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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Summer NAMM '12 Product Review

For this years Summer NAMM, in Nashville, TN, Planet Waves wanted to make a splash by covering all basis from guitar accessories, personal protection, instrument care, and convenience.
Adding to the Planet Waves product roster, we have:
  • NS Tri-Action Capo
  • Small Instrument Humidifier
  • Pacato Hearing Protection
  • Drill Bit Peg Winder
  • Additions to our Guitar Strap line up

NS Tri-Action Capo (PW-CP-09):

From "daddarioandcompany" on Instagram
The next chapter in the Ned Steinberger designed capos features the patent-pending Tri-Action geometry which reduces the force required to open and close the capo while applying even tension regardless of neck type. The best part... NO NEED TO RETUNE DURING USE! The micrometer tension adjustment combines with the direct horizontal pressure to virtually eliminate any string pulling and is buzz free from any fret. Now for some quick bullet points:
  • Designed for both 6 string acoustic & electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Single hand, easy operation; clip it to the headstock when not in use
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction (EXTREMELY light weight!)
  • Can't forget about the pick clip to keep an extra or to place your pick when switching to finger plucking
  • Available in Black and Silver

Promo Videos:



Above is the official promo video featuring Planet Waves Product Specialist, Rob Cunningham 



Above is a video featuring Director of Product Management, Brian Vance, at this years Summer NAMM

Small Instrument Humidifier (PW-SIH-01) :

From "daddarioandcompany" on Instagram
The latest addition to the Planet Waves line of humidification products is the Small Instrument Humidifier. This is a small, sponge style humidifier (similar to out previous GH model) that is perfect for keeping the proper humidity levels for instruments such as Violins, Violas, Ukulele, and Mandolins. It is also an option for Acoustic Guitars if the humidity is at or below 20%. It is the smart, easy, and affordable way to protect your instrument from cracks, warping, and shrinkage. Now for the bullet points:
  • Small size fits any case
  • Releases moisture slowly and evenly (sponge should be moist, NOT soaked!)
  • Safe for all instruments

Pacato Hearing Protection (PWPEP1) :

FACT: 60% of inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are hearing impaired.

From "daddarioandcompany" on Instagram
While that 60% might be good company to be with, lets be with the 40% that can properly hear. To get there, lets start with the Pacato Hearing Protection! Most hearing protection can alter what you hear, cutting off a lot of high frequencies making your mix sound uneven to you. The Pacato's do not cut anything out! It's as if someone just turned down the volume to a comfortable listening level. This exclusive design offers an open air passage to the ear, minimizing occlusion effect, while keeping the ear ventilated for unmatched comfort. Some key facts:
  • Provides a noise reduction rating of 19dB
  • Universal size fits all ears comfortably
  • Reusable and includes carrying pouch
  • Can be cleaned with ease

Video Review:

 An excellent review of the Pacato Hearing Protection from FiddlerMan.com

Drill Bit Peg Winder (PW-DBPW-01) :

From "daddarioandcompany" on Instagram
The name says it all! The Drill Bit Peg Winder is the convenient and fast way to change your strings. This peg winder is built from a high performance polymer that can accommodate vintage to modern guitar and bass tuners in a one-size-fits all design! Here are some more facts:
  • Attaches to any cordless drill
  • Allows for faster and easier string changes
  • Nickel-plated steel shaft will resist wear for countless string changes

New Strap Designs!

Last but not least, we have extended our Guitar Strap line! For a full listing, please visit www.planetwaves.com but for a brief highlight please see below!
  • 9 new additions to the Classic Woven collection
  • 3 new additions to the Poly-Pro collection (which includes Planet Lock and Acoustic Quick release straps)
  • 3 new additions to the Icon & Metal Strap collection (silver leather!)
  • 7 new additions to the Textile Strap collection
  • 7 new additions to the Leather Strap collection
  • The Leather Strap collection


Monday, February 13, 2012

Choosing The Right Capo

Planet Waves products promise to be the most innovative professional musician’s tools available. Our diverse capo line is no exception. Many of our groundbreaking models are the result of a productive joint effort between famed designer Ned Steinberger and Jim D’Addario. Jim and Ned have many more exciting capo development projects in the works.

Choosing the right capo

Radiused or flat fingerboard?

The first major distinction is whether your instrument has a radiused or flat fingerboard. Look at your fretboard. Is the playing surface curved or is it flat (see examples below)?

Most steel string guitars have a radius from 12” to 17”, while most classical guitars, banjos and mandolins have a flat, non-radiused neck. In order for the strings to ring clearly without buzzing, you need to match the capo to the fretboard. In the NS Pro ScrewCapo line we offer both radiused and flat versions.

