Masterclass: Polyphia

Just spreading the word; these guys will be back here for another noodling session. If you missed the last one & would like to atone for your waywardness, keep the details here in mind.

More delays

If you've been trawling the net lately, this is news indeed. BOSS' delay units, the current DD-3 & DD-7 have been superseded by these; the DD-3T & DD-8 respectively. Don't worry folks, no crazy departure from the former units we all love & rely on. The DD-3T simply adds a tap tempo to proceedings. The DD-8 on the other hand, has a loop feature on board & a touch of reverb, among others. I'm not a big delay fan, in fact I don't have any plugged into my practice line up at home. However, I enjoy digital delay more than the analog version. I'm not a  fan of how things decay into oblivion nicely & warmly, I prefer an exact repeat to fade. That's just me I guess. In the mean time, from BOSS' official channel:

Vela Saturday

Spent the whole day with this one. Yes, it's from the less celebrated S2 range which gets the flak for not being entirely American. I was fully aware of that when buying the S2 models. In fact, I deem them as definite value-for-money instruments & the number grew. The Vela here was touted as the manufacturer's offset model & just by looking at it, it was done subtly. Whatever the case was, I sounded impressive at the store so it was worth spending money on.

I've always liked the locking tuners despite the top access being a hassle. It's something that works effectively without putting the entire neck totally out of balance. The nut slots in this one are some of the best coming from the S2 line.

The reason I brought this out was to try this set of strings. The new Signature series & whatever 'signature' there implies, these are good, definitely above average strings. They are neither too flabby nor too stiff, the tension is just right for a slightly thicker gauge set. 

The only thing about the S2 that bothered me was the default bridge pickup. Np, it wasn't useless but it couldn't get a good metal type of tone going. After a few effects pedals & amps, I concluded that it wasn't meant to serve a distortion-inclined master; a good AC/DC affair at best. I understand where the Vela is coming from, it is supposed to be a tone monster serving a dose of honky tonk in some pickup settings/ selections so without hesitation, the default humbucker made way for a Seymour Duncan C5 & that was an instant hit. The C5 gave the instrument some added bottom end to offset the inherent brightness coming from those brass saddles. It also avoided an intrusive top end (unlike a JB/ Distortion/ Dimebucker) so bringing this guitar into metaldom is a pleasant affair.

Got Mojo

Three weeks later, they were in the mailbox. Another tone adventure awaits but not in the mean time.

Vintera

The first batch of Fender Vintera Series of instruments are now available at Swee Lee.

I was never a big fan of the Mexican Fenders, just a little interested in the offset models not too long ago but that episode had come to pass. Not really looking forward to invest in one of these either but they got good appraisals by most reviewers. The Vintera prices are very close to the American Performers & I definitely won't pay that much for a Mexican model. It's just me.

Giveaway: Darco strings (Done)

If you are interested in trying out a set of Darco 10 - 52, you know what to do 😎

26/9/2019: Done. Thanks for your interest, do look out for more giveaways to come.

Yamaha: THR next gen

Yamaha recently unveiled their new generation of THR desktop amps (THR II). A large fanfare feature here is the inclusion of wireless access. I've seen the features online & watched some promo clips & feel that it's basically a re-hashed version of the previous camp. Not trying to dis Yamaha but the wireless dongle idea had been done by Blackstar but in terms of a full functioning amp offering in a desktop format with very little compromise in terms of tone, the THR series is a very good reference. In my books, it's more nimble than its nearest rival, the BOSS Katana amps (the desktop ones, not the full fledge combo).

Jr 12

The magnificent Ibanez AW54JR is now offered in a 12-string version (AW5412JR). Noble idea & if you have tried the AW54JR in person, it's a fantastic instrument. A concern here - due to the scaled down body size, that oversized headstock might cause a little neck dive in sitting position.

Price watch: Ibanez AZ

Despite being a great admirer of the Ibanez AZ series, I'm holding out till the right model debuts in the stores here. This post is just a highlight on prices. The AZ2402's Japanese listings are seen above.

These are the American listings.

Coming to the prices in this country, you can see that the white version costs a little more than its counterparts. I sincerely hope that is a typo error & it could be easily rectified. The pink version has not made its way here yet. If it is listed as much as the white, then a price hike has taken place which is beyond our control. However, with reference to the Japanese & American listings, that should not be the case. The AZ2402 sports the same price across colours. 

Why am I making a fuss out of this possible error? As a seller, one should be more careful when dealing with figures especially so when the system isn't as ready to refund buyers some price anomalies. It is also the onus of the seller to make sure prices are carefully listed, it's not the buyer's job to proof read the seller's listings, surely there is a team dedicated to ensure such things are done well. There is also no reward for buyers to embark on such a proof-reading task. Or is there?

Selling: EHX TBM

I'm cutting down on fuzz pedals, they are the least used.

