Stratifying

Still in rosewood mode 😁 Fender is the standard to beat when it comes to single coil tones but we know today, there are many worthy alternatives out there. The thing with players is that their expectations with Strat alternatives is a little misplaced. They wish for an exact replica less the brand name. Every manufacturer strives to out-Strat the Strat in some ways so significant variations apply. Too many players deem alternatives as unworthy due to such differences. So the proverbial adage still applies- you want a Fender tone & feel? Get a Fender. Everything else is for those who accept differences.

The Edwards alternative you see above weighs a little lesser than the Fender counterpart. As such, the tones are less thumping in terms of attack & there's more breathable midrange coming from it. Neck wise, the Edwards is a little slimmer & less C-profiled, compared to the Fender. If there's any attempt to replicate authenticity, the Edwards is doing the 60s thing rather convincingly. 

The Japanese  manufacturers take pride in quality & precision, the Edwards here is an outstanding example, I should say. Then again, people are skeptical when it comes to a substitute brand name. They have this deep seated distrust when non-conventional labels get the highlight. To them, why bother with the competition when the benchmark is still making its mark. Well, to the initiated, there is a growing realization that the benchmark isn't as commanding as it used to be. The people behind tried & trusted names have different agenda these days especially when commercial viability is concerned. These entities were there to make money in the first place, yes? 

Upwards

Nothing new, you've seen this Ibanez RG655 before. But it now sports a new price, won't go into details here because some parties would deem me the disillusioned price police threatening their commercial prosperity. The RG655 is now 45% more expensive than it used to be. Reasonable upward revision in prices? It's still the same RG655 since it started. For you to ponder over the weekend. 😒

Last 3

Alrighty! Time to talk music since music was the reason I picked up guitar. Here are my last 3 purchases:

1. Mastodon- Emperor of Sand. Lots of talk prior to its release. It was touted to contain some of the most moving moments since it was conceived during emotional & sombre episodes. Sadly, it's not on my like list. The initial single, Sultan's Curse, was rather misleading as it failed to represent the other numbers in this release. It's one of the truly metal tune penned here, the rest of which are bridled aggression, at best. Below expectations, definitely.
2. The Allan Holdsworth Collection- Eidolon. Bought this one on the day of his passing, unknowingly, that is. Still eerie come to think of it but this double discs release contain some of the master's best. Even the non-shred pieces were thought provoking & very otherworldly. One simply does not listen to Holdsworth & not get stirred in some ways. Worth every cent.
3. Come Together- Guitar Tribute to the Beatles. Finally, Beatles tunes without anyone singing- ha! I'm not the Fab 4 fan, never was. I'm intrigued by the song arrangements but would prefer an instrumental take with lots of individuality & this album is bulging with that content. Allan Holdsworth's Michelle & Zachary Breaux's Eleanor Rigby are my firm favourites. 

Black D

I own the standard BOSS DS-1. Yes, that orange pedal that says distortion but not as angry as you'd expect it to be. This black commemorative version is every bit that orange version (still made in Taiwan contrary to popular belief) less the colour difference. I don't hear a difference (tone-wise) between them as some have claimed to have (maybe my hearing is going south due to age). You're paying about $30+/- more for a commemorative colour difference. Done. 😑

Onwards, Edwards!

It was inevitable. A fine guitar from a reputable manufacturer crossing my path- bought. I'm now looking into instruments sporting rosewood fretboards, not that I'm inclined to bow to any market pressure right now but single coils-rosewood combo had not been my thing. I prefer maple with single coils. In fact, I prefer maple boards in general for its seamless look (against the maple neck). 

This Edwards E-ST-90ALR isn't a new model in the manufacturer's catalog. In fact, it was featured here: CLICK After a few days of hearing it in action, I'm still torn between keeping the default in-house pickups (very appealing clean tones) & replacing them with a set of Seymour Duncan pickups. All in all, no bad tones were heard, nothing out of place either. 👍

Thanks, Janet & all at Davis for the excellent service as always. 😉

At C&M

Was across the Causeway yesterday, managed to drop by C&M's Tampoi showroon (Plaza Angsana). There weren't too many people in store, so I managed to try the Ibanez RG470PB.

This isn't a new model, it's at least a 2015 version judging by the serial number. The instrument per se was in very good condition but the action could have been better as my 3mm pick slipped through the gap at the 12th fret very easily. The bridge's fine tuners were almost maxed up so there wasn't enough play to effect subsequent tuning here but the guitar was in tune less 2 strings. Everything sounded pleasant in both clean & driven mode through a Marshall MG combo. I didn't play much due to the high action, just getting a feel of the neck. Despite the Wizard III spec, the neck felt thinner & very straight (several sightings done).

A big thank you to the C&M staff who helped me along & the pleasant experience.