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Category: guitars

Samick Greg Bennett D7-12CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review

The Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE is a 12-string acoustic-electric guitar that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern versatility, offering musicians a powerful, budget-friendly instrument. Designed by Greg Bennett and manufactured by Samick, a South Korean company with a reputation for quality affordable guitars, the D7/12CE is part of the Beaumont series, paying homage to the iconic dreadnought style. In this review, we’ll explore its design, sound, playability, electronics, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your musical journey.

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Front

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Back

Design and Craftsmanship

The Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE boasts a classic dreadnought body, known for its large size and robust projection, making it a staple in acoustic guitar design. Its key specifications include:
– Body Shape: Dreadnought
– Top: Solid cedar
– Back and Sides: Rosewood (laminate, 3-piece back)
– Neck: Nato (Eastern mahogany)
– Fretboard: Rosewood, 12” radius
– Scale Length: 25.5” (64 cm)
– Frets: 20
– Tuners: Grover A102C, 14:1 ratio
– Bridge: Rosewood
– Electronics: Built-in ClearWave 10 preamp and pickup system
– Inlays: Slotted square
– Binding: 8-ply
– Nut Width: 1 11/16”

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Clear Wave 10 Preamp

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Inside Label
The solid cedar top paired with rosewood back and sides delivers a rich, warm tone with excellent harmonic sparkle, particularly in the high end. The 3-piece rosewood back, with its decorative seams, adds aesthetic appeal, while the nato neck ensures durability and stability. The rosewood fretboard feels smooth, and the Grover tuners provide reliable tuning stability, crucial for managing the tension of 12 strings. The craftsmanship is impressive for the price, with clean binding, a glossy natural finish, and attention to detail that rivals more expensive models.

However, some used models have been noted to show minor cosmetic blemishes, such as finish imperfections near the neck, though these don’t affect playability or sound.

Sound and Performance

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE guitar shines with its balanced, resonant tone, characteristic of a 12-string dreadnought. Unplugged, it produces a full, vibrant sound with a strong low-mid range and bright, shimmering highs, thanks to the cedar top and rosewood back. The dreadnought body provides ample volume and projection, making it ideal for filling a room without amplification. It excels in genres like folk, country, pop, and blues, where the 12-string’s lush, jangly timbre adds depth to chord progressions and arpeggios.

When plugged in, the built-in preamp and pickup system captures the guitar’s natural warmth effectively. The preamp offers bass, mid, and treble controls, allowing players to shape their amplified tone for live performances or recording. Feedback is minimal even at higher volumes, making it stage-ready. The electronics are reliable, delivering a clean, nuanced sound that complements both fingerstyle and strumming.

Playability

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE offers a comfortable playing experience despite the inherent challenges of a 12-string guitar. Its slim neck profile and low action make fretting and bending easier, though the 1 11/16” nut width may feel slightly narrow for players with larger hands. The rosewood fretboard and 20 frets provide ample range for both chords and lead work. The 25.5” scale length is standard for dreadnoughts, balancing tension and playability for the doubled strings.

While 12-string guitars can be more demanding to play due to increased string tension, the D7/12CE’s setup is forgiving for beginners and intermediates. A professional setup is recommended for optimal performance, especially for used models, to ensure the action and intonation are dialed in.

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Headstock Front

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Headstock Back
Value and Availability

Priced between $250 and $400 new (with used models as low as $150-$250), Samick Greg Bennett D7 12CE offers exceptional value. It competes with brands like Yamaha, Alvarez, and Epiphone in the budget 12-string market but stands out with its solid top, Grover tuners, and versatile electronics. Compared to Samick’s D7 (non-electric) or Avion series, the D7 12CE’s amplified capabilities and dreadnought power make it a better choice for gigging musicians.
The guitar is available through retailers like Reverb, Guitar Center, Sweetwater, and smaller music shops. Its relative scarcity in big-box stores reflects Samick’s focus on smaller, specialized retailers who prioritize quality service.

