Da Funkey Guitar

All I want to dumpling festival is...

2009-05-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

A Guytone OD2.. for my precious casino

an a MXR Microamp..

HNGD

2009-05-17T16:36:00.000-07:00

Stands for Happy New Guitar Day ( HNGD)

I walked into the guitar store without any intention of buying anything.

and then..

Wham! this came home with me.. what was I thinking? Was I lucid?

Well, I guess! Cos its so freaking beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those of you that know the Epiphone Casino are aware that it has a full hollow body ( yea I ditched the Valensi Riviera in my prev post cos somehow I couldnt bring it in) and it feedbacks easily under high overdrive. It is meant to be a jazz guitar - but it can accodomate decent amount of overdrive..

family shot! I really wanna adopt the Stop At Two policy..

The Casino sounds wonderful.. although I don't like the fact that it has restricted upper frets access - meaning I can't solo past the 17th fret without looking like I'm doing some serious fondling.

Wizard of Oz decals.. my friend and I designed it..

http://forums.epiphone.com/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=10354 <-------- view pics in full here blogspot resized mine!

Now to cosmetically upgrade the Casino! ON TO WORK!

A New Hope

2009-04-28T18:15:00.001-07:00

Hello guys! been a long long while..... I was away in hibernation while deciding or indecisive over my next axe.

After misses and dismisses, I've finally (i hope) decided on the Nick Valensi Riviera by Epiphone.

As you can see its a typical archtop guitar - but fitted with Gibson P94 pickups - P90 sound in a humbucker shell! Artist's quirks aside, this guitar probably encompasses the bare essentials that I need to get my music across.

Some may dismiss Epiphone as a less-than-adequate subsidiary brand of Gibson, but I believe their archtops are among the most value for money out there, after trying the Epi Casino - a really delicious archtop with the works - alas it can't take too much gain because of its totally hollow body..

Amplified madness

2009-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

Vox AC4TV & TVH

Word is out - these new Vox babies are coming soon to SG!

4 watts home practice amp - I like. This will most likely replace my Marshall MG series - If I find it complementing to that 'voice' in my head.

Vintage vibe - 10/10

All I'm hoping for is that it goes easy on the wallet..

Buying Advice

2009-02-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

Where hardest Lessons are learnt

With your pocket jangling with spare change, its always better to strategise before anything else. For all you know you might be whistling to your own doom.

Strategise

Think hard of what you want - yes - hard.

Put tone before aesthetics/brand. The meanest looking axe always bullies your wallet and ears. After that you might want to take the sharpest edge of the Gibson Explorer and stab yourself.

Get something readily available locally. Shipping is costly and very Jack in the Box-ish, unless you are very very sure of what you want.

Consider everything

Consider the P & P - pickups and playability.

Pickups and amplifier defines about 60% of your sound. The rest is up to your guitar.

Don't go for what your fav artist plays - go for his/her sound. His amp/guitar/effects may have been heavily tweaked from the stock product.

Comfort

Something that doesn't break your back or fingernails.

Always test before buying - TEST ADEQUATELY! Don't do a five minute run and decide already - its like checking a girl out and bringing her back home only to realise she has an Adam's Apple and a deep voice (pun intended)

Check for string buzzing/ tension/ feel.

A worn guitar like above doesnt necessarily equate to bad - it may have been lovingly played over and over and developed its own special sound - so don't dismiss so quickly!

Enjoy your purchase like David Cook!

World's most expensive guitars

2009-02-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Sweet dreams are made of these...

This really feels like some dream where :

1.) I step out of the hotel, dust my shoes on the red carpet, gallop briskly down the stairs amid the burst of shutter, grab one of these babies while patting the bloke on the shoulder/slipping him 50 quid while slipping myself into the waiting limousine.

2.) Elton John/George Michael/Boy George's wet dream

3.) Prince Harry replaces Chris Martin as frontman of Coldplay (he'll prolly choose the brit jewelled strat)

4.) One of these guitars committed homicide!

Enough of the dry jokes, this one below features Rory Gallagher's well worn Fender Strat.

Well worn enough to warrant an entourage of muscled men in tuxedo + one x bullet proof van.

RIP Rory Gallagher - the man who redefined blues - the Irish Way!

GAS hits again..

2009-02-17T16:30:00.000-08:00

Unable to suppress my urges, I have found myself wandering (or wondering) again...

Edwards SA 138 LTC

This instrument is actually good for what I play - blues and jazz.

Considering the neck pickup, its a Seymour Duncan Jazz model - the SH2-n,

and the bridge pickup suits the AC/DC rockin' mood should the need arise - with the higher output Seymour Duncan Custom humbucker.

It also features an ebony fretboard and gold full body binding and hardware - very B.B King Lucille-ish.. very blues-ey, very sexy.....

-looks at wallet and frowns

Discoveries..

2009-02-15T15:33:00.000-08:00

We discover new things every day..

Recent Discovery - The tone that I really like are found in the vintage ones, that of the 60's.

How to achieve it? Weak pickups (low output pickups) or vintage pickups should do the trick.

Gibson PAF humbucker

PAF stands for Patented Applied For. Copyrights I think? Anyways, low output pickups produce this sweeter, clean sound. Very bluesy and jazzy, but not particularly helpful for metal. For metalheads, look for high output pickups like the Seymour Duncan Dimebucker for that melting shredder tone.

My favourite tone. The P90 pickups. Nicknamed the soapbar, I'm sure you see the similarities now. This thing can bite and bark and whimper all at the same time!

Looking for Jimi tone? These single coils should do the trick!

Tone Mongers

2009-02-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Pursuit of tone.. Is it a reasonable justification for making better music?

Tone is subjective - perhaps reasonable tone + feel is more explosive than a $3000 pedal rig.

Here are some of my favourites.

Eric Clapton of Cream

I absolutely love Eric Clapton's woman tone. A vintage Gibson vibe perhaps? He explains it in an old video that the tone can be achieved simply by pulling the tone knob all the way to zero, and volume full up on the guitar controls.

Him with his ES-335 in his younger days. I do not really prefer his current Fender Strat tone though - perhaps the creaminess of his Gibsons are submerging me..

Jimi Hendrix ala The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Now this is the strat tone I absolutely love. Nothing but his strat, a fuzz and wah pedal, amp controls blasted on full, and him working his mojo till the Wind Cries Mary.

His strat is a right-handed one - but he flips it over and plays with his left - effectively reversing the polarity of the pickups to produce a unique, signature Jimi tone.

David Gilmore of Pink Floyd

David Gilmore, most noted for his works with Pink Floyd is the one those "feel" guitarists that I really respect and admire. There was nothing fantastic about his playing - no virtuoso fretboard burning stuff -

Just his emotion burning his guitar.

Till it becomes hot and heated and groans in the intensity of Gilmour's playing.

the Gilmour we know today - philantrophist, musician, poet, and great contributor of simplicity.

Hiatus...

2009-02-02T03:14:00.000-08:00

Widened Horizons

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I was away for a good amount of time..

Now I'm Back in Black! well, not really. Much has happened, I shall now share..

Angbao status has confirmed me with the go ahead of a new guitar. Choice? Fender Japan. However after much scouring, I settled to a Mexican one! Beautiful tones, playability.

Also, as many of you know I was never a fan of Gibsons for their chunky necks. However the Les Paul Studio I tried at Zen Guitarworks (is it? the bras basah one) was a dream to play - and great tones too.

Also, I tried a Gretsch - Again, sparkling clean tones and wonderfully slim neck, albeit the bulky yet light body.

What really impressed me was a custom-made tele in the shop. It had P90 pickups (the guitar is not that of below, this is just an example), and they sounded snappy with a tinge of vintage tones; really great.

thanks for tuning in! more really soon!

March of the reds... again

2009-01-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

PRS SE Custom 24

PRS ( Paul Reed Smith) guitars have released a newest addition to the SE (Student Edition) family - the Custom 24!

