Mango

PRS is currently doing a limited run of instruments featuring a mango wood top. Mr PRS himself, in a recent dialogue at the launch of this lineup, did not mention any tone-related benefits of this wood type save for the fact that they look good as guitar tops. Waiting for any coconut, durian & perhaps a jackfruit top in time to come should they decide to extend this oriental wood interest.

Pic: PRS

Black Crane

Belated congratulations to Ms Janet & Davis GMC on their official launch of Black Crane guitar store. This unit is located at Level 2, Peninsula Shopping Center, just next to the escalator (Lavanita used to be here).

BC's focus is the offering of boutique Japanese guitars; ESP, Momose & Headway are currently on the list. There will be a selection of pre-loved instruments in the near future. Please visit their webstore: CLICK.

Incantation @ SG

If you enjoyed their 2018 performance & would want to re-live another crushing episode, they will be here mid-year (June). At the time of this posting, tickets are not on sale yet. Updates soon.

Pic: Vent Box

Pro-M Jake

Was looking at this new Charvel Jake E Lee model, the Pro-Mod version. Unlike the American take, this one does not sport a matching body-headstock finish which I thought looks more appealing. This is one of those guitars that combined Seymour Duncan (JB, bridge) & DiMarzio (SDS-1, middle / neck) tonalities to give the player the best of both worlds (aggression vs smoothness). The previous Pro-Mod (featuring a pickguard) listed for slightly more than $2K, hope this one doesn't stray too far off this mark. 

Pic: Charvel

Ibanez April 2026: 5111

This is my kind of guitar (RGR5111); single pickup + fixed bridge. Wish that humbucker was a passive unit. Looks like Ibanez had gone big this April (spring). Good additions to the lineup in various series / tiers.

Pic: Ibanez

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