2007 - An Anniversary for Ibanez

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Author Message   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 2:02 pm:    I received the following announcement from Hoshino USA: "2007 will be a big year. It's the 20th Anniversary of the Rebirth of Ibanez, when the company radically turned around its rapidly declining fortunes at the June 1987 NAMM Show in Chicago with the unveiling of the JEM, the Radius, the S (then the Saber), the RG550 and the SR Bass (yes, I know the Soundgear came out a little before, but you get the general idea). I know some may feel that this wasn't the Golden Age of Ibanez, but without 1987 we wouldn't be here, most likely, to begin recreating some of the great old designs." This means we'll certanly see some special models to commerate the anniversary. ICW members have been asked to offer suggestions for these commemorative issues. So what would you like to see? NOTE: there are no guarantees suggestions will be acted on, but it never hurts to keep Hoshino informed about what people are looking for.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:31 pm:    Let the frenzy begin. Artwood Twin Prestige, available in Natural and Sunburst.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 3:32 pm:    there she is!   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 4:13 pm:    An archtop based on the JP20 (body, neck and headstock.. keep all that) with one pickup closer to the neck, a lot of flames on the sides and back in a natural finish and an ebony fingerboard without any mark (no dots, no inlays)... Very simple. Maybe it could be called FG200   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 4:20 pm:    Who would go for a FG200? Sign your name here under.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 6:37 pm:    Hoshino's comments only mentioned solid body instruments. Is that all they see as potential 'commemorative' or 'anniversary' models?? What about the incredible impact Ibanez' semi-hollowbody and full hollowbody instruments have had on the jazz, blues and fusion world! I hope they look at a possible model to feed us blues/jazz cats hunger. How about an AS400 reissue; or AM500 reissue; or a full hollow similar to the GB200? Just my 2 cents.   Roadartstar Username: Roadartstar Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 6:40 pm:    MC500 or MC550 AR500   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 7:08 pm:    Guitartim, you're right. Many pro players (Metheny, GB and I'm sure others) used FG100s. Also, they used that model as a start point for designing the PMs, JP and AFs. I think a 'nicer' FG100 (read above) as an anniversary model would be a success. In the threads mentioning the FG100 and JP there's a lot of comments/wishes about an FG100 with better appointments as well as a JP20 with a pickup on a better position. It'll be a pity if they just make solid body models...   Acetan Username: Acetan Registered: 09-2003 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 8:09 pm:    Hi Tim, AM500? ...or do you mean AM400? FG100, All I want is an FG with ebony board, I can live without the fancy stuff. Ace   Bluesmeister Username: Bluesmeister Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 10:27 pm:    The one, the only, the gorgeous AM205AV Go ahead Hoshino, make my day!   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 6:51 am:    Acetan, there... I think my description (above) is a 'summary' of the FG, PMs, JP, GBs and AFs. A truly 'Anniversary Model' and a real 'Jazz Player'. Hoshino... It could go like this > After more than 20 years of success our original jazz (full hollow and semi-hollow) models have been enjoying with the most renowned jazz players (George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Bruce Foreman, the late great Joe Pass and many more) we decided it was time to make a guitar that would represent the best features of the best models we have ever made as a commemorative model. The ultimate ‘JAZZ PLAYER’. The name. The FG100 was our first original archtop design. So, we thought it would be natural to call this commemorative model FG2000. The Design No frills, just honest pure jazz sound and features. Body: FG/AF/JP shaped Neck, fingerboard and frets (dimensions/style): JP Headstock: JP/GB/PM/Bruce Foreman (bound big tulip style) Neck: Mahogany (like on PMs) or flamed maple (B. Foreman) Fingerboard: Ebony (no inlays, no dots, just the small dots on the side) Tuners: Gotoh Top: (solid) spruce (AF200) with traditional f holes (FG100) Back and sides: Flamed maple (GB5, GB200, B. Foreman) Finish: Natural Bridge: Ebony Tailpiece: Ebony (like the one on the GB5) Pickup: neck super58 (like on PM100). No bridge pickup Hardware: Gold Knobs: like on AF200 or wood No pick guard. ---------------------- That would be a truly anniversary model. Of course that's just my opinion and wishes.   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 7:27 am:    that would be my dream guitar too! i would add just another detail: a brass/bone nut like GB10.