In brief: Ibanez A527

This 2026, Ibanez did a radical move away from its conventional guitar outlines when it unleashed the Alpha. While the talk of town suggested a subliminal reprisal with regards to a certain defunct project between the manufacturer & a well known 8-string guitar maestro, we should appraise this guitar, the Alpha A527, in its own right.

LIKES

• well-made
• responsive tuners
• functional, no frills electronics
• overall playability
• body ergonomics

DISLIKES

• neck dive
• poor upper fret access (B/E/A strings in particular)
• tone

The Alpha's outline is definitely aimed at the contemporary guitarist. It sure as heck won't be embraced by a blues aficionado any time soon. Despite that rather heretical body outline, the guitar is downright comfortable played strapped on (virtually sticks to the body with extra comfort when it comes to an elbow rest) but it's simply repulsive when played sitting down. No number of positioning permutations could solve that acute neck dive issue. This is compounded by the multi-scale, fanned frets which made upper fret access a struggle, especially for the lower strings. Consolation - the asymmetrical neck profile is actually very addictive & would supplement fast playing.

Tone-wise, you either embrace what the Fishman Fluence Modern pickups has to offer or make plans to replace them with your preferred alternative. On that note, be informed that these are actually 9-string pickups that were slanted to maximize the sonic capacity of the instrument. Good luck in finding ready replacements for these. If you observe a percussive playing style, these pickups would give you an immaculate high gain crunch tones with very good individual notes definition. Do not get upset, after extensive tinkering with effects, amps & EQs, if you fail to conjure your preferred, heavy distortion tone because the Fishmans were not conceived to serve such manifestations.

We won't see a 6-string version any time soon because, according tot he Ibanez officials at the recent NAMM event, this design doesn't quite work for 6-strings.

Overall rating: 76%

Ibanez A527 ($2,399)

• Available at Swee Lee
• Bag included

PS: Thanks Aryadni, (Swee Lee CQ) for letting me try the guitar! 

 

Ibanez 2026: Ash gold

I'm still scrutinizing the 2026 Ibanez releases. This year an ash body, gold hardware AZ2204 was introduced. Ibanez continues to offer variations of its existing models, nothing really 'new'. Really unaware there's a strong demand for gold hardware but having an ash body variation is a good move. 

Ibanez should offer more models without the Alter switch option for those of us who are not looking to vary our tone too much. Some of us are content with the conventional tones on offer plus we have other guitars for specific tone manifestation. Anyway, the AZ2204AG is available at Swee Lee for the above listed price.

Pics: Ibanez

CNY deals @ SL

Those of us with bloated, hong bao-filled pockets - Swee Lee has some deals you might be interested in till 1 March.

Pic: SL online store

Minion Friday

Had been playing this for nearly a week. It's one of those scaled down guitars Jackson offers in its Minion Series. I'm not too keen when it comes to guitars of this dimension as they don't hold tuning well & intonation, for most models, are off. However, this Minion proved otherwise so it's something I am happy to own regardless of the numerous skeptical opinions out there.

The guitar was re-set up before play & I re-shimmed the neck pocket to raise things up a bit to address the high action at the upper frets. When it comes to playability, a good set up is everything.

My cousin bought this set of strings for me while he was in Japan. He knows I'm not one to refuse the more affordable end of guitar strings.

Ramadan 2026

Blessed Ramadan greetings to all Muslims friends & blog readers. You were chosen to see this through, it's not mere coincidence. God bless.

Random Anniversary

Loudness / Takasaki fans - this is the ESP 45th Anniversary commemorative Random Star model for your consideration. It looks very raw, almost project-like, especially that asymmetrical headstock outline. I just find the non-locking bridge + locking nut combo to be very eccentric & would only appeal to hardcore fans.

Pic: ESP Japan

Horse

Greetings everyone, the year of the Horse is upon us. Blessings & good health all round - huat ah!!

Come to think of it, every year is the year of the hoarse (in this country). People are slowly but surely getting trampled on by inflation, unaffordable housing (the authorities here now refers to this as attainable housing), immigrant influx & snobbish politicians among others. The economy is ailing but the government wants us to believe otherwise by announcing a budget surplus. Excess here does not translate into a good thing without considering other pertinent factors. Also, do note the pathetic performance of our SGD against the MYR which is a glaring indicator of economic asphyxiation. No offence to our Malaysian friends - we are still friends - just announcing the anxiety in this country which should be addressed (& fixed) but the authorities chose distraction instead. 

Oh well, the year turns regardless of the circumstances. We take care of ourselves first & foremost but don't blame us if we go after those who make our lives miserable. 

Mode!

