Compact Iconic

The good people at EVH had released a bedroom-friendly (size-wise) 5150 tone for the common folks - the 5150 Iconic 1x10 combo. Despite being accommodating to many indoor guitar players in search of a good tube tone without spending excessively, the driver here is a 10" unit. 

After years of playing real amps (not a plug-in fan), I'm of the opinion that 10" drivers are more appealing for cleans & bass tones. I guess driven tones thrive on something slightly bigger to supplement that driven / distorted signals. Then again, I might be tempted to invest in one if the price is right. Right might be wrong for some of us.

Pic: EVH

H&K to Thomann

The Hughes & Kettner brand had been acquired by Thomann. The German store now has an amp brand & in-house guitar brand (Harley Benton) to expand its reaches into the music community. Do you recall which store here brought in the H&K brand of amps? Clue: Store has ceased operations.

Pic: H&K

Tactics

Finally, we get to feel the Bacchus Japan quality here at Davis GMC. This Tactics24 ($1,350) model is from the Tune-up Series. Good appointments here but the pickups are in-house. Please take time to hear them in action before being dismissive. In my opinion, they are above expectations. Also, there's something about Japanese craftsmanship, regardless of the brand name, that makes them feel exclusive.

Pic: Deviser

Criss (2)

My effort to re-discover Criss Oliva. Took a while but very happy with these two initial purchases. More to come, of course.

 

Starmast

As anticipated, the Starmaster (Japan) is available here (Swee Lee: $2,199). It's a limited run affair so... there.

Pic: Fender

 

Vesak

A day of rest. A day to recuperate. A day to reflect on why life had been like this lately.