| Author |
Message |
    
rich
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
I am curious about these guitars. I have seen a couple lately and they appear to be relatively rare. Are they collectable? Any opinions on these models? |
Mega
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
Is that the one with the hollow chambers in the body? Like the one Skonick used in the 'Practice what you preach' video? |
jimeina
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
I just bought one of these (as well as an RG770DXVM and a Talman TC620). I should have the Maxxas on Thursday, so I'll try and post pictures on the weekend. I do know that there were atleast four versions - the MX2, MX3, MX4 and MX5. Only the MX2 and 3 made it to the US. Some of the first MX2s did not have the semi-hollowbody-like sound chambers, but the later models did, as did all the MX3s, 4s and 5s to my knowledge. The MX2 has an Edge Floyd locking trem, the MX3 has a vintage-style fulcrum trem, and the MX 4 and 5 (which were only distributed in Europe) had a stop tail piece and a vintage trem, respectively (though it might have been the other way around). |
jimeina
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
I've found some interesting info about the Maxxas. Apparently, it was a modified Maxxas that Ibanez sent to Steve Vai for Christmas, 1986 that instigated the relationship between them. I'm really enjoying mine, but it certainly doesn't sound like a typical Ibanez superstrat - it has a much "mid"ier tone, darker, growlier, more like a Les Paul than an RG. Here's a pic
I put a bunch more info on my site (shameless plug :-) http://www.magma.ca/~jimid |
Challenger
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
I just got my MX3. Dead nuts mint in a mint case. Now I can hang with the JEM collectors and just smile... |
jimeina
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
Pictures, you swaggering wag! We demand pictures!!
:-) |
Challenger
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
If I had a choice between buying a junky digital cam so's I can share the pics wit you guys OR a dead mint MAXXAS MX3, which one do you think I'm gonna yank the pin on? As is, I'm gonna be eatin' generic (not even Kraft) mac & cheese and Ramen noodles for a while...
Anybody know of a good guitaraholics anonymous chapter?
I need help... |
Challenger
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
Any Maxxas MX3 owners out there?
I am curious as to the current market value on these pieces. This one is dead mint in a mint case. Red metallic, '87 modern fulcrum trem w/locking tuners and graphite nut. Unusual IBZUSA pickups with gray plastic bobbins. The more expensive of the two models offered in North America(list: $1400). It is chambered (I knocked on the wings). This guitar was never retailed(well, not BEFORE I bought it). I am not completely in love with the thing, although it looks, sounds, and plays great. I really wanted to see if any of you guys wanted to take a crack at it. I would hate to think I passed it by when a fellow collector is lusting after it. Don't worry, I wouldn't gouge on the price. That's for slimebag dealers. Name your price (within reason)and I'll consider it. |
Robert Tolar
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
Challenger: Sorry to interrupt the flow of your posting but I'm having difficulty getting through to you via the e-mail address listed. Drop me a line if you have a chance - I have an RS1000 sunburst body if your still looking. |
Rich Haick
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:04 am: | |
Alex Skolnick still has his Maxxus. I played it a couple of times and it was pretty sick. Alex said that they were pretty much really nice RG series guitars. |
Orval (Orval)
| | Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2002 - 10:47 pm: | |
here's a photo of my three Maxxas by Ibanez
model MX3. according to the serial numbers,
these guitars were made in 1987 although the
only reference to the Maxxas line was in the
price list #2 6/15/87 as the mx2h using the
edge tremelo system in colors bp,fb, at a list
price of $1099 and another $115 for the case.
it is not listed in the chesbro pricelist of
6/1/87. the oct 88 catalog shows three models,
the mx3 as shown in the photo, a single pickup extended neck hardtail mx4, and a hq tremelo
single pickup extended neck mx5. although the last
two models may have never made it to distribution
in the usa. the mx3 was listed at $1299.95 in
the jan 89 priclist. does anyone have an 87
catalog showing the maxxas? |
Orval (Orval)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 - 10:21 pm: | |
here's a link to a site with a 1987 mx2
http://www.ibanezregister.com/Gallery/maxxas/gal-mx2.htm |
Orval (Orval)
| | Posted on Thursday, January 31, 2002 - 7:45 pm: | |
in the 89 price list the model mx3 is priced
at $1299.95. in the 89 catalog, only the mx3 is
listed. the 89 chesbro lists it at 13.99.99 always
without the case price. it was a very expensive
guitar in that time. |
Psychotropia76 (Psychotropia76)
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 9:56 am: | |
Maxxas was the name given to Ibanez’s experimental sub-brand that existed a few years toward the end of the late mid eighties and only available to the public for one year (1987 model year). Ibanez was so proud of the Maxxas guitars that in 1986 (before the Maxxas line was available to the public) they sent Steve Vai a slightly modified Maxxas guitar (later given the model name MX-2). Apparently, he was so impressed with it that he began working with Ibanez to produce the now legendary Jem series.
