Flash Swing

Saw these going for good prices at the SV Guitars web store (flash deals). Putting them here for your considerations especially if you are going the Squier way. I'm not dissing any brand names here but these Swings are definite value-for-money deals especially after the current discounts. Between Swing & Squier in this price range, the Swing wins it in terms of: 1) Neck profile/ playability 2) Switching/ tone options 👍

Fastening

If you read in my previous entry some days ago, I bought this cheapo strap & Ernie Ball strap blocks. Let's put them to use; the flimsy strap could surely use some security. Verdict:

• strap proved to be uncomfortable due to no cushioning  but easy to use
• strap blocks are effective, secure strap slits easily after fastening
• strap block - not easy to instal/ remove due to tough rubber material. Best for players who would want their strap to stay secured in their guitar for some time, not for constant removal

I still have the unused black pair & I'm giving it away to the first person who email me with the following subject matter: I want strap blocks!

With that, folks, we say goodbye to May.

*Strap blocks - taken 👍

Steer Jr

I've been spending time with my Les Paul Jr due to Bill Steer. Many of us know him for his remarkable Carcass materials but he's also that heavy blues rock guy who is not all shred & grind. FYI, Steer's other band, Firebird, is now defunct but the releases had an impact on me. It taught me to observe restraint & deliver the music according to planned structures, not just bent on chaos & anger. Also, Steer, together with Holdsworth, showed what a single pickup guitar could do & this re-inforces my belief that pickup choices are definitely personal. 

Subtle difference, if you notice at all. Have a good weekend, everyone. 

Rally

Folks, the Rally GL-300 are clearing for a good price. Before Epiphone revamped its current line-up, I would recommend the GL-300 to any beginners or those in need of a good back up for live performances. 

Two things: 1) Neck profile. It's something you'd appreciate; neither bulky nor flimsy, just right. If you are new to the electric, it's a very learner-friendly profile. 2) Tone. The pickups here manifest good single notes separation & does not mud-out in the neck position; especially important if you are the distortion inclined type. I personally feel these have a strong midrange presence with enough warmth to go vintage if that is also your thing. 

Crack

I can never come to terms with the default Gibson strap buttons (right). They made way for the D'Addarios. 

I don't know why Gibson could not include a strap button felt cushion to prevent this from happening. Folks, if you pressure a metal contraption against a lacquered surface without any cushioning, over time, if this pressure is released, the surface will crack. 

This, to me, is a necessary supplement to any guitars featuring strap buttons. It's not a costly investment, folks, so do consider.

The guitar in question is my LP Junior.

Standard affair

It's Tuesday. The holidays (despite the restraint) are over, bracing for work soon. Decided to re-visit this Standard because it possesses the most attractive tone this side of Gibson. The pickups there are a pair of Burstbucker Pros. Usually, the 500T gets my vote for being the all-out, distortion-inclined beast but there's something about the BBP that is both menacing & vintage without turning me off. So today, I've lowered the pickups a little in the hope of hearing some early Led Zep-esque tones, you know, those single-coil-ish affair. These did not disappoint but I'm not a Led Zep fan in any way. My dad would have enjoyed their music tremendously.

From this angle you can see that the body binding had lost all hope of still being creamy. So to all those Gibson owners with body binding, please do not lose hope or think that your instrument is now of lesser significance due to this occurrence. The body binding is the most susceptible as it is being treated together with the entire body in the finishing stages. The extra chemicals there will cause it to change differently over time. Next in line would be the neck binding but mine still looks a little creamy but not for long. Compare all this to the cream pickup mounting brackets & the the poker chip & toggle switch cap, despite them being made from a different materials. Note that the inlays are browning off as well.

A fret set of La Bella strings for the Standard as it accompanied me till the sun set today trying to emulate the Dissection (Reinkaos) tone. That's right, even the 'Les Paul' label there is fading into obscurity.