Line 6 Debuts GuitarPort at Winter NAMM
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January 17, 2002
Line 6 today unveiled GuitarPort, a groundbreaking new product that allows electric
guitar players an unparalled musical experience using GuitarPort and a Windows-based computer. GuitarPort
hardware allows electric guitarists to connect to their computer in a plug-and-play fashion. Line 6's modeling software gives them a choice of amplifier sounds and effects at the click of a mouse. Mixed
together with user-supplied CDs/MP3s or with GuitarPort's Online jam-along tracks, the onboard mixer and
playback controls put any electric guitarist in the middle of the band.
"GuitarPort brings together all of the things Line 6 does well into one product." Said Mike Muench, President
and CEO of Line 6. "We've taken the world-class digital modeling software we perfected with Vetta, our
expertise in guitar-friendly user interfaces we developed in products like Amp Farm and EchoFarm, and the
great tone and ease-of-use that has satisfied hundreds of thousands of POD users and combined them into
a product anyone can use and afford."
Ten amp models, based on amp tone classics from rock, metal, jazz and country, cover a
spectrum of inspiring tone. Out of the box, these models coupled with a wide variety of effects can be mixed
with user-supplied CDs or MP3s for a great jamming experience. Pristine 24-bit audio powers great tone
and tracks, and tools such as a chromatic tuner, hum reducer and looper ensure a great musical experience.
Built in software also allows the user to slow tracks down to half speed without changing pitch to learn a riff.
GuitarPort hardware and software are powerful new tools for electric guitarists seeking a no-hassle way to
play music. But with the optional GuitarPort Online Membership, the musical possibilities of GuitarPort are
almost limitless. With a broadband or dial-up Internet connection, GuitarPort members can immerse themselves
in the world of electric guitar. Hundreds of loops, grooves and original Line 6 songs are available for jamming,
with and without a recorded electric guitar part. From 12 bar blues in A to jazz fusion, players of all abilities
and interests can find the music they're looking for. All of these tracks can be controlled from the GuitarPort
application, and members can use these tracks off-line to reduce connect time. Each track is meticulously
produced using studio musicians such as Carmine Appice, Tim Bogert, Simon Phillips, Leland Sklar, Gregg
Bissonette, Tom Brechtlein, Roscoe Beck, Neil Larsen, and Jason Bonham. Tracks also include original songs
by artists such as Robben Ford & The Blue Line, Brent Mason and others.
In addition to GuitarPort's library of original songs, members have access to a growing library of the classic
guitar songs of all time ranging from Johnny Winter and Jimi Hendrix, to Albert King or Buddy Guy. The
library also features cover versions ranging from alternative to hardcore to modern country, all recorded with
the same painstaking detail as the original. Selected tracks include leadsheets and tablature. Hundreds of
songs are available with and without guitar, so members can learn the song and then join the band. Each
track was carefully created by experienced, professional producers using world-class studio musicians.
Members can "sit in" with Double Trouble on Stevie Ray Vaughan tunes, or jam with the original masters of
tracks from Steve Vai.
"As musicians ourselves, we know that jamming with world-class musicians makes players of any ability play
better" said Doug Provisor, VP of GuitarPort Online, "We've assembled these musicians into one place 'on
demand' for our GuitarPort members."
Learning about these great musicians, the gear they used and the songs they created is just a click away for
GuitarPort members. Extensive biographies, interviews and discographies are provided for many artists, as
well as profiles of the gear they used to get their famous tone. Members can also discuss gear with other
members on GuitarPort's online forums, and continue to improve their playing skills through tips and lessons
provided by the likes of Ty Tabor, Albert Lee, Steve Lukather, Elliott Easton, Scott Henderson, Tim Pierce, and
Ted Greene.
As an exclusive for GuitarPort Online members, Line 6 has also announced that, under an agreement with
Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., select songs and recordings from the Jimi Hendrix catalog will be available. In
many cases, the original master tracks will be available both with and without Jimi's guitar, for reference and
for play-along use. Some tracks have been re-recorded with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles (Band of Gypsies)
playing and Eddie Kramer (Hendrix's original engineer) at the board. "It's the ultimate way to learn from the
world's greatest guitarist", says Line 6 Director of Online Content, Greg Westall.
GuitarPort will be available in the 1 st quarter of 2002 from Line 6, and will be available to consumers through
music retailers across the United States. The US list price of GuitarPort is $229.99 and the optional GuitarPort
membership is $7.99 per month.
For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com. |
