Selling: Fender Duo-Sonic (SOLD)

Next to go for chemo funding is my Fender Duo-Sonic (Mex). A non-Fender bag is included with this one. Only mods here are the pickups: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (n) / SSL-5 (b) & it's in 9/10 condition, 100% fret life as I don't bend my strings.

• Selling: Fender Duo Sonic (Mex), non-Fender bag included
• 9/10 condition
• Mod: Seymour Duncan pickups - SSL-1 (n) / SSL-5 (b)
• Self-collect; CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• No reservations / trades
• Queries / confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price is final: $500

Discontinued: Ibanez RG550DX

That's right folks, the RG550DX is discontinued for 2021 for this region. It's facing a stiff competition against its own siblings in the Prestige & Premium line ups. It's also a victim of stubborn people who insist the 'true' RG550 should feature a maple fretboard at all times.  

However, back in 1987, the catalog clearly showed that a non-maple version was offered. We say goodbye to January on a high knowing the good gear released this month had been worth waiting for. Most of them. 😬

Pics: Ibanez / VJ Guitars

Fender 2021 (Japan): Roasted

The good Fender stuff, they keep coming from Japan. This here is the limited run Hybrid Stratocaster featuring a roasted maple neck. They should have more of these in the USA range, really. That humbucker there is a Shawbucker so if you think this is another second fiddle Japanese Strat, then it's not. 

Pic: Fender Japan

Fender 2021: Noventa

Time for some 2021 Fender guitar highlights... the Noventa Series. These are Mexican models featuring P90 pickups in various configurations. The hard tail Strat above has two & the controls are also reduced to just a single volume / tone combo. The fretboard here is pao ferro.

The Jazzmaster has three & features a 5-way pickup selector that is just like a Strat. Maple fretboard as seen above.

And saving the best for last, you have a single pickup Telecaster. In my opinion, that pick guard there is totally unnecessary. Design-wise, if this one features a regular Tele pickuard, it would mean re-configuring the machines to accommodate the longer P90. If it stays like it is, there are cost savings since lesser material is required. However, no costs will be incurred if it's avoided altogether, yes? Hmm...

What's the deal with P90s? They are in-between pickups; less of that true single coil poke, more humbucking warmth, not to mention some fat, in-your-face tones given the right drive / distortion. P90s in a Jazzmaster is quite a futile affair considering the original Jazzmaster single coils offer a unique interpretation of the former's tone. Fender is offering a quirky variety of their established models. They do not wish to tread the Alternate Reality path once more since only the pickup here offers the difference; there's no design fusion involved. Being the single pickup fanatic, I will definitely check the Tele out. 

Pics: Fender USA

Shorty strikes back

I almost gave up on this Hofner Shorty. It was a novelty purchase last year because I always have a soft spot for single pickup guitars. This one came with a horrible action so that was taken care of quickly. The fretboard was pale & that one was looked into promptly as well. I had to clear these anomalies before being able play it, really. Oh, one more thing, it's almost impossible to play this one without a strap. That body design has very little purchase in terms of placement when played sitting down. 

The other thing that bothered me was the default pickup. It's awful to say the least. It's below what an entry level model from other brand names would offer. So the blade-type humbucker there was the replacement & it's way beyond my expectations when it comes to high gain settings. I managed to spend some time playing this guitar yesterday & it's an enjoyable 22min before my skin started to give way.

