Locking nut for Vibrato Tremolo double locking Bridges

Recently, a topic came up in one of the local forums asking about the locking nut of the Vibrato Tremolo Bridges (Floyd Rose). This may seem simple to change but as easy as it may seem, there are some important points to take note of.

1. Measure the existing nut and make sure you get the correct measurements. They usually come in 42mm or 43mm. Don't make the mistake of getting the wrong one.

2. Check if it's top mounted or bottom mounted. The top mounted one has 2 screws that screws into the neck from the top while the bottom mounted has 2 allen key screws that go through the neck from the bottom.

3. Make sure to take note of the way the order the pressure pads are being remove during string changes. You don't want to have the bass string pressure pads on the treble strings and vice versa. This actually kills the pressure pad faster than it can last.

Mid Range Ibanez Recommendations Part 2

This year, is a good year for Ibanez lovers. This is a year of change. This is a year where players get choices which they normally don't on previous years. This is a year of Ibanez willingness to break out of it's norm shell and try something different. Lastly, this is the year which Ibanez offer to players out there, a choice of different tone wood, without causing a big hole in out pocket.

Part of this year's brilliance, I present to you the Ibanez RG470AH, a mid range Ibanez that isn't made with Basswood. Instead, this model sports a Swamp Ash body in beautiful natural satin finish. What makes this change so enticing then? Well, Ibanez has long been making RG from Basswood for it's mid range guitars which includes the famous RG550. There is nothing wrong with the mid range dominant Basswood and neither is it a bad tone wood for a guitar. However, not everyone of us likes Basswood or rather, few of us would like to have the option of some tonal differences. Swamp Ash offers more resonance across all frequency and might appear punchy to some. This is the exact difference compared to mid range dominant Basswood.

Coupled with this year's innovation is the introduction of the new mid range Ibanez Vibrato Tremolo bridge, the Edge Zero II.The new design provides tuning stability and gives the player the option of taking out the Zero system turning the bridge into a full floating tremolo. The bridge also has the advantage of buttery smooth action of pulling up and whamming down while the locking studs, which are once again being introduced with this new bridge, providing superior tuning stability.

For the uninitiated, Ibanez created a bridge that has a lot of tuning stability problems known as the Edge III(There are more which I shall not mention). For a list of the Ibanez Tremolo Vibrato bridges, click here to find out more about the different types of Ibanez Tremolo Vibrato bridges.

Ibanez also did a slight revamp on their Wizard II neck shape and equipped with this guitar is the Wizard III neck. It feels similar to the Wizard II however, with the exception of the extra meat at the sides, giving it a chunkier feel. Even though it is chunkier at the side compared to the Wizard II, it does also however feels "thinner" than the Wizard II due to the flatter back. Think of it in terms of a Thin U shape vs a Thin D shape profile. However, this is by no means a baseball bat neck of the Gibson and is by all means very shred-able.

It also features a 400mm radius (16") which is in my opinion the perfect balance for easy chording and scaling. 43mm nut width (the others being 42mm) provides a wider width for the neck giving sufficient string spacing for fast scale runs. Coupled with the maple neck is the rosewood fretboard which are slotted with Jumbo frets which allows almost effortless note fretting.

As usual with all the mid range Ibanez RG line are the pickups. The Ibanez INFs are pick ups with high output but gets really muddy and thin with high gain. As bad as I deemed them to be, they aren't totally unusable. Compared to guitars of similar price bracket, the pickups do sound way better. However with a pickup swap, this guitar will be a decent workhorse for professionals or professionals wannabes.

Generally, the production line from Ibanez's Indonesia plant has proved the test of time and is still producing great quality instruments of the price bracket. If you are in for a change, for something different from the typical Basswood Ibanez, do try one of these at your local Ibanez distributor today. You might just bring home a new member for the family.

The Singapore Guitar Show

An early reminder to guitar enthusiasts out there. The Singapore Guitar show is happening again this year and back with them, more private builders with guitars that leaves lovers like us drooling. However, be sure to go down and support the event, take a look and even try on guitars that you might not even have seen before. More information can be found here. Hope to see you there.

8 not enough?

Another lazy day of random surfing and I came across this. A 9 string guitar. I am never a fan of extended strings guitar and I've always thought that 8 strings are more than enough. Well, Rondo music made a 9 string for players who wants to play the guitar like a bass or that extra low end grit. Anyway, this is for you guys.

