Explore

Is there an Epiphone that I won't hesitate buying in the mean time? Yes - it's the Explorer. This model is perhaps the least reworked in terms of outline & features when it comes to differentiating an Epiphone from a Gibson. The latest generation of Epiphone Explorers under the inspired by collection feature some trustworthy electronics (CTS / Switchcraft) as well so in my opinion, these are value for money.

The Explorer you see above is available at City Music for $999. If you are out & about in KL, be informed that Music Bliss has this on sale for MYR2,299 (SGD734). 

Pic: Sweetwater

Hopeless

Please forgive the rather click-bait title but it seems to ring through. Across the Causeway, the is an official Gibson distributor - Music Bliss. Back here in SG, we have none. Some of us here feel that we are better off in terms of guitar brand availability but currently missing the bigger picture - we still do not have a Gibson distributor after the Gibson - Heritage debacle.

Gibson... big deal! This might be the snob sentiment but if you are tone / playability inclined, Gibson offers a certain level of playing experience which is an unspoken obligation, before judging if other manufacturers do it better. Two years on, there are still no hints of a Gibson recovery here. More importantly, it's an eye opening episode; the rest of the stores here do not possess the financial muscle to bring this brand in. 

Pic: Music Bliss

Gibson @ Malaysia

There's a new Gibson distributor in Malaysia & it's not Swee Lee. WEF 8 May, Music Bliss is the go-to place if you wish for a Gibson.

The announcement was further fortified by this video. Implication? The next Gibson distributor in Singapore would highly likely not be Swee Lee. Owing to the recent legal debacle, there's no commercial incentive to further ally oneself with an ex-litigant. The matter had been settled out of court & it's time to move on. We await further developments.

Pics: Music Bliss