| Author |
Message |
David J
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:03 am: | |
Would the Blazer series be considered a replica? I mean, I know it's not an exact copy, but it's obviously styled after a Strat. Anyways that's what made me an Ibanez convert. I was looking for a Strat with humbuckers, when I was disapointed by Fender's selection, I saw the Blazer, and it was exactly what I was looking for. It's just as good if not better than any strat I've played, and with features you couldn't even get on a custom shop strat (like the lo-pro neck joint). So I honestly think Ibanez makes a better guitar. |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:03 am: | |
David:
Here's my opinion.
Because of the "fame" of Ibanez guitars, both past and present, it's necessary to make some classifications. With those classifications come terms that need to be defined. All of this is an effort to help the entire community of Ibanez fans.
So, terms like Replica and Lawsuit need to have a very fine focus. Was the Blazer meant to be an exact copy of the Strat? No, the company's direction had changed by that time. Earlier (the 70s), Ibanez was definitely trading on making guitars that looked "exactly" like the big guys. They were Replicas (just short of being called counterfeit). They made no bones about it and it got them sued by Gibson. So they voluntarily changed the headstock shape, but kept everything else the same
That brings us to a dilemma; a transition period. How do you distinquish between an exact replica and those with one modification? Answer: call the early, exact replicas "Lawsuit" models. As in, these are the ones that "caused a lawsuit."
The replicas were soon phased out because Ibanez now had enough experience, know-how and original designs to really compete with the big guys. Ibanez guitars had grown up.
The Blazer, Artist, Performer, Professionals, AS & AM, George Benson models, and others from the late 70's and early 80s, all have their design roots in guitars made by famous makers. But they are distinctively Ibanez.
To me, the Blazer is a Cool Contemporary guitar. |
Kevinmc (Kevinmc)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 4:53 am: | |
I'll second the appreciation of the Blazer. I've got two, both of which play better than the two strats I've owned.
And you can find 'em on eBay for $100 US reasonably frequently and often in great shape.
Quite an underappreciated guitar, in my mind. |
Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)
| | Posted on Thursday, November 07, 2002 - 12:31 pm: | |
I need to jump in here...
Although it was only with me a short time, the Blazer I had was a great player. Absolutely a Strat based guitar, but with it's own cool personality. And most definitely an Ibanez, not a copy/clone/replica/. FYI: It was a 1981 BL500RB
The ONLY reason I let it go was the maple fretboard. I prefer rosewood or ebony. Not the guitar's fault...
David, What year/model is yours?
Cheers
Steve |
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