CY returns

The CY makes a return to Edwards' line-up this June with a simpler look.

Once upon a time, the CY was one of the upper-most tier instrument in the Edwards catalog. It had more than 24 frets, excessive binding, Seymour Duncan pickups, gold hardware... the works. The current version is a rather restrained look but equally inviting. The pickups are Seymour Duncan Rails: JB / Vintage / Jazz. 

Good to know that the neck-through-body construction was retained for the current incarnation. Despite the trimmings, expect to pay about $2K if it's made available here.

Pics: ESP

GS270 (3)

Body is ready for a re-finish. I did not remove the existing finish entirely. The idea here is to scratch the surface so that the new coat of paint would stick. That's it. That existing coat there prevents me from having to pore-fill the bare wood before a re-finish would take place. Of course, it's very unprofessional but very befitting for a novice like me. My objective had always been as long as it works. 

These are the trem post holes. I had stuffed them with foam, yes that one that came with the pickup packaging, very spongey. This prevents paint from entering the holes & mess up the screw threads. Also, the cavities in this body had been lined with paper. It's been scorching hot lately so it's a good time to be spray-painting .

To be continued...

CORT @ 10% off

A little late in knowing that CORT guitars are currently on 10% discount (@Swee Lee till 12 June). Cort KX models are direct competitors to Schecter's Omen & Ibanez SZ models once. While Ibanez discontinued the SZs, Schecter's Omen are getting more inaccessible to many beginners. CORT kept prices down & this KX100 is a very affordable bolt-on version currently listing for $296.10.

This GS200SE ($269.10) is one of the better affordable / entry-level instruments out there. Pickups are above-average to me & those single coils are surprisingly good considering I plugged it into a solid state amp. I'd rather you check this out than a Squier.

Do not doubt CORT's craftsmanship, they make guitars for Ibanez & PRS (among others).

Pics: CORT

Jacks

The input jack on the right suffered from intermittent connection. It couldn't click properly once a cable was connected. Notice its shorter main prong; this is typical of '80s guitars. The replacement jack (left, HOSCO brand, available @ Davis GMC) is a Japanese product & it sports a significantly longer main prong to ensure a secured connection each time. For those of us who are still reluctant to replace the default components of our guitars, we should keep in mind the fact that along the way, product design improved & we should embrace improvement as opposed to blind infatuation.

SL June savings

Some mid-year enticements for those of us whose pockets are a little more filled up than the others.

I have no idea if people are still buying pedals these days but I've had personal experiences with this EHX trio which are currently subjected to the June savings.

• Nano Big Muff Pi. A good start for those of us who are intrigued by the fuzz unit. Nothing special, just an above average fuzz unit to get things going. It goes well with a Tube Screamer unit or something of this nature, for some creamy tones this side of Eric Johnson. 
• Soul Food. Touted as the Klon on a budget not too long ago, this one performs well regardless of the association. Something treble-ish but pleasant, that's how I hear it.
• Crayon 69. This one's off radar but I enjoy using it as an OD-3 alternative. It has that wee bit top end push that you might like if you play in a band setting. 

The opinions shared above are mine. My personal experience with thee pedals might not conform to the manufacturer's perspective considering I am distortion-inclined, invest excessively to sound heavy & dabble in fusion-esque settings for solos.

Pics: SL

Pac Man

Once again, Fender never fails to entice us with novelty. This Player II Telecaster would perform equally well without the Pac Man graphics. Then again, should we be buying Fenders in view of what it's doing to others?

Pic: Fender