Canare cables and Neutrik Jacks

I've written recently about how having a bad cable can be the weakest link to the destruction of your tone. However, I firmly do not believe in spending atrocious amount of money just for cables. If there are any cables out there that I couldn't recommend more, it will be Canare cables. These cables are made in Japan and are as noiseless as they can be. Canare make cables for microphones, audio equipments and of course guitars. The best part about the cables are, they don't cost a bomb either. The only problem with the cables is, they are usually sold without being wired up.

The good thing however is we get to choose the type of jacks we want to go with the cables and the amount of length we want. In this case for my cables, I chosen Neutrik plugs which I've always gotten good results with.

These cables are also great to be used as pedal connectors. For Singapore readers, Beez is the guy, located at Roxy Square II to look for who custom make these cables.

Noisy Cables?

Today, I plug in Benihanahime for a short practice and I noticed that there is this irritating hissing noise coming out of my amplifier after turning the gain knob to full (I usually play with full gain). Knowing for a fact that my amp is grounded with all my electronic parts in my guitar well wired, there is no way that it can be noisy. After going through a series of checks, I narrowed down the problem to the cable.

We often try to get the minimum best in our quest for our tone but due to my laziness, I just plugged in the nearest cable to me, which was the planet waves classic series cable. After changing the cables (to Canares cables with Neutrick plugs), the hissing immediately disappears.

Sometimes, the smallest things might be the weakest link to the destruction of your tone.

ESP 3D Angel Guitar

Was down at Davis Guitars today and they were show casing the ESP 3D Angel guitar with Storewide 10% discount. I didn't get anything with discount but I got a Push Pull Gotoh Potentiometer. Nonetheless, the 3D Angel guitar is a sight to behold. A true piece of artwork. However, the question that pops in my mind is, is this thing actually playable? I can't help but wonder.

Different in Pot sizes

All Parts Potentiometer

Do note that the Pots shown in the picture above, an All parts potentiometer is of the American size. If you are buying it to replace the Pots in your Ibanez, ESP or other Asian made guitars, it probably won't be a direct fit. You will probably need to drill a larger hole (or whatever creative methods you have to make holes larger) to make it fit.

Gotoh Potentiometer

For Asian made guitars, the one above which is a Gotoh potentiometer is a glove fit. Please do take note that there are different in sizes for potentiometers, usually in either the American or Asian size. Make sure that you make the right purchase when buying replacement parts for your guitar.

Disclaimer: All Parts isn't the only brand that has American sized pots. There are probably other brands out there which I haven't heard of.

Reminiscences of the past: ESP Custom Shop

I was just going through my past photos of my Japan trip and I happen to find these photos. These are ESP Custom shop limited models which showcase the creativity of the Japanese Luthiers. These guitars are extremely limited but the Japanese sales person was kind enough allowing me to take a picture of these finely crafted artworks. These guitars are at the ESP Guitar Workshop, located in Ochanomizu (御茶ノ水). If you ever get a chance to visit Japan, be sure to drop by there. It's a place that will leave you with nothing but good memories.

Sale at Davis guitar on 24th September 2011 and Showcasing of ESP Custom Shop 3-D Angel Guitar

Davis guitar is going to showcase the ESP Custom Shop 3-D Angel Guitar a guitar art piece made by ESP customshop this Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Fans of ESP will know that ESP is constantly breaking new boundaries in terms of guitar shape and design.

However, the most important part of the news is There will be a STOREWIDE
SALE and also a chance to Win an ESP Alexi Katakana Guitar and free tickets to Children of Bodom Concert with purchase of any ESP / Ltd guitars, draw date on 11 Nov 2011. If you are free on Saturday, why not take a trip down to Davis and see for yourself the Art piece or take advantage of the sale and buy the parts or guitar you have always wanted to?

No ball end cutting for Vibrato Tremolo (Flyod Rose) equipped guitars?

Today, I was restringing one of my guitars and I noticed that I enjoying restringing a Vibrato Tremolo (Flyod Rose) equipped guitars a certain way which most people do not. Not only do I not cut the ball end, I do not face the risk of hurting myself when I touch the headstock of my guitar. The only draw back is every time I restring, I have a hard removing the strings. However, I think that is a small price to play for safety.

Restrung the wrong way

I was talking a look at one of my friend's guitar, whom he just bought from someone. After looking at the headstock, I can't resist but take a photo on the headstock to show my readers that this is a negative example. Notice that the tuner on the first tuning peg is turned the other way instead. This actually makes tuning the guitar troublesome.

