MXR cable

One of my favourite cables became microphonic, crackled & hissed badly today so it was retired. It's my tried & trusted LIVE LINE cable, made in Japan. It had seen 6 good years of playing time. Since I was on a budget, the replacement is an MXR Standard Series cable seen above (3m, $19). It's not a costly item & it's not boutique grade either but it works very well. It passed my quiet test, that's the most important for me when it comes to cables. It also passed my whipping test, this was done at home; it didn't crackle. If you are into something impressive but unwilling to spend excessively on something you know will be replaced along the way, do consider this one - worth every cent. Available at Davis GMC.

XSE

This was announced not too long ago & in less than 10 days, it's already in stock @ Davis GMC. Thank you, for the complementary set & knowing what I like. Will be coming back for more, definitely. 

Screamer @ SL

If you are waiting for this to be available then it's in stock @ Swee Lee. It's USD99 & that $149 is the local listing for it. Do note that this series of pedals do not accommodate a 9V battery.

Pic: Swee Lee

James Ball

James Hetfield's EB signature strings are finally released. It's the EB Paradigm technology given the endorser treatment. Wonder how much these would be once they are available here. 

Pic: Metallica

CortDODigitech

Cort has acquired  DigiTech / DOD. The manufacturer is well-known in the instrument circle, hope this excellence would trickle onto the effects counterpart. It would be interesting to see if they would OEM stuff for other manufacturers as well since they are doing that for guitars & basses. 

Review quickie: BOSS HM-2w

Intro

This isn't new. BOSS had this going way back in 1983. This is the revived 2021 version given the WAZA treatment. WAZA here refers to a series of Japanese BOSS units that underwent some custom tweaks while retaining its original vibe. As such, it is not as wallet-friendly as its other BOSS siblings but it made its intentions clear. Features-wise, nothing changed except for the addition of a slider mode switch located proximate to the indicator LED.

Likes

• Easy to use, typical BOSS affair
• Good distortion saturation
• 2 voicing modes
• Goes well with the amp's dirty channel on lower distortion settings

Dislikes

• Distortion could have been more intense. Well, it says HEAVY METAL there so it should offer an excruciating sonic assault
• Could have benefitted from a midrange control but BOSS has the Metal Zone to appease the EQ fans
• Price

Conclusion

There is only one expectation when you decide to embrace this pedal - a full on metal assault. Well, you get that but going by my standards, the gain could have been a tad more intense. Don't get me wrong, this pedal has gobs of grind but it lacks that sensitivity for those of us who would go into full shred mode. In a nutshell, the HM-2w doesn't bode too well with single notes but it's king when you power your way through chords. Despite its reputation for churning out the Swedish death metal aftertaste, I find myself in serious doom mode once this was put to use. 

Surprisingly, the HM-2w, with its distortion levels dialled down, works like a charm when you decide to slave it through your amp's dirty channel. This formula works only if both ends have the gain / drive settings in check. The Custom mode also gives the pedal a little kick in terms of its overall performance. For want of a better term, it's virtually a boost function. If you keep an open mind & not treat the HM-2w as a one-trick Swedish Death Metal pony, it might just be a good distortion source despite its lack of midrange manipulations. Maybe that's why, in its heyday, David Gilmour discovered its hidden gem attributes.

Overall rating: 89%

BOSS WAZA Craft HM-2w

• Availability: Swee Lee Co.
• Price: $249

MM: Gate

This update strictly relates to the noise gate function of the MM. I plugged this in without other pedals, just a stand alone application. Guitar in use was an RG550 with a D'Activator X pickup on board. 

The threshold here was designed to accommodate other pedals in the lineup. In this application, the gate becomes ultra sensitive past 9 o'clock. In fact, any faint strumming would fail to get signals through. Past noon, the gate becomes super sensitive so this would benefit those who are using noisy, active pickups. Beyond this, you actually need a boost pedal or any drive-type unit (eg. Tube Screamer / OD-3) to push things through. If you are relying on an external noise gate unit in the mean time, it's unnecessary once you are set on switching to this MM as a primary distortion source. 

