Guitars Like A Diary

Nic ever told that guitar looks like the diary for him. Can take down some year some month. Where and who to buy together. Has written any song and has shot any SOLO. His prized collections of Ibanez, Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Parker and other electric guitars has been built up painstakingly from the time when he was 15 (Source : Singapore Straits Time March 2001). Nic also mentioned that 'The best thing about guitars is that they don't talk back,' he says, mustering an almost-passionate inflection to his lazy American drawl. 'If you keep them in good condition, they're great, They allow you to express your fear, passion, happiness, joy, everything'.

Here Some Guitars Collection Pics (total around 72 guitars that is combined). There’s also other guitars which haven’t been investigated. Nic is such a huge collector ;).

Guitar Collections 2

Guitar Collections 3

Nicholas Relationship With Guitar

Nicholas expressed how fond he was of guitars by telling the story of his girlfriend long a go. Nicholas's 3 most favourite things are guitars, lizards (as seen on the cover of the album 'Believe') and turtles (Nicholas has a pet turtle which has been taking care for 8 years until now ^^). Once his girlfriend (un identified) said "I'd rather be your turtles or your guitars". This was all because Nicholas had spent more time with them than with her! Even Stephen Fung once said that sumtimes Nic can talk with his guitars...YEAH Guitars are Nic wives!!! Haha. Nic modest says that He never consider himself as a guitarist.. but only as a GUITAR LOVER.

Nicholas Guitar HEROES

In interview with Japanese TV Station (around year 2001). Nic mentioned some of his fave guitarist : Mike Gods, Jeff Beck (Master of Bending, harmonic with whammy bar, trill, tapping, and excellent country picking), Eddie Van Halen (guitarist who popularize tapping, pinch harmonics and combine them with distortion and delay plus flanger, phaser, and others which's according well). Steve Vai He's Rock guitarist with the most complete TECHNIQUES. Vai also use All tech. which's used by Eddie like tremolo, tapping, pinch harmonics, and also others like bar-flicking, gargling in layered harmonics with extinct detuning on his seven string guitar (Ibanez Universe), Joe Satriani, who's famous with speed melodic midrange-heavy tone playing with compression and delay. He also the master of Vai and Kirk Hammet, Metallica Guitarist.

Nicholas Guitar Playing Character

Nic once said that NOW he 's rarely to practising his guitar (maybe becoz of his hectic schedule shooting movies, series, CM, etc. Nahh he should more focus on Music and Guitar T__T). But Nic agree that TECHNIC wise is the most important things like practicing scales, picking, progressive lick, riff, and solo into sweep picking, arpeggio, down stroke, slide/tremolo, etc. Seems Now Nic play guitar only for composing song. Nic's mostly influenced a lot by Vai with his famous whammy bar tech. and play much Classic Rocking Bar(Most Nic's guitars has locking tremolo,esp on his JEM collections which also have scalloped fret).

When Nic's interviewed in Japan, The host told Nic that some ppl copy Nic's guitar in Japan. and Nic's replied : "where?? really??? [surprised 'dun believe' expression], that's a big mistake [with cute smile]" hahahaha ^__^. I admit that Nic's soloing is good with decent finger playing, though not perfect and terrifically quick like Yngwie Malmsteem. But to playing quickly like him, it's truly need more patient and discipline strictly practising. Sumtimes I feel he play too fast whereas the song originally should be play slower. But that's Nic character...he's got that one kind of passion and emotion when he plays guitar.

Here's one guitar solo during MTV Summer Summit 2001 Concert, Nic Played Guitar for Eason Song : I Can't Such Be. To Listen Click Here. I put some Nic guitar solo on Chinese Guitar Solo section too ;)

Nicholas Soundcheck Tunes

When playing acoustic. Nic mostly get check sound of his guitar with riff from song 'Stairway To Heaven' from Early Days : Led Zeppelin vol.1's album, 'Hotel California' (Eagles) which's famous with pull off-arpeggio at the end, and 'Nothing Else Matter' (Metallica). YEAH These are classic tunes!!!

Nic full acoustic guitar and bass playing are shown on his own composed song 'Since Last Time' (Track 11 Zero Distance)

Nicholas Unforgetable Guitar

Nicholas's most unforgetable Christmas present was a guitar. It was years a go when he saw a guitar at a shop that he really liked a lot but didn't want to waste money on it. In the end his mum and aunts all contributed in purchasing it for him as a Christmas present.

