Ibanez April 2026: Solid AE

The people at Ibanez must have been reading my aversion for their non-solid top acoustic instruments because the new AE140 features a solid (okoume) top. The AE Series are for those of us who dislike excessive body depth but still insists on something substantial in terms of sound projection. It's now available at Swee Lee ($499).

Pics: Ibanez

Price watch (103)

Just to be clear, the objective of doing this is to give fellow gear enthusiasts a heads up when they are dealing with certain individuals who offer certain instruments at a certain price under the impression of perceived value. Take this Fender Modern Player Tele for instance. Just because it's a Fender & it's discontinued, doesn't mean it should sell for a fortune. It's a case by case consideration at best. Yes, the Modern Player Series had been discontinued but these were made in China. I've nothing against the Chinese Modern Player Series - I own three. These instruments were not even $800 when they debuted. An asking price in excess of $2k is a scalper's valuation.

Same seller but now a Gibson. Once again, riding on brand name & discontinued status, this asking price is unfounded to say the least. The Gibson Tribute Series, back in the day, was the more affordable version of the Studio range. The Studio remains to be Gibson's most affordable range to date. The Tribute was more affordable than the Studio because the manufacturer subtracted some finishing processes that added costs to its upper tier range. An obvious exclusion was the final lacquer overcoat. The current LP Studio lists for $2,399 (35 Guitar Avenue) & that's very close to this used Tribute which is at least 5 years old.

At the end of the day, it's your money. If you don't mind paying caviar prices for cod roe - it's your money.

Carcass now

This was in my SM feeds. We sometimes forget that our idols grow old over time & seeing them in their current condition could trigger denial. This is the legendary Carcass trio (L-R): Walker, Owen & Steer. 

Ken Owen suffered a brain haemorrhage in 1999 & was in coma for some time. Following his recovery, he was unable to drum due to neurological issues. He is currently still active making music via software assistance. Gentle reminder - we are mere mortals who are subjected to ageing & decay. Do manage expectations when we look forward to rediscover the status of our idols who, by now, have aged quite significantly. We tend to forget that back then, our heroes were already nearing mid-life & time didn't stand still for them. 

Lest we forget how good these people were (they are still amazing today), do take time to listen to Heartwork. Stay healthy, everyone. Let's age gracefully & not become a burden to others during our sunset years.

Pic: Amazon

More 75th

More Fender 75th Anniversary goodness from Japan, this finish is bona fide attraction. The burst effect was done on the pickguard as well as the headstock. By the way, the Tele feature a 4-way selector in case you're interested. Currently offered only as an online exclusive for the Japanese market. Bummer.

Pics: Fender

Ibanez April 2026: 8540PIII

Aw, darn... Ibanez elevated the 540P into its J-Custom tier. This gorgeous version is the 8540PIII with the rather obligatory gold hardware & TOL inlay. I guess these are obligatory details of a J-Custom which I personally do not fancy. Pickups are DiMarzio's Air Norton S (n) & Tone Zone (b).

Already, the beef with this one is that block heel; fans are asking why such a hindrance was preserved when everyone is looking forward to venture up to the 24th fret these days. Anyway, this one is currently not available in this region.

Pics: Ibanez

Hamer

If there is a big miss along the way, then it's my failure to check out Hamer guitars while they were still available here. Hamer guitars used to be available at City Music once upon a time. This was a long while ago when the ZOOM 505 was everyone's gateway to enjoying multi-effect goodness without spending a bomb. I don't recall seeing a V back then but I remember there was an Explorer-type as well as a DC-type models on display. Subsequently, the Californian was available albeit briefly. What a miss. Anyway, Morbid Angel's Trey used to play this absolutely cool Hamer Vector (depicted above) but some say it's not a real vector as the headstock there mimics the Gibson version more than an in-house Vector design.

Pics: C Martinez FB