XT

I'm still fanatical when it comes to strings. D'Addario has the new XT range to offer & this was recently launched at Summer NAMM. The key highlights are physical durability & extended lifespan. I've been through treated strings & noted that string chemistry contributes poorly to tone. In an attempt to make strings last, there's this tonal compromise which isn't on par with the product's physical longevity. The case in point would be Elixir. If you feel these are superb for your needs, then please do not let any opinions here waver your belief. The best-of-both-worlds offering in my books is still Cleartone, with D'Addario's NYXL coming in close but let's see what the XT has to offer. These will be in stores only in 'Fall (September or later). 

Goodbye July. 👏

New JRs

Martin cut down on their Junior models recently only to introduce new iterations this Summer NAMM. Seen here is the first Junior model to feature a cutaway- 000CJR-10E.

The other new Junior features an auditorium body style- 000JR-10 & this would be on my watch list. I'm looking for something close to the Taylor GS Mini with an all solid body & this is it. Maybe. Till it gets here, no further comments.

Mini appeal

Another interesting addition from Summer NAMM- Vox had shrunken the SDC into this SDC-1 Mini. An ideal size to tuck away under the office work space or a tag-along instrument when you are out & about. My concern here is that pickup; looks like Vox made it a propriety design & after-market replacements will not be readily available. However, if there's enough cavity depth underneath the pickguard, the tinkerers among us will manage a gap expansion. 

Tone Master (Gen 2)

Folks, this is the real Fender Tone Master amp, one of the very few to be manifested in a stack format. It used to be available at Swee Lee & I got to play it a few times in contemplation of a purchase. Back then, I was looking at a formidable Fender that could churn out modern, high gain tones this side of Peavey & Marshall. Unfortunately, the amp had some volume-related issues & it was the only one left in the store. At about the same time, Richie Sambora got into a spat with Fender over the Tone Master amp because the manufacturer had associated the aforementioned guitarist name to the amp without prior consent. What a waste. The amp could have otherwise gotten a formidable ambassador & would live in the production lines till this day. Yes, the Tone Master was discontinued.

This Summer, the Tone Master monicker is now hosting a pair of digital amps by Fender. The manufacturer has a digital version of the Twin & Deluxe Reverb in this series. We know how digital & Fender are- not the best of pairing & short-lived (recall the Cyber Twin- I was there when Swee Lee got Gary Hoey down to promote this one). This year though, they had no plans to re-live that digital experience, the current approach to this is Fender doing a digital modelling of their flagship amps with some plus points tucked away at the rear so the front looks deceivingly non-digital in an attempt to not repel the purists. Here are some details:

Ugly ducklings

Quite a buzz in the Fender camp this Summer NAMM but here's something from its subsidiary Squier sector; the Starcaster. That's right folks, this model had been revived in the Squier range after leaving Fender's Modern Player series as once mentioned here: CLICK This is the most affordable take coming from the Affinity range.

Next in  line, in terms of price-to-feature considerations, the Classic Vibe version. 

Last but not least, the Contemporary Active version, still a semi but without the F-holes. With reference to the active pickups on board, this might be a swing at the high gainers among us but with that outline & a very psychedelic overall vibe, it's unclear which segment of the metal heads would embrace this.

I still can't get along with the Starcaster headstock outline, maybe it's just me. It took me a long time to come to terms with Fender's fat, 70s-style headstock & that was after telling myself it looks awesome when the instrument is in playing position. Tilt it upright & it screams spastic. We shouldn't dismiss these instruments for the looks, playability & tone count more than anything else when it comes to delivery.