Melody Makers

Musikmesse 2011 debut by Gibson- a limited run of Melody Makers; we've seen the LP version before (albeit the different pickup in there)...

... here's the SG take. These are great guitars in terms of simplicity & tone focus but that string pull there- owing to the narrow headstock design- has some tuning instability potential.

But this time, there are 2 more models to consider; the Flying V features a more thoughtful headstock design...

... which is also featured in the Explorer version. It looks out of place, Mr. Gibson, sir. But if it makes you happy...

Yamaha: Pacifica 611H

Here's another attractive Yamaha debuting this Musikmesse, the Pacifica 611H. The pickups in there are:

• Neck: Duncan P-90
• Bridge: Duncan Custom 5

Do note some design revision over at the headstock- it looks wider & sports a different font for the decal. the guitar in its entirety looks simple enough to deliver some good tones, here's some convincing:

Yammy Pac

Yamaha's PAC510V is one of 4 new Pacifica models released at Musikmesse recently. It's been a while since anything enticing was released by the manufacturer in the Pacifica turf, so it's good to know that there are recent developments. I'm quite a sucker for single pickup guitars, definitely considering this one since there's a Duncan in there.

Fender: Pawn Shop series (Musikmesse 2011)

Fender's Musikmesse (2011) offerings as seen above- the Pawn Shop series (from top to bottom):

• Mustang Special
• '72
• '51

The Mustang will be on my acquisition list as it has the features I want: Humbuckers + Fixed bridge. The other two models looks rather unique & borrowed heavily from the Telecaster bass but it's nothing new. There was a Squier '51 version available here & discontinued in 2007:

Orange: Dark Terror

New Terror addition to the fold, the Dark Terror, debuting this Musikmesse 2011. We are often taken in by product labeling, thinking the name given has a full implication to performance- how many of us fell for the Tubescreamer by virtue of its 'scream' label?- until we hear the gear in action. Let's hope the DT above does include that dark matter it promises, more importantly, let's hope the manufacturer's interpretation of darkness matches ours.

LTD Descent

This is part of the upcoming Musikmesse 2011 revelation- LTD's Descent range of guitars (please click for magnification). We've seen how good the LTD clockwork range of graphics were the last time round so it's no surprise the graphic theme is repeated this time.

Ibanez X (Musikmesse 2011)

This is a recent statement by Ibanez:

Hope there's something refreshing to be revealed then...