27 / 7 / curved

This is the 7-string version of the SOLAR ACS model (ACS1.7FRPS) with an extended scale length of 26.5". No idea if 27 frets are a thing in the mean time but SOLAR has its own take which often end up being more affordable than the competitors. Really like the flake finish 👍

Pic: SOLAR

Active modern

New Japanese Stratocaster, Active Modern, they call it. Yes, as the name suggests, it's an active circuitry but with some funky circuit in there to propel the activity & hush things up so you you enjoy playing, not fighting feedback. 

Actually quite intrigued by the 5-bolt neck joint with an elegant cutaway to boot. This guitar reminds me of the Aerodyne model more than anything. I find the Aerodyne more futuristic with the curved top design. Both models feature a hard edge outline, not the rounded version that everyone loves.

Pics: Fender Japan

PRISM mini (2)

Very happy the Laney PRISM mini has a C type access which allows the user to use a power bank to keep it running / charge the internal battery. This should be the standard moving forward; devices with internal batteries are equipped with C type access. In fact, it won't be absurd if pedals are given this feature as well. I had been playing & charging my PRISM mini. By the end of the playing session, the amp was fully charged for the subsequent play episode. Neat.

The King's new guard

Long time King Diamond's guitar maestro, Andy Larocque, had departed the band. Gus G is the new replacement. Larocque had been at the helm for 40 years. It pretty much defined his career. The way I see it, Laroque doesn't sit well with inactivity, so together with Dee, Blakk & Patino, they are entitled to keep their mojo going while they still can. Nothing against the King, but music-wise, it's a good move for Larocque & gang.

Pics: ESP / Metal Injection

GL-200 @ DGMC

LTD's GL-200 is now available at Davis GMC for the price stated above (GL-200 - first mentioned here in February). This is one of those minimalist designs that I like. Back in the day, a Series 200 guitar would  not be listed in this price bracket. The Series 10, 50, 100 & 200 guitars are meant to appeal to the new players out there on a limited budget. In today's context, the guitar tier means nothing when prices are pegged against shipment costs & import duties. If you are agreeable with the asking price, please go ahead.

Pics: ESP

PRISM mini

I told myself not to spend any more money on stuff that don't contribute to frequent use / the manifestation of my preferred tone. This Laney PRISM mini was never going to be on my acquisition list for that reason. I've stopped using my Blackstar FLY 3 amps, Marshall mini amps, etc. for the same reason. 

However, amps with simulation technology should be treated differently. The incorporation of such technology into table top amps are arguably recent. Before this, nobody gives a hoot, only the bigger amps are considered for such incorporation thinking that it would be continuously in demand by the pros. Or so they thought. 

The Laney PRISM mini offers additional goodness for those of us who are constantly using table top amps for ideation or other similar indulgences. The simulation technology on board gives an extra dimension to tone as opposed to merely a get-by episode. Leaving this here before sharing further details on the PRISM mini's capacity after spending weeks with it, discovering its potential & hindrances.

To be continued...

E-Maverick

And so it happened; ESP did an Edwards version of the Maverick. After the ESP & LTD versions in February, the Maverick is now represented in three manifestations. Will a Grass Roots version take place soon? That aside, the Edwards Maverick features a Lil '59 in the neck position instead of a rail type single coil. Reminder: The Maverick features 27 frets.

Pic: ESP Japan

AZES40B @ SL

I see the Ibanez AZES40B in stock at Swee Lee. It's listing for $40 more than its previous incarnation featuring a white pickguard. A different pickugard colour raises the price by $40? I don't think so. We are all looking at a price hike per se which happens with new shipments.

Pic: Ibanez

27

SOLAR now offers a 27-fret model. This here is the ACS1.6FRW sporting a standard 25.5" scale length. ESP & Ibanez did it, now SOLAR has one that should be more affordable than the aforementioned brand names. A GOTOH 1996 bridge in this one. Nice.

Pic: SOLAR

 

Thank you & goodbye: Wayne Charvel

The world remembers Wayne Charvel for his extended guitar tinkering that eventually led to the Charvel brand name. I should have made it a point to purchase these guitars before they were acquired by FMIC. These used to be available at City Music together with Carvin guitars. Those were the days.