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 9:38 am:    Here's some custom archtops that Ibanez has produced in the past which have some of the features that have been mentioned. First, the AAF3000 (I have never seen any specs on this one):   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 9:49 am:    Next, is a custom made archtop for Bruce Forman (read more about in this message thread http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/cgi-bin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=17&post=5551#POST5551):   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 10:14 am:    My suggestion for AS400 and AM500 were intended to be new designation models to be considered. Yes, the AM205 is very cool indeed. If Ibanez produced something like the Bruce Forman archtop would make me extremely happy...and yes, I would have to have one!!   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 12:15 pm:    1. FG100 2. Petruz 3. Guitartim n. (your name here)   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 2:52 pm:    Johns, thanks for the pictures. I guess the one by B. Foreman ilustrates it well. Just no bridge pickup, no pick guard, no inlays on the fingerboard, a lighter tail piece, Gotoh tuners and a mahogany neck. Am I repeating myself? Hey Harold, I read in another thread that you're an archtop guy... Where are you? Would you be up for one? Let us know.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 7:50 am:    Ok, it doesn't look fancy enough to be an Anniversary model. But that is just what I would like...   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 10:16 am:    Or something like this maybe? Tim   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 10:46 am:    With a smaller tail piece, AF shaped body, no pick guard and different f holes. What is that anyway?   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 11:34 am:    Fg100~ That is a Moll 'Classic' archtop. Bill Moll makes custom instruments ranging from approximately $3K up to $10K+, applying his violin making expertise to fine hand made archtop guitars. One of the best luthiers out there. Here is a link to his site: http://www.mollinst.com/newweb/index2.htm   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:14 pm:    Thank you very much Guitartim! They look like great instruments. The prices a very good too.... I would take a "Classic" or a "John Pizzarelli". Would love to try one of those to hear what they sound like... but find it difficult to happen in the near future... .. I live a bit far from there.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:36 pm:    Read again... I would go for the "Classic" model.   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 5:26 pm:    Lets here from the solid bodyist! Anyone?   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 1:21 am:    If I read John's proposal correctly, suggestions should be based on the designs introduced in 1987. Most of these models, particularly the RG and S have seen so many variants that it's hard to come up with something that has not been done. I'd like to see some radius models. Made out of figured wood, maybe a sandwich of different woods to show off the contours like the BTB prestige basses. Maybe even a neck-through or set-neck. How about a semi-hollow raduis with f-holes? Nothing against Satriani, but I'd like to see it not as a signature model, but as a Radius.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 9:48 am:    Funkle: I'm pretty sure you're right about Ibanez wanting '87-centric suggestions. But everyone is having so much fun, it couldn't hurt to see what other ideas are out there. I agree that many of the models introduced in '87 have evolved into much more popular models. How can you go backwards? The JS models are the best you can do with a Radius and so many variants have been tried. The JEMs are still super popular and any (every) color JEM777 they reissue from '87 will sell like hotcakes. Except for the trem change (would they try to find original Edge trems?), they could faithfully duplicate the guitar with it's original specs and it would still be a great player. Personally, I've seen the 90th Anniversary issue JEM and as a collectible commemorative guitar it was a beautiful instrument that would be hard to beat. One of my personal frustrations is not being able to see what Ibanez offered in 1987. I believe that year's catalog is the hen's teeth of Ibanez catalogs. Can any of you catalog collectors help us out?   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 12:56 pm:    I remember reading somewhere (here?) that the '87 catalog was never printed... but if it was I would love to see it too. Without wanting to be insistent.... if I'm not wrong the AF was introduced in 87. Ok, ok .. they are looking for solid body... but who knows... Maybe they decide to make their best ever selling pro archtop.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006 - 12:57 pm:      Mrmike Username: Mrmike Registered: 01-2006 Posted on Thursday, March 02, 2006 - 10:56 am:    Blah Blah! What's all this hollowbody talk? Cool Contemporary Electrics?? OK,If we're talking about the 'rebirth'of Ibanez let's talk about the gtrs that made it happen! Do we want 'reissues' or new models based on old body styles? I'll take a Road Flare Red 550 w/matching headstock! Or they could re-issue the gtr that was supposed to save the company;the MAXXAS!! As long as they're made in Japan I'll be happy with anything cool.   