Also this Ovation Adamas 1591-BCB (left) and Ovation Celebrity CS257 (right). This guitar which’s bought by Nic after he sold his watch. Coz he has no enough money at that moment (Esp. Adamas one which's Yutaka Ozaki Sign Guitar )Today, Nicholas can just about afford as many excellent guitar around the world as he wants!...

Nicholas Guitars INFO

Nic bought this ESP Eclipse S-3 Brilliant Mixedmedia-As same time when he’s buying Jem77BRMR and Taylor. This is ESP Sugizo Signature Guitar. Its have selected alder body with 3-piece Hard Maple neck and have 24 fret on a Ebony finger board. The neck joint which is the ECLIPSE basic specifications of that that time, was medium scale specification. In addition they were the specifications which the pickup are called to the race/lace sensor mid- boost circuit loading, but presently with the set neck joint and Seymour Duncan SJAG-1n and 1b pickups (With Original Floyd Rose On Bridge).

On September 1999, it was put on the market with limited production of 100. 50 more increased production were announced two months later because the model is very popular. This Brilliant finished has special process , has the feature completely and there is no same pattern with two. This guitar is pretty expensive around 504,000 yen or around USD$5,000s

This is the Ibanez Jem 7VWH (left pic). It has that royal white look. had the monkey handle, vine inlays, gold hardware, and had an attractive rosewood fingerboard (offers strong, bright sound) with along grain. The finger board of ivy pattern is clean. It’s The First JEM with the DiMarzio Evolution neck & bridge (humbucker) pickups and DiMarzio custom single coil on mid PU. The tremolo arm itself is black (not gold) as Ibanez only makes black bars for the Edge/LoPro. Ultra-bright white done with a special paint process to eliminate "yellowing" with age. From Ibanez: The JEM7VWH has a super thin 0.5mm basswood veneer on the top and back. this is done with all alder woods because otherwise the finish would settle into the grain and have lines like a strat does in it after a few weeks. this one with only alder wood that has a solid or metallic color on it.

Nic has the one which have VWH Scalloping - The scalloped fretboard (frets 21-24) will cause some fading or discoloration to the small abalone inlays on fret 24. This is absolutely normal and not a blemish or defect, and is inevitable due to the scalloping of the inlay itself along with the fretboard wood. Around 1999 Ibanez began implimenting an improved technique of scalloping the fretboard (and inlay) so as to attempt at allowing the abalone inlay to appear more vibrant and natural. Steve Vai also uses this one ;).Apart from using this guitar in his first concert, Nicholas took it to perform in Taiwan's concert and Viva Live World Tour too. He also use this guitar since Reborn Live (2003) until Metro Tat Ming Concert (21 Aug 2005).

Nic also have Ibanez Jem 7V built up model (center pic) with has red of fluoresence lamp in the neck with title N.I.C (looks cool! I wish have my name lamp on my guitar too hehe :D), which have Double DiMarzio evolution humbucker pickups and It’s created during VIVA live concert. this guitar remind me when small-sized camera put on the head in order to recording the finger's movement ^__^.

Red Devil one that nic have is owning is definitely a custom one Ibanez with Lo-Pro Edge Tremolo (1991-2002). This flame guitar has 24 frets with a Jackson soloist neck, one humbucker and one single coil DiMarzio pickups and it's also custom built body (copied it and enlarged it, changed colors into red-sunburst etc).Nic said that he needs long time to make and design this Red Devil guitar. Middle extends the major to have JEM flavor combined with SAMISEN string (No wonder I heard this guitar sound on Nic's VIVA LIVE is really crunchy and sounds different with ORIGINAL Jem).

Recently found Nic play Jem77B RMR which can be called Black Rock Mirror Jem. See On right est (pic 4, above). WOW this Jem truly can blind the audience with reflected stage lights! haha :D. For 2005, Ibanez proudly unveiled a new Steve Vai JEM Signature model , named "Bad Horsey". This guitar features a finished "Rock Mirror" with matching mirror pickguard. The new model also features the signature JEM appointments of a "Monkey Grip" handle carved into the basswood body (comparatively light weight wood, which make it very comfortable for extended playing, with good low-high balancing). Basswood is on the right between alder and mahogany sound character. Have 24 fret Prestige neck provide easy access to all registers and also combined with pearl dot inlays on a rosewood finger board, with black back-headstock and two DiMarzio Breed humbucker pickups on neck and bridge (Classic 50’s smooth and fluid humbucking tone. Hotter than a PAF-Pro, but not as hot as an Evolution) and one single coil on Mid PU. It's also have EdgePro Tremolo (2003-present). Deep scooped routed tremolo cavities so pitches can be raised as well as lowered with the tremolo arm. It is not possible to touch up on structure the countless air bubble and small projection of the mirror part which it occurs in process, finely concerning the crack, and to repair. Cost around £1759 or US$3099.

