Chleo SE

Due to its unattainable price tag (to many of us), PRS has released the SE version of Herman Li's Chleo signature model. But it's still unaffordable (more on this later). Unlike the core version, the SE take is a bolt-on affair & sports a Floyd Rose 1000 bridge. The core is a set neck make with a GOTOH whammy bridge.

PRS did a bulge design for the core to avoid interfering with the flame top aesthetics which actually backfired; players claim these look like bulging genitals under a blanket. Right. The SE version simply appointed metal plates (rear mounted so the screws aren't visible from the front) which are definitely a less costly construction approach. Personally, I find the SE version more appealing. The input jack is more functional as it is visible unlike the core version, according to players, require a certain degree of estimation when plugging in is concerned. 

The SE Chleo lists for USD1,999 & makes it the most expensive SE in the mean time. To the manufacturer, this is justified in view of the signature affiliation & exclusive specifications but it goes against the PRS philosophy of affordability, first & foremost. When the Santana SE debuted (the initial wave of SE models), these were downright affordable. Putting things into chronological context, the SEs had been affordable over time despite price hikes along the way but the Chleo here is a spit into the face of the average Joe who are indeed looking forward to embrace this guitar's SE version but that price tag is downright unreasonable. In any case, PRS is not the only commercial entity to slowly make their affordable models more costly; Squiers & Epiphones are manifesting unaffordability as well. 

Pics: PRS

424 GS

This is quite the hype right now but it's a percolated love affair, from some throwback moments with a certain analog track recorder - the TASCAM 424 Portastudio. This pedal is a dedicated emulation of the 424's volume & gain channels. I'm usually a sucker for drive / distortion pedals with an exclusive appeal, regardless if it's minimal. After watching / hearing various promo videos / clips, this one sounds a little too fuzzy to appeal to those who are after a good (regardless of what good means these days) drive / distortion unit. It will definitely win over those of us who are dwelling in nostalgia & trying to acquire the actual 424 to achieve this objective. Wonder if there's any such individuals here. Looks like the JHS 424 GS will make it here. No ETA in the mean time.

Pic: JHS

Kid's gear

Some kids at work did solo performances this morning. One of them played this guitar & sang. Kids these days are fortunate to have good gear at their disposal for such indulgences. By the way, the parents came down to help set up the gear prior to the performance proper. Salute to parents who dedicate their time & effort in seeing their kids blossom in other aspects of life. Life is too short for merely an academic inclination, kids should be given opportunities to pursue their passion in equal measure at the very least. 

G&L @ CM

This is happening now at City Music. We know how it is with G&L in the mean time, it would be sad to see the company shutter. I have no idea if there are fans here who appreciate the G&L stuff & not see them as a Fender competitor (inevitable). My take on the American models - a worthy consideration. Friends whom I talked to tend to mention the rather unsightly bridge design of the whammy models but these hold their own when it comes to reliability & durability. Those of us on a tight budget & would like to move away from the Squier offerings, the Tribute range might have some good stuff for your consideration.

Pic: CM

TRX2E

I will always make time to check out travel-sized acoustics. I'm more at ease with such acoustic guitars as opposed to the full sized counterparts. This may not be everyone's cup of tea but those of us who are constantly out & about, performing outdoors, this type of travel-friendly guitar is the way to go. I have no idea if the electronics in this guitar added weight to the overall feel (highly unlikely) but it feels like a 3/4 instead of a travel incarnation. On that note, the top end here is not that sizzling when played unplugged & this is a reference against something similar; the Sigma TM-12E which was conveniently available in store for comparison. In any case, build-wise, this TRX2E ($425, Davis GMC) is worth every cent if you are in the market for a travel companion.

Pic: Tanglewood

 

Classic Saturday

Was at Beez's earlier today to get the 3-way toggle switch replaced. That's right, for no apparent reason(s), it stopped working. When it was removed from the guitar, we couldn't see any signs of corrosion / oxidation that affected its good life. Still perplexed as to what really happened. The rest of the electronics were working just fine.

Should have avoided travel to town today as many roads were closed & traffic routes diverted due to the F1 race. The authorities said this annual event helps boost the economy the benefits of which should be re-distributed to the people, yes? But heck no. So who did this benefit, really?