Squier: John 5

Any John 5 fanatics out there? Squier now has the John 5 telecaster for your considerations...

Swing: Jazz Studio

I also managed to get my hands all over this wonderful piece of Swing craftsmanship while I was at SV; the Jazz Studio model.

My episodes with basses are few & far between but I can't resist this bass simply because it's sheer attraction. Upon handling, it's perhaps one of the very few instruments there which I can deem as flawless. The tones on offer are simply incredible lots of definition (for all you dweebs who solo with your low-enders...) & thump on board. I simply love the neck feel/ profile; less fumbling, definitely.

However, at the end of it all, you'd be reluctant to part with $1K for a less accomplished brand name, yes? Because you worry too much about its re-sale value as oppossed to its fantastic performance as a praise-worthy tool, that's why.

Swing Jazz Studio
List: $1,100
Available @ Standard Value

PS: Darling, you like my bass-playing?

Rally: Neosound

I was at Standard Value recently, managed to try the above Rally Neosound model...

As evident in the pic above, the Neosound is a Gibson ES-335 clone at a fraction of the price. Our first impression of this guitar would naturally be that of dislike as it's a product riding on the acclaim of another well known model. However, the more sensible among us would judge this instrument by virtue of its QC/ tonal manifestation & ignore the unexplored brand name (Rally? Who the heck plays Rally?).

The guitar is a very well-made instrument per se, far surpassing other ES-335 clones in the market out there. I would say it's rather flawless in this aspect save for some uneven finish at the outlines of the F-holes but you need close scrutiny to detect this blemish.

In the playability department, the Neosound's neck profile remains inviting to both the traditional as well as the proto-shredders alike. In fact, the finish here is organic unlike many other budget models that are often blighted by a thick, synthetic lacquer overcoat.

Tone-wise, the equally uncelebrated 2H humbuckers in this guitar did well in both clean & driven (I did a 'heavy' take as well) modes; they simply sound very right & engaging if we lack the funds to replace them for some more renowned brand names (I would keep them should I own this guitar). The Neosound is indeed highly recommended for players looking for a praise-worthy instrument without costing them an arm/ leg/ kidney.

Rally Neosound
List: $390
Avaialble @ Standard Value

PS: Thanks Mike & co. for letting me put this guitar through the rigors of instrument testing

PPS: Hmm... my darling is considering getting this superb instrument for me... :-)

Blug's Vintage

You've been here before, you know how I adore Thomas Blug's music, yes? Remember Thomas Blug, no? That German chap, the Hughes & Kettner amp ambassador? No? Go Youtube him, all you supine homo sapiens...

Anyway, Mr. Blug recently struck a deal with Vintage guitars (UK) & what resulted was a recreation of his beloved '61 Fender Strat (which now costs a fortune...) which is named the Thomas Blug Signature V6. Do note the instrument's basswood body as preferred by Mr. Blug; & you thought it's a good-for-nothing wood to work with...

Nachtmystium: Doomsday Derelicts

We often go European for our black metal ear fodder, lest we forget, the scene is quite happening across the pond as well- that's the USA to the rest of us. Nachtmystium, who turned heads with their recent release, Assassins (Black Meddle Part 1), is now back with an mcd aptly titled, Doomsday Derelict.

Despite having only 4 songs on the list, I have to say these are some of the most accomplished the band has to offer. Bones (1)/ Pitch Black Cadence(4) are essential BM listenings while Life of Fire (2) & Hellish Overdose (3) remind us all of the band's recent psychedelic trip which was impressive to say the least. Some bands simply do not lose their touch while having their feet planted on other turfs of the genre. Nachtmystium is such a band.

SV@Peninsular

Managed to squeeze some time to drop by Mike's new Standard Value branch @ Peninsular Hotel basement (home to countless other guitar shops... he he)

If you don't already know, SV also has selected Ibanez guitars, in addition to the Swing/ Rally/ Smash range, for your considerations.

Not to mention the good amps to complement the guitar/ bass try-outs.

SV @ Peninsular is located at: #B1-16. Thanks, Mike & Co. for the great customer service!

Thanks darling for accompanying me & enduring my peculiarities while trying stuff out... :-)