Ibanez 2026: SR280

This is new for 2026; it's the Ibanez SR280 bass. Nothing over-the-top, it's downright affordable too. In fact, it's the most affordable SR bass, anything more affordable than this, you have to embrace a GIO. Here's the catch - it's not offered in this country. If you wish for an affordable SR, you have to browse through the 3XX models which are of course, priced above the SR280. Gee, Ibanez...

Pics: Ibanez

What's the FUZZ about?

I'm not a fuzz fan. Don't see myself embracing 'em fuzz pedals & abandoning distortions & drives. Yes, I understand the fact that drives, distortion & fuzzes are the products of signal clipping. The music genre that I'm inclined to, renders some of these clippings unsuitable. So why the FZ-5?

Currently, I'm on a doom itch & nothing supplements doom better than the fuzz. In the mean time, I own fuzz pedals by EHX & Seymour Duncan but my current fav is the RAT pedal. Purists would argue that the RAT is a distortion that sounds fuzzy so it's not a bona fide fuzz unit. Whatever your perspective on the matter, I needed more tone references to finally decide what works best. I still believe BOSS is the standard to beat when it comes to drives, distortions & fuzzes hence the FZ-5 acquisition. Still testing it with some guitars in the mean time. 

E-II 2026: T-Series

This year, ESP offers the E-II T-Series in the above depicted finishes. The top version is satin while the other is glossed. You might think it's just another Tele-esque guitar & ESP already has the Throbber, which is as Tele-esque as this one. We note the headstock in use here. It's the Traditional version & the fact that ESP is re-using this design implies the possible return of some models in time to come. Not speculating too much.

Pic: ESP Japan

Heads

The more I look at these headstocks, the more I believe that designers out there are taking cues from one another. Maybe it's just me. (LEFT: Kiesel Aero / RIGHT: Ibanez Alpha).

Pics: Kiesel / Ibanez

Beam Mini

This is the new Blackstar Beam Mini. It shows that things are heating up in the portable, smart amp camp. We all know of the SPARK existence, JBL joined in very recently & we have this Blackstar jumping into the fray. Like it or not, this is the new portability movement, smart amps with supplementary phone attachments (edit / control). With such tech in mind, it is hoped that the number of creative musicians actively collaborating with one another would enrich the music scene here. I'm actually looking forward to acquire one of these in the near future.

Pic: Blackstar

Seymour Duncan: Mortality

Yes, I agree to a liberal extent that Seymour Duncan is doing a Fluence of sorts. No, I disagree that this Seymour Duncan would be a ready / direct displacement for the Fluence. In any case, I am more of a passive camper, I have very few guitars with active electronics, regardless of the brand name. After years of playing, I am of the opinion that active pickups are excellent for detuned stuff / thicker strings.

Pic: SD