Just like the Droid Bionic of the guitar world, the Firebird X was announced almost a year ago, filled with piles of impressive technology, and delayed such a lot of times that practically everyone forgot it existed. Well, on September 30th the Firebird X will finally start filtering into retail channels for the rather excessive price of $5,570, on your selection of either Redolution of Bluevolution finishes. On board are a boatload of effects in addition to an automatic tuner, which we’ve come to expect from the so-called “robot guitar” series. The Pure-Analog sound processing engine is likewise open to developers , allowing owners so as to add on new effects and sounds down the line. But, enough with our ramblings. You already know the drill, gallery below and PR after the break.
Innovation reigns supreme with a user-friendly, beautifully playable guitar that includes automatic self-tuning, multiple in-guitar effects, and wireless pedal control
Nashville, Tennessee: On Friday September 30th 2011 Gibson Guitar Corp will take guitar engineering to new heights with the introduction of the Gibson Firebird X (www.gibson.com/firebirdx). An evolution of the 1960s classic Gibson Firebird model, the Firebird X is loaded with ground-breaking technologies like fourth-generation Robot tuners for automatic tuning, onboard effects in accordance with computer plug-in technology, and wireless Bluetooth pedals for unsurpassed usability on stage and inside the studio.
Besides, the Gibson Firebird X is designed for compatibility with hardware and applications developed by third party companies-an industry first. Gibson’s “Pure-Analog™” Engine makes this possible at the side of a certified App store, where vendors can sell Gibson-compliant applications.
Limited to at least one,800 models in two unique finishes-Redolution and Bluevolution-the Gibson Firebird X will retail for $5,570 msrp.
“Innovation has always been the motive force at Gibson, and the Firebird X is little short of groundbreaking,” says Henry Juszkiewicz, Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO. “The Gibson Firebird X is really the foremost technologically-advanced guitar ever conceived, with multiple built-in effects that take sonic capabilities to an entirely new level-while retaining the classic appeal of a finely-crafted, supremely playable instrument.”
As an added bonus, all registered owners of the Firebird X gain instant entry into the Firebird X Visionaries Club, an on-line community where members have exclusive access to software, patches, manuals and other supporting downloads. In addition, members can create and maintain personal profile pages; post and share Firebird X preset files, audio and video content; and communicate/interact with fellow Firebird X owners, artists and Gibson staff.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The Gibson Firebird X has a lightweight body (six pounds total) made from hand-sorted swamp ash; a thin, fast, asymmetrical rock maple neck with a smooth, non-stick satin finish; and a maple finger board. Gibson has also developed the unique ProX case to protect the instrument, with the ability to survive a fall from a six-foot building.
Built-in effects capability, accessible with a minimum of motion and disruption, enable users to simply morph settings and switch into different effect. Presets recreate the world’s best tones and generate a plethora of new ones.
With a fourth generation of supporting hardware and software the Gibson Firebird X is self-tuning, allowing the guitar to change tunings quickly and accurately.
Designed to look like standard pickup selectors, the two “tog-pots” have control inbuiltto the rotatable toggle shaft to let users morph smoothly from unprocessed to processed sounds. a 3rd “tog-pot” blends acoustic sounds from the piezo pickup, along side the electrical pickups or only acoustic sounds. Optimized to sound like Gibson’s acclaimed J-45 acoustic guitar, the fundamental acoustic guitar sound is virtually indistinguishable from an acoustic guitar’s electric output.
Three mini-humbuckers with side-by-side coils and a hexaphonic piezo bridge pickup with a stronger low noise, high dynamic-range preamplifier make the Firebird X an absolutely active guitar. The bridge piezo pickup includes hex outputs (each string promises a separate output for computer or concert setups), which permit everything from totally new sounds from “clean” distortion and synth-like timbres to refined surround possibilities.
Due to advances in low-power circuitry, greater Robo-Tuner efficiency, and gear saving technologies adapted from laptop computers, the Firebird X internal battery lasts for over two hours of continuing use and, if needed, could be swapped out in seconds with a available camcorder battery.
Gibson partnered with CSR, an international leader in wireless technology, to develop an expression pedal and footswitch unit (included with purchase) for the Firebird X. “CSR combined our unsurpassed Bluetooth connectivity technology and expertise with our passion for creativity to make Gibson’s vision a reality,” says Anthony Murray, CSR Senior Vice chairman of Audio and Consumer Business. “The result’s a very good system that permits players to experience precise, intuitive control of the instrument with absolutely no wires to get within the way.” Optimized for musical applications, the pedals and footswitch snap together for a safe mechanical and electrical connection to create a compact pedal board setup.
Although the center of the distortion options within Firebird X use McDSP’s critically-acclaimed Chrome Tone plug-in, Gibson engineers included multiple modulation, delay, and reverberation effects including new effects like “dynamic” delay and old favorites like spring reverb, analog chorus/delay, and a ten-second looper.
The Firebird X features Gibson’s turbo-charged “Pure-Analog™” engine, which supplies an arsenal of pro world class sounds and effects in addition to professional analog sound. It’s user-replaceable, and allows 3rd party developers to make new exciting use of the engine by allowing their software, sold inside the Gibson app store, to run at the guitar’s engine.
For additional information at the Gibson Firebird X and in finding the closest dealer, please visit http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Firebird/Gibson-USA/Firebird-X.aspx.
ABOUT GIBSON GUITAR CORP.
Gibson Guitar Corp. is understood worldwide for producing classic models in every major kind of fretted instrument, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolins, and banjos. The Gibson Les Paul guitar is the bestselling guitar of all time and bears the moniker of a tribute to the late famed musician of the similar name. Collectively, the Gibson Robot Guitar, Gibson Dark Fire, Gibson Dusk Tiger and the Gibson Firebird X represent the most important advances in electric guitar design in additional than 75 years. During the Gibson Foundation, Gibson Guitar Corp. has become equally known for its philanthropic efforts on behalf of music, education, health and human services. Founded in 1894 in Kalamazoo, MI and headquartered in Nashville, TN since 1984, Gibson Guitar Corp.’s family of brands includes Epiphone, Dobro, Kramer, Steinberger, Tobias, Echoplex, Electar, Flatiron, Slingerland, Valley Arts, Maestro, Oberheim, Baldwin, Sunshine Piano, Take Anywhere Technology, J&C Fischer, Chickering, Hamilton, and Wurlitzer. Visit Gibson’s website at www.gibson.com. Follow Gibson Guitar at www.twitter.com/gibsonguitar and www.facebook.com/gibsonguitar.
About CSR
CSR is an international provider of innovative silicon and software solutions for the positioning-aware, media-rich, cloud-connected world. Our platforms are optimised for the automotive navigation and infotainment, digital cameras and imaging, connected home infotainment and wireless audio markets. We offer solutions to complex problems within the audio-visual, connectivity and site technology domains across a broad range of markets, with a technology portfolio featuring GPS/GNSS systems, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, FM, NFC, aptX and CVC audio codecs, JPEG, MPEG, H.264 imaging, IPS printing, microcontrollers, DSPs and broadband receivers. CSR’s technology solutions and market platforms enable its customers to deliver a superb user experience and are adopted by leaders within the auto, computer, home and mobile markets. Additional info are available at www.csr.com Sustain up to now with CSR on our blog, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CSR_plc
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