Get yourself a strap that's every bit as customized as your axe with Custom Guitar Straps ($60-$90). Made from 7-8 oz. thick high-quality leather overlaid with a printed matte layer and available in 2.5- or 3.5-inch varieties, each strap comes customized with your own original art — free templates are available from the site — either on the main strap piece only, or all the way up through the adjustment area. [Thanks, Wesley]
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Sporting the beautiful Les Paul profile and made from a mahogany body and carved maple top, the Gibson Dark Fire ($4,400) is the fusion of geek and guitar, combining a classic design with some of the most advanced technology available. Using Chameleon Tone Technology, the Dark Fire owns the iconic Les Paul sound, but allows you to reach infinite tonal possibilities, recreating any guitar sound you can imagine. Second generation Robot Guitar Technology keeps you on key as you play. The new P-90h neck and Burstbucker III bridge pickups go from blues to shred with the flip of a switch, and the included Robot Interface Pack — a small box the size of a deck of cards — operates as a preamp, firewire interface, breakout box, and more. Be sure to watch the demo video. [Thanks, Will]
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Let's see... handmade guitar amplifiers from Seattle that look like they were used in an era before recording studios — and possibly before electric? We're in. Verellen Amplifiers ($1,250 - $1,600) feature dovetailed birch enclosures that look every bit as mean as they sound, and are all hand-wired with point-to-point, discrete analog circuitry. Available in several models ranging from 15-300 Watts, these beasts are ready to rock, garage-style. [Thanks, Desmond]
Save
Record whenever genius strikes with the Ovation iDea Guitar ($600). This iPod-like acoustic/electric guitar can both record and play MP3s, letting you save your jam sessions or rock along with any song. The iDea's built in preamp has a pitch-stable speed adjustment allowing you to slow down MP3 tracks for easier learning. On-board USB lets you quickly transfer recordings and songs back and forth.
Save
With the Moog name on board, you might guess that the Moog Guitar ($6,500) is some sort of guitar/synth hybrid. And you'd be right. Designed by Moog inventor Paul Vo, this gorgeous axe uses magnetic pickups to change the strings' motion and enhance the sound. In addition to the standard 1/4" output, it also features a five-pin input for the included foot pedal, a piezoelectric pickup in the bridge, a Vo Power knob to control the intensity of sustain and mute, a filter toggle switch, and more. [Thanks, Bob]
Save
Now you can get the same kind of damage protection offered by Apple's awesome MagSafe power connector for your guitar and amp thanks to the Belkin BreakFree ($20; September 2008). Offering noise-free, dynamic sound, the Breakfree causes no audio quality issues, and works with standard quarter-inch TRS plugs. It's the best way we've seen to keep the output on your axe and the input on your amp safe from cord-tugging damage.
Save
Part toy, part instrument, all geeky goodness. The Tenori-on ($1,200) is an electronic musical instrument that lets you create music by manipulating a series of buttons and a dial that control the type of sound and beats per minute produced, and a screen consisting of a 16x16 grid of LED switches. A magnesium frame gives the device a nice feel, while a pair of built-in speakers let you hear what's going on. You can even connect them to create a shiny, beep-enabled band. We love it. [via]
Save
Ditch the plastic controller for a real instrument, like this Blackbird Rider Acoustic Guitar ($1600). The carbon fiber unibody is 30 percent smaller than a traditional acoustic, making it more portable and keeping the weight down to 3 pounds. Other features like a stereo sound hole in the head, a hollow neck, and an optional DTAR Wavelength Load N' Lock pickup give the Rider the performance to back up its sleek looks.
Save
With the rate of technology adoption ever increasing, it's a wonder we haven't seen this already. The Gibson Robot Guitar ($TBA; Dec. 7) carries the tagline "All you have to do is play it." With a revolutionary mix of on-board processing, a data transmitting tailpiece, tune-control bridge, and Powerhead Locking Tuners, the guitar automatically stays in tune, and can move to an alternate tuning with the turn of a switch. So really, all you have to do is play. [Thanks, Zach]
SaveGet yourself a strap that's every bit as customized as your axe with Custom Guitar Straps ($60-$90). Made from 7-8 oz. thick high-quality leather overlaid with a printed matte layer and available in 2.5- or 3.5-inch varieties, each strap comes customized with your own original art — free templates are available from the site — either on the main strap piece only, or all the way up through the adjustment area. [Thanks, Wesley]
Save
Now you can get the same kind of damage protection offered by Apple's awesome MagSafe power connector for your guitar and amp thanks to the Belkin BreakFree ($20; September 2008). Offering noise-free, dynamic sound, the Breakfree causes no audio quality issues, and works with standard quarter-inch TRS plugs. It's the best way we've seen to keep the output on your axe and the input on your amp safe from cord-tugging damage.
