This week, we look at the upcoming Squier 12-string signature model for guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen of QOTSA fame. Next, we look at the latest Flattley Pedals release for their 10th Anniversary, the Revolution 10 AE. Finally, we check out Tone3000’s free, open-source Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) Architecture 2 (A2).
Contents: Guitar JournalTroy Van Leeuwen 12-String TeaseFender Custom Shop When?Signature JazzmasterAffordable 12-string?Revolution 10 AEPurple DrivePremium Drive TonesNeural Amp Modeler – Architecture 2 MUSHRA TestsTwo Open-Source Formats
Troy Van Leeuwen 12-String Tease
Troy Van Leeuwen has just played his upcoming signature model during a live performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
He played the Squier Paranormal Telecaster XII 12-string with R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, Josh Klinghoffer, Chad Smith, Chris Chaney, and Andrew Watt, as they performed “I Played the Fool” on the show.
Troy Van Leeuwen on Jimmy Kimmel Live! · Source: Instagram/Troy Van Leeuwen
Fender Custom Shop
Troy has been playing a Fender Custom Shop version live with QOTSA since last year and had shared that this model was in the pipeline previously during interviews.
We know the official name for the guitar, as Van Leeuwen later shared the details on his social media via Instagram with the following message.
“In case you missed it, I had the pleasure of playing with @michaelstipe along with @thisiswatt @chadsmithofficial @joshklinghoffer and @chrischaneybass on @jimmykimmellive.
“I also got to debut my new @fender Paranormal Troy Van Leeuwen Telecaster® XII 12-string available this summer. Sounds and looks gorgeous!”
Squier Paranormal Troy Van Leeuwen Telecaster XII 12-string · Source: Instagram/Troy Van Leeuwen
When?
It looks like it could be the ‘Feel Good Hit of the Summer’, as it is scheduled for release soon. We will keep you updated on this one, as it looks great in that copper/metallic yellow finish, which matches his signature Fender Jazzmaster.
Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster Oxblood · Source: Fender
Signature Jazzmaster
His Jazzmaster is really nice. I have owned the Oxblood version since it came out, and it compares really well to my original late ’60s Jazzmaster (which you can see on the cover of my recent Offset Guitar article here).
Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster Copper Age · Source: Kytary
Affordable 12-string?
Hopefully, this new Squier signature model will be as good in terms of playability and build quality. A good quality, affordable electric 12-string guitar could be very popular with many guitarists looking for something new.
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Fender Troy Van Leeuwen Jazzmaster
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Fender Troy V Leeuwen Jazzmaster MN
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Revolution 10 AE
Flattley Pedals has just officially announced the release of their popular Revolution 10 AE 3-in-1 overdrive pedal.
Revolution 10 AE – 10th Anniversary Edition · Source: Flattley Pedals
Purple Drive
The Revolution 10 AE gives the company’s acclaimed dynamic overdrive a premium visual and tonal makeover. Built to stand out on any pedalboard, the anniversary edition features a purple candy lacquer finish, custom purple laser-etched control knobs, and Flattley’s signature purple halo light ring.
Premium Drive Tones
Described as a classic tube-screamer circuit on steroids, this highly reactive dynamic overdrive is engineered to deliver smooth, creamy tones that adapt instinctively to a player’s individual style. The secret behind the pedal’s extreme flexibility lies in its modified three-way toggle switch, which effectively crams three entirely different overdrive pedals into a single enclosure.
When the toggle is set to the centre position, the overdrive runs cleanly through an operational amplifier integrated circuit. Flipping the switch to the forward position engages asymmetrical clipping powered by a unique blend of three distinct diode types.
In the rear position, the pedal activates a custom-configured arrangement of silicon diodes to produce a compressed, symmetrical clipping tone.
These boutique drive pedals are all handmade, hand-wired, and custom-painted in Sleaford, England, and they use high-quality components throughout. Well worth checking out if you want something with a lot of useful drive tones and a high-quality pro build.
MSRP – £259
Flattley Pedals
Neural Amp Modeler – Architecture 2
Tone3000’s free, open-source Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) Architecture 2 (A2) is shaking up the digital guitar market by potentially beating industry giants like Neural DSP and Line 6 in blind audio tests.
While top-tier modelers normally require expensive hardware, Tone3000’s new tech can run smoothly on a humble $3 microchip, questioning whether pricey gear is officially dead.
Tone3000’s Free A2 NAM · Source: Tone3000
MUSHRA Tests
To prove its capabilities, Tone3000 used the audio industry’s gold-standard MUSHRA methodology for large-scale blind listening tests. Over 1,000 participants compared 37 real analogue setups, ranging from a cranked Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier to a vintage Neve 1073 preamp, against their digital captures.
NAM’s machine-learning algorithms achieve this by listening to a real signal chain and creating a highly accurate, dynamic replica of the tubes, cabinets, or pedals.
Two Open-Source Formats
The free architecture is launching in two formats: A2 Full, which cuts CPU usage by up to 40% for studio and DAW environments, and A2 Lite, an ultra-efficient version designed for affordable hardware pedals.
Because the ecosystem is entirely open-source, any manufacturer or developer can integrate A2 into their products without paying licensing fees.
Expect to see more news and product releases over the coming months, adding this compatibility to hardware. This is great news for musicians and could lead to even more convincing virtual amp tones without huge hardware and software costs being involved.
Tone 3000
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