VM Bari

Squier has a new Tele for 2022. 'New' here refers to the fact that it's a baritone instrument, sporting a 27" scale length. Its full reference: Classic Vibe Baritone Custom Telecaster. Folks, 'Custom' here is not a reference to a custom tier where appointments are exclusive & costly. It simply refers to the range of Telecasters in the 60s sporting a bound body & rosewood fretboard which are clear appointments in this guitar. It is also offered in black. Who plays a baritone guitar? The downtuned metal chaps, prog-ers & selected jazz cats. We often associate this non-standard tuning individuals as those who embrace excessive distortion exclusively - no. Some of us venture into down-tuning because that's the envelope where our ideas thrive in. When things get lower, there's always a string tension issue & that's where the baritone proves itself useful. Squier's Classic Vibe & Vintage Mod instruments are always worthy in terms of QC & tone. I personally consider them a little above the standard offerings in terms of tier standings. Let's see if these would be available here soon.

Pic: Fender International

XL

This is one of the 2019 models in the Ibanez catalog- the RG2077XL. Just another 7-string RG with an extended scale length (27"). 

If that looks a little familiar to some of us, it's because there was an XL model not too long ago; the RG1077XL. 

We note that Ibanez is playing it rather dangerously in terms of design iteration because there's already the RGD in the catalog with a slightly shorter scale length of 26.5" but we know too well that the RG outline is one of the most commercially viable for the manufacturer. It's like the Les Paul to Gibson & Strat to Fender. One could argue that the RG version is an extension of what had been working all along but the RGD is a variation that won't revive an nostalgic attachments. Looks like the 2077 aims to re-create the 1077 magic with current specs but I won't spend any more money on Dual Fusions in any guitar. 

8-string guitars: Scale differences

Everytime I hear or come across someone who wants to invest in an 8-string guitar, I'd ask him for his preferred scale length (distance from nut to bridge NOT how long the guitar is, mind you). Why is this crucial? Assuming you are employing standard tuning, the tension would be different. For an 8-string model, the thicker strings would manifest quite the difference if you A-B test it with another brand name guitar with a different scale length. The above is a summary of 3 popular models sporting the differences; Ibanez's RGA8 has the longest scale length of 27" which is 0.5" longer than their RGD make. The Ibanez would manifest the tightest feel in this line-up. Schecter's Hellraiser 8 sports a 26.5" version, making it an in-between offering, followed by LTD's H-338 25.5"; this one is the 'normal' member here. 

The different scale lengths would necessitate string gauge consideration, fitting a .65 8th string in the Ibanez would manifest an acceptable tension but try that in those 2 other guitars- it'll bee too floppy & affects note definition. In terms of feel, I note the Ibanez has its bridge moved back a tad (this is after my RG2228 experience) to accommodate the longer scale length. This would mean a picking hand adaptation, that's the reason why you feel a little more lethargic playing the Ibanez especially if you chug notes by palming your picking hand at the bridge. This is the reason why I make it a point to own a Schecter 8-string, to feel the difference & very recently, I enjoy playing the LTD 8s. 

The unschooled/noobs among us would then equate the shortest scale length with the most playing ease- that shouldn't be the case. It's all about preference, if we return to the 6-string domain, we know that there is an arguably equal appeal when it comes to the Les Paul (24.75" scale length) and Strat (25.5" scale length); the Strat can't produce that dense bottom end & the Les Paul can't pull off (no pun intended) that tight snap. So all in all, it's a matter of knowing what your tool has to offer & using it in a learned context.

ULTRAs

I've been looking around for an ESP model which is a little different but not a major departure in terms of design, from the mainstream offerings. I remember there was an Ultratone model, which was very Viper-like, Geroge Lynch was seen playing one some time ago. True enough, there was an Ultratone but it was discontinued in 2004 (pictured above).

However, the Ultratone was updated subsequently & it escaped my attention. The revised edition features (it's still available today):

• 2 more frets
• a re-designed pickguard
• re-aligned humbuckers (not to mention the Duncans currently in use)
• knobs re-orientation
• body outline revision
• truss rod access re-location

I might just refer to this blueprint for my subsequent ESP special order. If there are any more, that is. Still waiting for my current one.