Every few weeks it seems there's some new product announcement that uses guitar & amp modeling.  I reviewed RiffWorks last week and they've got a new 2.5 version out already.  Gibson has a new Dark Fire guitar with automatic tuner, so-called Chameleon Tone and a cool digital breakout box.  Vox has the JamVox desktop amp (shown above) with software for amp emulation and guitar extraction (so you can isolate the guitar part to any song.  Peavey has a new brand of modeling amplifiers, the almost vowel-less Vypyr which appears to be sold out in many stores. Presumably they scrimped on vowels but not on cool effects. 

Line6, the grandaddy of modeling, continues to come out with new products extending their lineup in all kinds of directions with the PodStudio recording interface, SpiderJam combo amp with built-in backing tracks and  M13 Stompbox Modeler. 

No doubt the modeling market is getting more competitive and that will drive innovation from many companies, which is a good thing for all of us guitar players and wannabes.  In the coming year, I'll try to take a look at some of these new products.   If you've got experience with any, let me know.

Musician's Friend $75 Instant Rebate with MF23 code

In the mean time, take advantage of Musician's Friend's rebate code to save some $$$ on what you really want at Christmas this year.  Use the promo code MF23 at check out to get up to $75 instant savings if you spend $500.  If you spend more than $250 you'll save $35.  No doubt there's some restrictions here, but still, it's better than nothing...  Good until Dec 31.

Have a rockin' Christmas and let me know what you're looking forward to in new gear in the new year! 

• Sonoma Wireworks: RiffWorks 2.5
• Gibson: Dark Fire Guitar
• Vox: JamVox
• Peavey: Vypyr Amplifier
• Line6: PodStudio, SpiderJam, M13 Stompbox Modeler
• Musician's Friend: Gibson Robot Les Paul, Vox JamVOX, Riffworks, Peavey Vypyr