Glendora

This is something new by GJ2, the Glendora models- bolt-on makes compared to their initial through-body models. While there is an implication to tone in this respect, there is also an implication to prices :-)

Word indeed

Grover Jackson made a comeback to the guitar industry recently with his fresh line-up of GJ2 guitars. It's a master's return to say the least but there are already cynics out there challenging his inclusion of basswood in some of his glossed, solid colour finishes, in consideration of the prices these guitars are listing for. It is as if basswood is the ultimate putrid wood in guitardom, any inclusion of it in a master craftsman's consideration would be deemed heretic. Basswood doesn't make a good topic conversation with players either, even rookies dismiss them without further regard. You'd wonder where this impression came from...

I'm not here to champion any wood types when it comes to guitar craftsmanship. The situation is such that certain wood types could conjure magic when they are paired up with the right amplifier/ pickups/ effects; there's no sure formula when it comes to tone. We often failed to acknowledge the circumstances, more engulfed by opinions & unfounded beliefs. I am unofficially documenting words of wisdom by expert builders & Grover Jackson is definitely one for the record. This is his opinion of basswood which reinforced his inclusion of this tone wood for some of his GJ2 models:

Then I found out that basswood has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio: it's a very stable but lightweight material.

Plush Scarlett

Did a mix-N-match yesterday & settled down with the above pedals for the rest of the day's guitar playing episodes. The Scarlett has this sweet transparency that prevents itself from being too vintage voiced while retaining that typical smooth drive nuance. I usually don't assign such a pedal to be my primary drive unit. The Cream behaves likewise but it has a whole lot more in terms of saturation (not intensity, mind you) so it became my primary reference with the Scarlett being its reinforcement, set as a post-drive/ boost application. I went on to play with just these two pedals for the rest of the day till night time when a little chorus was introduced. Guitars used:

• Jackson JS20 (TESLA)
• Ibanez RG471 (Seymour Duncan)
• LTD H-351 (EMG)

The LTD saw the least duration because I 'm not too keen in hearing active pickups in action with mild drivers but the neck '85 was in action most of the time- great legato licks with those pedals. The Duncans in the Ibanez blended well with the pedals but I couldn't slow down with this guitar despite the great tones. This led to the Jackson occupation for the rest of the day/ evening, those TESLAs in there just sounded sweet & they benefitted the most from such drive laden settings (nothing metal in any way). I especially enjoyed the Plasma 1 in this application- sounded awesome with saturation or with the guitar volume dipped.

GJ2

To us guitar dweebs, the name Grover Jackson is all too familiar; Jackson guitars, that's right. Mr. Jackson is back with a range of brand new range of electric guitars under his helm- the GJ2- all to be showcased at the upcoming Winter NAMM 2012. The above model is a glimpse of what's to come.

Here's a worthy quote from Mr. Jackson himself pertaining to the manufactured aging of guitars (that's relic to the rest of us):

If you would like one of our guitars to look like it has been used for years we have the following advice. Buy one of our guitars and play it for years. Guitars are beautiful objects for sure, but they should be played with fire, passion and intensity. Don’t pet it, play the hell out of it. You will have a lovingly aged guitar in no time, a guitar that reflects what you have put into it. Enjoy.