Interesting new instruments

02.12.2024 Tommi Saarela

Tips Musical instruments Musicians New arrivals

Introducing December’s exciting new instruments and peripherals.

A new version of a classic

Based on analogue modelling synthesis, MicroKorg’s recognisable sounds have grown into a tradition that keyboard players and music listeners have enjoyed for more than two decades.

The new MicroKorg 2 packs all the features of the original MicroKorg, including a convenient size, 37-key mini keyboard, a large selection knob, an arpeggiator and vocoder microphone.

The new MicroKorg 2 features a more powerful sound engine than the original, offering a greater variety of sounds, a new vocal processor with Autotune effects, and a user-friendly interface with a color display, according to the manufacturer Korg. Additional features include a looping function, which allows you to create live backing tracks using the overdubbing technique.

The MicroKorg 2 costs around 620 euros.
Read more: korg.com

Big sound from a small guitar

The renowned guitar maker Taylor has released a special edition of its GS Mini-E guitar in a Trans White finish. The GS Mini-E is perfect for hobbyists looking for an easy-to-play acoustic guitar, but it also suits experienced players in need of a compact travel instrument.

According to the manufacturer, the short-scale GS Mini offers an ideal combination of rich tone and portability. While the body has been scaled down to a smaller size, the design, as stated by the manufacturer, has been successful without compromising sound quality. The top of the instrument is made of spruce, while the rest of the body is crafted from sapele mahogany. The narrow neck profile is also well-suited for smaller hands.

The GS Mini-E in the special white edition, including a transport case, costs around 1000 euros.
Read more: taylorguitars.com

Cymbals in a package

The well-known cymbal manufacturer Sabian’s relatively new Stratus series has expanded even further. The high-quality B20 bronze series now includes three new models, as well as a four-cymbal pack.

At the forefront of the new releases are 17-inch and 19-inch crash cymbals, whose tone is described as controlled and dark, thanks to their sturdy hammering pattern. The sound is also said to dampen quickly, due to the relative thinness of the cymbals.

The perforated 20-inch Stratus Zero, on the other hand, is designed for the needs of a modern drummer who requires cutting power, as well as quick and dirty accent and groove playing.
Suitable for a wide range of musical styles, the new cymbals are priced between €290 and €410, depending on size.

The 850-euro bundle includes a representative selection of Stratus cymbals: a 15-inch hi-hat, a 19-inch crash, and a 22-inch ride cymbal. The sound of all the cymbals is described as powerful, with the ride cymbal’s bell being particularly clear.

Retro synthetics

Modal Electronics’ three-octave Carbon 8 promises new possibilities for creating synthesizer sounds, despite its retro-inspired appearance and interface.

The sound generator features complex waveform algorithms and wavetables, which are combined with an eight-voice polyphony. Two oscillators per voice allow for the merging of two algorithms or wavetables into a single sound.

The Carbon 8 features a wide range of oscillator modifiers, allowing the player to create rich and even aggressive synth sounds. With over 30 filter types, ranging from vintage filters to modern filter instruments, it offers precise control over frequency shaping. The Drive and Morph parameters allow for the addition of distortion and other effects, enabling the creation of dynamic and impactful sounds.

The instrument, priced around one thousand euros, includes three LFO generators and a 512-note sequencer. The free Modal app offers the ability to edit on a computer or mobile device screen.