Sky colours

These are also in stock at Davis GMC but they are moving fast. What I like about The Silver Sky is that, despite being a signature model, the price remains realistic, in fact, it's lower than majority of the core models. In this upright position, I just feel that the headstock design is darn retarded.

But in this playing position, it makes a lot of sense. More importantly, I would like to thank Davis GMC for inviting me to try one in person (I tried the Tungsten finish). 

Leading

Reminding ourselves of Fender's re-living its past glory with current re-issues. This is the Lead II.

Both maple & pau ferro fretboard versions are available.

If you fancy a humbucking version instead, the Lead III might be it.

That's right, pau ferro version here. The fact that these are Mexican models imply affordability. Prices are along the lines of the current Duo Sonics. 

Ash

I managed to re-string this one during the CNY holidays. My TL71 has creamed off after four years & the ash grains are beginning to rival my floor laminate. Despite being ash-bodied, it remains light with the typical pronounced lower midrange coming from this wood type. The thing about Japanese Fenders, most of them feature a glossed neck & it might put off the purists. However, I deem mine to be as playable as my other non-glossed necked guitar; it's a matter of familiarity. I bought this one at Sound Alchemy when Beez was still their neighbour at Excelsior Shopping Center. 

That's right, I swapped out the string retainer for this rounded version for this guitar as well. 

Pickups: Hot Stack (b)/ Quarter Pound (n). These Seymour Duncan pickups are really something. So I have the Hot Stack in my TL-Rose as well & I love the stinging tone & it's more pronounced here due to the brass saddles there. The hot neck pickup was intentional just to underscore the fact that I don't do country music with this one - no disrespect to country music proponents out there.

Harmony strings are good albeit under-rated. If you wish for a neutral-sounding set (nether too bright nor too mellow), this is the brand to get. Together with Martin's Darco range, they are absolute value-for money. 

Servco

Big news - Fender is now owned by Servco Pacific Inc. Not so big news - Servco had been with Fender all along, they are now majority share holders, that's about it. It's good to know that the management team stays in tact. This means, the product end of the business is in the good hands of people who are instrument inclined unlike the CBS era where commercial objectives got in the way of product focus. Here's wishing them all the best; new year, new owner; what a start.

S2 35th

Head's up! New PRSes are in @ Davis GMC. One of them is this gorgeous S2 35th Anniversary Custom 24. It's definitely a limited edition model & no more will make their way here, just these ones so if you are indeed waiting anxiously for one, it's now available in store.

Faded Blue Smokeburst: CLICK
Elephant Grey: CLICK

Dean 2020

Nothing much from the Dean camp this year (maybe more later in the year). This MD 24 Select looks more mainstream featuring a headstock we can all like. 

Equally simple & mainstream but still attractive is the Tele-style Nashvegas. 22 frets on this one. 

They made this official - the Karl Sanders signature V. Of course, the other V that made a greater highlight is the Kerry King model but I've mentioned that before & it's not that affordable.