Ibanez JS10TH chromeboy (left), The round is made by the colon. Its can be Reflecting shine in the illumination). This guitar is created in limited edition to commemorate 10 years of relationship with an extraordinary player. With its chromed body and electrifying sound, the Chrome Boy is possibly one of the most beautiful combinations ever achieved by guitar craft. Therefore, most of high-end Ibanez JS models feature a combination between the newly designed DiMarzio Fred pickup at bridge and the modern classic DiMarzio PAF Pro pickup at the neck position. Going a step further, in designing the Chrome Boy Joe was determined to obtain the ultimate tone, so the task went to Di Marzio's tech whiz Steve Blutcher, who designed, working close together with Joe the JS10 pickups, specially wounded for this guitar. For a vintage set-up, Ibanez designers used the standard three way switch, but combined it with two coil taps so each humbucker can also produce a single coil twang. Some other interesting differences: when the pickup selector is in the center position with both coil taps engaged, the humbuckers work in parallel which produces a very interesting tone because each coil is located at a different position under the strings. The other push/pull pot on the volume engages a high pass filtering 331pf cap. Wide open there's no difference, but roll the volume back and the highs and clarity remain.

Ibanez JS2K - PLT Crystal Planet (center). Essentially a standard Chromeboy with a completely clear. This one have fixed bridge versions of the JS Electric guitars. The 25 1/2” multi-radius Prestige maple neck with fretboard which is an exact digital rendering of the neck on Joe's favorite axe. A lightweight aero-foil shaped basswood body provides comfort, upper fret access and expressive singing tones. The electronics feature two DiMarzio Humbuckers, a coil tap switch for single-coil sounds, high pass filter on volume pot to maintain high frequencies at low volumes. The release of this model coincides with the creation of the new Ibanez JEM2KDNA. This Joe Satriani Y2K Limited Edition Signature Model has transparent acrylic which's inspired by Satriani's masterwork. It was carefully crafted the finest material available in strict according with the high standard of Ibanez lutithe. Approximately 300 will be custom built at Ibanez's outfit. Price is close to $5000 USD list.

Ibanez JEM2KDNA (right). The one which have Primary color marble of red yellow green, DNA multicolor swirl paint which includes Steve Vai's blood. Hand swirled finish by Darren Johansen (DMI/ATD). The paint was done in Japan, Early April, 2000. The guitars are being assembled in a custom shop of Hoshino, instead of a current JEM/UV assembly line. Basswood body, also have green dot fretboard inlay with blue vine ("DNA blood vesicle") and rosewood fretboard. It can shine in fluorescent color. Rear headstock includes serial # (1-300) and three stamped Y2K logos (for the Y2K Ibanez models: DNA, CP & Benson). Whoaaa this one is quite more expensive than Jem7VWH, cost almost US$5000.

Whilst taking some photos for the album cover of 'Most Wanted' in Japan, Nicholas bought this Gibson Flying-V Silver (left), it's quite rare, infact there is so many 80s rock groups have used it too. Maybe this guitar is the first time designed especially for ROCK. Although it's introduced far away before heavy metal's born. Its have double humbucker pickups, solid body, and bridge which can't be shifted (fixed bridge). It’s remodelled with Tail piece from GRETCSH. It wore enormously in the air, it seems Nic bought it when visiting Tokyo, But even though it is a second hand guitar it still costs thousands $$$!

GIBSON LES PAUL STANDARD ELECTRIC GUITAR (50's NECK) (center). Nic has Gibson Les Paul Standard which is outfitted with two Burst Bucker Pro pickups (three selector scalars with Alnico V magnets producing the most authentic), two volumes and two vintage Les Paul tone of any previous Standard pickups. Gibson produce more bite and a seductive 'airy' tone with both pickups on. And LP can produce 20 second sustain sound from solid Mahoney body. Most LP has arch-top, though there's some LP guitars which have flat-top and double cutaway. Heard that ‘2004 Gibson Les Paul Standard’ sports is smaller, it has vintage style headstock and 'keystone' tuner buttons and is available with a 'fat', rounded '50s style neck or a 'fast', slim taper like '60s style neck. The Les Paul Standard is still the Industry Standard.