Save
Record whenever genius strikes with the Ovation iDea Guitar ($600). This iPod-like acoustic/electric guitar can both record and play MP3s, letting you save your jam sessions or rock along with any song. The iDea's built in preamp has a pitch-stable speed adjustment allowing you to slow down MP3 tracks for easier learning. On-board USB lets you quickly transfer recordings and songs back and forth.
Save
Let's see... handmade guitar amplifiers from Seattle that look like they were used in an era before recording studios — and possibly before electric? We're in. Verellen Amplifiers ($1,250 - $1,600) feature dovetailed birch enclosures that look every bit as mean as they sound, and are all hand-wired with point-to-point, discrete analog circuitry. Available in several models ranging from 15-300 Watts, these beasts are ready to rock, garage-style. [Thanks, Desmond]
Save
With the rate of technology adoption ever increasing, it's a wonder we haven't seen this already. The Gibson Robot Guitar ($TBA; Dec. 7) carries the tagline "All you have to do is play it." With a revolutionary mix of on-board processing, a data transmitting tailpiece, tune-control bridge, and Powerhead Locking Tuners, the guitar automatically stays in tune, and can move to an alternate tuning with the turn of a switch. So really, all you have to do is play. [Thanks, Zach]
Save
With the Moog name on board, you might guess that the Moog Guitar ($6,500) is some sort of guitar/synth hybrid. And you'd be right. Designed by Moog inventor Paul Vo, this gorgeous axe uses magnetic pickups to change the strings' motion and enhance the sound. In addition to the standard 1/4" output, it also features a five-pin input for the included foot pedal, a piezoelectric pickup in the bridge, a Vo Power knob to control the intensity of sustain and mute, a filter toggle switch, and more. [Thanks, Bob]
Save
Ditch the plastic controller for a real instrument, like this Blackbird Rider Acoustic Guitar ($1600). The carbon fiber unibody is 30 percent smaller than a traditional acoustic, making it more portable and keeping the weight down to 3 pounds. Other features like a stereo sound hole in the head, a hollow neck, and an optional DTAR Wavelength Load N' Lock pickup give the Rider the performance to back up its sleek looks.
SaveNow you can get vintage tones to go along with your vintage axe from the Fender 57 Champ Custom Amp ($1,000). A hand-wired recreation of the 1957 Fender Champ used by legends such as Johnny Cash, Keith Richards, and Eric Clapton — on "Layla," no less — this low-output, easy-to-record amp offers vintage knobs and controls, an 8-inch Weber Special Design driver, two inputs, a finger-jointed, solid pine speaker cabinet, and super-retro lacquered tweed covering with oxblood grille cloth.
Save
Part toy, part instrument, all geeky goodness. The Tenori-on ($1,200) is an electronic musical instrument that lets you create music by manipulating a series of buttons and a dial that control the type of sound and beats per minute produced, and a screen consisting of a 16x16 grid of LED switches. A magnesium frame gives the device a nice feel, while a pair of built-in speakers let you hear what's going on. You can even connect them to create a shiny, beep-enabled band. We love it. [via]
SaveFrom the makers of Baconnaise and Bacon Salt comes a bacon-flavored product that you don't even have to eat. J&D's Bacon Lip Balm ($13/4-pack) will protect your lips with beeswax, aloe vera oil, Vitamin E acetate, and other ingredients, all while offering a subtle bacon flavor both you and your partner can enjoy.
SaveMost of us don't have the engineering, design, or architectural chops to recreate any of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterworks, but we can anyway, thanks to these new Frank Lloyd Wright Lego Architecture Building Sets ($TBA). Licensed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection, these terrific sets — of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Fallingwater — were developed in collaboration with leading architects to be as accurate as possible, and come with booklets that not only tell you how to build you own model masterpiece, but exclusive archival historical material and photographs of each building, as well. [Thanks, Kris]
SaveEver wish you could combine your dual-monitor setup into one behemoth display? Get ready, because your wish has come true in the NEC CRV43 Curved Widescreen Display ($8,000). Boasting a unique curved design that's sure to immerse you more than a standard two display setup, this beauty also features a 2880x900 double WXGA resolution, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, single link DVI-D and HDMI inputs, USB 2.0 ports, an on screen display, and the assurance that you have the most unique monitor in the neighborhood. [via]
SaveEver wish you could take a Jägermeister shot machine with you camping, tailgating, and partying? Now you can, with the Jägermeister 6-Bottle Shot Cooler ($120). Available as a six-bottle value pack, the cooler has plenty of room for all six bottles, ice, and the requisite cans of Red Bull, and uses the same tech as the Jägermeister Tap Machine to deliver ice-cold shots straight from the external tap.
