William F. Ludwig II passed away in June at the age of 91. The "Chief," as he was known when he led the Ludwig
company, was a legend in the drum industry, and will be missed.
 

Tama is introducing for 2008 its new Tama Superstar Hyper Drive drum sets. The Custom (SL), Superstar (EFX), and
Superstar (SK) Hyper Drive kits feature extra deep bass drums and short depth toms for enhanced attack, punchy sound
and the ability to set up in a lower position. Hyper Drive kits come with birch shells with a basswood inner ply, new
"Sound Bridge" high tention lugs, Star-Cast Mounting System and Zinc die-cast hoops.
Fender has rolled out brand new versions of their staple American Series guitars and basses, each of which carried a
number of new features that make great designs even better. The American Standard Strat is available with either three
single-coil pickups or a humbucker and two single-coil pickups. New features include a new bridge with improved bent
steel saddles and a copper-infused tremolo block that adds resonance and sustain. The new American Standard Tele has
similar new features wrapped into a "traditional" Telecaster  format. Because the Tele has a fixed bridge instead of a
tremolo, the new bridge saddles are mounted to a stamped-brass bridge plate for increased resonance and sustain.
Zildjian proudly introduces the new Armand Series Cymbals, a Zildjian range based on the popular Armand Ride. Zildjian
has designed these cymbals without any protective coating to help promote the aged look and patina that cymbals from
the 60's would have today. A tighter lathe on top combined with current A Zildjian lathing on the bottom results in a
unique feel for each new model. You have to hear these! 
Peavey introduces the new Vypyr Series amps. The 4-channel Vypyr Tube 120 gives you 120watts of power, real 6L6
tube power, 22 editable effects. Bypass the two 12" speakers and plug the Vypyr directly into your computer via USB for
recording. The Vypyr series also includes the 100 watt, 2 x 12"; the tube driven 60 watt, 1 x 12"; the 75 watt, 1 x 12"; the
30 watt, 1 x 12"; and the 15 watt , 1 x 8".
The Moog Guitar - Paul Vo Collector Edition solidbody electric guitar takes the guitar/strings/pickups concept and applies
the unique vision only Moog could conjure, resulting in a truly exciting, innovative axe! The Moog Guitar - Paul Vo
Collector Edition includes magnetic and piezo pickups, as well as the stunning integrated Moog Guitar Electronics system
which allows you to conjure amazing sonic texures via sustain and mute modes, as well as a built-in resonant Moog
ladder filter.