Offset & TM

More goodies from the Squier camp. The Offset Telecaster is now available in a single-JM pickup configuration. Also, this comes with block inlays.

And Squier now offers the Troublemaker; push-pull coil split feature included.

Pics: Fender 

New affinities

Squier has new Affinity models for us players who are on a strict gear budget. Maybe hardly any for that matter. Nothing too refreshing, a re-hash of familiar outlines but I'm fascinated by the following two models.

I kinda saw this coming - the Starcaster Deluxe. For those of us who are averse to the Tom Delonge Starcaster due to its solitary pickup, this dual humbucking version is it. Don't give me that it doesn't say FENDER on the headstock rubbish because the Tome Delonge model is manufactured at the Squier facility. 

The Stratocaster Jr isn't exactly a scaled down guitar for kids because it's featuring a 24" scale length. This is the Jaguar scale length & they didn't make those for kids. The compressed body might help younger players deal with form struggle. I do not wish to take the sting out of this novelty but Fender Japan did an entire range of Junior models (2022) & those did not get the deserving fanfare so why should these Squier counterparts be any different. 

The list prices for these instruments should be in the $500 +/- bracket judging by the USD references.

Pics: Fender

Ibanez: July 24

Ibanez's new July 2004 releases include the lefty TOD10N seen above. Only this black finish is available. The FRH10N is currently offered in a lefty version so it's interesting the manufacturer made an effort to include the TOD version as a lefty as well. In any case, the manufacturer does better in sales when it comes to the TOD as opposed to the FRH; it's the power of artiste affiliation.

Pic: Ibanez Asia

Monday (laser) blues

Monday with nothing much to do. Brought this out to play. I have very few Ibanez guitars with original pickups in tact, this is one of them - RG565 in laser blue finish. 

I seldom buy coated strings, I must have bought this one some time back. It was in one of my guitar bags. A quick re-string.

I'm back to using a slightly smaller pick in an attempt to change my picking ergonomics. Seems to work on days when I'm not angry. Anyway, this is the Mini Coffin pick, custom made by Northern Ghost guitar picks (Canada).