New Gear - BOSS Overdrive / Distortion OS-2

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.

7 String GAS!!

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)

Randy Blythe is Free!!

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.

Framus Custom Shop for Mr. Townsend

Went through the Framus site and then featured in the "Custom Shop Gallery" is the latest custom made Singlecut Framus for Devin Townsend or else known as HevyDevy. I am honestly a follower of Devin and I seriously love his work. Ranging from Strapping Young Lad to The Devin Townsend Project. Frequently known with his unique techniques and tunings (CGCGCE in most of his songs or GCGCGCE when he uses a 7 string). Let's get back to the new Framus Custom Shop that is feature on the site shall we.

Bright blue LEDs for inlays (12th fret is the band's logo). 3A Flamed Maple body with 1" Birdeye Poplar top with Nirvana Black Stone Bleached finish (I seriously dunno what that is but no matter what that is I DO WANT!!. But wait, there's more.. Wait till you see the back

Flamed Maple with black finish and yeah the neck is Neck Trough. I really love this look. But, unfortunately people, the axe is not available commercially. So the closest that you can get to it is when you go to see Devin live. Errk.

And... to continue your heartache is this beautiful Custom Mayfield Double Cut guitar from Framus for Devin (AGAIN!!). I came across this axe few months back and think to myself "what a genius creation!!". Again with Flame Maple body but with White Finish this time and Bigsby!! Not for metal you say?? Devin begs to differ.

Yeap.. A Bigsby boys and girls..

I am a bit confused on Devin's preferences for his axes. He has been changing brands since i dunno when and now he is involved a lot with Framus despite having a signature 7 from Peavey (Pic below)

But those who have been following Devin since the SYL era knows that he has this ESP Tele. Custom Shop, 1 piece Alder body, 1 piece Maple neck, medium frets, EMG81/81, Vintage White finish with White binding (Dunno what's the purpose of white on white but he did it cos HE CAN).

Overall, I love the looks and specs of the Framus and obviously if it is for sale you damn well know how it can punch the hole in your pocket but since I am more of a traditional person and loves simplicity I would no doubt pick the ESP anytime, any day. Try listening to SYL and The Devin Townsend Project. You won't regret it : )  Cheers.

INGINKU REJAM RAKSASA KEJAM Tour

Local Hardcore Punk band Carburetor Dung is going to pay a full weekend visit to Sabah and Sarawak. With the theme of the tour being "INGINKU REJAM RAKSASA KEJAM" translated as "TO STONE THE SAVAGE BEAST". So, to those Old Skool gig goers and 90's metal listeners let's show them that the fire that is still burning!!

Axe-Claimation!!

This was supposed to be a site for a service I provided before but since I finally realized I'm still a noob in that so I decided just to blog about what I always and could never stop to do.. GASSING (GAS = Guitar acquisition Syndrome). It's what in the musicians' world address those guitarists that are wanting more and more (even tho sometimes they don't even need them or in my case afford them). I will try to talk about the findings I get from the internet especially ebay and guitar companies updates on their new and latest products and also from any guitar stores i go. I will also be blogging about my guitar projects cause I have alot in mind and lots and lots of guitar parts. So that would be it for now.

So, first blog will be about my very 1st baby. Not my 1st guitar tho because my dad used to have a Kramer 600ST and gave it to me in the 90's but sold it off because I was more in drums and he mainly plays acoustics which I am now seriously feel so stupid for letting it go.It looked something like the one below but in a more metallic purple-ish color (think hair metal)

Okay I'm a bit off now so let's get back to my main and favorite axe which is the Squier Telecaster Custom in Black. Why my favorite? 2 words Maple fretboard. Don't get me wrong, I love other fretboards too but I am attracted more to Maple. It is kinda like the marriage of the traditional looks of tele with a modern vibe guitar with 2 humbucker pups.

It is relatively heavy in weight but not as heavy as a Les Paul. I did a side-by-side comparison to an Ibanez RGA42 with actives pups and surprisingly this tele won over the ibby in both clean and dirty category. The cleans on this axe is twangy with a lil bit crispy side whereby the dirty tones are heavy maybe because of the Agathis wood used (which some says a relative of Mahogany) that produces a darker sound compared to Alder. For now everything is stock and I was thinking to change all of the hardwares to black but I dunno bout now. Definitely I'm gonna change the pups because they can get very harsh with dirty channel. So yah for now this is my 2cents of the day. I'm out of juice (furthermore it's Friday and it's almost 5pm) so let's continue another day.