Two of Nic collections, white and orange Gibson Historic SG Custom 1999 (right) This Gibson model have double cutaway, double humbucker pickups (now I ever found Gibson SG which have three ^^), flat top, solid body and quite small neck (so it's not suitable for guitarist who has big finger haha).Famous guitarist like Frank Zappa, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), and Angus Young from AC/DC use this kind of guitar.

Nic bought these GRETSCH Blue and Gretsch Black Duo Jet (60s)#6128-BigSby in England with Eason Chan. Its has double cut away. The knob lining up into 3 straight lines. Its features a semi-hollow mahogany body with a one-piece mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard with hump block "Alamo" inlays, dual Gretsch DynaSonic single coil pickups which can produce Incomparable Power and Fidelity tone. This Pickup Originally known as the Gretsch-DeArmond Fidelatone, the DynaSonic single-coil pickup has been a Gretsch standard since the late '40s. Being one of the first pickups to offer individually adjustable pole-pieces, DynaSonic pickups feature shimmering highs and a rich, full bass response. This Gretsch also have original space control bridge whereas the guitarist can for the first time space his strings to suit every style of playing. Split hair spacing adjustments can easily be made for the finger stylist, the single string artist or the chord player. With the space control bridge, each string is provided with a transversing adjustment which makes it possible to set a broad spread of the strings for finger style playing or a narrow spread for pick and chord work. This Gretsch is also combined with BigSby Vibrato Tailpieces which provide exciting tonal effects!! and have been available on Gretsch guitars since the '50s. Their classic design allows guitarists to add beautiful tremolo and pitch-bending effects to single notes or full chords – while keeping the guitar perfectly in tune. This guitar is finished in walnut stain with black top.

This classic GUITAR Gretsch 6129 AU Gold Sparcle Jet. There are only 20 of these guitars in the world. Unfortunately the other one could not be found. Nicholas had also used this guitar in his first concert. Its have single cut away. Nic used this Gretsch MV "After Exposure" (Track 1, Most Wanted Album).

Those Parker guitars that Nic ever had also are Parker Fly Classic (Red) and Parker Fly Mojo Electric Guitar (Orange). In top-of-the-line guitar that has been chosen by many of the world's finest and most repected players since it was first introduced back in 1992. Sleek, balanced, and incredibly responsive, the new-and-improved Parker Fly is absolutely unmatched in its range of acoustic and electric sounds. Each Fly model has a unique voice all its own. This guitar has Mahogany body. Mahogany neck. It’s the Parker custom-cast aluminum vibrato bridge, stainless steel saddles, has Seymour Duncan Jazz (bridge) and JB (neck) magnetic pickups, 3-way mag pickup selection with push-pull coil tap, Custom Fishman piezos and stereo voltage-doubled pre-amp, also Custom Parker vibrato system.Fly Parker Transparent Butterscotch. This one has been repelled. Very much light weight.

TELECASTERsunburst DELUXE of seventies and TELECASTERblack. This the type which has thin head. Nic has the one who have orange body which can be transparent. and Shape of the head is typically normal (Coz The head which is used in STRATOCASTER is thicker. Perhaps 75 (74) year made. Most people still think that telecaster isn't suitable to play Rock and heavy metal sounds. maybe becoz its only have 21 frets with also commonly designed with two single coil pickups, three scalar functions. Without tremolo block, without complex switcg. Basically it's like a wireboard. But nowadays there's also some TELECASTER which has humbucking pickup and semi solid body.

Fender Stratocaster Deluxe USA 1998 model (left pic), Black finish with Black guard and white plastic. This guitar plays and sounds great. It has super low buzz free action and comes stock with two single coil (neck-mid) and one humbucker (bridge) Fender Noiseless pickups. Its also have Floating Bridge Vibrato Unit. But for producing great whammy bar, its need locking unit. As for condition, just light typical clear coat wear and a few tiny clear coat indents. This guitar was played very little and is a very well kept example in VERY respectable condition.

