Ibanez 2024 (6): Foto

This is a seemingly innocent release by Ibanez but it created quite a stir at NAMM '24. The GRG320FA (List: $549) has a very attractive flame top which is actually a photo. That's right, it's a graphic piece, pasted onto the body & lacquered over. Innovative? Well, Fender did this way back in the mid '90s with selected Japanese models. These were called the Foto Flame models. 

You feel that you've been had by this? Why should this be the case? It's one way to finish a guitar top. More importantly, it adds visual appeal to the instrument without adding extras to the price. It's funny how people can accept a graphic finish but not this iteration.

Pics: Ibanez

Ibanez 2024 (5): AZ Series

The Ibanez critiques expressed their dismay with the absence of any Prestige / Japanese models in the 2024 lineup. There are at least Premium ones which represent a higher tier of craftsmanship so to speak. I pick this AZ24P1QM as the boldest representative in this release. That quilted maple cap top finished in this green-esque burst (Ibanez calls it the deep ocean blonde) does exude a degree of reverence. Anyway, I noticed the headstocks are now generic black so any neck will be deemed suitable for any body finish. Also, pundits are saying the AZ colours are now more outgoing & less reserved compared to the initial releases.

There's a 7-string in the lineup (AZ427P2QM) which means there's an established demand for 7-string AZs. I don't see too many AZ pros embracing a 7 (maybe Martin Miller is the most prominent amongst them). 

In any case, the Premium AZs are sporting ridiculous prices considering they are not Japanese. I'm not equating the Japenese pedigree to be the deserving criteria for inflated prices but the quality of these instruments might just justify the prices. 

Yamaha 2024: Pac Pro

This year, Yamaha returns the Pacifica to the top tier selections. The guitar you see above is the Pacifica Pro (Japan). It looks very much like the typical Pacifica with added visual tweaks: Truss rod adjustments moved to the heel end, line / strip inlays, modified pickguard & that embossed logo at the headstock. 

The manufacturer also offers the rosewood fretboard version if you prefer a darker hue at that part of the neck.

Pickups - Yamaha went with Rupert Neve Refelctone this time for both the humbucker & single coils. Looks the works but do note the price: USD3.7K. Yes, we acknowledge the fact that this guitar is up there in terms of quality. However, people are already saying, for that kinda money, frets could have been more substantial & maybe include some roasted wood in there. Hmm...

Pics: Yamaha USA

Ibanez: 2024 (4)

As suspected, Ibanez has more in store from its higher tier models but these are not for release in the mean time. Winter NAMM 2024 showcases this pair of Pat Metheny models with a single Charlie Christian pickup but cleverly labelled as prototype. There are more, of course.

Pic: Ibanez FB

Jackson 2024

Man... that headstock is a deal-breaker. At least for me. This JS22-7 RR HT is one of the new models for 2024. I've embraced Jackson for their pointy, hockey stick type headstock. This is a NO in my books. 

And there's a King V version with the same headstock - JS22-7 KV HT.

 Pics: Jackson

Ibanez 2024 (3): BTB 25th

This year, Ibanez commemorates the BTB in its 25th year of existence. I believe in this turf, the typical bass players out there would go for an EBMM, Warwick, Yamaha or even a Fodera. 35" basses are definitely not for the smaller frame musicians among us. In view of some serious competition, I must say the BTB did well to hold its own. Seen above: BTB25TH6.

Pic: Ibanez

Charvel 2024

I'm not too into Charvel guitars. These instruments are now Fender's slave brand working to entice the  shredders out there. Ever since the 'hockey stick' headstock outline was phased out, I had not been keeping up. As it is, there's no love lost. In any case, this NAMM, Charvel has a relic'd San Dimas for those of us who find cracked, scratched & dented bodies appealing. 

Pic: Charvel

LTD 2024 (2) - Kreator

Some Kreator content here - Mille Petrozza gets a signature model (MK_EC FR). I didn't expect it to be a mild-mannered EC model. That FR bridge - let's see if it gets any play time at all in any of Kreator's recordings.

Le Clercq gets a signature bass as well (FL-4) & for those of us who find that name familiar - yes, he's the dude from Dragon Force. 

Pics: ESP

Ibanez 2024 @ SL

That's right, folks. Some of the new Ibanez instruments are now available at Swee Lee. That was fast. It's not even NAMM yet.

LTD 2024

Guitardom is currently transfixed by the Ibanez 2024 releases which, as many would agree, contain limited appeal in terms of innovation. If the 2023 occurrences were indicative if what's to come, Ibanez will have stronger releases in Summer. I'm leaving the Ibanez interest behind in the mean time to take a look at what LTD has to offer. My first instalment would be highlighting the fact that LTD has propagated more single pickup guitars. This elegant white model you see above is the EC-01FT. LTD still has the 201 & Black / Arctic Metal models featuring single humbuckers at the helm. So nothing was removed, just additions. Judging by the limited images in the mean time, it looks like the EC-01FT has a less bulky neck heel profile. Unlike the 201, it has no body binding but has a pickguard instead.

There's also a single pickup Snapper this year but it's a baritone (SN-1 HT Baritone).

There are three Deluxe single pickup models this time; one being the PHOENIX 1001 you see above...

... a super Strat type FR equipped M-1001...

... & last but not least, the XJ-1 HT.

I have always believed that a single pickup guitar has a niche appeal & demand for these instruments would be limited. LTD might be suggesting otherwise.

Pics: ESP

Ibanez 2024 (2)

I see this as a spinoff, really. The 2023 Ibanez Pentatone pedal is now split into two units. The EQ section is now a standalone unit (PTEQ).

Ditto the noise gate section (PTGATE). This might be the consideration after players decided they don't need a preamp or any gain section in their FX lineup compounded by the fact that the drive produced by the Pentatone might not be up to their expectations but they can do with the EQ & noise gate. Between the two pedals, the EQ looks like it's leaning into the overkill side; features are rather excessive. The noise gate is a good lesson in simplicity.

Pics: Ibanez

Ibanez 2024

So Ibanez officially updated their 2024 listings today. Initial impressions - nothing extraordinary save for a few note-worthy debut models. I won't be the killjoy of this wonderful occasion but there are no new additions to the following series of guitars: J-Custom / SA / RGD / RGA / Q. Knowing Ibanez, they saved some good stuff for Summer enticements which happened in 2023. Anyway, the blue sparkle TS808 you see above is new this year & it's a commemorative 45th Anniversary model which we all need, yes?

Pic: Ibanez