Second generation

I really thought the Gibson Generation acoustics were done with. The former line up ended their good life & were not featured this year in the manufacturer's website. This Fall release is unexpected to say the least but looking at how things unfold in the economy, any manufacturer will be worse off if they do not have something appealing yet affordable in their product catalog.

Unlike the previous generation (forgive the pun), there are more in the line up this time. There's a parlor-like 00 & cutaway models. The obvious difference in design this time round - that additional sound hole at the side. The way I see it, Gibson dared to include this because these are not guitars in their traditional / popular line up. Traditionalist / purist would stay away from these instruments citing a possible removal of the Gibson vibe, whatever that may be. Ironically, these are also the people who wouldn't mind getting one because, first & foremost, it's not as costly as the rest of the Gibson acoustic. It has a new quirky feature but these are not the traditional models so it won't affect the general integrity of models like the Hummingbird & Songwriter. Looking forward to try these if they ever made it here. 

Pic: Gibson

Get grooving

New from the Edwards camp, the E-Goover bass, seen here in a vintage white finish.

Also available in seafoam green (along with black & natural). As I grow older, I kinda appreciate simple designs more, the E-Groover bass here is the epitome of simplicity; just a pair of P-Bass type pickups (Seymour Duncan SP & it's good to groove (Seymour Duncan SPB-1). Even the pickguard is a simple affair.

Pics: ESP

P&G

New from the Ibanez camp this month - a pair of Ibanez acoustics, pink & green Talmans to be more specific.

Pleasant hues here but these are still not solid top models. I used to own one & feel that it's a very transitional offering if one is solid body inclined & wish to get acquainted to the acoustic. However, the unplugged volume could have been better in view of those cutaways that would understandably affect body resonance. The plus point is definitely the neck profile, slim & fast.

Ibanez 2021 @ SL

Just a heads up if you are anticipating the Ibanez 2021 models to make it here - some are already in stock as seen above (there are many more). Thank you, Swee Lee, for the prompt actions. My previous episodes of waiting - new Ibanez stuff will appear in August or so making them very stale in terms of appeal.

Pic: Swee Lee Co

Ibanez 2021 (7): Gomm!

Still in the acoustic realm, new for 2021 & from an unlikely manufacturer, the Ibanez Jon Gomm signature acoustic (JGM10). Gomm is a percussive finger style player & his techniques are just mind boggling. The guitar sports a simple outline but much thought was given to player needs in this case; bigger / wider body top for percussion, a non-intrusive cutaway that does not subtract bottom / top end definition & volume-inclined bracing, among others. The body is an all solid construction (sitka spruce top, pau ferro back & sides) together with an ebony fretboard. If you are interested in this one, do note that the scale length is slightly longer - 25.75"

It must have been an extra special collaboration for Gomm to move from Lowden to Ibanez & in the video below, you can see that he's simply thrilled.

Pic: Ibanez

ESP 2021 (3)

Rounding the 2021 ESP affairs, these three E-II models are worth mentioning. The Fluence-Evertune details are now offered in a 7-string, baritone (27" scale length) as seen in this M-II 7B.

Flying the bolt-on flag is this Snapper, all spec'd up for a contemporary feel; Floyd Rose Original bridge, Bare Knuckle Aftermath & an ebony fretboard. The thing with this S-type take is that, it's competing with Fender & Charvel in a similar performance domain but losing out on price appeal compounded by the fact that there's no ESP label at the headstock to propel buyer confidence. Yes, you can announce to the world that the E-IIs are indeed your former ESP Standard models in another incarnation but potential buyers do not wish for two brand names in a single instrument. It invites doubt more than assurance. 

My final mention goes to this M-I. It's easily a likeable guitar in my books for that single pickup feature. It's also whammy-free, has an ebony fretboard & a through-body neck construction. If this gets here, it's very difficult to look away but at the rate things are going for me, it's  just a wish list guitar.
 

Pics: ESP

Edit: Squier Contemporary Strat

OK so the Squier Contemporary Strat featured just days ago wasn't a debut listing. Squier had a pre-2021 version that is still in production & it looks like the one above.

The new one for 2021 is known as the Contemporary Stratocaster Special. I think some of us like the fact that the input jack is located at the side as opposed to the top. Apologies for the confusion.