When automobile companies create a sub-brand, it is generally for the high priced luxury models that are so different from normal production models that a new designation seems necessary, i.e. Toyota’s Lexus sub-brand. This was the idea Ibanez had in creating the Maxxas sub-brand. However, with guitar companies, the creation of a sub-brand historically has meant lower quality and cost in the sub-brand, i.e. Gibson’s Epiphone. It’s as if the parent company wants to distance the lower quality instruments from their name so they don’t sully their reputation. Even though, the Maxxas guitars were higher quality than most production Ibanez guitars, the public received the guitars based on previous experiences with guitar sub-brands. Add to that high cost of production and the slow and expensive process of handcrafting and you get the perfect equation for failure. Michael Wright, columnist for Vintage Guitar Magazine and author of Guitar Stories, suggests that only a few hundred Maxxas guitars were ever made and that goes for all the models together. Another factor that contributed to the failure of the Maxxas line was that they were introduced to the public the same year as the Jem series. The Maxxas line had no celebrity endorsement to qualify their higher prices to the public. |
Psychotropia76 (Psychotropia76)
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 9:58 am: | |
Maxxas guitars were available in three colors: Pearl Black, Maroon, and Metallic Mint Green. There were three models available in North America: MX-1 with Fender-style tremolo and two humbuckers; MX-2 with Original Edge tremolo, Power Play System backstop, and two humbuckers; and MX-3 with a hardtail and two humbuckers. Available outside of North America: MX-4 with a hardtail, single humbucker, and 29-fret neck ; MX-5 with a non-locking tremolo, single humbucker, and 29-fret neck. They all sported DiMarzio-made IBZ USA pickups, streamlined Honduras mahogany bodies with carved out sound chambers, All Access neck joints, Gotoh tuners, Wizard painted necks (probably maple), rosewood fretboards with pearl dot inlays, volume pot, tone pot, and three-way pickup selectors on the two humbucker models. Headstocks read "Maxxas – A division of Ibanez". |
Psychotropia76 (Psychotropia76)
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 10:02 am: | |
Maxxas guitars were also given a new serial number code that differed slightly from Ibanez codes of 1987. All Maxxas guitars had the leading letter "F", which meant they were Made in Japan, and it seems that the first digit of all the guitars was the numerical code "7", which meant they were made in 1987. Based on recent findings the production number is probably the last two digits in the code and the color code is probably the middle three. 284= metallic mint green, 221= pearl black, and 436= maroon. At first, I thought that the third digit from the left (ex. F7"2"8486) could be a reference to model number but when comparing serial codes to models this didn't hold up. It seemed to work with all the MX-2s but not the other Maxxas models. |
Orval (Orval)
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 12:55 pm: | |
jason, hey thats some great information, how about
a photo of your maxxas? oh, and by the way, welcome
to the ibanez collectors site :?) |
Psychotropia76 (Psychotropia76)
| | Posted on Monday, February 04, 2002 - 1:36 pm: | |
Here is a link to my Maxxas MX-2 on Ibanez register.com. The text was also written by me. She's a beauty, ain't she???http://www.ibanezregister.com/Gallery/maxxas/gal-mx2.htm |
Stevo (Stevo)
| | Posted on Monday, February 11, 2002 - 9:26 am: | |
I just recieved my first Maxxas it's an awesome guitar and will be replacing the spot of a JS1, this one is the same model and color(MX2 Mint Green) of the one in the psychotropia web site the only difference beeing unmarked Gotoh tuners and the serial# F723225, that doesn't respect his explanation for the color code in it.
It will need some restorations and then I'll try to post some pictures.
Sincerely
Stefano |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 9:38 am: | |
I saw a Maxxas MX3 hanging in my local GC. Of course no one working there knew anything about it. Other than it being filthy (nothing that good buffing wouldn't remedy), it was in nice shape. Anyone have any idea what these are fetching lately? Their prices on used gear are usually inflated, so I was hoping to get a better idea before "making an offer".
js |
Ibnzplyr
Username: Ibnzplyr
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 1:35 pm: | |
I just saw a red one in a store, excellent condition with original case for $600. It was listed as an MX2, but it's definitely a 3. I thought this was a deal. My 2004 (a year old) price guide (VinGtr) says 7 to 8 hundred. How much is that one in GC listed for? And do they have the original case?
Scott |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:24 pm: | |
Scott, The one I saw was 600 also. I don't know if there's a case. That price seemed reasonable to me, but I wanted to make sure. |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 11:43 am: | |
Here's one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=7313729425&rd=1
Do those pups look original? A BIN of $1800.00! If ya gotta have one...I guess ya gotta have one.  |
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 1:31 pm: | |
This one is up for sale over here. I think it is available for a few bucks. What's it worth?
\image {maxxas} |
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 1:33 pm: | |
This one is up for sale over here. I think it is available for a few bucks. What's it worth?
 |
Ibnzplyr
Username: Ibnzplyr
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 3:12 pm: | |
My 2004 VG price guide says 7 to 8 hundred. Probably more now. Sounds like you've scored yourself a potential deal.
