HOT GEAR
Pioneer DDJ-FLX6 DJ Controller
Pioneer DJ has introduced the DDJ-FLX6 , a four-channel controller that features a host of new functions and reimagined design . The DDJ-FLX6 also unlocks DJ Performance modes in Rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro , offering a choice of which software application to run for free .
The DDJ-FLX6 introduces a new Merge FX feature , enabling artists to easily switch genres . Simply shifting a knob helps transition music and initiate a crescendo . When ready , artists can then press the knob to trigger a perfectly-aligned beat drop with an optional punchy sample . The DDJ-FLX6 is designed to help artists perform energetically and intuitively . The full-size jog wheels ’ track position display enables instinctive music manipulation . With the Jog Cutter feature , artists can create a variety of scratch sounds by moving the jog wheel back and forth without touching the crossfader . The controller also features the latest Rekordbox Sample Scratch function . With Sample Scratch , artists can take sounds assigned to the sampler and load them onto the decks to use with Jog Cutter . The DDJ-FLX6 offers four channels , allowing track play on decks one and two and sample scratching on decks three and four .
For more information , contact SFM : 514-780-2070 , info @ sfm . ca , www . sfm . ca .
Deering Vega Vintage Star Banjo
Deering Banjo Company has released the Vega Vintage Star model , which is inspired by late-19 th century banjos but with the playability and adjustability of a modern instrument .
At the heart of the Vintage Star lies a Dobson tone ring . Originally patented by Henry Dobson in 1881 , the Dobson balances the low ends with clear highs , and adds the right amount of sustain to the banjo . The renaissance head sits on a thinner walled , 12-in . violin-grade maple rim . A knotless tailpiece tops off the setup to produce an old-time tone .
The Vintage Star features a durable , low-maintenance frosty bronze powder finish , that accentuates the smoky streaks running through the ebony of the fingerboard . The finish is also hypoallergenic , which , along with the matching maple armrest makes for a more comfortable playing experience .
For more information , contact Deering Banjo Co .: 619-464-8252 , info @ deeringbanjos . com , www . deeringbanjos . com .
Jackson X Series David Ellefson 30 th Anniversary Concert Bass CBX IV
Jackson has introduced the X Series Signature David Ellefson 30 th Anniversary Concert Bass CBX IV . Its release celebrates the 30 th anniversary of Megadeth ’ s landmark thrash metal album , Rust in Peace , which cemented Ellefson ’ s reputation as one of metal ’ s best bassists . The signature bass pays homage to the first Quicksilver Concert Bass that Jackson built for him in the late 1980s .
This 34-in . -scale bass has a poplar body with ergonomic contours . The upper contour provides a comfortably stable anchor for pick or fingerstyle playing while the lower contour provides an ideal balance when propped on a knee . The through-body quarter-sawn maple neck features a scarf joint and graphite reinforcement rods that protect against extreme environmental and climate changes . Built for fast , highly-technical playing , the 12 — 16-in . compound radius laurel fingerboard flattens out up the neck for enhanced comfort and articulation . Also featured are EMG P and EMG J pickups with a three-way toggle switch , single volume control , and two-band EQ for boosting treble and bass . The Jackson HiMass four-string bridge adds extra punch and clarity , granting more sustain without significantly altering the instrument ’ s fundamental tone .
For more information , contact Fender Musical Instruments Corp .: 323-210-1800 , www . fender . com .
66 CANADIAN MUSICIAN