Hasta La Ideas

A review of Gibson’s latest attempt at marrying technology, design and acoustics

The new Gibson Firebird X marks the iconic brand‘s latest venture into a range of new technologies by building features typically associated with studio recording software directly into the guitar. Having heard mixed reviews, we felt compelled to enlist our friend and lifelong guitar player, Luke Janklow to weigh in. After spending a few days hands-on with the Firebird X Janklow, admittedly a purist and tough customer, lands firmly in the negative camp. His experience reinforces the idea that, while this particular iteration may go down as more of a stepping stone towards the evolution of a truly advanced, beautiful and acoustically sound instrument—most would agree it’s just not there yet—the shift it’s taken in the world of electric guitars maintains its overall relevance. Janklow even went so far as to call the Firebird X “an important, if not watershed moment in the guitar’s modern evolution.” Whether this version becomes the harbinger of change in the field remains to be seen, but in the meantime, Janklow had the following comments to make on the current model.

“This is a fantastic bit of technology, but not necessarily a great guitar just yet,” he says. “The Gibson Firebird X is a fantastic effort, loaded with an astounding range of sounds and flexibility, but it’s ultimately not completely successful as a musical instrument.”

While the infrastructure under the hood is extensive, the intricate stockpile of “amp sounds, effects, echoes, reverbs, compressors and acoustic-type sounds” aren’t configured to be played on the fly. Janklow discussed the the seemingly endless array, while pretty fabulous, also serves the source of the real problem. Having to memorize the location and combination that yields the sound you seek—triangulated by a dizzying combination oddly placed of switches, knobs and sliders—can be potentially clinical and distancing. “The process feels a bit nerdy and stilted, and I, personally, faced a steep learning curve to make it my own,” he says, adding that the inherent sexiness of guitar playing has been minimized for the sake of its powerful features when the physical and virtual should, ideally, be harmonized in a good instrument.

In Janklow’s opinion, the Firebird X (“meaning ‘X’ not ’10’, sadly”) showcases Gibson’s firm commitment to exploring, embracing and blending technology into its future. The company is throwing down the gauntlet and shaking the traditionalist foundations of guitar enthusiasts everywhere with this model, which marks an invitation to non-professionals to immerse themselves in a comprehensive library of classic sounds that are very alchemical and complex to create in the real world.

One highlight, for Janklow, were the sounds. “Firebird has an on-board backwards-guitar setting, and a crazy Jack White sub-octave pre-set, so how bad can it be?” he asks. On the other hand, while this guitar has a thousand convenient sounds, “they do all seem to belong to someone else,” he adds.

For $6,000, the Firebird should deliver on all levels, but Janklow found the strings to be hard and springy. “The guitar is a beast to play, and doesn’t seem to pack the potential for emotional, rocking tones in this current iteration” he confesses. “Playing guitar is an amazingly tactile and sensual experience, and if this model played and sounded more natural while housing all of its amazing technology and versatility, it would be a must-have piece.”

Janklow sums it up: “The Firebird X marks a brave and noble effort but it’s not there yet. The guitar world needs a meaningful transformation in the spirit of a holistic technology design mind like Steve Jobs. Otherwise, let’s just work with what we’ve got.”

Three standouts from this epic U.K. bike brand are now available in the USA

Best known outside of Europe for their freestyle adapted fixed-gear bicycles, U.K.-based Charge Bikes makes impeccably crafted bikes that are aesthetically and technically superior to most other bikes on the market. Contrary to what the hype may imply, Charge is actually deeply rooted in XC and dirt jump mountain biking, and have since been rapidly tackling the cyclocross scene with a range of impressive rides backed by some of the sport’s best athletes. Previously only sold in the U.K. and Japan, Charge has officially opened distribution in the United States, with bikes launching online and in shops over the following weeks.

New for their 2012 line is the Scissor, a beefed-up replacement of the Plug Freestyler, the bike that earned the brand a cult fixie following over the past five years. The only 29er freestyle fixed-gear on the market available as a complete bike—rather than being sold as a stand alone frameset—this tank was designed with input by fixed gear innovators Tom Lamarche and Ted James to withstand levels of abuse that would otherwise leave a bike in pieces. Using a more forgiving geometry with a longer and lower top tube, Tange Infinity seamless steel-butted tubing and custom laser-cut dropouts, the Scissor is described by Charge as “indestructible, simple and clean.”

After slimming down their fixed-gear line in an effort to broaden brand identity beyond the universal fixie scene, Charge has been pushing their latest achievements in cyclocross design. This is most evident with the line’s crown jewel, the titanium Freezer. This lightweight beast is sold exclusively as a frameset to serve as the backbone for the ultimate cross build. Highlights include a custom-machined headtube for an integrated headset and wishbone seatstays to help absorb canti-brake flex and add mud clearance.

With slightly more relaxed geometry to keep things comfortable and accommodate fenders and racks, the Filter Apex is a slightly tamer version of the Freezer. Currently the only cyclocross ready bike on the market that uses disk brakes, the Filter is a force to be reckoned with both on the course and on the streets. For performance it’s outfitted with SRAM Apex components and for strength it’s built with the finest Tange Prestige steel tubing.