It features 24 frets, a tremolo bridge and and a wide thin neck! Most importantly, its in crimson red!

However, while they are supposed to be affordable, they usually do not feature locking tuners. I hope this edition has!

And now the dilemma starts its cycle again - Fender JP/PRS SE?

the march continues

2009-01-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

The March of the SGs

This week, I just could not ignore this any longer. It had to come up here.

Many of you know that I've been looking for an suitable SG guitar that is not of Gibson territory.

I've seen Edwards, Tokai and am impressed - I'm also a sucker of Japanese guitars.

However, one fine day, while browsing the ESP Japan site (faithfully), I've chanced upon the Navigator Series of guitars.

Navigator SG 450LTD

Utter shock. Speechless.

This thing screams "take care of me!" with same vehemence of Medusa but at the same time the lull of the Syrens.

While the Edwards Model sports Seymour Duncans SH-1 and SH-4 humbuckers, this baby has both Alnico II Pro humbuckers - absolutely vintage.

But this thing costs a cool 345000 YEN. That's SGD 5688, people. As compared to the Edwards which is $1200 at most.

String-ing woes together

2009-01-16T19:52:00.000-08:00

Strings

As guitarists, we may have musical differences, but we have a common enemy - rust.

Sure there are many who claim to have produced/manufactured the fabled anti-rust strings but then again If that was really true, no one will buy their products twice.

This morning I tried the Dean Markley Blue Steel Strings

- I've tried it before, but I didn't have a lasting impression of it - It was a quick job (pardon the pun) in and out, brought it to jam and it came back rusty already - no thanks to the wonders of air conditioning.

However this morning was different. I wonder if it the windy/cloudy vibe or what, but these strings feel really good.

They resonate well and long, it was easy to bend and vibrato - feels like I haven't even tighten the pegs.

But - there's always a but - I can' t get a feel to it. I'm using gauge 9 -42 instead of my usual 10-46. Nice to shred, but not nice to get all blues-ey with it.

Resolutions, Procrastination, Absolution

2009-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Rig?

This will be my potential rig! I do not know how the order works, so this is just a messed up version a la guitargeek.

If any of you have read my earlier pedal resolution post, please ignore that; I change my mind like a girl changes clothes - sounds familiar?

Out of this entire rig I've only acquired one - that is the Vox Wah. So far, so good..

I've also decided to change amplifier choice - the VOX AC 30 - but that Fat, Vintage Brit sound, the Brian May way! I've also decided on the Fuzz Factory for my fuzzzzyyyy needs.

Another addition is the Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster, just what I need to push my Ibanez strat harder, its time for those vintage single coils to shine!

I've also pretty much made up my mind about the Edwards SG. Don't fail me now!

And the Sitar.. well.. it looks really funky.. the owl cannot overlook that.. Cheers!

Pedal-ing

2009-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

Needs and Wants - Distortion or Fuzz? Or overdrive?

The search continues..

But this time its the enhance-ment of sound. After a recent jamming bout, I realised that my(okay, Amos's) Ibanez Smashbox distortion was abit too much on the wild side.

It is almost too sizzly for my liking.

Boss DS-1

This Boss Distortion unit is one of the most common and "safe" choice. However upon hearing excerpts of it I also decided it is abit too sizzly for me.

I went on and realised maybe the problem is that I needed an overdrive pedal to boost the distortion in order to add more volume(as in to fatten) to the sound.

Digitech Bad Monkey

Not very popular, but I like what I hear, and its not that pricey. It adds a nice ring to the instrument.

Biyang OD-8

Upon reading the review made by Subversion ( a much revered guru), I might consider giving this obscure unit a try, since I heard that it also habours the same chip as the Ibanez Tubescreamer fame.

Since I was jamming to Muse materials, I know Matt Bellamy uses this inside his guitar. Yes, inside.

Zvex Fuzz Factory
Pretty design aside, it is very versatile. As are most versatile units, this one costs an arm. Maybe a leg as well.

With Chinese New Year around the corner, which is the most value for money? The Fuzz Factory is a want, not a need by the way.

Seeing Red

2009-01-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

Gretsch Electromatic Corvette

I bet you guys are kinda sick of seeing red/crimson/cherry guitars here. I guess I kinda have a soft spot for red guitars. It has that very Candy-Land/Sex Appeal/ Vintage feel and look to it that I just cannot resist.

Studies have also shown that men are very responsive toward the colour red(so its not just me). So women were encouraged to wear red lingerie -hints-.

However, its not the red colour that fascinates me. It's the whole chunk of vintage sound that this thing can croon.

I was watching Youtube - this German fellow named Greg - playing his arsenal of vintage gear, and I spotted the Corvette. It was surprising because Gretsches have a distinctive tone to them (because of the TV Jones pickups), and this Corvette had a very 50s vintage tone to it.

For a moment, there was a connection. And I knew that I would have to own this one day. One fine day!

watch - GregGuitars on Youtube

The Jimi Tone

2009-01-12T16:55:00.001-08:00

Ears on Jimi

As a kid I've always wrote off Jimi Hendrix as a drug induced loonie. Never heard any of his songs until recently.

I'd have to admit Hendrix was fantastic. Nice to listen to, difficult to emulate. He is the epitome of mojo. His riffs are painfully addictive and refreshing, even till today I hear parallels in playing styles in big names like Slash (ex- Guns & Roses, Velvet Revolver) and many others.

I'd like to talk about his guitar tone. Absolutely sweet! This is just one of his many psychedelic strats. It is very distinctive in terms of tone, I know its because he's playing a right-handed guitar on reverse (He's a lefty, duh.) and the 'inversion' results in this special tone (wikipedia).

However I'd like to know more about his amp and stuff. Does vintage gear really play a part? Can modern instruments really emulate this tone?

Another fantastic tone monster - his custom Gibson SG guitar. Now I also wonder the three humbucking pickups actually contribute to the overall tone, or am I just being too superficial on this aspect for searching for tone?

Band Talk

2009-01-12T05:27:00.000-08:00

La'Cryma Christi

This was the only better picture I can get of them without looking funny!

Note: There's five guys, Don't know where's the missing one!

Anyways.. One of the reasons why I bother listening to them is really because of the melodic fill-ins and
uplifting solos. Sometimes they can sound really messy and the singer is a pain to listen to. But I do like one or two songs from them! Enjoy!

Timeless

2009-01-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Joe Pass

I always believed that music of the purest form was that of the post war era, when jazz was really popular. It was no frills, no fancy gadgets, complex equipment, just simple trust and understanding between Man and his Instrument.

I say it is of the purest because it is timeless. It sounds wonderful in the yesteryears and today it still works.

Joe Pass romanticises Jazz with his fluent hands and bald emotion (pardon the pun). His picture itself is a scene of serenity. Listening to his music is like wading in a cool lake by the countryside in autumn, letting the water carry you away...

Growth

2009-01-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

While we desperately grope our ways into the mangled thicket of music, let us not forget people who enlighten us along the way.

Only when left alone do we realise that ignorance was not so blissful after all.

Hence, let this post be a tribute to those who had guided us along this roller-coaster ride.

Amos

Yes, this handsome boy is not me. He shall be known simply as Amos, the one who has enlighten me the Ways of the Sound. Had I not met him, I would be still confined in my jack-in-the-box doing mimes.

Deo

has graciously accepted and tolerated teaching me the Way of the Music, whom I hold in high regard for his passion and direction in the Yellow Brick Road to musical Nirvana.

And of course, I can never thank anyone more than whoever who has listened to my rantings and ravings and constant salivation over blots of woods and paint, and still clung with interest and encouragement.

The most beautifuls things are always shied from us, but I am glad it has not from me, as I count my lucky stars.

New year, New goals

2009-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Precisely so. I will stop grovelling in financial defeat and focus and what's ahead! So be it if I have to eat lesser handful(s) of chips. I need musical food and I'm ravenous.