I will give this pedal a full appraisal as I pipped it against the HM-2w today & noted some interesting observations. 

Set up: 24-08

It had been a rewarding, guitar Sunday, starting with this PRS SE Custom 24-08 sent to me for a set up. Nothing major, just the following:

1. Action adjustment. The guitar was re-strung with a set of 10s (Cleartone). Action was slightly off for both the E strings & that was rectified quickly. Neck was straight so no truss rod tweaks.
2. Pickup height. This was a little off as well. Either that or PRS observes a different preference. The bridge pickup benefitted tremendously after it was raised, especially for overdrive applications.
3. Fretboard treatment. Oiled & some frets were polished.
4. Tone knob. Was loose, widened pot shaft.
5. Nut slots. Lubricated & more responsive to tuning thereafter, especially the wound strings

Bridge was set to float as depicted here for whammy applications. That's right, a floating bridge is not a bridge type, but how it is set up to function.

If I am the one overseeing pre-sale QC, I would deem this a B-model. There's a lack of fine touches before the final gloss coat was done, as such joint is visible.

More apparent on the other side of the heel.

This side of the neck edge shows awful tooling marks. The 10th fret looks like it's inserted into a damaged slot. This definitely qualifies as a B-model. Other than these concerns, the guitar plays well & the pickups here are simply value-for-money.

Chorus Malaysia

Got myself a BOSS pedal some days ago - the CE-5, Chorus Ensemble. The reason for buying this one despite having a couple of chorus pedals already - it has EQ type options on board (These are really low & hi pass filters). Post-EQing a chorus pedal will sometimes affect the dynamics of the output so it's good to see EQ at source. 

Yes, some of the BOSS units are now made in Malaysia. In fact, this had been happening since 2019, I didn't get to own one since the last two BOSS pedals I purchased are the WAZA models which are Japanese. The significant change here lies with the rubber parts, namely at the foot switch lever & the base plate - there's a significant change in quality. 

Price watch (30)

Fender's American Performer series, the most affordable American model to date, has gone up in prices. You now need nearly $2K to be able to own one. Prices are getting obscene lately & it's not going down any time for sure. The AP models did not undergo a make over of any kind, prices were revised upwards. Partly to blame are the Mexican models like the Player / Player plus / Vintera models which are retailing at about $1.5K. These are touted to be value for money instruments by the manufacturer, featuring 'upgrades'. By virtue of this reference, the prudent buyer would re-think their choices because adding a wee bit more to their budget would get them an American. Of course, unless the American's retail figures are moved up to create a significant difference to address this decision making.

XS electric

Awesome news, at least to me. D'Addario's XS is now offered in the electric range. I'm not a fan of coated strings but D'Addario handles this technology well & does not overhype things. Really hope they will offer a 9.5 set in the near future.

Pic: GW

Ibanez 2022 @ SL

Some 2022 Ibanez models are available at Swee Lee now. The RGT1270 here lists for $1,899.

 The Premium version of Andy Timmon's AZ-esque model is available as well ($1,949).

And if you are still a Jem fan, the 2022 JEM Jr lists for $649.

Pics: Ibanez 

Arctic assault

Just when you thought a formidable heavy music tool of choice should be black, then there is the LTD Arctic Metal range of guitars. These are essentially the white version of the Black Metal series. I really wish the fretboard was maple instead of this dark ebony, ditto the hardware, to keep in line with aesthetic uniformity. Nevertheless, it's the performance & tone that should matter, not the nitty gritty details but showing effort to details would certainly win potential buyers over. Note how the white covered pickup looks flushed against the white body to understand this consideration. The M-HT you see here is now available at Davis GMC (List: $1,550).

Pic: ESP International

Power! (2)

This is just the Ibanez IGB724 follow-up. Showing you the fitting should you consider getting one for your prized guitar(s). As you can see, the RG fits with no issues.

Fits a Les Paul nicely as well.

