Italia Guitars has unveiled a number of new models including a new addition to the popular Jeffrey Foskett Signature Series of electric guitars – the Italia JFQ. Available in Two-Tone Blue, the JFQ is a full hollow body, single cutaway guitar, exhibiting a full and resonant acoustic tone that only increases when the guitar is plugged in and amplified. Using the same wiring configuration first used in the JF6, a trio of mini humbucker pickups offer an array of tonal options, without the need for a selector switch.
By employing a blend control knob, the JFQ allows players to zone in on their preferred frequencies from all three pickups. Players can balance between the plummy bass of the neck and the cut and thrust of the bridge, then complement with as much or as little of the middle pickup as they like, via the push/pull volume control. For an added layer of functionality each of the JFQ’s three pickups comes equipped with its own LED on/off /off switch, for instant player feedback and eye-catching stage appeal.
The JFQ features an adjustable LP Bridge with an Italia Trapeze Tailpiece, guaranteeing maximum string resonance, as well as correct intonation across each of the 22 frets.
In addition, the Maranello Classic MKII is the second generation of the Italia original classic design. The revamped Maranello Classic is lighter in weight than its predecessor but retains the same ringing tone.
Sporting a single cutaway body for easy high-fret access, the back and neck of the guitar feature a white pearloid wrap painted finish, which complements the Red Sparkle and Gold Sparkle colourways. Amplified sounds come courtesy of a pair of newly updated alnico Italia ITV-5 pickups.
Meanwhile, The Maranello Classic MKII’s electronic circuitry and input jack are housed in a res-o-glass pickguard which sits deep inside the routed hollow body cavity, allowing for a reduced neck angle and bringing the strings closer to the pickguard surface to create a full and rich resonant amplified voice.
Brand new for 2018 the Maranello ’61 MKII adds a number of updates to one of the most popular guitars in the Italia range.
The second generation Maranello ’61 MKII exhibits the same featherlight body and heavyweight tone as its predecessor, thanks to a semi-acoustic body and two high-output Wilkinson WHHB humbuckers. The upgraded pickups are connected to a super 5-way switch which gives the player more tonal options, and allows the guitar to cover a variety of musical applications, from traditional to modern and contemporary.
A Roller Saddle, Tune-O-Matic bridge is paired with a Les Trem II Tremolo system and the low-profile double cutaway design provides unhindered access to each of the Maranello ’61 MKII’s 22 frets, allowing the guitar to accommodate a number of disparate playing styles.
The most recent addition to the Italia Maranello series, the Intero serves up semi-acoustic tones in a compact, player-friendly package.
A chambered Mahogany body delivers a smooth and open sound via a combination of the ITM-5 humbucker and piezo bridge. In addition to a master tone and master volume, a blend control allows dial-in of both pickups.
Fine tuning of the guitar’s intonation is delivered via the Tune-O-Matic bridge while a Trapeze tailpiece keeps things looking traditional, with the trademark Italia twist.
Also new for 2018, the Italia Europa harks back to the guitars that soundtracked a bygone era. Sporting a solid body design, the Europa pays homage to the European guitars of the swinging ’60s.
Decked out with a trio of Italia ITM-5 Mini Humbuckers, the Europa is capable of producing a range of tones thanks to its switching system. In addition to a traditional 3-way pickup selector, the Europa’s middle pickup is blended to taste with an independent volume control. Tuning stability is supplied by the use of the Italia Les Trem II roller saddle bridge system, while a Tune-O-Matic bridge promotes the correct break angle of the strings and offers all important micro-adjustments to the guitar’s intonation.
A Bolivian Rosewood fingerboard is married to a roasted Maple bolt-on neck, for tone transfer, sustain and resonance, and the graphite nut ensures that strings stay clear of snags.
Lastly, the Italia Rimini 12 takes its cue from the Italia Rimini 6, and is equipped with a pair of Wilkinson WMH Mini Humbuckers and a chambered American Alder body. Sound control is kept simple with a master tone and master volume working alongside a three-way pickup selector switch.
The Italia 12 Trapeze Tailpiece works in tandem with a Tune-O-Matic bridge, providing fine-tuned intonation and vintage-correct appearance. it is available in Black, Cherry Sunburst and two-tone Sunburst.
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