Gibson: M-III back to life

Ladies & gentlemen, Gibson has just re-introduced its M-III model to the world.

This is the original M-III for those of us who had missed it.

Looks like it's pretty much the same as before less the pickguard & coil-split toggle switch. Of course, the logo placement is slightly off as well so don't go round saying it's a fake because of this.

I personally won't miss the pickguard. It's an oddity from the look of things & it could only imply scarcity when replacement is due. As for the coil-split switch, Gibson had incorporated it into the volume knob so it's not totally missing. My only concern here is the single coil middle pickup- note the direct mounting. Say you prefer some other single coil to be in there, let's think of which other brand names feature screws through the bobbins.

Price? MSRP: USD2082 & they will hit the stores (in the States) come November. Let's say you want one, it's prudent to hold on for a month, chances are, there'll be yuletide discounts to be had. I won't mind buying one if the price is 'right' :-)

Still the lone star

It was around for a little while & subsequently re-introduced with some revision. Click here to recall: CLICK

The Lone Star Strat received more revision in keeping up with the times. Actually, there are no 'modern' refinements here, in fact, the headstock took a turn for the retro- 70s fat version. But there's one more fret to signify a nod towards the contemporary & this time round, we can have the maple 'board version.

Epiphone: Expedition

I'm a big fan of travel-size acoustic guitars; they were conceived for a reason. Yes, they are more suitable for kids due to the dimensions but these were not designed for them in the first instance because kids take up standard-size guitars for lessons unless otherwise specified. The primary intention is the ease of mobility.

I chanced upon the Epiphone Expedition seen here, in the store, grouped together with the rest of the shorter-scale acoustics. The thing about acoustics for me, is that they have to make an impact upon mere handling because it's about the guitar per se, it's detached from necessary amplification unless the manufacturer meant it to be an electro-acoustic then the standards would be different. The Expedition was well built in every way but it was let down by a very synthetic feel. It's as if the wood was there to hide an artificial layer beneath. 

Coming down to feel & playability, the Expedition possesses one of the more inviting necks in terms of feel & profile, thanks to the manufacturer's slim taper proprietory feature. Once again, the offsetting factor here is the body, it's too lightweight to counter the neck mass & neck-diving was inevitable during play. The body's solid spruce top could save the instrument much in terms of tone. Moral of the story- solid top is a desirable feature to have in acoustics but it doesn't guarantee good tones. One has to hear the guitar in its entirety & not judge it prematurely pertaining to solid top inclusion. As such, the guitar sounds very boxy (the typical let-down for guitars of this ilk), almost devoid of any inviting resonance. Only a fresh, crunchy set of strings could pull off (no pun intended) a good tone & I was fortunate the Expidition was equipped with a fresh set of strings. 

All in all, the Expidition could serve you as a get-by instrument befitting of social gatherings, not a meeting of acoustic audiophiles. On a personal note, I expected more from the 'Epiphone' brand name but we know too well that these days, a brand name doesn't mean much if it doesn't deliver the real candy. For those of us who are more accustomed to a standard size acoustic (dreadnought et al), please assess this instrument on its own merits before saying it's too toy-like for your own good.

Rating: 6/10

In The night side reunion

It's not a permanent reunion but it matters (to me, at least). Emperor's In the Nightside Eclipse is approaching it's decade of impact (& importance) come February 2014 hence the 'reunion' featuring core Nightside members: Ihsahn/ Bard Eithun/ Samoth. Hope there's a post-performance DVD as well.

P-Bronze

Was at Davis GMC yesterday, bought this pack. I prefer bronze for acoustics. Also, I like a .047 for the low E. D'Addario may not be renowned for its durability but it's responsible for some of the most desirable acoustic tones out there. I give my strings a wipe-down after each play so durability issues isn't a worry for me.

Ibanez: RG970WBW

You do remember the Ibanez RG970WBWZ, yes? (Here: CLICK)

It's now available at Swee Lee- I gave it a go last evening & thoroughly enjoyed it. The non-maple neck was a different experience, I've been too accustomed to maple so the open pore wenge/ bubinga is a pleasant difference as well. The guitar was well set up by the Swee Lee guys but the official price is still pending release.