I'm dealing with the side effects of my chemo in the mean time. It thins the skin & there's numbness at the fingertips but the urge to play is always strong. My playing time would be cut short by the skin being skimmed by the strings, especially the wound ones. That 22min of playing time was indeed the longest since I started playing after my discharge from the hospital. Music & guitar-ing are my escape from this ordeal. It distracts me from the astronomical hospitalization bills that arrived just days ago. On that note, you won't be reading any entries about me buying gear this year until I recuperate financially, among other things. Thank you for reading, my friends. Wishing you a good weekend ahead. 👍

Miyavi

Latest talk in the Fender (Japan) camp - Miyavi's signature model. I have no idea if this was in the works before Ibanez released the AZS models but we can definitely relate to the similarities in terms of features. That whammy bridge there is the Super Vee Maverick model so in terms of radical manipulations, the Super Vee is reputable for being smooth & in tune. Also, there are three different pickups here: Seymour Duncan Lil '59 (b) / Pure Vintage '65 Gray Bottom (m) / Sustainer Driver (n). This might be a deal breaker for some of us as a mix-match affair is something we don't fancy in our instruments but the rest of the specs here are promising. You might not understand what transpired in the following clip but we can definitely hear the guitar in action:

Pic: Fender Japan

Snake Sabo

Something new from the Kramer camp - Dave Sabo's Baretta. The newer generation of players are definitely not familiar with the name but Sabo, together with Scotti Hill, are the guitar duo of Skid Row. This is a late 80s - early 90s outfit, an extension of the hair metal music without the hair, if you will. I managed to follow the band's first two albums before being distracted by the grunge scene. Anyway, if you know me well, I'm always into single pickup guitars & this one has my attention. The lone humbucker is an 85-T designed by Gibson's Jim DeCola. The FR1000 bridge is equipped with an EVH D-Tuna for some drop tuning moments. The deal breaker is definitely that snake graphic; a love-hate affair. Listen to the snake man himself as he talks you through things:

Pic: Kramer

Ibanez 2021 (9): LB1

That's right, this is the other signature model helping to propel the AZS this year, the Ibanez LB1. All modern appointments despite flirting with the Telecaster outline. The pickup combo there is very interesting; a standard humbucker & a pair of Telecaster single coils. These are Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio signature models. 

So Ibanez did a smart thing in terms of product marketing; they did the Josh Smith model & this Lari Basilio signature to complement the AZS2209 & AZS2200 respectively. If you do not wish to invest in signature specs, you have the standard production models to consider. 

By virtue of this endorsement, there's rife talk elsewhere saying Ibanez is now above what Suhr has to offer, otherwise, Lari Basilio wouldn't have switched camps. If you endorse this notion, it is disrespecting what a good guitar should be; it should transcend the brand name fanfare. Suhr hold its own in terms of quality & aesthetic appeal. The upper end Ibanez models, in my opinion, are in a different league. It's all about knowing which market sector one is appealing to. In their best manifestations, these would not replace any Suhr instruments comprehensively; they are just different. 

Also, another popular opinion making its round is that Ibanez has failed to replicate the Telecaster livery. But were these models conceived to out-perform the immortal Telecaster to begin with? We note both AZS models are equipped with their own quirks (whammy bridge, curved control panel, etc.) hence stamping a unique identity this side of the Telecaster. If you are a Tele devotee, it's best to understand what the AZS is about.

Introduction formalities by Lari herself.

Now, where have we seen that purple before? 😬

Pics: Ibanez

LTE 3

It's been a very long time indeed but the LTE quartet did not let their third album plans lay to waste with this video teaser. It means the full album is coming soon & we can all look forward to a possible album of the year contender. OK, maybe the instrumental campers among us would get more excited than the rest but we could all appreciate the incredible talents in LTE: Petrucci/ Levin/ Rudess/ Portnoy

Pic: Albumoftheyear

Epiphone 2021: Fanatic

You might have seen this in another incarnation called the Nighthawk in its Gibson lifetime but this is now the signature model of Nancy Wilson (Heart). It's called the Epiphone Fanatic & retains very much the Nighthawk essence, including the 25.5" scale length. Nice to see an ebony fretboard there as well & you get a hardcase with this purchase. I used to be attracted to the Nighthawk once. It's less overwhelming than its Les Paul brother & that simpler bridge there is my kind of feature. What was the deal breaker? The slanted pickup. If you dislike what the manufacturer has to offer, there is virtually no other after-market replacements that are slanted by default. 

Pic: Audiofanzine

Ibanez 2021 (8): Oh my Josh!

