Interesting new instruments
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.
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.
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.
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.
