Finally got into Cape Town yesterday - the first time in 7 months.
I got to visit The Gear Junkie and finally meet Graham. Selling mostly secondhand gear, it's a very interesting shop. Obviously they don't have the same range of shiny new stuff as the new shops, but that's a good thing, as what they do have is stuff you won't find anywhere else (
three Rickenbackers!).
I had a few things waiting for me when I got there:
1. Mojo JoJoe - the pernicious overlord of GAS himself. Always bringing plenty of knowledgeable conversation to the table.This time he was also toting an Alvarez Yiari acoustic I bought from him (to have a bash around guitar for acoustic jams and Eskom inspired practice sessions). Nice comfy guitar (for a steel dreadnaught). Laminated guitar, but good laminate - brazilian rosewood back, sides and board, HOG neck and spruce top. Also a vine inlay...
Not being one to rest on his laurels of wresting money from my tightly clasped fist, Joe also had his new PRS Hollowbody 1 that he acquired in a recent trade to show off. Now, I've been around the block a few times, and there's not much that can make me suffer from sudden GAS induced heavy breathing and palpitations any more. No matter, this PRS did it with aplomb, Within seconds I was contemplating selling off anything not nailed down to weasel this wonderful guitar from Joe (Yes dear. I know... But do we
really need a car to get around?). Featherweight, resonant, responsive and with a polite, mild mannered electric voice - truly a great instrument.
Graham was responsible for my next two acquisitions:
2. I traded in my TC M350 for a Lexicon MPX550. More a crossgrade than an upgrade, as both are similar high quality dual engine effects units. But I've always preferred Lexicon reverbs and anyway have another TC unit I use, so have access to all those sounds.
3. M-Audio In-Ear monitors (Finally, I enter the 21st century...). Basically rebranded Ultimate Ears TripleFi Pros.
So, all-in-all, a good day. ?
Pics:
Alvarez Acoustic (rough pics):
Lexicon MPX550 (web shot, but they all look the same):
M-Audio IE40:
