Groove Synthesis, an electronic musical instrument startup founded by industry veterans from Avid/Digidesign and Sequential, has introduced its first synthesizer: the 3rd Wave. The 3rd Wave is a 24-voice, four-part multi-timbral wavetable synth with three oscillators per voice, analog low-pass filters, a state-variable filter, six-stage wave envelopes per oscillator and a Wavemaker tool that lets users create custom wavetables in a single step through its proprietary sample-to-wave technology. Each of its three oscillators can generate a classic PPG-era wavetable, a modern high-resolution wavetable or an analog modeled waveform. While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes the concept into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound that’s a product of its expanded wavetables and analog filters. It boasts a Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analog low-pass filter with variable saturation and resonance compensation, and a second, SEM-style state-variable filter for additional tone-sculpting. Both can be used in series for harmonically complex textures.
Eastman has introduced the Juliet, a new offset solid-body guitar designed by Eastman’s head designer Otto D’Ambrosio and inspired by the Romeo series. Featuring a lightweight one-piece Okoume body, Juliet is sculpted for maximum comfort and playability, complemented by an inlaid pickguard to highlight the guitar’s gracefully carved curves. A new headstock reveals Eastman’s first in-line-six design, complete with Gotoh tuners and a matching stepdown relief. A Schaller three-way Megaswitch in the upper-bout toggles between two Bare Knuckle BC Old Guard humbuckers or two Bare Knuckle Old Guard Low Wound P90s. A three-knob configuration offers two volumes and one tone to dial in a diverse pallet of tone. Juliet comes in three colors to form the lineup, finished with either of Eastman’s Truetone or Antique Varnish signature finishes.
In response to renewed interest in Flat Rides, Paiste has reintroduced models from the Formula 602, 2002 and Traditionals series, as well as the addition of a new model in the Masters series. In the late 1960s, Paiste developed the idea of a cymbal without a bell. This resulted in the Flat Ride concept, for which international patents were awarded at the time. Due to the missing bell, Flat Rides are very easy to control. The medium lightweight 20- and 22-inch Masters Dark Flat Ride models complement the Masters series with a dark and complex variation on the typical Flat Ride characteristic. The medium lightweight 20- and 22-inch Signature Traditionals Light Flat Ride models have dark and complex qualities overall, yet the ping offers silvery highs and clarity. With its softer sound and feel, this model is well suited for quieter settings. The lightweight 18-, 20- and 22-inch Formula 602 Thin Flatride models feature the purity and clarity typical of Formula 602 cymbals. These buttery soft cymbals are ideal for delicate playing at low volumes. The 18- and 20-inch 2002 Flatride models mirror the brilliance and warmth of the 2002 series. This model is an ideal companion when subtlety and definition paired with radiant presence and a bit more strength are required. The new models join the 20-inch Formula 602 Medium Flatride, which was previously released with the Formula 602 relaunch.