Comparisons

The SG guitar. Remember months back where I decided to abandon the SG chase? It's back on now! True, I was disappointed that the Gibson models have fat necks that accomodate more meatier hands, but now I have found alternatives! Presentingggg...

ESP Edwards SG!

Made by rice eaters for their rice eating counterparts! Comparably thinner neck, with Seymour Duncan Pickups!

Below is the Gibson SG, for the brutish. I however, will not discount the Tokai SG as well. It is currently the more accessible of the lot! But I wonder if there is stock of the one below with p90s, in Cherry Red!

Reasons for an SG:

Better upper frets access as compared to strats.

Radical shape

haha that's about it!

Money woes...

2009-01-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

I feel very very blue..

In view of the recent discoveries, I thought I'd get a Fender Japan strat second hand. I was not particularly happy with my Ibanez strat playability at the moment.

Am I just being fickle?

Meagre pay of $400 a month isn't going to solve much anyhow. I thought I'd get early pay from Chinese New Year but then again I assumed too much, did research happily only to be disappointed. Really, I should avoid being so masochistic.

Getting something like that could be nice! it has an interesting bridge that I've never seen before!

This one below is too pure that I feel unworthy even laying eyes on it! Brilliant, these Japanese made ones!

Young Talents

2009-01-02T04:22:00.000-08:00

Stumbled upon this blog - the Strat-o-Blogster! It happens to feature some really good (blues) work although the main gist of the webbie is to promote Stratocasters. And it really frightens and intimidates me to know that people as young as 8 owns my ass upside down.

This Norwegian kid is very impressive. Although I must say I don't really feel connected to his playing. It's as if it comes out from hundreds of hours of practise rather than from the heart.

Okay, I'm biased. Haha. This kid is cuter, better, and has more mojo! Trust the Japanese seriously. Kid's only 8! He's like the Guiness Record Book youngest ever professional guitarist. And seriously, how many hours could you have put in to achieve that at EIGHT?!? The friggin guitar is bigger than him!

As 2009 approaches..

2008-12-31T05:38:00.000-08:00

As 2009 approaches, we realise how time passes; as we do every year end..

As the clock ticks and the present year goes into labour, let us reminisce before 2009 raises its newborn head.

Goodbye to

J & D Les Paul (which was utter crap by the way)

Zoom G2.1U Multi Effects pedal (which was underutilised, underappreciated and undervalued)

Hello and Welcome...

Ibanez Roadstar II - purchased in April specially for a song on a certain someone's birthday *wink

Vox V847a Wah Wah Pedal - purchased in December in the spirit to christmas!

My musical resolutions for 2009 -

To sharpen my technique with resolve. This may be the only time I have for it..

To noodle less and create more.

To sound different without sounding that I'm trying to be different which is by the way very pretentious.

To keep an open mind to other music. (I stress on music, not songs, because songs can equate to rubbish, whereas music is sound untainted with the smear of humanity muah hahahaha)

That's all people.. adieu 2008..

The older you are, the blues-ier you get?

2008-12-30T17:22:00.000-08:00

I think in America (or is it anywhere?) it is said that you had to be of a certain age to be able to play the blues. It is their special way of saying that it is a genre played by people who have been through and seen alot.

Above is a video I really like about blues! One of my favourites. Will write up about them soon! The long haired guy(without hat) plays for in ayumi hamazaki concerts for a period of time. Personally I think thats a dreadful waste really!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

My christmas wistlist is on its way to being fulfilled..

I'VE GOT MY VOX WAH! @ $75 which is like, ridiculous.

Thanks to Citymusic for this sale and addressing the expansion of my musical capabilities!

pictures, people!

My humble FX gear - Marshall MG15CDR, Ibanez Smashbox and Vox V847 Wah.

My guitar

2008-12-22T17:47:00.001-08:00

After much consideration, I've decided to name my guitar. What names are suitable? I've thought of Blondie, but thats too copy Clapton's Blacky and it sounds too american. Don't want that do we?

Give me some suggestions!

This guitar hasn't been with me for too long, but I'm guessing it has seen alot, and it has been faithfully guiding me to the yellow brick road of music; although its beat up, its still a darling to play with.

1984 Ibanez Roadstar II - bought 2nd hand. Beautiful maple neck, slightly worn frets, 3 unknown pickups, 1 vol, 1 tone.

This one's for keeps I guess. I dont want the frets to wear out, by then, It'd be kinda worthless, and I don't want to change the frets, that'll be changing many things on this old fella, and I don't want that, no.

Unfinished business

2008-12-19T17:54:00.000-08:00

Edwards E-LS-90-L

I was at TYMusic the other day trying out this Edwards unit, together with a Grassroots SG copy. Seriously, it has wonderful tones. The faded TV Yellow is to die for too!

The neck was really comfortable and the bands and vibratos came easily enough. The P90s pickups sang really well too.

I guess I was never wrong in wanting to GAS for an edwards!

I'm just waiting to pounch on a particularly GOOD MODEL.

OH MAN!!!

2008-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:00

I'VE FOUND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It might not be the EXACT ESP Hiro model, BUT IT LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME!!! OH MAN OH MAN!!

BUT!

Dammit, it has only two knobs, and I can't seem to find it on their main site! DAMN WHY'S THIS SO ELUSIVE!?!?!

Singing heroes

2008-12-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

I sorta always envied singers. Every facet of emotion can be discerned from the quivering lip, throaty growls and soothing falsettos. A guitar can be manufactured or hand-made, producing a variety unique tones; but on its own, it is merely an object; waiting for the right hands to use it. But singers, instrument and player are one.

Do you realise we get sick of songs that we used to go crazy for? It was until I found out the reason why I was never sick of dir en grey and Queen was because of, eerie-ly, the haunting vocals that latch themselves into the fabric of your mind even after the song has finished.

Here are my favourites.

Rachael Yamagata

I have only recently stumbled across her existence and she has held me prisoner already. I had an epiphanous moment when I heard Duet, because it dawned to me why music to me was so difficult to make - and that was because I tried to hard to complicate things. Simplicity was the key to such great sounding music. I absolutely love her coarse yet naked voice, absolutely swept me away like a gentle wave snuggling with the sand.

Matt Bellamy - Muse

As a guitarist, Matt is a genius; and as a vocalist, he fares no worse. I'm beginning to wonder if he even is from planet Earth! You know how certain bands sound fantastic on audio but absolutely dung-like live? Matt owns them all! His lives always outdo his recording ones.

Seal - Heidi Klum's wonderful hubby

One of the more powerful male vocals I've heard so far. Apart from being the husband of the runway's most celebrated figure(pardon the pun, heh heh), Seal is a celebrated soul and blues singer. I heard him sing a couple of times, but the most recent "Stand up to cancer" MTV session saw him perform in such a way that I had not choice but to headbang! I respect Seal an artist and a man, for being a humble artist and good husband and father.

Freddie Mercury

The late Freddie is a Legend. I don't think i need to elaborate much further about his talent and worth. I still remember the Brian May interview where he said, "Even when he(Freddie) was diagnosed, he was still downing vodka and hitting those high notes." While many today just sang, Freddie sang from the heart to our ears. My pick from Freddie? Love of my life. Listen to it.

Evan Rachel Wood - of the Across the Universe fame

I watched Across the Universe in the theatres and came out a temporal Beatles fan. The Beatles were great, but I thought the covers were done really well. Eva Rachel Wood as the feisty female lead displayed fine chops - both acting and singing. Her take on If I Fell and Blackbird was really good in a sense that I could feel her nakedness and helplessness as opposed the the original cheery Beatles version. What an angle to look at it, really.

Alicia Keys

I like her. Simply because her talent is undeniable. And she's got soul! Yep, that's the word to describe her voice, soulful and feminine, not too nasal or screechy like the R&B rubbish we hear today (yes, I'm begging you mercy.) yea, sounds like an orange in your throat. Gobbledygook aside, Keys is a talented musician who actually understands her music, and that's why her vocals flow - yoghurty smooth.

