Duplantier - ESP

As expected, with reference to the recent Olympics debut, Joe Duplantier is now in the ESP camp. Looks like he is embracing the XJ model which is currently in the LTD range. The initial ESP XJ debuted in the early 2000s as depicted above (right). It had a traditional reversed headstock unlike the current Snapper iteration. Also, looks like he prefers the Evertune bridge in the mean time.

This means, the Charvel versions are bowing out for good, This white one is the SD Style 2 HH ($1,099) is still available at Swee Lee.

The mahogany version ($1,599) - also in stock. Very soon we might see disillusioned claims about these Charvels being of higher value due to the collector's perceived claims about there being 'no more' & 'limited edition'. Whatever the case, it's still about demand & supply, yes? In any case, we are not aware of the larger-than-life following of these guitars as opposed to the Ibanez Petrucci models. 

Strings sell, but who's buying?

A little late to this news but Dave Mustaine has teamed up with Gibson for a signature string set - 10 - 52. This is definitely something players here are desensitized to because there are not Gibson dealers here. Go ahead, buy online. 

Pics: Gibson

Souchiro's

That's right folks, I don't know Souchiro Yamauchi, I don't listen to his band, Fuji Fabric but I'm featuring this Fender Japan Strat Custom here which is his signature instrument. I'm looking at this beyond the endorsement deal, it's an interesting Strat-Tele fusion that might prove to be a hit. In any case, a mishmash of features as such is not new to Fender with their record of releasing Parallel Universe models & such. We have a niggling feeling that this would make it here, yes?

Pic: Fender Japan

Kisser

I think it was late Thursday night when I woke up & couldn't go back to sleep. So it was late night / early morning guitar trawling & this update appeared in my feeds - Jackson finally did a signature for Sepultura's Andreas Kisser. This, of course, nearly took forever but thankfully it happened because it's a deserving recognition to one of the leading guitar proponents in aggressive music.

It's a simple, single pickup guitar (EMG 81) with an FR1000 bridge so this hints at a mid-price, non-American make. That body graphic will make / break some buying decisions among us. It's a definite put off for me but that's just me.

Since his early Sepultura days, Andreas Kisser's guitar of choice was his single pickup Charvel model 2 which had a personalized, sticker body (above). Otherwise, the guitar would look like this:

He should be given a Charvel as a true acknowledgement of the circumstances but we know how it is with Charvel now; they don't make any more pointy headstock models. Fender accords Jackson with all the pointy headstock affair so this was probably the reason this signature deal went the Jackson way. 

Of course, Mr. Kisser also has a Jackson RR so going the Jackson way wouldn't look wayward. While a single pickup guitar is absolutely my thing, an FR bridge + a signature touch are not what I would pay for. 

 Pics: Wiki / Jackson / G Concourse

James Ball

James Hetfield's EB signature strings are finally released. It's the EB Paradigm technology given the endorser treatment. Wonder how much these would be once they are available here. 

Pic: Metallica

How long?

From the above pic, which guitar is longer?

The Les Paul is longer

It's rather obvious that the Les Paul is longer when it comes to end-to-end measurements. The LP features a headstock so it adds significantly to length.  

The Kiesel is longer

That's right, folks. When it comes to scale length, the Kiesel is longer. It is 25.5" as opposed to the LP's 24.75". Scale length here refers to the measurement from the nut to the bridge. 

Why is this important? It dictates tone. The LP, any LP for that matter, has its strength in the lower frequencies. It just gives off that kind of warmer sounding notes in the lower / lower midrange especially with overdrive in the mix. The Kiesel has that Strat-type snap for single note clarity but in this case, it's a little compounded by its overall dimensions. The weight is not that substantial to manifest what a Strat could. Also, the type of pickup matters. In this case, Alan Holdsworth preferred a deep sounding pickup in his guitars for his smooth legato works. So this is a reminder to everyone, myself included, when it comes to dimensions, scale length considerations should be factored in.

Hello, April 👋

Life's Ax

I'm still digging into the Epiphone catalog. IMO if there's a good time to buy an Epiphone, the time is now; before further price hikes & the fact that Epihone has levelled up its offerings. I believe this Alex Lifeson signature model will trigger some interest if it gets here. It's equipped with a Graph Tech Ghost vibrato bridge so you get to whammy & enjoy piezo moments. 

Lest we forget why it's called an Axcess. This is not to be confused with the modern contoured heel version of the LP Modern which still features the blocky joint unlike the Axcess smooth relief version. 

Pics: Epiphone / Guitaristas

Michiya (2)

OK... so this is now available at Swee Lee, Fender's Michiya signature Strat. Unexpected but it shows that the good stuff from Japan will make it here, it just takes time. This guitar was featured back in 2020 (CLICK) & I have no expectations for it to be available in time to come; it's just one of those niche appeal models with massive appeal in Japan but not elsewhere. List: $2,199

EDIT: This post was initially flagged for offensive content & removed from publication. I have left the content as it was originally. Do me a favour - if you think there are objectionable details in any posts, please e-mail me to share the concern. I've contacted the Blogger Team pertaining to the matter & awaiting reply. 

