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  • Interesting new instruments

    03.06.2025 Tommi Saarela
    Among the latest standouts: the Hagström Megin guitar, Moog Messenger synthesizer, Tokai TST-101R electric guitar, and Zildjian Kerope cymbals.

    The Magic of Tone

    In Old Norse, the word Megin is said to mean magic. Hagström leans into that with its new electric guitar, promising a captivating experience for both player and listener.

    The Hagström Megin Black is built for performers. It features two Custom 62 humbuckers and a Wrap-Around bridge designed to channel string energy efficiently into the guitar body, enhancing resonance.

    The neck is reinforced with the brand’s patented H-Expander truss rod, which applies tension from both ends for added stability. The fingerboard is made from Resinator, a wood composite that’s denser and more consistent than traditional wood. This helps eliminate so-called dead spots on the fretboard.

    Priced around 650 euros, the Megin comes in black as well as three retro finishes: Aged Sky Blue, Grey Burst, and Creme.

    Read more here

    hagström megin guitar

    Analogue mono

    The Moog Messenger is a monophonic analog synthesizer built to combine the legendary Moog sound with modern performance.

    Despite its compact size, it offers a bold range of sounds with intuitive controls for both studio use and live settings. The keyboard has 32 full-size, semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Key features also include a pitch wheel, octave shift, and a smooth glide function.

    It runs on two VCOs with continuously variable waveforms. A sub-oscillator lets you fine-tune the low end, and a noise generator adds depth and texture to the sound.

    The Messenger, priced just under 900 euros, includes 256 memory slots, a 64-step sequencer, and a flexible arpeggiator.

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    A refined classic

    The Tokai TST-101R electric guitar reflects the precision and tradition of Japanese craftsmanship. Built with an alder body, it offers a balanced, resonant tone. The neck is made from a single piece of maple with a thin gloss finish and a Medium U profile, designed for smooth playability and long-term stability.

    A rosewood fingerboard houses 21 medium jumbo frets that make string bending feel effortless. Hardware includes Gotoh SD91-05ML tuners, a bone nut, and refined touches like ivory-colored inlays. According to Tokai, the three Gotoh ST-Classic pickups deliver bright treble, rich midrange, and full low-end response.

    This model is priced around 1350 euros and comes in metallic Burgundy Mist and Sherwood Green finishes.

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    A legacy of centuries

    The Zildjian Kerope series revives a timeless sound for modern drummers. Rooted in the legacy of original Turkish K cymbals, the new lineup draws from a history that began in 17th-century Constantinople. There, an alchemist named Avedis tried to create synthetic gold. What he produced instead was a mix of copper, tin, and silver with unexpectedly great tonal properties. That discovery led to cymbal making rather than gold.

    The new 20-inch and 22-inch Kerope ride cymbals are described as warm, rich, full, and expressive.

    Quality like this comes at a premium. The 20-inch Thin High Ride and Medium Thin Low Ride both sell for just under 1200 euros each.

    Read more here