On forums, opinions vary. Some players praise its sound and value, with one user calling it a “great deal” for a 12-string at $400, while others suggest saving for a Taylor or Martin for superior quality. However, for budget-conscious players, the D7/12CE’s combination of features and affordability is hard to beat.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Rich, balanced 12-string tone with excellent projection
– Solid cedar top and quality materials for the price
– Reliable Grover tuners and built-in electronics
– Comfortable playability with low action
– Affordable, typically $250-$400 new
– Suitable for live performances and recording

Samick Greg Bennett D7 12 Ce Acoustic Electric Guitar Body Back

Cons:
– Laminate back and sides may lack the resonance of solid wood
– Slightly narrow nut width for some players
– Used models may have minor cosmetic imperfections
– Less brand prestige compared to Taylor or Martin

Who Is It For?

The Samick Greg Bennett D7-12CE guitar is ideal for beginner to intermediate players seeking an affordable 12-string acoustic-electric guitar with stage-ready features. It’s perfect for singer-songwriters, folk and country players, or anyone wanting the lush, complex sound of a 12-string without breaking the bank. While it may not match the resonance of premium solid-wood guitars, its quality construction and versatility make it a standout in its class.

Thoughts

The Samick Greg Bennett D7-12CE guitar is a compelling choice for musicians on a budget who need a versatile 12-string guitar. Its solid cedar top, rosewood back, and reliable electronics deliver a rich, balanced tone suitable for both acoustic and amplified settings. With comfortable playability and thoughtful design, it punches above its price point, making it a worthy contender in the entry-level acoustic-electric market. Whether you’re strumming in a coffee shop or recording in a studio, the D7-12CE offers quality and value that’s hard to overlook.
August 11, 2025
Zoom A2.1u Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal

Zoom A2.1u Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal with USB is a versatile multi-effects pedal designed specifically for acoustic guitarists, offering a robust set of tools to enhance tone and performance. With its 32-bit DSP processing, 96kHz sampling rate, and a wide array of effects, this pedal aims to restore the natural resonance of an acoustic guitar while providing creative flexibility for live and studio settings. After exploring its features, sound quality, and usability, here’s a comprehensive review based on user feedback and product specifications.

Overview

The Zoom A2.1u is part of Zoom’s A2 series, designed to address the common issue of acoustic guitar pickups producing a thin, string-heavy sound. It incorporates advanced sound modeling to emulate the body resonance and spatial ambiance of a miked acoustic guitar, even when played through an amplifier or PA system. The pedal includes 47 effects across eight modules, 40 preset patches, 40 user-programmable patches, a built-in tuner, a drum machine, and an expression pedal for real-time control. Additional features like a USB interface for recording and an XLR output for direct PA connectivity make it a compelling choice for gigging musicians and home recordists alike.

Sound Quality

Zoom A2.1u excels at enhancing the natural tone of an acoustic guitar, particularly when used with piezo or magnetic pickups. Its 24-bit/96kHz sampling and ZFX-3 32-bit DSP chip deliver clean, high-fidelity sound with minimal noise (100dB signal-to-noise ratio). The pedal’s modeling technology simulates the sonic characteristics of iconic guitars like the Martin D-28, Gibson SJ-200, and Ovation Adamas, allowing players to emulate signature tones. Users praise the clarity of the XLR output and the warmth added by effects like the tube preamp simulation and subtle chorus settings.
However, the reverb effects, particularly the Hall Reverb, receive mixed feedback. Some users find them “washed out” or “muddy,” lacking the depth needed for professional live settings. The compressor and limiter, while functional, are criticized for limited parameter control, missing traditional settings like attack, decay, and threshold, which can make fine-tuning difficult for discerning players. Effects like flanger and phaser are seen as less practical for acoustic gigs, with some users suggesting Zoom should have focused on refining core effects like reverb, EQ, and compression instead of including “cheesy” extras.
Standout effects include the delay (up to 5000ms), which pairs well with reverb for lush soundscapes, and the chorus options (mono, stereo, and ensemble), which add body without overpowering the guitar’s natural tone. The feedback control feature is a highlight, effectively detecting and attenuating feedback points, making it a valuable tool for live performances.

