Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: I reside on a peaceful patch of land in rural Pennsylvania
Posts: 146
Re: OFFICIAL IBANEZ 8 STRING GUITAR R&D TEAM
Tak,
I think everything you guys are doing with the 8 strings so far has been perfect, just a steady progression onwards and upwards. However, if I may implement some suggestions just as a long time Ibanez Fan, and player. First off, I think the RG is THE most balanced guitar model ever created, thus I feel that the RG makes the perfect coupling for the 8 string application. The only suggestion I have that could make an 8 string production RG even better would be to have the body SLIGHTLY slimer, such as the TAM100. And also implement the lower horn scoop. I feel that with the RG's inherent balance and beauty, with the addition of those two features, would make for the perfect formula for a production 8 string.
Also another important topic would be the Scale Length. The M8M model literally sounds HUGE with the 29.4" scale. And it really doesn't hinder playing lead's at all for guys like me with gigantic hands. However the 27" scale truly does seem to be the best of both worlds. Being Baritone yet accessible to all crowds, and still retaining clarity on the lower registers. I think a variety of scale length options could be beneficial, but also more complicated to put into production and kept in an affordable price bracket.
On the topic of finishes, again the M8M epitomizes the ideal finish for a guitar such as an 8 string; raw, natural, Nordic, and just plain comfortable. I do know that while gloss black/white is always a safer bet to put into production, there is a sense of staleness within those options. Ibanez for me have always pushed boundaries and limitations, and I don't feel you as a company should limit yourselves to such common finish options. Most player today that progress into extended range guitars have been playing for sometime and have developed a sense of personality with their expression. And I can speak from experience that they would like to convey that personality through their instruments as well. Also, very popular today are natural finishes, stain finishes, and oil finishes. I think people like the stripped down nature of such things so that the player can fill the void and implement their own character to what is missing with a flashy glossy finish. And again, if you look through the popular offerings of the 8 string market today you will see that nearly all are white/black or red. This should leave a huge opening for Ibanez to burst forth with unique and personal finish options! We all know Ibanez isn't afraid of unleashing mass terror on the retinas of the public, so I think you should have no fear on doing so in the 8 string market as well. I know the idea of an 8 string electric guitar is still somewhat "new" to the modern music world, but I think you have much evidence proving that it's a trend to stay. And I think that ibanez could really capitalize on what other manufacturers are missing out on right now.
Teaming up with Fredrik couldn't have been a better choice, not just because he is one of the brightest and most developed Guitarist in our generation, but also because he KNOWS tone. Not just "Metal", he knows what sounds good and what doesn't. He is a true artist and I think he alone is the greatest asset to Ibanez's journey into furthering the 8 string line.
I look forward to seeing and hearing more updates from you guys, and I truly can't wait to see the fruits of your labour. I know Ibanez won't fail their customers, you have never before.
Thank you!
Will