27 / 7 / curved

This is the 7-string version of the SOLAR ACS model (ACS1.7FRPS) with an extended scale length of 26.5". No idea if 27 frets are a thing in the mean time but SOLAR has its own take which often end up being more affordable than the competitors. Really like the flake finish 👍

Pic: SOLAR

E-Maverick

And so it happened; ESP did an Edwards version of the Maverick. After the ESP & LTD versions in February, the Maverick is now represented in three manifestations. Will a Grass Roots version take place soon? That aside, the Edwards Maverick features a Lil '59 in the neck position instead of a rail type single coil. Reminder: The Maverick features 27 frets.

Pic: ESP Japan

27

SOLAR now offers a 27-fret model. This here is the ACS1.6FRW sporting a standard 25.5" scale length. ESP & Ibanez did it, now SOLAR has one that should be more affordable than the aforementioned brand names. A GOTOH 1996 bridge in this one. Nice.

Pic: SOLAR

 

Assassin 27

New one by SOLAR guitars - the Assassin VA1.61FR. The first to feature 27 frets. Actually, the 26th & 27th frets are partial frets. Hamer, ESP & Ibanez had such frets in their respective models. As for me, I'm happy with 22 frets 😅

Pic: SOLAR

SF727

Beneath the boring facade of releasing an acoustic bass & a starter acoustic guitar for the month of May, Ibanez had this SF727 out & it's both good & not good.

Good because it's a deserving addition to the S-Series which, as we all know, is living in the shadows of the RG highlight. 27 frets - yes, it goes beyond 24, Duncan's Nazgul humbucker in the bridge & those reversed shark tooth inlays are just very evil. In a good way, of course.

Not good because it's a Euro only release. Dammit, Ibanez! Why??!!

Pic: Ibanez

Been there

Reflecting on the recent Ibanez Axe Design Lab treatment (2023), the SML721 is nothing new. Strandberg was there before. As you can see from the images above, both the Ibanez & Strandberg sport a 25.5" scale length at the bass side & 25" at the treble side. Of course, Ibanez proved to the world they could do it for much le$$er.

Ditto the 27-fret RGA622XH; ESP was there. Not trying to dis the new ADL stuff but these excitable models had been done before. Maybe Ibanez thinks it's a good time to re-visit such concepts now.

Pics: Ibanez, ESP, Strandberg

Summer NAMM 2022: Bowen

Signature series are the highlight this Summer NAMM for Ibanez & this here is the JBM9999. It's in standard scale length despite the 27 frets there, ebony fretboard & Jake Bowen's own signature pickups. The Gibraltar Elite bridge there has a strong hint of Hipshot but as it is with Ibanez, this is perhaps the manufacturer's interpretation of the said bridge. 

If a blue guitar with 27 frets is a familiar concept to you, perhaps you're aware that Kiko used to have an ESP version. It even sports a similar rail type single coil-sized humbucker. Ironically, Kiko is now with Ibanez & had moved away from this guitar design. 

Pic: Ibanez / audiofanzine

Forte Custom

Very much acquired taste for many of us- referring to that extended cut away there. This is to accommodate the 27th fret reach which isn't new for Ibanez. (Seen above: Ibanez Stephan Forte Custom)

The defunct RG550XH had 30 frets & feature a deep cut away for that extra reach.

Xiphos Suicmez

Md Suicmez (Necrophagist) with his work-in-progress Ibanez custom Xiphos. Note:

• 7-string model
• 27 frets
• single coil cavity for neck pickup

MH 27 frets

There are some fantastic, fresh LTD guitars at Davis GMC, one of which is the above 27-fretted MH-327.The Duncan Custom 5 & Hot Rails pairing (yes, genuine Duncans!) ensure some clarity & great distortion responses here. List: $850