"Fender and Dave Murray have collaborated on yet another ferocious signature model for the longtime Iron Maiden guitarist. The Dave Murray California Series Stratocaster is inspired by Murray’s longtime onstage go-to guitar, combining time-honored Strat tradition with the modern roar of three Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups, the fast feel of a compound-radius fingerboard, and the high performance reliability of a Floyd Rose bridge and nut. Available February 17, 2015."
Fender Dave Murray California Series Stratocaster
First impression is just WOWW! This axe right here is exactly what Dave Murray would play in every live videos I saw him in.
The triple single sized humbuckers, the Floyd Rose (Eventhough I hate them but I don't mind to have this model), the burst finish, the pearloid pickguard and the fact that it's a Fender Strat really had me sold. I have been a Fender guy since the first I held an electric guitar. I had others but still come back for these. To date, I have about 5 strats, 2 teles and an Ibanez RG.
Previous Fender Dave Murray Signature Stratocaster
This new model right here really adds on to the 70's metal vibe with the pickup configuration, the Floyd and the finishing. Don't get me wrong. I still like the earlier model but this right here is the real thing. Has this classic look but for sure built to blow your face off! So, which do you prefer?
On a side note:
I remembered this photo of him with an ESP - Should have went for this scheme IMO. Combination of both models.
So, after posting about the new GAS I was having yesterday. It reminded me of an avid PRS guitar player, Emil Werstler. He is the guitarist for Dååth and I started to know this band when they released "The Hinderers" back in 2007. I heard the song "Subterfuge" on an online metal radio back then and it was effin brutal and genius! So I researched about the band and started following them.
Then, in 2009 they released "The Concealers" with their new frontman Sean Zatorsky. It was by then I realized that the frontman looks familiar and he was indeed the keybordist for Chimaira and Werstler was their bassist (Now guitarist).
Seen here is Werstler with a PRS Bass
So, back to why Emil Werstler is the Guitar God of the Month is thanks to the album "The Concealers". This is when I really appreciate the riffs and multiple tones used in songs. His playing (and also not forgetting Eyal Levi's) really shined and made me just sit there with jaw dropped in awe. Really awesome and genius compositions. They (Werstler & Levi) had so much ideas that they came up with an album of their (Maybe excessive) riffs "Levi/Werstler – Avalanche Of Worms" in 2010.
Emil Werstler with his PRS & Eyal Levi with his Ibanez Iceman
Emil Werstler is also a part time teacher and also an instructor. You can find a lot of his tutorials on Youtube and all over the web. If you happen to see his interviews he is a humble guy with vast knowledge in music. His knowledge allows him to create music at another level where he combines metal and jazz. You can really hear this from the scales he used and the kick ass riffs he comes up with. Also the fact that he uses a semi hollow instrument just blows your mind out.
Seen here with a hollow body PRS
So, to wrap it all up. Emil Werstler is not your average metal guitarist who shred his way to every songs. He can just play and interval and turn it into a metal riff. He is the true evidence that it is not all about the wall of mesa, the pointy guitars, the hot pickups and all that is high gain. It is all in the PLAYER!
Features unique to the Mark Holcomb Custom 24 include a 25.5" scale
length rock maple neck with ebony fretboard and 20" radius, satin
finish, a newly designed PRS plate–style bridge, green abalone "J"
birds, black Hipshot O–ring controls, and the guitarist’s signature
Seymour Duncan "Alpha" and "Omega" pickups. Holcomb designed these
pickups to be captivatingly clear and punchy – perfect for driving the
Periphery sound. As with all Custom 24 models, the Holcomb Custom 24
also comes standard with a carved, figured maple "10" Top, mahogany
back, 24 fret Pattern Thin neck, PRS Phase III locking tuners, and
volume, tone, 5–way blade switch control layout.
What I have to say about the band, the man and the axe:
I started listen to Periphery around 2 years ago and they are a bunch of guys who knows what they want and knows exactly what to do. I consider these guys as those who grew up and listens to bands like I did because we fall in the same category in terms of generation. They have this distinct and unique riffs and compositions to their sound. This may be because they have three guitarist in the band. Although they are well-known of a certain "Djent" genre still whatever genre that managed to make my head nod in agreement (and also because of the groove) is going into my playlist.
