MOMM (29)

Ending October with a Steve Morse re-visit. I recently picked this double CD featuring Steve Morse in his early years. I just want to hear his Telecaster in action. That guitar is quite removed from its inherent tone pedigree - those pickup mods, it's for the daring. For Tele purists, considering the value of the instrument per se, it's downright butchering. Anyway, Stand Up feature features some vocal tracks which are not my cup of tea.

Goodbye October...

Palyers' Jazz

The Acoustasonic Jazzmaster joins the Player Series (Mexico), so it's now more 'affordable'. Yes, this is one of those Jazzmasters that's not sporting the traditional Jazzmaster headstock. Wait... is it the only  iteration that's not doing so? Anyway, this will be about $1.6K judging from the current Player Series Acoustasonic pricing (Tele / Strat). 

Pic: Fender

Chug the world

Very glad this happened - SOLAR guitars released the CHUG pedal. It's a high octane distortion unit or a pre-amp, depending on how you connect it / what you connect it to. I'm very happy with the features on board as well - noise gate, EQ & voicings. The SOLAR brand name has established itself as the rightful flag-bearer of all things heavy, distorted, metal. The guitar reputation has finally trickled unto pedals now. Those who know what the guitars have to offer for intense music won't hesitate to buy this pedal. That's a smart move. 

Pic: SOLAR

Vai gear

Steve Vai is auctioning off selected gear with partial proceeds going towards charity. OK that's a good cause for sure but pros giving up gear is surely the sign of times. Let us face the fact that as we age, the relevance of our indulgences decreases. This is true if we do not keep up with the times. The new breed of guitar geeks have their own heroes to look up to, the older ones may / may not be appealing to them. So the important thing here is to keep the appeal factor going with reference to currency.  However appealing the Beatles, Hendrix & GnR are, their time now is unlike their time then. But folks, do not totally disregard the charitable aspect, we are human after all, we look out for one another.

Pic: Julienne's

Colours

Also in at Swee Lee - Fender Japan's limited international colours (bass included), listing for $1,649. These were announced in July & it's here in October, that's about three months worth of waiting. Fairly reasonable.

Pic: GW

Junior appearances

Fender Japan Junior models are now available at Swee Lee. Here are the breakdown of prices:

• Stratocaster: $1,499
• Telecaster: $1,499
• Jazzmaster: $1,549
• Jazz bass: $1,549

I'm doing a re-think in the mean time with regards to the purchase of any one of these models. A shorter-scaled Jazzmaster? But the Jaguar is already a shorter-scaled offset model with no compromise in body size. Shorter-scaled Jazz bass? Same thing - the Mustang bass is already a shorter-scaled offset bass. Shorter-scaled Strat / Tele? You won't get the exact snap of the standard 25.5" versions. Hmm...

Pic: Gearnews

Selling: Jazzmaster

For immediate clearance - my Fender American Performer Jazzmaster. This finish is referred to as Penny. I'm gravitating towards the Jaguar, I just prefer the scale length, so this one is better off with a new owner. The vibrato arm & other accessories are still in a sealed plastic pack you see there. I'm dealing with my final bout of unemployment & medical review so thanks in advance for your support.

• Fender American Performer Jazzmaster (bag, COA & accessories included)
• Condition: 9/10
• Self-collect: CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• Confirmation / query: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• No reservations / trades
• Final price: $1,400

Lights... 2022

To those celebrating - best wishes. To the rest of us - nothing beats a long weekend.

 

MOMM (28)

Had been catching up with my past. Really.

Television: Marquee Moon

Richard Lloyd & Tom Verlaine are the unsung heroes of the proto-indie / eccentric guitar playing. I heard Richard Lloyd in action in Mathew Sweet's Altered Beasts & got hooked. Lloyd & Verlaine don't give a rat's ass about chords & the proper approach to music. They remain true to their artistic selves, create some of the best melodies & guitar inter-play & triggered a unique approach to guitar-centered music without which, Sonic Youth & Dinosaur Junior, among others, won't happen. Marquee Moon is a tricky release, it was out of print (CD) a long time ago. They only re-issued the vinyl version & back then, there's no You Tube to offer you consolation. I did make an enquiry about the CD version early this year but none was available. Saw this just a few days ago & it's a must-have.