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 10:13 am:    Mrmike, great suggestion! Maxxas guitars came in both solid and semi-hollow (chambered)versions. Too advanced and radical for Ibanez back in the day, but as a new or reissue? Too cool!   Funkle Username: Funkle Registered: 12-2001 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 11:43 am:    My 2 cents on the Maxxas is that it was a very creative design, but didn't withstand the test of time. I've always kind of wanted one, but couldn't imagine being seen in public with one   Mr_roadstar Username: Mr_roadstar Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Friday, March 03, 2006 - 12:25 pm:    I'd be all over a Hardtail Maxxas !!!! Steve   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 4:11 am:    fg, THAT's the guitar you want?   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Wednesday, March 08, 2006 - 5:11 am:    Kind of ... the differences are: > spruce top (I think Pat's has maple, not sure) > ebony bridge > pickup closer to the neck > no inlays on the fingerboard > one piece mahogany neck   Ibnzplyr Username: Ibnzplyr Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 1:03 am:    To celebrate the rebirth of Ibanez, how about a Black Eagle reissue bass and matching Black Eagle guitar? The eagle flies again... Something old and something new. Scott   Ibanezfreak1960 Username: Ibanezfreak1960 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 6:49 am:    The Black eagle guitar would need to be a different shape. I have a hard time reaching the upper register on my bass. Those horns get in the way.   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 9:34 am:    Petruz: What timeframe is that picture of Metheny from?   Guitartim Username: Guitartim Registered: 04-2001 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 12:41 pm:    Petruz, that photo looks like one of the prototype Metheny models he was trying out prior to the final double cutaway version. One very similar to that showed up in a guitar shop in Berkely, Calif. a few years back and it played great.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 2:59 pm:    Guitartim, that one is a prototype. There was another one that was stollen after a show. It sounds like you have found it.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 09, 2006 - 3:04 pm:    Ohter pics of the same guitar.   Petruz Username: Petruz Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 8:47 am:    on the site where i got the photo below there was this info: "Pat Metheny in Las Vegas on 25 September 2000 during the Trio Tour." i think it is a custom FG100 and not a PM20, what do you say?   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 9:45 am:    Petruz, it's not a PM20 nor a FG100. It's a prototype. I read sometime ago in a interview (that I can't find anymore) Pat saying that he asked them to fit a prestige neck on this body (FG shaped but with more binding), a JP20 bridge and that was it. I guess this gave origin to the PM20 although they don't come with the ebony tail piece and the f holes are different. If I find this interview I'll post it here. I ended up on this site after trying to find out information about this guitar and the FG100. It's true that on one catalog (that I can't remember the year, probably the first year they offered the PMs) they say Pat used a FG100 for more than 15 years. Does anybody know more about this? Maybe pics with him playing the FG100?   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Friday, March 10, 2006 - 1:43 pm:    Man!! I can't find this interview... But from what I read on another one, it could be that this IS a custumized FG100 that became the prototype for his PMs. And this would be the FG that Ibanez refers to when they say "Pat has been playing a FG100 for the last 15 years" .... Anyway, here it is one showing the neck from the back... or is it the back from the neck?? Or the neck's back ... or back of the neck... or back to the subject... ... I have to remember not to spend too much time reading... The neck is a one piece mahogany, isn't it?   Johns Username: Johns Registered: 02-2001 Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 11:02 am:    Guys thanks for all the pictures and info on Pat's modified FG guitar. FG: If you can see one piece of mahogany in the photo above, please send me the name of your eye doctor.   Fg100 Username: Fg100 Registered: 03-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 2:52 pm:    Hey Johns... very funny .... ...................... ........................ I'm not sure... but I thought it could be because it seems to be darker than maple and when I make it bigger I can't see any obvious mark (look in the area of the headstock)... also, his ES175 and the PMs have one piece mahogany (or am I wrong? )... so .... OK OK I confess... I can't see my hand in front of my face without my classes... ..... Nooo, it's not that bad... Does anybody know more about it?

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