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Author: Claudio Ribeiro

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EarthQuaker Devices Introduces Towers

EarthQuaker Devices Introduces Towers Stereo Reverberant Filter EarthQuaker Devices has unveiled the Towers Stereo Reverberant Filter, a new ambient soundscape generator that blends expansive reverb textures with dynamic filtering and stereo movement. Designed to create evolving atmospheres rather than traditional reverb spaces, Towers offers players a powerful platform for shaping immersive sonic environments. At the heart of Towers is a unique signal architecture that routes the incoming signal through a network of regenerating micro-echoes feeding a massive reverb engine. This system is paired with a resonant low-pass filter that interacts with the reflections, allowing players to sculpt shifting harmonic textures within the reverb tail. The result ranges from subtle ambient depth to cavernous, otherworldly soundscapes. A three-position Mode switch changes how the filter behaves. In Manual Mode, players directly control the filter frequency for precise tonal shaping across the stereo field. Envelope Mode uses playing dynamics to trigger filter movement, allowing the effect to react organically to picking intensity. LFO Mode introduces slow modulation that sweeps the filter frequencies, creating evolving movement and stereo motion. The pedal’s control set includes Length, Frequency, Filter, and Mix, enabling detailed shaping of the reverb’s size, tonal character, and wet/dry balance. A dedicated Stretch footswitch further expands the pedal’s creative potential by slowing the internal processing, doubling the reverb length and introducing lo-fi pitch-bending artifacts that morph the sound into warped ambient textures. Towers also includes eight user-savable presets, allowing players to store and instantly recall complex sound designs. An assignable expression input provides real-time control over parameters such as filter frequency, reverb length, mix, or filter intensity. With full stereo inputs and outputs, Towers integrates easily into mono, mono-to-stereo, or fully stereo rigs, making it equally suited to pedalboards, studio environments, and modern stereo amplifier setups. Key Features The EarthQuaker Devices Towers Stereo Reverberant Filter is available now through authorized dealers.

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Fender Releases Strobo-Sonic Pro Strobe Tuner Pedal

Fender Releases Strobo-Sonic Pro Ultra-Precise Strobe Tuner Pedal Fender has introduced the Strobo-Sonic Pro™, a new pedalboard-friendly strobe tuner designed for ultra-precise tuning in live and studio environments. The new tuner delivers an impressive ±0.01 cent tuning accuracy, positioning it among the most precise pedal tuners currently available while remaining accessible for everyday players. Built with stage use in mind, the Strobo-Sonic Pro features a large, high-visibility LED display with automatic brightness dimming for changing lighting conditions. Players can choose between two display modes: a hyper-sensitive strobe mode for maximum precision and a needle mode that offers a more familiar tuning experience. The dual-mode design allows the tuner to suit both quick stage adjustments and detailed setup work. Additional controls are accessed via side switches, allowing users to adjust reference pitch and select between three bypass options: true bypass, buffered bypass, and buffered always-on modes. This flexibility allows the pedal to integrate easily into a variety of signal chain setups depending on player preference. The Fender Strobo-Sonic Pro strobe tuner pedal is available now through authorized Fender dealers and the company’s official website.

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Ernie Ball Introduces New Tapewound Bass Strings

Ernie Ball has announced the release of its new Tapewound Bass Strings, expanding its bass lineup with a set aimed squarely at players chasing warmth, thump, and a smoother feel under the fingers. Designed for both 34″ long scale and 30–30.5″ short scale basses, the new tapewounds target everything from vintage-inspired electric tones to upright-style textures in modern rigs. The strings feature a tin-plated steel hex core, wrapped with nickel-plated steel, and finished with a polished black nylon tape outer layer. The construction is intended to deliver a dark, rounded voice with reduced finger noise and a notably soft, silky playing feel. According to the company, the tonal profile leans toward a warm, mellow response that nods to classic upright bass character while remaining stable and consistent for electric bass applications. Ernie Ball states that the new Tapewound Bass Strings are scheduled to begin shipping this summer. Pricing has not yet been announced. Players can expect availability through authorized Ernie Ball dealers and the company’s official website as the rollout begins.

Double Dragon
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JHS Pedals Releases Double Dragon Lo-Fi Octave Device

JHS Introduces the All-Analog Double Dragon Octave Pedal JHS Pedals has officially released the Double Dragon Lo-Fi Octave Device, a new all-analog octave pedal built around vintage octave-divider technology. Drawing inspiration from classic circuits like the Boss OC-2, MXR Blue Box, and DOD Octoplus, the Double Dragon intentionally looks backward rather than embracing modern DSP precision. The result is a monophonic octave effect designed to deliver the warmth, quirks, and organic response that defined early analog octave designs. The Double Dragon features both an octave-down (OCT−) and a switchable octave-up distortion (OCT+). The lower octave provides thick, vintage-inspired sub tones, while the upper octave circuit adds a gritty, mid-forward distortion texture. Controls include Volume (with additional boost available), Dry blend, OCT− level, and OCT+ level, with dual footswitches for main on/off and octave-up engagement. The pedal also offers top-mounted jacks, silent buffered bypass switching, and operates on standard 9VDC center-negative power. According to JHS, the Double Dragon marks the company’s first dedicated octave device, expanding its lineup into classic analog octave territory. The pedal is aimed at players seeking lo-fi character and dynamic interaction rather than digital precision, and is equally positioned for guitar and bass applications. The JHS Double Dragon Lo-Fi Octave Device is available now through authorized JHS Pedals dealers worldwide and directly from the company’s official website. Enjoyed this JHS content? Make sure you check other JHS reviews in the links below: – JHS Colour Box V2 – Neve Style Preamp Pedal – JHS 424 Gain Stage – preamp/fuzz pedal that recreates the TASCAM® Portastudio® 424 

News

Fender Launches Ultra Core Bass Strings

Fender Introduces Ultra Core Bass Strings with Enhanced Stability and Clarity Fender has announced the release of its new Ultra Core Strings, introducing a freshly engineered string line designed to meet the demands of today’s bass players. The Ultra Core Bass Strings feature a redesigned core-to-wrap ratio intended to enhance tuning stability, improve intonation accuracy, and deliver a more consistent feel across the fretboard. According to Fender, the updated construction promotes stronger energy transfer from string to instrument, resulting in clear note definition and balanced response in both live and studio settings. The Ultra Core bass sets are offered in both nickel-plated steel and stainless steel configurations, giving players the option to tailor their tone. Nickel-plated steel models are designed to provide a warm yet articulate voice suited to a wide range of genres, while stainless steel versions offer increased brightness and attack for players seeking added clarity and presence. Both options are built with durability in mind to support the demands of regular performance and touring use. With the launch of Ultra Core Bass Strings, Fender continues to expand its accessory portfolio with products aimed specifically at modern musicians. The new bass string sets are available now through authorized Fender dealers and select retailers worldwide.