BOSS-y

Slowly but surely, I'm being sucked into the BOSS nostalgia. I don't need another noise reduction unit but this NF-1 is difficult to pass especially when it's in this 8/10 condition & going for a good price.

Goodbye, February... 👋 

Price watch (74)

This is a portable Marshall speaker, it's called the Willen. It operates on bluetooth connectivity (among others) & can easily fulfil your need for audio amplification for a small room. Yours for $179.

The JBL Go & Philip TAS2505B fulfil similar needs for less money. The price differences here are rather huge. Inevitable reality check - why should you buy a Marshall for this need when you can buy something else? Marshall has its standards when it comes to guitar amplification but does it specialize in general audio amplification as well? We fall for this too often - we cascade a certain inclination unto other applications just because the brand name bears a certain benchmark for a particular performance. In this instance, names like JBL, Audio Technica & B&O (among others) are clear audio specialists. Marshall is riding on its guitar amp reputation to propel something similar. $179? No thanks.

Pics: Times OI / JBL / Forbes

Review quickie: Ibanez IC420

The Ibanez Iceman was the iconic model for the manufacturer in the mid '70s. It's a clever embodiment of the Les Paul (no hiding this) in a more unrestrained outline. This 2024, the Iceman returns in its 'standard' incarnation as the IC420.

Likes

• playability
• tone (Super 80 pickups are awesome)
• electronics
• overall feel / handling
• price

 Dislikes

• unslotted bridge string saddles
• no elbow relief

This IC420 is a likeable guitar from the start. The Chinese craftsmanship is above expectations; no visible flaws except for a minor binding lifting mark at the neck heel (bass side) which is unnoticeable lest you scrutinize the craftsmanship excessively. Every functional feature here works fine; from the tuners to the electronics underlining some standard of dedication at the factory. Two things that makes this Iceman stand out in terms of value-for-money: 1) Playability. One of the best finished necks I've come across, suitable for all manner of playing - chords, taps, legatos. 2) Pickups. The Super 80 is ceramic-based but vintage voiced. This is basically a charged up PAF which conforms to your needs regardless of the genre. On that note, some shredders / metal heads out there might not fancy the rounded neck tone (aka Les Paul woman tone) but it's something an EQ / treble boost unit might cure. 

My only beef with the instrument - the bridge saddles are not slotted so if you detune & do not compensate the tension (with thicker gauged strings), intense bends would displace strings. Do not despair, saddle slotting is a user-friendly affair with the proper tools, of course. 

FInal rating: 94%

Ibanez: Iceman IC420 (bag included)

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: $899

Pic: Ibanez

Break machine

Russell Holzman is not a staple name in guitar music. Rightfully so as he is a drummer. As I am someone who is easily triggered by beats more than guitar-playing, Russell is essential listening to me.

What's the big deal? Russell has disciplined himself to master breakbeats which are commonly handled by machines / programming rather than a person. The above clip is a breakdown of his approach to handling & manifesting these beats. Does one need to play like a machine to be deemed good? No. It's the discipline that defines the player, not the genre & most certainly not speed.

Pics: Mvsicfvllness

Schecter: Headless

 Schecter Japan has headless models now. 

Really wish these would make it here somehow 😓 There're limited options here at the stores. In fact, only the Ibanez Q models are making an impact here. Strandberg - no dealer. Kiesel - direct purchase / build to order models... prices are getting out of hand.

Pics: Schecter Japan FB

Review quickie: Ibanez AUP10N

The AUP10N is a guitarlele; a guitar trapped in ukulele form. From another perspective it's a ukulele with 6 strings. Unlike the conventional ukulele construction, the AUP body is carved / hollowed out from a block of wood so it's virtually a solid container with a 'lid' ie. the body's top. 