• EHX Triangle Big Muff in 9/10 condition, box included
• Strictly self-collect: CCK mrt station
• No reservations/ No trades
• Queries/ confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price: $110 (final)

Picture perfect Strat

Fender - Andy Summers collab; the Monochrome Strat. I didn't know he was into photography till this came round. Apparently, it's a 3-way collab: Fender - Leica - Andy Summers.

It's done at the rear as well. Nothing new here, just another Strat but an artistic novelty. 

PIC: Fender

Price check: Gibson

More Curleigh-era Gibsons making their way here. The 2019 Gibson SG Jr costs slightly more than its 2018 counterpart. No prominent differences between the two less the different scripts at the respective  headstocks. The 2019 has a Graph Tech nut while the 2018 has a Tektoid version. Which one is it for you? Is it worth paying that wee bit extra for a nut material difference? The decision is entirely yours. 

Stick

Cool thing happening with Fender Japan - every time you purchase a Made in Japan Modern instrument...

You'll be given a set of complementary stickers...

So that you can tattoo your guitar with them.

If you've been reading the entries here, you'd realize that I'm quite a sticker fan but I keep them off the bodies. They usually show up on the cavity covers so that should the stickers inflict a permanent damage to the surface/ you nicked a spot while removing them, those covers are easily replaceable. 👍

Speaking

The new generation of PRS instrument/ instrument-related cables are now available at Davis GMC. I bought myself a 3ft speaker cable from the classic series seen here in alluring blue.

The PRS cable is significantly thicker compared to the default Marshall version that came complementary with an amp purchase. This shows that the PRS is able to carry more signals through at any given time compared to its counterpart. The PRS also feels tougher physically but it's as flexible as the Marshall. The overall insulation here is important in promoting durability of which the Marshall feels thin & skimpy. The implication would be the material giving way easily if stepped on or scratched against the floor surface. 

Plugs-wise, there's very little competition going on. The PRS has Neutrik plugs with tough components to withstand repeated insertions & removal. The barrel is also significantly bigger to contain the thicker conductors. The obvious difference here is that the PRS barrel is removable while the Marshall's plastic version has a terminal wrapping; there's no way to access the internals unless you cut it open leaving the plug useless thereafter. 

I consider having a dedicated speaker cable to be very important as it transfers signals to the speaker directly. The cable must be noise-free & durable. The common mistake among uninitiated players is to use instrument cables to do a speaker cable's job. The instrument cable comprises of three conductors which will harm the amp's transformer over time. Ye.s it still works but it's damaging your amp unknowingly which is not a wise thing to do. If you are doing line level connections, you might prefer a thinner version which is currently not offered by PRS. Also, performance technicians would tell you that speaker cables should promote low visibility for aesthetic purposes so black is preferred but if you ask me, I like easy & immediate visual reference. This is especially useful if you are a backline tech overseeing multiple amps on stage during performances.

Are quality speaker cables expensive? Reputable ones start in the $30 price bracket at its shortest offering which is usually 3ft. I have tried three brands which I personally recommend & are in the stores right now; PRS/ Planet Waves/ Hosa. I have yet to try the Ibanez & Hotone versions in the mean time as they do not come in the shorter offerings (1m or shorter). Do let me know if there are other worthy brands to check out. 😎

Sounding out (5)

Gibson purists won't have time for this kinda LP. This is the BFG, a stripped down model, totally devoid of gloss & any attempts to make the instrument look attractive. There are no fretboard markers & the models were finished in colours with no relevance to heritage/ nostalgia.

Compared to the original version seen above, mine had the Grover tuners replaced with a set of lighter, Kluson type Gotohs because the former were heavy & caused a neck dive in sitting position. The bridge pickup was swapped out, kill switch removed & the wooden knobs done away with in favour of a plastic set. This is the Gibson in my collection with countless mods done to it to serve my needs/ quirks.

The latest humbucker to make its way into the BFG is Gibson's 500T. It's one of my preferred pickup by the manufacturer with loads of clarity under high gain settings. The neck P-90 had been a mainstay since day one simply because I like a fat single coil tone in the neck of Les Pauls. 

The thing with gloss free finishes is that it does not offer any protection to any surface applications. I'm literally wiping away those labels every time I give the headstock a wipe down during re-string. 

Is this a sheer waste of money? That's a firm NO. I bought this one because it reminds me of why I find glossed out necks detestable. It also offers a different insight on Les Pauls; how a lighter, no-frills version of it would serve those among us who thrive on bite rather than those semi-useless, treble truncated vintage sounding humbuckers. 

Epiphone: Heads up!

You might have come across this headline last weekend. It seems that Epiphone is moving on with the headstock design for instruments manufactured in the near future. Don't be surprised if it happens very soon, maybe a Winter NAMM 2020 announcement. 

It would mean that this headstock is going into extinction. According to Epiphone, it's a 'maligned' design that's worth a revision. In a recent tweet, Gibson's CMO alluded to the fact that something closer to the Gibson headstock design would take over soon.

