Archive for January 22nd, 2009
Great Discovery
In the past, it was hard to modify a guitar unless you’re prepared to face the consequence of an attempt gone wrong (ie, guitar got damaged in the process). Singapore wasn’t really a place where one could fiddle with his guitar and learn lots out of it. Besides, spare parts or special tools weren’t available. Well, I was unaware of how much guitar retail scene has changed all these years until late 2008.
Never know anything about guitar set up until last year. Imagine that I’ve been playing guitar since 12 and owned several guitars over the years though most if not were al-cheapos. Always thought that acoustic or steel strings guitars are what you see is what you get. Thanks to internet that I learned much about it.
Anyway, I was glad to have found a guitar tech to take care of my Yamaha FG512-II 12 strings about 2 years ago. However, I realized only recently that somethings he did then to my guitar was not right. Instead of adjusting the action via nut or saddle and heating the truss rod because it was bent. He sandpapered the bridge instead. Learned later from the luthir it’s a no-no to sand a bridge. Well, it’s a lesson learned.
During the last quarter of the year, while searching for something, I found Malcolm Tan (visit http://www.mtlutherie.com/) . He was a trained luthier and had worked in China to help kick start a Taiwanese guitar company. He returned to Singapore a couple of years ago. Set up his own ’shop’ at home. Anyway, found out that he is a Christian. Always a plus because you can at least know that he will honor his work. Plus he lives much closer to my home so that saves me a bundle and time since I don’t have to drive to Downtown to get some guitar service.
More importantly, I have gotten to know Malcolm a little better as a person and appreciate his work ethics. I’ve been very pleased with his workmanship having sent my Yamaha FG512-II for repairs; Ovation 97 Parlor and 1116 Concert for servicing and upgrades.
Only today, I sent him my Yamaha LJ-16 for setup and upgrades from tusq to bone straddle and nut. Looking forward to hear how much difference in tone quality has improved with straddle and nut upgrades.
Kaka the Footballer
Last week was “Kaka-Frenzy” week for Manchester City as well as AC Milan. What intrigues me was not so much the amount offered to get Kaka to cross over from Italy to UK, but the person himself.
It was said that Kaka is a devout evangelical Christian. He also claimed to be a radical because he goes against the flow so to speak. Apparently he has conviction and strive to live accordingly. Well,it’s refreshing to read of such a person given the notorious lifestyle of highly paid sports stars.