Not forgetting the Strat. Note - the neck rest was removed as it is unnecessary for a non-angled headstock guitar.

Experimental

 ESP released this yesterday - the Experimental Series. This here is the M-II NT in buckeye burl finish.

You will see this embossed onto each instrument to distinguish itself from the rest in the catalog. However, the fact that it's not featured on its international page means it might be limited to the domestic Japan market. Then again, we know how Davis GMC will bring such exclusive models in here albeit in limited quantity & selection.

This is the 7-string version. I like the fact that it's a fixed bridge design. These feature Bare Knuckle (Aftermath) pickups though. 

Pics: ESP Japan

Sakuraburst

Nothing exactly refreshing, just another Fender Strat. However, this one's a Japanese online exclusive & that colour screams. It's called the Sakuraburst, aptly named after that soothing pastel effect. The only thing I dislike about it is that the burst effect's jump in gradation is abrupt. If you look closely, there seems to be a template / cover that was sitting on the body while it was being finished.

Pic: Fender Japan

Good Friday

Every Good Friday, I will be reminded of this album - Godflesh's Streetcleaner. Mind you, there are absolutely no similarities between the album content & today's religious observance.  The images are coincidental. To the rest of us with no religious observance today, have a good long weekend & a deserving rest. 

Pic: Bandcamp

Art

My RG550 took part in an art installation last night. Sublime moments. 😅

Screamer

Another Tube Screamer-esque edition to the JHS fold. Yes, they did Tube Screamer stuff before in other guises, this one falls into the 'affordable' 3 series of pedals. It's USD99 but SGD150 here, so 'affordable' here is subjective. There are many TS-type pedals out there so the real draw would be tonal performance & on that note (no pun intended), this is the Screamer in action:

Pic: JHS

LX!

This thing is a beast. It's the Laney LX10,  the most diminutive combo in the Laney catalog that requires a plug in. 10W of power & a mere 5" driver. Controls are minimal; Volume, bass & treble. No distortion control despite having a dirty channel. The limitations are obvious but if you wish for good projection, clarity but nothing excessively bright & hopeless, this should be a good consideration. Available at Davis GMC (List: $65)

Rebel Red

This is an interesting pedal. It has loads of bottom end despite not having a control for it. In fact, it only has a treble control, the other two keep the output & distortion levels in check. What can you use this for? It goes darn well with anything bright-sounding; be it your amp or guitar. If that is the tone you are living with because it somehow fits into a band context for instance, then this is something you should consider. Do note that, despite its demure conception, the pedal can accommodate a 9V battery. Available at Davis GMC (List: $120)

SSSE @ DGMC

By the time you read this, the PRS SE Silver Sky will already be available @ Davis GMC (waiting to be displayed). Be informed that they are also available at Swee Lee Co & selling fast at both stores. I need to re-visit the SSSE experience before doing a proper appraisal. In person, I deem the red (passion fruit) to be the least attractive in terms of visual appeal. The red here is not a 'fierce' red, it's more maroon than red, I think that's the reason it's not referred to as red per se. 

Pic: Guitar

EQMM

 

Had been wanting to get this for a while; the celebrated EHX Metal Muff in its mini format but featuring a full EQ section & a noise gate. There's nothing wrong with the previous incarnation with just a pair of knobs & a 3-mode EQ (flick switch). Just that some of us want a little more option when it comes to voicings. I've not tested this comprehensively, will update in due time. 

BJB @ DGMC

More Bacchus goodness at Davis GMC, this time it's the awesome J-type bass, the BJB-2R (List: $365) to be exact. That's right, this one features a roasted maple neck for an immaculate feel. Unlike standard J-basses, the pickups here are humbucking. This is absolutely value-for-money considering the QC on offer & comfort. Sunburts, red, blond, surf green & pink are the other available colours. 

Pic: Bacchus International

Power!

Not too long ago, I expressed a deep interest in this Ibanez Powerpad bag / soft case. Specifically, it's the IGB724. I've since bought one (Swee Lee: $89), I'm drawn to this gray version.

