Inspired By Gibson Custom: Is the Epiphone 1957 Gold Top Really a One-and-Done Guitar?
What do red wine, dark purple, and terracotta have in common? They are the "colors" I hear when plugging in the new Epiphone IGC 1957 Les Paul Gold Top. With "yummy, creamy" Gibson Custombuckers and a chunky neck that’ll make any fat-neck lover swoon, this B-stock find proved that you don't need to spend 5k to get sustain galore. Here is my deep dive into why this guitar is a keeper for the collection.
Why You Secretly Want This Squier
Before Squier became known as the "budget" brand, it was Fender’s secret weapon against the Japanese market. In my 21 years as a guitar tech, I’ve only seen a handful of these "Patient Zero" models. From the famous Fujigen factory to the legendary JV serial numbers, here is why that old Squier in your closet might actually be a €1,000 professional-grade masterpiece.
The Best Decision Fender Has Made Recently: Vintera II Road Worn Series Review.
It's priced at 1549€ and is already sold out. We take a critical look at the new Fender Vintera II Road Worn Series and debate whether the extra cost for a Mexican-made guitar is justified. Spoiler: It is. We dissect the sticky neck, the standardized relic-ing, and why the 'Made in America' superiority argument just doesn't hold up when this much quality comes straight from the Mexican factory.
The Squier Jazzmaster 40th Anniversary Vintage: Glorified or Not?
Generally, when people talk about these Squiers, they tend to say this is the best bang for the buck, you can’t get any better guitar for this money, in this budget there's just no match. That's all good, but it seems that the guitar is always compared to its price, how good it is in relation to its price, and rarely is it considered as a guitar on its own, for its own merits.
…and The Japanese Jazzmaster
Is it true that Fender Japan makes the best guitars? I put that claim to the test by reviewing the Fender MIJ Trad II late '60s Jazzmaster. Read on to find out if this sought-after guitar lives up to the hype.
Old vs New J Mascis Jazzmaster: What the Hell Changed?
Two Squier JMJM Jazzmasters — one old, one new. Everyone says the old one’s better. Rosewood this, vintage that. But fuck the hype — I played both, and only one of them made the amp wake the fuck up. Here’s the truth, no fluff.