The Ibanez GART80EX is one of the new 2011 models already in store at Swee Lee. It's a GIO model so anything too engaging in terms of physical presentations & tone should be arrested- this is the general treatment the GIO series get from the average buyer. However, I managed to try it & the guitar proved impressive in so many ways; tone, playability & QC are among others. The default action was fantastic to say the least, I usually don't speed up playing such guitars but it's too tempting not to. What's there not to like about the looks of this guitar as well- attractive laminate top & the finish was prim & proper. The EMG-HZs also did well for clarity & they made the thicker basswood body more audible, especially the lower frequencies so here's an example of a coupling that works. The price isn't out yet but it shouldn't cost too much. I have limited attraction for the GIO models but this is one of the truly impressive ones. But nothing spectacular, mind you.
PS: Thanks brother Faizal for the assistance.
8 comments:
finally arrived! goodbye GART60 ;)
the finish and emgs are indeed a very welcome change from the gio series of yore...
i see ibanez billing the GIOs to address the entry level price bracket as opposed to pricing the standard Ibanez models in a similar range. but the GART doesn't receive the active pickup treatment, this remains to be exclusively for the non-GIOs. but i'm happy with the tone coming out from this one. as mentioned in the post, the HZs are the right pickup for the instrument.
bro Ijau- didn't know you had a thing for the GART 60... :-)
i love ART series (and archtop GART)
in fact i love all archtop singlecuts, except for oddly/offset shaped singlecuts
might acquire a unit someday :)
I think if the price is right, this would serve a fine backup or budget basher.
i'm actually interested he he, like you say- depending on the price :-)
how much retail price @ swee lee? compared with GART60
bro, i've not gone back to check the price, will do so soon :-)
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