GEAR news 2005
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gargamelesp
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its at the singapore powers building. besides youth park
Praetorian
New member
wangdexian said:Hey Sub, you got any info on when the RGA models are coming in? Looks good...
Pardon me, but the RGA series looks strikingly similar to the Washburn CS780.
Speaking of which, I'd pay just to try that Washburn out. Its a real beauty. Sub... any reviews?
subversion
Moderator
the Marty Friedman clinic is at SP Audi @ Somerset Rd- SP being 'Singapore Powers', formerly known as P.U.B... alight @ Somerset MRT station, cross the road, it's the building beside Youth Park.
the Ibanez RGA is one of the few models which failed to make it here on the first shipment. the item was listed on the inventory list but physically, there were none. the RGA121 is gonna be my next Ibanez, definite acquisition...
the Ibanez RGA is one of the few models which failed to make it here on the first shipment. the item was listed on the inventory list but physically, there were none. the RGA121 is gonna be my next Ibanez, definite acquisition...
wangdexian
New member
I'll be waiting for the reviews then... the RGA321F is looking like a beauty! 8)
subversion
Moderator
i prefer the 121 because:
*flame top adds more to cost than to tone (at least with Ibanez...)
*i'm replacing the default humbuckers anyway, Dimarzio IBZ pickups wouldn't have made a big diff (to me anyway, tried them in other models, not impressed)
*flame top adds more to cost than to tone (at least with Ibanez...)
*i'm replacing the default humbuckers anyway, Dimarzio IBZ pickups wouldn't have made a big diff (to me anyway, tried them in other models, not impressed)
subversion
Moderator
Digitech Death Metal
List: $150
Digitech has taken over the DOD fx pedal production WEF late 2003, products only hit the shelves last year. In addition to new offerings, by the company (eg: The Weapon), there are re-issues of the popular DOD models of which the Death Metal pedal here, is an offering.
If you are after hard-edge distortion (ala BOSS’ Metal Zone), the DM pedal should be on your audition list. It offers you saturated distortion & nothing less. To drive the message home, no level control for the distortion intensity is offered. The user only has access to the overall output (volume) of the pedal & a 3-band EQ (Low/ Mid/ High) to sculpt your tone.
What you hear from this pedal is exactly what the label says: over-the-top distortion, even with a wimpy, humbucking guitar at the helm. In use, with the knobs at neutral settings (12-o-clock), the tone on offer was, surprisingly, a balanced one. This is definitely a one-up revision by Digitech because the discontinued DOD version was devoid of bass (despite having a ‘Bass’ knob…). Despite its malicious tag, I was able to trim the high end adequately to give a smooth drive, enough to appease fusion/ rock fans- no kidding. In fact, the polished top end sounded like there were Dimarzio pickups somewhere in the tone chain. This pedal adds enough girth to lifeless neck humbuckers, especially accentuating the individual notes up at the upper frets where they so often mud-out. Of course, the DM can appease scooped EQ fans any time. Turn the Mids down & it’s chug galore with more than sufficient bass response to reinforce your power chords. Thumbs up to the born-again Death Metal pedal, enough merits to sway one away from other black, metal-type distortion pedals (how many others can you think of?).
Digitech also made a revision to the battery access which, IMO is a demerit- you have to remove the entire top of the footswitch. This would have been a novel idea if not for the side release pin which was flushed into its cavity. How does one push it then? Get a pointed object like a pen, jab the pin with it & the top footswitch cover would come undone. Cumbersome. This design feature also leaves gaps between the footswitch cover & the pedal chassis so no immunity to dirt entrance (& moisture) is offered.
I have forgiven the battery access design oversight in favour of the good tones on offer. It’s a genuine attempt to cater to players who wish for a more intense distortion, especially when their amp’s default drive is lacking. This incarnation of the DM pedal rectified the problem of its predecessor; the detrimental lack of bass. Another one-up revision would be the mixer output feature which allows you to plug the pedal straight into the mixing console, emulating a close-mic tone (or so the manufacturer claims). The DM is for the discerning player who knows s/he has no need for distortion intensity variation, otherwise, there are other pedals out there which plug this absence.
I now own both incarnations, I certainly favour the Digitech offering. If you own the discontinued DOD version & would think that this is just a cosmetic make-over, try one & you’d hear obvious differences.
wangdexian
New member
subversion said:
Thanks for the advice, will look out for my friend's future killer axe! :twisted:
subversion
Moderator
adding on to the Digitech's Death Metal pedal review...
this is how the pedal looks like with the footswitch cover off
this is a tail-end view of the DM pedal, note that the battery is visible under the cover. that's how dirt/ moisture would enter this unit
this is how the pedal looks like with the footswitch cover off
this is a tail-end view of the DM pedal, note that the battery is visible under the cover. that's how dirt/ moisture would enter this unit
subversion
Moderator
either that, or they believe that the essential circuit board is located elsewhere in a sealed compartment of the chassis, so it merits such a design... IMO it could've been better 8)
subversion
Moderator
i did a review of the Uber Metal in GEAR NEWS 2004... 8)
i like both but the Line6 beats the Death Metal in terms of value for money & versatility. the UM has 3 distortion voicings, on-board noise gate & a level control to vary your distortion intensity.
if you think these features aren't necessary, the DM would be a fine choice. both retail for $150 but the DM can be had for less after disct...
i like both but the Line6 beats the Death Metal in terms of value for money & versatility. the UM has 3 distortion voicings, on-board noise gate & a level control to vary your distortion intensity.
if you think these features aren't necessary, the DM would be a fine choice. both retail for $150 but the DM can be had for less after disct...
subversion
Moderator
i play at home- have stopped gigging. sometimes i play with my dad if he drops by my place... 8)
stillwater
New member
Hey bro 8) Subversion,
u should start gigging again. outdoor is definitely a better place for you to leave ur shades on :lol: Cheers!
u should start gigging again. outdoor is definitely a better place for you to leave ur shades on :lol: Cheers!
duskalways
New member
sub gigs with dad!! wow, cool dad! :supz:
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