Here’s Slash’s own custom Marshall AFD5, 5 watt combo.  I wonder if it will ever get produced into a production model… According to this video, it sounds like it will some time in 2012:

Well Winter NAMM 2012 is over, and we still have very little information about the Marshall Satriani Signature amp.

Chris George from Marshall hinted that it would be released in a few months on Twitter and also in the 2nd video below he mentions that more gear will be released at Musicmesse in March.  Satch himself (When interviewed by The Tone King) only commented on the existence of a prototype and a few of the changes from the stock JVM410H, with no specific info about the release date. Check the videos further down this blog post.

Perhaps we will see the Satch amp released at Musikmesse at the end of March then, and I also assume some more gear will be released at Summer NAMM in July

After all the speculation and even confirmation from Joe Satriani himself that hi signature Marshall would be released at Winter NAMM 2012, it seems we are to be disappointed.

Chris George, Marshall’s official demonstrator said the following on Twitter in the last 6 hours:
“I’m getting shit loads of questions so… the Satriani JVM signature isn’t being launched at NAMM, you’ll have to wait a few more months…”

Great work guys, looks like Marshall’s 50th year of loud is being started with some 1 watt amps… Great as they look and sound, I am still left wanting a 100 watter. Sure there will be some later in the year, but why not start the year with a bang too and release the Satch Sig too?

Follow Chris George on Twitter: @chrisgeorgeband

UPDATE 23rd Jan 2012: It seems that despite this information, Marshall did not release the Satch Sig amp at Winter NAMM 2012.. Apparently it will be out in a few months.  Perhaps we should get a lucky Chicken Foot, to help speed things along.?

Satch confirms that his new signature amp WILL definately be released at NAMM.  Check the video below, and watch from around 1 minute 30 seconds for the info on the Signature Amp.

Line 6 are soon going to give us a free update to our James Tyler Variax’s and , but what goodies should we expect from the update, and what will it mean for us players when using JTV flash v1.8 with a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro running flash v2.0?

Well 5 JTV acoustic models will get some additional love in the realism department, such as the subtle string vibration through the soundboard and the tonewoods.

The JTV tone and volume knobs can now be used to control FX within your POD HD 500 or POD HD Pro.  For example you could choose to use your guitars volume knob instead of using your expression pedal to control a specific effect.  Or you could adjust your delay time and amp drive.  Basically anything you could previously assign to an expression pedal, you can now also assign to one of the knobs on your JTV.  HOW COOL IS THAT!!!!

You will also be able to decide to have the onboard JTV controls only affect the magnetic pickups, and not the variax guitar model.  For example if you’re blending the magnetic pickups with an acoustic guitar model, you may want to switch magnetic pickups, and not affect the variax model…

Next up are the new input names for the JTV.  On your POD these will be called ‘Variax’ and ‘Variax Mags’.  This will allow the us to configure any combination of magnetic pickup or Variax model within a POD HD preset.  The new ‘Variax’ input selection also recalls whether you were using mags or models per preset, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off – no need for manual selection or input changes.

Phew, what a long list of FREE updates! Awesome isn’t it and there’s more too…

Also included are custom tuning creations.  Now you can create custom Variax tunings for any or all of your POD HD presets. Save and recall them per preset — and get up to 512 unique custom guitar tunings with instant footswitch control.

Lastly you can now choose whether you want to assign Variax guitar models and Local Control settings globally, or on a per-preset basis. Alternately, you can get complete manual control by choosing not to control Variax settings with POD presets.  Basically put, you have 3 ways to work…
1. Each preset in your POD will setup your JTV to whatever settings you choose to store in that preset. This will give you greater control but may take time to setup for large numbers of presets with these bespoke setting.
2. Your POD will setup your JTV, but you’ll keep the settings the same for all presets. This means regardless of how you have your settings on your JTV, when using your POD it will always be configured correctly.
3. You will configure your JTV settings manually on the JTV itself, and adjust models and tunings as required. This is the most flexible while playing, but nothing is automated.
“Which one..?? YOU DECIDE”

No more needs to be said.  Prices actually differ for the different models… I presume as some likely have more complex circuits to them (like the dual channel DSL1 and JVM1) compared to the more simple JTM1. Prices range from £479 for the JTM1H to £649 for the DSL1C and JVM1C

Pre-order your 1 watt 50th Anniversary Marshall at Andertons UK. Click Here To Order

The word ‘on the street’ is to keep an eye out for the release of the Joe Satriani Signature Marshall JVM410JS tomorrow (20th Jan) or the day after (21st Jan).