SaveShow your fang affiliation by stocking your fridge with Tru Blood ($16). Based on the synthetic blood drink favored by the more civilized vampires of HBO's True Blood, this carbonated real-world version packs a slightly sweet, slightly tart blood orange flavor and a rich red color that will have guests wondering if you're drinking the real thing.
SaveFlapjack lovers, rejoice. Now you can make fresh, 97% fat-free pancakes in as little as 30 seconds using the ChefStack Automatic Pancake Machine ($3,500). This microwave-sized wonder uses no-mess batter pouches to crank out stack after stack of four- inch diameter pancakes, and doesn't even require supervision, letting you cook up breakfast for you and your crew while you get your other morning activities out of the way — like taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or downing a half-dozen mimosas.
SaveOne of the worst things about adding ice to a whisky is its ability to water-down the flavor. So chill your next drink down with Whisky Stones ($20). Milled in Vermont by some of the oldest soapstone workshops in the US, these stones chill quickly in the freezer, and won't impart any flavor to your favorite blend.
SaveWe love bacon, and we've seen everything from Canned Bacon to Baconnaise, Bacon Salt, Bacon Floss — hell, even Bacon Lip Balm — so it was only a matter of time before we discovered Bacon Soap ($6). Made to both look and smell like frying bacon, this soap will get you clean while giving your appetite a jump-start on the day.
SaveTempted by the MINI's go-cart handling, but not a fan of its boxy exterior? The MINI Coupé Concept ($TBA) is for you. Ready to accept any of MINI's powerhouse engines, including the 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged unit from the MINI John Cooper Works, this stylish two-seater pairs a decidedly MINI-like bottom with an aggressively designed upper half, including a swept back windshield, short contrast roof, hidden B-pillars, and more sexy than every other modern MINI combined.
SaveTackle the great outdoors -- or just yard work -- in the coldest of weather in the Timberland Utility Jacket ($150). With straightforward looks, it's not exactly a flashy piece of outerwear, but it does the job, with a rugged cotton twill outer, nylon polin and polyester fleece lining, a front zipper with button flap cover for added wind protection, dual snap-close side pockets and two cargo-style chest pockets, slightly distressed details for a worn-in look, and stitched down shoulder epaulettes.
Save
Terrorism. Murder. Blood. Bullets. Darkness. This is the G.I. Joe cartoon you've been waiting 25 years for. G.I. Joe: Resolute ($14) is a new animated mini-series featuring classic Joes and Cobra operatives that's sure to make the live action movie look even more like a turd. Aimed at older viewers, and garnering standing ovations at JoeCon Comic-Con, Resolute consists of 11 episodes (ten 5-minute episodes and one 10-minute finale) totaling 60 minutes. We won't tell you the plot, but let's just say Cobra Commander goes totally apocalyptic on Moscow. In the first four minutes. Can someone please start a petition to turn this into a regular weekly series? Oh, and don't forget the toys.
SaveWhat good is a portable hard drive if you're afraid to take it anywhere? With the Hitachi SimpleTough Hard Drive ($100-$135), you simply grab your data and go. Featuring a rugged body with grippy rubber sides and a smooth rubber body, the SimpleTough can withstand drops of up to 7 feet and also offers underside lighting and an integrated USB cable, giving you one less thing to remember when packing for your next spy mission.
SaveHaving a big-ass tool set is all well and good, but when you can have the most popular sockets on hand in just one tool, why bother? The Black & Decker Ready Wrench ($30) offers exactly that, with 16 of the most popular sockets — in both standard and metric — on rotating heads on either end of the tool, ready to replace both one- and two-inch deep sockets. With a rubber grip for added comfort, it'll let you save the big tool set for those really tough jobs — like assembling Ikea furniture.
SaveSimplify the process of installing the apps you want on your Windows machine with Ninite. This awesome free service lets you choose from a range of applications, plug-ins, utilities, and other goodies that might normally take hours to download separately, with a "Get Installer" button at the bottom that will do all the heavy lifting for you, creating a simple, one-step app that will install all of the software you chose in one fell swoop. Good for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.
SaveWe've seen plenty of not-so-hot iPhone cases that have tried to tack wallets on as an afterthought, but this is the first time we know of it's been done the other way around. The Hard Graft Phone Card Wallet (€79; $120) is a slim, front-pocket style credit card wallet that's built with such strong elastic tape that it can also hold a phone inside for a decidedly less-slim solution. Other features include grey vegetable tan leather construction, seven card slots, and measurements that happen to hold an iPhone perfectly.