This is a smart thing to do; getting professionals to push your instruments through. Nothing new, yes? It's called endorsement & it's done to other stuff as well, automobile, jewelry, F&B, etc. The guitar you see here is a signature model belonging to Josh Smith. If this name does not ring a bell then you are not alone. I spent my chemo time getting to know who he is & in my opinion, he deserves this deal. The timing of it all is also impeccable as Ibanez released the AZS together with a couple of new endorsements, this is one of them.

Unlike the AZS, this one features a soft V neck profile which promises non-intrusion. Also, the tuners are the vintage type requiring you to insert some string length into the shaft. I favour this feature as there is no excessive string material poking through that might just jab your fingers during handling / tuning. The pickups are Seymour Duncan's FlatV models, a collaboration between the manufacturer & the artist. Note that no artist name was used in the naming of the products (guitar & pickups) so everyone else can feel at home owning them. 

This is Mr. Smith himself talking about his new guitar. I find such videos essential as these reveal the depth of product knowledge; some endorsers have poor product knowledge, it's like the instruments were shoved down their throats at gun point when the deal was done. They had no clue what took place but Mr. Smith here has full knowledge of what he was into. 

Have a good Sunday, folks. Stay Covid free, alright?

Pic: Ibanez

Squier 2021: Contemporary listings (2)

Two more Contemporary Squiers for 2021, the Tele above is a HH model. Yes, the single coil pickup there is a humbucker. Together with the neck, these are the SQR models (Atomic / Rail) which will provide plenty of punch for modern drive tones. They should have equipped this guitar with a coil split option for some single coil moments but we know Squier has many other models for that tone type.

This is the Contemporary Jaguar HH & this sky burst metallic finish is simply awesome. Pickups here are also the SQR Atomic humbuckers. This one sports a 24" scale length so that's as Jaguar as it gets. Same thing, a coil split option would be nice because the Jaguar in its original incarnation, is a single coil beast.

The idea of an HH Jaguar isn't new. They used to have the Japanese Jaguar Special HH seen above in black. This one retained the Jaguar's original pickup switching. I used to own one, reason for selling - chose to embrace the Jaguar in its single coil incarnation instead. I feel the guitar sounds 'unique' in the single coil version, the humbuckers made it sound like other humbucking guitars; too many of those around.

Pics: Squier / Guitar Specs

ESP 2021 (4)

OK... so this is new for 2021 as well but only offered in the Japanese market - E-II M-II HST P. Exciting release because those are humbucker-sized P90s (Bare Knuckle HSP90 Supermassive Tyger) & the guitar features a Hipshot non-locking vibrato bridge. Dang! 

Pic: ESP Japan

Ibanez 2021 (7): Gomm!

Still in the acoustic realm, new for 2021 & from an unlikely manufacturer, the Ibanez Jon Gomm signature acoustic (JGM10). Gomm is a percussive finger style player & his techniques are just mind boggling. The guitar sports a simple outline but much thought was given to player needs in this case; bigger / wider body top for percussion, a non-intrusive cutaway that does not subtract bottom / top end definition & volume-inclined bracing, among others. The body is an all solid construction (sitka spruce top, pau ferro back & sides) together with an ebony fretboard. If you are interested in this one, do note that the scale length is slightly longer - 25.75"

It must have been an extra special collaboration for Gomm to move from Lowden to Ibanez & in the video below, you can see that he's simply thrilled.

Pic: Ibanez

Dream GT

Folks, if you are waiting for the Taylor American Dream to be here then be informed that the plug-in version is now available at Swee Lee ($2,449). The American Dream was first mentioned here: CLICK

Also available but already out of stock is the GT model ($2,299). The GT was first mentioned here: CLICK

Just to recall what's the big deal with these two; the American Dream is touted to be the most sensible (price-wise) when it comes to an American Taylor guitar while the GT is the bigger brother (slightly only, still not a full-sized instrument) of the GS Mini featuring an all solid construction. 