Kyo - Dir En Grey

Ignore that scraggly goatee and nevermind that unappealing Asian look. Like the famous line, looks are always deceiving. Kyo's deception arrives in many levels - his music, lyrics, and feel. If you would just close your eyes and listen to him, you'd realise how disturbing and haunting he sounds. Gnarly and snarling, sometimes searing and demented, Kyo really brings you into a dimension that you're afraid to travel in, and blows your mind. Empowering and resonant, he cracks when the music calls for it, screams when the music pushes it, and lulls when the music begs for it. He is a radical artist pushing his limits, although the Dir En Grey songs now are really Slipknot/Death Metal crappy, I still look back at their earlier hits like "Ain't afraid to Die" and "Kodou" where Kyo is like a seasoned actor bending and shaping as the music moulds him, expressing grief, shock, and loss with his powerful lungs and rugged throat.

There you have it! now go forth to good music!

What a way to recycle!

2008-12-13T17:02:00.000-08:00

Presenting to you..

The Kronodale Series of guitars!

The design really reminds me of going Green. The funny shape aside, I was really fascinated by the finish of this guitar! I LOVE THE JAPANESE WORDS ON THE FINISH! It looks like those kind of alien computer fonts we see in cartoons like Ninja Turtles or X-Men.

Haven't really heard the tone of this thing, the shape itself makes you wanna GAS for it, right?

Check their unique guitar stand. COOL!!!!!

Dilemma, Once again.

2008-12-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Once again, I'm drawn into this irrevocable black hole of deciding my next axe (jargon for new guitar).

Don't get me wrong; I love my current guitar, he sings beautifully, but here are some reasons I might need a new axe. (Note, not want, but need)

1. When I got my beat-up Ibanez Roadstar I made a fatal mistake - I neglected playability. I was sold on tone alone. Yes, I was a tone whore. I was too fascinated with sweet sound that I failed to realise the neck was a tad fat. Quite a compromise on my playing.

2. My Ibanez is beat up. Scratches, dings, you say it, I have it. I haven't really owned a guitar that I was really satisfied totally with. I love its neck though. Beautiful lacquered finish.

3. Shape. My guitar body shapes are too plain! Come on! you don't wear a T-shirt everyday right?

4. I think my amp is sick of waltzing with single-coiled guitars. He's like, "Not again!". Single Coils are fine, but the hum can really irritate me sometimes. Time for some PHAT PHAT humbuckers hee hee.

5. I haven't felt jumbo frets in a really long time. Maybe I never even tried it before.

Having said that, I'm beginning to re-think my strategies. I realised that out of all the guitars that I've tried, Fenders are the most comfortable hands down.

Gibsons are just too damn fat. And expensive.

Is it going to be a Fender again? Dust? Yes No?

Maybe its a Tele this time for me.

17 days till X'mas

2008-12-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

17 days people! Don't we all wish we have some spare cash to get some guitars? With the end year sales going on, I took a trip down to bras basah yesterday to fulfill my weekly dose of guitar porn. A very unhealthy lifestyle, but still beats clubbing.

Guitar Workshop

Playability - fantabulous! I felt like Harry Potter who had found his right wand. Only that I didn't have a pick scar on my forehead and large glasses. It had a very Fender-y V-shape neck, only slightly slimmer, but it made alot of difference on small hands like mine! Vibratos came smooth and barre chords were effortless. The strings were still fresh too!

Tone - On clean, it sounded eerily similar to Fender Japan models, on the bridge you have that distinct twang, and on the neck, the very bluesy warm tones. Difference? Fender has a very very dinstinguish-able scooped tone. It was absent in this Tokai.

Overdrive. This thing can scream! I guess its because it was the humbucker at the bridge. A shredder's dream definitely! Pinches come very easily, and the bending is as easy as sneezing (don't ask me why). Even thought it has medium frets, I felt as if i was playing on jumbo ones!

Specials - the Wilkinson Tremolo. I never expected Tokai models to be fitted with Wilkinson bridges. It is a two-point tremolo so I believe you can execute your dive bombs and other whammy tricks on this? fabulous, really.

List price - a little less than $950 SGD

Honestly, I'd rather get this than the Fender Aerodyne Strat I was GAS-ing for. No complains about the Aerodyne, but this unit here has a Wilkinson, definitely beats the Aerodyne pre-existing bridge.

4/5 owls!

My Top 10 Guitar Heroes

2008-12-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone has their own guitar heroes. Recently I chanced upon the Rolling Stones Top 100 Guitarists of all time and I have to say it is the most screwed up chart ever. I wonder if the top 100 was voted in or conjured up by a jury of weed smoking americans. Yes, I think it has to be the americans.

I never believed that we should judge their music solely by the instrument, but by the amount of heart they put into the music they produce. Jimi Hendrix was great, I'll admit it. But did he deserve the No. 1 spot? I'll say weed was the best guitarist. Even Hendrix died trying to compete with it. The best Beatles songs were all written under some sort of substance abuse, and the glory of Nirvana began with Cobain's heroin love affair. It all Smells Like Drugs to me.

My Top 10, ladies and gentlemen. At least I think they don't invlove drugs.

10. B. B. King

Mr. King, moved me when I watched his videos. His occassional facial spasm somewhat annoys me, but his music was something special. This jolly gentleman and his fine lady - Lucille - make a fine pair on stage, mesmerising thousands till today. He cradling her gingerly on his lap as pushes the right buttons to make her growl, moan, wince and belt out soulful tunes and she, obediently accede to his soft touch.

Who is Lucille? That's his guitar. He named her because in a bar that he was playing at, a fight broke out and something caught fire. King embraced the fiery wreck to get his beloved guitar back, only to realise how stupid he was to risk his life. He later on found out that the two men were fighting over a lady called Lucille. And he named his guitar since to remind himself never to do such a silly thing again. A salute to you sir!

9. Joe Satriani

Known more affectionately as Satch by most fans, Joe Satriani always inspires me to learn more tricks on the guitar. He is like a magician to me, just tha he lacks a bunny lady by his side to do his bidding. Beneath his bald exterior is a man full of naked emotion and soul. His single "Love Thing" was the first I've heard an fell in love with. Each squeal he made sent chills in my spine.

More recently Coldplay had so preposterously plagiarised his 2004 song If I Could Fly, using bulk of it to produce Viva La Vada or whatever it is. Shame on you!

Also, Satch's wife is a Singaporean! How cool is that?! Singaporean women 1, other countries 0.

8. Jack White of the White Stripes

Jack White. His music is never as plain as his pseudo surname. I was captivated in which how he played his music. He had no bassist, rhythmn guitarist or any form of accompanyment! He was all rolled into one! Drums aside, It was fascinating to watch how Jack ripped at the guitar in songs like Icky Thumb and more recently with Alicia Keys's Another Way to Die. One word to describe such drive and creativity - Class.

His choice of guitars and effects he employs creates a very dream-like sound - nightmarish at times and psychedelic in others. His lovely crunchy tone is just induces me to yearn for Gretsches! like the one he is holding here.

7. Angus Young of AC/DC

Familiar attire? You might have seen this on Jack Black in School of Rock countless of times. What made AC/DC so famous? I daresay it was Angus. Sorry to the other guys in AC (I don't even know your names) but i can't help hearing Back in Black and Thunderstruck again because of his raging fretwork.

Angus' energy is infectious. His every picked note somehow found its way into my spine and my skull unconsciously nods. One thing i found fascinating was that he always looked as if he was going to sneeze when he plays the guitar - his signature Gibson SG. But he never does - maybe Jack Black would.

6. John Frusciante of Red Hot Chilli Peppers

I wonder what people think when I mention RHCP. Probably Flea the bassist or Anthony Kiedis, but no one ever remembers this great man of John Frusciante. He was a large influence on me to learn blues properly. His humble attitude towards stardom and his child-like fascination with guitars and his music really warms my heart to know such greats exist.

