Price watch (97)

Folks, the Ibanez RG565 (Genesis Series) is not a Prestige Model. Once upon a time, the initial batch of Genesis guitars were marketed as a Prestige lineup. Shortly after, Ibanez removed the Prestige association from the Genesis range. The RG565 was never part of this initial categorization.

On that note, the Genesis models, the RG565 listed above included, are indeed bang-for-the-buck Japanese guitars that reflect outstanding QC. Just because it's made in Japan, it does not automatically become a Prestige model. I have nothing against anyone selling a good Ibanez Genesis RG either.

Bored

Got bored. I know I cannot afford any ESP guitars in the near future so I entered some configurations in the ESP configurator tool. I'm basically a single pickup person & enjoy seeing a reverse headstock on my instrument, regardless of the brand name. So this was my natural choice. Something simple & extremely boring. Guitar is based on the current M-1 model.

The other equally boring version is this Horizon-II based rendition. Notice - no whammy bridges for both. It's not that I've averse to that kind of bridge but I don't whammy, so why have it at all?

Pics: ESP USA

Winter rails

Latest in the Seymour Duncan rails lineup - Black Winter. Yes, it's touted to be the fodder of those who are into metal music & beyond. The surprise - the neck version is actually adept to other applications & this include clean applications. No kidding. 

Pic: Seymour Duncan

Narrow

This was the big news over the weekend. The singlecut NF53 is now offered as an SE version. There is this rather strong association with the Tele by virtue of its outline but that's a convenient association at best. This guitar isn't essentially a Tele & the pickups in there reflects no attempt for it to be one - those are humbuckers. This is of course, unlike the Silver Sky which is a Strat re-interpretation (less the headstock). If you decide to part good money for one, you need to like the tone, first & foremost. There are no ready replacements out there. Let's see how much this would list for once it gets here. 

Pic: PRS

Ibanez: July 2025 (3)

One of the new Ibanez releases this July is the RG470. This one is the DX version which means it features shark tooth inlays. There is already an RG470 in sea foam green in the current lineup ($699). 

The other RG470 is this burst-esque finish with a flame maple top which is highly likely a veneer at this price point. It'll be interesting if this one would list for as much as its non-flame sibling.

Pics: Ibanez

Music @ Angsana

Was at JB today, looking for some bargain work pants. Not that they are unavailable in the domestic shopping centres but the one here appeal to me in terms of the cutting / fitting. Too many slim fit ones at the local stores, I'm more comfortable with straight cut these days.

Saw these in-house musicians at Plaza Angsana. They were located at the rear food court facing the open air car park. If you see them, please give generously, the vocalist is a visual impaired individual who can easily out-sing those semi-pathetic hopefuls you see competing on TV.