🔥 Jimi Hendrix 'Love Drops' Flying V + Matt Pike's Redemption

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This is ELECTRIKJAM, your weekly dose of electrifying insights and updates from the world of guitars, gear and (mostly) metal music.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🎸 Epiphone has just launched a stunning tribute to Jimi Hendrix with its new 'Love Drops' Flying V

• 🎛️  MXR's Layers Pedal and UA’s high-gain ANTI 1992 are bringing serious soundscaping and metal tones to your setup.

• ⚡ Blackstar’s retro-styled Debut 30E Combo is the perfect budget-friendly rig for jamming at home or small gigs.

• 🤘 Matt Pike talks cocaine, booze, and getting hair cuts while high on magic mushrooms.

• 💰 Save 96% on The Universal Audio UAD Guitar FX Bundle ($49 versus its usual $1244.99)

🎛️ Gear Drop Alert: New Pedals and Guitars You Need to Know About ⏬

🎸 Epiphone Unveils Jimi Hendrix 'Love Drops' Flying V: A Tribute to a Legend

Epiphone has just launched a stunning tribute to Jimi Hendrix with its new 'Love Drops' Flying V, inspired by the custom psychedelic-painted V that Hendrix famously used between 1967 and 1969.

The guitar, priced at $1,499, is available in both right- and left-handed versions and is a detailed recreation of Hendrix’s iconic instrument.

The mahogany body and one-piece mahogany neck are paired with Gibson Custombucker humbuckers and top-tier electronics, making this model a premium offering under Epiphone's “Inspired by Gibson” line.

Along with its visual homage, the Flying V comes equipped with features like a Maestro Vibrola bridge and Hendrix’s signature on the headstock, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

Why It Matters:

• audience at a more affordable price compared to previous high-end models.

• Historical Tribute: It serves as a faithful recreation of one of Jimi Hendrix’s most visually striking and historically significant instruments, preserving a piece of rock history.

• Premium Features: Despite being more affordable, it offers top-tier specifications, including Gibson Custombucker humbuckers and high-end electronics, making it suitable for serious players.

And it looks a hell of a lot better than some of Gibson’s latest V-style additions (and it is around 7x cheaper too).

🎨 MXR Layers Pedal, The Tinkerer’s Dream

Pedal junkies, rejoice! The MXR Layers Harmonic Sustain Pedal is a must-have for anyone who loves rich, dynamic tones.

It lets you create lush, multi-layered soundscapes in real-time.

Why It Matters:

• Endless Customization: Control mix, attack, and decay for three independent layers of sustain.

• Organic Sound: Add a natural resonance to your notes, whether you're playing single lines or huge chords.

• Dynamic Triggering: Layers can be triggered by your playing style or footswitch, offering tons of flexibility.

• Deep Sound Design: You can go simple with it or dive deep into complex setups, including sub-octave switches and expression pedal options.

It’s perfect for ambient guitarists, soundscape creators, or anyone looking to push the boundaries of their tonal palette.​

And you know what? The price ain’t too bad either…

🎛️ Blackstar’s Going ALL IN On Vintage Vibes

Blackstar’s Debut 30E Combo Amp packs all the tone-shaping tools you need in a 30-watt vintage package, ideal for aspiring guitarists or seasoned players who need a versatile practice rig.

Why It Matters:

• Two Channels: Switch between clean and overdrive for a range of tones, from pristine cleans to crunchy riffs.

• ISF Tone Control: Blackstar’s patented Infinite Shape Feature allows you to sculpt your tone with precision.

• Built-in Effects: A tape delay is onboard, so no need for extra pedals to achieve warm, classic delay sounds.

• Retro Aesthetics: Available in cream or black, this amp has a vintage vibe that looks as good as it sounds.

Whether you’re jamming at home or playing small gigs, this amp delivers without breaking the bank.

