Tube Amps and Advanced Rectifiers - Ultratone Guitars Review

In the world of boutique style, Class-A, Tube guitar combo amps, a perfectly strong marriage between sweetness of tone and reliable operation is what every guitar player is searching for.  This delicate relationship is well represented in the Bugera BC30-212 30 Watt Class A Amp with Tube Rectifier.

The BC30-212 is a musical instrument unto itself; it’s the ideal complement to your guitar and the extra band member you’ve always needed. That’s because unlike most amps, the BC30-212 responds to the subtle characteristics of your playing technique, giving your creativity a voice all its own.

It’s a concept that forced us to concentrate on the very essence of tone and dynamics. As is often the case, it is simple, straightforward design, combined with the most refined components available, which yields the highest fidelity and most dynamic response. In the end, we created an amp that allows every nuance of your playing to come shining through.

Two-channel operation gives the BC30-212 vast tone-shaping capability, providing everything from CH 1’s twin-path 12AX7 clean tones to CH 2’s outrageous cascaded triode distortion. The accompanying 6-position tone switch allows you to fine-tune the tonal characteristics of CH 2, whether you like it mild or wild. You can even patch the two channels together for added tonal versatility!

Features:

• Hand-built 30-Watt Class-A guitar combo driven by 4 x EL84 tubes
• Mind-blowing distortion with terrifying punch and breathtaking vintage clean that breathes with headroom
• True tube rectifier gives you the flexibility of using one 5AR4 for a explosive attack or two 5U4s (not included) for a smooth and round response
• Channel 1 features two 12AX7s creating a parallel triode circuit and an interactive EQ with amazing responsiveness
• Channel 2 sports a high gain channel based on a specially selected 12AX7 tube coupled to a 6-position tone switch
• Power amp section features a Cut control for rolling off the high end plus a Master volume control
• Power switch reduces output power to 15 Watts for more sound variation
• Speaker Reverse switch reverses the direction of the speaker to influence the amount of distorted sound
• Each channel offers an independent effects loop
• Illuminated front panel and logo for a super cool look
• Impedance switch (4, 8 and 16 Ohms) to match virtually any speaker cabinet
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life

EV - ZLX 12" & 15" Powered Two-Way Loud Speakers - Ultratone Guitars Product Review

Smart design, straightforward operation.

 

The two powered ZLX models cut through the competition with the most complete and innovative package of features in their class - all of which work together to make it quicker and easier than ever to take control of your sound, whatever the show.

In the case of ZLX's uncluttered control panel, less really does mean more. Though the multiple dials and switches on other powered loudspeakers may suggest more functionality, ZLX's powerful DSP engine is accessed by a clean single-knob design with LCD display, and actually offers the most precise control and configuration available at its price point. Use the presets to optimize ZLX according to your application (music, live, speech, club) and your location (pole mount, monitor, install) and hear the difference in seconds.

ZLX15P

1000 Watt Powered 15" Two Way Loudspeaker (Black)

• Can be pole-mounted or used as a floor monitor

• Line and Microphone Inputs (XLR/TRS Combo jack, 3.5 mm)

• 90° x 50° Coverage Pattern

• 127 dB maximum SPL

• On Board DSP

ZLX12P

1000 Watt Powered 12" Two Way Loudspeaker (Black)

• Can be pole-mounted or used as a floor monitor

• Line and Microphone Inputs (XLR/TRS Combo jack, 3.5 mm)

• 90° x 50° Coverage Pattern

• 126 dB maximum SPL

• On Board DSP

Paracho Elite Guitars - An Ultratone Guitars Product Review Without Complaints

Born in the Village of Paracho, nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, Paracho Elite Guitars are some of the finest handmade Latin stringed instruments.

Paracho Elite Guitars are made in the legendary mountain village of Paracho—high in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. Paracho artisans have been perfecting their craft for over 200 years. Many of the luthiers that work at the Paracho Elite shop are fourth and fifth generation musical instrument makers. These hand crafted, quality guitars are made from some of the finest woods. Each guitar has it's own unique styling and beautiful inlay craftsmanship. Most importantly, they produce remarkable sound and are played by recording and performing professionals.

