Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Ramadan 2024


Another sombre Ramadan for me but grateful I am able to see this through. Focusing on the Ramadan task at hand rather than worry about things which are not within my control. Wishing all friends & blog readers a blessed Ramadan.

Monday, March 11, 2024

The other 30%


Swee Lee updated this today - in addition to the sale happening at its Bras Basah branch, there are also 30% discounts for selected instruments.


Majority of the guitars on this list are Fenders, these Squiers are discounted as well. They sure look familiar don't they? For the Nth time - Squier's 40th Anniversary was back in 2022. These instruments are still around today in the store & subjected to repeated discounts... well, it implies something, yes?

 Pics: SL webstore

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Chorus-ing


It's that time in (my) life where one steps back & re-visit a detestable discourse only to realize it's actually a missing ingredient to attaining self-actualization. I hate acoustic guitars. OK to be fair, majority of them. Classical guitars rank below this aversion. Those slippery nylon strings are impeding my playing potential more than anything else. Then came this idea to pair the squeaky clean classical guitar tones with the chorus pedal to perhaps give a semblance of hope in embracing this other aspect of guitar playing & hey, presto! Things are actually more likeable now. 

The BOSS CH-1 is, in my opinion, the standard to beat for chorus tones. It's a no frills take on how chorus should sound like. Come to think of it, is there such a benchmark to begin with? But that aside, the CH-1 is simply... good. Some appraisals soon.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Gretsch-lele


Gretsch has a guitar-lele in its line up as well - the G9126 (List: $349). It's facing stiff competition from Ibanez (EWP12EWB: $329). The latter has a cut-away feature so it has more guitar vibes, especially with metal strings on board. We must not ignore Yamaha's GL 1 as well (List: $175) which is almost half the price. I am still struggling to play one of these, can't come to terms with the fact that it has to be handled like a ukulele; placing it on the lap is not how you deal with it. I simply can't hug & play this thing for sure. Coming from the guitar end of things, that not the job of my right hand.

Pic: Gretsch

Friday, March 8, 2024

Grohl-piphone

I am both happy & unhappy that this happened.
  • Happy: Dave Grohl is indeed a prominent name in guitar-driven music today & this more 'attainable' version is a deserving appointment. I even like that non-reverse Firebird headstock here. 
  • Unhappy: It's another costly-phone in the lineup, one that rides on the endorser's reputation like Dave Mustaine, Adam Jones & Joe Bonamassa, among others. It shouldn't be this way; Epiphone is supposed to champion affordability. Hmph.
Pic: Epiphone

Thursday, March 7, 2024

70th Antigua


Fender is releasing a slew of 70th Anniversary Strats, this is the only one that got my attention. I have always liked the Antigua finish & this one is a fixed bridge model so it's totally my thing. The price, however, is a deal breaker: USD1,499 (Mexican, Vintera II Series).

Pic: Fender