Features

Zoom A2.1u is packed with features tailored for acoustic guitarists:
Effects and Modules: 47 effects, including compression, EQ, modulation, delay, reverb, and guitar modeling. Up to eight effects can be used simultaneously across eight modules.
Global Module: Includes AMP SELECT (combo, bright combo, stack) and PICKUP SELECT (piezo, magnetic, single-coil, humbucker) to optimize the pedal for different setups.
EQ Flexibility: Offers a six-band linear EQ or a two-band parametric EQ, optimized for acoustic guitar frequencies (e.g., peaking filters at 320Hz, 500Hz, 1.2kHz, 6.3kHz).
Expression Pedal: Allows real-time control of parameters like volume, modulation rate, or delay/reverb mix, enhancing live performance dynamics.
USB Interface: Enables direct recording to a computer, with included Cubase LE software for DAW integration.
Tuner and Drum Machine: A chromatic tuner with a 435–445Hz calibration range and 40 PCM-based rhythm patterns for practice or live backing.
XLR Output: Provides a balanced connection with pre/post switch and ground lift for PA or mixer integration without a DI box.
Build: Sturdy metal chassis with rubber damping ensures durability, though some users note the 2.65–3.44-pound weight (depending on source) feels substantial for a compact pedal.

Ease of Use

Zoom A2.1u’s interface is intuitive, with three analog-style knobs for adjusting parameters like compressor sensitivity, delay feedback, or patch levels. The two-digit LED display is functional but requires referencing the manual to decode two-letter parameter codes, which can be a learning curve for beginners. Programming patches is straightforward, and the fast patch change speed (8ms) ensures seamless transitions during performances. The expression pedal and footswitches are responsive, and the tuner is easily accessible by pressing both footswitches simultaneously. However, the sheer number of effects can feel overwhelming, with some users preferring simpler setups for a natural acoustic sound.

Build Quality and Value

Zoom A2.1u’s solid metal chassis and shock-absorbent rubber damping make it roadworthy, with users reporting durability even after years of use. It operates on four AA batteries (lasting ~6–7.5 hours) or an optional AC adapter, adding flexibility for gigs. Priced around $150–$180 when available (now discontinued), the A2.1u offers excellent value for its feature set, especially compared to single-effect pedals or DI boxes. However, its value is slightly diminished for players who find the reverb and compressor lacking, as they may need additional gear for professional applications.

Pro

Versatile Tone Shaping: Guitar modeling, chorus, and delay effects add depth and variety to acoustic tones.
Feedback Control: Effective for live settings, with automatic or manual detection.
USB and XLR Connectivity: Ideal for recording and PA integration.
Built-in Tuner and Drum Machine: Convenient for practice and performance.
Durable Build: Sturdy construction suitable for gigging musicians.
Fast Patch Changes: 8ms switching speed ensures no lag in live settings.

Cons

Mediocre Reverb: Hall Reverb and other reverbs can sound muddy or lack depth.
Limited Compressor/Limiter Controls: Lacks detailed parameters, frustrating for pros needing precise adjustments.
Overabundance of Effects: Some effects (e.g., flanger, phaser) feel unnecessary for acoustic use, diluting focus on core features.
Learning Curve: Two-letter display codes require manual consultation, which may slow initial setup.
Discontinued: Availability is limited to used markets, potentially increasing costs for mint condition units.

User Feedback

Users generally praise Zoom A2.1u for its sound quality and versatility. One reviewer called it an “awesome, amazing acoustic guitar effects pedal,” highlighting its ability to mimic signature guitar sounds and enhance playing sensitivity when paired with a quality acoustic amp like the Crate CA125D. Another user appreciated its clean XLR output and customizable patches but noted the reverb and compressor shortcomings for professional gigs. On forums like The Acoustic Guitar Forum, players value the tuner and chorus/reverb effects but often bypass most effects for a natural sound, suggesting the pedal’s strength lies in subtle enhancements rather than extreme effects. Some report no noise issues, countering rumors of hum or interference, provided the pickup system is clean.

Conclusion

The Zoom A2.1u Acoustic Guitar Effects Pedal is a feature-rich, durable, and affordable option for acoustic guitarists seeking to enhance their sound for live performances or recording. Its strengths lie in its guitar modeling, clean output, and practical features like feedback control and USB connectivity. While the reverb and compressor fall short for some professional applications, the pedal’s versatility, built-in tuner, and drum machine make it a valuable all-in-one solution for hobbyists and semi-pros. For players who prioritize a natural acoustic tone with subtle effects, the A2.1u delivers, but those needing pristine reverb or advanced compression may require additional gear. Though discontinued, it remains a solid choice on the used market for its price and functionality.

