Currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, the Oddball is many clever entities, crammed into a palm-sized sphere. Part toy, part musical instrument and part tech device, this invention is a drum machine that can be bounced to make different sounds. Almost any surface can be used—simply bounce the Oddball (the lighter you bounce, the more delicate the sound) and sensors inside translate noise via Bluetooth to a …
Tag: Instruments
Fender’s American Original Series
We speak with Fender Senior VP Justin Norvell about the nostalgic range of guitars
by Michael Raver Fender has unveiled a new line of guitars with a super-slick take on classic guitar design: the American Original Series. Inspired by their most iconic models from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, the collection of 11 new electric basses and guitars are all made in America. This nostalgic collection boasts all of the muscularity and elegance that has kept Fender at the …
Holiday Gift Guides 2017: Musicality
From guitars and speakers to books and box sets, there's something here for every taste and budget
The holidays are for spending time with your favorite people—friends, family, neighbors (maybe even kids and pets)—and one of the great unifiers is music. This year, as the world sometimes sounds unstable, there’s even greater value to simple joys, like sharing music with those you love. There are plenty of options below, from guitars to speakers, vinyl and more. Take a look at the full …
Studio Visit: Film Composer JunkieXL
Multi-instrumentalist Tom Holkenborg's creative space is brimming with equipment and inspiration
by Kyle Raymond Fitzpatrick Musician Tom Holkenborg works under the pseudonym JunkieXL and has created soundscapes for films like Mad Max: Fury Road, Deadpool, Black Mass, Dark Tower, and the upcoming Tomb Raider among many, many other projects. The Tarzana, LA-based artist works in a garage he converted into a studio that’s bursting with equipment, from classic instruments like guitars and keyboards to synthesizers that …
Fender Play
The new online educational platform hopes to make learning guitar a lot less frustrating
Guitar, bass and amp manufacturer Fender wants to build lifelong relationships with their customers—and they’re working toward this by providing useful services to make sure new guitar owners don’t become “it’s-somewhere-in-the-closet-or-underneath-my-bed” owners. For example, Fender’s guitar and bass tuning app for iPhone and Android, launched in the past year, grew a loyal fanbase not only because it’s free, but also because it doesn’t require any …