Likes

• construction / fit & finish
• tone
• price

Dislikes

• double hole bridge

From the start, I was intrigued by the body of this instrument; that carved out construction just makes it feel super sturdy. The fact that it's well made - no bumps / ill fitting edges - shows the level of expertise involved. Mind you, this isn't a normal ukulele construction (which is very much a guitar construction), this is another level of craftsmanship manifested into an instrument. The AUP feels exclusive from the get go. Tone-wise, the nylon string - solid sides / back interaction gives off that crispy tone that doesn't reside at the shrill end. The definition here is simply awesome if you thrive playing single notes. Chords sound full without muffling out like some ukuleles do, then again, this isn't one. Those nameless black tuners also did well in terms of functionality but due to the 'extra' two tuners on board, the instrument suffers from a neck dive but it's non-chronic once a strap is employed. The fact that one end of it gets attached to the nut area means a very good balance could be achieved almost immediately. The stereo sound port, in my opinion, has very little effect in limiting volume projection; the AUP10N remains loud & proud during play; would be interesting to have a plug in variation in time to come.

The only feature I detest (strictly personal) is the double hole bridge that necessitates an extra travel, due to its wraparound nature, when re-stringing; is this necessary? Yamaha's guitarlele employs a conventional bridge & is a familiar affair if one owns a classical guitar. 

The demand / need for a guitarlele is a niche interest. Yamaha had been having one in production for a while & it's not about to be discontinued. Implication - there is a demand for such a quirky musical instrument. The AUP is a well-made guitarlele & should appeal to the guitarist at heart who suffers from acoustic guitar lethargy at times. 

Final rating: 92%

Ibanez: AUP10N

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

List: $259

Pic: Ibanez

M & M: 2 May

Marty & Malmsteen to play here on 2 May, Fort Canning Park, 7pm. Tickets on sale 26 February if you are keen.

Pic: Straits Times

Price watch (73)

This entry should have been an appendix to Episode 72, really. It seems there are 3 Ibanez EWP14 in the after-market with interesting prices. 

• $88. The best deal & the most well-maintained. Didn't get along due to the size.
• $190. Gave up due to a lack of playing time. Slightly blemished but barely visible.
• $270. Costs more than a new piece from Swee Lee but includes a stand.

The EWP14 is $265 new. From the listings above, we kinda know who really wants to pass this on to a deserving owner & then there's someone who is very reluctant to accept the fact that some things depreciate upon re-selling. The EWP is a niche / novelty instrument. Cost recovery shouldn't be the agenda when putting this up for sale. Keep in mind the EWP is trying its level best to keep up with its newer sibling, the AUP. 

On bag

The cat is oblivious to my playing time. She would just prance around the room & would settle on something she fancies.  Most of the time it's the guitar case / bag. When this happens, I do not have the heart to remove her from her preferred spot. She would be left alone till there's a need to move away & that's usually during treats time or when someone opens the front door. I'm really glad my cat has no interest in turning my instruments & amp into her scratch post. Yes!

Price watch (72)

Some good stuff this time, starting with this RGX A2. Vouching for the good performance of this instrument from an owner's perspective. At $250, this is like less than 1/3 of the original listing.

Ibanez calls this a piccolo guitar which is basically a guitar trapped in a ukulele's form. If you are hooked on the ukulele but do not wish to re-learn the chord fingerings as you are used to the guitar, this one is a steal for less than $100. EDIT: The revised price of this instrument is $88.

Set neck model for less than the price of a bolt-on version. This guitar is well-maintained. Note: Older Epiphone headstock design.

A premium model for a whisker off $500. I find the neck of this instrument very addictive; in fact it's one of the non-maple necks that I fancy.

No, Price Watch isn't about calling out ridiculous / dodgy listings exclusively. Good deals deserve the highlight as well.

Ibanez GRX120: Price

Folks, the 2024 GRX120 is now available at Swee Lee, prices are depicted above. I'm of the opinion that the GRX120 is one of the better entry level guitars out there & it's not just in the Ibanez domain. I was expecting a $300+ listing after the 2024 revision but this is a likeable figure for many of us who are starting out & do not wish for something extravagant / excessive.

Pic: SL webstore

Review quickie: Ibanez FRH10N

The Ibanez FRH10N is actually a non-signature version of the Tim Henson model. It is fundamentally a classical guitar sporting the FR body outline. Yes, that body outline isn't new, it's from the FR series, one of the few singlecut Ibanez designs. Between the TH version & this FRH, every appointment is the same save for: 1) Preamp. This FRH is only equipped with Ibanez's own T-Bar pickup & CE electronics. As such, it has no volume / EQ controls of any kind & runs on the CR2032 button type battery 2) Blank fretboard. The TH version sports a tree of death inlay. 

Likes

• solid top
• wider neck profile
• weight
• overall construction
• price

Dislikes

• no volume / EQ control
• side sound port does not help acoustic volume projection
• no bag

The FRH10N does not fall into the typical demand for an acoustic instrument with a shred potential. Ibanez wouldn't have introduced this on its own accord save for the insistence of a certain Tim Henson & the provision of a more affordable take thereafter. The FRH10N is a very shred-able guitar but those of us who are unaccustomed to the nylon strings need to adapt to that annoying roll-over feel once too much pressure is applied. Ditto playing too fast. 

Those of us who played & liked the TH version need to understand the major setback here; there are no volume or other voicing controls when plugged in. Be reminded that the FRH10N is essentially a plug in guitar unless one is content with the measly volume projection during unplugged moments. That side sound port is a novelty inclusion as it does not project sound unto the player's audio territory (ie. the face / ear). Nevertheless, the default tones are above expectations especially with chorus dialled in. Coming from a predominantly electric solid body perspective, the FRH10N profile suits the electric player very well. Maybe Ibanez could add an elbow relief at the body end for prolonged playing comfort. Is it too much to ask for a bag as well?

Final rating: 82%

Ibanez: FRH10N

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

List: $649

Pic: Ibanez

Same

Folks... the pedal on the left is Warwick's RockBoard ST-01, the one on the right, FZone's PT-01. You can buy the Warwick at Swee Lee (List: $39). The FZone is available at Lazada for less (not gonna disclose the price here, you can do that yourself). You are looking at the same pedal, one being an OEM product of the other. Nothing new, Maxon did stuff for Ibanez not too long ago. I own the FZone (made in China), bought it last year during the 11-11 sale (it's not even $30 back then, no kidding) & it's one of the better pedal tuners among many despite its limitations. Appraisal soon.

Pics: Warwick / Lazada

Price watch (71)

If you've not realized this by now, 2024 saw the first non-signature Premium model crossing the $2K mark. The S1070PB you see above is listing for $2,299. The argument here would be, we're paying for the quality, not the country of manufacturer. Then again, spending that much money for something that is not from the manufacturer's top tier, is disturbing.

This LTD you see above is the EC-401. The 200 & 400 Series represent the manufacturer's most affordable models in the line up. However, the EC-401 is now $1,480. I used to own an H-401 which was $800+ & that's how much prices have escalated in like a decade or so. 

I have always respected Cort & the instruments the manufacturer has to offer. We all know who Cort really is, right? Cort makes guitars for other brand names like Ibanez & PRS (SE) among others because of its impeccable production standards. The Cort range of instruments are absolute value for money but prices are starting to be disagreeable. The X700 you see here is now listing for $1,379 (used to be $1,199). So this episode of Price Watch is highlighting the fact that what used to be a good deal is now slowly turning into a nightmare. We now need to save more for mediocre instruments. I sincerely hope names like Cort, Bacchus & Aria, among others, won't lose focus & continue to give the starters / newbies among us something worthy for the limited budget we are working with. Intimidating times ahead when it comes to instrument prices.

Pics: Ibanez / Cort / ESP

D-time

I used to be against the idea of using an extended scale guitar for detuned stuff. We can easily do this with a regular scaled instrument, yes? But the down side would of course be the tension; one needs to tolerate the slack upon detuning with standard scale. Then again we can always use thicker gauged string but that would entail some revision in settings. I swallowed some pride & bought the RGD for the sake of trying what it's like to be playing something extended & it was instant embrace. After noodling with one, playing a standard scale was easy peasy as the kids would say in school.

I have 11s in this RGD321 & it's tuned down to C#. This guitar won't trigger the usual ideas / playing routine simply because it's not manifesting the tone / playability of its other siblings. It's something I'm glad I have in my lineup for days when playing something standard is just not happening. 

Suffocating SG

Heck, yeah! Suffocation will be playing here @ March.