Crystal Guitar frets

 

Another one of those lazy afternoons of random net surfing and this came across as a very interesting subject. Pure quartz crystal frets. Supposedly, there is no more need to do any more re-fretting as the strings can never wear down the frets. Additionally, promises of tonal improvement and sustain. Even though this will never hit the shores of where I am, still a very interesting idea and product to share with all my readers out there. For more information, please visit here.

Cheap Guitars for modding recomendation part 1

Recently, I've written about how getting a cheaper guitar for the sake of modding can not only get you an instrument with quality but at the same time also a very rewarding experience. You can read about it here

If I were to presented with the question what guitars I will recommend for this, the first that will come to mind is the Fender Squier Stratocaster series. It doesn't matter which version of the Squier Stratocaster but most of them are generally decent for it's price. For example, the Squier Affinity series is a good platform to start with. Even though it may be a beginner's guitar, the QC of the instrument is generally decent (looking in terms of only the neck and the body). The parts are easy to replace and guarantees a very positive end product.

The neck has a C shape narrow neck, measuring 41mm at the nut with a radius of of 241mm. This sound radius although doesn't allow for low action, it however allows easier chord works (think Jazz Chords).

The body although Basswood is however deemed usually an "inferior" wood, I can assure to all my readers that Basswood in by no means inferior and in fact basswood is tonally similar between different pieces. Basswood has also been used by many well known artist such as Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci and Steve Vai.

The main problem with the guitar however is the inferior tremolo bridge that it comes installed with. This is usually one of the main things that kills off the tone of the guitar, considering the strings go through the Tremolo block, which is anchored on the body of the guitar. However, the good news is, the tremolo is easily replaceable and in fact, Guitar Fetish actually made a custom Brass Block Tremolo that is a direct drop into Asian or Mexican made Stratocaster.

The pickups however are below par which is expected of guitars of that price range. It is thin sounding and has too low an output for Rock lovers out there. However, as per majority of the guitars, all of the electronic hardware can be easily swapped out and in our age of the guitar parts that are available to us, we can easily replace the stock pickups with more than satisfying substitutions. Guitar Fetish once again has more than satisfying pickups in the price range that won't leave a hole in your pocket. For the tone purist, you can also consider Dimarzios or Seymour Duncans into the guitar. These branded pickups can definitely leave it's listener contemplating on the quality of the instrument.

Lastly, although the radius of the neck leaves the guitar unable to achieve that low and sick action, however that can be easily rectified by flattening the radius of the frets from 13 onwards. This is known as compound radius. It may seem daunting for first timers but I assure you it isn't as hard as it sounds.

For aspiring DIY-ers or just players who wants a hand in customizing and modifying guitars, do consider the Fender Squier Affinity Stratocaster as a starting platform and a gateway to a guitar you call your own.

More sound samples for Benihanahime

Spent the whole day playing around recording and such. Was toddling the idea of playing Classical finger-style with high output humbuckers equipped guitars. Turns out that it doesn't sound that bad. The other clip is a short lick from Gary Moore's "Over the Hill and Far Away" which is also covered by Nightwish. Anyway, enjoy the clips. Pardon the sloppy playing.

Benihanahime F caruli Etude in C Major by Adrian Goh

Benihanahime Over the hills and far away by Adrian Goh

Cheap guitars for modding

I was doing some random guitar forums surfing just earlier on and a question popped up in one of the threads. "Is this Guitar worth modding?"

In this golden age of guitar building, we have available to us access to cheap and decent guitars, usually meant for starters and beginners but are these instruments that bad to the point of not even worth mentioning? The purist may argue yes however, not everyone of us can afford a $3000 Gibson or Fenders.

That aside, there are aspiring DIY-ers out there who just want to try modding guitars without spending a bomb on an expensive mid range to high end guitar later to be screwing up rendering the guitar unplayable. However at the same time, one wouldn't like it sounding like a sub $200 guitar. Well, the good news is, you can actually make that sub $200 guitar sound way more expensive than it cost. As a matter of fact, you can make that sub $200 guitar play and feel a lot better.

Let's face it, what makes the guitar playable? I will argue it's the neck that you are holding 90% of the time, telling you if you like the guitar or not. Majority of the sub $200 guitars come with un-even frets, badly sat frets and etc. That usually is a huge turn off to the most of us. However that can all be rectified, especially to Diy-ers.

