Kramer PUs

Gibson & Kramer are scratching each other's backs. But heck, Gibson owns Kramer so what's happening on the pickup front is actually Gibson flexing its production muscle & using the Kramer name at their behest. This is why you see Kramer pickups being offered as standalone products now.

Take this as an example - we know high output pickups won't get Gibson anywhere on the sale front. If you think 'Gibson', you have vintage tones in mind. Models like the 500T & Dirty Fingers don't get sold by the truckload unlike their Burstbucker counterparts. Gibson being a business entity, strives to have a share of the higher output pickups market which names like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio & Bare Knuckle have no problems dealing with. So you see here an Eruption pickup under the Kramer monicker which fits in easily into the high octane overdrive front like its aforementioned brand name counterparts. Is anyone else doing this - ie, riding on a sub-brand - to actually propel their primary interest? Of course - Fender - Charvel. You don't see Strats with Floyds & locking nuts plus high output pickups at the helm these days, yes? These are all Charvels now. Gotcha.

And we bid farewell to the first month of 2024 👋

Pics: Kramer

Seq & you will find

I must admit that I've got bitten by the beat-making bug in the mean time. Folks, these are the newly launched (NAMM 2024) Yamaha Seqtrak, a beat-making workstation which is a standalone unit unlike majority others that require a computer pair-up. Quite obviously, Yamaha is giving the Teenage Engineering OP-1 a sucker punch in terms of price; it's about a quarter of what the OP-1 lists for. In the mean time, only the grey-black version is available at Yamaha's Beat Spot store. I am unable to finance this purchase in the mean time but if there's a definite piece of gear that I'd acquire this year, it will definitely be a Seqtrak. Em... anyone wants to sponsor? 😅

Pic: Edgadget

Fighting melody

I spent the last 2 days fighting this Melody Maker. I took it out to play last Friday night & it felt less playable than before. A quick diagnostic revealed a bowed neck. I never had any Gibson necks doing this to me but I guess this neck is not as sturdy as its other siblings considering its altered dimensions. A quick turn of the truss rod cured everything but the following day, it happened again but not as much as before. One more time - truss rod adjustment & it was back to its best. This time I left it outside on the stand to see if the neck would prove problematic but it's cured for good.

Last Christmas...

One of my neighbours here is still relentlessly practicing, trying to improve her rendition of Last Chirstmas on piano. It had been going on since, well, last Christmas. I don't mind hearing this at all, especially when I hear how she's improving over time. At least I'm not the only instrument-inclined in this apartment block; good to know.

Pic: illusAC

Selling: BBE Blacksmith

Letting this under-used BBE Blacksmith distortion go. It's in 7.5/10 condition, box included as seen above. There used to be velcro on the baseplate which had been removed. Still fighting unemployment & full recovery (highly unlikely but won't go down without a fight):

• BBE Blacksmith (distortion)
• Condition: 7.5/10
• Self-collect: CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• No reservations / trades
• Confirmation via email (refer to left shoulder of this page)
• Price: $99 (final)

Yamaha 2024: Pac Pro

This year, Yamaha returns the Pacifica to the top tier selections. The guitar you see above is the Pacifica Pro (Japan). It looks very much like the typical Pacifica with added visual tweaks: Truss rod adjustments moved to the heel end, line / strip inlays, modified pickguard & that embossed logo at the headstock. 

The manufacturer also offers the rosewood fretboard version if you prefer a darker hue at that part of the neck.

Pickups - Yamaha went with Rupert Neve Refelctone this time for both the humbucker & single coils. Looks the works but do note the price: USD3.7K. Yes, we acknowledge the fact that this guitar is up there in terms of quality. However, people are already saying, for that kinda money, frets could have been more substantial & maybe include some roasted wood in there. Hmm...

Pics: Yamaha USA

Ibanez: 2024 (4)

As suspected, Ibanez has more in store from its higher tier models but these are not for release in the mean time. Winter NAMM 2024 showcases this pair of Pat Metheny models with a single Charlie Christian pickup but cleverly labelled as prototype. There are more, of course.

Pic: Ibanez FB

Jackson 2024

Man... that headstock is a deal-breaker. At least for me. This JS22-7 RR HT is one of the new models for 2024. I've embraced Jackson for their pointy, hockey stick type headstock. This is a NO in my books. 