Holcomb only joined the band in October, 2011 and basically the first time I listened to the band was when Holcomb already joined the band. I don't know much about the guy but I only knew him when he introduced his signature Pro Tone Pedals Signature Delay Pedal - The Haunted Delay. I saw he demoed the pedal and played this crazy ambient riffs which left me drooling on such creativity (See youtube video below).
Ok. As usual I just can't stop my awful rants. So, let's go to the main reason for the post and stop the bullcrap shall we? I'm gonna go straight to the pictures since the specs are mentioned earlier.
Figured Maple with Satin Mahogany Black Finish creating an Eerie Vibe to the AXE
Equipped with Seymour Duncan "Alpha" & "Omega" Pickups
25.5" Scale Length with the traditional PRS "J Birds" Inlay
Hipshot O-Ring Knobs
PRS Fixed Bridge in Nickel Finish
Holcomb is man who knows what to expect from an axe. I love how it came together and the fusion of traditional and modern instrument made this an all round awesome guitar (at least it is to me). I may have a huge GAS because of the cosmetic value but I truly believe that this axe would probably kill any high end fit for metal axes in its category.
It has been 3 years since my last post and it feels like I need to start writing again and here goes the BLOG RESURRECTION!! It has been a long time and I have many NGDs to share and news and also updates. So, let the awful rants begin!!
Last weekend I was out and went to a music academy in Kuching and they were having this Sale. I wanted to just see around the place and see what do they have to offer. They were selling a variety of musical instrument ranging from violins to drum kits and they even sell bagpipes. So, I went to a section where effect pedals were sold and got my eyes on the BOSS effects. There were several pedals displayed and I decided to purchased the Overdrive / Distortion OS-2 (It was dirt cheap) with the help of my lovely girlfriend (Thanks Baby). Here are the pictures:
The Unboxing
The OS-2
Here's my thought on the pedal it built like a tank (Obviously it's a BOSS) and was made in Taiwan. No adapter included but there's an optional 9v battery power supply. Soundwise, it's easy to find your sound because of the choices of knobs. You can adjust the level of volume, the tone, how much drive you want and also the last knob is to choose between using the overdrive or the distortion sound. Very easy to use and tweak.The only downside is that it may sound brittle on certain levels but I think it's my crappy cable. Overall, I would give this pedal an 8.5 over 10.
Since, this is my first pedal I would have to get myself a proper strap and I'm eyeing for the DiMarzio Clipslock or a good padded one which would cost the same OR maybe to continue on my long delayed projects. See how things go and that is all folks. GAS cured for now. See ya in the next entry.
I have always wanted a 7 string guitar since i dunno when. I guess the GAS started when I was younger listening to Nevermore, Dream Theater and KoЯn. I never knew they were using 7 string guitars (because of the lack of sources in the country and also none of the people around me are also aware of this) I think it started only around i think end of 90's that I started to hear about 7 strings and I remember watching an VHS in '98 a video about KoЯn (I think it was called Who Then Now) and I paused on some angle where I would count the tuning pegs of their guitars. So, I only started playing guitar when I was 13 and then only got my 1st electric guitar years later. So, a 7 string guitar is a no no because it is hard to find and to have it ordered would cost a lot more. I remember some local bands started to use 7 string during local gigs and I was so frustrated (or maybe jealous) because I can't afford that. My 1st guitar was a tele which is the Squier Telecaster Custom and funnily the 1st thing you owned kinda affect your decision afterwards. I remember GASSING crazily about Ibanez 7 string guitars and even when trying to find my 1st guitar I was looking for an Ibanez and what affect my decision? My dad. I tried out several RGs and decided to get the RG27SP (2004 Limited)
Ibanez RG27SP
but then my dad told me "But, that's not a Fender". So, I went and tried out several Fenders and Squiers and finally settled with the Tele. The reason I'm writing about this is until now I never stop GASSING for a TELECASTER or a STRATOCASTER or in other way a traditional shape guitar by Fender. I was looking around in the internet sometime ago and realizes that Squier did produce their own 7 string and till now I'm trying to look around for the SQUIER STRATOCASTER VII
Let me make it clear why this is kinda like my total 7 string GAS. 1st is it features the traditional strat shape. 2nd is it's gonna be modified and with specs like this it will totally be a piece of cake. 3rd is it features a hardtail bridge. 4th is it's damn cheap but still top notch quality. I never liked tremolo because of the inconveniences in tuning, string change, and without double locking and locking tuners it'll get out of tune like a bitch. Don't get me wrong I do still have other GAS towards other 7 string guitars. But this one is gonna be on top of the list. Below are others that I would love to have but would definitely burn a darn big hole in my pocket.
