BOSS-y

Slowly but surely, I'm being sucked into the BOSS nostalgia. I don't need another noise reduction unit but this NF-1 is difficult to pass especially when it's in this 8/10 condition & going for a good price.

Goodbye, February... 👋 

Price watch (74)

This is a portable Marshall speaker, it's called the Willen. It operates on bluetooth connectivity (among others) & can easily fulfil your need for audio amplification for a small room. Yours for $179.

The JBL Go & Philip TAS2505B fulfil similar needs for less money. The price differences here are rather huge. Inevitable reality check - why should you buy a Marshall for this need when you can buy something else? Marshall has its standards when it comes to guitar amplification but does it specialize in general audio amplification as well? We fall for this too often - we cascade a certain inclination unto other applications just because the brand name bears a certain benchmark for a particular performance. In this instance, names like JBL, Audio Technica & B&O (among others) are clear audio specialists. Marshall is riding on its guitar amp reputation to propel something similar. $179? No thanks.

Pics: Times OI / JBL / Forbes

Review quickie: Ibanez IC420

The Ibanez Iceman was the iconic model for the manufacturer in the mid '70s. It's a clever embodiment of the Les Paul (no hiding this) in a more unrestrained outline. This 2024, the Iceman returns in its 'standard' incarnation as the IC420.

Likes

• playability
• tone (Super 80 pickups are awesome)
• electronics
• overall feel / handling
• price

 Dislikes

• unslotted bridge string saddles
• no elbow relief

This IC420 is a likeable guitar from the start. The Chinese craftsmanship is above expectations; no visible flaws except for a minor binding lifting mark at the neck heel (bass side) which is unnoticeable lest you scrutinize the craftsmanship excessively. Every functional feature here works fine; from the tuners to the electronics underlining some standard of dedication at the factory. Two things that makes this Iceman stand out in terms of value-for-money: 1) Playability. One of the best finished necks I've come across, suitable for all manner of playing - chords, taps, legatos. 2) Pickups. The Super 80 is ceramic-based but vintage voiced. This is basically a charged up PAF which conforms to your needs regardless of the genre. On that note, some shredders / metal heads out there might not fancy the rounded neck tone (aka Les Paul woman tone) but it's something an EQ / treble boost unit might cure. 

My only beef with the instrument - the bridge saddles are not slotted so if you detune & do not compensate the tension (with thicker gauged strings), intense bends would displace strings. Do not despair, saddle slotting is a user-friendly affair with the proper tools, of course. 

FInal rating: 94%

Ibanez: Iceman IC420 (bag included)

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

Price: $899

Pic: Ibanez

Break machine

Russell Holzman is not a staple name in guitar music. Rightfully so as he is a drummer. As I am someone who is easily triggered by beats more than guitar-playing, Russell is essential listening to me.

What's the big deal? Russell has disciplined himself to master breakbeats which are commonly handled by machines / programming rather than a person. The above clip is a breakdown of his approach to handling & manifesting these beats. Does one need to play like a machine to be deemed good? No. It's the discipline that defines the player, not the genre & most certainly not speed.

Pics: Mvsicfvllness

Schecter: Headless

 Schecter Japan has headless models now. 

Really wish these would make it here somehow 😓 There're limited options here at the stores. In fact, only the Ibanez Q models are making an impact here. Strandberg - no dealer. Kiesel - direct purchase / build to order models... prices are getting out of hand.

Pics: Schecter Japan FB

Review quickie: Ibanez AUP10N

The AUP10N is a guitarlele; a guitar trapped in ukulele form. From another perspective it's a ukulele with 6 strings. Unlike the conventional ukulele construction, the AUP body is carved / hollowed out from a block of wood so it's virtually a solid container with a 'lid' ie. the body's top. 

Likes

• construction / fit & finish
• tone
• price

Dislikes

• double hole bridge

From the start, I was intrigued by the body of this instrument; that carved out construction just makes it feel super sturdy. The fact that it's well made - no bumps / ill fitting edges - shows the level of expertise involved. Mind you, this isn't a normal ukulele construction (which is very much a guitar construction), this is another level of craftsmanship manifested into an instrument. The AUP feels exclusive from the get go. Tone-wise, the nylon string - solid sides / back interaction gives off that crispy tone that doesn't reside at the shrill end. The definition here is simply awesome if you thrive playing single notes. Chords sound full without muffling out like some ukuleles do, then again, this isn't one. Those nameless black tuners also did well in terms of functionality but due to the 'extra' two tuners on board, the instrument suffers from a neck dive but it's non-chronic once a strap is employed. The fact that one end of it gets attached to the nut area means a very good balance could be achieved almost immediately. The stereo sound port, in my opinion, has very little effect in limiting volume projection; the AUP10N remains loud & proud during play; would be interesting to have a plug in variation in time to come.

The only feature I detest (strictly personal) is the double hole bridge that necessitates an extra travel, due to its wraparound nature, when re-stringing; is this necessary? Yamaha's guitarlele employs a conventional bridge & is a familiar affair if one owns a classical guitar. 

The demand / need for a guitarlele is a niche interest. Yamaha had been having one in production for a while & it's not about to be discontinued. Implication - there is a demand for such a quirky musical instrument. The AUP is a well-made guitarlele & should appeal to the guitarist at heart who suffers from acoustic guitar lethargy at times. 

Final rating: 92%

Ibanez: AUP10N

Availability: Swee Lee Co.

List: $259

Pic: Ibanez