P II

Fender has 'improved' its Player Series instruments to become the Player II models. Major changes:

• Three body wood types: Alder, chambered ash, chambered mahogany
• Rosewood fretboard option (previously pau ferro)

That rosewood fretboard, well, it started with rosewood then Fender replaced it with pau ferro & it's now gone full circle. Chambered mahogany & ash bodies are interesting for Strats. The P-bass has no such options, body is alder with maple 'board. The Player II guitars were listed for USD799 on release day. This is about SGD1,072. Will be interesting to see how much these will go for once they reach here knowing that the current domestic prices for the Player Series guitars do not reflect the corresponding  US prices (USD699 / SGD938).

Pic: Fender

D

I have no idea if any of you here could relate to a bout with depression. It's that sinking feeling coupled with a real need to stop existing so that everything would seemingly be solved. Of course not.

I'm in no way asking you to indulge in depression but be informed that we need to be mindful of people in such a mental condition. I have been depressed since having to stop work & offload some gear just to get by. This country is putting up a front to champion re-employment for those seeking work past their retirement age. However, those in need of re-employment before that retirement age due to compelling circumstances (eg. health, lucidity, parent care, etc.) - who is lobbying for such individuals? Employers continue to scrutinize potential employee background to fit their organizational goals. Age & medical condition are outstanding considerations to prevent unnecessary turnovers & preserve continuity. If these are messed up, it's a costly affair especially for profit maximizing entities. All these promises of employment / re-employment are politics at its best because these politicians are not the employers.

Yesterday was a down time for me & it was an arduous episode. But I'm thankful for the gear in my possession that helps displace bleak moments. A quick acoustic + chorus moment did it for me. Folks, it's important to have that something to help you recover your senses. It could be music, alone time, a short vacation, an ice-cream moment - anything. In short - don't lose your grip. More importantly, if it's beyond control, please get help. 

Leaving this here. Hope it reaches you in good time whenever that may be.

Pic: SOS S'pore

Timber

Fender has these models (American Performer) with body woods which are not from the usual wood selection. Seen above from L-R (above): Sassafras, Spruce & Pine. The manufacturer wants us to believe these are perfectly OK substitutes in terms of tonal preferences, whatever that means. I see it as an exercise in economy. These obviously less common wood types are arguably more economical to acquire compared to the usual, more in demand, alder. Even if prices remain the same, they will make a good cut in terms of earnings. Whatever the case might be, if these work for you, then there's nothing to denounce.

Pic: Fender

Bass pedals

Fender has pedals for bass. These pedals were conceived for bass applications but they can very well serve the guitarist needs. I believe instrument related pedals are inter-changeable for guitars & basses. Take the Ibanez Tube Screamer for instance; if you use it for your bass, will it ruin your amp or render your bass tones useless? We all know the answer. However, we cannot deny the fact that some pedals were conceived with the bass in mind more than anything else. 

Pic: Fender

200DX

This was a rather recent launch by LTD for the Summer, the 200DX models. 

These are essentially souped up 200 models so expect them to list for more than the regular 200s but looking at the catalog in the mean time, there are indeed no more regular 200s. The DX here refers to a bolt-on construction. The models now feature covered pickups, quilted / maple veneer & a roasted maple neck. The 200s are LTD's most affordable guitars in the catalog but these upgrades might just push prices up a bit to reflect the enhancements.

Pics: ESP

Pointy returns

I'm liking what I see; Charvel has returned the pointy headstock to its fold. This was released a couple of days ago - SD1H 2PT M. This is definitely my thing; single pickup (Duncan Distortion), maple 'board, 22 frets & a non-locking bridge. It is currently listing for USD1,499 & to some of us, this might be the deal breaker since it's not American.

Pic: Charvel