ESP Stef T-7 (Sexy Tele Shape)
Schecter Chris Garza (Again Tele Shape)
Ibanez UV7BK (This one I don't have to explain)
Ibanez APEX100 (It has the Strat vibe to it and has Dimarzio pups PERIOD)
Agile T-7 (It's affordable but stupidly not available for Malaysian Market)
On Thursday, Aug. 2, Lamb of God's vocalist Randy Blythe was released from a Czech prison after being incarcerated for five weeks on charges of manslaughter stemming from a 2010 incident. Blythe was accused of contributing to the death of a 19-year-old fan who was allegedly tossed from the stage at a Lamb of God concert.
After participating in a TV interview at the Czech airport on Friday, and after posting a picture of himself with a fan who greeted him upon his return to the States, Randy has now issued his first official statement since he left prison. In it, he thanks his fans and family for their support, talks about his time in prison, vows to return to Prague to face a trial on the charges and expresses sympathy toward the deceased fan and his family.
Below is Randy Blythe’s official statement:
Greetings. This is D. Randall Blythe, checking in from my beloved hometown of Richmond, VA, United States of America. I was recently released on bail from Pankrác Prison in Prague, Czech Republic, after over a month of incarceration. Now that I am out for the moment, I would like to say a few things.
1. While in prison, I had minimal knowledge of how my case was viewed anywhere but the Czech Republic. I was told by my attorney that I had a lot support from peers in the music industry, my hometown, fans, and of course my family. I cannot express how emotional it made me upon my release to read about even a fraction of the voices that were raised on my behalf. From legends in my music community, to fans across the world, and even people who were previously unaware of my existence but sympathized with my plight- I am truly humbled. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. I would especially like to thank the people of Richmond, VA, for standing by me. In the 48 hours I have been home, many people I have never met before have stopped me on the street, waved and smiled as I passed by, or said hello in a restaurant. All have said “We are glad you are home, Randy”. You all make me proud and grateful that I call Richmond home.
2. I would like state that I suffered no abuse, from either authorities or inmates, during my incarceration in Pankrác. I received no special treatment, and was in general population with everyone else- make no mistake, it was prison, not some celebrity rehab tv show. But I was treated fairly by the guards and kindly by my fellow inmates. People are dying of starvation all over the world. Men and women are losing their lives daily in the Middle East and other war torn regions. I had food, clothes, shelter, and no one was trying to kill me. I cannot complain over a short stay in prison while many people elsewhere fight to survive on a daily basis.
3. If it is deemed necessary for me to do so, I WILL return to Prague to stand trial. While I maintain my innocence 100%, and will do so steadfastly, I will NOT hide in the United States, safe from extradition and possible prosecution. As I write this, the family of a fan of my band suffers through the indescribably tragic loss of their child. They have to deal with constantly varying media reports about the circumstances surrounding his death. I am charged with maliciously causing severe bodily harm to this young man, resulting in his death. While I consider the charge leveled against me ludicrous and without qualification, my opinion makes no difference in this matter. The charge exists, and for the family of this young man, questions remain. The worst possible pain remains. It is fairly common knowledge amongst fans of my band that I once lost a child as well. I, unfortunately, am intimately familiar with what their pain is like. Therefore, I know all too well that in their time of grief, this family needs and deserves some real answers, not a media explosion followed by the accused killer of their son hiding like a coward thousands of miles away while they suffer. I am a man. I was raised to face my problems head on, not run from them like a petulant child. I hope that justice is done, and the family of Daniel N. will receive the closure they undoubtably need to facilitate healing. I feel VERY STRONGLY that as an adult, it would be both irresponsible and immoral for me not to return to Prague if I am summoned. This is not about bail money. This is about a young man who lost his life. I will act with honor, and I will fight to clear my good name in this matter. Thank you for reading this, and I wish you all peace.