Pics: Squier

Ibanez 2021 (6)

I thought Ibanez was done with the 2021 announcements but this popped up yesterday at their webpage (was busy to update + I had a late day). Seen above: AZS2200F (F = flame maple top)

There are two variations offered; the one you see up there with the whammy bridge (alder body) & this fixed bridge version sporting an ash body (AZS2209H, H = hard tail). The whammy bridge is a duplicate of the AZ's, Gotoh T1802. Ibanez chose to go the vintage way with the 3-saddle T-style bridge but it's still a Gotoh (F1803). I foresee the vintage purists swapping the saddles out for the brass version to manifest an all out twang - heck, yeah! If you look at the control layout of the AZS2209H, it screams Telecaster with a twist. If you are a Tele owner, you'd know how the straight layout sometimes hinder pickup switching so slanting / curving it this way addresses just that. Brilliant. 

So what Ibanez did, to see the bigger picture here, is to offer a T-style version of the AZ model so you entice both Strat & Tele fans to the fold. There won't be a total switch over if you had been a Fender bender all this while as these instruments offer a different playing experience & tone. I'm also glad that Ibanez kept the Seymour Duncan theme going for this series but choosing existing models (Magic Touch Mini / Alnico II Pro Custom) instead of collaborative models like the AZ's Hyperion & Fortuna.

Is this Ibanez's first T-style adventure? Certainly not. The guitar you see above was featured in Richie Kotzen's Electric Joy album. Maybe it's a good time to entice Mr. Kotzen back into the Ibanez camp with the AZS? Hmm...

Lest we forget, these are the other T-style models by Ibanez:

• A: Talman series. Has the T vibe going but the body is an offset design
• B: Ibanez's offshoot label, the Starfield. This one here is one of the Cabriolet models
• C: FR - the most recent design but discontinued WEF 2021. Hold on to yours if you own one

Pics: Ibanez/ Audiofanzine/ Musicstore/ pinterest

PRS 2021: Lunar Ice

New for 2021 is the PRS Silver Sky Lunar Ice iteration. It's another flip flop body finish but done for the maple fretboard model. They did the Nebula version for the rosewood fretboard so this variation isn't a radical move. If you are interested, only 1,000 units are made for international distribution.

Pic: PRS

Squier 2021: Contemporary listings

Exciting debut in the Squier camp this year - the Contemporary Stratocasters.

These are manufactured in China & here are the reasons why we should at least check them out when they get here.

• The top most model you see there is a Floyd Rose equipped HH model. Rather typical but the Floyd unit is an 'FR' model as stated by the manufacturer (there's even an FR logo stamped on the bass side bridge flap). We would have expected an FR Special at this price point but it's an exciting introduction. However don't be surprised if it's actually a re-designed FRS. Keep in mind that an Original FR unit made in Germany lists for an upward of $500 so having one in a Squier of this pedigree just doesn't make sense.
• If the FR is not your thing, then the Contemporary Strat is offered in a non-locking whammy version (middle pic). Look closely, that's not a slanted humbucker, the middle single coil had been pushed towards the bridge to give an illusion of a humbucker being there. The interesting point to note here is the wiring; in position 1, both the bridge & middle pickups are connected in series so you get a humbucking option. Also, in position 4, all pickups are activated. How cool is that?
• Of course, if you wish for no whammy at all, a hard tail option is available (bottom pic) but it's only offered with a laurel fretboard in the mean time. Do note that all models in this series feature roasted maple necks. 

I just wish that maple fretboard versions feature unfinished headstocks as well but that's just me. The definite 'like' in this case is the fact that Squier opted for 1x vol / 1x tone control to keep things simple & out of the way.

Pics: Fender

PRS 2021: Hip hip... Fiore!

This is least expected - a PRS Mark Lettieri signature model. It's called the Fiore & another bolt-on addition to the PRS fold. After a successful episode with the Silver Sky, this makes absolute sense. My initial response to this - sure glad it didn't sport a retarded headstock outline! The body design here looks very ergonomic with rounded appointments & no drastic turns to affect comfort / playability, in fact, it looks like the Kiesel Theos. Unlike the SS, this one sports a two-point whammy bridge giving a different playing response. Do note that this will only debut around Summer 2021.

Listen to what the man himself has to say about his new guitar.

While you're at it, watch how good he is / the type of music he embraces. 

Pics: GW

Fender 2021: Amplifying

A couple of new Fender amps for 2021 - '68 Custom Pro Reverb (L) & '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb (R). 

The Vibro Champ is a re-interpretation of its late '60s black face sibling. This version sports a Celestion Ten 30 speaker & new extras - reverb & trem. 

The Pro Reverb is a 40-watter also featuring a Celestion speaker; a Neo Creamback. Neo here refers to the neodymium magnet in use which possesses serious strength when it comes to tone & drive manifestations. However, we don't invest in either amps for drive-related purposes as both are single channel units with a clean reference as default, a rather obvious implication. But we do know how Fender amps react to external drive sources; things tend to get a little exciting to say the least. 

