Pocket

This neck pocket belongs to the Ibanez AZ41B1 which I appraised recently (CLICK to read). It came in for a re-string & set up recently. When this body was sprayed at the factory, the pocket wasn't spared. However, during the neck - body attachment, the fit was excessively tight so this part of the pocket had to be sanded down. Is a very tight neck pocket preferred? No - it might stress the fragile areas out & we get a paint crack at this part of the instrument.

Satin metallic

Fender Japan has this new finish for the Hybrid II Series, it's called satin metallic. Instruments feature an alder body & rosewood 'board & locking tuners. I love that satin feel since the Highway 1 days. Rest assured, this satin version is definitely not the Highway 1 version when it's excessively thin & very prone to dents. I also like that very clean look over at the headstock. If you missed it, the hardware here sports a metallic sheen to it as well.

Pics: Fender Japan

SOLAR Sus

If you have been wanting a SOLAR guitar with a Sustainiac system on board + a pickguard, this AP1.6FRG is it. If there's something we noticed about SOLAR guitars, it is the fact that the manufacturer will include features that are popular in other models. It's not an immediate manifestation but it happens along the way.

Once again, SOLAR would like us to know that this is one of those finished neck that has a satin feel instead of a gloss overcoat.

Pics: SOLAR

BEAMed here

The Blackstar Beam mini is now in stock at City Music ($255). Tempting. Waiting for LANEY's Prism Mini to be available here to make the final decision.

Pic: Blackstar

G-EC flame

Grass Root's G-EC debuted in September 2024 & now its flame veneer top iteration is here for your consideration. LTD's prices are going out of hand in the mean time. We thank ESP for the Edwards & Grassroots for us commoners.

Pic: ESP

Brutal truth

So Ibanez deleted my comments at their FB page. I'm not offended at all. I saw & told them what's plain to see. They have the right to manage comments in the interest of self-preservation. I have the right to tell them not to shove hot air down our throats in order to sell their products. In case you missed it, it's depicted above.