Today's Top Stories:

  Kurzweil Releases Major Update for the PC3 and PC3X
We have just confirmed that Kurzweil has delivered OS version 1.20 for the PC3 and PC3X to us. This is a tremendous example of how a company can continually add new features and improved sounds to make their products an even smarter investment. Naturally, Sweetwater will be adding the new software to every single PC3/PC3X that goes out the door starting today! Not a week from now, or when they get around to it, but starting immediately! Go ahead and name any other retailer who can provide support like this in such a timely fashion. By the way, that's a rhetorical request, because there are none!

Ah, but what does the update add? One huge improvement is found in every one of the Organs in the PC3. In fact, Kurzweil even gave a shout out to our own Daniel Fisher for his input in making the organs some of the best (if not the very best) you've ever heard in any sample playback synth to-date! But that's just for starters. You can also look forward to these enhancements (and more):

• GM Compatibility: Simply turn on GM in the Master section (Page 2) and it works.
  
• GM Drum Remapping: Simply set "DrumRemap" to GM and all Kurzweil Drum Kits appear in GM order.
  
• MIDI Scope: You can now watch MIDI messages on your screen as you play or move sliders.
  
• New "SuperSaw" Oscillator: Made of multiple Detuned Saw Waves that don't alias!
  
• Increased Internal RAM capacity lets you hold even more programs and sequences.
  
• A new parameter that lets your Aux Out jacks mirror your Main Left/Right Outputs so you can send your music to two different places (a keyboard amp and PA system for example).

  Updates and Upgrades
Synthogy (which is distributed here in the U.S. by Ilio) has announced that Ivory version 1.71 is now available as a free download for both Mac and Windows users. This version provides the latest enhancements and improvements to Ivory plug-ins, tools, and the standalone host.
A partial list of enhancements and improvements include:

• Ivory now responds to MIDI Tuning messages. This allows it to be tuned directly from hosts or MIDI controllers that support it.
  
• Contains more sustain resonances that utilize a new algorithm for the newly released Upright pianos.
  
• Improves efficiency when multiple instances are running in the same host (this alone is a killer feature!).
  
• Includes the latest iLok drivers and much more.

• Custom XDrum 18x22 inch kick
  
• Custom XDrum 8x8 inch tom
  
• Custom XDrum 8x10 inch tom
  
• Custom XDrum 8x12 inch tom
  
• Custom XDrum 14x14 inch tom

  Guitar of the Day
Earlier this month we told you about the Paul Reed Smith Singlecut Hollowbody I with the Artist Package that had just arrived. Honestly, how cool is it that PRS and company are building hollowbody versions of their wildly popular (a gross understatement) Singlecut line? As we said, it's a real beauty, with the sensuous lines of the Singlecut, but with slightly oversized F-holes and a killer, artist-grade flame maple top with a McCarty Sunburst finish. It's really quite a knockout! The Artist package consists of an upgraded top (actually better than the stunning PRS "10-tops"), genuine Paua abalone bird inlays (the newer, sleeker version, which is more of an outline - very classy!), an unfinished rosewood headstock overlay, and gold hardware, including gold covers on the specially voiced Archtop pickups. The tropical mahogany neck has our favorite wide/fat carve (though all PRS necks are quite comfortable) and a rosewood fingerboard.

As drool-worthy as that one is, we just received a companion Singlecut Hollowbody I - this one in a deep, rich Violin Amberburst finish! While it doesn't have the Artist Package, it does have a flame maple 10-top that many would unequivocally consider worthy of being Artist grade! Like the other Singlecut Hollowbody I, it has a carved 1-piece mahogany back and sides in the same Violin Amber stain (by the way, Hollowbody IIs have matching flame maple backs). The 14:1 low-mass tuners have ebony buttons (a truly impressive upgrade). While it doesn't have the piezo pickup option (available on all Hollowbody PRS guitars), it does have a pair of specially designed Archtop treble and bass pickups with covers and the gold hardware upgrade. It also has the newer style PRS trademark bird inlays, which add that final touch of class. The rest of the controls are standard: master volume, master tone, and a 3-way toggle switch to select either the neck or bridge humbuckers. So now you have a choice in Singlecut Hollowbodies! Us? Hey, we'd be thrilled to own either one. Naturally, it includes a deluxe hardshell case as well as free FedEx shipping direct to your door!