Third Quayle

We say goodby to June by looking at the new Ibanez Tom Quayle signature model which was released at the beginning of this month - the TQM2. This is actually the third Tom Quayle model despite the '2' in the model citation. In terms of wood, nothing special here; alder body, flame maple top, roasted maple neck & a rosewood fretboard. Still wondering why this was a necessary release as it does not differ too much from the TQM1. Maybe Tom Quayle wanted a rosewood fretboard this time round but he already got that for his TQMS1. Pickups are Ibanez's in-house TQM models, by the way. 

Pic: Ibanez

Hard hitting

I am absolutely looking forward to the JHS Hard Drive to be available here. It's an intense distortion that doesn't cross over to the metal territory but definitely adept to such applications. Something similar on offer would be the Montreux Knebworth pedal but this is a little too British / Marshall-esque in voicing. The demo clips available in the mean time is touting the Hard Drive to be capable of some fuzzy applications as well. Something to look forward to, definitely.

Pic: JHS

Flamed

Fender (Japan) are really turning things up with the Hybrid II models. You've seen the quilted top version, here's the flame top counterpart. This attractive yet soothing finish is called the sunset orange transparent.

If you prefer a rosewood fretboard, here's the equally tranquil twilight finish.

Pics: Fender Japan

Loud prices

A quick price updates on these pedals as they are now available at Davis GMC: $550 ea. Yes, at this price you can easily get an amp. Then again, these are indeed amplifiers (without the cabs).

 

Pic: GPX

Passive Jeff

These are the new Seymour Duncan Noumenon pickups conceived for Jeff Loomis. He's basically an active guy so these passives are something special for him. 

Folks, there are currently 6 & 7-string versions of these pickups which are voiced differently. The Alnico 8 6-string models are voiced to manifest a more cutting top end as this is essentially the Jeff Loomis tone. The Alnico 5 7-string versions are scooped which quite obviously supplements that extra low string of a 7. 

In this demo clip, Loomis kept saying the pickups have a 'more dynamic range'. Then again, any typical passive pickup does that; the three frequencies are there for the taking. This is unlike an active pickup where the focus has always been the top end. 

Pics: Seymour Duncan

Orville

This was a fun partial restoration project completed today. It's an Orville (Japan) Les Paul that weighs a tonne. It had been through a few owners & surprisingly in a good condition (lightly used). 

 

This is pretty much the reason why this guitar is so heavy; there's a sumptuous amount of maple on top of the main mahogany body.

Why did I remove the pickup mounting rings? This is the reason. Folks, for vintage specs instruments, especially the Les Paul variety, the correct mounting ring length is less than 9cm. Guitars with modern, wide necks (eg. Jackson), it's a little longer (9.1cm). Apparently, the incorrect version was installed in this guitar causing material compression as seen above. 

This is how it looks like after the correct mounting ring was purchased & installed. Folks, respect your instruments. It shouldn't be equipped with ill-fitting accessories. In a buy-sell situation, it becomes a reason for others to mitigate prices. It also reflects on you as the owner; why pay more to individuals who don't give a hoot about their belongings especially when there are crucial follow-ups to be done  post-purchase. Anyway, the bridge mounting ring was retained as it was of the correct measurement. My take on the matter - someone over-tightened the neck mounting ring & it cracked. That person bought the incorrect replacement part & couldn't get an exchange for the correct piece. 

Also folks, it is my habit to reinforce the pickup coil tape with a new layer for older pickups. During installation / removal from the guitar, the sides might rub against the mounting ring repeatedly causing some wires to be exposed. In terms of looks, it is more presentable should you decide to sell the pickup away. The Seymour Duncan pickups in this guitar: JB (b) / Jazz (n).

Finally, a fresh set of Darco (10s) strings. Summary of other maintenance procedures not visually documented:

• Replaced tune-o-matic / hard tail bridge. New set of GOTOH parts.
• Replaced tuners / machine heads. Also a new set of GOTOH units. Three out of the six were wobbly & could not hold tuning well. 
• Replaced all rusty & rounded pickup mounting screws.
• Fret polish.
• Cleaned & re-moisturized fretboard. The amount of gunk removed... OMG.
• Thorough wipe down & polish of body, neck & headstock.