My concern with the American Dream was its price. Now that we have full knowledge of its listing, this guitar is facing stiff competition against Gibson's G-45 Standard which features an all solid body construction as well but for about $700 less. The GT - well, is way beyond the GS Mini price tag by more than $1K. Yes, the GT is a different kind of beast, it's slightly bigger & that all solid body enticement contribute to costs. Based on this factor alone, there won't be a massive switch between the GSM & GT campers. Then again, this comparison is not quite objective considering they are different guitars that dangerously tread on being similar upon some considerations. 

Pics: Music Radar

ESP 2021 (3)

Rounding the 2021 ESP affairs, these three E-II models are worth mentioning. The Fluence-Evertune details are now offered in a 7-string, baritone (27" scale length) as seen in this M-II 7B.

Flying the bolt-on flag is this Snapper, all spec'd up for a contemporary feel; Floyd Rose Original bridge, Bare Knuckle Aftermath & an ebony fretboard. The thing with this S-type take is that, it's competing with Fender & Charvel in a similar performance domain but losing out on price appeal compounded by the fact that there's no ESP label at the headstock to propel buyer confidence. Yes, you can announce to the world that the E-IIs are indeed your former ESP Standard models in another incarnation but potential buyers do not wish for two brand names in a single instrument. It invites doubt more than assurance. 

My final mention goes to this M-I. It's easily a likeable guitar in my books for that single pickup feature. It's also whammy-free, has an ebony fretboard & a through-body neck construction. If this gets here, it's very difficult to look away but at the rate things are going for me, it's  just a wish list guitar.
 

Pics: ESP

Selling: Pro Tone Dead Horse OD

That's right, chemotherapy funding continues (price is FINAL, thanks). Letting this go for a good price, barely played (9.5/10 condition) & no velcro at the base plate. Please note - this is NOT a heavy distortion / intense overdrive pedal. It's best used to boost an already saturated amp, that's what the Pro Tone name is known for. Yes, this is also the version before they slimmed down the dimensions.

• Selling: Pro Tone Dead Horse OD (9.5/10 condition, box included)
• No velcro at base plate
• Works with power adapter only, Pro Tone stopped including battery clip with this version
• Self-collect: CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• Queries / confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• No trades / reservations
• Price: $150

Edit: Squier Contemporary Strat

OK so the Squier Contemporary Strat featured just days ago wasn't a debut listing. Squier had a pre-2021 version that is still in production & it looks like the one above.

The new one for 2021 is known as the Contemporary Stratocaster Special. I think some of us like the fact that the input jack is located at the side as opposed to the top. Apologies for the confusion.

Pics: Squier

Ibanez 2021 (6)

I thought Ibanez was done with the 2021 announcements but this popped up yesterday at their webpage (was busy to update + I had a late day). Seen above: AZS2200F (F = flame maple top)

There are two variations offered; the one you see up there with the whammy bridge (alder body) & this fixed bridge version sporting an ash body (AZS2209H, H = hard tail). The whammy bridge is a duplicate of the AZ's, Gotoh T1802. Ibanez chose to go the vintage way with the 3-saddle T-style bridge but it's still a Gotoh (F1803). I foresee the vintage purists swapping the saddles out for the brass version to manifest an all out twang - heck, yeah! If you look at the control layout of the AZS2209H, it screams Telecaster with a twist. If you are a Tele owner, you'd know how the straight layout sometimes hinder pickup switching so slanting / curving it this way addresses just that. Brilliant. 

So what Ibanez did, to see the bigger picture here, is to offer a T-style version of the AZ model so you entice both Strat & Tele fans to the fold. There won't be a total switch over if you had been a Fender bender all this while as these instruments offer a different playing experience & tone. I'm also glad that Ibanez kept the Seymour Duncan theme going for this series but choosing existing models (Magic Touch Mini / Alnico II Pro Custom) instead of collaborative models like the AZ's Hyperion & Fortuna.