Paracho Elite specializes in the construction of Bajo sexto guitars. Bajo sexto is a Mexican string instrument with 12 strings in 6 double courses, while bajo quinto has 10 strings in 5 double courses. These instruments are used primarily in norteño music of northern Mexico and across the border in the music of south Texas known as "Tex-Mex", "conjunto", or "música mexicana-tejana". The bajo sexto sound provides a strong rhythm in the lower pitched end of a Conjunto band and also provides a strong projection of chord changes across songs. Bajo sextos are traditionally tuned in fourths, what an anglophone guitarist would call all fourths tuning: E,A,D,G,C,F (from lowest to highest string). Bajo sexto derives from the bajo quinto. The manufacture of the bajo quinto reached a peak in quality and popularity in the 19th century, in the states of Aguascalientes, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Tlaxcala and Distrito Federal. Bajo quintos are tuned the same: A,D,G,C,F (as above).

Alvarado

The beautiful Abalone inlay work consists of small squares carefully butted together, color matched and polished.  The rosette, binding, and generous side treatments make this a truly unique instrument.

Presidio

Presidio features an Abalone inlaid rosette, double figured binding, and the signature cutaway.  It has a laminated rosewood head-stock with an inlaid pearloid star.

Hidalgo

Hidalgo features a thin body design.  The call for thinner Bajo Sexto bodies is demonstrated here with a quiet blending of a natural top and mahogany stained sides.  The finish has a buttery, satin feel.

Bravo

Bravo is the traditionally styled bajo sexto.  Those playing the latin and mariachi styles of music recognize the Bravo. It is a mainstay of the Paracho Elite line.  A very popular model for many musicians.

Victoria

Victoria is a traditionally styled bajo sexto with a solid Cedar top and Cedar back and sides. Mariachi and South American styles recognize the Victoria model because it fits into any ensemble with tone and clarity.

The Paracho Elite Limited Lifetime Warranty:

Paracho Elite guitars are warrantied to their original owner, with proof of purchase, against defective materials and workmanship. The company shall reserve the right to replace or repair any instrument that is found to be defective by the company.  There is no guarantee for abusive treatment, neglect or damage caused by exposure to extreme temperatures.

Caring For Your Paracho Elite Instrument:

For the absolute best performance of your Paracho Elite instrument, avoid sudden changes of temperature.  Try to maintain the temperature at a constant 70 - 75 degrees and the humidity between 45 - 50 % wherever you store your guitar. Avoid leaving your instrument in a hot/cold vehicle for more than 20 minutes. Your instrument should remain in its case when not in use. A humidifier should be maintained in your case at all times.

Behringer XENYX XL2400 Live Mixer - Ultratone Guitars Product Review

Behringer XENYX XL2400 Live Mixer

The world of large format mixers has reached a new level with addition of digital mixers.  But, what if you don't want to go digital but still want to be able to use a USB interface and want to incorporate digital effects while presenting studio quality sounds on stage?  This large format mixer by Behringer may be your best answer.



Full of Features and Very Affordable

The Behringer XENYX XL2400 is an ultra low-noise, high-headroom analog mixer for live audio applications featuring 20 state-of-the-art XENYX microphone preamps plus 4 stereo Line inputs with ultrahigh RFI suppression. The XL2400's neo-classic "British" 4-band EQs with 2 semi-parametric mid bands allow for warm and musical sound.

This XL2400 mixer has 4 subgroup outputs with inserts and 2 independent main outputs with inserts on Main A. It features 6 Aux sends per channel, 4 pre/post-fader switchable for flexible routing. It boasts an internal autorange power supply for maximum flexibility (100–240V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response, and low power consumption for energy efficiency.



The Ins & Outs

Some manufacturers can be sneaky when they tell you how many inputs their mixers have, counting features like CD/TAPE IN as an input. But the XL series really gives you 8 (XL1600), 16 (XL2400) and 24 (XL3200) mono channels and four stereo channels (with two 1/4" inputs apiece—an additional 8 line-level inputs (which can also be used for 4 additional mono mic channels), making it easy to accommodate a wide variety of live performance configurations.
Depending on which XL mixer you choose, that means you can connect up to 8, 16 or 24 microphones (or other mono instruments) and up to four stereo instruments (keyboards, for example). You also get four buses, allowing you to assign multiple channels—say all the mics on a drum kit or all the backup singers’ mics—to a single fader.
Best of all, you don’t need a black belt in engineering to operate the XL series. To get started, assign all mics and instruments to their channels by connecting them to the corresponding jacks on the back panel. Now, get ready to quickly become acquainted with the XL series’ incredibly user-friendly design.

Plenty of Channels, All in Living Color!

