04/08/2026
The 48
The new prototype beam is done. Here are the stats: 48" voiced distance. A total length of 56" x 6" x 6" (about the size of 2 Nord keyboards stacked on top of each other, but please don't do that). 9 strings, 6 tuned to D1, 3 shortened strings are tuned to D2. This arrangement allows the player to add a 5th from the 7th fret up. So at the 7th fret of a D1 string you would pitch up to A2 and still be open at D2. At the 9th fret, you would have B2 and E2, and so on... The pickup block has 2 active 18v pickups (3.5" and 4.5") it is attached to the frame of the beam by a tether and 8 pin connectors. When the beam is on (toggle switch) and the tether is connected properly, an LED on then pickup block will light. The other toggle switch chooses between mono or stereo outputs. In mono, you will be able to blend from one pickup to the other or any place between. Then you have the EMG BQS on-board sound-sculpting, 3-band notched EQ, to master volume to Left output. In stereo, each pickup signal is routed thru the master volume and then Left and Right outputs. Each output accepts 1/4-inch instrument cable OR XLR. For those of you who have struggled with battery replacement in my Instruments, I heard you. The 48 has three battery boxes, easily accessible on the bottom of the beam. This is the best yet. It is compact, powerful, adaptable it is big in sound but with a more stage-managable size.
