Canadian Music Trade - August/September 2020 | Page 40

Product News Polyend Tracker Tabletop Music Production System Polyend has released the Tracker, a tabletop sampler, wavetable, synthesizer, and sequencer. It’s designed to pay tribute to innovative tracker software of the late-1980s and early-‘90s while expanding on the creative potential of the format. The tabletop Tracker removes the computer and puts users into an interactive hardware unit. In doing so, it adds an array of effects to transform any sample into an instrument, along with wavetable and granular synthesis. It is also backward compatible with oldschool tracker files (called MODs). With its stylish interface and slim portable design, the Polyend Tracker is a full, go-anywhere music production system. Tracker projects hold up to 48 instruments with 256 patterns and 128 steps per pattern. Also, they all play back in the familiar vertical column format of the classic software. It also comes equipped with numerous compositional tools, including automatic pattern filling, per-step effects, sample rolls, and batch and global parameter editing. For more information, contact Polyend: [email protected], www.polyend.com. Gretsch Brooklyn & Micro Drum Kits with Nitron Finishes Gretsch Drums has introduced two new Nitron finishes to its Brooklyn series: blue burst pearl for the original kit and white marine pearl for the Micro Kit. Gretsch’s Brooklyn drums are manufactured in the company’s Ridgeland, SC factory and constructed from six-ply North American maple/poplar. They are finished with the distinctive 3-mm thick, double-flanged 302 counter hoops, which are reminiscent of the ones used by the company until the mid-1950s. The drums produce a distinctive sound and their specifications create a unique tonal characteristic that is slightly more open and ambient when compared to Gretsch’s classic full, punchy, and warm sound. The Brooklyn Micro Kit is ideal for small venues, studios, rehearsal rooms, and other situations where space is at a premium. The kit is built to the same specifications as the original Brooklyn drums. For more information, contact B&J Music: 800-268-8147, [email protected], www.bjmusiconline.com. Cort Gold-OC8 Nylon Classical Guitar Cort has introduced the Gold-OC8 Nylon, the first classical guitar introduced from its flagship acoustic Gold Series. The Gold-OC8 Nylon begins with an orchestra model (OM) cutaway design for those seeking playing comfort. The OM body offers a bright and stronger high-midrange emphasis that’s more suited for fingerpicking than strumming, while the Venetian cutaway allows easy access to the high frets. Cort says its use of internal hand-scalloped X-bracing delivers a richer tone and more dynamic responsiveness than you would expect from the guitar’s smaller size. The Fishman Flex Blend System translates the guitar’s natural tones. The preamp offers an under-saddle pickup with a condensed microphone to provide the tones needed on stage. The system offers ergonomic knobs for volume, tone, and blend control, as well as a built-in tuner. The guitar features a series-first Engelmann spruce top, which exhibits a rich, full midrange with a clear, smooth top-end that’s responsive to a soft touch. Cort treats the Engelmann spruce top using a special Aged to Vintage (ATV) torrefication process that gives the guitar a big, open tone. For more information, contact Coast Music: 514-457-2555, [email protected], www.coastmusiconline.com. 40 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE