If you think LINE6's POD adventure had closed its chapter for good then be informed the POD is still alive & kickin'. Of course, it no longer looks like its former incarnation - that bean shaped unit that had been the popular recording gadget not too long ago - it's now a very effects pedal looking as depicted above.    Ola's perspective on the matter is very much mine; we are both interested if this one can pull off some of the best distorted tones out there with very little tweaking effort. If you are interested in one, it's currently out of stock at Yamaha (List: $285). Pi ..read more

Folks, the new (ver 2024) PRS S2 Custom 24 is now available at Swee Lee. New here refers to the fact that the S2 range is now a full American, ie. all parts are made in the USA. The S2's Previous iteration has non-American pickups & electronic components. Of course, there's a price revision in the midst of all this - $2,799 (previously $2,699).    Pic: PRS ..read more

 Finally, some Friday evening time to drop by the new Swee Lee outlet at Clarke Quay. The overall vibe is that of an extended Star Vista outlet, those familiar hue & texture of the fittings certainly added to this feel.  The store is divided into several focus areas. The one you see here is the instrument space, the very first sight that would greet you if you entered by the taxi stand entrance. Moving along, it's the software / hardware space with some dining space. A little further up would bring you to the vinyl listening space & more dining area. Order for F& ..read more

Variation of a theme - Fender Japan has a sandblast finish Strat in its Hybrid II series. More accurately, sandblasting is a process, not a finish type per se. What you see here is a natural finished ash body, given the sandblast treatment. A Tele & Jazz bass are the other members in this sandblasted affair. Pic: Fender Japan ..read more

Folks, this is another blatant fake still available in the after-market despite an authenticity red flag submission to the platform owner. Just look at this rubbish headstock - Prestige?? But labelled as a GRG, selling for less than $250? Gosh... This is the authentic GRG170DX as documented at the official Ibanez website. We should not be tolerating this nonsense. If you visit this buy-sell platform, do us all a favour & submit a fake product report. Pic: Ibanez ..read more

Folks, if you have bought the ticket for this one, do note the change in performance venue. I'm of the opinion that an enjoyable Malmsteen show should be done outdoors considering how loud he likes his live sets to be. Pic: SISTIC  ..read more

Solar Guitars has this AB1.6FR model covered in metal. Yes, the body's top coat here is of the metal element. Objective - to manifest an oxidized, worn-in look as time goes by, compounded by how much bio fluid you transfer onto it. Not cheap though: USD 2,199. Pic: Solar ..read more

The Antigua finish makes a return but not in the Fender range. The models you see above are all Squiers & these are strictly a finish re-visit. Meaning, these models are not the actual 70s embodiment.  The Antigua finish is also currently offered as a 70th anniversary fixed bridge Strat (Mexican: CLICK) & I managed to get myself a Tele version not too long ago (Japanese: CLICK). If these Squiers make it here, don't be surprised if they cost a wee bit more than the rest rest of their Squier siblings. Top pic: Yahoo Tech ..read more

Noticed there's a good offering of humbucking Strats in the recently released Hybrid II (Japan) Fender models. The HSH Strat is seldom seen in the stores these days especially so when the Charvels took over the Super Strat territory. This HSS is simply stunning. Covered humbucker in a Strat - not a common feat. Also that cosmic purple finish is downright attention grabbing. However, this one is an exclusive model form the Japanese flagship store but we remind ourselves of how certain exclusive Fenders would make their way here when least expected. Pics: Fender Japan ..read more

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