Tiny Guitars are Finger Pluckin’ Insane

I’ve tried playing the guitar on a few occasions in my life, but I always got frustrated with proper fret placement that I like to blame on my fat fingers rather than my lack of coordination. So when I saw these miniature guitar models from Japan, I realized that things could be a whole lot worse for me.

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These 10 inch-tall Guitar Legend models from Media Factory are incredibly detailed 1/8th scale versions of authentic electric and bass guitars, from brands including Fender, Gretsch, Ovation and Zemaitis.

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Each one is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but no detail has been left out – other than the ability to actually play them. Depending on the model, they include accessories such as tiny guitar stands and cases as well.

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They’re available from Amazon Japan or Media Factory for ¥1,764 (~$17 USD) each, but the guys at White Rabbit Express can import them to other countries for you if you’re interested.

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This USB GarageBand Guitar Puts a Little Apple in Your Fender

It may not be the first USB guitar, but this USB version of the Squire Stratocaster is the first one you’re going to find available from the Apple Store. A joint effort between Fender and Apple, this guitar can get you you shredding in GarageBand. More »

Fender unveils Squier USB Stratocaster that talks to iOS, lends cred to iPad jam sessions (video)

Fender unveils Squire USB Stratocaster that talks to iOS devices, lends authenticity to GarageBand sessions

There’s no shortage of instruments and peripherals to make GarageBand sing on iOS gear. Anyone jonesing for well-known instruments has had few options, however, which makes Fender’s launch of a USB-capable Squier Stratocaster something of a watershed moment. While it can plug into any quarter-inch jack or a computer’s full USB port, the extremely familiar electric guitar will strum its notes directly into any older iPad, iPhone or iPod touch through a pre-supplied 30-pin cable; yes, you’ll need a pricey adapter to rock out on an iPad mini. All the familiar controls and outputs you’d anticipate are present, including a 3.5mm headphone jack for some quiet practice in the den. Fender’s $200 price puts the USB Squier well within reach of mobile musicians — we just wish other guitar makers would follow suit.

Continue reading Fender unveils Squier USB Stratocaster that talks to iOS, lends cred to iPad jam sessions (video)

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Fender announces new Squier Strat guitar with USB and iOS connectivity

Heads up guitar enthusiasts! Fender has just released a new Squier Strat guitar with USB and iOS connectivity, which means that you can now record your licks and solos on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch via Garageband. The new Squier Strat offers bi-directional audio streaming and a high-quality headphone amplifier which eliminates the need for having to connect the guitar to a bigger amp.

It also comes with a Type Mini-B USB connector and two cables that can be connected via an iOS device or USB. However, do note that Fender is using a 30-pin cable on this Strat, so iPhone 5 and iPad 4 users will have to use a Lightning to 30-pin adapter for it to work. Other features include a 3.5mm headphone jack, pickup select switch, pickup volume control, pickup tone control, and a headphone volume control. Fender is currently selling this new Strat in the Apple Store for $199.95.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Fender Unveils Stratocaster For Rock Band, Pre-orders From Jan 1st, Limited edition Evangelion Fenders,