And there's a King V version with the same headstock - JS22-7 KV HT.

 Pics: Jackson

Re-visited

Gibson continues to ride on the reputation of artists who are not exactly endorsing their instruments officially. The LP Custom you see above is a repro of Kirk Hammett's original instrument. If you think this is a recent move by the manufacturer, well, we all know there's a '69 Hendrix V which was done way after the man's passing. So this Gibson name, it lies in wait for the hype to surface & lay claim to association. Whatever.

Pic: Gibson USA

Manson @ SG

Folks, Swee Lee is now distributing Manson guitars. Some models are already available in store (one bass included), including the Oryx 7-string model you see above. Do keep in mind that these are no entry level instruments, prices are in the boutique brackets. This Oryx lists for $5,199.

 

Pic: Manson GWKS

Selling: Martin 00CX1AE Grand Concert

Martin 00CX1AE - putting up for my ex-colleague. Interested, please contact Mr. Faizal @ Facebook: Yamtuanmudasripaduka Mohammad Faizal.

Ibanez 2024 (3): BTB 25th

This year, Ibanez commemorates the BTB in its 25th year of existence. I believe in this turf, the typical bass players out there would go for an EBMM, Warwick, Yamaha or even a Fodera. 35" basses are definitely not for the smaller frame musicians among us. In view of some serious competition, I must say the BTB did well to hold its own. Seen above: BTB25TH6.

Pic: Ibanez

Charvel 2024

I'm not too into Charvel guitars. These instruments are now Fender's slave brand working to entice the  shredders out there. Ever since the 'hockey stick' headstock outline was phased out, I had not been keeping up. As it is, there's no love lost. In any case, this NAMM, Charvel has a relic'd San Dimas for those of us who find cracked, scratched & dented bodies appealing. 

Pic: Charvel

KR-11

I'll be looking forward to see this here. KORG had no portable, compact drum machine in its catalog since 2013. That's a good decade ago & it's about time something happens in this department. From what the manufacturer offers (images), it looks like the KR-11 is a revised version of its predecessor, the KR Mini. I like the KR Mini & own one, let's see if this has enough enticements to make me part ways with the Mini & embrace this version instead.

Pic: KORG

Fender 2024

Perfect timing - Fender announced its 70th Anniversary Strat this NAMM with a couple of commemorative models. This black Strat is the Mexican Player Strat version.

The obligatory American Pro II version with a flame maple top. Prices: USD999 (Mex) / USD1,999 (US).

 Pics: Fender

LTD 2024 (2) - Kreator

Some Kreator content here - Mille Petrozza gets a signature model (MK_EC FR). I didn't expect it to be a mild-mannered EC model. That FR bridge - let's see if it gets any play time at all in any of Kreator's recordings.

Le Clercq gets a signature bass as well (FL-4) & for those of us who find that name familiar - yes, he's the dude from Dragon Force. 

Pics: ESP

Ibanez 2024 @ SL

That's right, folks. Some of the new Ibanez instruments are now available at Swee Lee. That was fast. It's not even NAMM yet.

Hopeless

Please forgive the rather click-bait title but it seems to ring through. Across the Causeway, the is an official Gibson distributor - Music Bliss. Back here in SG, we have none. Some of us here feel that we are better off in terms of guitar brand availability but currently missing the bigger picture - we still do not have a Gibson distributor after the Gibson - Heritage debacle.

Gibson... big deal! This might be the snob sentiment but if you are tone / playability inclined, Gibson offers a certain level of playing experience which is an unspoken obligation, before judging if other manufacturers do it better. Two years on, there are still no hints of a Gibson recovery here. More importantly, it's an eye opening episode; the rest of the stores here do not possess the financial muscle to bring this brand in. 

Pic: Music Bliss

Unaffordable affordables

We know the big names in the guitar industry has subsidiary brands to capture the market segment with affordability in mind. The ones you see above are some of the well known sub-brands with arguably a strong presence. However, we do realize the instruments manufactured by these brands are becoming downright unaffordable lately. If you are a beginner or a fledging player & hope for something decent with an equally decent price tag, these brands are currently letting you down.