The next thing that we will look at are the electronics included with the guitar. Sub $200 guitars usually comes with below par bad muddy sounding pickups. Pots and switch that are included usually oxidize faster than you can change your strings, causing more unwanted scratchy noises. However, that isn't that much of a problem either. Pickups can be swapped out while electronic parts can be changed. One might argue that the pickup is only a "microphone" to a singer and it only amplify what the guitar produces. However, I also believe that there are Gems within the sub $200 category and not all of them are bad. I've personally played Made in China Squiers that sounded sweet and Made in USA Fenders that sounded crap (No I don't have them in my memory on their particular models). On a solid body electric guitar, the electronic plays the biggest part in the tone while the wood sets a tonal characteristic to the tone. That being said, being conscious of the wood materials used to craft the instrument can set up a step ahead in modifying our favorite instruments. For starters, I highly suggest Alder, Basswood or Mahogany as these wood appears to be tonally similar with each different pieces.

Lastly, things that I will usually change are the hardware themselves. Especially the Tuning pegs and Bridge. Most of the Tuning pegs that comes with sub $200 guitar usually aren't of high quality and can give us tuning hell. Changing those can maintain tuning a lot better. The bridge of sub $200 guitars are usually made of mystery pot metal to cut the cost. This once again kills off the whatever tone the guitar might actually have. This can be changing the Vibrato Tremolo (Floyd Rose), Vintage Tremolo or a fixed Tune O matic bridge. A change of those parts can guarantee an immediate improvement in tone.

An optional change is the nut. Usually the nut is badly cut and require some additional work but for the extreme DIY-ers, Graphite is a good replacement nut. Not only does it maintain your tuning better (From excessive Whammy) it also improves your open string tones.

The answer to the question posted at the top of this article is "Yes". The general rule of thumb is, if the guitar sounds good to you, if it feels great to you, then you should probably try doing some DIY yourself. The next argument will be, after changing those parts, it will cost as much as a mid or high range guitar. Well yes and no. Mid range guitars definitely don't come with higher end pickups (Dimarzio, Seymour Duncan, EMG and etc) nor hardware you hand pick for yourself. While it might not necessarily be cheaper to mod a cheap guitar, however it is a fun experience and satisfying to call a guitar "your own".

Disclaimer:Some of the guitars shown as pictures in this post might not necessarily be a guitar with inferior parts. However they will fall under the guitars I will get and modify category.

New sound recording for Benihanahime

Benihanahime neo classical by Adrian Goh

So today is a day of restringing and recording. There isn't a better time. Feel of fresh strings under the fingers. Anyway, for interested peeps, this is the sound of Evolution neck coupled with a Basswood body. This is recorded with Ibanez Floral RG550 "紅花姫(Benihanahime)" . Once again, pardon the sloppy playing.

My Pick collection

Like every fan-boys, other than guitars, I too indulge in collecting something associated with the guitar players I like. Instead of owning Gazillians amount of picks, I have instead a number of picks that either came to me by themselves (you are reading this right) or I bought them knowing who actually uses them.

So far,these are all I have at the moment. Top 2 belongs to Hizaki from Versailles a Visual Kei band from Japan. One of them is a souvenir from a friend who went to Hong Kong for their concert. Following on is Steve Vai's limited edition Jim Dunlop pick. Honestly, I've never see him used those at all. I got them while I was still in Japan.

Beside Steve's pick is Sugizo's pick. Sugizo is the new guitarist of X Japan and still is the guitar of Luna Sea. Super big bands from Japan. Second roll. first 4 picks are Steve Vai's Signature pick. As I am a super huge fan of his, I have to have these. The one beside Steve Vai's pick is Yngwie Malmsteen's Signature pick. Now that thing is just FAT. No wonder he can pick with such precision. The pick with a Jem DNA picture was a gift from my friend. My friend saw one of these while window shopping randomly and thought that he might as well get it for me since I am that big a fan of Steve Vai.

Last one is Paul Gilbert's pick. An actual one that landed on my feet when he threw it out. Yes, not that fake Ibanez signature pick which he never uses. However, it would seem that Paul has switch to even a thinner pick. The green one from Jim Dunlop. That unfortunately hasn't landed on my feet yet.

