Another Custom Discussion - Hopefully practical…

[bob oakman]

We each have our individual hopes and dreams about the future innovations of Ibanez guitars and products. Many of us are searching for even more diversity, but in reality, Ibanez has as many different models and variations as any manufacturer. More in many cases. Though attractive, I don’t think it is practical to ask for more “customizing” or new lines.

These guitars, especially the Jem, RG and UV family, are not only beautiful, but are diverse and practical. Perhaps the answer to our individual needs is simply customizing.

Instead of the outlandish expense of re-tooling an Ibanez custom shop or the risky business of releasing unique guitars to a narrow target of players, I think Ibanez should focus on making personal customization easier.

How? I don’t know… exactly. What do you all think? My opinion is that Ibanez should endorse private custom shops and techs… make it easy for these folks to get necks, bodys, trems, etc… As well as focus a little more attention on stocking a diversity of parts in various countries…. Like here in the US. For example, Brian or Rich could build me a custom Jem and it could still say Ibanez on the headstock, because they have been checked out by the company and “licensed and bonded” to order the parts and assemble the guitar.

Small expense for Ibanez, nice opportunity for some talented techs... Probably a wacky idea, but what the hey.

[dwswift]

That's brilliant Bob

So when can I place my Custom RG order Rich? :biggrin:

[Rich]

Novel idea, but... You'll never be able to order custom Jems, or any other signature model. The artist still has control of these. The rest is basically the way they worked the custom shop in the past. Bodies with just 1 p/u rout so the others could be cut to order, variety of necks to choose from, then finished as per order. Obviously it didn't work out for them then so I doubt they'd be willing to now *trust* all this to an outside entity. If in the off chance they did, it certainly wouldn't be me or Brian but a long established custom shop like GMW might possibly make the cut. Just my take on it.

[darren wilson]

What about Ibanez doing what Fender has done and grant licenses (with royalty fees associated) for quality aftermarket manufacturers like Warmoth to produce necks (with the genuine licensed Ibanez headstock shape and a choice of Ibanez neck profiles) and bodies (RG, Radius, Sabre, etc.) to Ibanez specifications?

You still wouldn't be able to put a real Ibanez logo on one, but you'd at least be able to get closer to the DIY Custom Shop that so many would be interested in, without Ibanez really losing any revenue or incurring any significant cost.

[Project Guitar]

In all honesty I have had years upon years of inventory experiance and what your suggesting could be a really hazardous move for Ibanez or the vendor.

First of all the production parts are already a nightmare to get your hands on even if your in the know. Over stocking and managment of actual over runs to keep a supply available would tie up a lot of money in overhead. Then of course there is the dump factor on discontinued items.

In reality it would take a well established operation with quite a few people to make it run smoothly if someone were to go into a large scale custom shop. And of course everything would still have to come under the eye of the home office which really loose's the power to say anything without a strict contract (that slow's the process down even more).

Sure in my dreams being the North American Custom Shop would be wondeful but in reality I'd just like to be able to stock replacement parts without having to purchase them second hand. I wouldn't even mind being the repair facility for North American Ibanez, then again you run into the problem that North American Ibanez doesn't really exsist at this point.

You'll have to remember that Hoshino and Chesbro are not related, just distribution centers with license's. For now the best I can do is keep hot rodding originals.... I'm happy with it anyway.

[bob oakman]

Good points. So if it would not be practicle for Ibanez to take the steps necessary to "license" non-company individuals and overstocking and cataloging extra parts is also a financial back step... well... that would mean that we are stuck with things just the way they are. I guess the value of Kevan's J-customs is secure.

I would, at least, like to see a bit more abundant stock of some of the larger parts and it would be cool if Ibanez would make it a little easier and quicker for "trusted" people to get parts for resale. Maybe not for the signature models, but what about RGs and the like? Not that there is anything wrong with the bodies and necks people are already making... I am thinking about ease of replacement and customization.

Oh hell! Why lie?!? Since Vai won't do it. I want Ibanez to make it easier for me to build my own custom, 7-string Jem. Any chance of that? :biggrin:

[Project Guitar]

Quote: from bob oakman on 12:45 am on Nov. 3, 2001
Oh hell! Why lie?!? Since Vai won't do it. I want Ibanez to make it easier for me to build my own custom, 7-string Jem. Any chance of that? :biggrin:

Sure is just do the following steps:

1: Write and perform killer chops to a group that adores you..

2: Get a record deal!

3: Wait till the folks at Ibanez have the budget to sign a new artist and your in like Flint!

See now wasn't that easy? Just three steps and your in custom heaven =o)

[bob oakman]

OK. sounds easy enough. I'll start tomorrow. Thanks for the helpful advice. :biggrin:

Guess I better start shopping for a beater Jem and set up my router.

[GuitarAkuma]

Why don't they just take a leaf out Valley arts and Jacksons book and have an online custom guitar system where by you can pick from a preset list of MANY options everything (in the case of Jackson) if you want frets scalloped and HOW MANY, to fingerboard types standard inlays custom name on headstock etc. I think interest ig guaranteed from exisitng JEM owners looking for something special and a pre-printed order form containing everything the custom guitar has (in the case of Jackson) which you simply take to the dealer and order would make the whole business pretty much effortless and would be easy money for Ibanez, and big smiles for the hungry customers After all, the big names all have custom shops so why not Ibanez?