Amplitude iRig

I just (pre) ordered my very own iRig from Amplitude. I am really enthralled by the design that Amplitube has pulled together here. As an occasional bassist and guitar player this looks like a great solution to providing portable amp modeling. I travel a lot and this should be a great device to practice playing. Note that the device won't let you play along with songs on your iPhone since they learned that it created too much latency, although that was the original intention of the design. They are also offering 3 different versions of the iPhone application, one free and two higher levels with additional functionality, including more amp models.

UPDATE (6/8/10): I just saw a twitter post from IK Multimedia that the iRig is scheduled to be released on 6/7/10. (9 days from now).

I've used Amplitude on my studio computer and it's amazing. I'll post a review once I receive the actual unit. Until then, enjoy a couple of youtube videos highlighting the product:

Links:
Amplitude iRiq Features
IKMultiMedia YouTube Channel

Maker Faire, San Mateo, 2010

Anyone out there going to the MakerFaire this weekend in San Mateo? I am planning to attend this weekend with my kids and check out all of the great exhibits.

What: Maker Faire
Where: San Mateo Faire Grounds
When: Sat, May 22, Sunday May 23, 2010

For more information:

• Maker Faire
• Maker Faire Schedule
• Maker Faire Map (PDF)

The Pocket Picker

Now here's a unique practice device for all you stringed instrument players out there. It's called the "Pocket Picker", and it's designed to exercise your right hand in all of those situations where it's inconvenient to practice your instrument. I am not sure if it's practical, but's definitely innovative. Out of all of the devices, I think that the bass guitar is likely the most useful, since practicing the finger technique for your right hand on the bass is crucial to your sound. The device is a small board with a course of strings aligned like an actual instrument. In the case of the bass guitar, there's actually a small part of the fretboard included so that you can practice your slap technique.

There are several different models, including one for steel string guitar, classical guitar, bass guitar, banjo, mandalin. I think that they need to add one for shamisen and go after the Japanese market...

Video: http://www.thepocketpicker.com/english/videos/files/page9-1004-pop.html

Website: http://www.thepocketpicker.com/english/bass/bass.html