1. Gibson GC-R05 Memory Cable
The Gibson GC-R05 Memory Cable is an instrument cable just like any other. Simply plug the 1/4″ jack into your guitar and the other into an amp, and you’re ready to rock. However, the Gibson GC-R05 Memory Cable has a high-tech trick up its sleeve: it has a built-in recorder. Every guitarist has been there at one time or another. You come up with a killer riff only to forget it by the end of your jam session. With the Gibson Memory Cable, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. One press of a button records hours of audio for whenever inspiration strikes.
The Gibson Memory Cable records uncompressed CD-quality audio at 44.1 kHz/16-bit fidelity. Furthermore, the Memory Cable records your direct guitar signal before it hits the amp. This gives guitarists flexibility when importing their recordings to a Digital Audio Workspace, allowing them to apply other effects to their “dry” signal. The Gibson Memory Cable also works with a variety of other instruments, including synthesizers and drum machines.
2. Roadie Automatic Tuner
Having trouble tuning your guitar in noisy places? Have the Roadie do it for you. The Roadie Automatic Tuner is a fully-automated string instrument tuner that helps keep you in tune every time. The Roadie can tune any string instrument with a guitar machine head including electric, acoustic, classical, and steel guitars, 7- and 12-string guitars, ukuleles, mandolins, banjos, etc.*
Roadie allows the users to choose between more than 40 preset alternate and open tunings. Additionally, users can also create their own custom tunings and save them for later use. Putting the Roadie to work is super simple. Just select your tuning and place the Roadie over your guitar’s machine heads. Pluck the corresponding string, and the Roadie will automatically begin tuning your guitar. Roadie has a detection accuracy of less than ±1 cent and a tuning accuracy of up to ±2 cents. It uses a vibration sensor to maintain accuracy, even in noisy environments. *The exception is bass guitars. However, there is a Roadie model specifically made for bass.
3. Jamstick+
Whether you want to learn how to play the guitar or want a truly portable instrument to compose your next hit, the Jamstick+ is worth a look. Despite its diminutive size, the Jamstick+ has real guitar strings and frets and connects to your phone, tablet or PC via Bluetooth. This enables it to utilize hundreds of MIDI instruments to give depth and flexibility to your compositions.
Furthermore, the Jamstick+ includes an interactive tutorial app that helps beginners learn how to play. The Jamstick+ features cross-platform support, meaning you’ll be able to use it with Android, iOS, Mac and Windows devices. However, the Android app is no longer being updated. According to the manufacturer, this is due to limitations in the Android OS. That being said, you’ll still be able to use the Jamstick+ as a MIDI controller.
4. Line 6 Sonic Port VX
Any guitarist familiar with recording will be familiar with all the gizmos and gadgets needed to capture all the elements of a track. One of the most important is an audio interface, a piece of hardware that enables musicians to record to a computer. They’re absolutely essential in computer-based audio production, whether you’re recording an album or a podcast. Unfortunately, an audio interface, a computer, and various microphones aren’t exactly portable. That is, until the Line 6 Sonic Port VX.
The Line 6 Sonic Port VX is a dual stereo/condenser microphone that doubles as a full-fledged recording studio. In addition to the microphones, the Sonic Port VX has a stereo line input for tracking keys, drum machines and more. All you need is a laptop, your instrument, and some cables, and you’re ready to compose. Needless to say, the Line 6 Sonic Port VX is perfect for musicians looking to record entire songs while on the road.
5. iRig Blueboard
If you’re a guitarist who works with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Garageband or Pro Tools, then you need the iRig Blueboard. DAWs are a godsend for guitarists. Players can augment their sound through the use of virtual amps and effects pedals. While this gives guitarists lots of flexibility, there’s nothing worse then having to stop playing in order to huddle over a mouse and a keyboard to mess around with various effects.
The iRig Blueboard is a Bluetooth-enabled MIDI pedal board and allows users to engage or disengage virtual pedal effects with a tap of the foot, just like the real thing. Additionally, the iRig Blueboard features two 1/4″ inputs to add expression effects like wah or volume control pedals. Are you a guitarist? Can you recommend any “high-tech” gadgets to help beginners or veteran players? Let us know in the comments!
