Andy Ferris is The Guitar Geek. Youtuber, Guitar Gear Reviewer and Musician.
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Hi, I’m Andy Ferris a YouTuberGuitaristSingerSongwriterCreator
I'm Andy the Guitar Geek! You'll know me me from YouTube, where I review, demo, mod and make tutorials on all things guitar. With over 120K subscribers, I guess I'm kind of a big deal (just kidding, I'm still a dorky guitar nerd at heart).
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Who is The Guitar Geek?
About Me
Andy Ferris AKA The Guitar Geek is a British guitarist and YouTuber, is recognizable for his distinctive Afro, glasses, and quirky sense of humor. With over 120,000 dedicated subscribers, his channel is a hub for gear reviews, gear news, artist interviews, and more, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the industry. Andy was voted as the fifth-best online guitar personality of 2022.
The Quirky Comeback: A Foray into This Week’s Unstoppable Guitar Gear – TWIG 58
Prepare to get a serious case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) because this week’s gear releases are nothing short of bonkers! It’s like the 80s called and said, “Hey, remember us?” Well, Gibson and Ibanez certainly do. With a sprinkle of new budget-friendly brands joining the fray, we’re in for a wild ride. What in the big hair and spandex is going on? Let’s dive in!
Gibson’s Retro Revival
First up, we have Gibson bringing back a guitar from the 80s. Yes, you heard me right! It’s like they’ve taken a time machine back to the decade of neon spandex and questionable hairstyles. But this isn’t just any guitar; it’s the Gibson Victory line, a quirky super strat that flopped harder than a bad audition on a talent show.
Originally released in the 80s, the Victory was quietly brushed aside, but now it’s back with a vengeance! They’ve even changed the headstock to resemble an Explorer more than a Firebird. Honestly, I think they missed a golden opportunity to embrace that quirky vibe. If you’re going to do it, why not go all in?
Ibanez’s Extravagance
Next on the list is Ibanez, who are also feeling nostalgic. They’ve announced the limited edition Ibanez JEM 77 WFP, which is about as extravagant as it gets. Priced at a staggering twenty-three thousand notes, this guitar comes with a book that documents over a hundred of Steve Vai’s iconic guitars. So, technically, you’re buying a book that comes with a free guitar. How very posh!
Now, before you spit out your tea in disbelief, let me clarify: only fifteen of these beauties are being made, and the first has already been snagged by none other than Steve Vai himself. This is not a guitar for the common folk; it’s for collectors with deep pockets who probably have more guitars than they know what to do with.
Corey Wong’s Funky Footwear
Shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about a new pedal that’s caught my eye: the Wong Press. Teaming up with Hot Tone, Corey Wong has crafted a four-in-one rocker pedal that combines volume, expression, wah, and a delightful mash-up of volume and wah. It’s a bit like a Swiss Army knife for your pedalboard!
Not only does it have multiple functionalities, but it also boasts a compact footprint—ideal for those of us who are struggling to fit our ever-growing collection of pedals into a single case. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good wah pedal? It’s perfect for hiding those less-than-stellar pentatonic licks!
Spira Guitars: The New Kid on the Block
Now, let’s not forget about the new budget guitar brand, Spira Guitars. A sister brand to Jet Guitars, Spira is aiming to cater to modern metalheads without breaking the bank. Their motto? High performance and sleek aesthetics—sounds promising, right?
With models starting around three hundred and twenty-nine euros, these guitars are all about delivering value for money while still looking the part. They feature locking tuners and custom-made pickups, which should make them quite the chug machines for the budget-conscious guitarist.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, folks! This week has been a rollercoaster of nostalgia, quirky designs, and a touch of absurdity. Whether you’re eyeing that Gibson Victory or the extravagant Ibanez GEM, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re on the lookout for a budget option, Spira Guitars might just be the ticket.
Remember, you don’t need to buy any of this gear to sound good, but if you’ve got the itch, who am I to stop you? Go on, treat yourself. After all, you only live once! Cheers!
Oliver Mahogany Live Guitar by Orangewood: A Surprisingly Phenomenal Acoustic Experience
Introduction
Orangewood’s Oliver Mahogany Live guitar is turning heads in the music industry, thanks to its exceptional quality and affordability. In this review, we take a closer look at this direct-to-consumer gem, exploring its unboxing experience, build quality, sound performance, and overall value for money. Prepare to be impressed by the surprising features this guitar has to offer.