Nic use this guitar Fender USA Limited Edition Strat USA, 1995 model (center) in Coca Cola CM around summer 2002. The matching headstock Strats were made for one year. Fender offered two different colors that changed every three months. This one is Candy Apple Red. The guitar features American standard electronics and hardware, a matching CAR headstock, chrome hardware, three single coil pickups (which produce sharp, sparkling ang glassy sounds), have double cutaway, solid body, and rosewood fingerboard. Very cool looking guitar and one you don't see often, not to mention a great / playing sounding instrument. As for condition, this one has a small area of strap rash on the back by the bottom strap button. Very minor, otherwise just a few tiny dings and typical clear scratches. Nothing major, and nothing that takes away from the overall great looks of the instrument. This model is very collectable now and very seldom seen. Sure to be a great future collectable.

Fender Stratocaster Limited Edition 61 Reissue Waynes World 2 (right). This is NOT the Squire version. This is a higher end Mex made version that I believe is from a run of around 200 guitars made in 1996. It has several features that were not on the Squire version plus is a way better sounding / instrument. It features a vintage style logo, tinted neck, Wayne's world neck plate, vintage style bridge, and upgraded Fender tuners. As for condition, it has a paint chip on the bottom side by the input jack, otherwise real nice with just typical player wear.This is a way better guitar than your average run of the mill Fender Mex standard strat.

Godin Radiator of PERFORMANCE series, Nic has the one which have black pearl finish color, it’s combined with pick guard. The chrome panel is stretched on the front. As for finger board can be pulled. With Godin humbucker-single-humbucker, tremolo bridge, double 5-way switch, and volume & tone control. Nic also have Godin MULTIAC/ACS-SA with blue high-glass color. It’s Canadian brand .

Nic Bought this Tyler’s guitar around 2003 (Preparing for Reborn Live Concert Mainland China Tour 2003). Its have become very popular with studio and touring guitarists from LA to Nashville, attracting a huge array of players like Steve Lukather, George Lynch, Robben Ford, Jake E Lee, Vivian Campbell, Prince, Brent Rowen, Ben Harper, Dan Huff, Michael Landau and dozens more. The unique features of his guitars, along with unsurpassed tone and playability make them the perfect choice for practically all styles of popular music. And the artistic finishes look great on stage. Nic has the one which’s Fully painted Mamywo body, Quarter sawn Maple '59 neck, 2 Duncan Classic Stacks, three single coils pickup, JB Jr in bridge, mid boost pre-amp and preset button, Sperzel locking tuners.

Jackson superstrat l3_soloist. This Jackson SL3 is a 6-string electric guitar with great sustain and looks. It is apart of the Jackson Pro Series guitars and is made for the professional and intermediate guitarist that is looking for great looking guitar combined with two humbucker and single coil pickups. One of Seymour Duncan JB-TB4 humbucker which's put on bridge position and have locking tremolo. The JB-TB4 is a balanced humbucker coil that has plenty of output and is rich in harmonics. The middle and neck pickups are the Seymour Duncan® SHR101 Humbucker. These are humbucker pickups that may look like single coils but they are Hotrails and have a Fat humbucker sound in a Strat size. They are one of the highest output pickups SD makes. Still getting the noise and hum cancellation as other humbuckers as well as a full sound with lots of sustain. They have a resonant peak at around 3.5k (Midrange). Because this guitar has both single coil and a humbucker pickups, it can produce a greater amount of tones. The single coils are great for clean to dirty rhythm while the humbucker is great for leads and cruchy tones. Heard that this Superstrat Jakcson is rarely found nowadays... and most guitarist admit that it is multiuseful guitar.

this black steel Taylor guitar? He has used it in the music video for 'Mistakes in Predictions' and the blue Taylor one is used in song ‘Since Last Time’ (last track in Zero Distnace Album) Viva Live Concert. It is attached to the encore of impression, When Nic repel it.

This acoustic guitar got the cool inlay on the fret board ^__^. Nic also have Red Taylor Acorstic Bass - AB3. Even this one’s included in photograph collection of cantonese album "ME"

Aria Sinsonido AS-490S <Sinsonido> With Spanish meaning "arresting of sound". During Nic go to "2002World Music Awards" event (He’s awarded in category Best selling chinese artist )
he carrying it. It’s lightweight And Nic also practise it in Monaco Hotel

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PS : I ever written this guitar article on Azn Music, site which's also created by me. But... this one have been updated abit ;)

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