CY returns

The CY makes a return to Edwards' line-up this June with a simpler look.

Once upon a time, the CY was one of the upper-most tier instrument in the Edwards catalog. It had more than 24 frets, excessive binding, Seymour Duncan pickups, gold hardware... the works. The current version is a rather restrained look but equally inviting. The pickups are Seymour Duncan Rails: JB / Vintage / Jazz. 

Good to know that the neck-through-body construction was retained for the current incarnation. Despite the trimmings, expect to pay about $2K if it's made available here.

Pics: ESP

Ibanez: Sept '25

By now, you've seen the new Ibanez releases for September 2025. After being absent in August, Ibanez returned with the good stuff this time.

One of the releases is this IV2RG. This marks the beginning of a new series of guitars - Visions, made in Japan. These instruments (only 2 in the mean time) sit above the J-Custom range so expect some hefty price tags when they debut here. I immediately like the headstock label; it's free from any pompous tags like J-Custom / Prestige which are more suggestive than anything else. Let the instrument quality speak for itself, not some patronizing labels. The guitar is a through-body design, with an ebony 'board, steel frets, DiMarzio pickups & Lo-Pro Edge bridge. I have no idea if Ibanez is obliged to equip a higher tier instrument with vine inlays but this seems to be the case lately. I'm not into excessive fretboard marking so this is a put off. Ditto the gold hardware - paying for a coating that would wear off over time is not my thing. 

I'm trying to understand why there is a need for a new tier especially so when there are no distinct differences between a J-Custom & the Visions. The neck-body construction might be it but this is not a sure formula to become a better instrument. It might be the case for price justifications; oh, the new VISIONS are neck-through so we're asking more for it. 

Donor appreciation (cont'd)

• Shawn Siow. Thanks for the contribution - every bit helps me in so many ways.

Ibanez 2022 (5)

The highlight (in the mean time) for Ibanez this year is the Premium neck-through RGs. Seen above is the RGT1220PB. Features not typically found on a non-Japanese RG:

• block inlays (abalone)
• ebony fretboard
• Edge bridge
• steel frets

The definite highlight is of course, the neck through construction. If you are new to this, it means the entire neck extends into the body right up to the tail end. The increased sustain from such a construction is true to a large extent but do not discount the bolt-on counterparts with equally superior sustain; exclusive it is not.   The sides are basswood & pickups on board are DiMarzios (Air Norton / Tone Zone). 

Behold the fixed bridge version (Mono Rail bridge) ...

... and the HSH version if you fancy a middle single coil (RGT1270PB). The 1220 ($1,899) & 1221 ($1,799) are available at Swee Lee already. At this price, do keep in mind that you can get an American Fender. The neck-through construction is nothing new, it had been offered in the Prestige line up before. The first RGT model debuted in 2002.

Pic: Ibanez

Selling: Jackson Soloist SLXT (SOLD)

Another one on the to go list, my Jackson Soloist SLXT (funding for chemo, thanks). I really like the neck profile, it's between an Ibanez & an ESP. I just want a satin version hence letting this go.

• Jackson Soloist SLXT (unpadded bag included)
• Neck binding on both sides have creamed off/ stained
• No reservations/ trades/ testing
• Self-collect: CCK mrt station
• Queries/ confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price: $500 (FINAL, non-nego)

Steel through

Aw, damn! New upscale range (LTD series, they call it) by Solar guitars- steel frets & neck-through construction. Poplar burl top is a nice touch. Available in Hipshot/ Evertune (Euro200 more) fixed bridge options. 👍

PIC: Solar guitars