Chleo SE

Due to its unattainable price tag (to many of us), PRS has released the SE version of Herman Li's Chleo signature model. But it's still unaffordable (more on this later). Unlike the core version, the SE take is a bolt-on affair & sports a Floyd Rose 1000 bridge. The core is a set neck make with a GOTOH whammy bridge.

PRS did a bulge design for the core to avoid interfering with the flame top aesthetics which actually backfired; players claim these look like bulging genitals under a blanket. Right. The SE version simply appointed metal plates (rear mounted so the screws aren't visible from the front) which are definitely a less costly construction approach. Personally, I find the SE version more appealing. The input jack is more functional as it is visible unlike the core version, according to players, require a certain degree of estimation when plugging in is concerned. 

The SE Chleo lists for USD1,999 & makes it the most expensive SE in the mean time. To the manufacturer, this is justified in view of the signature affiliation & exclusive specifications but it goes against the PRS philosophy of affordability, first & foremost. When the Santana SE debuted (the initial wave of SE models), these were downright affordable. Putting things into chronological context, the SEs had been affordable over time despite price hikes along the way but the Chleo here is a spit into the face of the average Joe who are indeed looking forward to embrace this guitar's SE version but that price tag is downright unreasonable. In any case, PRS is not the only commercial entity to slowly make their affordable models more costly; Squiers & Epiphones are manifesting unaffordability as well. 

Pics: PRS

Chleo

This is the new Herman Li signature by PRS, it's called Chleo. They took a while to get this going because the proto which went on the road with Herman Li broke as a result of rough handling. Rough here refers to the act of kicking the guitar while it's still strapped on. There are plenty of clips going round showing that structural failure but I'm not here to highlight comic relief.

As you can see, Chleo is essentially a re-interpretation of the Ibanez Egen. It's tapered at the sides to mimic the S-Series proprietary design but required some swelling to accommodate the pickup selector & input jack. That's hinting at how thin the body is. Pickups here are Fluence & it sports a Gotoh bridge. It exceeds $6K & currently on a limited run. 

Pics: PRS

Dragon departure

In a recent interview, long time Ibanez endorser, Herman Li (Dragon Force), gave his reason for leaving the camp:

Ibanez aren't able to make me the tool that I need to do my job.

I find this rather difficult to digest. I believe Ibanez can deliver a guitar to his liking but there are some things they are not willing to do in the name of commercial preservations. This is the reason why guitar greats like Petrucci, Gambale, Broderick & Henderson, among others, left & never looked back. I'm not saying this from an Ibanez fan's perspective per se. Like Li himself, I have other likings beyond my affiliations to Ibanez. However, I am not a pro endorser. My life doesn't depend on a manufacturer who can deliver me the exact tool for my trade. It is only respectable to say that we move on because we have other people who are more willing to look into our needs rather than slapping the hand that fed us. 

PIC: UG.com

Ibanez: Herman Li clinic (S'pore)

Last night was my 2nd Herman Li clinic attendance. The reason why I made it a point to do so was because the man doesn't hold back when it comes to sharing which was also the reason I enjoy guitar clinics more than live shows. There were interactions with the musicians & much education would take place due to the insights discussed. Of course, the crowd didn't comprise of instrumental dweebs entirely so there were some amusing questions being asked (which wasn't Ibanez related, of course) but the most memorable query concerned whammy mechanics which a member of the audience had difficulty with. According to the individual concerned, each whammy moment would entail in the guitar going out of tune. So master Li did a further probe by asking the fan which guitar was in use. A (Fender) Squier was it. Herman Li's most comprehensive reply to the problem was:

Oh, you can't do much with that one...

The crowd went wild. Cheered. Clapped. Roared. 

This wasn't a glorious moment in the mockery of another brand name but a reality check: You want to do whammy gymnastics, you gotta get equipment which is right for the job. Certainly, the Squier isn't equipped with the right whammy bridge to manifest a Herman Li-type whammy abuse, yes?

Ibanez: Egen 8

Managed to handle the Egen 8 today; this guitar arrived later than the Egen 18 but it still made it here (@ Swee Lee). It's an Indonesian production but the QC manifestations are some of the best. It's not evident from the pic but the guitar sports a gloss-free, satin finish for both body & headstock. I only had time to strum it unplugged but what I heard were some pleasant mid-range brightness. Also, the 8 retain the 18's coil-split push-pull switch. Hope to hear it in action soon... (wonder when that would be).

Worthy quote: Herman Li

Some worthy considerations by Mr. Herman Li on guitars:

"I'm not a vintage guitar guy. I'm into the instrument evolving & getting better & better with technology. That's why I've got my signature model- to make a better guitar for me to play."

I did attend Herman's Li clinic when he was here in Singapore some time back, way before Ibanez released his E-gen series. I asked him about the different Ibanez guitars made in various countries: Japan/ Korea/ China/ Indonesia. Mr. Li is not too particular about guitars being made in certain parts of the world. All he wants is well-made guitars regardless of origin so he can focus more on his playing.