All dials on the XL series are assigned to colors that not only allow you to easily locate each function, but to also quickly identify corresponding faders.
At the top of each mono channel strip, you’ll find a TRIM dial (white) for adjusting input gain and an 80 Hz switch that can eliminate unwanted infrasonics such as mic-handling noise.
Each mono channel has a 4-band EQ (High, High Mid, Low Mid, Low). High Mid and Low Mid dials (blue) are each paired with a FREQ control (lighter blue) that allows you to select the frequency boosted or cut. Directly below the EQ, there’s an EQ switch allowing you to switch between processed and unprocessed signals.

Sweet British EQ!

British EQ is a smashing thing to have on your side when you start reaching for those channel equalization knobs at a live concert or in the studio.
The EQ’s on British consoles from the 60s and 70s are what many engineers believe does their sound the best justice. When it comes to tweaking your sound, they’re kind, gentle and above all, musical. It’s like drinking a fine scotch instead of fortified wine—or maybe receiving a warm hug instead of a kick to the crotch.
British EQ’s distinct configuration of wider curves/lower Q and harmonic phase characteristics allows you to add or subtract EQ more generously than you can with conventional EQ circuit designs. When you add low midrange, you get a firmer sound instead of a nasty bonk. When you back high frequencies off a bit, treble backs off just a hair instead of turning muffled.

Back to the Strip

Controls for the channel’s FX (orange), MON (blue) and AUX (red) sends are directly below the EQ section. Use these to assign a channel to an outboard FX processor or monitor and auxiliary channels. Further down the channel strip, the PAN control (black) determines the signal’s position in the stereo mix. The channel fader (black) adjusts the level of the channel signal as part of the main mix. Press the 1-2 or 3-4 switches to assign the channel to a bus.
Stereo channels are configured in the same way, but with a fixed-frequency 4-band EQ (blue). They are equipped with 1/4” stereo inputs, as well as XLR mono inputs, providing 4 additional Mic channels.

Rockin' Bureaucracy

Once all mics and instruments are connected, it’s time to take a look at the MAIN, subgroup, MONITOR and FX sections. All four subgroups’ controls are positioned in the lower right corner of the mixer. They feature individual faders with CLIP LEDs, SOLO switches and PAN controls to adjust the signal’s position in the stereo image.
The FX section is positioned on the middle right section of the console. Both FX 1 and FX 2 signals have orange faders; SOLO and MUTE switches; 1-2 and 3-4 switches that assign the signal to subgroups; MAIN switches to route the signals to the main outputs; MON dials (blue) that determine the level of FX heard in Monitor sends 1 & 2; and SEND dials (orange) for adjusting the volume of all FX send signals. Both monitor sends also have their own dedicated faders (blue), as well as MUTE and SOLO switches.
The MAIN A section lies in the bottom right section of the board. It gives you a channel fader (light grey); a 13-LED master level meter in the top right corner gives you a dynamic visual gauge of overall output; a MUTE switch (red) mutes all input channels except CD/TAPE inputs; and a BAL control (black) adjusts the mix of the left and right output signal before they are routed through the MAIN A output. Above, you’ll find the MAIN B section, which governs the signal sent through the MAIN B outputs on the back panel. Use the MAIN B section and outputs to connect to a separate power amplifier and multiple loudspeakers, or to a stereo recording system.
Talking back, listening up The XL series features a Talkback section in the upper right corner with its own XLR input, LEVEL control (red), and switches that allow you to send its signal to either the MON, AUX, GROUP or MAIN outputs. Finally, a pair of headphone inputs at the top of the board allows you to personally monitor your mix, and a pair of BNC lamp inputs ensures you’ll never have to mix in the dark.

A Rich Back Story

The back panel of XL series mixers features an intuitive patch bay that gives you tons of flexibility in configuring a live show. In the upper left corner you’ll find the MAIN OUTPUTS section. There’s left and right XLR outputs for connecting to PA speakers, as well as dual 1/4" inserts for connecting a dynamics processor or equalizer to further tweak the main signal. There’s also dual OUT B jacks governed by the MAIN B dial on front. Next door to the MAIN OUTPUTS section is the FX/MON/AUX SENDS section. The FX 1 and FX 2 1/4" outputs send signal to outboard effects processors. MON 1 and MON 2 XLR outputs send signal to monitors, and AUX 1 and AUX 2 XLR outputs can be used for either effects processors or monitors.
The next section to the right contains the AUX RETURNS. Stereo AUX inputs 1 & 2 allow you to connect more effects processors or submixers, while stereo FX 1 & 2 returns accept processed signals sent from the FX 1 and FX 2 outputs.
Left and right SPEAKER 1/4” outputs allow you to connect monitor speakers that provide the same signal as the headphone outputs.
Each subgroup has its own INSERT and OUT 1/4" jacks. The inserts allow you to connect noise gates, compressors or equalizers, while the OUT jacks send the subgroup signal to, for example, a multi-track recorder.
Along the bottom of the back panel, you’ll find the mono and stereo channel inserts. Mono channels feature both a 1/4" and XLR input, as well as an INSERT jack for applying outboard equipment and a DIRECT OUT jack for sending signal to a device such as a multi-track recorder. Stereo channels feature a single XLR input and dual 1/4" inputs.