Is this Ibanez's first T-style adventure? Certainly not. The guitar you see above was featured in Richie Kotzen's Electric Joy album. Maybe it's a good time to entice Mr. Kotzen back into the Ibanez camp with the AZS? Hmm...

Lest we forget, these are the other T-style models by Ibanez:

• A: Talman series. Has the T vibe going but the body is an offset design
• B: Ibanez's offshoot label, the Starfield. This one here is one of the Cabriolet models
• C: FR - the most recent design but discontinued WEF 2021. Hold on to yours if you own one

Pics: Ibanez/ Audiofanzine/ Musicstore/ pinterest

PRS 2021: Lunar Ice

New for 2021 is the PRS Silver Sky Lunar Ice iteration. It's another flip flop body finish but done for the maple fretboard model. They did the Nebula version for the rosewood fretboard so this variation isn't a radical move. If you are interested, only 1,000 units are made for international distribution.

Pic: PRS

Squier 2021: Contemporary listings

Exciting debut in the Squier camp this year - the Contemporary Stratocasters.

These are manufactured in China & here are the reasons why we should at least check them out when they get here.

• The top most model you see there is a Floyd Rose equipped HH model. Rather typical but the Floyd unit is an 'FR' model as stated by the manufacturer (there's even an FR logo stamped on the bass side bridge flap). We would have expected an FR Special at this price point but it's an exciting introduction. However don't be surprised if it's actually a re-designed FRS. Keep in mind that an Original FR unit made in Germany lists for an upward of $500 so having one in a Squier of this pedigree just doesn't make sense.
• If the FR is not your thing, then the Contemporary Strat is offered in a non-locking whammy version (middle pic). Look closely, that's not a slanted humbucker, the middle single coil had been pushed towards the bridge to give an illusion of a humbucker being there. The interesting point to note here is the wiring; in position 1, both the bridge & middle pickups are connected in series so you get a humbucking option. Also, in position 4, all pickups are activated. How cool is that?
• Of course, if you wish for no whammy at all, a hard tail option is available (bottom pic) but it's only offered with a laurel fretboard in the mean time. Do note that all models in this series feature roasted maple necks. 

I just wish that maple fretboard versions feature unfinished headstocks as well but that's just me. The definite 'like' in this case is the fact that Squier opted for 1x vol / 1x tone control to keep things simple & out of the way.

Pics: Fender

Selling: GFS P90-sized humbuckers

Clearing more stuff to fund my chemo... Selling this pair of GFS P90-sized humbuckers (H-178/ H-179). Got them at a clearance for one of my Gibsons but decided not to mod the guitar. It's absolutely unused, screws & boxes included. Selling as a set only, thanks.

• Selling: GFS P90-sized humbuckers in cream finish. Unused, screws & boxes included. Selling as a set only.
• Self-collect: CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• No reservations / trades
• Queries / confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price: $79 (final)

PRS 2021: Hip hip... Fiore!

This is least expected - a PRS Mark Lettieri signature model. It's called the Fiore & another bolt-on addition to the PRS fold. After a successful episode with the Silver Sky, this makes absolute sense. My initial response to this - sure glad it didn't sport a retarded headstock outline! The body design here looks very ergonomic with rounded appointments & no drastic turns to affect comfort / playability, in fact, it looks like the Kiesel Theos. Unlike the SS, this one sports a two-point whammy bridge giving a different playing response. Do note that this will only debut around Summer 2021.

Listen to what the man himself has to say about his new guitar.

While you're at it, watch how good he is / the type of music he embraces. 

Pics: GW

Thin & numb

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is the thinning of the skin. Even the areas endowed with a thicker skin layer, suffers. Also, one experiences numbness at both the finger & toe tips. I've been playing guitar since my discharge but it's nothing extensive, 15min - 20min & everything has to stop. The numbness + thin skin combo added much to playing discomfort. I thought a lighter string gauge would help but that's not the root of the issue. Praying for blood recovery & less chemo bouts in time to come. 

