Monday, June 1, 2026

GS270 (2)


I really hate dealing with stuck screws. I needed to remove the truss rod cover to re-finish the headstock to match the body. Knowing this guitar had been set aside, unplayed, untouched, I was expecting this to happen. I avoided drilling them out. I removed the truss rod cover instead, sacrificing it along the way. The dead screws were left exposed & it could be easily removed using a pair of pliers. I was fortunate  the screws did not turn malleable & snap.

To be continued...

Sunday, May 31, 2026

VD


Sunday, Vesak Day. Time to unwind, spend time with family, read a book, listen to music, play with the cat, stuff like that. Wishing everyone a good long weekend. Happy resting.

Saturday, May 30, 2026

Walk


 In view of my medical condition, I am now unable to engage in sporting activities that I used to enjoy once upon a time. The sudden start-stop movements (e.g. badminton, football) will make my knees feel they are on the verge of dislocation. During jogs, I would lose sensation of my right leg & recently, my left arm. When this happens, I have to stop & recover the sensation before moving on. Climbing stairs - I can do this thrice a day. Anything more, my thighs would cramp up & my chest area would feel constricted.

These days, I limit myself to brisk walks usually on weekends & public holidays. I prefer walking at night because my skin condition right now (protein deficiency) makes me very prone to sunburn. I got sunburnt before & that was like the late morning sun, it was not even scorching hot yet. I continued walking & the burnt areas rubbed against my t-shirt / pants causing abrasion. That's how it is with sick people, they would want to return living their normal lives but simply could not. 

By the way, this is the neighbourhood kitty I see during my walks. 

Friday, May 29, 2026

Player @ DGMC


Was at Davis GMC after lunch, saw this Fender Strat going for a very reasonable price. FYI, the Player Series are made in Mexico. I'm of the opinion that the Mexican Fenders should be close to the $1K mark & should not stray away from it. But Fender being Fender, it's trying to elevate the Mexican made stuff via re-introduction & bit-part upgrades which many of us are not looking forward to pay for. I'm largely ignoring the Player / Vintera models for this very reason. The price you see here is the lowest for a Player II if you wish to purchase one brand new. 
 

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Price watch (106)


 Should you pay $350 for an Ibanez SA160? Maybe, depends on the condition.


Bu the Ibanez SA in question is not an Ibanez at all. Why buy from someone who doesn't know what s/he is selling?

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

GS270


Someone I knew just graduated from the local polytechnic here. This guitar used to keep him occupied during his student days. He would be going back to his homeland & did not wish to bring this with him. In fact he had stayed away from music altogether prior to his graduation, busied himself with food delivery instead for the extra cash. So this guitar went home with me. Nothing fancy, just an Ibanez GS270. 

When I brought it out the first time, this guitar felt sticky all over. The finish (or the lack thereof) might have reacted to the inner lining of the bag. It looked unplayed less the rusty strings. The tone pot was stuck, no rotation possible & the B/E strings were literally embedded into the nut slots. 

To be continued...