His brush with hard drugs left him reeling in a rut with nothing. He departed the Chili Peppers and almost met with death. He immediately checked into rehab and conscientiously followed the program, and has since left the substance behind and moved on, announcing that his music is now his best drug ever.

Great big salute to you! I have never more respect for someone who could walk away from such demons of a past.

5. Hide of X Japan

Never heard Japanese music before? Shame on you. My top five are mostly Japanese already.

If this were 2003 still, Hide would have been my number 1 undoubtedly without a moments hesitation. Haha, sad to say, I have moved on.

Hide of X Japan, grandfather of Japanese Rock movement, in my opinion, one of the best technical guitarist in my book. His flamboyant stage presence, pink hair and nonchalant attitude could not be forgotten. Many JRockers try to emulate him but can never ever come close. Hide is a league of his own, a maestro and a legend, try as hard but you can never come close.

Hide inspired me to play guitar. No, he really did. I did not spend the last five years even till today playing 'Weekend' solos in order to improve technique (I know its lame, yea, but) still, no one really ever inspired me so much.

A consistent philantrophist and a soft heart for those who are disabled, Hide till his death gave generously to those who needed help. A museum erected for him does not justify such a great personality, and Japan truly missed and mourned a great, dead as he already is, but gargatuan in real life. RIP, hide.

4. Pata of X Japan

Yes, I know. I've heard the lame jokes that his stage name resembles a Malaysian/Singapore typical traditional breakfast set.

That aside, as much as Hide was my ultimate favourite in X Japan, I believe poor Pata was always behind the scenes cushioning them to success. His melancholic and moody presence always made him easily forgettable.

Not I.

Pata, in all his moodiness, always carried a massive amount of emotional baggage in his guitar. The guitar solo harmonies would not have sounded so beautiful if not for Pata's undying commitment to the band. His solo work, which deals with alot of acoustic solo playing, was mellow and a joy to hear on a rainy and cloudy day, so reminiscent yet forward-looking.

To many, he is just a person, but to me, he is an orchestra.

3. Matt Bellamy of MUSE

Woohoo! Just look at him! I have never heard anyone who have heard of Muse say that they suck. Never! Matt is the synonym of Talent. Raw, unbridled talent unleashed into world of music. His stage energy is comparable to that of a beast, and his guitar playing is out of this world!

Why isn't he in the top 100 guitarist list? You people blind or what? Don't count Starlight, cos we all know that's like, overrated by the rest of the world, but still? Plug in Baby? Stockholm Syndrome?

I tell you, this man is mad. If you have seen him, you will know what I mean. His massive use of effects largely define the Muse sound that eludes many even today. His creativity is that of a genius. Ingenius, really. His lyric writing, is fabulous and flowing like poetry in motion and he is a man of many talents. He even plays the piano, WELL! not like some half-past six dude, but Beethoven stuff! Alright, I'm exaggerating!

Most people tend to argue that Tom Morello (Rage against the Machine, Audioslave) was better guitarist than Matt. True enough, given that Matt largely tries to emulate Morello's sound and creative use of materials to get effects (electric screwdriver, etc.) However, as a musician, to me, Morello will never come close. Matt is an accomplished singer (he can sing REALLY high), guitarist, and pianist. I think I have said enough.

2. Die and Kaoru of Dir En Grey

I cannot decide who was better so I decided to put both of them down as tied!

To me, Dir en Grey's music was revolutionary. I have never heard something so intensely emotional and refreshing before. Although I must say I don't like their vomitty/scream filled songs. I prefer their slower songs and the occassional bitey ones.

The issues they tackle in song hardly involve love, a topic crucified by most bands. They tackle issues regarding the Japanese society like planned rapes, abortions, etc. The very taboo topics that people would prefer to sweep under the carpet. And they brought it out with such rile that it flows thick like tar.

Their sound is very unique. Kaoru (above, blonde) always employs other-worldly sounds in his solos, e.g sitar. His guitar playing is very optmistic and repetitive, coupled sometimes with bouts of angry riffs. He tends to play out emotional songs with a slow hand and elongated notes that signify the wail of shattered feelings.

Die (above, redhead), on the other hand plays it out with raw, intense passion, his guitar work being very chordy and screechy, which I like and admire how much they could employ such originality in their playing.

These two guitarist also display fine acoustic playing, with songs like Undecided and Mushi, and a myriad of other songs, and it really goes to show the amount of heart they put into making their music. It is not just chords and words; but complex ideas transformed in sound delivered straightforward. No frills. Although their music now have altered toward appeasing the american public, which I could not come to terms with, their older songs still hold weight of all things essentially Japanese.

1. Brian May of Queen

My number one. Numero Uno. Brian May.

No one can rival him in the respect and awe that I have for this man you see here on the left. Remember it. His cheesy curls,overly large shirt and signature red guitar.

Brian May is just so refreshing to hear. His is one which I can say has a musical direction. His music with Queen were so diverse and unique, and till today I have never heard or seen anyone trying to emulate him and succeed in doing it.

I respect him not as an artiste. I respect him as a person. So humble is he in his success, and so devoted is he to his music and how it impacts his life and other people.
Brian May was knighted by the Queen, is now a Chancellor in Liverpool John Moore University, had an asteriod named after him, an accomplished physicist and scientist, and most of all, a great legend of a guitarist.

Brian made his guitar with his father from scratch. He never had the money to buy one, and now it is one of the most coveted in the entire world. No one could get his tone or sound .It was simply too unique. Till today, he uses the same humble guitar he so painstakingly made together with his dad (now deceased) and continues to touch people with his brilliant musical genious.

There you have it! My top ten.

Goal 2010 - Final Line - Up (for now)

2008-12-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

Do note the words "for now", as Ai Ping would say, I always change my mind like that *snaps fingers* heh heh. With the exception of the guitars, I would say the rest is pretty much decided! Amps, effects and all. Now the wait begins. Long and cold wait..

Le Guitars!

ESP Phoenix II electric guitar

Rough Price - $4000SGD (inclusive shipping & hidden charges)

Let's see how you taunt me when I get my hands on your neck! I will definitely save up the money I need to import this in. By that time, hopefully they will release a whammy model? Unrivalled in class and desirability, my dream..

Attainability - 48%

I can only find this on a Russian ESP site. Now how obscure is that? Shipping will vaporize my pants.

ESP Ganesa IV - Kaoru Signature model

Rough Price - $2500SGD

Yesss... yet another ESP model! This is if I can't get my hands on the Phoenix II. I'm sorry but they meet all my petty demands so easily! And the demands come with a dear price.. I wish they had a less menacing colour though, maybe white? defnitely classy enough!Hearing Kaoru's sound reminds me of the days when I listened to Dir En Grey non-stop. Beautiful.

Attainability - 85%

Saw one such model at Davis Guitar recently. I wonder if they will bring this in? Very much think so.

Ovation Elite T Acoustic Guitar

Rough Price - $1300 SGD

This will be one of my definite purchases. It's either this or the Ibanez Artwood in my previous post. I won't doubt an Ovation sound (As Chui already tested and proven); and the on-board chromatic tuner and EQ is to die for!

Attainability - 100% Definite

City Music will never run out of stock of these, I believe. Defnitely getting an Ovation.

If I had Spare Cash....

Epiphone WildKat Semi-hollow Electric Guitar

Price - ?

Ah, the WildKat. I'm sorry, I just like the name! heh. I personally like the two P90 pickups and the Bigsby Vibrato. A semi-hollow guitar will always be on a league of its own; So if i can't deal with a ridiculously filthy Gretsch, then I'll just settle for ten notches lower on an Epiphone WildKaaaaaaat! BUT this is only I have struck the lottery or something. Not important for me to get one!

Fender Special Edition Spalted Maple HH Telecaster

Rough Price - $2000 SGD

Don't you agree that this thing is beautiful? I wonder why I'm not aiming for this. Maybe if my Phoenix and Ganesa is inattainable then I'll GAS for this seriously. The Spalted maple wood finish is a beauty. The humbuckers are pretty special too - Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates on the neck, and SD '59 Reverse Polarity at the bridge.

