Introducing: The Iceblink One

Well, it feels as though it has taken a while but in truth it probably hasn't, but I'm finally pleased, angel delight filled and generally rather chuffed to be able to introduce you to the newest Jooky, The Iceblink One.

As the eagle eyed among you might note, this is odd even by my own standards, as it is missing something in the fretting department, and is in fact that rarity among the unlikely, a fretless guitar.

From the top then, it is a sycamore, offset body, that has been liberally doused in iron paint and then some home brew that has made it rust. This has had all manner of gubbins on it and then was lacquered in a rough and ready Jookified way.

From there, we have added a corrugated scratchplate and control thingie, that have been torn from pieces of Ebony Macassar - it's from Indonesia you know - which is rather lovely and yet somewhat battered all at the same time.

Pickup-wise, it is from a Jaguar and is a (deep breath) Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder Jaguar bridge pickup, (and out) complete with that lovely feedback avoiding claw that probably doesn't do much but look nice.

The real doozy of course is the maple/rosewood neck, that has been veneered with another piece of Ebony Macassar (still from Indonesia) and then oiled and waxed so it is silky smooth. Apart from the odd bit here and there that isn't.

Strings are D'Addario XL Chromes Light, which are flatwound 12s iirc, and feel beautiful to play. Other than that there are the usual Wilkinson/Gotoh bridge and tuners, which do what they say on the tin. Apart from they came in little plastic bags.

As for playing the thing, well it is a bit of an adaptation - I never quite realised just how much I bend strings until I couldn't - and it highlights rather well when you get sloppy, but I have to say after about five minutes it has started to feel quite natural.

As for knowing where you are on the 'board, well to be honest that hasn't been a problem at all. It is most odd. You just kinda do it by ear.

I'd read about fretless guitars having a nice buzzing sound, and it is quite true, especially when you start sliding into notes, it is almost like a cross between an '80s synth and a sitar. You can play Sisters of Mercy/The Mission in your sleep. Which is handy, in many ways.

So there we are. I still have to do a bit more work on the nut as the low E and A are resting rather than nuzzling, but it works. I'm in shock, wonder and awe.

In summary, Blimey.

Right, where can I get a banjo...