The full line of Charge Bikes for 2012 includes titanium mountain bikes, beautiful urban commuters and a comprehensive range of parts from wheelsets to handlebars to grips. It will all be available to North America through Performance Bicycles in the next six weeks, with the Scissor and Filter Apex selling for $650 and $1350, respectively. Official prices for the Freezer are pending. Find a store near you or head over to Charge Bikes online for more information.

A British X-ray photographer turns to whisky for his latest subject

Shooting with an X-ray machine rather than with a traditional camera, British photographer Nick Veasey produces surprising, visually enchanting work that begs the observer to think about what’s under the surface. With more than twenty years of experimental experience, the TED speaker‘s fascinating body of work spans subjects from insects and flowers to cars and even airplanes, each broken down to expose its raw inner components. Veasey’s next project finds him putting his graphic images on whisky boxes as part of a collaboration with The Macallan.

Adorned with images inspired by the Macallan’s six pillars—spiritual home, curiously small stills, finest cut, exceptional oak casks, natural color and peerless spirit—Veasey’s special box set dresses up their signature Sherry Oak 12 Year Old bottles for the 2011 holiday season.

In anticipation of the soon-to-be-released holiday editions, we talked to Veasey about his unique craft and his recent work with the whisky maker.

The idea of X-ray photography is so unique, how did it come about and how long have you been experimenting with it?

I’m not the first to use X-rays when creating art, but I do like to think my X-rays are the most impactful. I’ve been doing this and nothing else for 20 years. I’ve always been a keen experimenter and never one to obey rules. I saw some X-rays of objects a long time ago and they made a big impression on me. From my first X-ray exposure I’ve known there is nothing else I want to do. I love X-ray, it’s that simple.

Could you briefly explain the process of X-ray photography?

Indeed, special equipment is required, but not a camera. I use X-ray machines similar to those in hospitals, but more powerful. Basically electrons are charged in a vacuum. These electrons become radiographic photons, another spectrum of light. This spectrum of light is invisible and radioactive. That is why it is so dangerous. I have a specially built bunker to control the radiation. The radiographic passes through the subject being X-rayed and leaves an impression on film or a digital capture device.

What inspired your work with the Macallan? Are you a whisky drinker?

The Macallan is a big supporter of photography. They have previously worked with Rankin and Albert Watson on their Masters of Photography Series. When we X-rayed the bottle for Macallan we did it full and empty, meaning there was some on hand for me to drink! I find The Macallan to be a very nice Scotch—I get an earthy mellow taste and thoroughly enjoy a dram every now and again after a long day in the studio.

What was unique about shooting the “six pillars” of the Macallan?

Well, on one level the results are unique as these subjects had never been X-rayed before. The house and the water droplet were particularly challenging to shoot. X-raying a house is not simple, nor is X-raying a moving drop of water. My x-ray equipment is not portable so we had to create these images in my X-ray lab. That took some doing, believe me.

A new rugged case and free app keep you on track and your iPhone safe while cycling

Bicycle gear and accessories brand BioLogic is set to release its strongest product yet—the completely weather- and shock-proof ReeCharge iPhone case. What makes this adventure-ready case truly unique is the integrated lithium polymer battery that keeps the battery charged, thus making the fully enclosed case perfect for cold weather—which typically drains battery life—and able to sustain longer adventures on the ski slopes or in the saddle.

The ReeCharge case, which drops in mid-November 2011, is optimized for cycling by connecting it to the handlebars with an optional mount and using BioLogic’s BikeBrain app to turn a cell phone into a cycling computer.

BikeBrain uses a phone’s existing GPS system to track movement, speed, distance and even altitude, all displayed in an easy-to-read, customizable format. The thoughtful app also keeps time on rides and stores the data for consistent training stats or to track sight-seeing routes.

BikeBrain is available as a free download from the iTunes App Store, with a sizable upgrade to unlimited training options and trip logs, and the ability to directly connect and share via email and across most channels of social media.

For more information and to watch informative videos on the ReeCharge iPhone case or the BikeBrain app head to Biologic online.

Customizable audio artwork hides hi-fi speakers in a conventional picture frame

Hiding a high-fidelity speaker system within a traditional wooden picture frame, the aFrame appeals both visually and acoustically. The Brooklyn-based innovator of home audio installation, aWall, custom designs and produces each individual aFrame with a digital amp, Bluetooth reciever, two 6.5″ speakers and two silk tweeters. We recently got a chance to check out this “audio artwork” in person and can vouch for its superior sound quality and craftsmanship.

With dimensions starting at 16″ x 20,” the frames and their internal speakers can be built up to several feet in width, depending on the size of the artwork (customers can customize their own paintings or photographs to fill the frame). The company prefers to work with dense hardwoods like maple, but the aFrame can be outfitted with any type of timber—even reclaimed barn wood.

The customizable options, from the artwork to frame stain and finish, allow the customer to work with a blank canvas of sorts. Besides the subtle aesthetics, the aFrame has Bluetooth capabilities and can network with existing home stereos, making it a practical piece for the living room, the office or any place where a typical stereo system may seem out of place.

A standard aFrame—overall size 18″ x 22″—goes for $695, with an image of your choice (you can print your own or choose from their selection) and a 1″ solid maple frame. Visit aWall online to learn more about this unconventional concept in home audio, designed and produced by hand.