Slayer: Reign in Blood

This is my favourite Slayer album. No compromise from start to end. The distortion here is perhaps the band's best manifestation with reference to the genre of music they embrace. I also feel this is the best Slayer album cover to date, very appealing without straying into B-grade art. Why get this now? I used to have this on cassette tape & it expired along the way. You know, the edges of the tape itself got crinkled due to over-play.

At the Solar gates

Absolutely deserving - Jonas Bjorler (At The Gates) gets his SOLAR signature bass. Looking forward to see more formidable names in metal getting their signature instruments, regardless of the brand name. it used to be that nobody wants to sign anyone playing metal; the music has a limited fan bass & not as far reaching as the pop counterparts. Not any more.

Pic: Solar guitars 

'78 eruption

Recent launch by the EVH brand; the '78 Eruption (Striped Series). I'm usually not interested in signature models but then again, this isn't one. It's Van Halen's own brand name & it's made to get that repro feel going. Single pickup - the greatest draw for me. Non-locking bridge; another plus. Ugly, big 70s Fender  headstock, to me it's a touch of class. Made in Mexico & retailing for USD1,899... that's gonna be a deal breaker for many of us.

Pic: EVH

Tributes

One of those rare days when I could enjoy some guitar time on a weekday morning...

These are inexpensive guitars. They are the Gibson LP Studio Tribute models. They are discontinued but we do see them floating around in the after-market every now & then. The Tribute range sits below the Studios in terms of features & price. They were not meant to be top-of-the-range selections, just affordable instruments with a high playability factor. It's something to get if you have plans for intense playing episodes while avoiding possible heartaches when it gets rough-handled. 

The white one there is the 60s version with P90s. I simply love this guitar for its satin feel & those well-defined pickups. I would reckon the vintage dweebs would avoid this one as the P90s are quite devoid of nostalgia in terms of tone. These are very raunchy, distortion-loving pickups, removed of any woman tone. The 'burst is the 70s counterpart. It's not quite representative of a true 70s-era LP but the volute behind the headstock plus that wider outline are respectable inclusions. I have no idea if the 70s neck profile were this slim & playable but a quick reference to Gibson's online literature revealed a slim taper profile for this model. Also those pickups; very satisfying for distortion work. Mini humbuckers are overlooked beasts for black metal, really, as they are functionally piercing to manifest those misanthrophic ambient only true fans of the genre could appreciate.

Am I missing the 50s version here to make the line up sort of complete? I used to own one but sold it away as it feels too similar to the LPJ. Done episode, moving on.

I bought these instruments used. They used to look quite removed from their current images as they were tweaked to my liking. They were well-used at the time of their respective acquisitions but still remain very playable & worth the time & money. Just me, I guess.

OK, Black Adam beckons.

Ghosting...

One of my fav pick brands, receiving them in the mail makes me happy. This is my preferred pick shape in the mean time, it promotes effective picking for me. Also,  pick thickness are customized to my preference. It's always a pleasant transaction with construction progress updated through IG. 

Pickup shop

Gibson had launched its own pickup shop. It's further proof that they are slowly doing away with distributorship. Good - you get stuff direct from them, authenticity is guaranteed. Not good - buying stuff online means there'll be significant shipping charges. It gets tricky if you receive faulty products; return / exchange procedure is tedious.

Pic: Gibson 

Wynn's guitars

The guitars depicted above belong to a local guitarist, Wynn Irwin. He's selling them off to fund his stroke treatment. If it's within your means, please consider purchasing. All sale queries are currently handled by his friend, Adnan. You can make queries here: CLICK

MOMM (27)

Taking time this weekend to enjoy these 2 releases.

Lari Basilio: Your Love

These days, guitar instrumentals are virtually niche music & the current generation of guitar-inclined listeners, they are more attracted to the Polyphia type of instrumentals. Lari Basilio peddles boomer-type guitar instrumentals but her phrasings & note choices are contemporary appeal. In this new album, there's less attempt to appease the tech players, I dare say the arrangements are song-like. If there's any intensity & distortion laden content that would excite anyone in general, it has to be Alive & Living. The rest are pretty laid back & offer the best easy listening music without wimping out.

