Mc 56

This is the new PRS McCarty SC56, a 40th Anniversary commemorative unit & the company's recognition & respect for Ted McCarty. It's a limited edition piece so it may / may not be available here & it's gonna cost a premium.

Do note that the body is chambered at selected spots to address the weight issue.

Pics: PRS

Headless Syn

Got word on this from a friend - Synester Gates now has a headless signature model. Schecter is not new to this so no surprises there but Synester embracing one is definitely a change. Many fans would be missing that signature, pincer-type headstock for sure. Be informed that the body is chambered & pickups are in-house Schecter USA models. 

Pic: Schecter

Lighter Jr

This is interesting. The Fender (Japan) Jr. instruments are already scaled down in terms of body dimensions & scale length. This Summer, the Japanese camp chambered the body so it's now even more pleasant in terms of instrument handling. It's unclear if the rest of the instruments in this series were given a similar treatment. Details from the manufacturer are scant.

Pic: Fender Japan

P II

Fender has 'improved' its Player Series instruments to become the Player II models. Major changes:

• Three body wood types: Alder, chambered ash, chambered mahogany
• Rosewood fretboard option (previously pau ferro)

That rosewood fretboard, well, it started with rosewood then Fender replaced it with pau ferro & it's now gone full circle. Chambered mahogany & ash bodies are interesting for Strats. The P-bass has no such options, body is alder with maple 'board. The Player II guitars were listed for USD799 on release day. This is about SGD1,072. Will be interesting to see how much these will go for once they reach here knowing that the current domestic prices for the Player Series guitars do not reflect the corresponding  US prices (USD699 / SGD938).

Pic: Fender