Bummer. Was supposed to be at Nick Johnston's clinic but ended up not going due to work-related matters. Not really complaining as the clinic was a free event & I took up the request willingly. Despite portraying myself as unapproachable & misanthropic at work, I will empathize with emergency situations readily. Anyway, people won't approach you if they don't see you as someone dependable in times like this.
Ended the day looking at the above Ibanez AZ2204 listings. Two of them are the N version, while the other, just a regular 2204. These are listed for $2,699 new (Swee Lee). The Prussian Blue finish is a limited run, the black ones are still in production. After-market prices are reflecting a 10% +/- discounts so not much to be had in terms of price-to-satisfaction considerations. A used AZ2204N, if you buy one from Japan, lists for $2,059. Add $150 shipping / handling charges, you would still be a winner as opposed to buying one from the above listing. We need not be too worked up with the condition of any 2204 for that matter as these are relatively new in the market, they won't manifest 'relic' conditions unless there are major issues which the seller should disclose, eg. wonky electronics, parts swapped out, etc. I am NOT asking you to not buy from the sellers above, in fact, if they are open to further negotiations & prove to be very accommodating in many ways, we should support the local after-market dealings.
OK, em... the fabled Japanese DS-1 for $500. The WAZA DS-1 will be available here soon, it's also made in Japan & has extra features for the money. I'm not equating the WAZA version with this MIJ counterpart but, yeah. It's your money.