Slayer: Seasons in the Abyss

OK, this is a re-visit. I adore all Slayer releases less the final sans Hanneman album; I didn't buy that one. I also noticed that the later slayer albums has lesser distortion on board. Instead of intense metal-type distortion, things sound crunchy instead. Seasons in the Abyss is an awesome serving from start to end but between songs, there is very little pause so the album sounds continuous & irritating. I have yet to come across newer metal bands out there who approach metal like Slayer; no obligations for speed, heavy focus & leads that punctuate the song, not an opportunity for widdle fest. 

Green slinger

After one Greenie left the premises, spent time with this Greenie this morning. I would wanna play this guitar more but it's been my precious ever since no more BC Riches were offered here. 

Had to hammer in three upper frets before any playing took place. That's right folks, frets do pop out as a result of temperature changes. In most cases, as temperature fluctuations are not severe in this part of the world, they can just be hammered back in. In fact, the first thing to do if you hear / experience fret buzz, is to check if the frets are coming out of their slots. This is especially true if you don't bend much so fret wear should not be the are of concern. 

Today's strings of choice - Ernie Ball 9s.

Marcin's

This is the new Marcin Patrzalek's official signature model, the Ibanez MRC10. I'm just glad that this happened because Marcin picked an Ibanez up by choice. The clever thing that Ibanez did was to give him an official recognition, hence giving the AE acoustic line a firm ambassador as well; two birds, one stone. 

The scratch pad on this guitar, accommodating the way Marcin manifests his music, is actually real wood; sitka spruce. We note that this guitar runs parallel to the Tim Henson model in terms of cost-to-feature concept; nothing extravagant, highly enticing. 

If that name isn't familiar to you, highly likely it's  because you are not a frequent visitor to the acoustic domain, watch / hear what Marcin Patrzalek is all about:

Ibanez is playing a strange game here in October. Unlike other months where all new releases were listed at a single entry, new models are updated individually in the catalog this time round. If they wish for us to be on the edge wanting for more (releases), it's working. 

Pics: Ibanez

Poly nylon

Following the post-Steve Vai - Polyphia collaboration, Ibanez wisely released this as the only October newbie in their catalog; the TOD10N. It's the second signature model for Tim Henson. I kinda expected something of this ilk since the initial signature (solid body) instrument is something fairly affordable with limited flash to keep costs down. So we have this nylon string shredder-esque, FR body outline model featuring a walnut fretboard & bridge. Interestingly, the inlay there is called the Tree of Death, it's the opposite of the Tree of Life which is made popular by none other than Steve Vai himslef.

This picture angle shows you the relatively thin body so it's all about amplification. That side port there isn't gonna do much in terms of volume projection, wonder why they even bothered but plus points for giving this a solid top. 

I find this a strange release for the market; will shredders snap this up any time soon? Not really unless you are a Polyphia fan boy. Then again, the Polyphia dudes don't really shred. I don't recommend shredding with this one, especially if you are pick-inclined. Will the average nylon string player do the honours, then? With limited volume projection, they have other options out there that suit their needs better. 

Pics: Ibanez

Price watch (45)

We will see this happening more often in time to come since there's no Gibson distributor here. The limited edition Rick Beato LP SPecial DC lists for USD1,999 but sold out everywhere. Work that out in SGD & you'll see that the current asking price is about $1K in excess. There is an opportunity for enticement for Gibson fans here.

Ditto this Fender Japan Jr Strat but it took a slight variation; since Swee Lee has not brought these in yet, someone out there did - for a little more than what the manufacturer listed it for (MSRP: SGD1,170 vs Listing: $1,750). You're absolutely entitled to list / buy stuff at whatever price but be aware of what you are in for.

Quality Quayle

This one is in at Swee Lee, Tom Quayle's other signature, the TQMS1 ($2,899).  I thought it would be extravagantly priced considering the TQM1 exceeded $3K. There's something about this blue that is alluring; it's neither fluorescent nor dull, just perfect. 

Pic: Ibanez

PRS pedals

PRS himself declared he's not into guitar effects pedals so the release of these three would leave us guessing if it's really about having a share of the lucrative stomp box market. Those names wouldn't hint at what the pedals are all about but it's a peculiar announcement of their presence. On that note, there are already fans of the flanger unit but as always, I reserve further comments till these get here for a personal audition.

