Summer Namm 2K+1
We often view the Ibanez 7-strings in three markets: high-end (UVs, CTs, CSTs, 2027, etc), mid-range (7620s, etc.) and low-end (7420s, AXs, etc.). We often postulate that the high-end ones go to 'serious' players, the low-end to the 'Nu-crowd' and the mid-range to a mixture of these.
How well do sales reflect this? Perhaps you have some insight Rich? For example, if true, one might expect UV sales to stay steadier than the low-end 7s as the 'Nu-crowd' evaporates and/or moves away from 7s.
Unfortunately, there are a few flies in the soup to consider. For example, the current UV777BK has been around for a while and is very readily available at much more friendly prices on the used market. A UV sales decline could be completely spurious in relationship to that of the low-end 7s, but wrongfully interpreted by Ibanez if they are not careful, as a general market-wide loss of interest in 7s.
Further confusing things is the introduction of a very pricey guitar (K-7) for the 'Nu-crowd'. I feel (with no creds or market research to back me up) that this is an idea bound to fail. Throw in the RG1077XL, while undoubtedly a superb axe, is a bit weird for your average consumer (come on, a Baritone 7?) and Ibanez might feel that there is no longer a market for high-end 7s after failing to move many this season. However, the reality could be that they are missing the market with the current lineup.
A new UV or a more widely available CT-like guitar (basically a 7-string 3120) might be enough to jump-start sales. Then again, perhaps the market truly is falling out (see: 2027), and people like myself who want high-quality Ibanez 7s will be left out in the cold. I hope they at least make more limited-run Prestige and J-Custom 7s in the future.