FF RG8

Rubbing salt in the wound- another Ibanez fanned fret model released, the RGIF8. That's right, only in Japan. *bummer*

Less is more (Ha!)

This isn't new- Ibanez's RG7321...

This is the (not so) new RG8...

You'd think the instrument with more strings (more tuners, more wood, etc...) would cost more but currently, the RG7321 is USD50 more than its 8-string sibling... Hmm... Good time to get an 8? Definitely...

Ibanez: RG8 *sigh*

 This is Ibanez's new RG8, the most affordable 8-string guitar in the manufacturer's catalog. Good thing- affordable 8-string for us. Not so good- look at that pickup cavity spacing... if you wish to do away with the default units, the only way to go are active pickups since those are the ones which can fit in there. DiMarzio D Activator 8 perhaps? That won't fit...

Ihsahn: After

From the day I started listening to Emperor, I knew Ihsahn is a genius in his turf. He is blessed with exceptional musicianship & the technicalities to manifest his ideas. He is now living a shadow of his former establishment, which was quite a fraction of his true capacity.

After is Ihsahn's 3rd solo adventure since laying down his Emperor cloak. This is the punter's favourite album because it showcases the individual at his best. We all know 'best' is subjective because the materials laid down in After involve trace amounts of his musical past, it's a subsequent development which arguably peaked here. The layperson out there would label this 'progressive' as oppossed to treating it in isolation of preconceived opinions but that is beyond control relating to the nature of the music. After is a peerless effort. The music per se is a melting pot of intensity & exceptional taste. It is also peppered with beautiful quirks- would you expect some saxaphone solos? Or perhaps some chapman stick overtones.? We know Ihsahn recently associated himself with an 8-string guitar (Ibanez) & that makes its presence well heard here. This is a fresh acquisition for me but I've listened to the entire album more than 5x... Hauntingly beautiful.

Colours of 8

Trent's orange...

Justin's green...

These chaps from After the Burial have an endorsement deal with Ibanez, they get to own cool finishes for their RG 8-string guitars. If only such non-black options are available for us, common players... *sigh*