This, ladies & gentlemen, is the most affordable Ibanez Kiko Loureiro signature guitar, the KIKOSP, retailing for less than $300. Despite the entry-level status, the QC is above average, very befitting of a signature offering. The only gripe I have with this guitar is that the hardware is rather stiff, ditto the electronics. The Kiko association here, honestly, is a passing association. I tried my best to embrace this in light of what it should offer (in terms of feel) but the guitar isn't any more pleasant than an average Ibanez GIO model. In fact, we have some GIOs which are more classy than the KIKOSP.
Tone-wise, the immediate impact is the instrument's rather harsh tones, both in clean & driven modes. It has everything to do with the Infinity pickups which aren't reputed to offer anything else but gnarly distortion (if you amp is up to it). This is quite a shame, really, in view of the association the KIKOSP has in terms of tonal progression but then again, Kiko himself has DiMarzios in his personal instruments & these are featured in his upper tier signature selections. I only enjoyed the single coil performance but it's not in Fender territory, mind you & we shouldn't be looking forward to own this guitar for crystal clean tones; it's just not meant for that intention.
If you are into all things Kiko & think than you can celebrate the fact that his good tones are now available on a budget- not quite. The commercial intention is plain to see but please do not dismiss this one if you are in for an affordable instrument with above average specs. Tonal liking is another story altogether.
Rating: 65%
Ibanez: KIKOSP
Availability: Swee Lee Co.
Price: $299
