Domestic cyclone

Pre-lunch indulgence, a Cyclone episode. I bought this one because: 1) It's neither a Strat / Tele 2) It sports a 24.75" scale length sitting between the Jazzmaster (25.5") & Jaguar (24") 3) It was listed for a clear-out. 

A set of 10s to accommodate the afore-mentioned scale length.

The pickups in this guitar (Seymour Duncan): JB (bridge) / SSL-1 (neck). Was actually at Beez's yesterday to sort out the out-of-phase situation when both pickups were selected (middle position of the toggle switch). I need to rotate the selector toggle so if flicks top up / down instead of the current left / right.

Johnston V

A new Schecter for Nick Johnston to perhaps properly blend into the Mastodon persona. Currently, this USA V-1 is out of reach for most of us, listing for USD6.5K. Perhaps a more affordable iteration would be made available along the way like they did for his Strat-type models.

Pic: Schecter

PN

The new Ibanez RG565R in pink neon is now available at Swee Lee: $1,549. No price hike (yet) as well. Waiting for the candy apple version to make it here as well.

Pic: Ibanez

W & G

The Ibanez RG550 in white / grey are now in stock at Swee Lee: $1,549. No price hikes (yet). 

Pics: Ibanez

5111

Didn't realize this was already in the manufacturer's catalog. The ibanez RG5111 is a no-frills guitar; single pickup, single knob & non-locking appointments. My kind of guitar but I'm not into the colour & the Fluence humbucker. If the pickup is the major concern then you are better off with any single humbucking Ibanez, need not be a Prestige.

Pic: Ibanez

Starhill

Before I left KL, I managed to drop by Gibson Guitar Avenue at this rather classy mall called Starhill. This was the direct translation for Bukit (Hill) Bintang (Star), which is the heartbeat of KL to say the least. I sincerely feel that the distinguished label, prevented the store from being a typical guitar hangout that is inviting & doubles up as a gear watering hole for many gear buffs regardless of their background.

I felt like I had stepped into a Louis Vuitton boutique, under constant camera surveillance & had to be content with what's available. I was hoping they would have the Victory in stock but was informed that it would only be brought in upon a confirmed purchase order; it's one of those models that would not sell readily. So playing it safe is still the order of the day. But the guys at the helm were very friendly, engaging & accommodating. 

I wish guitar stores today are not tied down by the brands they distribute in terms of presentation; the guitars in GGA are like expensive wall decors, with glass panels which are more preventive rather than inviting. Would want to drop by Music Bliss on the next trip.