Mooer GTRS M800
We generally think of Mooer as just one of the companies that make affordable mini effects pedals, of which there seem to be so many in recent times. They have however distinguished themselves by moving into the guitar market, and in particular with their GTRS intelligent guitar system.
People have been building effects into guitars in one form or another for about a long as guitar effects have been a thing. Arguably, even the basic pickup switching and controls constitute “effects.” Guitars with on board digital modeling technology have been around for a couple decades or more. The GTRS system is effects, amp sims, drum loops, and some other bells and whistles, all controlled by an app. Frankly, Mooer are not even the only ones doing that. Whether or not they were the first, we could not say.
We absolutely do not care about any of that. In fact, we wish it was not there at all. We understand the appeal, especially for newer players who do not have the budget for a lot of gear, or possibly even experienced players who do own a lot of gear, but do not want to haul it all to a gig. But that is not for us. Mooer even makes guitars without it, but unfortunately not in this style.
Here is the thing though: this guitar looks cool as hell. Magnificent (Maleficent‽) horns and some epic beveling on the body, finished in a sinister purple-to-black reverse burst. Reverse headstock with recess carve in matching purple. Unique mini block fret inlays. String-through hardtail bridge. Two humbuckers with a 3-way blade switch, volume, tone, and the “Super-Knob” on a black pickguard with a sort of brushed metal looking pattern. All black hardware.
Our understanding is that it still functions as a normal guitar if you do not bother with the “Super-knob.” Which could be totally fine as-is. Even if not, as long as the neck is decent, one could always rip the electronics out completely and put in their preferred pickups, if so inclined.
#PurpleGuitarPhursday #Mooer