Hardwires = true bypass

Hardwire pedals are usually mistaken to be buffered bypass. This is because it is built like Boss pedals and others of similar structure. Boss pedals are not true bypass, but I supposed everyone knows that. Another reason is Hardwire do not feature the normal true bypass switch like this.

Something different for Hardwire pedals from other true bypass pedals is that you can choose whether you like it to be true bypass or not. 

(This isn't my photo)

If you open up the battery compartment of a Hardwire, you will see a switch at the lower left corner of it. There is your true bypass switch. 

Striking resemblance (Episode 3)

This is Biyang Metal-End. 

And here is its brother from another father, Akai Deluxe Distortion.

Both pedals has the same features. 4-band EQ, Amp Simulator, High-cut and the Mode switch. They even have that steel chassis (which could serve as a mirror). The only differences are that Akai pedals are more 'pimped' compared to Biyang and they come in different names. These two distortions aren't the only case of 'striking resemblance' between these two brands.

The bullseye

The title might give you a hint of what I am trying to talk about. Indeed, it is about Zakk Wylde. If you are a loyal fan of Wylde and wanted a guitar like him, Swee Lee has an Epiphone version of his signature guitar.

The models available are both Custom Plus. The Camo version comes with a maple fretboard, which is something you don't normally see on a Les Paul. Both comes with EMG-81 and 85 unlike the Buzzsaw version: it comes with passive EMGs. 

Go LP with Swing

Swing's LP-shaped guitar, Classic II. I always see them in the product list at Swing's website and finally it's in SV. 

I have yet to try it and I've only seen it in photos. There are 4 choices of colour altogether. It is priced at $640. More expensive than the Rally GL300/400 but it is still cheaper than an Epiphone LP Standard Top Plus. Some may find it rather expensive (compared to Rally) but I believe you are not paying that price for nothing. I am sure Swing's craftsmanship is worth paying that amount. 

What I am more interested in is  Swing Korina-X.

It is in satin black finish but looks aren't what I really care. I just need more exposure to korina guitars. I have so far only tried 3 guitars made of korina.

Cioks DC10 and PT2 Issue

I had a friend who just got a Cioks DC10 and when he tried to fit beneath his Pedaltrain PT2. Normally, this shouldn't be a problem for PT Pro but for any other Pedaltrains, U will find the whole board pivoting on the DC10 instead. Mounting it on top of the board is easy however it is very space-consuming.  

There are many ways to make the DC10 fit beneath the board though. 

1. Cut off some part of the rail like what this picture suggest.

The owner cut of part of the rail so that he can mount the DC10. This is definitely the solution but the task is difficult if you don't have the appropriate tool to cut it.

2. Replace the feets of Pedaltrain with a higher ones.

A much simpler solution. Cioks sells these feets in their DC10 mounting kit. Pedaltrains are more Voodoo Lab friendly. 

Or you could just wait for DC8/AC8. They will fit in the board according to the manufacturer. 

Syn's special inlay

I am not sure how many people listen to Avenged Sevenfold (A7x). Here is something I've spotted from their MV for the song 'So far away'. It is a song written my Synyster Gates to commemorate the passing of James Owen Sullivan (aka The Rev). So many of the things featured in the MV are for The Rev, even the inlays.

The signature inlays of Syn gates would be the Death Bat and the words S.Y.N. But this time, it is R.E.V instead. Now, I just spotted that a few days ago. I hardly watch MVs, which is why I never notice it.

This is also one of the first songs which Syn Gates actually made a breakthrough. 

Go wireless

AKG wireless transmitters are now available at SV guitars

These are just a few items which they had updated on their web. Anyone who have any experience with AKG headphones would probably know that AKG stuffs are quality stuffs. Their headphones can buy you are Rally GL300.

Ernie Ball Coated Slinky? Not for me

My Squier is currently strung with a set of Ernie Ball Coated Slinky (Gauge 9). After 5 rounds of playing my Squier, I've concluded that Ernie Ball isn't the string for me.

Here are my personal opinion on this set of strings.

Good

It is very nice to bend. Usually for strings with 9 gauge, I tend to over-bend them since I'm too accustomed to the normal gauge 10 on my Fernandes. However, I don't seem to have any problem bending on my Squier with this set of strings. It could be me having more control over gauge 9 or could be this set of strings doing magic. The titanium reinforced technology isn't a bluff as well. At least the strings do not break at the ball end (like the Gallistrings did last time).

Bad

I've got very sweaty palms. I could rust a set uncoated strings in 2-3 plays. There are ways to solve this sweaty palms problem like using certain lotion but I can't be bothered to buy it and apply it on my hand every time I am to play guitar. Though I've never used it, 'lotion' implies that they will be sticky feeling. 

So what I would look for in a set of coated strings is simply this: long-lasting. This coated Slinky set started rusting after 5 plays of 1.5 hour each round. With one set costing me $15 each, this is definitely not going to work for me. After all, I am just a JC student and not an working adult.

Conclusion

I should stick back to GHS coated Boomers. It is so far the long-lasting strings. Of course, I'm not saying GHS strings has the best feel but what I am looking for in a set of string is how long they can last. They are also the cheapest coated strings I've seen so far.

The "Reflex".

While my friend was busy getting his Apogee One, I was busy with this guy. Musicman Reflex. The picture shows a rosewood fretboard. What I tried was a maple version of this.

The first impression I got from playing this is 'it feels like the '72 Deluxe Telecaster. The '72 deluxe sports a maple fretboard just like this one. The chambered body of reflex gives it a very pleasant tone. Reflex's main feature is its various pickup configuration. You have a 5-way pickup selector and you have a toggle switch to choose between a series or a parallel circuit.

Something to take note: What I tried is a Musicman Reflex guitar and not the Game changer, which has far more sophisticated controls.

Available @ Sinamex.

Digitech @ SV

Digitech effects are now available at SVGuitars.

They do not have a whole range of Digitech pedals such as the stompboxes but there are Digitech RP-series multi-efx available at a very tempting price. HERE IS THE LIST OF RP-SERIES THEY HAVE.
And guess what, they also have the famous Whammy DT.

One of its famous feature is the drop tune feature. Choose how many steps you want to shift down or up and there, you get your drop tuning without messing with the tuner. Quite a neat pedal for those with Floyd rose bridges. For those with a very tight budget, Whammy DT is out of the league. ($510)