NAMM 2017: Fender set to release app-compatible Bluetooth guitar amps

News
By
published

Pair of new apps also teased

(Image credit: Future)

NAMM 2017: Fender made its first stride into the world of apps with Tune earlier this year, and stated it would be the first of many - now, it appears the apps will interact with a new Bluetooth-compatible amp in the new year.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Fender chief exec Andy Mooney let slip that the company's new amp will connect to apps wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing players to alter and share tones.

Fender is also planning a tone app that enables an amp to emulate the sounds of famous guitarists

Along with the amp, which will be available next year (NAMM, anyone?), Fender is also planning a practice-room app that can teach guitarists to play any song in their music library, as well as a tone app that enables an amp to emulate the sounds of famous guitarists.

The Big F's amp plans will put it in line with the likes of Line 6, Marshall and Hughes & Kettner, but those apps could be the real game-changer here, particularly if the amp integration is smoothly implemented.

Something else we learned in the interview is that Fender's best-selling guitar finish in spring was Metallic Blue, and the company is looking to collaborate with artists to create new styles - that's a far cry from its three most popular finishes, which were revealed in July.

Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.