High performance vs. entry level models

If you are looking for a great capo at a very affordable price, you may want to consider one of our two injection molded, plastic capos. The PW-CP-01 Ratchet Capo or the PW-CP-07 NS Lite Screw Capo. Both are made of high impact plastic, offer adjustable tension and will work well on all 6 string guitars with radiused fretboards. If you have a 12 string guitar, we recommend our metal capo versions below as

12-string guitars require more tension to fret the strings properly.

If you are looking for professional quality performance, we recommend you consider a capo from our NS Capo Pro range or our NS Dual Action Trigger Capo offerings. Both the NS Pro and NS dual action capos utilize proprietary micrometer adjustment geometry that allows you to dial in just the right amount of tension needed for your strings to ring clearly at any fret without excessive tension. This is the biggest improvement to capo designs in decades. This greatly reduces the need to retune as you move your capo on, off or up and down your neck. Additionally, their aircraft-grade aluminum material adds the slightest amount of weight to your neck, which maximizes the natural resonance and vibration of your instrument.

The NS Dual Action Trigger Capo utilizes a patented compound action mechanism to reduce the force required to open and close the capo. This makes it easy to use and the patented geometry closes the lower jaw against the back of your neck without pulling the strings side to side as ordinary, single-action, trigger type capos tend to do. This, coupled with the micrometer spring tension adjustment, allows you to set your NS Dual Action Capo so it virtually eliminates the need to retune when you move from position to position.

Screw style capo vs Trigger style capo

With the addition of our proprietary micrometer tension adjustment both style of capos offer in-tune performance at any fret. You may have a preference as to which style is right for you.

Screw style capo

  • Extremely precise tension adjustment. Perfect for studio and critical recording
  • Compact, low profile design
  • Single-hand operation
  • In-tune performance at any fret
  • Available for radiused and flat fingerboards
  • Trio – partial capo for drop E an A tunings and banjos and mandolins

Trigger style capo

  • Precise tension adjustment
  • Single hand operation
  • Extremely fast application and removal, perfect for live use
  • Attaches to the headstock for convenient storage
  • In-tune performance at any fret



Designed for standard electric and acoustic guitars, The Planet Waves Ratchet Capo’s molded design offers ease of use and function at an affordable price. The simple and intuitive ratchet design locks strings into place with a simple squeezing motion. One press of the quick release lever unlocks the capo for easy removal or re-positioning on the fretboard.

  • Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Unique ratchet design with quick-release
  • Lightweight design adds almost no weight to neck of instrument
  • Made of high impact plastic
  • Recommended for 6 string guitars only
  • Competitively priced


PW-CP-07 - NS Capo Lite

http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/421/design_content/0/spacer.gif

Designed for standard electric and acoustic 6-string guitars, the NS Capo LIte assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret. A patented micrometer adjustment mechanism, allows you to dial in the exact tension needed for your guitar, strings and playing position. This greatly reduces the need to retune your guitar during and after capo use. The capos molded ABS design offers light weight, ease of use and function at an affordable price.

Available in Black only

  • Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Single hand operation
  • High impact, light weight ABS plastic construction
  • Recommended for 6 String guitars Only
  • Competitively priced

Protected by US Pat. # D521048S


NS Capo Pro

Designed for standard electric and acoustic 6 or 12 string guitars, the NS Capo Pro assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret. A patented micrometer adjustment mechanism, allows you to dial in the exact tension needed for clear ringing notes without excessive force in any position on the neck. This greatly reduces the need to retune your guitar during and after capo use. The sleek aircraft grade aluminum construction can withstand the toughest playing/touring schedule while adding negligible additional weight or obstruction to the instrument

Available in black and silver

  • Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Single hand operation
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction
  • Works for 6- or 12- string guitars

Protected by US Pat. # D521048S


NS Classical Guitar Capo

http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/421/design_content/0/spacer.gif

Design specifically for classical guitars, the NS Classical Guitar Capo assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret. A patented micrometer adjustment mechanism, allows you to dial in the exact tension needed for clear ringing notes without excessive force in any position on the neck. This greatly reduces the need to retune your guitar during and after capo use. The sleek aircraft grade aluminum construction can withstand the toughest playing/touring schedule while adding negligible additional weight or obstruction to the instrument.

Available in black only

  • Designed for classical guitars with non-radiused fretboards
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Single hand operation
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction
  • Recommended for 6 string classical guitars only

Protected by US Pat. # D521048S


NS Dual-Action Capo

Designed for standard electric and acoustic guitars, the NS Dual-action capo assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret. A patented compound action mechanism reduces the force required to open and close the capo. This makes the capo easy to use while the patented geometry applies direct horizontal pressure to the fretboard without pulling the strings side to side as ordinary, single-action, trigger type capos do. This coupled with the micrometer spring tension adjustment allow you to set your NS Dual Action Capo so it virtually eliminates the need to retune as you move your capo on, off or up and down your neck.