Pic: Guitar

Grassroots: Mystique

The good people at ESP are slowly (but surely) cascading their standard models unto the more affordable sub-brands. I sincerely hope this was the byproduct of an internal realization that the LTD models are becoming more expensive (& unreasonable) & pricing many eager players out. This here is the Grassroots Mystique, last manifested as an Edwards iteration. On a personal note, I still can't get over that headstock outline which looks like a glorified mistake.

Pic: ESP Japan

Antares

Kiesel has a new model in its lineup; the Antares. As you can see here, it's an offset design (think: Fender Jaguar / PRS Vela) quite clearly aiming at the shredders among us. I'm still trying to get used to that headstock design but everything else looks awesome. Loving the one-knob option.

Pic: Kiesel

Gone but not forgotten: Mike Browning

Another legend left us - Mike Browning. Together with Trey Azagthoth, they formed Morbid Angel but he left the band due to personal friction with Trey. Subsequent indulgences, Nocturnus / Nocturnus AD, still shocased his drumming prowess. These bands also feature very capable guitarists so they were a hit with me.

Pic: JRmetalzone

Yes & No

Yes - Swee Lee now has baritone ukulele strings (Ernie Ball). $9 per pack, thank you so much.

No - Swee Lee has no baritone ukuleles listed on its web store / available in any showrooms. Duh?!

Pic: Ernie Ball

Fly HG

Still wondering why this took too long to happen. Blackstar's FLY 3 amp is now offered in a high gain manifestation. That NITRO button there offers a more sizzling amp drive often associated with heavy music. 

I currently own the standard version (since 2014), not this high gain version. The default overdrive was indeed insufficient to propel heavy music but I came to terms with it after plugging a Tube Screamer in. I'm looking forward to try this version: 1) I hope the NITRO mode doesn't scoop the midrange 2) The NITRO distortion doesn't make the tone fuzzy in view of the small driver on board.

Pics: Blackstar

Tim's bag

Signature bag. That's right, it's a Tim Henson model to accommodate both acoustic & electric (quoting the manufacturer). 

Don't see anything special / outstanding about the product. Chances are, you can get an equally good / better model from other brand names.

Pics: Ibanez

 

Roto deals

Good deals (@ Swee Lee) if you are agreeable with the Rotosound brand. I'm saying this because there was this point in time when the Rotosound QC was rotten. Every pack of strings was plagued by rust spots, the fresh, out of the shipment box ones were not spared either. 

25.5" = Long Scale?

This is a Gibson Les Paul Custom. We've seen many LP Customs before but this one sports a 25.5" scale length. Gibson is doing well by confusing us with its long scale reference. In the Gibson universe, 25.5" is a long scale length because the instruments are predominantly 24.75". So does this mean the Jackson, ESP, Charvel, Fender & Ibanez fans are actually playing long scaled instruments?

I have no idea if the Gibson employee who documented this actually plays guitar. Do we need a 25.5" scale length to employ drop tunings? Does a 25.5" facilitate better drop tunings? If that's the case, those extended scale length & baritone measurements that go well beyond 25.5" - are they way better for this application or does string gauge help offset scale length issues when it comes to drop tunings? Geez...

Pics: Gibson

Gone but not forgotten: B War

The early Marduk lineup featured Roger Svensson (aka B War). A completely no nonsense bassists who chose not to pick his bass; it's fingers through & through. I'm a fan, of course. Favourite album featuring B War - Panzer Division Marduk / La Grande Danse Macabre.

Pic: RTTP

Assassin 8

Oh man, SOLAR is offering the Assassin features in an 8-string format. The one you see here is the A1.81A (A for active pickup - it's a Fluence Open Core Red). The Assassin concept is fundamentally a black-out guitar featuring a single humbucker, a single control knob & red highlights for the pickup, inlay & truss rod cover - simplet yet very intimidating for those of us who dwell in the metal zone.

Pic: SOLAR