Fender 2021: Amplifying

A couple of new Fender amps for 2021 - '68 Custom Pro Reverb (L) & '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb (R). 

The Vibro Champ is a re-interpretation of its late '60s black face sibling. This version sports a Celestion Ten 30 speaker & new extras - reverb & trem. 

The Pro Reverb is a 40-watter also featuring a Celestion speaker; a Neo Creamback. Neo here refers to the neodymium magnet in use which possesses serious strength when it comes to tone & drive manifestations. However, we don't invest in either amps for drive-related purposes as both are single channel units with a clean reference as default, a rather obvious implication. But we do know how Fender amps react to external drive sources; things tend to get a little exciting to say the least. 

I foresee a keen interest in the Vibro Champ should these amps make it here in the near future (these are slated for Spring). The current Fender staple among players here is the Blues Junior which is similar to the Vibro Champ in terms of features. The latter has an upper hand for its reverb & trem. 

Jackson 2021

An exciting development in the Jackson camp. New for 2021, the MJ series - Made in Japan instruments. Ebony fretboard & Duncans as default appointments but I'm a little skeptical when it comes to the Floyd Rose R3 bridge. Just hoping it's at least on part with the 1,000 series. Seen above: Dinky DKR.

If you prefer a non-reverse headstock, here's a Soloist for you (SL2).

I'm just a little disappointed that this RRT is the only non-whammy model offered & it's limited to this black finish. 

Is going Japanese a smart thing to do now? I believe, at the very least, the Japanese craftsmanship gives more purchasing confidence in this price range (mid-price, thereabouts). We see the Mexican Charvels doing really fine in the mean time; it's all about QC. Keep in mind that there used to be Japanese Jacksons once. These were phased out but they are now back. When these get here, I would really love to get a closer look at the the details, especially that R3 bridge.

EDIT: The correct whammy bridge for the MJ guitars is the Gotoh brand. It seems that Jackson edited the details after this posting. Thanks to bro Hans for the heads up.

Pics: Jackson

Fender 2021: Micro Mustang

Fender now (2021) has a personal headphone amp very much in the likes of Vox's amPlug units - the Mustang Micro. Unlike others in the market, Fender has included some details that should appeal in terms of variety; amps / effects modules, EQ section, etc.

To cater to today's generation of digital embrace, there are features allowing the players a recording output & firmware updates. 

My experience with such devices - a novelty purchase. Many of us have enough digital arsenal at home to cater to an uninterrupted personal experience. In many instances, it's more than what the Mustang Micro has to offer. I don't see any domestic musicians needing one of these to fulfil their on-the-move musical inspiration. I think we could all agree that headphone guitar tones are something to be desired as well. Nothing beats a studio monitor experience when it comes to a digital set up.

Pic: Fender

EVH 2021

I used to ignore the EVH guitars when their availability was scarce but more stuff are being brought in lately so that's a good sign because the EVH brand name isn't about the amps exclusively. This year, more attention was given to the 5150 guitars. Seen above is the Deluxe version featuring a poplar burl top (reminds you of a certain Ibanez isn't it?) & an ebony fretboard.

Here's the Standard version if you fancy a lighter fretboard. The difference between the 2020 & 2021 version is that the latter has a kill / stutter switch. Anyway, these things look very similar to the Kramer 84 / Baretta so from a dealer's perspective, you'd understand why they are not brought in to compete especially within a similar price bracket. 

Charvel 2021

This year, Charvel played it safe by giving the player 'what they wanted'. We note the popularity of the 2PT models last year so it's more of those this time round with natural, unfinished looks & gold hardware. Seen above: MJ DK24 HSH 2PT

The Pro-Mods are still here this year with an HSS version this time round. The HH version is still available at Swee Lee listing for slightly more than $1.3K so expect a similar listing for the HSS.

If you don't fancy A Floyd Rose bridge, this HT version is available & that's an ebony fretboard you see there.

Pics: Charvel