Fender and The Edge

Not any old edge, but THE Edge...Fender have developed a signature Stratocaster and Deluxe Amplifier under the direction of the great man which look and sound fantastic. Here's a video describing the development of this iconic gear by an iconic player.

Learn to Play Day

We had a great time at MKFM Radio in Milton Keynes shopping centre on Saturday 12th March with Neil Ellis, Kev Hickman, Chris Mansbridge and Graham Baldwin teaching guitar, drums and a bit of piano.
The national event was hugely popular and a great opportunity to promote music and learning to play for fun.
MKFM were welcoming and provided support and airtime as well as two soundproofed studios for lessons - a good thing too given the sound levels created by the drummers!
The winner of the guitar package was Stephen. He has early onset Alzheimer's disease and was really inspired by the guitar. He is going to get some lessons and learning the guitar will be a help in coping with his condition. Stephen and his family called into the shop last weekend to pick up the package, get some tips and pose for a photo!
Alzheimers.net have an interesting blog article on this subject.

Prize Draw at Learn To Play Day

Prize Draw at Learn To Play Day: 

You could win on of our great prizes at MKFM on Saturday 12th March.

Guitarists will love the Squier Affinity Stratocaster with Fender Champion 20 Amplifier.

If you want to start drumming, there's an Alesis PercPad to make practicing fun.

We'll be giving out £5 vouchers to spend at Hollywood Music, drum sticks and guitar tuners.

See you there!

Call 01908 261990 to book a lesson.

Vox AV15 with Revelation RT-35 Semi-acoustic

We thought this would raise a smile! We didn't notice the horn (pardon!?) until it was already on our Facebook page. Vox shared it on Facebook to much smirking among our fans!

By the way, the AV15 is great and we can't wait to hear the 30W and 60W versions which should be here soon. These amps make use of anaolgue peripheral circuits around the valve which have been designed to replicate some great amp sounds. The switch on the top lets you change the circuit in operation so you get a pure analogue valve sound with no digital modelling!

Free Music Lessons 12th March in Milton Keynes

If you've been thinking "I really want to have a go at playing guitar", but haven't got around to it yet, this could be just the opportunity to try it out!
At Hollywood Music, we're taking part in the National Learn To Play Day (again!) so you can get a free ten minute taster lesson on guitar, drums or piano. Our teachers will talk to you about your favourite music, show you some basics, and give you chance to make a noise.
We're taking bookings now so call us on 01908 261990 if you want to give it a try.
This year, the lessons will be held at MKFM Radio in the shopping centre, Milton Keynes. You might even get to be on the radio! We'll also be demonstrating some of the fantastic guitars, amps and keyboards from the shop and giving you a chance to try out a range of instruments.

New Vox AV Series Amps

Vox Amplification announced today the release of a fantastic new range of combo amps - the AV Series.
There are three models - AV15, AV30 and AV60 - all of which have valve pre-amps and the 30 and 60 have valve outputs.
There is no digital modelling! But there are eight switchable peripheral passive circuits designed to produce a variety of amplifier characteristics based on a range of well-know valve amp designs. A further four switchable modes modify the response characteristics of the valve circuits.
And, they look very cool indeed! They should be in stock in February at great prices.

Vox AV60 @ Hollywood Music
Vox AV30 @ Hollywood Music
Vox AV15 @ Hollywood Music

Here's what Vox say:

• Eight analog preamp circuits to reproduce the sounds of eight tube amps, from clean to high-gain, with careful attention paid to circuit design and selection of parts
• Pre- and power-amp sections use the 12AX7 dual triode tube, delivering real tube sound
• Four modes modify the response of the vacuum tube peripheral circuitry
• High-quality modulation, delay, and reverb effects are built-in
• The cabinet is constructed with an integrated baffle for efficient sound projection
• The speaker unit is mounted from the front, providing loud, clear, and spacious sound
• A proprietary bass-reflex structure delivers natural sound balance
• Power level control allows the volume to be adjusted while maintaining the tonal character
• Headphone out is equipped with a cabinet simulator for realistic sound & presence
• Send/return and speaker output are provided (AV30/60 only)
• Hi-fi spec AUX input allows an audio input source to be faithfully reproduced
• An optional footswitch can be used to switch channels (AV30/60 only) or effects
• Available in three models: a compact 15W model, or the two-channel 30W/60W models

Analog preamp circuits that provide eight distinct sounds
The preamp circuit that decisively determines the character of the sound uses a completely analog design, and is constructed with a huge number of carefully selected resistors and capacitors. It is actually equipped　with eight different analog preamp circuits. In other words, the AV series is able to accurately reproduce the sound of eight classic tube amps. In addition to the coveted AC30 top boost sound, it also covers a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain, including a sound that is reminiscent of the rare AC15 with EF86 tubes.

A 12AX7 is used for both the preamp and power amp
In order to deliver true tube sound, there must be vacuum tubes. The AV series features a circuit design with two triode tube circuits that utilizes the classic 12AX7. The AV30/60 use two 12AX7 tubes, one for the preamp and one for the power amp, delivering an even more dynamic sound. The internally supplied voltage is 60V; this high voltage allows the potential of the vacuum tubes to be fully utilized, and lets you obtain natural and powerful distortion reminiscent of some of the most iconic tube amplifiers.

Four modes can modify the circuit response of the preamp and power amp tubes
Four slide switches allow you to modify the response of the vacuum tube peripheral circuitry. For the preamp tubes, there are two switches: BRIGHT boosts the high frequencies, and FAT boosts the low end. For the power tubes, you can change the operating point of the vacuum tubes by using the BIAS switch to select either a clear and modern sound or an easily distorting vintage sound, and the REACTOR switch lets you vary the amount of feedback to the power amp, changing the damping factor to obtain a more dynamic, wide-ranging, and crisp sound. These changes can be made instantly, allowing you to modify the amp’s response in. In spite of these obsessive specifications, sounds can be switched instantly, letting you enjoy a wide spectrum of variation.

High-quality effects
We have paid careful attention not only to the amp sound but also to the effect section. The AV series is equipped with three high-quality effects: modulation, delay, and reverb. Each can be selected independently, giving you the freedom to shape your sound accordingly.

Revolutionary cabinet structure that enhances the sound quality
The cabinet structure of the AV range has a major influence on the sound quality. The baffle and cabinet utilizes a one-piece construction, which allows for the vibration of the speaker to be supported by the entire cabinet, minimizing unwanted vibration and more efficiently emitting the sound. Front-mounting the speaker also achieves a louder and clearer sound that's less directional and more spacious. In addition, the bass reflex design maintains the low range while delivering a more natural sound balance. It goes without saying that this clever design is another significant advantage of the VOX AV series.

Breathing new life into conventional tube amp design
The AV series achieves functionality and expandability, both with a high degree of precision. The headphone amp features a version of the cabinet simulator used in products such as the amPlug series, with additional refinements that allow it to convey an even more detailed sense of airiness. Even when playing your guitar at home or at night, you can enjoy sound that overflows with realistic presence. The AUX input lets you connect an external audio source, and is equipped with a circuit that compensates for the response of the speaker and cabinet, allowing you to hear sound that's faithful to the original source. The AV30/60 provide additional expansion potential with send/return jacks for convenient connection of compact effect units, as well as an external speaker output. With these features, you'll be able to take full advantage of the AV series' capabilities in a wide range of situations.

November 2015 Newsletter

November Newsletter | Some really interesting stuff here!

We've got a reward card scheme starting today!

And here's the new Hendrix Strat expected in store soon.

Maybe there's a simple way of posting it as a blog article! Must check that our...