves
a problem in a new way, reinvents a genre, or combines things we hadn’t
thought to put together… or else because it’s just plain cool. This is our
Premier Gear Fresh Approach Award.
FRESH APPROACH
Jekeko Fixed Wah
If you’ve ever found a good parked Wah tone, then
you’ve probably also lost it. A stompbox-housed
Wah pedal that loses the treadle for easily replicated
parked tones is such a great idea that we were surprised it took this long. If you’re into the parked
sound, there’s no reason not to try this pedal out; you
may never look back. There is nothing tonally lost, and
dialing in is a breeze. Said reviewer James Egolf, “If
you’re in the mood for some parking, order one, learn
‘Cracked Actor’ and ‘Mother Mary,’ then just try to
wipe the grin off your face.”
Source Audio Soundblox
Multiwave Distortion
Source Audio’s new Distortion can’t be described
by comparisons to classic tones, because nearly
everything that comes out of it is brand new. After
listening to a few dozen ODs this year, this was
incredibly refreshing. The pedal handles complex
chords with clarity, and the sounds are easily
sculpted through your string attack. You’re going
to play with this one for a while. On top of that,
we have to mention the Hot Hand device, which
Source Audio sells separately. The motion sensor
combined with the already robust offerings of the
Multiwave distortion opened up so many sounds
that reviewer Gary Guzman noted [August ’08,
online], “There were so many different sounds
pouring out of this unit that other players will think
you’re using multiple effects…” Um, yes please.
Ribbecke Halfling Pin
Bridge Acoustic
It’s not often that an innovation
actually becomes an entirely new
instrument. With an archtop in the
front and a flattop in the back, the
Halfling somehow takes the best of
both worlds and combines them into
one guitar. You get the smoothness
and warmth of an archtop with the
liveliness and brilliance of a flattop.
Ribbecke made more innovative
changes with the Pin Bridge, which
takes the Halfling concept and applies
it to an acoustic platform. Like many
innovations, the Halfling Pin Bridge
takes a bold hand to jump in and get
the most out of it, but the result is
completely worth it.
“If you’re a serious and confident player who’s not afraid
to live a little bit large, this
guitar will rock your world.
This isn’t the only guitar you’ll
ever need, but it’s one hell of
a ride.” – October ‘08