Update 23rd Jan 2012: Obviously ‘the street’ isn’t to be trusted! It’s now due for release in a few months.

Check out Marshall 50th Anniversary Amps

Along come Line 6, and give us some more free updates.  This time some extra features for the modelling of the acoustic guitar models in the JTV, as well v2.0 for the higher end POD HD devices.

Soon to be downloadable for free on line6.com, JTV firmware v1.8 for the James Tyler Variax series features spectacular updates to the guitar’s five acoustic models and enhanced functionality when the guitar is connected to a POD HD500 or POD HD Pro multi-effect processor.

Also soon to be downloadable for free on line6.com, new POD HD v2.0 firmware update for POD HD Pro and POD HD500 includes three brand-new HD amp models that dramatically expand the POD HD family’s sonic palette and extend the award-winning Line 6 HD modeling technology to bass amps and mic pre-amps. First up is the world’s very first HD bass amp model based on* an Ampeg® B-15NF Portaflex®, one of the most popular studio bass amps of all time.  Next is a stunning new HD guitar amp model based on* the legendary Marshall® “Plexi” 1959 Super Lead 100-watt head.  The third new HD model is based on* the classic tube goodness of the Requisite® Y7 mic preamp, which can be placed at any point in the signal chain to give incredible warmth to guitars, bass or vocal sounds.

To complete the initial line up of Line 6 Live Sound PA gear, here are the L3s subwoofers.  In the photo above you can see four subs underneath four L3t PA speakers.  This isn’t the only configuration, as you can mix and match anything from a single L3t PA speaker, to using multiples of L3t and L3s speakers and subs to build the size of sound reinforcement required.

Line 6 Launches StageSource L3s, the World’s Most Versatile High-powered Subwoofer

— StageSource L3s combines versatile design with Smart Speaker modes, automatic speaker configuration and a tour-grade enclosure for the widest variety of live sound applications —

ANAHEIM, Calif.—January 19, 2012—Line 6, Inc. (NAMM room 212A/B) proudly introduces StageSource L3s.  The new StageSource loudspeaker systems are built on a powerful new technology platform that enables a single enclosure to provide best-in-class performance in multiple live sound functions.

StageSource L3s is the most versatile subwoofer for high-power sound reinforcement applications.  Using four innovative Smart Speaker modes, the L3s optimizes its output for a variety of performance scenarios: Reference and High Punch for PA applications, Extended Bass and Ultra Bass for playback applications. Smart Speaker modes can be set manually or via an L6 LINK™ digital network.

“Our new powered subwoofer is uniquely designed to meet the demanding performance needs of both live and pre-recorded music.  StageSource L3s can achieve a supremely punchy kick and bass for a live rhythm section and reproduce the deep, controlled sub-bass lows of a DJ rig,” said Simon Jones, vice president of new market development at Line 6.  “Combined with other Line 6 speakers or integrated into a traditional rig, StageSource L3s goes way beyond the capabilities of a standard powered subwoofer, offering advanced DSP, smart design and true scalability with L6 LINK digital networking.”

StageSource L3s features L6 LINK, the new multi-channel digital audio networking protocol from Line 6.  Connection to other StageSource speakers via L6 LINK triggers the automatic configuration of the system: crossovers and polarity are set, stereo signals are summed as required, all enabling stunning signal integrity.  The L6 LINK signal transmission between speakers is high-resolution digital audio for maximum sound quality.  Three threaded pole mounts support multiple configurations with other Line 6 speakers.  Stereo inputs and out/thrus provide easy integration with traditional live sound gear.

When connected via L6 LINK, StageSource speakers and the StageScape M20d digital mixer are capable of unparalleled power and flexibility.  Together they redefine the typical mixer-speaker paradigm to introduce a smarter live sound experience in which the live rig is a complete, intelligent eco-system rather than merely a linear combination of components.

StageSource L3s features a dual 12-inch bass reflex configuration with 1,200 watts of power for maximum headroom.  It can easily deliver punchy and powerful low-end to large audiences.

Boasting tour-grade construction, StageSource L3s features a heavy-duty plywood enclosure, durable fitments and a steel grille with protective screen backing.  The robust speaker is also very portable with built-in, “no-rattle” wheels and three handles for easy mobility.

Learn more at http://line6.com/l3s