In harmony

Another new one from the BOSS people; the Harmonist PS-6. This is not to be confused with its previous incarnation, the HR-2 despite being functionally similar. The '6' suffix there indicates how many evolutions the pedal had been through, being named Super-Shifter in one of its incarnations. 

This pedal duplicates your input in a different key so it gives the illusion that there is another spectre player playing along making the overall output thicker & more expansive. This effect is best heard in Jason Becker's Mabel's Fatal Fable. Here's a demo off the manufacturer's YouTube channel:

S2 Alder

Upon Mike's (Standard Value) special request, the Smash S2 guitars available here feature an alder body instead of the standard basswood. I played one a few days ago, the tonal difference here is the guitar's more vocal single coil response. We do keep in mind why Fender prefer alder for their Strats, yes?

The other revision would be the bridge's string saddles; these are no longer the vintage type featuring those annoying, protruding, action adjustment screws. What we get are the modern block type, ala Fender's American Deluxe bridge hardware.

Smash: JB1

Ok, so the new family member is a jazz bass copy, Smash's JB1. I've been waiting for this one for some time now, nevermind if it's not a superstar brand name on the headstock. I've tried countless Smash guitars & they are promising instruments for the money so there's a positive anticipation here. The fresh batch of Smash guitars & basses are now made in Indonesia, no more Chinese output. The JB1 was well set up back at the factory so Mike required no tampering for this one. I've had issues with a full scale bass before but on hindsight, I think they were not well set up, I could easily play the JB1 because it possesses the deserving attention to manifest great playability. It's slightly after 3.00am, just stopped playing this great bass.

Eid

Wishing all Muslim friends, acquaintances & blog visitors, a blessed Aidilfitri.

Hey, dad! (Part 34)

Hey, dad! What's in this bag? Thought you said there's not gonna be any more till... em... when did you say it was?

Good garage piece

This is a wonderful bass by Chinese manufacturer, K-Garage. It's absolutely unfinished so if you are unaccustomed to the bare feel, it'd be a put-off. There's much clarity to be heard from this bass due to its ash body which is further enhanced by the finish-devoid nature. The pickups are in-house units but surprisingly very acceptable, the combo selection could have been more desirable though but we can't expect a diamond-grade performance from crystals- get the drift? Yes, it's a blatant copy but it sounds very good for the money. It's not dodgy either, very affordable as well.

What: K-Garage KJB-300

Where: Tymusic

How much: $299 (promo)