Mooer presents the GTRS Modern 800 DN – a modern, ST-style electric guitar featuring two humbucker pickups, 24 frets, a rosewood fingerboard, and a stylish reverse headstock. The only clue to the integrated active GTRS intelligent process system from Mooer is the super knob, which shimmers blue next to the volume and tone controls. In addition to tone modelling, which simulates up to 16 different guitar types, the system also offers 128 guitar effects, a tuner, looper, drum machine, and a direct recording facility via USB-C. The jack output also serves as a headphone jack for silent practice. Wireless operation via Bluetooth is enabled courtesy of the free GTRS app. Despite the inclusion of modern, digital features, Mooer continues to embrace traditional craftsmanship and the use of proven materials, as demonstrated by the excellent workmanship and bone nut.
The GTRS M800 comes complete with Mooer's built-in intelligent processing system, which simulates up to 16 different guitar types including acoustic and single cut. In addition to tone modelling, the guitar boasts an array of features, empowering players with access to amp models, effects, a drum computer, tuner, and looper, while the colourful illuminating super knob allows as many as four different presets to be selected directly from the guitar. For even greater flexibility, the guitar can be paired with the optional GTRS Wireless Footswitch GWF4, which comes complete with a display for the tuner. The presets and other functions such as the 128 effects, 40 drum tracks, and looper, can be configured via the Bluetooth interface using the free GTRS app for IOS and Android. The integrated rechargeable battery provides around ten hours of running time and is charged via the USB-C interface, which also functions as a recording output.
Aside from beginners who are not in possession of an amplifier or effects and experienced guitarists looking to step into the world of tone modelling, the wide-ranging sound spectrum and multitude of possibilities offered by the Mooer GTRS Guitars Modern M800 DN electric guitar also make it a suitable, interesting alternative for live performances by top 40 guitarists, who may prefer not to lug five guitars, an amp, and a massive pedalboard to every gig. The fact that the guitar, combined with just a pair of headphones and a smartphone or tablet, effectively places a small music studio at the guitarist's fingertips, also makes it ideal as a practice guitar and for taking on tour – even making light work of tracking demos in a hotel room. As a traditional electric guitar offering good playability, the Mooer GTRS Guitars Modern 800 DN electric guitar can also be combined with a cable and real amp for proper "old school" jamming sessions.
Mooer is based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen and has been making products for guitarists since 2010, which include compact single pedals through to multi-effects units and compact amplifiers. The company initially produced a range of mini pedals before making perhaps its most significant breakthrough in 2016 with the sophisticated Ocean Machine delay pedal, which was designed in collaboration with Devin Townsend. Mooer's product range now also includes solutions that feature amp modelling, IR-based speaker simulation, and matching equalisers, and the company's focus remains firmly on the use of digital technology.
The advantages of the Mooer GTRS Guitars Modern 800 DN electric guitar are demonstrated in their entirety when the guitar is played live or in the rehearsal room. Armed merely with the guitar, a smartphone with the GTRS app, and a pair of headphones or cable for connecting to an amplifier or PA, the guitarist is practically ready to roll and need only select a single preset using the super knob or footswitch to simultaneously control the sound of the guitar, the type and sound of the amp as well as all settings and routing options for the effects pedals. Nothing could be simpler or clearer. And if the drummer is late for rehearsal (again!), there is always the option to jam along with the built-in drum computer for as long as necessary. The USB-C connection is beneficial for recording, as the guitar is recognised as a sound device by the respective DAW and can be recorded directly without any rerouting via a DI box and sound card. Interference from the vulnerable, high-impedance cable is eliminated.
The GTRS app
In order to configure the tone modelling function or effects, the Mooer GRTS app must first be installed on a smartphone or tablet. Once installed, the guitar simply has to be registered in the app using the QR code on the headstock and connected to the app using the Bluetooth or USB functions. All settings relating to the guitar, tone modelling function, output mode, drum machine, looper, mixer, and effects can then be edited via the app's user-friendly graphical interface and stored as presets. The tone models are assigned to the guitar pickups in the tone library, e.g. an acoustic guitar to the bridge pickup and an ST-style guitar to the neck pickup. Up to four presets can be assigned directly to the super knob on the guitar. The optionally available floorboard unit - complete with preset number display - enables the selection of all presets via four footswitches.