This week on Guitar Gear Gems, we examine why PRS dropped its court case with Gibson over the Theodore and Silver Sky Nebula trademark disputes. Then we check out the new Mooer M810 intelligent guitar. Finally, we look at the new affordable XVive A58 Guitar Wireless System.
PRS vs. Gibson
PRS Guitars and the Gibson Corporation have reached a definitive agreement regarding trademark disputes, ensuring clarity and brand identity for both companies. PRS has now withdrawn its objection, allowing Gibson to utilise the “Theodore” trademark for its guitars.
The McCarty sketch
Ted McCarty was the President of Gibson from 1950 until 1966, so they used his name for their limited-run Custom Shop Theodore and Theodore Standard models based on a sketch. McCarty sketched it in 1957, and it was never put into production.
Silver Sky Nebula
However, PRS retains exclusive rights to the “McCarty” trademark and the use of Ted McCarty’s name in association with guitars. This ensures a continued connection between PRS instruments and McCarty’s legacy.
Gibson has agreed to withdraw its opposition to PRS’s trademark applications for “594” and “Silver Sky Nebula,” therefore solidifying PRS’s ownership of these trademarks.
McCarty Family
While the agreement avoids potential litigation, the McCarty family, represented by Sue Davis (Ted McCarty’s daughter), disapproves of Gibson’s use of the “Theodore” name, particularly without prior consent.
“Our decision not to fight an expensive battle does not mean that the McCarty family appreciates Gibson’s conduct. No one from Gibson ever contacted me or any of my family to ask permission to use my father’s given name in promoting new Gibson products. Had Gibson sought our permission, we would have declined for several reasons. After the Theodore trademark was registered, the McCarty family joined PRS in seeking to cancel the trademark and asking Gibson to stop using the trademark ‘Theodore’ in association with my father. I would strongly prefer that Gibson respect the family’s wishes and stop using my father’s name as a trademark in promoting products— products that to my knowledge he never approved of for production. Meanwhile, we look forward to continuing the relationship with PRS and its well-regarded McCarty branded products.” – Sue Davis
Despite the disagreement, PRS remains committed to honoring Ted McCarty’s legacy. The company plans to release a documentary commemorating its relationship with McCarty this fall, coinciding with PRS’s 40th anniversary celebration.
The two US guitar brands have finally moved on, probably for the best. These legal battles in court are frequently a waste of money and time, so hopefully, this will be the end of it all.
Mooer M810
The new Mooer M810 boasts 128 built-in effects and amps, which are controllable via the guitar or smartphone app. The companion GTRSmobile app (Android/iOS) lets you edit tones and upload them to the guitar for effortless sound switching with the Super Knob.
The M810 features 40 drum tracks, ten metronomes, and an 80-second looper for practice and performance. It stands out with optional footswitch compatibility for even more control live.
The bodies have been updated to solid alder with poplar burl tops. Playability isn’t sacrificed for features. The M810 has a comfortable roasted flame maple and rosewood neck, premium hardware, and custom GTRS humbuckers. The PW two-point bridge enhances tuning stability and tremolo performance.
In a stylish redesign, the M810 comes in various burst finishes with Abalone Shell inlays, an anodised scratchplate, and a reverse headstock.
Available in Natural, Green, Purple, and Blue burst finishes.
MSRP – TBC
A58 Guitar Wireless System
The new XVive A58 Guitar Wireless System gives guitarists more than their previous U2 system. It now uses the 5.8 GHz frequency band. That means a cleaner connection and zero worries about dropouts.
Just like the U2, the A58 delivers 24-bit/48 kHz audio, keeps lag super low (think 5 milliseconds!), and picks up everything from deep bass (20 Hz) to sparkling highs (20 kHz).
Five Hours
Crank out tunes for 5 hours on a single charge, and then get back to it in just 2.5 hours thanks to the modern USB-C charging (double the speed of the U2!). The A58 boasts a whopping 100-foot wireless range, letting you move around the stage or studio without worries (beats the U2’s 70-foot limit!).
For $149, the Xvive A58 is a fantastic mid-range option for guitarists who want a wireless system that’s both reliable and packed with features.
