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!