BEHRINGER dreams in High Definition with soundtracks blazing away in full surround sound. They envision a world where music is all that matters and where musicians can pursue their musical dreams without any obstacles!

It all started 25 years ago when Uli Behringer was studying classical piano and sound engineering. He made a living by playing jazz in piano bars, hotels and coffee shops. Being an aspiring sound engineer, he could only dream of owning studio equipment, which at the time was far too expensive for a cash-strapped student. It became clear that if he wanted to realize his dream of becoming a sound engineer, he would have to get his own equipment.

So Uli immediately grabbed his soldering iron and went to work on his first signal processor. Word spread quickly among friends that his products sounded really good. He started production on his kitchen table and sold what he made at ridiculously low prices. Without even realizing it, he had started BEHRINGER.

It became his personal dream, and later the company'’s mission, to offer high-quality products at prices that fit everyone's budget. To this day, that is what BEHRINGER stands for.

The dream is to help you turn your musical dreams into reality and shape the soundtrack of your life. Imagine Music – Imagine BEHRINGER

Snark SN5 Guitar, Bass and Violin Tuner Black an Ultratone Guitars Review

Snark SN5 Guitar, Bass and Violin Tuner Black

The SNARK SN5 chromatic guitar, bass & violin tuner tunes your instrument tighter so you sound better when you play.  The SN5 is fast, just about flawless, and fun.  The SNARK SN5 has a full color display so it is easy to read at a glance.  You can place this tuner anywhere on the front or back of your head-stock, whichever is convenient to you, the musician.  In addition to flexibility in placement, the SNARK SN5 has a display that rotates 360 degrees so it will work just as easy for left handed players and right handed players.  The clip features a super tight spring so the tuner will stay put, even after on-stage power slides and the most aggressive play.  The SNARK SN5 runs on 1 watch style battery which is included and the SNARK is also designed to save power so your battery life is extended.

A variety of instruments can be tuned with the SNARK SN5.  It is calibrated for Guitar, bass, and violin, but with this wide range of tones, it can be used to tune ukuleles, banjos, resonators, dulcimers, and mandolins as well.  Cello, stand up bass, and violas are tuned well with this SNARK too!

SNARK tuners won the Acoustic Guitar Magazine's "Silver Player Choice Award in 2011 for their line of clip-on instrument tuners.  Many guitarists and other musicians agree that SNARK tuners "reinvented a wheel that we didn't even know needed improvement." When you need your tone to be "right on target," the SNARK SN5 delivers a satisfying results when you need it most.  For a tuner priced under $20.00, this clip-on tuner is a great choice for any musician.

Washburn Cumberland WJ40SCE Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Reviews by Ultratone Guitars

Washburn Cumberland WJ40SCE Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Beautifully Crafted Alaskan Sitka Spruce Top Acoustic Guitar!

The Washburn Cumberland series of acoustic Guitars feature solid Alaskan sitka spruce tops, flame maple back and sides and gold hardware. Maple has a brighter sound than mahogany or rosewood so these Guitars tend to sound clearer and more articulate. This works out especially well for the larger bodied jumbo versions that might loose focus with a mellower sounding back and side wood.

 

Washburn WJ40SCE Cumberland Series Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitar Features

•Jumbo cutaway body style
•Solid Alaskan Sitka Spruce top
•Quarter sawn scalloped bracing
•Flame maple sides and back
•Satin finished maple neck with two-way truss rod
•Neck and headstock binding
•Rosewood fingerboard and bridge with bone nut and saddle.
•Flame maple capped headstock with abalone Washburn logo & stylized W inlay.
•Gold die cast chrome tuners
•Fishman Presys+ Tuner/Preamp System
•Comes equipped with D'Addario strings

Washburn Guitars continues a long tradition of fine instrument making which began in Chicago in 1883. Washburn guitars are embraced as the very embodiment and refeclective spirit of the hard-working musicians who play then as well as the people who designed and crafted them. Washburn continues to be a consistent leader in combining design, innovation, and technology to deliver the rich, bold sounds for a vast musical landscape.