Esq

The long weekend had given me some maintenance time for my instruments & I attended to as many guitars as possible. This 70th Anniversary Esquire was one of them. I'm a total single pickup geek, this one, despite featuring a single coil in there, was cool as heck (to me). The 3-way selector got people guessing but if you follow the history of this guitar closely, it's for tonal options, not pickups option. There's some kind of mojo in this single coil by the way; it's one of those lower output pickup that sounds very good with excessive distortion. It's staying put, definitely.

Re-string before playing - Ernie Ball 9-42, not because I like the brand but because they are good value for money. These days, when cash is hard to come by, there's always some considerations before buying anything, guitar strings included. 

Wishing everyone a good midweek...

Ibanez 2024 (6): Foto

This is a seemingly innocent release by Ibanez but it created quite a stir at NAMM '24. The GRG320FA (List: $549) has a very attractive flame top which is actually a photo. That's right, it's a graphic piece, pasted onto the body & lacquered over. Innovative? Well, Fender did this way back in the mid '90s with selected Japanese models. These were called the Foto Flame models. 

You feel that you've been had by this? Why should this be the case? It's one way to finish a guitar top. More importantly, it adds visual appeal to the instrument without adding extras to the price. It's funny how people can accept a graphic finish but not this iteration.

Pics: Ibanez

Beat it

 This had been my pre-occupation for a couple of weeks. 

• Teenage Engineering: PO-33. This is one heck of a beat-making device. It's the size of a pocket calculator which many of the younger gear geeks would not have seen before (let alone knew it existed). This thing fits into the palm of your hand & requires fingertips to operate. It needs some getting used to as well but the learning curve is not as steep as expected. In fact, I managed to fully understand the workflow in about 4 days. It runs on a pair of AAA batteries which are now in 30+/- % power since I started using it. Considering they are not alkaline batteries, I must say the PO-33 is rather battery-friendly. I will share further insights in time to come.
• JBL: GO 2. I'm connecting the PO-33 into this portable speaker. It has impressive projection considering its size but the overall tone is just too bass excessive. Also, the internal rechargeable battery lasts for about 5hrs but require more than this amount of time to be fully charged. I'm still hunting for a good replacement. Wish there's some form of EQ control on board.

Beats - coming from drums or otherwise - will always trigger guitar ideas for me. This is why I am currently investing some time & energy for beat-making. After much reading up, I avoided buying the Roland SP-404 due to its excessive features but would look forward to something more extensive than the PO-33 in time to come. Initially, I had the OP-1 Field in mind but the price is a deal-breaker. Yamaha's Seqtrak is next on my list. 

Red

I played this one yesterday. In conjunction with CNY, I grabbed the nearest red guitar & this was it. Didn't play the single coil much (Duncan Hot Strat), just the JB & Jazz all the way through. It's true that some guitars with their individual quirks & tone, would influence what you play. So this one, compounded by my heavy rotation of Atheist albums for the last couple of days, saw some tech-death moments which have not been my playing staple lately. Unlike the other metal sub-genre, all these tech-y stuff requires purposeful playing & very little peddling unlike black metal, for instance. Also, speed is optional. If you listen to Pestilence, it's mid-tempo for the most part.

Hope everyone is still revelling in the CNY celebrations with loved ones.

Year of the Dragon 2024

To all Chinese blog readers, friends & relatives out there - wishing you a prosperous year of the dragon. It's a long weekend here, public holiday extends to Monday 12 February. Some public sectors will only resume work on 13 February as the first day of CNY falls on a Saturday which is a non-working day for the public officers. Have a good break, everyone!

Enemy presence

Arch Enemy will be playing on this turf come May 2024. Interested parties - refer to the ticketing link as stated on poster. I'm actually interested to attend but Jeff Loomis is not in the band any more, so...

Pic: Bandwagon Asia

Ibanez... that slip

Did you realize the Monthly New Arrival picture used in February's updates actually feature guitars which are not in the current catalog. The fact that these were documented / photographed means they actually exist but are unreleased (yet). The features of these instruments suggest a Prestige pedigree so here's to those who got overly worked up after realizing there's no new Japanese AZ models for 2024. Thanks for the heads up, Ibanez. 😅

 

Pic: Ibanez

CNY deals @ SL

Swee Lee is having a CNY promo for selected gear - 8% off. But hey, we've seen majority of these instruments at other previous promos before... Hmmm...

