Epiphone: 2020 (4)

Not too many entries ago, I cited the remarkable increase in price for the LP Jr. That was the Gibson version. I'm definitely glad that there's an Epiphone version for 2020 & it will (hopefully) costs about a quarter of the Gibson's list price. 

Still on the P-90 front, the SG Special is also available. The reason why I am highlighting these models is because Epiphone actually went the extra mile to include these 'lesser' or student models in their new lineup. The utilitarian profile of these models would mean it remains viable in terms of sales & won't be sitting in the corner reserved for quirky, forgotten models.

Viola!

So my Dad benefitted from the first day of the Swee Lee Katong sale. He had always wanted one because it's that bass McCartney played & here it is, Epiphone's Viola bass. The Hofner version used to be available at Davis but it was way beyond his budget. 

The bass in question is in very good condition. There were no visible dings or hardware stains/ oxidation. This outline is definitely less appealing to the current generation of bassists & only die hard Beatles fans would get turned on by one. It is also a neck diver & would easily bother those playing it at home in a sitting down position; even my Dad acknowledged this anomaly. No such issues once it's strapped on. He's thoroughly happy with the simple design  of the instrument & how 'easy' it is for him to manage left hand movements. I had a hard time explaining to him the concept of a shorter scale length because his constant refrain was a shorter neck; neck length & scale length are two different matters but it's futile to be very technical with people who do not read into design concepts/ details. Whatever floats his boat.

This one was a gift to him despite me feeling the crunch at this time of the month. I seldom finance gear purchases with a credit card but this one had to be the exception. My Dad bought me only one piece of gear throughout my exploits with all things guitar; it was an Ibanez PF-100 acoustic which I sold off despite the sentimentality. It was a good entry level player but I always struggled handling a standard size acoustic body. It hinders my playing despite how good the instrument is per se. I have no idea if he harbours regret in forking out hard-earned cash for something which I seemingly wasn't grateful for. This sale event was my opportunity to return that kind gesture & I told him to bear with the bagless endeavour in the mean time. It's darn difficult finding a bag for short-scaled basses & this one didn't come with one & that's very unfortunate. A quick check with the Epiphone catalog showed a hard case especially conceived for this bass but it's beyond me why it's not a complementary item & requires a separate purchase. OK Dad, hope you're happy with this one.

Green T

My Tele itch continues. Took this one out to play - Fender American Standard Telecaster, the final year of production.

Actually, it's more than just taking it out to play; dead pot + selector. If you look closely, the selector is Mexican. The volume pot is a brass shaft CTS which means nothing when it comes to durability. I have lesser maintenance issues with Japanese pots.

Glad that the string retainer is this rounded version by default. 

A quick re-string & trying something different this time; a set of Thomastik Infeld 9 - 42.

No idea if you can see this clearly at your end but the strings are brass coated. Not cheap, USD18.99 a set so it's really not worth the trouble if no free shipping is offered. I bought this one last Easter when international shipping was free. If you like bright, very defined single note definition, do give them a try. Not for the heavy metal, riff inclined among us as things are generally bright-sounding. When everyone else is too pre-occupied with synthetic/ organic coating for their durable offerings, Thomastik Infeld did theirs with a metal coating so feel-wise, these hold their own. Will get back to you folks on matters pertaining to durability. I had these done last weekend so about a week of playing & sweating over them, everything's good I must say.

Swee Lee Katong: SALE

Happening tomorrow. *checks pocket* *realize it's not pay day (yet)* 🙊

PIC: Swee Lee

YY

This had been a quiet release. You won't even know it's a signature model as no significant quirks were made visible. Folks, this is the Ibanez YY10, Yvette Young's signature release based on the Talman model. The default design is so agreeable that no further mods were needed to accommodate her playing style. Pickups on board are Seymour Duncan's Five Two & that's a Wilkinson bridge there. 

Now that there's an established ambassador, it'd be interesting to see if this series of guitars deserve a re-issue/ re-introduction. 

Thank you

Dear blog readers, thank you for making this happen. At around 1700hrs today, this humble blog had the honour of being visited 3mil times. I'm grateful for all the support & constant return to check stuff out. Admittedly, some of the entries turned personal at times due to sheer frustration from gear indulgence. I have no idea how long more this could go on but rest assured that the passion for all things guitar still burns bright in me. Once again, thank you everyone for your time & belief.