Touching up a scallop job

I scalloped a guitar, particularly a Made in China Squier just about 2 years ago. However, the scalloping wasn't even. I've wrote previously that the deepness of the scallop doesn't make a difference. It's merely a cosmetic effect. I am that particular about cosmetic effect actually. I've always wanted to touch up the scallop but was too lazy. Well today is the day that I shall stop being lazy.

First, I tape up the sides as marker on how deep I want the scallop to go. After that, with a normal half round file, I file the sides to build in the deep half rounded sides. This will act as a guide for the deep scallop.

Having done all the sides, it's time to whip out the half round wood rasp and start filing away. Start filing until it hits the deepness of the guides. At this point, it doesn't matter if it looks good or not. There is always sand paper later on.

Once the depth has been filed to, next is to touch up the scallop with sandpaper. Starting with zero grit sandpaper, and start sanding away with hand. Slowly working up til high grit sandpaper. After all that is done.........

An even looking Scallop job. Since it's deep scallop, the inlays have been scalloped away. I need to redo the inlay and seal the neck again. Once again to my favorite hand rubbed oil finish. Till then.

The truths and myths of a scalloped Fingerboard

What is a scalloped fingerboard? It is a fingerboard with it's fretboard, the space in between the frets filed away into a scoop like shape. The next question would be, why will I want that?

We have seen players such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Ritchie Blackmoore playing playing Fenders with Scalloped fingerboards and thanks to the wide popularity of these musicians, we came to a misguided conception that, if these players play with such a guitar, it must be easier to play with thus making us sound better as players right? Well, I hate to break your bubble but no, that is not the case. Often we buy our gear based on what our idol use thinking that it will make us closer to them in terms of playing (I am a victim of that) or configuring our gear closer to them. Sadly, nothing but hours of practice can do that.

I've read before that Scalloped fingerboards allow us to play faster, clearer tone and etc. Nope, breaking your bubble again, that isn't the case. I've scalloped a Squier just to try out how the scalloped fingerboard actually feels like. However, this is already done with the preconception of knowing that it is for and what it does. So, allow me to debunk the myths of a scalloped fingerboard.

Myth: It allows us to play faster.
Answer: This is above all the most misunderstood myth. It does not allow us to play faster. Think of it this way. Without the wood in between the frets, doesn't it makes it harder to slide around the fingerboard? However, we have the illusion of being able to play faster after getting used to the fingerboard because over time, we developed what I like to call light touch. The way we fret our notes have changed to accommodate the lack of support from the wood and any additional pressure will just make our notes go higher. Now, think of it this way, by fretting our notes lightly, it also means that we have less fatigue and takes way less effort to move around the neck right? So there you go. It's not that it's easier to play faster but it makes us adapted to fretting lightly.

Myth: There is a difference in Deep scallop and half scallop and other different depth of scallop.
Answer: No there isn't. When there isn't wood underneath your fingers, you feel nothing. Now does it matter when that nothing is half a cm or 1 cm? No. Think of it this way, u are floating in a 3m deep pool and 4m deep pool (Assuming you are not these heights), does it makes a difference in the space between your legs and the floor? No, you feel nothing.

Truth: It is harder to play with a scalloped fingerboard.
Answer: Yes, it is harder in a certain sense. However, once you get used to it, it really isn't that much harder. Remember the first time you picked up the guitar trying to learn how to alternate pick or economy pick, it's the same. Once you get it hardwired into your brain, it ain't that much harder. To me, the scalloped fingerboard just allows me to play with a light touch.

Myth: Super Jumbo frets feel like scallop finger boards since the frets are so high.
Answer: No it doesn't. Not at all. You are still touching the wood beneath your fingers. Having bigger taller frets doesn't makes it feel like a scalloped fingerboard. It only makes it feel closer to a scalloped fingerboard.

Truth: Scalloped fingerboards are easy to do string bending with.
Answer: Yes. In fact, a lot easier. The fact of not having any wood below your fingers means that there is no additional friction to stop you from using your full finger strength to push the strings up or down. Try not to break you strings.

Truth: Scalloped fingerboards are a lot easier to do vibrato with.
Answer: Yes. Same concept as bending. When there is no wood beneath your fingers, there is less friction.

