Cort's headless

Cort has joined the headless endeavour. Depiceted above are the GT6TR (vibrato / HSS / regular frets) & the G6MS (fixed bridge / HH / partial fanned frets). Pickups are in-house models & frets are tall medium jumbo SS version for both. The thing to take note here is the neck profile; it's an Ergo V neck. Once it gets here, we will know if these are trying to rival the Strandberg version. The last time I tried a type of V-profile, it's just lethargy inducing.

Pics: Cort

Modern Morten

Was expecting an outright signature model but Mark Morten opted for a tweaked LP Modern with a quilt top. He's definitely not the first to utilize a Les Paul for heavy music but's it's good to know there are still players out there who embrace the Les Paul for its sheer thumping bottom end.

Pic: Gibson

JB_J 50th

As an ardent follower of all things Seymour Duncan, I am happy to see the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the JB & Jazz pickups. These might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you are from the DiMarzio camp. The JB is an in-your-face pickup when paired with the right kind of amp drive / gain. From a personal perspective, it dislikes pedals or any excessive processing. The jazz here hold its own when it comes to clean tones but it's also a closet avenger when it comes to driven tones. Am I buying this commemorative set? There seems to be no news of a trembucker version for the JB, so...

Pic: SD

Ibanez 2026: Why bother?

There were a few 'new' acoustic models in the Ibanez 2026 releases. These two are mentioned here because they are available in the stores already. Every year, we see Ibanez churn out non-solid top acoustics, the ALT & TCY models are examples. We can understand how the mere outline of these instruments would heighten the performer's presence & a solid top construction isn't something we can tell visually.

When you consider buying an acoustic guitar, what matters to you - tone, features, playability? When it comes to acoustic, more often than not, the tonal quality plays a very important part in making the guitar desirable. It's meant to be played unplugged & tone is everything. A gaudy finish, an outlandish outline & fancy fretboard inlays, among others, simply cannot save a bad acoustic tone. Yes, Ibanez has other acoustic models in its lineup that offer some immaculate tones this side of Martin & Taylor. However, those are touching the upper midrange price points, ofter beyond the reach of the average Joe. I guess this approach to acoustic guitar offerings work for Ibanez, otherwise they won't continue making visually attractive guitars that sound bland & get away with it.

Pics: Ibanez

ESP 2026: Maverick

I've always loved ESP's MV (Maverick) models for its offset design; yes, it's a subtle offset unlike Fender's Jaguar et al. This year, the ESP version features a control knob. If you wish for that traditional single knob affair, then the LTD version preserves this originality. The other differences we note in the LTD version:

• headstock binding
• SD Hot Rails neck pickup (EPS has the Cool Rails version)
• FR 1000 bridge (FRO for the ESP)
• 24.75" scale length (25.5" for ESP)

Pics: ESP 

ADP

Was trawling cyberspace for prog / fusion instrumentals. Somehow, the algorithms led me to this duo. Collectively, they are known as Angine De Poitrine, individually, they are Khn & Klek & we could somehow tell these are no their real names. K & K are heavily masked up, disguised & liberally esoteric to throw off any interests in getting to know them as human beings. They want you to focus on the music (& maybe showmanship).

This is just one tune from a handful of tunes in their album. Notice how loops were effectively used here & the drums are totally in sync from start to end. This is also an unofficial inspiration to actually use our toes to manipulate pedal knobs while performing live. I can't really categorize this kind of music but it definitely has an intense prog psyche; totally enjoyable regardless of the note / scale choices used. Performance extraordinaire to say the least. 

Pic: ADP