Black Metal

ESP released these LTDs calling them the Black Metal Series. These are only two from the lineup of six guitars. Variations apply, do visit the manufacturer's homepage to know more.

I actually find this Black Metal label rather contentious. We do know (my assumption) Black Metal is a music genre as well, yes? So by inviting this distraction, players might be thinking these guitars are for this music genre exclusively. Yes, the Seymour Duncan Mortal Coil pickups in these guitars are the perfect supplement for hard, heavy music but not exclusively. Reb Beach has EMGs in his guitars but he's not a metal guy. 

If that colour scheme looks familiar, it's actually the reverse of what SOLAR is doing with their Assassin models. 

And everyone was inspired by BC Rich, yes? 😅

Pics: ESP / SOLAR / GC

H-Slinky

Had been playing this set for about a week. Not really an EB fan, just wanted to try this gauge to see if it accommodates my perfect fourth tuning. Verdict - swapping the .011 out for a .010.

Buskers @ KL (2)

Second night of checking street buskers in the Bt Bintang area (KL). These musicians were just outside Plaza Sungei Wang, that building in the background is Lot 10. They were mainly playing pop, ballads & radio-friendly hits. Sizeable crowd gathered to watch. Just glad it wasn't a weekend night.

Ibanez September 2026 (2): Satch's

Very clean looking JS2470 for September's release. I love the Radius-type body but unwilling to spend money on a signature model. Don't see anything special with this one.

If we look at the flip side,we'd note the rather sumptuous amount of bubinga for the neck.

In fact, they left the headstock unlaminated to show the stripe.

Pics: Ibanez

Product safety recall: Ibanez P20 bass amp

This requires your urgent attention. If you own the Prometheus Series of bass amps, please take note that the P20 model had been re-called for safety issues.

Kindly refer to the schedule above for details. 

Pics: Ibanez

 

Humbucking Jr

As usual, a little late to the Gibson developments. Not motivated to check Gibsons out since the dealer here only inventorize selected models. This humbucking LP Jr is definitely my thing; single humbucker, hard tail, solid colour... I'm definitely one of those estranged ones who dislike gaudy tops so don't talk to me about flames & quilts; not interested. Another turn off - burst finishes in any iterations. 

Pic: Gibson