🎛️ Metalheads, Rejoice! ESP’s Back With A Gary Holt LTD Models…

ESP is keeping things heavy with the LTD Gary Holt GH SV-200 and LTD EC-01FT. These are built for thrashers and shredders alike. And they look like the mutt’s nuts too

Why It Matters:

• Aggressive Design: The SV-200’s V-shape design with red accents makes it a visual statement on any stage.

• Killer Pickups: With EMG pickups in the GH SV-200 and a custom Seymour Duncan in the EC-01FT, these guitars can handle everything from clean intros to crushing modern metal tones.

• Playability: Thin neck profiles and Floyd Rose tremolos mean you’ll be ripping solos and dive-bombs with ease.

• Versatility: The EC-01FT’s humbucker is designed to cover everything from rock to hardcore, making it a flexible workhorse.

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 🤘 Matt Pike’s Redemption: Cocaine, Chaos, Magic Mushroom Haircuts & Redemption…

In his latest interview, Matt Pike—the legendary frontman of High on Fire and Sleep—pulls no punches about his battle with addiction and the cathartic process behind the band’s new album, Cometh the Storm.

Here’s a breakdown of the most compelling moments from Pike’s interview:

Surviving the Storm

After years of excessive drinking and drug use, Pike candidly admits, “I drank my liver into submission and snorted a mountain of cocaine, and I didn’t die.” 

Now, he’s focusing on staying clean to keep creating music and staying productive.

Sobriety has become a new chapter in his life, allowing him to reclaim control and maintain his creative energy.

The Weight of Success

Following the success of Electric Messiah, which won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, High on Fire faced the crushing halt of the pandemic, leading to financial strain and a downward spiral for Pike.

However, Cometh the Storm has provided a sense of redemption.

As Pike puts it, “We did such a good record that I feel like a big weight has been lifted off of me.” 

The album reflects the highs and lows of Pike’s journey, blending his signature doom, sludge, and psychedelic metal with newfound hope.

Creative Evolution

High on Fire’s sound has evolved over the years, pulling from a wide range of influences.

Pike and bassist Jeff Matz drew heavily on Middle Eastern music for this album, with Matz bringing in techniques from his studies with Turkish folk masters.

This diverse mix gives Cometh the Storm a unique flavor, making it both a sonic journey and a progressive exploration of new musical territory.

Pike’s Hair Is Now Short Because of Magic Mushrooms

Always one for eccentric stories, Pike shares an anecdote about how he cut off his iconic long hair during a shroom-fueled night in a Czech casino.

He’s kept it short ever since.

GUITAR RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK ✅ 

Ibanez TOD10: Tim Henson's Signature Axe Delivers Versatility

We finally got our hands on the Ibanez TOD10, and spoiler alert—it’s a modern shredder’s dream with all the classic charm of the AZ Series.

Ibanez has taken their winning AZ formula, added some of Tim Henson’s personal touches, and created a guitar that balances versatility, innovation, and simplicity.

Let’s dive into the features that make this guitar stand out.

Classic Look, Modern Features

At first glance, the TOD10 looks like a clean and simple Strat-style guitar, but it’s hiding a treasure trove of features that elevate it to pro-level status.

Starting with an American Basswood Body, a Roasted Maple neck, and a slick Ebony fretboard inlaid with Tim’s signature "Tree of Death" design—this guitar is built to impress.

The AZ-inspired Oval C neck profile and 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets ensure smooth playability, and the Gotoh T1502 Trem System paired with Gotoh MGT Locking Tuners gives you tuning stability for days.

The Graphite Reinforced Neck adds durability, making this guitar feel like it’s built to last a lifetime of gigs and recording sessions.

Fishman Tim Henson Pickups = Tone Machine

Here’s where things really get interesting—the Fishman Tim Henson Signature Pickups.

These active pickups are wired for maximum tonal flexibility, offering single coil, full humbucker, and blended tones to suit whatever style you’re playing.

Whether you need crisp, clean tones or searing leads, these pickups deliver, with clarity and punch that you wouldn’t expect from a typical active setup.

What’s most impressive is that this artist model is priced under $2000, making it accessible for a guitar with this level of craftsmanship.