Here's how the rear view looks like. FYI, those straps are padded.

How it looks like on the inside - completely plush.

The neck support is removable so you can properly fit a non-angled headstock guitar in it, no issues at all.

There's nothing on the outside that tells you it's an Ibanez product. The tag merely says 'Powerpad'.

Its Ibanez i/d is only located inside the front pocket, very discrete. Ibanez had made it a point to be non-identifiable to begin with till you look deeper. It's got that neutral slant to it to attract both Ibanez & non-Ibanez fans.

To be continued...

Creamed

Another Maxon pedal, another Tube Screamer-esque OD unit & everybody wants one. Not because it's something new & innovative but because of that creamy appeal. Em... count me in? 😅

Pic: GW

 

Offsets @ DGMC

This awesome goodness of an offset otherwise known as the Bacchus BJM-1, is now available at Davis GMC for ... $345!

Equally enticing, in a dual humbucking pickup combo is the BJM-3 listing for $345 as well. This is a good time if you are in the market for an affordable offset guitar on a budget. If you have come across a Bacchus before, you'd know the value-for-money these instruments offer, without compromising quality.
 

Pics: Bacchus International

Ibanez: April newbies

New Ibanez stuff for the month of April. First up, the RGR652 gets a locking treatment. That's right, it gets the Edge bridge & a locking nut, everything else stays the same.

The RG5320 here is a typical Ibanez affair but this one features ss frets & an ebony board. OK so there's coil tap feature there as well. Verdict for April releases: Boring. 

Ramadan 2022

Blessed greetings of Ramadan to all Muslim blog readers. Things are beginning to loosen up a wee bit this year with the opening of the festive bazaar & the customs. Hopefully, it will be a little more joyful as the days go by. Whatever the case may be, let's be grateful that we made it this far. 

MOMM (18)

It's a hard rocking weekend. Slaughter & Badlands were some of the music that were in cassette tape form when I used to own them. I'm slowly re-acquiring those albums in CD format now not entirely for nostalgia's sake but I enjoy listening to this kind of music before things took a turn when grunge kicked in. 

Mass Slaughter - The best of Slaughter

Mark Slaughter & co. played some of the best hard rocking music in the late 80s. Also, his signature high pitched vocals was unmistakable. More importantly, the late Time Kelly had some good guitar-playing up his sleeves, nothing flashy most of the time but good stuff to punctuate the music. The following is from the soundtrack of Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey & surprisingly, his trademark vocals were a little restrained but this is a good taster of what hard rock was about back then

Badlands - Badlands

This is the debut release by the band way back in 1989 which I still look up to. Besides Jake E. Lee, the rest of the lineup here are indeed formidable names in this music genre: Eric Singer, Greg Chaisson, Ray Gillen. Dreams in the Dark showcases Jake E. Lee's Charvel with those unmistakable reverse slanted single coils & Eric Singer on drums - that's pure energy, right there.

How long?

From the above pic, which guitar is longer?

The Les Paul is longer

It's rather obvious that the Les Paul is longer when it comes to end-to-end measurements. The LP features a headstock so it adds significantly to length.  

The Kiesel is longer

That's right, folks. When it comes to scale length, the Kiesel is longer. It is 25.5" as opposed to the LP's 24.75". Scale length here refers to the measurement from the nut to the bridge. 

Why is this important? It dictates tone. The LP, any LP for that matter, has its strength in the lower frequencies. It just gives off that kind of warmer sounding notes in the lower / lower midrange especially with overdrive in the mix. The Kiesel has that Strat-type snap for single note clarity but in this case, it's a little compounded by its overall dimensions. The weight is not that substantial to manifest what a Strat could. Also, the type of pickup matters. In this case, Alan Holdsworth preferred a deep sounding pickup in his guitars for his smooth legato works. So this is a reminder to everyone, myself included, when it comes to dimensions, scale length considerations should be factored in.

Hello, April 👋