Yes, we are aware of how the EBMM range of instruments exude that boutique sensation & the Sterling sub-brand was conceived to subtract the exquisite price factor from the equation. However a $2.4k model in the range, albeit half of the EBMM version, is telling buyers that the sub-brand version simply cannot shake off the extravagant price tag. 

PRS SEs are also inching slowly, but surely, towards the costly price brackets. Notice how these instruments are being decorated with fancy tops (yes, majority of them are veneer... heck some could even be photo tops) so dear prices could be accounted for accordingly. 

Epiphone - the affordable 'Gibson', remember? It's quickly becoming the stuff of memory; we would one day reminisce its affordability. Trending - Gibson signature models trickling into the Epiphone turf with questionable affordability. Culprits - Hammett, Mustaine, Slash et al. The one you see above: Kirk Hammett's Greeny LP with the open book Gibson headstock outline.

LTDs surpassing the $1.5k mark is a very daunting prospect. We can definitely acquire a used Japanese guitar in this price bracket & be happier. Again, LTD is among the brand names that are slowly opiating the masses into accepting the fact that higher prices are deserving by virtue of looks & endorser affiliations. 

There are other examples & the brand names documented are not exclusive in this discussion. I see players with limited purchasing power reverting to the lesser brand names in search of good instruments that won't petrify their bank accounts; Bacchus, Aria, Grass Roots, Yamaha, Stagg, etc. Back in my time, we had to resort to names like Vester, Vantage, Samick ... it's like going full circle. I see the sub-brands riding on their greater counterparts' reputation & they are not about to stop this deceit any time soon. These so called affordable labels are no longer stand alone considerations when it comes to affordability; no manufacturer today wants to offer bona fide affordable instruments to the masses. It's still about the money.

Pics: ESP / EBMM / Gibson / PRS

LTD 2024

Guitardom is currently transfixed by the Ibanez 2024 releases which, as many would agree, contain limited appeal in terms of innovation. If the 2023 occurrences were indicative if what's to come, Ibanez will have stronger releases in Summer. I'm leaving the Ibanez interest behind in the mean time to take a look at what LTD has to offer. My first instalment would be highlighting the fact that LTD has propagated more single pickup guitars. This elegant white model you see above is the EC-01FT. LTD still has the 201 & Black / Arctic Metal models featuring single humbuckers at the helm. So nothing was removed, just additions. Judging by the limited images in the mean time, it looks like the EC-01FT has a less bulky neck heel profile. Unlike the 201, it has no body binding but has a pickguard instead.

There's also a single pickup Snapper this year but it's a baritone (SN-1 HT Baritone).

There are three Deluxe single pickup models this time; one being the PHOENIX 1001 you see above...

... a super Strat type FR equipped M-1001...

... & last but not least, the XJ-1 HT.

I have always believed that a single pickup guitar has a niche appeal & demand for these instruments would be limited. LTD might be suggesting otherwise.

Pics: ESP

DYAD

Something new from the Duncan camp - the DYAD humbucker.

Firstly, it's a signature product, designed by Brandon Ellis (The Black Dahlia Murder). Secondly, it's a Custom Shop model. Putting these two considerations together, you know it's not gonna be appealing price-wise.

Anyway, the DYAD is half Crazy 8 & half PATB Distortion. This was the  original tinkering of Mr. Ellis himself; putting two single coils from two different pickups together. It's also the reason why that reversed Seymour Duncan label is there - it was like that back in his tinkering days so that was left intact. For the record, I don't listen to TBDM but I'm interested in this pickup because it gives off that inherent top end boost which is basically what black metal is all about. Based solely on this attribute, I won't mind giving this a go. It's like Mark Holcomb's Alpha / Omega pickups; I don't listen to Periphery but I'm darn happy with those humbucker.

Pic: Seymour Duncan CS

Ibanez 2024 (2)

I see this as a spinoff, really. The 2023 Ibanez Pentatone pedal is now split into two units. The EQ section is now a standalone unit (PTEQ).

Ditto the noise gate section (PTGATE). This might be the consideration after players decided they don't need a preamp or any gain section in their FX lineup compounded by the fact that the drive produced by the Pentatone might not be up to their expectations but they can do with the EQ & noise gate. Between the two pedals, the EQ looks like it's leaning into the overkill side; features are rather excessive. The noise gate is a good lesson in simplicity.