Available in black and silver

  • Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Compound action reduces the force necessary to open and close the capo
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Single hand operation
  • Designed for 6- and 12-guitars

Protected by US Pat. # 6,008,441


PW-CP-06 – NS Trio Capo

The first in a series of specialty capos being offered by Planet Waves, the NS Trio Capo design includes a shorter upper arm and extended lower arm allowing for partial capo application on 6- or 12-string guitars and can double as an effective banjo and mandolin capo as well. A patented micrometer adjustment mechanism, allows you to dial in the exact tension needed for clear ringing notes without excessive force in any position on the neck. This greatly reduces the need to retune your guitar during and after capo use. The sleek aircraft grade aluminum construction can withstand the toughest playing/touring schedule while adding no additional weight or obstruction to the instrument

Available in black only

  • Designed for acoustic, electric guitars, banjos and mandolins
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Single hand operation
  • Aircraft grade aluminum construction
  • Works for 6- or 12- string guitars

Protected by US Pat. # D521048S


PW-CP-08 - Dual Action Capo Tuner

http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/421/design_content/0/spacer.gif

The NS Capo Tuner combines the widely acclaimed NS Dual Action Capo with a Planet Waves precision chromatic tuner. The first of its kind, the NS Capo Tuner provides accurate tuning at any fret or when clipped on the headstock of your acoustic or electric guitar. A patented compound action mechanism reduces the force required to open and close the capo. This makes the capo easy to use while the patented geometry applies direct horizontal pressure to the fretboard without pulling the strings side to side as ordinary, single-action, trigger type capos do. This coupled with the micrometer spring tension adjustment allow you to set your NS Dual Action Capo so it virtually eliminates the need to retune as you move your capo on, off or up and down your neck.

Available in black only

  • Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards
  • Provides accurate tuning at any fret or when clipped on the headstock
  • Compound action reduces the force necessary to open and close the capo
  • Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret
  • Designed for 6- and 12-guitars

Protected by US Pat. # 6,008,441

Saturday, February 4, 2012


Rob from Planet Waves with the new Cortex and Cellu-Glo picks at NAMM 2012.

Cortex

Cortex picks are precision molded to eliminate grain structures, allowing for dynamic pick response. This unique material closely resembles actual tortoise shell in feel and sound yet offers high strength, durability and heat resistance. Cortex long lasting picks offer excellent attack with a clean, crisp tone for superior note definition, allowing notes to leap from your strings. Attack, control, clarity and durability…Cortex Picks!

Available in light, Medium, Heavy, and Extra Heavy.


Cellu-Glo

Planet Waves puts a new twist on celluloid picks. Now you can still have the natural feel and warm fat tone of celluloid in a “glow in the dark” pick. Simply pre-charge the picks in natural sunlight or under a light bulb and you have a pick that not only sounds great but looks great too. The Cellu-Glo picks add a new visual element to your playing and are also easy to find on dark stages.

Available in light, Medium, Heavy, and Extra Heavy.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Let the Mini Do The Tuning


Joe Perry sporting the Planet Waves NS Mini Headstock Tuner on his Strat during a Tonight Show performance.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Cortex Picks

The Planet Waves’ announces Cortex Picks, expanding the tonal pallet of their best selling pick line!!

Cortex

Cortex picks are precision molded to eliminate grain structures, allowing for dynamic pick response. This unique material closely resembles actual tortoise shell in feel and sound yet offers high strength, durability and heat resistance. Cortex long lasting picks offer excellent attack with a clean, crisp tone for superior note definition, allowing notes to leap from your strings. Attack, control, clarity and durability…Cortex Picks!





Available in light, Medium, Heavy, and Extra Heavy.

Cellu-Glo Picks

LIGHTEN UP WITH PLANET WAVES’ NEW CELLU-GLO PICKS

The NAMM Show Anaheim, CA January 19-22, 2012Booth# 4834 – Planet Waves is excited to announce its new twist on celluloid picks, Cellu-Glo. Cellu-Glo Picks offer guitarists the natural feel and warm, fat tone of celluloid in a fun glow-in-the-dark pick. Simply pre-charge the picks in natural sunlight or under a light bulb for a pick that not only sounds great but looks great, too.





“Cellu-Glo picks from Planet Waves add a new visual element for artists,” says Planet Waves Product Specialist, Robert Cunningham. “Guitarists also love them because they are so easy to find on dark stages.”

Planet Waves’ Cellu-Glo picks will be available in February 2012 in light, medium, heavy and extra heavy. The 10-packs to retail for $4.49, the 25-packs to retail for $9.99, and the 100-pack will retail for $34.99.

For more information on Planet Waves, please visit www.planetwaves.com


 
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