Even before this made headlines, you'd notice that the recent Vivian Campbell Holy Diver signature Les Paul is already sporting a different headstock outline. No idea if this is causing an endless wave of elation amongst those who avoided buying an Epiphone due to this design repulsion. Am I one of them? Hmm...

The bleeding

I've been repeatedly sharing with you folks about how the adhesive of a hard case interior would bleed glue & damage instrument parts. Well I was determined to provide visual evidence so that we can take precautions when storing instruments over a prolonged period of time. The above pic shows a used guitar string envelope lined against the hard case neck rest. The instrument's neck was placed on top of this piece of paper & intentionally stored away for more than 2 months. As you can see, the adhesive or whatever liquid discharge that bled through the fur lining got absorbed by the paper.

This is the flip side view of the same piece of paper & the visible stain there; note the stain on the fur lining as well. I began to suspect something was amiss when my guitar neck felt sticky every time it's removed from the hard case. The metal parts that came into contact with this discharge were the worst affected - corroded beyond belief. You might say that it's the consequence of extended storage, I should have played more often & removed the instrument out of the case. However, some of us need to observe prolonged storage due to work assignments (especially when we are out fo the country for weeks) & home improvements among other circumstances. Leaving them out of the case is not a wise option as it is an invitation to mishaps.

I personally feel that the satin blankets that were used in the hard cases not too long ago should not have been phased out to address this issue.

Sounding out (4)

Gibson, you charged us a premium for your pickups, you boxed them in this faux leather container which is - from the bottom of my heart - unnecessary. From the looks of it, it's not cheap stuff. So we know what we are paying for at the counter; what we are willing to pay for (the pickup) & the stuff you made us pay for. Also, look at the trash that it's filled with. You can do better in terms of environmental consideration.

Folks, the item in that excessive packaging is the Dirty Fingers humbucker. This is a bucket list item for me as mentioned previously. I'm still a take-no-prisoners, all out distortion monger & constantly looking out for pickups to deliver my tonal carnage. Since it's available,  & I have a little extra to spare after selling off stuff; why not. Full appraisal soon.

A quick re-string while I'm at it - a DR set of 10s.

My Les Paul CM T with the solo DF humbucker to slay 'em all. This has to be my go-to LP for some wicked, blistering, OTT distortion.

Chirality

Agile guitars has a new headless model released recently - the Chirality. Seen above is the 627 version. I'm holding out for a standard scaled version. Hope there is one in the series soon. 

Sounding out (3)

Another day of de-moulding, out in the sun.

The resident of that hard case is this Gibson LP Studio here - the limited edition Premium Plus. That's right folks, despite the elaborated top that could easily rival an LP Standard, it's just a humble Studio model. This is the only Gibson I own sporting gold hardware & it's an absolute turn off in terms of maintenance. The gold overcoat will fade off from the get go & it's no use trying to exercise diligence  so that things won't deteriorate.

Two changes here, the first is that truss rod cover. Screws were corroded & in an attempt to remove one of them - which resisted quite a bit - the cover cracked at the bottom edge. I bought a blank replacement, the original casualty was put away.

There's now a zebra version of the 500T bridge humbucker in there. This one will remain to be my firm favourite from the Gibson range; higher output, crispy clear treble & menacing midrange. Whatever bass offering Gibson had concocted here, it's acceptable by my standards.

New look La Bella strings for this guitar. 

Bottom feeder

Advance birthday gift for my dad - Ibanez PCBE12MH acoustic bass. He's 68 this year & still performs at weddings occasionally. At this age, prolonged standing with a solid body bass is taxing on the back so this was the least I could do for him.

Same old story; dry fretboard. That wood there isn't rosewood despite looking very convincing. It's nandu, which is a Southeast Asian substitute for rosewood very similar in colour & open grain characteristic. However, be informed that it is listed as vulnerable under certain tropical forest watch lists. Whatever the case, it needed re-cnditioning & that's a done deal.

This particular model was plagued by sharp fret edges for the entire neck length. Being accustomed to this anomaly, it's something I could confidently remedy with delicate filing. It seems that someone at the Chinese factory left a marker stain there, a permanent one & hoped the black coated strings (factory default) would somehow mask the blunder. This shows how much QC took place & why the world continues to think poorly of instruments crafted there. 

Another prominent lack of manufacturing pride is that rough edge at the sound hole which stretched for about half the circumference. We cannot rule out the fact that the area was defiled by tools while they had the electronics fixed to the internals of the instrument. Nobody attended to it thereafter because the PF series of Ibanez acoustics are the entry-level lot where such oversights might be deemed as the norm. 

All in all, this is a feeble product that got away from the QC eyes if there were any vigilance there to begin with. 

Sounding out (2)

That's right, Gibson pickups. I'm not too thrilled about them since they don't serve my needs but there are exceptional ones. It's really not about who makes them any more; brand name preference should be secondary to tonal delivery. I have been subconsciously observing this philosophy by having DiMarzios in some of my guitars despite being a firm Seymour Duncan camper. It shouldn't be different with the Gibson brand name. One of the two you see here is my bucket list item. Updates by this week.