Today's Top Stories:

  Apple Gives GarageBand a Quick Makeover
Anyone who has used GarageBand since its introduction a few years back knows just how powerful - and user friendly - this application is. Part of Apple's iLife '06 suite, GarageBand was designed to get musicians up and running in no time. Now Apple has released version 3.0.4, which is basically a maintenance release that addresses some compatibility issues, particularly when working with Apple's Aperture 1.5 software. This 30.5MB update is available free to all GarageBand 3 users. Mac OS X users can simply go to Software Updates under the blue Apple logo at the top of the screen, then check "GarageBand Update." You won't even have to restart your computer. Note that other iLife '06 applications, such as iDVD, iWeb, iPhoto and iMovie HD are now available, as well. We also suggest installing the newest Security Update, which will require a restart after downloading.

  New in Stock at Sweetwater

• Beyerdynamic Opus Drum Set M - Beyerdynamic has packed the best of the Opus mics into this kit to offer you a first-rate solution to drum miking without the astronomical price tag you might expect. It includes a rugged transport case with foam inlay. The Opus 99 dynamic mic was developed especially for bass drums and its strong neodymium magnet and mass reduced diaphragm give it powerful low-frequency reproduction with excellent transient response. For snare and toms, there's the Opus 88 condenser microphone with built-in clamp mounts, making it easy to mount on the rims. This specially-designed mic is equipped with an integrated preamp, while the capsule is mounted on a short gooseneck for optimum positioning above the head.
• TC Electronic Konnekt 24D - The Konnekt 24D has two high-quality mic inputs (with switchable phantom power) that can accept Hi-Z instrument inputs such as guitar and bass, as well as four 1/4" inputs on the back (two of which are coupled with the front inputs). The back panel of the Konnekt 24D also sports four 1/4" outputs, MIDI I/O, and S/PDIF/ADAT/optical. TC also included their Fabrik R and Fabrik C plug-ins from the impressive PowerCore Line. Fabrik R offers up four different reverb plug-ins, while Fabrik C is a full-functioning EQ as well as a multi-band/full-band compressor and a de-esser - essentially a channel strip that can be controlled from the software control panel. The Konnekt 24D also has two FireWire ports on the rear panel allowing easy connection to a computer or for daisy-chaining of multiple units for expanded I/O capabilities.

  Guitar of the Day
Despite the fact that it carries a rather hefty price tag, the Hummingbird Custom is one of Gibson Acoustic's most popular Custom Shop models. Handmade at the Custom Shop in Bozeman Montana, this model is based on the company's original Hummingbird, which was first released in 1960. Few guitars in the company's line of fine acoustic and electric guitar have as much lavish ornamentation, though the overall effect is anything but gaudy. This instrument features a headstock and bridge bearing custom inlaid Hummingbirds in flight, each hand engraved and made of solid mother-of-pearl. The top of the Hummingbird Custom is constructed of solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are hand-selected flamed koa, a timber found only in the Hawaiian Islands. The binding is 8-ply, with abalone on top and 5-ply on the back. An elegant Orpheum-style fingerboard inlay of colorful abalone contrasts beautifully against an African ebony fingerboard. Finally, the pickguard of the Hummingbird Custom is suitable for framing with its ornate pearl and abalone hand engraved inlay work. Each Hummingbird Custom is created with elaborate gold tuners, personally engraved by Gibson's master luthiers. The neck is constructed of solid tropical mahogany with a comfortable round profile that will please most musicians. As discriminating guitarists in the 1960s immediately discovered, underneath the Hummingbird's somewhat flashy ornamentation is a solid, high quality guitar with a superbly balanced sound. This stunning example of Gibson's master craftsmanship comes standard with a deluxe plush-lined, Custom Shop hardshell case.