Pic: Kurosawa

Dave's

So this was the anticipation - Dave Mustaine's Gibson models. Despite the official announcement, no details were disclosed pertaining to specs & tier offerings. As you can see above, despite the custom options, the design formula was based on existing Gibson models; the Explorer headstock & V body that scream anti-climax. The Mustaine-preferred control layout & signature Seymour Duncan pickups were retained. The fretboard inlays look kinda out of place but those should be Mustaine approved.

The other two models on show are the Kramer version & that acoustic oddity. I see the Kramer as a more deserving design due to the sharper V corners. Now, that acoustic is really unnecessary because we know that Mustaine's time with non-solid body guitars are limited but I guess it's the signature fanfare in the mean time; sell it while it's still hot. The Vic graphics on the headstock & scratch plate are, in my opinion, juvenile. 

While the Kramer version represents a positive outlook in terms of affordability, it's a possible headway for the brand name acting as a slave reference for its parent company. It's a first. Which other Gibson model has a Kramer version serving as a lower tier offering? Giving this the benefit of the doubt, for all we know, there might be a separate Kramer line of Mustaine guitars. Time will tell.

Edit: Was informed that some of the Kramer versions are made in the USA & won't be as mid-priced as they were thought to be.

Pics: Guitar

Wayne 2020

Fender's recent release; a Kenny Wayne Shepherd signature model. His last signature Strat was in 2013, this recent manifestation is quite a departure from its predecessor. Visually, the block inlays & painted headstock are the obvious changes. The body is now ash & chambered & that neck there is bound, not quite visible from this angle. A very big difference is the radius; from its former 12" manifestation to the current 7.25" so he now favours a curved profile. I think it would look killer with a 70s style headstock but that's just me. 

Gold rush

This was released just days ago. However, it was mentioned in this blog here: CLICK I'm definitely for that single pickup goodness but that bridge totally destroys what a Les Paul should be. Then again, it's a signature spec so deal with the quirk. This is not Joe Perry's initial signature with Gibson (remember the Boneyard?) & I have a feeling it won't be his last. 

Solar Vadim

So the Morbid Angel dude got his signature Solar guitars. I'm still waiting for the A2.6LN to be back n stock. Damn.

Seen above: Dan Vadim's signature V1.6 DVV (red) & A1.7DVV

PIC: Solar Guitars

333

Ah, so they held back till NAMM. This is Paul Gilbert's 30th Anniversary Ibanez PGM & it's a decent enticement (considering I'm not a signature fan). The Fireman was a distraction & Paul Gilbert went back to his RG roots for this one. The pickups are DiMarzio's PG-13 mini humbuckers. OK, I don't dig that 333 truss rod cover at all. 

MSM

Folks, the Ibanez MSM is now available at Swee Lee (SGD1,649). To note- the fretboard is now stated as panga panga instead of wenge (2014). 

Arrnstrong tactics

Not a fan of signatures but the new Gibson Billie Joe Armstrong LP Jr. looks simple & effective. It might be a winner with players looking for bare minimum features & maximum delivery. That pick guard however, is an indication of partial commitment- won't be surprised if there's a neck pickup cavity under it. Implication- it's a production line body with no special considerations for BJ to begin with. Unless, BJ himself told the Gibson people to include that cavity for subsequent tinkering. 

Campbell's custom

This was announced recently- Vivian Campbell's Custom Shop signature Gibson LP. The fingerboard is still a non-wood selection (richlite) but I like the fact that there are DiMarzios in there (Super 3/ Super Distortion). It reflects the endorser's choice & not something steered by the manufacturer. In my opinion, Mr. Campbell deserves this deal but for the rest of us, the USD4,999 price tag is prohibitive. But then again, we remind ourselves that, at the rate things are going, they need the money.

Silver leak

There was a major  blunder recently when one of PRS' distributor accidentally listed the to-be-released John Mayer signature model- ouch! So now the whole world knows it's called the Silver Sky & yes, that headstock there is a little quirky but it's intentional. It's Mr. Mayer's request for some treble side clearance to facilitate his quirks just like a Fender headstock with that similar clearance. More info coming this way soon as we look forward to a Spring announcement. 

Hollow Johnson

Eric Johnson had teamed up with Fender once again for another Strat adventure, this time, it's a semi hollow. Despite featuring only an F-hole on the bass side, chambering was done at the treble side as well. This might be a good thing for the Fender camp because the Tele had been a thinline flag bearer for the manufacturer all this while & now the Strat is coming into the picture. Lest we forget, the Starcaster & Coronado were the Fender versions of what was successful at Gibson- the ES models but they weren't quite the hit in this semi-hollow campaign. The Fender benders among us are still loyal to the Strat & Tele incarnations first & foremost so this EJ version is a smart move. 

Oli's V

This is new for 2018, it's an Oli Herbert (if you are a shred guy, you should know the name) signature Rhoads by Jackson. It's one of many signature Jackson guitars to debut at NAMM this year. This one got to me because that 3-per side headstock is just not 'right', made it look un-Jackson. That Floyd-alike bridge is a Fu-Tone unit with a tremsetter. Interesting instrument, could have been more appealing in terms of the headstock outline. 

Heads up, people! February is here. 😁

O-pick

Looks like another winner the V-Picks camp; the Orianthi signature. However, not my type as it features a little flex in the formula. In my hands, I would most probably break it during play.