I foresee a keen interest in the Vibro Champ should these amps make it here in the near future (these are slated for Spring). The current Fender staple among players here is the Blues Junior which is similar to the Vibro Champ in terms of features. The latter has an upper hand for its reverb & trem. 

Jackson 2021

An exciting development in the Jackson camp. New for 2021, the MJ series - Made in Japan instruments. Ebony fretboard & Duncans as default appointments but I'm a little skeptical when it comes to the Floyd Rose R3 bridge. Just hoping it's at least on part with the 1,000 series. Seen above: Dinky DKR.

If you prefer a non-reverse headstock, here's a Soloist for you (SL2).

I'm just a little disappointed that this RRT is the only non-whammy model offered & it's limited to this black finish. 

Is going Japanese a smart thing to do now? I believe, at the very least, the Japanese craftsmanship gives more purchasing confidence in this price range (mid-price, thereabouts). We see the Mexican Charvels doing really fine in the mean time; it's all about QC. Keep in mind that there used to be Japanese Jacksons once. These were phased out but they are now back. When these get here, I would really love to get a closer look at the the details, especially that R3 bridge.

EDIT: The correct whammy bridge for the MJ guitars is the Gotoh brand. It seems that Jackson edited the details after this posting. Thanks to bro Hans for the heads up.

Pics: Jackson

Charvel 2021

This year, Charvel played it safe by giving the player 'what they wanted'. We note the popularity of the 2PT models last year so it's more of those this time round with natural, unfinished looks & gold hardware. Seen above: MJ DK24 HSH 2PT

The Pro-Mods are still here this year with an HSS version this time round. The HH version is still available at Swee Lee listing for slightly more than $1.3K so expect a similar listing for the HSS.

If you don't fancy A Floyd Rose bridge, this HT version is available & that's an ebony fretboard you see there.

Pics: Charvel

Dean 2021

Nothing particularly outstanding in Dean's 2021 releases but we take note of these two developments. Firstly,  Dean has joined the roasted maple camp, represented by the MD24 here. This one features an FR1000 bridge as well as a pair of Seymour Duncans (Custom / Alnico II Pro). Serious appointments here so that we do not dismiss Dean as a fringe brand name. 

Secondly, the Fluence pickups are in selected models as well. The V Select here sports a pair of Moderns. If you think roasted maple & Fluences are exclusive appointments to certain brand names then these prove otherwise. 

Pics: Dean

ESP 2021 (2)

Good to see the aggressive outlines perpetuated this 2021. The EX here is easily one of the pointiest but surprisingly very playable. EMG 60/81 pairing in this one.

The Forest model also made the cut for 2021. It's basically a normal guitar given the prickly outline. EMG 60/81 in this one as well but with a coil split option. Seen above: E-II FRX. Besides BC Rich, ESP is certainly the other brand name to embrace pointy designs. There's a niche appeal for such guitars often overshadowing the fact that they play well & sound good.

Pics: ESP USA

Fender 2021: Unboxed

After the successful HM Strat adventure, Fender continues to re-visit its '80s catalogs in search of inspiration & as we know it, commercial ideas. No surprises here as the Boxer Strat (HH) is resurrected for 2021. These will be made in Japan & only offered in two finishes in the mean time; inca silver (above) & sherwood green (below).

As seen in the pics, the guitar will feature a coil split switch (that toggle in between the knobs) & a TBX tone control. This essentially boosts the instrument's low/top end frequencies while acting as a standard tone control in the lower range. With these models, other brand names need not fear competition but the Charvel Pro-Mods might suffer a little in terms of market share but then again, Fender owns the Charvel brand name & would be mindful in keeping the differences alive.

Pics: Fender USA

It's Miller time

Listen to what Martin Miller has to say about his new signature 7-string guitar. The significant thing to note here is the fact that, despite being a 7 with a wider neck, the strings are spaced out slightly closer for maximum playability.

Pic: Ibanez

Ibanez 2021 (4)

Following 2020's successful debut, Ibanez now has the EHB in this shorter scaled version (30") - EHB1000S. I think it's wonderful news for people like me who struggle to handle a standard scale bass. It is also lighter so that's another plus point for manoeuvrability.

Here's a visual understanding of what the EHB1000S is all about. Will check this out once it gets here.

PICS: Ibanez

Ibanez 2021

 

This confirms the rumour that a 7-string AZ model would dominate proceedings in 2021. Seen above is the Martin Miller version.

For those of us who are not interested in signature models (like yours truly), it's offered in this HH pickup configuration (AZ24027)...

And the HSS version (AZ24047). Unlike previous years where official announcements of new models were done post-NAMM, this year, Ibanez did a new year number which makes a lot of sense since Winter NAMM 2021 is not happening.