Rating: 4/5

Zoom A2.1u Recommended for: Acoustic guitarists looking for a compact, multi-purpose pedal for gigs, practice, or recording, who don’t mind tweaking to overcome reverb and compressor limitations.
August 11, 2025
Ibanez RG 2770Z Sapphire Blue: Japanese Precision, Rock Power

If you’re a fan of Ibanez guitars, especially those crafted with Japanese precision, the Ibanez RG 2770Z Sapphire Blue deserves your full attention. This stunning instrument not only looks beautiful with its mesmerizing sapphire blue finish, but it also offers the legendary playability, tone, and craftsmanship that Ibanez is known for—especially their Made in Japan Prestige models.

Let’s take a deeper dive into why this model has become a favorite among shredders and progressive players worldwide.

A Masterpiece from the Prestige Line
The RG 2770Z hails from Ibanez’s Prestige series, which means it was built in Japan by Ibanez’s top luthiers at the Fujigen factory. The Prestige line is all about blending modern specs with high-end craftsmanship—and it really shows here. Every detail, from the fretwork to the electronics, screams quality.

Ibanez launched this model as part of their RG series, designed primarily for rock and metal players. But with the right amp and effects, the RG 2770Z can handle everything from blues to fusion.

Eye-Catching Sapphire Blue Finish
One of the first things you’ll notice is the Sapphire Blue finish. It’s a deep, glossy blue that highlights the wood grain underneath, especially when hit by stage lights. The aesthetic is sleek, modern, and just aggressive enough to fit the vibe of a high-performance guitar.

This finish sits atop a flamed maple top, giving the guitar a premium look and adding some brightness to the tone.

Premium Wood Selection
The guitar features a basswood body, known for its light weight and balanced tonal response. The flamed maple top not only boosts its looks but adds a little snap and articulation to the sound.

The 5-piece Super Wizard HP maple/walnut neck is ultra-thin and smooth, made for fast shredding and technical playing. It’s paired with a rosewood fingerboard and 24 jumbo frets, giving you excellent control for bends, legato, and sweep picking.

DiMarzio Pickups = Serious Tone
Ibanez didn’t skimp on pickups here. The RG 2770Z comes loaded with a DiMarzio Air Norton (neck), True Velvet (middle), and Tone Zone (bridge). This H-S-H configuration offers amazing tonal flexibility.

Air Norton delivers a warm, rich tone that’s perfect for solos and clean tones.

True Velvet offers glassy, vintage-like single coil tones.

Tone Zone in the bridge is fat, powerful, and built for distortion.

Whether you’re playing clean arpeggios or high-gain solos, this setup gives you pro-level sound in every setting.

Edge Zero Tremolo: Stability Meets Precision
The RG 2770Z is equipped with the Ibanez Edge Zero tremolo system, which offers excellent tuning stability and ultra-smooth action. It also includes the ZPS3 (Zero Point System) to help return the bridge to its neutral position. This means you can go wild with dive bombs or flutter effects without worrying about tuning problems.

Built for Serious Players
Everything about the RG 2770Z screams “performance.” The ultra-low action, flawless fretwork, and ergonomic body contours make this guitar incredibly comfortable, even during long sessions or gigs.

The Prestige fret edge treatment ensures that every fret end feels smooth and comfortable under your fingers—no sharp edges, no snags.

Why It Stands Out
There are a lot of great guitars out there, but few balance looks, playability, and tone quite like this one. The RG 2770Z Sapphire Blue isn’t just another pretty face; it’s a serious instrument for serious players.

Whether you’re into shred, prog, metal, or even jazz-fusion, this guitar can handle it all. And being a Made in Japan Ibanez, it also holds excellent resale value. If you’re looking for a high-performance electric guitar that looks amazing, feels like a dream, and sounds killer, the Ibanez RG 2770Z Sapphire Blue should be on your radar. It’s more than just a guitar—it’s a statement of tone, craftsmanship, and style
July 31, 2025
Tech 21: The Undisputed Brand in the Guitar Effects World with their FlyRig5 lineups

When you think about brands that have truly changed the game in the world of guitar effects, Tech 21 is always in the conversation—if not leading it. Since the late ’80s, they’ve been delivering killer tones without the need for bulky amps or complicated setups. And their most recent hit? The Fly Rig series. These compact, all-in-one units are a dream for guitarists who want tone, portability, and reliability in one sleek package.

