Canvas

More goodness from Japan - Fender's Original Canvas Esquire. This one is along the lines of the 70th Anniversary Esquire, a single pickup guitar with a 3-way selector doing exactly what the Anniversary version does. However, expect some tonal differences in light of the different body material (ash), rosewood fretboard &  Fender's own American Vintage '58 pickup. Also, there's no cavity for a neck pickup as seen above.

If you dislike the plain Jane look, this version by artist Yusuke Hanai is interesting. 

I've talked to people pertaining to the 70th Anniversary Esquire, they said the maple fretboard isn't their thing. So with this Japanese Canvas model, you get the rosewood fretboard version but a gentle reminder here -  it's not the only difference between the guitars. If you are expecting the Anniversary Esquire in another guise, it might disappoint you. Between the Anniversary & this Canvas, there's about $1,350 difference which can easily get you a good tube amp. Some considerations there, agree?

Pics: Fender Japan

Selling: Fender Duo-Sonic (SOLD)

Next to go for chemo funding is my Fender Duo-Sonic (Mex). A non-Fender bag is included with this one. Only mods here are the pickups: Seymour Duncan SSL-1 (n) / SSL-5 (b) & it's in 9/10 condition, 100% fret life as I don't bend my strings.

• Selling: Fender Duo Sonic (Mex), non-Fender bag included
• 9/10 condition
• Mod: Seymour Duncan pickups - SSL-1 (n) / SSL-5 (b)
• Self-collect; CCK / Yew Tee mrt station
• No reservations / trades
• Queries / confirmation: subversion.sg@gmail.com
• Price is final: $500

Discontinued: Ibanez RG550DX

That's right folks, the RG550DX is discontinued for 2021 for this region. It's facing a stiff competition against its own siblings in the Prestige & Premium line ups. It's also a victim of stubborn people who insist the 'true' RG550 should feature a maple fretboard at all times.  

However, back in 1987, the catalog clearly showed that a non-maple version was offered. We say goodbye to January on a high knowing the good gear released this month had been worth waiting for. Most of them. 😬

Pics: Ibanez / VJ Guitars

Fender 2021 (Japan): Roasted

The good Fender stuff, they keep coming from Japan. This here is the limited run Hybrid Stratocaster featuring a roasted maple neck. They should have more of these in the USA range, really. That humbucker there is a Shawbucker so if you think this is another second fiddle Japanese Strat, then it's not. 

Pic: Fender Japan

Fender 2021: Noventa

Time for some 2021 Fender guitar highlights... the Noventa Series. These are Mexican models featuring P90 pickups in various configurations. The hard tail Strat above has two & the controls are also reduced to just a single volume / tone combo. The fretboard here is pao ferro.

The Jazzmaster has three & features a 5-way pickup selector that is just like a Strat. Maple fretboard as seen above.

And saving the best for last, you have a single pickup Telecaster. In my opinion, that pick guard there is totally unnecessary. Design-wise, if this one features a regular Tele pickuard, it would mean re-configuring the machines to accommodate the longer P90. If it stays like it is, there are cost savings since lesser material is required. However, no costs will be incurred if it's avoided altogether, yes? Hmm...

What's the deal with P90s? They are in-between pickups; less of that true single coil poke, more humbucking warmth, not to mention some fat, in-your-face tones given the right drive / distortion. P90s in a Jazzmaster is quite a futile affair considering the original Jazzmaster single coils offer a unique interpretation of the former's tone. Fender is offering a quirky variety of their established models. They do not wish to tread the Alternate Reality path once more since only the pickup here offers the difference; there's no design fusion involved. Being the single pickup fanatic, I will definitely check the Tele out. 

Pics: Fender USA

Shorty strikes back

I almost gave up on this Hofner Shorty. It was a novelty purchase last year because I always have a soft spot for single pickup guitars. This one came with a horrible action so that was taken care of quickly. The fretboard was pale & that one was looked into promptly as well. I had to clear these anomalies before being able play it, really. Oh, one more thing, it's almost impossible to play this one without a strap. That body design has very little purchase in terms of placement when played sitting down. 

The other thing that bothered me was the default pickup. It's awful to say the least. It's below what an entry level model from other brand names would offer. So the blade-type humbucker there was the replacement & it's way beyond my expectations when it comes to high gain settings. I managed to spend some time playing this guitar yesterday & it's an enjoyable 22min before my skin started to give way.

I'm dealing with the side effects of my chemo in the mean time. It thins the skin & there's numbness at the fingertips but the urge to play is always strong. My playing time would be cut short by the skin being skimmed by the strings, especially the wound ones. That 22min of playing time was indeed the longest since I started playing after my discharge from the hospital. Music & guitar-ing are my escape from this ordeal. It distracts me from the astronomical hospitalization bills that arrived just days ago. On that note, you won't be reading any entries about me buying gear this year until I recuperate financially, among other things. Thank you for reading, my friends. Wishing you a good weekend ahead. 👍