Eastwood Airline 2P DLX

Rough Price - $1200 SGD

I think this guitar looks very cute. Ai Ping and Ai En both think this looks like a toy! Tone wise, it can be tweaked to sound Gretsch-ey. They used to be made with a sort of material called Res-O-Glass (some sort of plastic?) and has a very glitzy unique tone to it. Popularised by Jack White of the White Stripes, I believe this one might be my potential!

Le Amplifiers!

Fender Champion 600 Vintage Tube Amp

Rough Price - $600 SGD

Fender amps, especially the vintage ones, sound really sweet clean. Add some crunch to it and I'm sure it'll be equally sweet! But on a heavy gain setting I'm not sure if it'll floor out. However, I think one can never go wrong with a tube amp. Sure its pricey, and changing the tubes inside the amps can prove much of a hassle, but tone wise, its there. One consideration thought - as a Softie from http://www.soft.com.sg/ commented; There are good solid-state amps, and shitty tube ones. But I don't think Fender can be associated with anything sounding/looking like shit.

Attainability - 100% definite

Swee Lee has stock of those! It's large enough to be left at home for practise, and small enough to lug around if I decide to perform in some cafe or something along those lines. Defnitely getting this once I have the money!

Vox DA5 Portable 5W amp

Rough Price - $140 SGD

The small Vox! It's really pretty tiny! Just slightly smaller than the Fender Champ 600, and good thing is its battery powered as well! A really useful little unit that has won the Platinum Award in the Guitar Player Magazine and scored high in Subversion's books (Subversion is a revered guru in the Singapore guitarist scene. His blog is much more interesting than mine really http://www.theguitaraddict.blogspot.com/) It has an onboard multi effects to die for as well, defnitely a MUST for me!

Attainability - 100% definite

City Music once again has stock of these!

Le Pedals/Stompbox/Effects!

Vox V847A Wah-Wah Pedal

Rough Price - $75 SGD (after sale)

I've always wanted a Wah-wah ever since I heard Jimi Hendrix and Hide of X Japan (think Rusty Nail). The distinct wail strikes a chord in any guitarists' hearts. Since a Dunlop Crybaby is ridiculously expensive, I might just settle for this first, since I can get it, like next month or something! If it works for Kaoru, it can work for me too!

Attainability - 100% guaranteed

Going to City Music end of the month to get it! Yessss!

Ibanez TS-9 Tubescreamer Pedal

Rough Price - $250 SGD

Top on my saving priority list. I have done research and I daresay I really need this to crank the overdrive! I would LOVE to get that sweet thick tone of this monster! Little needs to be said of this really. Every guitarist needs a tubescreamer.

Attainability - 100% definite

Davis Guitars has stock of these, just saw them last week!

Digitech DigiDelay

Rough Price - $250 SGD

I decided to want to get this after much consultation. The fellows at Soft had advised me to get this "bang-for-buck" pedal and labelled as more-than-above-average pedal for its value. Cool thing is that one can adjust the delay time and number of repeats you want! I can say, set the delay at 0.2 secs, 0.3 secs? HOW COOL IS THAT? -foams in the mouth.

Attainability - 58%

Unsure on where to get this. Again, shipping will take an arm away!

Moogerfooger Low Pass Filter

Price - ?

I don't know how this found its way here. Honest! I don't even know what's a low pass filter! But i think the name Moogerfooger sounds damn funny! HAHA! I'm going to replace certain expletives with moogerfooger. "Down, moogerfooger!" or "Someone shut that moogerfooger up!". Seriously, there's a reason why Kaoru has this. Can't be just the name , right?

Attainability - 20%

Where the moogerfooger heck am I going to get this?

Well I guess that about sums up my goal for 2010! A heck lot of good this will do to my nerves and pocket! Let's see, if I were to add these up it will cost me a total of what, 10 000 SGD or more? Ok, let's be realistic. I honestly think 8k should do the trick! But horrific waste of money, don't you think? Actually we don't need much fancy gadgets to achieve musical nirvana. A simple acoustic will do. But when GAS strikes, what can you do but to shrug and surrender your pocket?

Bye moogerfoogers!

My REAL dream

2008-12-02T15:55:00.001-08:00

ESP Phoenix II

My dream. THE REAL DREAM. If I have 3000 fricking Euros now I would immediately ship this damn thing over. This doesn't even need contemplation.

Let's do up a checkboard shall we?

Ebony Fretboard - Yes
Slim neck - Yes

Firebird body - Yes

Jumbo frets - Yes

Floating Bridge - No

Versatile P-ups - Yes

Elegant Rating - 97%

Desire Rating - 100%

But then again, its always the price that stimulate your tear ducts. If I had a stable job, paying $2000 + a month, with wife and kids (wink wink); I would beat my chest and weep when I see the Phoenix.

Oh Phoenix, why art thou so elegant yet slippery? Why do you mock me with your white glossy majesty and

ebony sneer?

Should I save up for this? I wonder if its gone by the time I have money. Discontinued models are like frickin Pokemon Legendary Birds (even this bloody model is named after a legendary bird), you never know where might pop out one IN THE WORLD and whether your pokeBalls are large enough.(pardon the pun)

Now, on to more cheaper alternatives.

ESP Edwards Les Paul (left) and ESP Eclipse CTM FR (right)

I previously owned a very very undesirable Les Paul copy. And I thought it was holy grail when i first bought it. Crap.

Let's Run a checklist eh?

Edwards Les Paul - Ebony fretboard, Jumbo Frets, Gold Hardware complementing black finish, Seymour

Duncan Pickups, Pickguard.

Elegant Rating - 95%

Meets ALL specifications? No.

Desire rating - 95%

Honestly not too bad. Very affordable if i conscientiously save up now. $1500SGD

Eclipse Custom Floyd Rose - Ebony Fretboard, Extra Jumbo Frets, Black hardware, EMG pickups, Liscensed Floyd Rose Tremolo Bridge.

Elegant Rating - 89%

Meets ALL Specifications? Kinda. 98%?

Desire Rating - 85%

Wonder why I'm not too hot for this? I guess its the EMG pickups. They are active units that require batteries to operate. Although they give SUPERB shredding tones with the clarity of hearing each picked note, still not too sure if it sounds good in the clean setting.Plus, expensive too! 2600 Euros.

Bah! I guess at least I feel better now that I'm keeping my options open if the damned Phoenix eludes me!

Mellow side

2008-11-30T16:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, we all have a mellow side.

As much as I love to occasionally belt out screaming solos, I'll always have that bluesy side to manifest. As I still conflict with myself over what electric guitar I want to get, one thing's for sure. I will need an acoustic.

As Rolling Stones guitarist said in an interview, "Even if you are an electric guitar player, if you don't practise on an acoustic, you will never improve,"

Righto there, old chap! Spoken like a true Rolling Stoned! Oops, i mean Stone!

After listening to Rachel Yamagata (is that right?), I realised that sometimes less is more. I was always too overly concerned about getting nice sounds and fills to accentuate a song, making it sound as complex and fresh as possible - to the point where its too complicated!

Yamagata's soothing lazy vocals complement the somewhat droll sounding acoustic plucking in the background. On its own, the guitar part sounds bland, or at least eerie-ly too normal; but once her voice comes it, it becomes harmony.

I'm just glad that I'm expanding my musical horizons finally. To music!

Ibanez Artwood Acoust-electric. Sigh. $$$$$$ where are you!!

Aggressive side

2008-11-27T15:42:00.001-08:00

Hey folks!

I am once again thrown into a dilemma. That is to say I have hit Net Bottom (incompetence of Google).

I have been trying to find the perfect "aggressive" side to me in Music. Which i believe is elegance singed with a kiss of menace.

But Noooooo... everything out there is either too bloody expensive, overly aggressive, pretentious, or just not elegant enough! ( Yes, I know I'm spoiled, but only for music).

