Not only is the BYOC Analog Vibrato the most spot on recreation of the original BOSS VB-2  you can find….It’s probably also the only true clone of the VB-2. The only real difference is  that the BYOC Analog Vibrato is true bypass.The VB-2 is considered by most to be the holy grail of vibrato effects. With it’s perfect sine wave and unique ramping feature, there’s really nothing else like it.

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 The Starla Stoptail has the same retro-inspired vibe as its predecessor with one noticeable difference: it features a two-piece, adjustable stoptail bridge that dramatically alters the look and feel of the original Bigsby fitted Starla model while bringing out more of a mid-range woodiness in the tone. Exclusive double-screw Starla Treble and Bass Pickups are currently standard on all models in the Starla series and offer a bright high-end bark that allows these guitars to cut through the mix.The Starla Stoptail’s solid mahogany body is accented with a 24 ½” scale rosewood fingerboard, a solid mahogany neck and dot inlays or optional bird inlays. Proprietary Alnico magnets incorporated into the pickup design contribute to the guitar’s unique clean and crisp sound but are also capable of rich harmonic overtones when driven.

Other features include a uniquely shaped black plastic pick guard, tone and volume pots and a three-way pickup selector. Color options include Vintage Cherry, Vintage Mahogany, Vintage Orange and Black as well as the new metallic colors including Gold Sparkle, Silver Sparkle and the new metallic Hot Hues colors Twilight, Catalina Dream, and Sinful Cinnamon. Starla Stoptail models are currently shipping to authorized PRS dealers around the world.

The Starla model featuring the Bigsby tremolo bridge was originally unveiled as part of the Experience PRS 2008 open house event. Similar in spirit to the double cutaway Mira model introduced at Experience PRS 2007, the single cutaway Starla and Starla Stoptail have many vintage themed appointments.

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 Electro-Harmonix has announced the 22 Caliber, a 22-watt, Class D power amp with a pedal-size footprint. The 22 Caliber is designed to power 4-, 8- or 16-ohm speaker loads without adjustment. The pedal features a volume knob that controls the amp’s natural overdrive, similar to a vintage amp with single volume control, and a bright switch that adds presence and definition.

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Upcoming Events for July 2009

Montreal Guitar Show- July 3, 4 & 5 at the Grand salon - Level 4, in the Hyatt Regency, Montreal, Canada. Contact: montrealguitarshow.com.

Great American Guitar Show- July 11 & 12, at the Valley Forge Convention center, PA Turnpike, Exit 326, 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA. Contact Bee-3 Vintage 828-298-2197. bee3vintage.com.

Quincy, Illinois 1st Annual Vintage Guitars Show & Swap Meet- July 12 at the Legendary Turner Hall, 926 Hampsire, Qunicy, IL. Contact: Carl Thomas 309-221-0130, oldedad@hotmail.com.

8th Annual Fort Worth Guitar Show- July 18 & 19 at the Radisson Hotel, 100 E. Alta Mesa Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76134. Contact: Competition Music 817-535-2040.

Bay Area World Guitar Show- July 25 & 26 at the Marin Civic Center, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael, CA. Contact: Texas Amigos Productions 800-525-7273, larryb@stringswest.com.

Here is a demo of the ZT Amplifiers Lunchbox from the NY Amp Show. You can read the full Lunchbox review here. For more details and ordering information click here.

 There is a new Spotlight feature this month on Igor Boiko- Ukranian Jazz Master. Igor is a master jazz player and instructor. In this interview Igor talks about how he got started playing guitar, his “Laboratory of Professional Education for Guitarists” and his favorite guitars and amps. Click here to read the Spotlight interview.