Hey there, gear enthusiasts! It’s your boy, Andy Ferris, the Guitar Geek, and I’m back with another exciting installment of The Week in Gear. This week, we’re diving into some fantastic new guitar gear that has hit the market. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, there’s something here for everyone. We’ve got strings that promise to make your acoustic guitar sing, shredding machines that look like they stepped out of a synthwave dream, and a free digital audio workstation from Fender that you absolutely need to check out. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get into it!
1. Earthwood Bell Bronze Strings (John Mayer x Ernie Ball)
First off, let’s talk about something that has been on my radar for a while now—the Earthwood Bell Bronze strings from the collaboration between John Mayer and Ernie Ball. Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Strings? Really?” But trust me, these aren’t just any strings. These are crafted to elevate your acoustic guitar sound to new heights, almost like it’s been blessed by the guitar gods themselves.
These strings are made with a brand new alloy, inspired by the types of metals you’d usually find in cymbals and bells. The result? A sound that combines the top-end shimmer of eighty-twenty bronze with the warmth and richness of phosphor bronze. You can get them in four gauges—tens, elevens, twelves, and thirteens—so there’s something for everyone, no matter your playing style.
John Mayer himself claims these strings bring a kind of orchestral complexity to your playing, making them shine during solos. And while they’re uncoated, Ernie Ball’s marketing team promises they’ll last longer than your last songwriting phase. That’s right; these strings won’t let you down when inspiration strikes! Priced around thirteen notes a pack, they’re a solid choice if you’re looking to treat yourself or someone else.
2. Kramer Volante Series
Next up, let’s shift gears to the Kramer Volante series. Kramer has launched four new guitars under this name, and let me tell you, they look absolutely stunning. They’ve managed to make Superstrats look modern again, which is no small feat!
Among the lineup, we have the Volante Quilt HHFR in ultramarine burst and ultraviolet burst. This guitar features two Kramer USA Neptune humbuckers, a Floyd Rose, and a flame top, giving you that full sunset strip throwback vibe. If you’re into the classic rock aesthetic, this one’s for you!
Then, we have the Volante Quilt HSFR which comes in Aqua Burst and Magenta Burst. This model ditches the neck Neptune pickup for a Kramer USA Triton noiseless neck pickup, perfect for those glacier-clean tones. If you prefer a more traditional setup, the Volante HS GT comes with a hardtail option, making it ideal for modern players who want to avoid the fuss of a Floyd Rose.
But let’s talk about the showstopper: the Volante HHFR in intruder black or Defender red. This guitar has attitude, versatility, and looks like it just turbo-boosted from a synthwave nightclub. With a three-piece roasted maple neck, twenty-four jumbo frets, and coil-splitting options, this guitar isn’t just a pretty face. It’s built for performance, offering a range of tones that’ll satisfy any player.
3. Henry’s Music: Butt Tone Picks
Now, before we dive deeper into the world of guitars, let’s take a moment to talk about Henry’s Music and their unique product line—Butt Tone picks. Yes, you heard that right! These picks are handcrafted to create a rich and full tone, and they come in various shapes and sizes.
From the Crusher, inspired by the jazz three pick, to the Basser for bass players, and even the Folca, which boasts a larger surface area—there’s a pick for every playing style. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to check out the circular Moon Tone pick. I’ve got some of these on the way, and I can’t wait to give you a full review soon!
If you’re eager to try out Butt Tone picks right now, hit the link in the description to explore the full range. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!
4. Gretsch Broadkaster Series
Moving on, let’s talk about a brand that’s synonymous with quality: Gretsch. They’ve just dropped four new guitars under the Broadkaster name, and they’re as classy as they come. Two of these are made in Japan, while the other two are part of the Electromatic series crafted in China.
First up, we have the Electromatic Flame Okume Junior, a single-cut Bigsby guitar that boasts a classy orange-stained smaller body. It’s perfect for those who want a bit of twang in their tone. On the pricier side, the Broadcaster LX Center Block is a full-sized gold-accented beast designed for players who want vintage elegance with modern gigging specs.
But my personal favorite? The Broadcaster Junior LX Center Block. Available in a stunning midnight sapphire finish that looks black at first glance, it features a semi-hollow laminated maple body with a spruce channel core center block. This design allows for feedback resistance while retaining that open-air resonance that we all crave.
Equipped with Gretsch’s new Pro Twin Sixes humbuckers, this guitar is designed for articulation and warmth. Plus, it comes with a Bixby B7GP string-through vibrato, gold hardware, and locking tuners. If you’re looking for a semi-hollow gigging machine, this is it!
5. Fender Studio: The Free DAW
Now, let’s talk about something I didn’t see coming from Fender: a full Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) called Fender Studio. And the best part? It’s completely free! This DAW runs on Mac, PC, iOS, and Android, making it accessible for everyone.
Fender Studio is designed for musicians, not engineers, so it’s user-friendly and focused on quick ideas and songwriting rather than overwhelming plugin chains. Initially, you get eight tracks and a built-in Fender Twin amp, along with various vocal and instrument effects like reverb and compression. But if you register, you can unlock even more features!
Now, I do want to mention that there are some limitations. For instance, it doesn’t support plugins yet, which means you can’t load your favorite third-party synths or amp sims at this time. But I think this is by design, keeping things simple and low-pressure. You’re not creating an Abbey Road mix here; you’re sketching songs!
6. PRS Triple Pickup Invasion
Finally, let’s get to my pick of the week—PRS has just launched five new models in their twenty twenty-five SE and S2 lines, and they all have one thing in common: three pickups! That’s right, fifteen pickups across the range, and they come in a variety of finishes.
The SE Studio Standard is the most stripped-back option, featuring an all-mahogany body, bolt-on maple neck, and three PRS pickups. Think classic Strat vibes with some PRS craftsmanship thrown in. The SE Studio steps it up with a flame maple top and upgraded pickups, while the S2 Studio brings U.S.-made construction and better hardware.
But the one that truly made me gasp during the press release? The SE Special Semi-Hollow in Lake Blue. Just look at it! With a figured maple veneer over a maple top and a semi-hollow mahogany body, this guitar is dressed in an electric melt blue finish that’s both elegant and striking.
It’s versatile, featuring a wide thin neck, twenty-two frets, and a combination of pickups that range from warm PAF-style tones to Strat-style snap and sparkle. With coil-splitting options and a five-way blade switch, you’re set for a wide array of sounds.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! That wraps up another exciting week in gear, filled with new guitar gear that is sure to tempt your wallets. From John Mayer’s new strings to PRS’s triple-pickup models, there’s plenty to explore. If you’re looking for quality gear that won’t break the bank, I’ve got you covered. As always, if you enjoyed this post and want to support the channel, consider subscribing or checking out my Patreon page for exclusive content.
What do you think of this week’s lineup? Let me know in the comments below, and until next time, keep strumming!