GS270

Someone I know just graduated from the local polytechnic here. This guitar used to keep him occupied during his student days. He would be going back to his homeland & did not wish to bring this with him. In fact he had stayed away from music altogether prior to his graduation, busied himself with food delivery instead for the extra cash. So this guitar went home with me. Nothing fancy, just an Ibanez GS270. 

When I brought it out the first time, this guitar felt sticky all over. The finish (or the lack thereof) might have reacted to the inner lining of the bag. It looked unplayed less the rusty strings. The tone pot was stuck, no rotation possible & the B/E strings were literally embedded into the nut slots. 

To be continued...

Time to scream

Before we get too excited, know that this CITIZEN - IBANEZ collaboration is a Japan exclusive arrangement. Only 500 units are offered for sale. I believe many of us might be heading to Japan for the mid-year holiday & would stand a chance to purchase this. I'd rather you check this out than a Fender kitchen sponge.

Pic: Ibanez

AB polish

I will never return to Brasso / Autosol for my metal polishing needs. If these brands work for you, by all means, go ahead. I came across this unknown brand polish at Mustafa Center that works very well for metal / chrome parts. Bonus - nice scent.

 

Cracks

Even when you take extra good care of your instruments, some things were not meant to last. The cracks you see here were most probably caused by temperature changes, repeated temperature changes to be exact. This plate, along with miscellaneous screws & such, are expendables. Don't be too upset if you have to replace them & you keep thinking it affects the authenticity of your instrument. This only matters if you are dealing with historic / vintage instruments that require period correct components to retain its value. Please don't lose sleep over component replacements. Even your car needs it. 

50th Custom

This is definitely a cool release - the 50th Anniversary Seymour Duncan Custom / '59 set. Pickups were constructed for a bit of time-travelling episode, the '70s to be precise, when the Custom was conceived to push distortion boundaries without being too overbearing; a medium output pickup with a ceramic magnet. Anyway, that semi-distressed look, nostalgic sticker & MJ's initials would get fans excited. The catch - only 500 units of these would be offered for sale. Sigh.

Pic: SD

Grand S

Welcoming the weekend in the knowledge that Dimmu Borgir is releasing a new LP today: Grand Serpent Rising. That's 8 years after their last LP & there are only two founding members left in the band. My favourite DB album had always been the re-recorded Stormblast with Hellhammer on drums. The band made it big after Death Cult Armegeddon (2003) which virtually can't be beaten in terms of appeal & musicianship. Along the way, Mustis (keyboards) left & the void in orchestral elements was deafening thereafter. In the mean time, a track off GSR: