Ibanez: RGD3127

Ibanez's Summer 2017 NAMM release- RGD3127. It's an RGD so the scale length is a little longer & we have DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups in there. Also, it's good to see a Lo-Pro Edge bridge. Are we surprised that it's not sporting a rosewood fretboard (hint: CITES)?

Fender: CP-60s

No idea if it's an in thing to have a parlour version of your acoustic line but this body design sure helps inject some enjoyment into playing. This is especially true for people (like your truly) who aren't acoustic inclined but resort to acoustics for inspiration. From Summer NAMM as well, Fender has this arguably affordable CP-60s (listing for USD199) with very acceptable features: Mahogany neck, back & sides, rosewood fingerboard & a solid spruce top.

Katana desktop

Finally, a true contender to the Blackstar FLY3 amp in terms of serious tone offerings & features. The  BOSS Katana series of amps isn't new but this scaled down version is.

2 modes of dirt & a clean in the offerings, full EQ section & delay. Many desktop units fell short in terms of performance, we have the 5150III version for that illustration & the Ibanez DAG amp was forgettable. Let's wait & see how this one measure up against the competition.

Looks like the people at Andertons are enjoying it. 😐

Most affordable

Creating quite a buzz is the Epiphone LP SL. Touted to be the most affordable LP ever (where have we heard that before?), the instrument features a pair of single coil pickups (some sources citing them as stacked single coils instead- to be confirmed) instead of humbuckers. They've included the slim taper neck profile for this one & comes in 6 finishes. Listing for USD99.

SN2017: George's rose

Summer NAMM updates are coming in fast & furious. Fender is releasing this commemorative (limited run of 1,000 only) George Harrison (who's he again?) rosewood Tele (chambered body version this time due to weight considerations). Due to CITES enforcements, don't dream of getting this online. If your country's authorised Fender distributor is getting these in, then good for you.