Pics: Ibanez

Ibanez 2024

So Ibanez officially updated their 2024 listings today. Initial impressions - nothing extraordinary save for a few note-worthy debut models. I won't be the killjoy of this wonderful occasion but there are no new additions to the following series of guitars: J-Custom / SA / RGD / RGA / Q. Knowing Ibanez, they saved some good stuff for Summer enticements which happened in 2023. Anyway, the blue sparkle TS808 you see above is new this year & it's a commemorative 45th Anniversary model which we all need, yes?

Pic: Ibanez

Ed-lynch

Heck yes - some of the most iconic George Lynch guitars are now offered in the Edwards range. This Kamikaze 1 is an example.

E-Purple Tiger - another one of the this-is-definitely-a-George Lynch-guitar model. The thing with the ESP versions - they are largely unaffordable. The Edwards manifestation means it's maintaining its Japanese pedigree & listed for much less but these are definitely no entry-level instruments.

This E-Yellow Tiger is perhaps my favourite - single humbucker + that traditional Strat-type headstock outline. The not so good news - these instruments are strictly Japan-only releases (darn) but might be offered to the wider market in time to come. When would that be? Your guess is as good as mine.

Pics: ESP Japan

Archless

The greatly talented Jeff Loomis had parted ways with Arch Enemy. I'm a Loomis fan & have been listening to his Nevermore & solo materials every now & then to remind myself the relevance of guitar technicalities in heavy music given the right attitude & treatment, of course. I don't listen to Arch Enemy, just not a fan. I see Loomis' presence in Arch Enemy as a misallocation of precious talent. Somehow glad he left. 

Pic: Blabbermouth

U-SE

Despite that semi-unsightly headstock design, these are absolutely cool - Edwards' Ultratone SE. 

This version sports a pair of Jazzmaster type pickups (Ultratone SE JM) & a TOM style bridge. That extended string length between the bridge & the hard tail is totally unnecessary but it's there to perhaps emulate the tonal behaviour of a Jazzmaster. There's a slim chance these would make it here & if they do, it won't be on the light side of the price bracket as these are from the Platinum range.

This is how an ESP Ultratone looks like with the more streamlined headstock design. FYI, these were (yes, they are discontinued) extended scale instruments sporting a scale length of 27".

One was made for George Lynch.

Pics: ESP Japan

Classic Saturday

Of all the LPs I've tried / played, the Classic is the one that works real well for me. I had a good encounter with the Classic Plus. I remember playing it at Swee Lee's Bras Basah showroom way back in Y2K, it was a gold top & had 1960 inscribed onto the pickguard. I was not in a position to buy it back then. A year on, it was discontinued. When this LP Classic had its listed price further reduced on the final few days before Swee Lee I12 Katong closed down, it was too good to pass. Everything about it was right but the '61 humbuckers in there are simply no match against the 500T / 496R combo in the Plus. Fortunately, when I brought it back home, I was able to tweak my amp / pedals to make it sound like how I wanted it to be; a growling beast on fire churning out black metal riffs. This is the reason no mods were done on this guitar; it's simply good enough. These days, it got lesser playing time for a simple reason - it's a darn heavy guitar.

Before playing took place, it was quickly re-strung with a set of La Bella 10s. 

MOMM (48)

This is Sadus after more than 15 years of waiting. This is also Sadus without Steve DiGiorgio. As such the bass content lacks that technical finesse. Basically, Sadus is defined by Illusions (1988) & Swallowed in Black (1990). Thereafter, the band placed less emphasis on attack mindedness in the music which perpetuated here. If anyone is expecting a come-back vibe then it's not heard in all songs. 

Rewards

Swee Lee had recently set up a rewards scheme for members. We have to give it to them for recognizing those of us who are constantly acquiring gear, especially from them. I recall Swee Lee used to issue membership cards for a similar rewards scheme. Come to think of it, Swee Lee is currently the most prominent commercial gear establishment here & they are making good strides in connecting with buyers. In this age of gear acquisition, customer loyalty is everything especially if you have a store front. 

In the mean time, I'm awaiting some clarifications pertaining to the points system seen above; I would earn 100 points by making a purchase but need to make three purchases to earn 200 points - shouldn't that be two purchases instead? Unless it's based on a certain purchase formula which I'm not aware of.