Ohana Ukuleles Product Reviews by Ultratone Guitars

Ohana Ukuleles | Ultratone Guitars

Ohana Ukuleles is where you will find the many hand-crafted ukulele models we offer - from soprano to baritone, mahogany to selected koa from the islands of Hawaii, conventional to vintage models, plus unique ones for those who are looking for something different.

At Ohana, the goal is to provide the highest quality product at a reasonable price. Every ukulele that leaves the Ohana warehouse is carefully inspected and set up for maximum playability. Yes that's right — EVERY UKULELE, regardless of model and price. Should you compromise on quality just because you need an entry-level ukulele? We don't think you should.

At Ohana, they believe in the basic concepts of QUALITY, PLAYABILITY, and VALUE. As a player you deserve each of these when you purchase a musical instrument.

Ohana Music markets its products primarily through a network of terrific dealers around the world.

Here is a run down on some of Ohana's best selling ukes!

Ohana BK-20 Solid Top Baritone Ukulele

  

The Ohana BK-20 Baritone ukulele is classically scaled and is an easy uke to play!  A solid mahogany top ensures a sweet sound.  The sides and back are a high quality laminate mahogany.  The fingerboard and bridge are real rosewood.  This uke is dressed with a beautiful white body binding on the front and back.  Many uke players regard the nut and saddle material to really separate the herd of quality ukes.  The Ohana BK-20 Baritone ukulele features a bone nut and saddle!  Diecast geared tuners makes tuning simple!  The Ohana BK-20 base model baritone ukulele is far from basic!

Ohana CK-10S Mahogany Concert Ukulele

 

A nice concert-sized ukulele. Geared tuners make tuning simple. Perfect for the student or beginner. Also good for gift-giving. A great value.

Ohana CK-35E Acoustic-Electric Concert Ukulele

 

One of our most popular and well-reviewed models! People seem to love the honest and rich tone of the solid mahogany, but the sweet detailing doesn't hurt either! The Ohana CK-35E sounds and feels as good as it looks too! Players love the rich tone of the solid mahogany construction. This ukulele has a beautiful headstock overlay as a testament to its quality!

Ohana CK-35S Concert Ukulele

 

Ohana means family and this concert ukulele will make a great addition to you musical family. This Ohana CK-35S Concert Ukulele is one of our most popular and well reviewed models in the Ohana line. Players seem to love the honest and rich tone of the solid mahogany ukes. This model goes a step further with a bound sound-hole, rosewood binding and headstock overlay, and a bone nut and saddle for longer string life.

Ohana CK-60C Concert Ukulele with Cutaway

 

Special solid mahogany model with beautiful shell inlay on top and a cutaway for high Fret access. Looks like a dream and plays like one, too.

Ohana PK-25G Pineapple Soprano Ukulele

 

The popular form meets superior function with the PK-25G from Ohana Ukuleles!  This Pineapple uke features a solid mahogany top, back and sides in a soprano size.  The rosewood fingerboard and bridge combine with premium friction tuners and a bone saddle and nut to make this uke a great player!

Ohana SK-15 Soprano Ukulele

A sweet soprano in deep, glossy jewel colors.

Collect the whole set!

Ohana SK-22Z Spruce Top Zebra Wood Soprano Ukulele

 

This Ohana SK-22Z Spruce Top Zebra Wood Soprano Ukulele is a unique soprano uke with a sound all its own. This soprano boasts a solid spruce top with Zebra Wood back and sides for a very special tone-wood recipe. Aquila strings and geared tuners help make this uke a player's delight. 

Ohana SK-50WG Soprano Ukulele Figured Willow

 

New Model! Unique and beautiful, this ukulele combines the tone of a cedar top with the beautiful mellow sound of figured willow on the sides and back. Outstanding! This Uke is appointed with a gorgous Rope-Style Rosette. The tuners are Gotoh Friction Tuners!

Ohana TK-20CE Acoustic Electric Cutaway Tenor Ukulele

 

This tenor performs, literally! The addition of an EQ and a cutaway design is perfect when you are playing for the crowd!

Meanwhile, have fun, share the Aloha spirit with your loved ones, and Happy Strumming!