What's with Ibanez Japan?

They are still on their 2012 website!

I know it's likely they don't have anything different than USA or Europe, but it's possible and I would like to see something new there, too.

They had the "box guitar", high end Artstars and the solid top, dot inlay jazz infused Artcores I liked but couldn't easily get in the USA other than buying it on the internet sight unseen. They both were expensive enough that if I had bought them, probably at extra cost, then found them to be far below a used MIJ AF or AS, that would have been a bummer. I hope, even for non-MIJ stuff, that the higher end archtops and semi-hollowbodies are every bit as good as the old 80s and 90s MIJ hollowbodies. I know a lot of you here don't think the Indonesian mid/upper priced Premium solidbodies hold up to older MIJ Ibanez solidbodies, but I can't think that a company as well funded and as big as Ibanez can't build instruments worthy of the Ibanez legacy outside of Japan.

Also at the high price they ask for, it's better paying a little more and getting a Benson or Scofield, which is a known commodity as a equal or better than Gibson hollowbody, than taking a chance on buying a rather expensive Artstar sight unseen.

Have any of you tried the high end Japan market archtops of 2013 yet?

So 2014 will be better than 2013? Nice, I will wait for the 2020 model.

So uuhhhhhh, no back shots or close ups of the IC507 out there? Or even any big pictures of the WHOLE back (body to headstock. Whole thing)?

QUOTE=63Blazer;What's with Ibanez Japan?

They are still on their 2012 website!


Japan don't usually update their site until mid march,I'm not sure why but every year is the same.

The new fiscal year(also new school year) start in April over here. lucky for me, i know the estimated release date and price point for the 6 string iceman found out when i ordered my rg2550 galaxy white prestige.

http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/u_e...&series_id=151

I have never followed Ibanez so closely until this year. I guess I will have to wait.

Thanks Rich

Not in love with that joint but I'm planning a bit of body work anyway (depending on the fret access) so might get in there and take a bit of wood off. I can't wait for one of these to enter my life!

Now that is amazing!

I have a really big dilemma. I need a fixed bridge seven, a cheap one. So I was thinking of the Iron Label S, or the IC 507. I'm so happy to see Ibanez bringing out so many seven and eight string guitars this year!

^ I'm stuck in that exact same situation! But I decided that I'm going to use that money to hunt down and buy back my beloved RG1527.

Good luck on the decision! Maybe these will help. They did for me.

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/sev...man-ic507.html

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/sev...g-sir27fd.html

http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/sev...z-sir27fd.html

^ Cheers mate! Now I have something to do for the rest of my day here at the office One option is to buy an RG1527 and block the bridge... There's lots of good ones around in same, or lower price than the SIR or IC.

yeah thats an excellent idea. screw the 25th!

Ibanez just announced the other day that Kiko Loureilo (ex-Angra) is a new Ibanez artist and will have a signature later this year. He's currently using an SA custom. This news floored me when I first read it.

This makes sense as to the reason why they didnt bring Chris Broderick into the fold. Ibanez might want to push the S series more and IIRC Chris used an RG.

I just saw the Model he has on his website and all i have to say is its about time for the jack to be moved and the pickup selector to not have the black plastic piece. Best of all, Green wood top!!! Looks more like a SZ....