SaveIf you're into gadgets, and if you're reading this that's highly likely, then you no doubt have several SD and/or microSD cards laying around — so turn them into USB drives using the LaCie DataShare ($13). The DataShare breaks into two halves — red for SD and white for microSD — that fit together to form one solid, easily-portable storage solution.
SaveInfinity pools have been around for a while, so it only makes sense someone would apply the same idea to another home-sized water feature: the aquarium. ZeroEdge Aquariums ($600 and up) do exactly that, providing overflowing aquatic environments for all types of fish and sea creatures in a variety of styles and shapes, ensuring you can find one that's right for your home or office. Just remember: no edge equals no lid, so be sure to keep the Darla-types away. [Thanks, Brian]
SaveWe're quite used to seeing tons of tools crammed into a pocket knife-sized package, but it's not everyday you see the same thing done to an axe. The Brook & Hunter Mo-Tool Axe ($40) brings the handyman heat with a capable axe blade and hand-crafted red oak wood inlay handle, plus a hammer head, screwdrivers, knives, a can opener, wire cutter, file, pliers, and a wrench.
SaveNow you can get vintage tones to go along with your vintage axe from the Fender 57 Champ Custom Amp ($1,000). A hand-wired recreation of the 1957 Fender Champ used by legends such as Johnny Cash, Keith Richards, and Eric... [More]
Get yourself a strap that's every bit as customized as your axe with Custom Guitar Straps ($60-$90). Made from 7-8 oz. thick high-quality leather overlaid with a printed matte layer and available in 2.5- or 3.5-inch varieties, each strap comes... [More]
Sporting the beautiful Les Paul profile and made from a mahogany body and carved maple top, the Gibson Dark Fire ($4,400) is the fusion of geek and guitar, combining a classic design with some of the most advanced technology available.... [More]
Let's see... handmade guitar amplifiers from Seattle that look like they were used in an era before recording studios — and possibly before electric? We're in. Verellen Amplifiers ($1,250 - $1,600) feature dovetailed birch enclosures that look every bit as... [More]
Record whenever genius strikes with the Ovation iDea Guitar ($600). This iPod-like acoustic/electric guitar can both record and play MP3s, letting you save your jam sessions or rock along with any song. The iDea's built in preamp has a pitch-stable... [More]
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With the Moog name on board, you might guess that the Moog Guitar ($6,500) is some sort of guitar/synth hybrid. And you'd be right. Designed by Moog inventor Paul Vo, this gorgeous axe uses magnetic pickups to change the strings'... [More]
Now you can get the same kind of damage protection offered by Apple's awesome MagSafe power connector for your guitar and amp thanks to the Belkin BreakFree ($20; September 2008). Offering noise-free, dynamic sound, the Breakfree causes no audio quality... [More]
Part toy, part instrument, all geeky goodness. The Tenori-on ($1,200) is an electronic musical instrument that lets you create music by manipulating a series of buttons and a dial that control the type of sound and beats per minute produced,... [More]
Ditch the plastic controller for a real instrument, like this Blackbird Rider Acoustic Guitar ($1600). The carbon fiber unibody is 30 percent smaller than a traditional acoustic, making it more portable and keeping the weight down to 3 pounds. Other... [More]
With the rate of technology adoption ever increasing, it's a wonder we haven't seen this already. The Gibson Robot Guitar ($TBA; Dec. 7) carries the tagline "All you have to do is play it." With a revolutionary mix of on-board... [More]
Get jumbo-sized sound from a compact-sized instrument with the Washburn Baby Jumbo Guitar ($1800). The electric/acoustic cutaway model features rosewood sides and back, a mahogany neck, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, a solid cedar top, Grover gold tuners, and a... [More]
One of the downfalls of playing guitar is the pain of lugging your instrument all over creation. Now you can cut that pain in half with the Centerfold ($3370), the world's first folding electric guitar. Thanks to an innovative design,... [More]
If you're a budding musician in need of a recording studio who happens to be hanging out in downtown Copehnhagen, should probably swing by Delta Lab Recording Studios ($615 per day). Your money will get you a professional recording studio,... [More]
Thinking of becoming a DJ? You could start with a lot worse equipment than the Numark X2 Hybrid Turntable ($1000). It features both vinyl and CD/MP3 capabilities, solid-core construction that fights vibration, the industry's highest torque direct drive motor, great... [More]
We pretty much make it a rule not to cover eBay items, but when they're this cool we simply can't help it. These 1967 Mosrite Vintage Strawberry Alarm Clock Guitars ($TBA; Auction ends Sept. 14) aren't just beautiful, they have... [More]
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