Pic: SL webstore

 

Fighting headless

This Q54 is perhaps one of my favourite guitars in terms of tone & playability. However, just days ago, I found it to be problematic. I kept making mistakes when playing notes on the D & G strings. So I re-looked at the following concerns:

• Action settings. It's the same set up done on other guitars.
• Bowed neck. Nope - straight as heck since Day 1.
• No proper warm up. These days I commit to minimal warm up before playing; maybe 5min of finger exercises. I decided to do an extended warm up before playing this guitar but still...
• Uneven frets. If there are any then the first thing that would manifest is fret buzzing but this was not the case. I did re-look at some frets at selected positions & did the rocking horse test; nothing was amiss. 

I almost gave up until I kept my fret rocker away (used for the rocking horse test) into a plastic holder which contain my radius gauge & that was when it hit me - the radius setting. True enough, the radius for this guitar was a little too flat. Someone did a 16" for this one back at the factory so the strings weren't conforming to the curved fret profile. I re-adjusted the radius to 14" & the playing was OK thereafter. I believe when we play a certain guitar, there's some muscle memory developing for certain neck / radius profiles. Once this is not met during play leading to mistakes or even discomfort, there's not harm re-looking at the set up just to make sure things should be the way they were meant to be - no compromise.

Ibanez 2024 (5): AZ Series

The Ibanez critiques expressed their dismay with the absence of any Prestige / Japanese models in the 2024 lineup. There are at least Premium ones which represent a higher tier of craftsmanship so to speak. I pick this AZ24P1QM as the boldest representative in this release. That quilted maple cap top finished in this green-esque burst (Ibanez calls it the deep ocean blonde) does exude a degree of reverence. Anyway, I noticed the headstocks are now generic black so any neck will be deemed suitable for any body finish. Also, pundits are saying the AZ colours are now more outgoing & less reserved compared to the initial releases.

There's a 7-string in the lineup (AZ427P2QM) which means there's an established demand for 7-string AZs. I don't see too many AZ pros embracing a 7 (maybe Martin Miller is the most prominent amongst them). 

In any case, the Premium AZs are sporting ridiculous prices considering they are not Japanese. I'm not equating the Japenese pedigree to be the deserving criteria for inflated prices but the quality of these instruments might just justify the prices. 

SG Sunday

Had plans to play this guitar today but the bridge pickup failed to work. There's sound coming from the bridge pickup only if the selector was in its mid position. Verdict: The selector needs to be replaced.

A quick trip to Beez to get this done. Managed a caffeine (ice blended) fix before heading home. I'm not into Starbucks, it's CBTL or Gloria Jeans for me. Had been this way all along.

Essentials

This is a NAMM '24 release by Strandberg; the Boden Essential. This is the most affordable (USD999) Strandberg & the immediate cost-related feature here is the absence of tilted / fanned frets. Pickups are also economy models but the manufacturer promises good results (tone-wise). There are currently no Strandberg distributors here. Davis GMC used to have the Japanese models in store but they are not bringing in any this time. Of course, if you are not a fan of headless guitars, do steer clear.

Pic: Strandberg

Selling: Marshall Shred Master

Painful times ahead... letting go of this Marshall Shred Master (re-issue) pedal. Played like 5 times (indoors) so it's in very good condition (9/10). No velcro at the baseplate, box included as depicted.

• Marshall: Shred Master distortion pedal (box included)
• Condition: 9/10
• Self-collect: Yew Tee / CCK mrt station
• Queries / confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• No reservations / trades
• Price: $220 (final)

Vivid & phantom

I believe Ibanez is first to leave the NAMM '24 fanfare behind. These GRX models are new for February. 

That's right, they painted the neck as well so it's a very flushed finish which looks classy. This finish is known as Vivid Red.

The other new finish for February is the Phantom Blue.

Pics: Ibanez