CME, makers of the BitStream 3X MIDI Controller, announce a new promotion that qualifies the first 999 registered customers who purchase the BitStream 3X to receive a free, custom-fitted aluminum case.

The Bitstream 3X is perfect for controlling virtual instruments, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit is the only 3 axis (X,Y and Z) controller on the market and includes 35 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and an infrared controller. The joystick controls the X and Y axis while the infrared beam controls the Z axis.

The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.

For more information, visit their web site at www.cme-pro.com.

Posted in Accessories, Hardware, MIDI

The VS-F StroboFlip represents the latest release featuring Peterson’s Virtual Strobe™ tuning technology. With Peterson’s 1/10-cent accuracy—up to 30 times the accuracy of needle/LED tuners—the StroboFlip is at home on stage, in school, or on tech benches for doing instrument setups.

Peterson has greatly expanded its library to 33 tempered and Sweetened™ tunings. Along with the popular GTR & BAS sweetened tunings, the StroboFlip features unique new presets for acoustic guitar, DADGAD, 12-string guitar, E9th and C6th steel guitar, Dobro® and resonator guitar, violin, viola, and cello as well as both tuning and intonation offsets for Buzz Feiten Tuning System® equipped guitars.

The StroboFlip’s compact package includes a power supply, a tuning pickup, and a clamp for mounting to mic & music stands. Its flip design makes it easy and safe to transport, and its backlit front panel is great for stage use.

For more information, visit their web site at www.petersontuners.com.

Posted in Accessories, Guitar

Yamaha has developed a new line of instrument care products that clean, restore, protect and preserve a wide variety of musical instruments. The products are available individually or together as an All-in-One Instrument Care System.

The new line includes a Deep Conditioning Deluxe Polish, Spray & Shine Instant Polish, String & Hardware Cleaner, Satin Finish Protective Polish and a Microfiber Instrument Polishing Cloth. Ideal for all musicians, the products will resonate especially with mature players who respect and cherish their instruments.

The Deep Conditioning Deluxe Polish helps remove light scratches and swirl marks. It also contains emollients that help create a “wet-look” finish on high-shine surfaces. The Spray & Shine Instant Polish removes dust, fingerprints, smudges and body oils from all polished surfaces. UV inhibitors prevent premature wear and aging. String & Hardware Cleaner removes harmful oils and grime from guitar strings, cymbals, and other musical equipment, emulsifying the dirt and making it disappear with one wipe.

The Satin Finish Protective Polish is designed specifically for pianos and drums, and leaves a finish that helps resist scratches and shines like new.

Yamaha’s new line of instrument care products will be available for delivery in August 2006. MSRP’s range from $9.99 to $12.49 for individual components; the All-in-One Instrument Care System is $29.99.

For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com.

Posted in Accessories, Music

Buzz Kill

The Vater Buzz Kill is an easy-to-use dampening system designed to control unwanted over ring and tone from drums and cymbals. Each Buzz Kill disc can be easily cut to any size to achieve the desired amount of dampening whether you’re using it live or in the studio. Buzz Kill is super-tacky, so it can be used on both batter and resonant drumheads. Buzz Kill is reusable and can be easily cleaned with water when dirty.

Experiment with a variety of placement and sizes for an endless amount of dampening around your drumkit. Each package contains 6 Buzz Kill discs.
Controls over ring and tone
For use on drums and cymbals
Perfect for Live and Studio applications
Reusable
List Price $9.95

Safe N’ Sound Ear Plugs

Vater’s Safe N’ Sound Ear Plugs provide hearing protection for all musicians. Each pair includes two filter styles, each providing its own level of decibel reduction. Also includes pouch for safe storing when not in use. Safe N’ Sound Ear Plugs can be washed with a mild soap routinely to maintain cleanliness.

Safe N’ Sound Ear Plugs are blister packed and available to dealers in a counter top display box containing 12 pairs or by the individual pair.

List Price $29.95/pair
$359.40/12 pair in display box

For more information, visit their web site at www.vater.com.

Posted in Accessories, Drums & Percussion

RockenWraps.com has announced the launch of its online superstore.

The new www.RockenWraps.com superstore targets a broad audience of musical instrument consumers interested in changing the physical appearance of their instruments through the use of RockenWraps drum wraps.

RockenWraps are manufactured utilizing professional grade high resolution digital graphics that are printed utilizing a professional 6-color process with vibrant and sharp designs. The Wraps are then finished in a high-gloss, UV protected scratch resistant laminate plastic. Each wrap is then custom-cut creating a product that fits the specific instrument perfectly and will last for years.

“By utilizing RockenWraps exclusive process and with our ever expanding line of graphic artists from around the world, you can literally change your drums to have a whole new look, and with hundreds of designs and support for every type, shape, and size of drum or drum head,” said Scott Rockenfield, founder of RockenWraps, Inc.

RockenWraps are made to fit as smoothly as a second “skin” around your drum shells and have been tested and confirmed by our customers to actually enhance the sound of each drum. In addition, RockenWraps also act as an amazing protective covering for drums and can easily be removed.

Customers can purchase their specific Drum Wraps to personalize their musical instruments through www.RockenWraps.com, the company’s own musical instrument related portal and at hundreds of retail outlets including Sam Ash, Guitar Center, and a number of independent drum dealers worldwide.

In addition, RockenWraps.com announces their new business development department which is actively looking for distributors, partners, private label channel partners, as well as design content providers.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rockenwraps.com.

Posted in Accessories, Drums & Percussion

Coffin Case has been busy developing a new aluminum designer plate series called Black Kross. The latest addition is the Black Kross Skullplate.

These new aluminum cases feature a skull and crossbones design embossed into the aluminum, creating a unique and sturdy exterior similar to diamond plate only with skull and crossbones.

The SK-125 guitar case features the skull and bones decorative aluminum exterior, with a plush diamond tucked black velvet interior that will fit all Strat shaped guitars as well as SG, PRS and most standard shape electric guitars (will not fit Les Pauls, Flying Vs or Explorers).

The SK-425 has the same features but is designed to fit most standard bass shapes, such Fender, Schecter, ESP, Yamaha, etc.

Features:

• Skull plated aluminum exterior
• Universal fit guitar or bass
• Black diamond tucked velvet interior
• Extra-large storage compartment
• Professional steel latches all with locks
• Aluminum tube trim
• Heavy-duty road approved handle

Specifications:
SK-125- 41″L x 14″W x 2.5″D (weight 16 lbs.)
SK-425- 51″L x 14.5″W x 3″ D (weight 20 lbs.)

For more information, visit their web site at www.coffincase.com.

Posted in Accessories, Guitar

Gator has released a new rack bag that is great lightweight solution for effects processors, recording equipment and wireless microphones. The unique GRBW- 3U+6W works with 6 – 1/2-space wireless units or 4 – 1/2-space wireless units and 1 antenna combiner.

The case has 3U of rack space with threaded field replaceable rack rails and the microphone pocket holds 6 wireless microphones or 6 body packs in a padded foam insert for protection.

The bag is constructed of lightweight 600-Denier nylon and features a rugged polyethylene reinforced interior frame and internal reinforced aluminum valance for superior protection.

Extra features of the case are a retractable, removable handle and wheel assembly and interior mesh pocket for accessories.

For more information, visit their web site at www.gatorcases.com.

Posted in Accessories, Amplification, Mixers