To me, the new Ibanez Mode basses are clear winners in the 2026 lineup. The headstock was clearly derived from the AZ design. The rest of the features borrowed heavily from Fender's J-Bass; there's no hiding this. The 1000 & 1600 sport an alder body with the former featuring a poplar top. The 1300 is ash. Despite hinting at classic derivatives, Mode basses feature 24 SS frets. Over the years, I've noted that Ibanez don't hold back when it comes to their basses. In fact, the more adventurous designs & tweaks were manifested by basses instead of guitars. Please be informed that 5 & 6-string versions are available (at Swee Lee) as well.

Pics: Ibanez

Cort's headless

Cort has joined the headless endeavour. Depiceted above are the G6TR (vibrato / HSS / regular frets) & the G6MS (fixed bridge / HH / partial fanned frets). Pickups are in-house models & frets are tall medium jumbo SS version for both. The thing to take note here is the neck profile; it's an Ergo V neck. Once it gets here, we will know if these are trying to rival the Strandberg version. The last time I tried a type of V-profile, it's just lethargy inducing.

EDIT (20 Feb): Both models are now available @ Swee Lee (G6TR: $849 / G6MS: $799)

Pics: Cort

Modern Morten

Was expecting an outright signature model but Mark Morten opted for a tweaked LP Modern with a quilt top. He's definitely not the first to utilize a Les Paul for heavy music but's it's good to know there are still players out there who embrace the Les Paul for its sheer thumping bottom end.

Pic: Gibson

JB_J 50th

As an ardent follower of all things Seymour Duncan, I am happy to see the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the JB & Jazz pickups. These might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you are from the DiMarzio camp. The JB is an in-your-face pickup when paired with the right kind of amp drive / gain. From a personal perspective, it dislikes pedals or any excessive processing. The jazz here hold its own when it comes to clean tones but it's also a closet avenger when it comes to driven tones. Am I buying this commemorative set? There seems to be no news of a trembucker version for the JB, so...

Pic: SD

Ibanez 2026: Why bother?

There were a few 'new' acoustic models in the Ibanez 2026 releases. These two are mentioned here because they are available in the stores already. Every year, we see Ibanez churn out non-solid top acoustics, the ALT & TCY models are examples. We can understand how the mere outline of these instruments would heighten the performer's presence & a solid top construction isn't something we can tell visually.

When you consider buying an acoustic guitar, what matters to you - tone, features, playability? When it comes to acoustic, more often than not, the tonal quality plays a very important part in making the guitar desirable. It's meant to be played unplugged & tone is everything. A gaudy finish, an outlandish outline & fancy fretboard inlays, among others, simply cannot save a bad acoustic tone. Yes, Ibanez has other acoustic models in its lineup that offer some immaculate tones this side of Martin & Taylor. However, those are touching the upper midrange price points, ofter beyond the reach of the average Joe. I guess this approach to acoustic guitar offerings work for Ibanez, otherwise they won't continue making visually attractive guitars that sound bland & get away with it.

Pics: Ibanez

ESP 2026: Maverick

I've always loved ESP's MV (Maverick) models for its offset design; yes, it's a subtle offset unlike Fender's Jaguar et al. This year, the ESP version features a control knob. If you wish for that traditional single knob affair, then the LTD version preserves this originality. The other differences we note in the LTD version:

• headstock binding
• SD Hot Rails neck pickup (EPS has the Cool Rails version)
• FR 1000 bridge (FRO for the ESP)
• 24.75" scale length (25.5" for ESP)

Pics: ESP 

ADP

Was trawling cyberspace for prog / fusion instrumentals. Somehow, the algorithms led me to this duo. Collectively, they are known as Angine De Poitrine, individually, they are Khn & Klek & we could somehow tell these are no their real names. K & K are heavily masked up, disguised & liberally esoteric to throw off any interests in getting to know them as human beings. They want you to focus on the music (& maybe showmanship).

This is just one tune from a handful of tunes in their album. Notice how loops were effectively used here & the drums are totally in sync from start to end. This is also an unofficial inspiration to actually use our toes to manipulate pedal knobs while performing live. I can't really categorize this kind of music but it definitely has an intense prog psyche; totally enjoyable regardless of the note / scale choices used. Performance extraordinaire to say the least. 

Pic: ADP

Addy @ Swee Lee

This happened on Saturday, 7 Feb @ Swee Lee (CQ). Prior to the Ibanez Connect event, Swee Lee officially announced the launch of the RG Visions Series which was demo'd by the formidable Addy Rasidi (left). While waiting for the official launch session to take place, Addy played his personal J-Custom guitar (right) & we talked about all things Ibanez. I must tell you that Addy is one of the most talented guitarist here & he's very humble & forthcoming, not the superstar snob with an Ibanez endorsement under his belt. 