Unboxing and Build Quality: The video begins with the unboxing process, showcasing how the Oliver Mahogany Live arrives securely packaged. The guitar comes in a soft padded bag, which not only provides ample protection but also features sturdy straps. Inside the bag, a small pocket reveals some additional goodies—a truss rod adjustment Allen key and a stick-on pickguard. The presenter notes that the pickguard may initially seem cheap, but upon closer inspection, it turns out to be a suitable addition to the guitar’s aesthetic.
As the guitar is unveiled, its stunning deep brown-red finish catches the eye. The build quality is exceptional, with no noticeable flaws or rough edges. The neck is smooth, and the fretwork is impeccable. The Oliver Mahogany Live exudes a vintage charm, giving the impression of a well-aged instrument found in an attic.
Sound Performance: Tuning the guitar reveals an astonishing fact—it arrived in tune despite traveling from California to Austria. The video proceeds to showcase the guitar’s sound performance using both a microphone setup and the built-in Fishman Sonitone EQ pickup system. The presenter strums and fingerpicks the guitar, highlighting its rich, full-bodied tone. The mahogany construction offers warmth and depth, while the Rosewood fretboard and bridge contribute to the overall sonic experience.
The guitar’s versatility shines through various playing styles and genres. Whether strumming chords or playing delicate fingerstyle melodies, the Oliver Mahogany Live delivers a consistent, pleasing sound. Notably, the guitar passes the Capo test flawlessly, maintaining its tuning integrity and pitch accuracy.
Value for Money: Considering its price point, the Oliver Mahogany Live offers incredible value for money. Priced at $295 (or $225 for the non-live version), it includes impressive features such as a solid mahogany top, Sapili layered mahogany sides and back, a mahogany neck with a scarf joint, a Fishman pickup system, and bone nut and saddle. The inclusion of quality components like these is typically uncommon in guitars of this price range.
While the guitar does exhibit minor imperfections in its finish, these are negligible compared to the overall exceptional build quality and playability it offers. The non-branded tuners with rubberized machine heads ensure stable tuning, making it suitable for live performances.
Conclusion: The Oliver Mahogany Live guitar by Orangewood is a remarkable instrument that surpasses expectations. Its impressive sound, reliable build quality, and affordability make it a standout option in the budget guitar market. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guitar will surprise you with its rich, warm tones and exceptional playability. With the added convenience of online purchasing and direct-to-consumer pricing, Orangewood has successfully made high-quality guitars accessible to musicians worldwide. The Oliver Mahogany Live is undoubtedly a solid choice for anyone seeking a versatile and affordable acoustic guitar that delivers outstanding performance.
Hey there, it’s me, Andy. In this review, I’m going to introduce you to an exciting new pedal, the Walrus Audio Fable Granular Soundscape Generator
As a musician and avid gear enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique and innovative tools to add to my setup. And let me tell you, the Fable definitely fits the bill. It’s a granular delay pedal that features five different custom programs, each with its own set of sonic possibilities.
But what really sets the Fable apart is its dual feedback path, developed by DSP engineers at Walrus Audio. With two DSP chips, the signal is run through two separate effects in series (independently controlled by the Feedback and Regen Knobs), then the signals are run back through both DSP chips again before going through the output. This creates an incredible range of sounds, from smooth, flowing ambience to chaotic, glitchy swarms.
The five custom programs include Reverse Delay into Reverse Granular, Forward Delay into Octave Up Granular, Analog Delay into Octave Down Granular, Multi-Tap Granular into Multi-Tap Granular (Grain-Verb), and Forward Delay into Randomized Pitch Granular. And the momentary features for adjusting modulation speed and time warping effect only add to the pedal’s versatility.
Not only is the Fable an impressive piece of gear, but it also looks great. The slate gray enclosure is adorned with white, black, cream, red, and orange ink with art by David Hüttner. And at 3.62” x 4.79” x 2.25” including knobs, it’s the perfect size for any pedalboard.
Overall, I’m blown away by the Fable Granular Soundscape Generator. It’s an incredibly powerful tool for any musician looking to add some unique textures and sounds to their music. And if you don’t believe me, just watch the video and hear it for yourself.
https://youtu.be/tqrZHmvbbWI
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