HM

Fender's commercial strategy for 2020, it seems, is a return to its glorified past. This HM Strat was a significant part of shred history once but it couldn't keep up with the Ibanez/ Jackson pace of things. While there's still no firm representation from the Fender range in terms of fast & furious playing, why not bring the HM back to stir it up a little, leverage on nostalgia while everyone else is distracted by 'new'. 

The reality here is, when it comes to 'Strat', players would be affected if the design moves away from the traditional outlines. Fender would argue that there are design refinements here to facilitate modern/ shred applications. If that's the case, then Fender is trying too hard to fight itself because they endorse players like Malmsteen, Blackmoore & the Iron Maiden guys whose guitars are all the traditional Strat design through & through. 

It's good to see Fender offering both rosewood & maple fretboards for die hard fans. For me, this is the deal-breaker right here - FR Special bridge. I've had very bad moments with the bridge & it won't sway me back into believing that it's an OK bridge to begin with.

Bumbling

I'm sure you have amassed a small fortune after three days of festivities & wouldn't mind forking out cold hard cash for this limited edition EVH '79 Bumblebee guitar, yes? It's available in the stores now for only $28,599. 

Epiphone 2020 (3): A-MUSE-ing

Continuing with Epiphone's impressive 2020 showcase - the Muse LP. It's a modern, chambered body affair but with thoughtful appointments. I like the inclusion of the belly cut & this green finish here - I've never seen one coming from Gibson/Epiphone - is downright attractive. 

The SG version is also available. This finish is equally enticing but that green is calling me...

Nele

I was hoping to get more details on the new Washburn Nele from the official website but it seems that no new details had surfaced (as yet). When we thought Nuno would end his Washburn relationship somehow, we get a new signature which has all the simple attractions. As a mark of respect, Washburn, the least you could do for endorsers is to update details of new products at your home page. Perhaps this is a little too difficult for you to do. 

Modern appeal

These are not updated at Swee Lee's online store page at time of posting but they are already in store.

So far, seen only the Strat & Tele versions. Personally, these are way more attractive than whatever American Ultra models Fender has to offer; you notice I've been ignoring them here. Both the Fender Made in Japan Modern HH Strat/ Tele list for $1,999 & available at the Star Vista showroom. That's right folks, you read this here first; feels like I'm working for others for free...

Giv up

This is bad one, made in India. It belongs to a young learner whom I promised a free re-string if he continues to learn playing it. 

That's right folks, it's a Givsun & a bad hint of a lack of ideas. The zero fret there is totally useless because the nut sits higher. The machine heads are not tapered so you simply cannot get the strings to centralize upon winding. The flat, coin-like tuners didn't help either; stiff beyond belief & it's not about oiling the gears. Fail!

In the spirit of trying to be jazz-like, the bridge is a removable unit but has almost no density. I bet you some matchsticks are denser than this one. Some jerk scratched out permanent lines on the body as position guides & that's idiotic to say the list. The fact that you can scrape the finish off very easily for this to happen tells you a lot about how this was finished. 

Last but certainly not least, look at those awful frets. I thought it was oxidation but turned out to be hardcore rust. I tried sanding it off but the frets got sanded down as well. Tells you a lot about the type of metal used here, certainly not instrument-worthy. After re-moisturizing the fretboard, things didn't look any better so there's no point applying more fretboard oil to it.

If you wish to invest in a budget guitar for your kids, please do a little research & avoid buying novelty items which are next to being trash after some playing time. This piece here is a total waste of resources & will not inspire your little ones to play in so many ways. These days, there are many lesser brand names that make worthy starter guitars. One of the worst I've come across. These people should be arrested.