Thank you Swee Lee & Yadni (CQ branch) for the invitation & apologies for not seeing through the entire Ibanez Connect event as my medication was due.

Ibanez 2026: SR280

This is new for 2026; it's the Ibanez SR280 bass. Nothing over-the-top, it's downright affordable too. In fact, it's the most affordable SR bass, anything more affordable than this, you have to embrace a GIO. Here's the catch - it's not offered in this country. If you wish for an affordable SR, you have to browse through the 3XX models which are of course, priced above the SR280. Gee, Ibanez...

Pics: Ibanez

What's the FUZZ about?

I'm not a fuzz fan. Don't see myself embracing 'em fuzz pedals & abandoning distortions & drives. Yes, I understand the fact that drives, distortion & fuzzes are the products of signal clipping. The music genre that I'm inclined to, renders some of these clippings unsuitable. So why the FZ-5?

Currently, I'm on a doom itch & nothing supplements doom better than the fuzz. In the mean time, I own fuzz pedals by EHX & Seymour Duncan but my current fav is the RAT pedal. Purists would argue that the RAT is a distortion that sounds fuzzy so it's not a bona fide fuzz unit. Whatever your perspective on the matter, I needed more tone references to finally decide what works best. I still believe BOSS is the standard to beat when it comes to drives, distortions & fuzzes hence the FZ-5 acquisition. Still testing it with some guitars in the mean time. 

E-II 2026: T-Series

This year, ESP offers the E-II T-Series in the above depicted finishes. The top version is satin while the other is glossed. You might think it's just another Tele-esque guitar & ESP already has the Throbber, which is as Tele-esque as this one. We note the headstock in use here. It's the Traditional version & the fact that ESP is re-using this design implies the possible return of some models in time to come. Not speculating too much.

Pic: ESP Japan

Heads

The more I look at these headstocks, the more I believe that designers out there are taking cues from one another. Maybe it's just me. (LEFT: Kiesel Aero / RIGHT: Ibanez Alpha).

Pics: Kiesel / Ibanez

Beam Mini

This is the new Blackstar Beam Mini. It shows that things are heating up in the portable, smart amp camp. We all know of the SPARK existence, JBL joined in very recently & we have this Blackstar jumping into the fray. Like it or not, this is the new portability movement, smart amps with supplementary phone attachments (edit / control). With such tech in mind, it is hoped that the number of creative musicians actively collaborating with one another would enrich the music scene here. I'm actually looking forward to acquire one of these in the near future.

Pic: Blackstar

Seymour Duncan: Mortality

Yes, I agree to a liberal extent that Seymour Duncan is doing a Fluence of sorts. No, I disagree that this Seymour Duncan would be a ready / direct displacement for the Fluence. In any case, I am more of a passive camper, I have very few guitars with active electronics, regardless of the brand name. After years of playing, I am of the opinion that active pickups are excellent for detuned stuff / thicker strings.

Pic: SD

Nut job

My SCA220 after being given some due attention. I just love this guitar, it sits between the S & SZ Series in terms of design. The SCA is not to be confused with the SC, the difference being the former's thicker body that allows the input jack to be located at the edge of the body.

This was the ongoing issue with this guitar; there's corrosion going on at the G, B & E nut string slots. The G slot manifested the worst corrosion & it persisted even after a good cleaning up / sanding down.

Decided the old nut must go, I don't see the point of dealing with this issue repeatedly. The nut is expendable & quality replacements are available at the shops. Before the nut was knocked out of place, both the fretboard & headstock surfaces were taped up. At the headstock side, a slit was made (using penknife) between the nut & headstock so that, when the nut is knocked out with a hammer, it won't dislodge the headstock finish.

The replacement nut is a TUSQ, for an Ibanez neck, the correct length measurement is 43mm. Do inform the shops you need an Ibanez version to prevent them from selling you the Gibson version which is slightly shorter. Also, a fresh unit requires some sanding down, do keep this in mind.

Finally, a set of Dunlop 9.5s because the SCA sports a shorter scale length compared to a regular S-Series.

Modern gain

The last time I tried an EVH-related pedal, I was disappointed. It failed to capture the proverbial EVH high octane, no holds barred type distortion but then again, I failed to put it in context; it wasn't an amp (which is the primary source of EVH's distortion tone). Essentially, it lacked that crucial element that made it a menace - a tube. With this Modern High Gain pedal, I really don't know what to expect. No significant revision took place, only that bass frequency shift option; does this make things sound better? I reserve judgement till it's here in the shops to defend itself.

Pic: Dunlop