You’re getting a pro-level guitar for $1499.99, and it feels like a steal.

The Fishman pickups, stainless steel frets, and Gotoh hardware make this guitar a real contender in the “Super Strat” world.

Out of the Box

Right out of the case, the Ibanez TOD10 was set up beautifully. No high frets, no flaws in the finish, and it came intonated and ready to play with just a minor tune-up.

The guitar felt balanced and fast, with an arm carve for comfort and a deep cutaway for easy access to all 24 frets.

The Roasted Maple neck and satin finish give it a smooth, broken-in feel that’s perfect for players who like their necks fast but substantial.

Final Thoughts

The Ibanez TOD10 is more than just a signature model—it’s a versatile, modern guitar that suits a wide range of styles.

Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, this guitar delivers.

It’s a “Super-Strat” at heart but offers so much more, blending old-school aesthetics with cutting-edge features. If you’re looking for a guitar that can do it all, the TOD10 is hard to beat.

BITE-SIZED NEWS FOR THE ROAD 🍪

We covered all the big news up top, but here’s a quick recap of some other stuff that happened:

🎸 Steve Morse x ENGL: Signature 20 Amp Head is Here! 

Steve Morse teamed up with ENGL to drop the Steve Morse Signature 20 amp head! This compact beast packs a punch with a built-in noise gate, delay, reverb, and a power soak feature to switch up your tones. From clean & warm to full-on high-gain aggression, it’s got all your tonal needs covered!

🎛️ Yngwie Malmsteen + MXR = Overdrive Bliss

MXR just unleashed the Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive pedal ⚡️—designed for ultimate simplicity and tonal clarity. It's built to support smooth, fluid playing, and delivers all the overdrive you need without the fuss. Yngwie-approved shredder status, guaranteed.

🎧 Fender Mustang Micro Plus: Amp in Your Headphones?

Fender’s back with the Mustang Micro Plus amp, now with a display and extra battery life. It’s loaded with 25 amp models and 25 effect modes, all tweakable with the Modify button—making it feel like your amp’s right in the room! Oh, and Bluetooth syncing for jam sessions? Yes, please. Perfect for those bedroom jams or on-the-go practice!

ALBUMS YOU (PROBABLY) SLEPT ON 🤣

There are heavy albums, and then there are heavy and weird albums. Melvins are great at weird and heavy, but Iceland’s Minus really bottled crazy/heavy like no other with their debut album, Jesus Christ Bobby.

This is an oldie, but it’s well worth a listen. Initially released way back in October 2000, the album was recorded when the band was barely out of school, combining elements of metal, thrash, experimental noise-core, and electronica.

The album itself is totally original. After this record, the band did a complete 180 on their sound, shifting from experimental noise-metal to what can only be described as dad rock.

It was a weird switch, but I guess they figured that if they wanted longevity, they’d need to go the radio-friendly route. A shame, really, because these guys were on the same level as Dillinger.

And look how successful Dillinger ended up!

I saw Minus play in my hometown on their first-ever tour in the UK. There were about 15 people there. I watched them load their gear into the venue, set it up, and then proceed to literally blow the roof off the place.

People were standing around with their jaws on the floor—no one in my small town was ready for what Minus was doing. But I loved it and immediately picked up the album.

Twenty-five long years later, I still listen to it regularly. It’s one of those albums that lives rent-free in your mind. You don’t listen to it all the time or even talk about it much with friends. But every now and then, you get the itch…

And only Jesus Christ Bobby can scratch it.

STANDOUT TRACKS 👑

• Chimera

• Misdo

• Frat Rock

• Pulse

SMELL YOU LATER 👋

That’s it for this week, another week wrapped. Next week, we’ll be back with more news and thrills from the world of guitar and gear.

Hit us up on X with any questions/comments, listen to the podcast, know that you can comment on this newsletter by going to the READ ONLINE bit at the top.

Need to know anything, just hit us up – catch you next Saturday!

Peace & Love

Richard

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