Yamaha 2026: SC

This got me really excited - Yamaha released the singlecut version of its Pro & Standard Plus models. I need to try these in person. Despite the rather substantial price difference there, the Standard Plus (Indonesian) might hold its own since specs are very close to the Pro (Japanese). Trying not to look at these guitars too much, it's anxiety inducing.

Pics: Yamaha

Ibanez 2026: TOD100

The sneaky trolls at Ibanez are adding new signature models to the 2026 list just when we thought there's no more for NAMM. The above TOD100 features subtle revisions & worth the purchase considerations for die hard fans. That cutaway chamfer & elbow rest are new.

Also new is the double hole bridge. The extra wrap over acts as a locking mechanism of sorts. This, I don't fancy (dealt with them in the AU Series). It means more string length used at the bridge & might compromise the headstock winding because some string manufacturers do not produce sufficiently long strings & I shall not name them. Loyalists would argue that those manufacturers don't make strings with such bridges in mind. Gentle reminder; the TOD100 is only available in June / July, which would subject them to further price increase as opposed to having them released now.

Pics: Ibanez

SE Ed

The guy who made travel-sized guitar fashionable is back with a new signature model. However, he went the opposite way by endorsing a baritone (27.7"). The Ed Sheeren SE also features a hollow body, strung with a set of 14 - 68 by default. The name has a strong following & would likely trigger an irrational demand. That funky finish there (with matching headstock) reflects Mr. Sheeren's art passtime.

Pic: PRS guitars

I am the Black Wizards

 

After years of dwelling in this genre of metal, I have always believed that black metal would sound awesome if orchestrated, played on violin or even piano. An example in mind would be Emperor's I am the Black Wizards, the live rendition is attached above.

I am therefore very glad to have come across this piano cover by Catherine Fearns & you could understand, after watching this clip, what I was talking about. The note choices, arrangement & progression are simply suitable for an orchestrated interpretation. So the next time you come across an opinion saying black metal is trash, it's not music, then you know this is a foolish comment.

Nut case

Is there a way to remove a dead, stubborn nut? WD-40 had no effect on it. The dirt & corrosion had virtually glued the nut into place. Unmovable. You have no fancy tool to cut it away; you're not a pro tech.

But you have a file. Nothing fancy, the one that you use to address fret sprouts & some other minor issues. You realized you could actually file the side of the nut & calmly detach it from its supposed resting place. Done.

Fixed

Just seen the new LTD releases. Yes, it's an ESP affair but I don't see any ESP on any headstocks so it's an LTD release (plus some E-IIs in the mix), let's not kid ourselves. When Squier released new models, they didn't say it's a Fender release.

Glad to see non-whammy models amongst the 2026 lineup. While these understandably address ease of use issues for newbies, they do serve the old farts as well. Those of us who get sick of the whammy some time, need something of this nature to sustain our inclinations. On that note, despite these guitars being in the supposedly affordable tier, prices are crazy these days. The Deluxe models (1XXX model numbers) were once in the $1.5K range. These are now pushing the $2K limit further up. The 2XX & 4XX were once affordable darlings but these are nearer to $1K instead of staying in the entry-level figures. What does entry level even mean these days when prices do not reflect what the label suggests.

Pics: ESP