Ibanez 2012: 25th Anniversary models

As part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations, Ibanez is releasing commemorative RG/ S-series guitars in the Premium range, if you like 'em fluorescent, chances are, you will like these models. The Premium tag here makes commercial sense; it won't be out-of reach to many fans & we know the 'Premium' tag means business in terms of quality. However, why differentiate the pickups? Why is the RG equipped with DiMarzio IBZ models while the S-Series has just the INF set in there?

Ibanez 2012: M8M... Meshuggah!

If you think the standard 8-string models offered thusfar are too overwhelming, enter the Ibanez M8M. This instrument had some healthy inputs by the Meshuggah guitarists. But wait. This model particularly, has an even longer scale length: 29.4", darn! That's skimming the short-scale bass by merely a wee bit.

Ibanez 2012: Tight End R bridge

Ibanez has a new fixed bridge for their (selected) models this 2012, it's called the Tight End R. It won't change the art of guitar playing very much but you have to give it to them for relentless innovation.

I am going to sound like I contradict myself but in terms of the guitar outline per se, Ibanez is just like the rest of the market players; they tend to stick to the formula that works. However in terms of the smaller details, I acknowledge the manufacturer's effort to innovate. Bass fans would remember the mono-rail bridge- that works, even Parker acknowledged that & used them for their basses.

The TER bridge looks like it's emulating its Edge siblings in terms of surface feel. This means, there shouldn't be a big difference in this aspect if you are playing a whammy bridge equipped guitar or this fixed bridge model.

Ibanez also has the X-Series to leverage on for non-standard  models/ instrument outline. This way, they need not fret (no pun intended) if their fresh designs fall wayward to fans' appeal. They still have the traditional formula in tact & need not try too hard to dress their injured goodwill.

Ibanez 2012: Premium JEM

This is the current buzz among the JEM aficionados; a 2012 offering in the Premium range. The implications are:

• It's not made in Japan- but without QC compromise of course. If you've seen the current Premium offerings up close, you'd agree.
• More affordable- since it's not made in Japan (jump up with glee, JEM fans... I am not jumping). Short-changed? No- look at the specs, they are still very much the original JEM features

No other finishes on offer thusfar, sea foam green might work with Strats, liking this one, well, you decide.

Alrighty! Enough leaks for today. :-)

Ibanez 2012: Glaive! (Mick's)

The other new Ibanez Glaive model is Mick Thompson's new signature, the current RG-like offerings are discontinued. We can all agree that he likes the BC Rich-esque presence. He, he...

Ibanez 2012: Glaive!

Forgive the pic quality, just wanna get you Ibanez fans started; here's a pair of new Glaive models to be announced soon (NAMM 2012)- a 7-string model & a 6-string silverburst. Really glad the 7 is featuring a pair of passive humbuckers- it's on my 'to-get' list.