Scott |
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, April 07, 2005 - 3:24 pm: | |
Thanks Scott!
I do not want it but I'll probably buy it now I know this.... |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 08, 2005 - 1:50 am: | |
Guys,
If any wants one, Let me know. I can go back to my local GC where they had one a few weeks back in REAL nice condition for 599. I'm always looking for an excuse to go back...
js |
Artfield
Username: Artfield
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 08, 2005 - 8:57 am: | |
guys there is one in Holland for sale here is the link:
http://www.marktplaats.nl/index.php3?g=muziek&u=elektrgitaren&ID=43796 |
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 08, 2005 - 1:12 pm: | |
That one is 1200 € asked for.....
Paul |
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 08, 2005 - 4:05 pm: | |
Hey Patricio,
Have you seen the Artfield on ebay in Italy?
Paul |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 11:42 am: | |
Jeff is that the one in Langhorne? I just seen it today its red with a price of $459.00. I did'nt ask to play it because I think its ugly and too pointy. But maybe I should at least try it. |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 2:28 pm: | |
Yeah, that's the one, but it appears as if they lowered the price since the time I was there. If you got a chance to really look it over closely, it looks like it has water marks (?) or something on the finish. Nothing that a good buffing wouldn't get out. Other than that, its in real nice shape.
js |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 09, 2005 - 4:38 pm: | |
I think I'll go and play it anyway. I saw the finish streaks from where it was hanging.
Brian |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 11, 2005 - 5:31 pm: | |
Great interview with Ibanez's Rich Lasner by Nuno! I see the similarities of his cool Maxxas guitar with his later design of the Peavey Cirrus bass. (Sorry, I'm photo posting-challenged!)
 http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/users/40b60c91_f1d6/8f3d/__sr_/c3df.jpg?phAvuWCBEN.dROSX |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 - 8:34 pm: | |
Here goes another:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7315045281&fromMakeTrack=true
It's in Holland too. |
Ibnzplyr
Username: Ibnzplyr
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 9:35 pm: | |
The Maxxas mentioned by Funkle above sold today for US $1,525.00.
Scott |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 - 10:13 pm: | |
Scott,
I noticed that too. I'm thinking about going over to my local GC and buying that one they have for 449 and put it right on ebay...If I can beat Brian to it
js |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 6:52 am: | |
Go ahead Jeff, I'm looking into an AF105NT right now! Make sure you haggle with those guys and get them to drop the price . it looks like they did once already so there's a chance they will again! |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 8:08 am: | |
Yeah, they'll move a bit on their prices. I don't know if you saw it, but they have an '83 AR150 marine sunburst hanging in there. Someone added a pickguard to it to hide a pretty nice scratch and the pups aren't original, but its a nice specimen. The only problem is they want 799 for it, which I think is way too high. I got them down to 699 (still too high), but they wouldn't move any further. Maybe if I combine that Maxxas they'll move more into my range.
js |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 1:28 pm: | |
Yeah I saw that. Its been there for months. Is the Weir dot still there? |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 5:21 pm: | |
The 2680 was still there the last time I was, along with a real clean black AR50/100 (couldn't remember which it was). Both were overpriced as usual.
Its funny how their prices on new gear are fairly reasonable but their used gear is through the roof. You would think they would want to free up the wall space... |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 8:30 pm: | |
The old vintage stuff is what brings folks in. Its a baiting system. Lure em in and hook em with a newbie. |
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 8:31 pm: | |
So did you get the Maxxas? |
Jeffsailor
Username: Jeffsailor
Registered: 01-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 - 10:47 pm: | |
Haven't been there. I may find some time to get out there tomorrow... |
Mormegil76
Username: Mormegil76
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 10:42 am: | |
Hi!
Visit this board from time to time to catch some "maxxas-stuff"! Like to thank these nice guys for all the data they put together! Don't know if there are still some "maxxas-admirers" cause the thread is quite old...but here's a picture of my MX3BH - hope you'll enjoy it, even if it's green :-)
\image(MX3BH) |
Mormegil76
Username: Mormegil76
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 10:49 am: | |
 |
Ibnzplyr
Username: Ibnzplyr
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, October 22, 2006 - 8:40 pm: | |
Green is cool-- my MX3 is cranberry, and I'd trade any day for yours.
Scott |
Mormegil76
Username: Mormegil76
Registered: 10-2006
| | Posted on Monday, October 23, 2006 - 7:12 am: | |
Does anybody know why they(Ibanez) decided to distribute the MX3 with (reverse) sunburst finishes only in Europe (and Japan)? Exposed to "blacklight" (don't know if it's the right English expression for the german word "Schwarzlicht") mine changes from the green-blue sunburst colour into an (overall)orange shade - don't know, if this effect was truly intended, but it looks quite nasty. Anyone else who noticed that. Asked myself if "Maxxas" is just a short form of "Maximum Acces"?
Micha |