Hardwire: CM-2 Tube Overdrive

I bought the CM-2 (after a recent try-out). As pictured, the package includes:

• the pedal itself (duh!)
• a STOMPLOCK contraption
• velcro sheet

Tone-wise, the CM-2 is ear candy. We should stop making comparisons to all things green & bearing the overdrive label, to the Ibanez TS9 but the manufacturers can't stop manufacturing units in this light, so it's not our fault, really. What I dislike about it is its lack of midrange control but I'm not one who forsake a good pedal on grounds of personal disliking. In any case, the 2 modes on offer here, Classic/ Modified, add some colouring to the midrange so that's a consolation. This insclusion also addresses the popular buy-&-mod culture among pedal geeks here so the Digitech folks got that covered. Kudos to the inclusion of the velcro sheet- Digitech folks somehow know we own pedalboards...

If you're still wondering what the STOMLOCK accessory is all about, it's a control panel cover, to protect your settings during play. This is for those of us who like a particular setting for our pedals & do not wish to meddle with the prescribed tone any further during performances- not many of us are like that, yes?

• List: $211.40 (NETT)
• Product availability: Swee Lee Co

Thanks: Adam & Co @ BB showrom for the hospitality despite the crowd (thumbs up!!)

Park (by Marshall)

I used to own this Park amp (Park is a subsidiary brand name for Marshall, as Squier is to Fender...) long ago (in fact, 12 years ago). It was simplicity at its best because the amp gave off a very appealing Marshall-esque tone but the twin Gain feature was what drew me to it. This is what I'm into all this while; a cascading drive/ distortion which in my opinion works best for sustain & pick sensitivity. The Park made way for a Marshall DSL401...

Squier: Classic Vibe series (Part 2)

The Classic Vibe series do feature basses as well. The 50s P-bass with that sumptuous maple fretboard is pure attraction...

Ibanez: Soundwave X (Part 2)

You first read about the new Ibanez Soundwave X amp here: http://theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/2008/06/ibanez-soundwave-x.html

I managed to try the 20W version (SWX20) yesterday (pic above):

• active EQ has a healthy frequency sweep, very dependent on overall volume
• Ibanez retained the default compression circuit- kudos!
• HUE control functions like a dampening switch but one can hardly hear the difference in operation unless overdrive is in use
• BRIGHT/ SHAPE switches further enhances tone sculpting. On a personal note, if you do solos on your bass, the former adds clarity & it helps inject definition into neck/ humbucking pickups

Great amp for the money, highly recommended for the beginners & those in need of a practice unit.

Morse moved on

With the demise of Peavey's 5150 amp (FYI- Van Halen now with Fender...), Steve Morse now has his own signature amp head, the ENGL Steve Morse 100. Besides the tremendous amount of gain (3 x Gain channels) included, it's equipped with 4 midrange controls (2 x Lo-Mid/ 2 x Hi-Mid) implying the gravity of this frequency in Morse's EQ needs...

Sco @ Esplanade

Watched John Scofield play last night, much to be learnt from this performance:

• Sco's live tone was his recording tone- the man knows tone acquisition despite the different amp (live amp: VOX) used in both circumstances
• There was effective use of pickups switching & volume management; the master manipulates his Ibanez first & foremost before messing with his pedals
• The upholding of jazz elements was unmistakable but Sco is one jazz cat who EMBRACES technology rather than seeing it as an intrusion. There were countless moments when his phrase sampler was put to good use, often leaving Joe Lovano in exhiliration limbo
• The bass/ drum lads were exceptional! They promote band chemistry & were not relegated as mere accompaniments- bass & drum solos were fine touches to the overall performance

On a personal note, I was kinda down because no Uber Jam numbers got on the playlist; I was looking forward to see how technological implements were sequenced in Sco's playing but knowing Lovano's presence in the line-up meant no such tracks were to be heard (note: Uber Jam is Sco's solo effort) but one heck of a show anyway.

Em... half the audience were Caucasians...