GIbaon: Les Paul BFG Gator

This is a recent addition to the Gibson Les Paul BFG manifestation- the Gator. Anything special to look out for? Zilch. The 'Gator' reference is the reptilian hue you see above, the manufacturer stated that the scale-like carvings on the guitar's top gave the guitar its identity. If I refinish my current BFG to look like the one above, I might be able to own a Gator without actually having to purchase one. But no such intentions in the mean time.

Hey, dad! (Part 43)

Hey, dad! I've got my shades on & rocking out with your BFG. I'm doing great, don't you worry 'bout a thing!

Big Friendly Screamer

It's been an OK week for me, got a new bass- happy. The Cort X-3 was a reality check or a reminder rather, that lighter guitars aren't bad-sounding. Speaking of which, I had been playing my LP BFG here for the last 2 days, the lightest of all my LPs, coupled with my Ibanez TS9B.

The BFG was repulsive to many traditional LP fans but not with me; I'm one of the estranged players who prefer a satin finished instrument & the lighter (chambered) body ensures much clarity for my needs; not quite the forte of LPs in this consideration. The TS9B sounds appealing with the BFG but I didn't use it as a stand-alone drive source, just a booster for my Marshall's rage. It somehow complemented the guitar's bright character. The value of good tone definitely adds on to one's playability, psychologically or otherwise. I'm not an LP fan but given the right set up, it's a joy to play. But I always frown upon the need to stretch my digits at the upper frets & this hampers fast fretting.

The vacant helper

I've been excessively critical when it comes to an unmarked fretboard. However, over time, if one is familiar with one's instruments, the hand moves without visual assistance. Last night, I was messing around with scales, particularly combining them to manifest some chromatic havoc, in terms of positional organization, the blank fretboard helps a lot. I'm actually thankful my LP BFG sports such a feature.

BFG- another return

We'd all thought the Gibson Les Paul BFG had seen its demise a few years ago only to be revived as a Gary Moore version & subsequently the Zakk Wylde incarnation. This year, the Gibson people put a simple whammy bridge in lieu of its tune-o-matic original. This gets my vote as the type of change or technical tinkering in offering us variety for our considerations. Aside from the Epiphone LPs, there isn't an off-the-shelf Gibson model which sports a variant bridge. I'd give this a thumbs-up as opposed to whatever technological revamp Gibson is doing to their Firebird model.

OK, it's dinner time.