Pointy returns

I'm liking what I see; Charvel has returned the pointy headstock to its fold. This was released a couple of days ago - SD1H 2PT M. This is definitely my thing; single pickup (Duncan Distortion), maple 'board, 22 frets & a non-locking bridge. It is currently listing for USD1,499 & to some of us, this might be the deal breaker since it's not American.

Pic: Charvel

DD

Starting off July with something new. No, this Ibanez S1620 isn't new. Been with me since 2007 if memory serves me right. I've been having a love / hate relationship with this one for a simple reason - the pickups.

But not this time, of course. I now have likeable pickups in there; a pair of covered Seymour Duncan Distortion humbuckers, specially brought in for me by Davis GMC. The TB-6 there is a tight fit. It has a wider dimension to accommodate the TB spacing. Every TB model comes with its own pickup mounting ring because the people at Seymour Duncan know the guitar's default pickup ring won't be the right one for the job. After a few rotations of pickups, the Distortion will stay put here because they simply sound good for all my needs. 

1st July is SAF there so there's no National Day rehearsal today at the Padang & that made the visit to Gloria Jeans more enjoyable - no crowd. We're already into the other half of 2023. Time flies.

Deactivated: Ibanez RGA32

I had my Ibanez RGA32 make-over going after the arrival of Duncan's Distortion Trembucker- thanks Janet (Davis GMC) for the acquisition assistance.

As announced in this entry's title, I had decided to remove the default active pickups (Ibanez's own LZ3 humbuckers) & replace them with passive Seymour Duncan units:

• Neck: P-Rails (SPH-1)
• Bridge: Distortion Trembucker (TB-6)

 Another reminder from me- if you wish to do like-wise, the bridge model should be an F-Spaced/ Trembucker model to comply with the Gibraltar Standard bridge string spacing, the above pic should be convincing enough.

The push-pull coil splitter switch was necessary to enjoy the P-Rail's P-90 & humbucking tones. The correct value pots were also installed following the guitar's non-active electronics application.

Finally, a peep in the control cavity- the Orange Drop cap is in there; rather obligatory for me these days. The re-wiring was expertly done by Master Beez & do note the long, black pickup wires which were left in tact. Beez does not snip off pickup wires excessively unless it interferes with other component placements. What's the plus point then? It means the pickup would be suitable for subsequent use in other guitars should there be any disntance related issues. The battery compartment is now not in use as no battery is required to power passive pickups.