Ibanez X-series (Brief take 3- final instalment): Glaive

The final member of this year's new X-series is the Glaive. It's essentially a V-type guitar with a pair of crucial cutaways for great balance both sitting down & standing up. In fact, the lower cutaway is the reason it's possible to play one sitting down.

As you can see here, I got myself a white version & that bag you see there is part of the purchase package.

The Glaive sports the regular Ibanez headstock, nothing too out-going here. Do note the 'X-Series' label which differentiates it from the regular headstock.

Rear view. Not obvious from the above pic but it seems that this year, Ibanez had resorted to pasting the serial numbers on their instruments instead of printing them. All 2011 X-series instruments are made in China.

I'm beginning to sound like a broken record but just a reminder that the CAP-LZ humbuckers are active & they perform better with distortion. It's a simple affair for the Glaive, just a volume knob & a 3-way toggle switch & I'll show you why there's no tone knob.

It's because the other cavity end is housing the batteries. This is how cramp the situation is at the back.

I'm very happy with what I see & hear from all 3 X-series guitars, more importantly, the Chinese production is definitely holding up in terms of QC. The protrusive fanfare aside, the X-series are indeed practical designs when it comes to posture considerations. The Glaive lists for $970 @ Swee Lee. Thanks to Yadni @ the BB showroom for the assistance leading to the purchase of this instrument.

Summary of 2011 X-series models:

• Falchion
• Halberd
• Glaive

Other X-series models:

• Iceman
• Destroyer
• Xiphos