Truth: Scalloping your fingerboard will change the tone of your instrument.
Answer: Yes it does. In fact, it makes it brighter. Think of it this way. No more direct contact to the wood. It's the frets, the wood supporting the frets and your fingers. Majority of the contact point is the fret and strings. (Think metal to metal)

Truth: Scalloping your fingerboard will make the guitar neck weaker
Answer: Yes and No. Yes to making the fingerboard weaker but no to making it weak to the point that even if your truss rod is at it's maximum potential, the neck will be warped. I've had my scalloped guitar being scalloped for close to 2 years now and it hasn't warp since the day I set it up.

For my readers who are interested in scalloped fingerboards, I hope I did answer your questions and doubts you have. Additionally, I hope that this debunk any myths of scalloped fingerboards. These is nothing magical about it. It's just something different.

New ESP "LTD" models for Summer & Fall 2011

In the midst of doing some random net browsing, I chance upon the ESP website where they are announcing their new guitar models for Summer & Fall of 2001. It would seem that the main theme of this release is 7/8 strings and Eclipse (ESP version of single cutaway guitars).

This is probably one of the most interesting models in this release. Although not a fan of single cutaway guitars myself, a single cutaway 7-string guitar is not something that you will get to see very often. Couple together with these are EMG 81 & 707 active pickups, which probably can satisfy the heaviest of the music one might have in mind.

If your not much a fan of single cutaway models, another interesting model in this release are the Explorer and Flying V shaped EX and V series 7-strings. Coupled with the tone and sound is the image for Metal or Rock. Hey, isn't this what it's all about?

This is probably my favorite shape of all ESP guitars, the Horizon (actually Horizon III, but they are part of the same family anyway). ESP has also taken an entry to the 8-string territory along with many others (Ibanez and Schecter to name a few) and choose to incorporate the 8-string design with one of their ever popular shape, the Horizon. H-308 and H-338 are outfitted with active pickups (EMG 808 for H-308 and ESP ALH-208 for H-338) or for passive pickups lovers, the H-208 are outfitted with passives ESP LH-308.

Among with many of this season's release are more single cutaway Eclipse model. They come in a variety of see through finishes with mouth-watering awe inspiring flame maple tops. Coupled with active EMG 81/60 pickup sets, this guitar is sure to meet the demands of even the most mayhem of music types.

For those who prefer the same thing with a touch of simplicity, it also comes in Vintage black finish.

Now. What if. What if you want a single cutaway guitar and you want it to be ESP (LTD) but you don't like the idea of actives in the guitar? Well, ESP had it all covered. The EC-401VF line has the same thing but instead of sporting actives, Seymour Duncan JB (bridge) and '59 (neck) pickups.

Just when you thought that ESP (LTD) got it all covered. Actives, Passives, Modern, Vintage, wait what is missing here. Did I hear that glassy sparking tone from the P-90s. Nope, not a dream, it is P-90s. The EC256P sports the ESP LP90S pickups, ESP own take on the P-90s. Yep, they even got that covered.

This is probably my favorite among the whole line. Strat style guitars! The finish however isn't for the faint heart. This is what ESP call the distress finish. It emulates the relic look of the guitar that has been through countless jamming, concerts, traveling, throwing, smashing, wars, acts of god, sorry I lost myself there. But yeah, you get the point. Nonetheless, for Strat lovers this is definitely a nice piece to own. Unlike it's previous incarnation, it now comes with different choice of fingerboards (ST-203) and also allows the option of a super strat (ST-203FR). Now, if only they have something with 2 humbuckers.

Even though I've covered quite an extensive range of this season's release, there are however a lot more which I choose not to cover for interest reasons. So for the benefit of all interested readers and lovers, click here to find out more!

Ibanez RG520QS "傷(Kizu)"

"傷(Kizu)" is probably the only one of my Ibanez guitars that doesn't follow my Dimarzio Evolutions configuration. The story started out with my friends giving me a Seymour Duncan Customs pickup for my birthday present in 2010. That is such an evil gift. Anyway, the rationale being, I wanted to build a guitar that might sound like Hizaki's(ヒザキ) guitar, which is an ESP Horizon III fitted with Seymour Duncan Jazz and Customs. But I didn't want an ESP guitar as I felt that the shape of the neck wasn't really to my liking.

At around the same time, there was an ebay auction of an RG520QS, my favorite non prestige RG model of all time. It sports a mahogany body with the standard Made in Japan Ibanez specs. So, after thinking it through, I bought it and had it shipped all the way from the United States to Singapore. When it arrived, I took a look at the guitar's condition and I nearly fainted. There were paint chips around the headstock and the neck had dings all over. The body of the guitar was sand out of shape and the sides of the quilted sapele veneer was being sand away. I knew I had to put my DIY skills into work again.

