Ibanez has once again redefined the landscape of guitar design with a groundbreaking collection of signature models that cater to both seasoned virtuosos and aspiring musicians. Let’s delve deeper into these extraordinary instruments’ technical specifications and target audience.
Tim Henson’s TOD70: A Seven-String Powerhouse for Modern Guitarists
Designed with Polyphia’s visionary guitarist, the TOD70 is a seven-string behemoth that delivers unparalleled versatility and sonic power. Its core features include:
- Extended range: The seven-string format opens new sonic possibilities for modern guitarists, allowing for heavier riffs, lower tunings, and expanded chord voicings.
- Fishman Fluence pickups: These cutting-edge pickups offer a wide range of tones, from crystal-clear cleans to aggressive overdriven sounds, making the TOD70 equally at home in any musical genre.
- Gotoh T1527S fixed bridge with whammy bar: This combination provides rock-solid tuning stability and expressive dive-bombing capabilities, essential for modern guitarists who demand precision and performance.
- Roasted maple neck: This premium tonewood enhances sustain and stability while providing a comfortable playing experience.
- Target audience: Modern metal, progressive rock, and djent players seeking a versatile, high-performance instrument.
MSRP – $1,699.99
TOD10-MM Tim Henson
The standard TOD10 is also available in a new Metallic Mauve finish for 2024. Again, like his new 7-string above, this model comes with a pair of Fishman Fluence Tim Henson Signature Series pickups.
MSRP – $1,599.99
Paul Gilbert’s FRM350: Hidden Feature!
Paul Gilbert’s innovative FRM350 is a landmark achievement in guitar design. It introduces the world’s first built-in slide magnet.
Key features include:
- Slide magnet integration: This revolutionary feature eliminates the need for external slide attachments, offering slide guitarists unparalleled convenience and freedom of movement.
- Okoume body and set-in neck: This combination delivers exceptional resonance and sustain, essential for producing rich, expressive slide tones.
- DiMarzio Air Classic Pickups: These versatile humbuckers provide a balanced tone that excels in rhythm and lead playing.
- Target audience: Slide guitar enthusiasts of all genres, from blues and country to rock and beyond.
MSRP – $1,299
Andy Timmons’ ATZ300: Precision and Power for the Modern Virtuoso
Andy Timmons’ ATZ300 is a high-performance instrument for players seeking exceptional playability and versatility.
Key features include:
- S-Tech roasted maple neck: This premium tonewood offers enhanced stability and durability, ensuring optimal performance under demanding playing conditions.
- DiMarzio The Cruiser/AT-1 pickups: This pickup combination delivers a powerful and articulate voice, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.
- Wilkinson-Gotoh VSVG tremolo: This top-quality tremolo system provides smooth and reliable pitch-shifting capabilities.
- Target audience: Advanced players seeking a versatile instrument capable of handling various musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and fusion.
MSRP – $3,499
Tom Quayle TQM2
The Tom Quayle TQM2 is now available in a Charcoal Black Burst Flat finish for 2024. It has an alder body with a flame maple top and an S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck.
And a set of TQM-H humbuckers (bridges) and two TQM-S single coils.
MSRP – $2,399
John Schofield’s JSM10EM: Vintage Charm Meets Modern Playability
John Schofield’s JSM10EM is a semi-hollow body guitar that blends classic jazz tones with modern playability. Key features include:
- Semi-hollow body construction: This design delivers warm, resonant tones with a touch of air and feedback, perfect for jazz and blues.
- Super 58 pickups: These classic humbuckers offer a balanced and articulate voice, ideal for jazz and blues playing.
- Gibraltar Performer bridge: This bridge provides solid tuning stability and enhanced sustain.
- Target audience: Jazz, blues, and classic rock players seeking a versatile and inspiring instrument.
MSRP – $699
Pat Metheny’s PM3C: Modern Jazz Elegance
Pat Metheny’s PM3C is a modern take on the semi-hollow body guitar, offering a unique blend of style and sound. Key features include:
- Spruce top, maple back, and sides: This combination delivers a bright, articulate tone with plenty of projection.
- PM Special S pickup: This custom-designed pickup captures the essence of Metheny’s signature sound, offering a balanced and expressive voice.
- Gibraltar Performer bridge: This bridge provides solid tuning stability and enhanced sustain.
- Target audience: Jazz and contemporary instrumental players seeking a unique and inspiring instrument.
MSRP – $1,599
Guitar Bomb Verdict
By offering a diverse range of signature models, Ibanez has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the needs of guitarists across all genres and skill levels—a great mix of new, old, and cutting-edge designs amongst these new guitars, with something for everyone.
Most of these new signature models will be due later this year.
More Information
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