Actually i don't even know why I am talking so much cock when i don't even have a single cent on what I'm deciding! Damn.

Jackson Dinky Model
The closest I can possibly get to are these two that I'm showing you. Potentials!

I have been an ardent ESP fan and I am most delightfully pissed to say that I have spent a grand total of 48 hours on the net surfing for affordably range of their guitars. I guess I was too naive. One must pay dearly for elegance so it seems.

This Jackson model is almost there! Ebony fretboard. Elegance. However I really don't like the pointy headstock and the triangle inlays! When I play it would look like my guitar is boo-ing everyone else! NOW its not elegant!

However, I'm really impressed with Jackson tones. No wonder many swear by it. It really rivals ESP in terms of bite and fullness, playing comfort and quality.

Damn. If it didn't look so darn POINTY!

B.C Rich Outlaw PXT3

I have always liked B.C Rich guitars for their affordability when the quality
of their guitar have always been so superb! The Outlaw is definitely elegant;
however it lacks the ebony fretboard cosmetic to make it truly a Beyonce of
guitars!

Honest; I love everything about this guitar. JUST that it doesn't have that ebony
fingerboard!!! Only the other outlaw model have it, BUT IT HAS AN UGLY BIRD
SKULL INLAY IN THE BOARD!!

Who the heck puts bird skull inlays?? So unelegant!

Anyways, (composes self) All in all, If i see this lying around in Singapore, definitely
will give it a change of trying!

-sigh, where are all the elegant guitar build for Asian hands?

Change in mind, again?

2008-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

For some reason, can't seem to take my eyes of this :

Eastwood Airline 2P DLX

Odd shape, but it kinda stuck on me after squinting on it for abit. What i like is that really bright sound that comes out of it. When driven, it sounds really gnashy and gritty, just the way I would prefer if i were to play songs with full bodied chords! It's going quite cheap too! I wonder if I'm actually gg to get one?

Damn Why Am I So Greedy?

A more expensive alternative to this is the Gretsch Billy-Bo Thunderbird. SWEEEETTTT!

Looks even more odd shaped than the first! Saw Jack White from The White Stripes use this in Bond's "Another Way to Die" and it sounds great! Terrific in fact! Nice warm tones complement Alicia Key's piano.

Why I want it:

TV Jones Pickups - love 'em! the reason why Gretsch-es sound so damn good!

Possible Bigsby Vibrato - I want... very materialistic huh?

All in all, I'd say that people who gets a Gretsch is ultimately because of the tone. Personally, Gretsch-es are nothing much to look at, but I believe the feel, sound and quality of these line of guitars are enough to make Men cheat.

On their bank accounts, that is!

All i want for christmas...

2008-11-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

All i want for christmas is a few guitars... few guitars.. few guitars!

That's right.

A few. Looks like one can never be enough if you have the Sydrome.

GAS. that's what it is! No, not the ones you get when you eat too much onions or beans. its Guitar Acquiring Syndrome (GAS); a medical condition whereby your mind freezes over and starts lusting over beautifully polished lacquered wood! Cure? wishful thinking! Any drug addict will tell you the same thing.

enough chitchat! Here's my wishlist, Santa!

Gibson Les Paul Faded Double-Cut with P90s.

I have been found it.(At least i THINK i have). Initially decided on the Gibson SG Classic, but realised the neck might be too fat for my liking.

The Faded DC features a 1960's slim tapered neck, definitely just right for me.

The P90 pickups are just what I was looking for - pure grit!

The cut aways allow me to reach for the lower registers easily!

This oozes vintage mojo. I gotta have it!!!!

Some guy from soft.com.sg has informed me that he can bring this in for just under $1400. Affordable for me I guess once I have a decent job! Hmmm.

Dilemma

Truth to be told, I didn't really decide on this first. initially, i wanted a Gibson SG Classic!

Feast this on your eyes, BABY!

Why I ditched this idea.

Neck - the most important thing for me. I can't frickin' play on one fat-ass neck! How the hell am I able to do stretchy chords? Thing is, It seems that Gibson SG necks are renowed to be fat. That's right. Not for Asian hands. I'll assume this baby here has a fat neck as well!

The Faded DC has a slim neck, therefore it shouldn't be too bad for me! However.. THE SG LOOKS TOO COOL WHY DOES IT HAVE TO HAVE A FAT NECK SHADKLHASDKHALSKDASDOAWHIEWI

The Tone

2008-08-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

I'm still very much learning to appreciate more variety of tones; but i can tell you that it is a very, very, preferential thing.

Wood -
The most important aspect in deciding your tone and enjoyment value. It is like fine wine; velvety and beautiful when aged. Only true connoisseurs can truly appreciate how an aged guitar sounds.

The Body - Top on your priority list. Trust me.

Basswood - Used in most of the cheaper guitars found in Singapore. However it does not necessarily compromise tone. Basswood is very light, and hence quite brittle as well, so do take care of it if you plan to get one, or expect lots of dings and dents! Basswood has always been a subject of controversy regarding its tone, some find it utterly unbearable, whereas some swear by it; so! get your coat and go do some testing to decide yourself! The sound of basswood itself is rather warm sounding!

Alder - My personal favourite. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and extremely versatile. Most Fender Strat bodies are made from it. This wood hosts a balance of tones, both warm and bright and not to mention, very durable as well. Slow rock, funk, blues, jazz, this wood can handle it!

Maple - This wood is quite heavy! It is a very hard wood, so expect it to be durable. This wood is synonymous with bright and twangy tones - do consider it if you like the shrill, twangy kind of sound! There are many different kinds of Maple species as well(Spalted Maple, Birdseye Maple, Flamed/Quilted Maple, etc.), but most of them are mainly for aesthetic purposes, tone wise, they are all still bright sounding.
Mahogany - Not just your typical furniture wood. It is the standard wood in most Gibson/Epiphone or expensive guitar bodies. PRS guitars are almost totally made from mahogany, with the exception of their custom models. Contrary to the maple bodies, mahogany at the other end of the spectrum, is warm sounding. This wood sustains notes really well too.

Koa - Rare wood found only in Hawaii. Ever saw one such Koa Fender at Swee Lee before. Koa, i believe its a little similar to mahogany; i'm not too sure because i havent really seen many in Singapore; let alone any chance to try it.

Neck/Fretboard Woods -
The wood used in your fretboard is very important as well, it's where you fingers do the talkin'.
The Complete Maple Combi - Wear your sunglasses on your ears! The ultimate combi for people who love the bright and twangy tone. Complete maple neck and fretboard, combine their powers for the greater good of your tone comfort! People who choose this combi usually pair up with an alder or maple body and equip it with single coil pickups, and wella, it is bright heaven! For people who absolutely love the clean sound. Be warned that too much overdrive might dampen the tone and turn it into a muddy mess!

Maple neck and Rosewood Fingerboard - Commonest combi. I would say it is a 'safe' combi. Almost all genres can relate to this! Rosewood fretboards produces a nice warm tone that is nice for slow rock ballads, lazy jazz songs, bluesy riffs, or sharp rhytmn attacks. Rosewood is a considerably softer wood than maple, so aside from tone preference, people choose them apart in terms of comfort while playing as well. The video below shows how this combi sounds like best.

The Gibson/PRS combi! - Mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard. The Ultimate Opposite of the Complete Maple Combi. This is entire warm/fat sounding. If your dream was to play like Slash or Santana, this is the right combination for you. Crank it up with overdrive it
sounds yoghurty smooth with clear notes. It is the ultimate rock combination - rise, guitar heroes!

Ebony fretboard - This mean little rascal is also very bright sounding, especially beautiful when played clean. Ebony wood actually sounds much brighter than maple wood, so go figure. You might need sunglasses to view the price as well.

Single coil, or humbucker? the bridge, neck and all.