First thing I did was to dismantle everything and start with the most important part of the guitar, which is the neck. The dings were actually quite extensive and so, I decided to just refinish the neck, to my all favorite hand rubbed Tru-Oil finish. I removed the dings via the steam with hot iron and sand down the raised grain method. After that, I proceed in removing all the clear coat for re-coating of the neck. The neck was being refinished with 4 coats of hand rubbed tru-oil (for guides of doing this please click here)and being buffed down with rubbing compound for that baby butt smooth satin feel.

The next thing to tackle was the body. I initially re-sculpted part of the body with AB Epoxu and repainted the body with a black burst to cover up the veneer which the previous owner sanded away. However, that didn't turn out too well as rattle can sprays can only get me that far. Not to mention, the humidity of Singapore prevents the paint from drying rock hard. At about the same time, someone was selling a RG520QS body in Jemsite, condition almost intact save a few minor paint chips. After thinking about it, I decided that buying that body is way worth it than redoing up the current one, which I kind of hated. So, I bought the body, had it shipped all the way from United States to Singapore and began assembling the guitar.

At about the same time, I bought the neck pickup, Seymour Duncan Jazz from my local Seymour Duncan distributor, Davis GMC. The guitar was then quick assembled with all the hardware installed. I've also added a push pull coil tap pot for more tonal versatility. Mahogany and split humbucker actually gives of a pretty nice twang. The pickups being Alnico 5 based, is less hot compared to Dimarzio Evolutions ans is a tad bit too much on the highs. I've always been a lover of Ceramic based Pickups but this guitar gives me the option of a different tone on different days.

The neck, which is a Super Wizard neck measures 17mm on the first fret and 19mm on the 12th fret with a flat radius of 430mm and sports a Bulbinga stripe which isn't there for cosmetic reasons. It acts as a separate piece of hardwood to counteract the neck tension, therefore making it more resistance to neck warping. The thin profile of this guitar coupled with the flat radius of the fretboard makes shredding really easy. The action is set to a super sick action of 1mm on the 12 fret allowing players the lightest touch possible next to a scalloped neck. Due to the flat radius, players are also able to do high note bending effortlessly without choking the notes halfway.

The guitar got it's name "傷(Kizu)" mainly because the amount of scars it went through before I refinished it to a condition I am satisfied with. "傷(Kizu)" simply means scar in Japanese. In addition to the Seymour Duncan Customs and Jazz pickups, the guitar is also equipped with the Orange Drop and Treble Bleed mod.

Ibanez RG520QS "傷(Kizu)" Specs neck type: 3pc Made in Japan Super Wizard neck with Bulbinga Stipe fingerboard: Rosewood with dot inlay body: Transparent Rootbeer Mahogany body with Quilt Salepe Veneer fret: Jumbo frets bridge: Ibanez Original Edge Bridge neck pu: Seymour Duncan Jazz bridge pu: Seymour Duncan Customs Neck Specs Scale: 648mm/25.5" a : Width at Nut 43mm b : Width at Last Fret 54mm c: Thickness at 1st 17mm d : Thickness at 12th 19mm Radius: 430mmR

Seymour Duncan Jazz Neo classical by Adrian Goh

SCANDAL Asia Tour 2011 “Baby Action” in Singapore

For all you JPOP fans out there, Scandal is coming to Singapore to promote their third album "Baby Action" launch later this month. Details are as follows:



Date：2011 September 16 & 17

Time：Open 19:00 / Start 20:00

Venue： La Salle Singapore Airlines Theatre (La Salle College of Arts)

Ticket price：S$90 Stalls / S$75 Circle (Free Seating; For September 16 only)

For information can be found here

Versailles Concert Spoils of War

My friends just came back from the Japanese Visual Kei band, "Versailles (ベルサイユ)" last Saturday and check out what he got for me as a souvenir. Thank you J and HY. Appreciate it. Meanwhile, for the rest of my reader, check out the limited edition Hizaki　(ヒザキ) pick.

New sound samples for "Malmsteen" and "Frankenstien"

After finally getting a bare basic recording setup, I've finally gotten around in recording some sound samples for some of my guitars. So far I've only managed 2 which are "Malmsteen" and "Frankenstein. Both samples are direct guitar to my Marshall mini-stack, set at full gain with all EQ flat. The samples are Yngwie Malmsteen's Neo Classical lick. Please excuse my sloppy playing and thank you for listening.