What Makes the Fly Rig So Special?
Let’s be real—lugging a full pedalboard around can be a pain. That’s where the Fly Rig shines. Imagine a powerful rig that fits in your gig bag. Each Fly Rig includes key effects like overdrive, delay, reverb, and modulation, all built around the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator that put Tech 21 on the map.

Let’s check some of them

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi multi effects pedal
The original Fly Rig 5 was a hit right away. It gave you that crunchy Plexi-style drive, warm analog delay, a clean boost, and of course, the SansAmp. Players loved it because it was plug-and-play. No guesswork. No tone chasing. Just great sound, fast.

The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Plexi is a compact powerhouse designed for guitarists who crave classic British amp tones without hauling a full rig. At the heart of this sleek unit is the Plexi-style overdrive, which delivers that iconic Marshall-style crunch—rich, responsive, and full of character. Combined with the legendary SansAmp analog amp simulator, built-in delay with tap tempo, and a clean boost, the Fly Rig 5 Plexi offers a complete, gig-ready setup in one pedal. It’s perfect for players who want vintage rock tones in a lightweight, travel-friendly format.

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Cali multi effects pedal
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Cali is built for players who love the bold, high-gain tones of classic West Coast American amps, especially the modern punch of California-style boutique heads like the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier.

Check this Tech21 California Character Series Preamp Pedal video and catch the glimps of FlyRig Cali

Tech21 California Character Series Preamp Pedal
Featuring the SansAmp Cali preamp section, it delivers tight, aggressive distortion with plenty of articulation—perfect for metal, hard rock, and modern blues.

With an onboard Boost, lush Delay with tap tempo, and analog signal path, the Fly Rig 5 Cali offers massive sound in a slim, tour-ready format. It’s a go-to choice for guitarists who crave versatile American high-gain tones without the bulk.

Tech21 Fly Rig 5 Brit multi effects
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 Brit is designed for guitarists who crave the legendary tones of classic British amps—specifically those gritty, harmonically rich sounds associated with vintage Vox and Marshall stacks. Built around the SansAmp “Brit” preamp section, this compact rig nails those chimey cleans and crunchy overdrives with remarkable warmth and clarity.

Alongside its signature Brit-style gain, the Fly Rig 5 Brit features a powerful boost section, lush delay with tap tempo, and a robust analog signal path for authentic, amp-like response. It’s perfect for players who want British-flavored tones in a road-ready, all-in-one pedal.

Artist Models and V2 Upgrades
Tech 21 didn’t stop there. They teamed up with pro players to create custom versions. The RK5 Fly Rig (Richie Kotzen’s signature model) added a gnarly fuzz-style distortion, a tuner, and some slick tone tweaks. If you’re into heavier stuff, the Paul Landers PL1 Fly Rig has a tight, focused gain section perfect for metal and industrial tones.

Then came the Fly Rig 5 v2
The Tech 21 Fly Rig 5 v2 is an upgraded version of the original best-selling Fly Rig, offering even more versatility and tone-shaping control in the same ultra-compact format. Centered around the legendary SansAmp analog preamp, the v2 adds an independent reverb section, an enhanced delay with tap tempo, and a more refined Plexi-style overdrive for classic British tones. New features like a switchable clean channel, FX loop, and XLR output with ground lift make it more stage- and studio-friendly than ever. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or practicing, the Fly Rig 5 v2 delivers pro-level tone in a grab-and-go pedal.

Overall it’s an improved version on the original with more control, better speaker simulation, and even more flexible routing options. Basically, they took a great pedal and made it even better.

Why It’s Perfect for Modern Guitarists
Whether you’re touring the world, playing local gigs, or recording at home, the Fly Rig just works. It’s especially great for fly dates where space is tight, or when you need a reliable backup in case your main board fails. And yeah, you can totally record with it—just plug it straight into your interface and enjoy that rich, analog warmth.

The analog design also sets it apart from the sea of digital multi-effects. The Fly Rig responds like a real amp and sounds organic, not sterile or overly processed. If you want pro-level tone without the pedalboard hassle, Tech 21’s Fly Rig series might be your new best friend. It’s one of the smartest tools out there for modern guitarists—and that’s why Tech 21 remains the undisputed brand in the guitar effects world

July 28, 2025