Pickups are what gives you control over tone on your guitar as well. The selector switch is there for you to choose at any point of time, during a jam session or song etc etc, the tone fittng for the occassion. Hence, familiarise yourself with the terms/jargon : Bridge pickup, neck pickup, bridge+neck pickup.

Bridge pickup - basically just means the fella at the bottom. The pickup nearest to the bridge of your guitar. You select this pickup when you flick the switch all the way down.South. The head of the switch should be facing your right hand. This selected pickup is specially used when playing in distortion and overdrive, as it gives more note clarity even through the thick of the noise.
Neck pickup - the pickup closest to the neck of the guitar. The tone here gets fuller and rounder; think of this as giving your tone some clothing. At the bridge pickup - naked. Sound gets less skeletal as the switch progresses, its like adding layers of clothing and the tone gets warmer and fuller.

Single Coil - Mr. Eric Clapton and gang's favourite. I noticed many blues guitarists - John Mayer, Buddy Guy - use it, and Heavy Metal guitarists, almost none! I believe it is also because they sound horrible in excess overdrive, these pickups were never meant for that genre., because they tend to have some humming noise when in the background when used.

Humbucker - Many variations of it has spawned because its use is almost limitless - rock, blues, jazz, pop, this can do it all! It is just a matter of what the pickup is designed for. Usually they are more popular because they are "silent", or hum cancelling, unlike single coils.

The pick(plectrum) -
Another preferential thing. It is said that the thicker the pick, the thicker you tone. Flimsy picks provide easier strumming whereas thick picks (1mm and above) provide sound clarity and resonance. Apparently Queen guitarist Brian May prefers to use the English sixpence coin - unusual but well, that's his preference and he's still better than you!

Anatomy

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Almost anything affects tone. From the wood in which your guitar is made of; to the kind of pick you use, it really depends on how fussy you are.

Ok first, a brief anatomy of the guitar.

(picture ripped from blogskins.com)

Tuners - This is a no brainer. Tunes your strings, blah. However if you use tremolo bridges(explain later) you will need locking tuners to keep the guitar from going out of tune.

Headstock - Houses the tuners. Interesting fact: Many leading guitar luthiers/manufacurers like to design specific headstocks as a signature, such that people can identify the guitar brand immediately just by seeing the headstock. e.g. Dean Guitars headstock is "V" shaped; making it look really fierce! It is also said that angled headstocks(tilted ones) tend to have better sustain than their levelled counterparts.

angled headstock of a Gibson guitar.

Nut - It is an itsy plastic looking thing between the neck and the headstock; holds strings in place. It is that white thing in the picture above.

Frets - Those metal dividers on the neck. There are different kinds of fret gauges to accomodate different playing styles - Medium, Jumbo, Medium Jumbo, Extra Jumbo. Jumbo frets make barre chords easier to play, easy bending and vibrato as well. If you're into metal and shredding etc, jumbo and above are just for you. However if you press jumbo frets too hard the notes will go sharp; and blues players will find it hard to get used to as well. It all depends on the comfort of the player.

Inlays - These are the dots that signify the fret positions, usually marked at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, 21st frets of the guitar. Like headstocks, many guitar manufacturers have signature inlays. Gibsons have their standard bar shaped, whereas PRS have eagles for inlays. They are usually made from mother-of-pearl or plastic.

Truss Rod - a steel/graphite rod located within the guitar neck; for maintenance of the neck. Novices should not attempt to adjust the truss rod(that includes me) as it can damage the guitar beyond repair.

Body - Where most of the magic happens unseen. List goes endless on the different kinds of wood used to construct the bodies. The usual ones are alder, maple, basswood, ash, mahogany. Most cheap guitars have basswood as the bodies, whereby higher end ones like PRS or Gibsons have mahogany bodies, Fender mostly use alder for their bodies. A very important consideration when buying a guitar as this will determine the tone you desire.

solid body - Commonest electric guitar body. pretty self explanatory. Heaviest. Best sustain due to wood density. More wood = more sustain.

hollow body(electric) - Considerably larger than an electric guitar, (slightly fatter body) but the cavity of the body is empty as it mimicks an acoustic guitar, giving out similar acoustickey warm tone. They are noted to have visible f-holes on the surface of the guitar for easy recognition. Weapon of choice for Jazz/Blues/Country guitarists. Lightest of the three.

semi-hollow body - Similar to hollow body, but has a block of wood in the centre of the cavity. It is said to cut down feedback for a smoother sound. Considerably lighter than an electric guitar.

hollows and semi hollows are definitely not for metal/hard rockers. They sound horrible in high gain overdrive. It's just like how plump people should not wear skinny jeans. Or when an ang moh tries to speak chinese. These guitars are best for jazz, blues and milder genres; they sound beautiful when played clean or slight overdrive.

Pickguard - Protects body from aggressive/angsty strummers, 'nuff said.

Pickups - Again, extremely important in the electric guitar. Only a physicist can explain this properly; i can't. Basically these are electronics that pick up signals from the vibration of the guitar strings and sends to the amplifier.

single coil - as the name suggests, a single pickup. The picture above shows the Fender Strat, with 3 single coils. They are the trademark of Fender guitars. They are usually synonymous with brighter tones. The downside is that there is notable constant hum or buzzing sound while playing. This is because they pick up random radio waves as well. i believe Jeff Beck designed a "silent" single coil and have been using it since.

The Fender Strat Single Coils. Note the 3 skinny blokes.

humbucker - evil twin of the single coil. nah, just kidding. It is just two single coils put together, polarity reversed, coiling reversed, in order to cancel the hum. It is synonymous with warmer tones, and a signature of Gibson and preferred choice of rockers. They are associated with more aggressive tone as this pick up, as compared to the single coil, can handle more distortion/overdrive without flooring out.

The Gibson Humbucker pickups - notice those fat boys!

Pickup Selector - a toggle switch. Determines desired playing style. Fender has 5-way selector, while Gibson has only 3. It allows more variety of tone control when switching from rhytmn to lead or vice versa.

Tone/volume Knobs - They actually play important roles in shaping tone. Roll the tone knob and hear as the tone changes significantly, and adjust it to your liking.

Bridge - The fella that anchors the strings to the guitar. They are either hardtail or tremolo.

tremolo bridge - more like movable bridge, with the whammy bar (or tremolo arm) one can change the pitch of the guitar with a single wrench - or with light tugging - a tame vibrato. Dimebag Darrell popularised the tremolo bridge with his divebomb technique, a production of squealing/screaming sound to accomodate aggressive playing - as my friend David would say - hardcore aggression. Popular trem bridge brands like Floyd Rose enables extreme dives and dips; as compared to the normal Fender ones.

Hardtail - comes across as a useless brother of the trem bridge. not really. Actual fact: the hardtail provides better and longer sustain, and keeps the guitar in tune better.

Trem bridges under often usage will cause the guitar to go out of tune easily, that is why it is important to get locking tuners - like Schaller or Gotoh to ensure the guitar stays in tune after an aggressive bout of tremming.

Jack - Duh. plug your cable in. Just ensure that it is well maintained and not loose.

Finally! I hope i have provided useful information. Do let me know if i have gotten anything wrong, cheers!

Tone Wizard

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Perhaps many of you under-estimate, (ok, I'm assuming, because i once did not) the importance of tone.

Ever since i started out on the guitar a few years back, i have absolutely negated the existence of tone. I have heard of it, and completely ignored it. Like any hot blooded teenager (no offense) I was hardly bothered with sound. It was all about showmanship and techniques; as long as there's the guitar, the amp, I've got all i need!

Only sometime back a very good mate of mine - who in the army greatly enlightened me - taught me the importance of tone.

This was when i really discovered Music. This was a sobering experience; instantaneously the imagery of fingers flying off frets became fleeting. i grew more accustomed to imagery like creamy , hot , warm, bright, twangy.

There is not one perfect tone; it actually all depends on preference. What kind of tone sounds pleasing to you.

Welcome lost friends, this site is dedicated to you; know what you want.