Ibanez Floral RG550 "紅花姫(Benihanahime)"

"紅花姫(Benihanahime)" is one of my biggest project that I have even attempted on. When I first bought this guitar, it was in total unplayable condition. I got this guitar, thinking it was a great deal and already having ideas on what to do with it, I bought the guitar home from this Grandpa rocker. The guitar originally came badly repainted (Think ordinary rattle can spray over existing finish with dings) in metallic red. I wanted another Floral guitar and so, in my mind, I was thinking of making this into a Red Floral project. My main decision in buying the guitar was due to the fact that I've always wanted a square heel block neck join Ibanez, the original Wizard neck and the Original Edge bridge. Those are the specs for some of my favorite guitars.

After bringing the guitar back home, I began sanding the guitar and quickly realized that rattle can spray paints that was applied too thick a layer cannot be sanded at all. So I proceed in using the paint stripper (a process which I actually hate as it stings the skin) to strip off the paint.

Next, I had to apply the material finish on the guitar, which was a piece of cloth with Japanese prints. I am a fan of Japanese floral designs which explains the main reason of me choosing this. So there I begin again, with my DIY bug getting the better of me with the drive to create a RG550 unique only to myself. Behold!

As I already had experience with floral finish on my previous "Frankenstein", this project was suppose to be somewhat simpler to do, or so I thought. I did the mistake of spraying over existing nitrocellulose based clear with acrylic based clear. So what happened was that the clear coat immediately shriveled up. So, I had to remove the existing finish and the material and start from step one again.

Meanwhile, I've also decided that I wanted some "Vine of life" inlay with matching headstock. I went ahead and got myself some Dotbuster abalone inlay sticker and clear coated over the fretboard with Matt finish lacquer. I figured that since it is a maple fretboard, I probably won't need to maintain it with oil and such. Coincidentally, the existing finish on the maple fretboard has been played till the point of the lacquer wearing out. So the neck was crying out for a refinish. Since I had extra of the cloth that I used for the body, I proceed in refinishing the headstock with the material. To keep it Ibanez, I added a chrome Ibanez decal over the finish.

After all the hardwork, the guitar is finally finished. Although the main horror of it is to realize that the neck actually needed shimming and after shimming, I had to file down the upper frets just to prevent the notes choking.

I took out the existing Dimarzio Evolutions from my "Frankenstein" and fitted them into a mirror red pickguard, installing it onto the guitar. This guitar also has a push pull coil tab knob for single coil tones. This gives the guitar both versatility and lots of tonal variation. Evolutions although mid bass dominant and hot, actually sings beautifully coupled with the Basswood body.

The original Super Wizard neck measures 17mm on the first fret and 19mm on the 12th fret with a flat radius of 430mm. This thin profile coupled with the flat radius makes playing really effortless. Due to the fret leveling, the guitar is also able to achieve the super sick low action or 1mm on the 12th fret, which I highly desire for all my guitars. This ensures that the player only need to touch while fretting, instead of spending effort to fret.

The guitar got it's name from the fact that it is a Red Floral RG550. "紅花姫(Benihanahime)" just simply means "Red Flower Princess" in Japanese. All and all, I am pretty satisfied with the end product of the guitar, even though it is not as perfect as I would have hoped. The feel of the guitar however is great, especially for a 20+ year old guitar.

Ibanez Floral RG550 "紅花姫(Benihanahime)" Specs neck type: 3pc Made in Japan Original Wizard neck fingerboard: Maple with "Vine of life" decal inlays body: Basswood with Floral Material finish. fret: Jumbo frets bridge: Ibanez Original Edge Bridge neck pu: Dimazio Evolution Neck middle pu: Dimarzio FS-1 bridge pu: Dimazio Evolution Bridge Neck Specs Scale: 648mm/25.5" a : Width at Nut 43mm b : Width at Last Fret 56mm c: Thickness at 1st 17mm d : Thickness at 12th 19mm Radius: 430mmR

Dimarzio Evolution Neck
Benihanahime neo classical by Adrian Goh

Dimarzio Evolution Bridge
Benihanahime Over the hills and far away by Adrian Goh

Dimarzio Evolution Neck Clean
Benihanahime F caruli Etude in C Major by Adrian Goh