Vai @ SG

We end July in the knowledge that a prominent guitar idol is making his way here. Still wondering why that performance venue was chosen.

Pic: LAMC FB

Hendrix shrine

Dunlop has these mini Hendrix pedals in its Shrine series. These are available at Davis GMC ($190). These days, gigging players are not too keen with lugging around hefty pedal boards so this makes sense. The price could have been more appealing considering the countless number  of mini pedals out there with quality & tone to prove their value-for-money's worth.

Pic: Dunlop

3-string

This is the real kiddy standard. It's a 3-string Fender Strat done in collaboration with Loog. Meant for kids but no harm buying one for days when you are so bored, you are watching your fingernails grow.

Tele version also available. (List: USD199)

Pic: Loog

JTM45

Marshall brought back the JTM45 for its founder's 100th birthday. Swee Lee has this amp on its coming soon list.

MOMM 43

I do not shy away from listening to the lesser know bands out there. It's not about the band, it's about the music. If it appeals to you, then the band recognition means nothing.

Mefitic: Woes of Mortal Devotion

Not a new release, it's 8-years old this year. It's not easy listening especially when the deep sounding vocals are panned out at the background. Also, those guitars are not the typical black metal tones, they sound crunchy, not crusty. In fact, they are on the verge of sounding great. Production is awesome here, every instrument equally audible in the mix. 

Shezmu: A Travers Les Lambeaux

Yes, it's entirely in French. No, they are Canadian. Not new as well, a 2020 release. This release is predominantly doom-y against a black metal back drop which I appreciate. It goes to show that you can dwell in one genre & include other elements to make it artistic. Not a new formula but difficult to execute tastefully. 

Pro Plus

Here comes more Fenders Jacksons. These are the recently launched Pro Plus models featuring plus appointments in terms of pickups, frets, etc. Are these releases necessary? I personally don't think so but the manufacturer has to make a point when it comes to prices. The Korean & Japanese Jacksons are currently sporting semi-obscene price tags so if the manufacturer does not do something about their other guitars in terms of pricing, it would make the afore-mentioned models look bad. At least in terms of prices, absolutely nothing to do with performance. Regardless of how much more affordable the Pro Plus models are, these instruments are making you re-think about the value-for-money considerations when it comes to buying a Jackson. 

Pic: GW