“When Thomas Nordegg speaks, we listen.” That’s how Graph Tech Guitar Labs proudly introduces its latest addition to the Ratio Machine Heads family: Barrel Knobs. At Thomas’s request, these barrel-style tuning buttons bring a fresh look and feel to the Ratio system, offering players a new way to personalize their instruments. Known for his work with rock legends like Frank Zappa and Steve Vai, Thomas, a long-time fan of Ratio Machine Heads, saw an opportunity to enhance the system’s ergonomic design, and the company was happy to make it a reality.
Nordegg, a long-time fan of Ratio Machine Heads, approached Graph Tech with the idea of creating barrel-style tuning buttons to provide an alternative option for players seeking a fresh look and feel. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Ratio system, these knobs combine ergonomic comfort with understated style, giving players another way to personalize their instruments. 
Now Available as a Standalone Option
For the first time, players can order tuning knobs separately from the Ratio Machine Heads. If you already own Ratio Machine Heads, simply order the Barrel Knobs and swap them out for a fresh new look and feel – no need to replace the entire set.
Why Ratio Machine Heads?
Ratio Machine Heads are designed with gear ratios uniquely calibrated for each string, making tuning consistent and predictable across the fretboard. This innovative system simplifies fine-tuning and alternate tunings, saving time and improving accuracy.
What Barrel Knobs Bring to the Table:
Refined Functionality: Barrel-shaped design for a natural grip and precise adjustments.
Timeless Aesthetic: A sleek, modern look that complements any guitar style.
Perfect Fit: Designed specifically for Ratio Machine Heads, ensuring flawless compatibility.
Available in chrome and black to suit a variety of instruments and player preferences.
Finish: Chrome & Black
Price: USD $3.00 (per one)
JodyJazz Introduces New DV JC JODY CUSTOM Saxophone Mouthpieces
JodyJazz has announced the introduction of the new DV JC which stands for “Jody Custom”. An exciting new addition to the DV Series saxophone mouthpieces, the new DV JC features design modifications based upon JodyJazz founder & president, Jody Espina’s customized personal mouthpiece. Available initially in the Alto model it will soon be followed by the Tenor later in 2025.
Originally introduced in 2005, the DV series rapidly rose to become one of the most popular saxophone mouthpieces in the world, defying everyone’s expectations about the sound capabilities of a metal mouthpiece. The unique design of the DV offered free blowing power and projection without sacrificing a big fat mid-range and bottom end so commonly missing from most metal mouthpieces. Over the years since the introduction of the DV, Espina has made a series of tweaks and modifications to the design of his personal DV mouthpiece. As a working musician, Jody would find himself being called upon to play a diverse array of musical genres from week to week and his goal was to make his mouthpiece more perfectly suit the variety of musical environments in which he would most commonly find himself. Now that special design is being made generally available to everyone for the first time.
“As we occasionally made changes to my personal DV, over time it was getting better and better,” says Espina. “In the summer of 2024 we started to think about possibly making a 25th Anniversary limited edition mouthpiece and we started tweaking my personal DV even more. We came upon a version of the mouthpiece that I just freaked out over. I loved it so much that I decided it was too good and would be too universally embraced to make it a limited edition only. So, we are launching it now to be a regularly offered model in our DV line up.”
“In terms of sound, the new DV JC is in between the DV and the DV NY,” Espina continued. “But there is a characteristic about this mouthpiece that makes it feel even less like a metal piece than the others. Big, fat and warm with enough power to do all the variety of jobs I do, but sweet and dark enough to play beautiful ballads. Everyone is always impressed when they play the regular DV Series mouthpiece, but now I think if they try the new DV JC they won’t be able to put it down.”
The new DV JC JODY CUSTOM Alto is constructed from 14kt gold-plated virgin bell brass and is available in 6, 7 & 8 tip openings. Its MSRP will be the same as the other standard DV and DV NY Alto models.
