Eko Alps J450E

With its “Grand Auditorium” shape, the Alps is characterized by its deep, enveloping sound, typical of jumbo-like guitars. Enriching the timbre of this instrument is the Italian Red Spruce top combined with 3-ply laminated Koa back and sides. The body’s attack on the 14th fret allows you to reach the most advanced frets with agility, a very useful feature for lead guitarists, always considering that on an acoustic guitar it is difficult to reach frets beyond the 15th fret. The Alps comes in a Natural colour with Glossy finish and is fitted with Eko Vintage Open Gear tuners. A remarkable feature is the presence of the Fishman Flex Blend: a high-performance amplification system consisting of a piezo and an internal condenser microphone, allowing you to capture every nuance of the guitar thanks to the possibility of gradually adding the microphone signal to the piezo signal through a Blend pot. In addition to the output volume and the Blend control, the MIA A400ce boasts a Tuner with display, (that can be activated by pressing the volume potentiometer) and an EQ control working in “mid-scooped” mode: set it at minimum for a flat signal, then increase it to gradually reduce the mid frequencies in favor of bass and treble, very convenient to achieve a ready-for-the-mix sound. In case of feedback, a quite common event during acoustic performances, you can invert the phase by pressing the EQ pot.

BRANKO ROSEWOOD

After two decades of research, Blackwood Tek, Algam’s partner since 2015, has developed an environmentally friendly process, planting short-cycle pine forests in New Zealand (Pinus Radiata), which meets the requirements of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The production process ensures that this wood contains little moisture (only about 5%), is dense and resistant to changes in temperature or humidity. This means that it is not affected by temperature changes during transport, and is immediately ready for use. Giving Branko Wood a darker colouration makes it a perfect substitute for Ebony, while giving it a lighter colouration for Rosewood. Eko Guitars, part of the large Algam galaxy, has been using Branko Rosewood on its EVO, MIA and ALPS series since 2021.

ALPS J450e BY EKO GUITARS BULLET POINTS

• Generous case dimensions to echo the European Alps to which the series is dedicated;
• Rosette inspired by the height profile of the European Alps, specifically the Italian Alps;
• Top and bracing in solid Italian Spruce (100% genuine Italian Alpine Spruce);
• Satin finish on the neck to maintain contact between instrument and musician, while the body retains the shine of hi-gloss;
• Fishman Flex Blend with piezoelectric, microphone, ability to blend signals, tuner with mute, antifeedback and tone control functions.