TOD100N

We end July in the knowledge that the TOD model moves one up to become the TOD100. The guitar has an immediate visual impact with the exposed layers at the elbow rest area. This finish is referred to as the natural high (gloss).

This rather pale version is called the toasted marshmallow (matte). Visual distractions aside, it's good to know that the TOD100 feature a solid body. The natural high version sports a solid spruce top while this pale beast has a flame maple top. Both versions have solid okume backs & sides.

One of the new feature highlights for this TOD version is the smoother neck-to-body joint. It's especially useful for those who venture up the upper fret area.

The other note worthy revision - double hole bridge. This offers a tighter grip but a little fiddly which I discovered while dealing with the AUP10N. I'm just happy to see the TOD100 moving a tier up in terms of features as opposed to being another obligatory signature adventure.

Pics: Ibanez

Baby Terror

Orange is still banking on its Terror hallmark to pre-empt players on the potential gain capacity of its amps. This Baby Terror is no different albeit the diminished dimensions. Interested parties need to be informed of its solidstate nature instead of being tube-driven. The promo & appraisal clips out there are portraying this one to be worth its price & demeanour. 

My only beef with any amp of this nature is the fact that they are powered by adapters instead of pin-plug power cords. This contributes to humming especially if you have pedals with a gain function plugged in.

Pics: Orange

Active Modern bottom end

I must say that I find the JB version of the Fender (Japan) Active Modern to be attractive. The subtle appeal here is the fact that the body outline was re-calibrated a little bit to allow access to the 22nd fret. This makes the body look somewhat more compact & contemporary. Then again, I'm not someone who can easily adapt to the bass' (any bass for that matter) overall longer / bigger outline.

Pic: Fender Japan

27 / 7 / curved

This is the 7-string version of the SOLAR ACS model (ACS1.7FRPS) with an extended scale length of 26.5". No idea if 27 frets are a thing in the mean time but SOLAR has its own take which often end up being more affordable than the competitors. Really like the flake finish 👍

Pic: SOLAR

Active modern

New Japanese Stratocaster, Active Modern, they call it. Yes, as the name suggests, it's an active circuitry but with some funky circuit in there to propel the activity & hush things up so you you enjoy playing, not fighting feedback. 

Actually quite intrigued by the 5-bolt neck joint with an elegant cutaway to boot. This guitar reminds me of the Aerodyne model more than anything. I find the Aerodyne more futuristic with the curved top design. Both models feature a hard edge outline, not the rounded version that everyone loves.

Pics: Fender Japan

PRISM mini (2)

Very happy the Laney PRISM mini has a C type access which allows the user to use a power bank to keep it running / charge the internal battery. This should be the standard moving forward; devices with internal batteries are equipped with C type access. In fact, it won't be absurd if pedals are given this feature as well. I had been playing & charging my PRISM mini. By the end of the playing session, the amp was fully charged for the subsequent play episode. Neat.