Pic: PRS

ESpecially good

Following the demise of many G-type Edwards models from the catalog (darn!), if you are into serious value for money, do consider the E-SA-160LTS ($1.5K) which is virtually an - you guessed it - ES copy. I believe the final batch of these instruments are available at Davis GMC in the mean time.

This cherry version with small block inlays is also equally appealing. The only reason why I'm not getting one is because of the wider ES body design. Being a small-framed individual, this restricts playing, especially in the sitting position. Pickups on board: Seymour Duncan Jazz / Custom 5.

Pics: ESP Japan

G-Bird

New this week - the Gibson G-Bird (USD1,799). It's a new member of its Generation Series of acoustics. Remember folks, if you are interested in this guitar, the Generation models now feature a side sound hole. 

That dark, pointy pickguard against the pale guitar body will definitely fit into the KISS facepaint aesthetics. 

Pics: Gibson / Featurewallprints

Solar: Crow down

Another notable endorsement in the Solar guitar camp as Crowbar / Down guitarist, Kirk Windstein, had his signature model done & released yesterday. I am definitely for this kind of simplicity & that side fretboard marker highlight is way cool. That 12th fret inlay is acquired taste, though. Lone pickup - EMG 81.

Pic: Solar

Thanks & goodbye: Brian Moore i91

Spending my final few moment with Greenie here before handing it over to its new owner tomorrow: Re-string, fret polish, re-condition fretboard & final wipe down. Those Tesla pickups sound superb in this guitar. Preparing for the upcoming year end & unemployment. 

Orange WAZA

Fresh off the press - BOSS announced the WAZA version of it's fabled DS-1. In its C mode, the pedal manifests a volume boost & fatter midrange. I have to hear this in person, I am currently happy with the standard version. Some 'fat' boost tweak (on any pedal) might just be distasteful & missing the mark. Hope to hear good stuff from this one as soon as it gets here, of course. We all want one, we don't need one, yes?

Pic: BOSS

Tony's Epi

 They released the Epiphone version of Tony Iommi's SG Special.

Lefty version included. Also included - hard case & monkey sticker. That's right, no Epiphones available here in the mean time. 

Pics: musiczoo

Johnny orange

It's the tail end of the year. Manufacturers are saving the new stuff for the new year's catalog. Some of the new stuff might just be a re-hash of existing products. I deem this orange Fender Johnny Marr Jaguar one such example. In the spirit of October, it does live up to the Halloween pumpkin aesthetics.

Pic: Fender

Edwards: G-type. It's been a pleasure.

One of the most depressing developments for October - Edwards have discontinued the Gibson-type instruments from their catalog. The E-LP models you see above - gone.

ES, SG & Designer types are gone as well. I really hope there's an alternative in the works, otherwise, ESP is doing a great dis-service to their G-type models. The ones in the shops are gonna be the final few units making their way here. In fact, a fresh batch of Edwards are in at Davis last weekend. Darn.

Pics: ESP Japan

10 for 10

Swee Lee is having a 10% off selected products for 10 days. If your pay day happens to be within these 10 days, good for you. 

Pic: Swee Lee 

GIbson... Gibson?

This poll was done here not too long ago. Many of us have resigned in the knowledge that the Gibson instruments won't be available in the stores here for a while. When will they make a come back? Your guess is as good as mine. 

Parties are still in contention & the situation here is compounded by the fact that the former Gibson distributor is also the owner of the Heritage brand. Ultimate losers - the guitar players. We can't get any Gibson guitars & the deserving contenders, Heritage, are unable to churn out Heritage guitars to appease the masses. 

At the rate things are going, Gibson is quite alright with not having any distributor here for their instruments. The current CEO is proud of the Gibson Garage opening up in countries as alluded in his interviews with guitar publications (June 2022). These are stand-alone distribution centers, free from third parties having a share of the company's earnings. In fact, if Gibson thinks the market at this end of the world is important & significant enough for them, the Gibson Garage stores might make its debut here for all we know. There are currently no other parties capable of distributing the Gibson brand of instruments owing to the financial muscle they are flexing, or the lack thereof, to be blunt. 

 

Pics: Guitar / Guitar World