Newcomer in the guitar world: Compact wireless gear that has piqued my interest, potentially persuading me to make the switch
Latest Guitar Gear Updates: Mid-2025
In the world of music gear, innovation and versatility continue to drive the industry forward. Here's a roundup of the latest updates on some of the notable products from the first half of 2025.
PRS Core Mark Holcomb
PRS Guitars has officially made Mark Holcomb's six-string signature guitar a permanent addition to its Core Series. Previously available as a limited-run model since 2015, this updated guitar now features a mango wood top, mahogany body, a 25.5” scale maple neck, and an ebony fretboard with a 20” radius for fast, precise playing. Seymour Duncan Scarlet and Scourge pickups, designed for clarity and punch, are included, along with coil-splitting and drop tuning options. The finish options include Cobalt Smokeburst and Charcoal Wraparound Burst, reflecting Holcomb’s evolution after over a decade working with PRS, aiming for versatility and modern metal performance.
Furch Pioneer
No recent updates have been found for the Furch Pioneer model. This short-scale acoustic guitar, designed to compete with the Martin LX1 and Taylor GS Mini as a travel guitar, features a delightfully shaped body design, a tidy cutaway, and a no-nonsense build.
Fishman AirLock Wireless GT
No specific new information or updates have been found regarding the Fishman AirLock Wireless GT system. This wireless system promises to revolutionize wireless instrument performance by offering a "true cable tone" functionality and a USB-C output for connecting directly to recording devices.
Laney LFR-110
There have been no new mentions or announcements about the Laney LFR-110 amplifier. This compact cab supports Bluetooth connectivity, offers onboard cab simulation, and aims to set a new benchmark in FRFR performance. It comes with Celestion Seventy 80 speakers, Baltic birch frames, and Zintec steel cabinets, making it ultra-light, suitable for home studios and practice rooms.
Victory Lunchbox Cabs
No recent update or news about Victory Lunchbox cabinets has been found. Bad Cat has launched its first-ever lunchbox head, the Ocelot, which is a revamped and redesigned version of the Rubicon first displayed at NAMM 2024.
Ernie Ball Flex Patch Cables
The new Ernie Ball Flex Patch Cables have been noted for their glow-in-the-dark feature, offering innovation and practical benefits for pedalboard setups. Specifics such as cable length options and technical specs were not detailed in the snippets.
Positive Grid Spark EDGE
No current updates or announcements have been present for the Positive Grid Spark EDGE amp. This amp features a customizable grille, including a limited edition grille designed in collaboration with PosterLad.
Bad Cat Ocelot
No new information or releases related to the Bad Cat Ocelot amplifier model have been found. This head features four footswitchable modes that go from Clean to Scream, a built-in reactive load with DynIR speaker simulation, and full MIDI implementation.
HeadRush VX5
No recent news or updates about the HeadRush VX5 floor modeler have appeared. This floor modeler uses chords to generate harmonies, which could help lone wolf performers to bulk out their instrumentation without hiring additional musicians.
In summary, the most significant recent news centers on the PRS Core Mark Holcomb guitar, which has transitioned from limited edition to a permanent core model with detailed specification updates and new finish options. The Ernie Ball Flex Patch Cables were also briefly highlighted for a novel glow-in-the-dark feature. Other items on the list did not show new developments in the provided search results.
In the mid-2025 landscape of music gear innovation, PRS Guitars' Core Mark Holcomb model has transformed from a limited-run to a permanent core guitar, boasting a mango wood top, mahogany body, and improved playability. Seymour Duncan Scarlet and Scourge pickups offer clarity and punch, along with coil-splitting and drop tuning options. The finish options range from Cobalt Smokeburst to Charcoal Wraparound Burst.
The Furch Pioneer model has yet to see recent updates as a compact travel acoustic guitar with a unique body design, tidy cutaway, and straightforward build.
Despite the absence of new information, the Fishman AirLock Wireless GT system promises a revolution in wireless instrument performance with its "true cable tone" functionality and USB-C output.
The Laney LFR-110 amplifier, although quiet on updates, offers Bluetooth connectivity, onboard cab simulation, and aims to push the boundaries of FRFR performance.
News on the Victory Lunchbox cabinets is scarce, but Bad Cat's first lunchbox head, the Ocelot, has gained attention with its four footswitchable modes, built-in reactive load, and DynIR speaker simulation.
Ernie Ball's Flex Patch Cables have recently been noted for their innovative glow-in-the-dark feature, benefiting pedalboard setups.
The Positive Grid Spark EDGE amp, with its customizable grille, remains stagnant in terms of updates and releases.
Despite being a new addition, no significant news about the Bad Cat Ocelot amplifier model has surfaced. Its features include four footswitchable modes, a built-in reactive load, and full MIDI implementation.
The HeadRush VX5 floor modeler, which uses chords to generate harmonies, has yet to reveal recent news or updates.
Moving away from guitar gear, Smart-home devices dominate the tech landscape with advancements in cybersecurity, improving lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden automation. Latest trends in wearables focus on integrating health tracking features and AI-powered customization.
Smartphones continue to evolve, with gadgets like foldable screens, 5G support, and increased camera capabilities gaining traction. Data-and-cloud-computing platforms are central to the digital revolution, facilitating seamless integration across devices and services.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has penetrated numerous sectors, influencing everything from relationship dynamics to pet care, travel arrangements, car mechanics, book recommendations, shopping experiences, social media interactions, movie viewing, entertainment events, and even pop-culture preferences.
In sports, the Premier League, NFL, soccer, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, sports betting, European leagues, basketball, NCAABasketball, MLB, NHL, racing, tennis, and auto racing all enjoy heightened attention and coverage. Tactics like sports analysis, weather forecasting, and mixed-martial-arts strategies are becoming increasingly important.
Weather forecasting and auto-racing captivate the world, while horse racing, Serie A, LaLiga, NCAAFootball, tennis championships, golf tournaments, and grand prix events dominate headlines.
Guitar gear and music technology may have seen few updates in the first half of 2025, but the broader tech world continues to surge forward with exciting developments in diverse sectors.
