Ibanez 2022 @ SL

Some 2022 Ibanez models are available at Swee Lee now. The RGT1270 here lists for $1,899.

 The Premium version of Andy Timmon's AZ-esque model is available as well ($1,949).

And if you are still a Jem fan, the 2022 JEM Jr lists for $649.

Pics: Ibanez 

Ibanez 2022 (1)

As per 2021, Ibanez chose to update their new stuff on the first day of the new year, prompted by the absence of NAMM. Looks like they are releasing / announcing stuff in phases. The Andy Timmons AZ model gets the Premium version this year but it's a full humbucker in the bridge position (DiMarzio AT-1).  The bridge is also the more affordable WV6-SB. The coil split switch only affects the bridge humbucker, which could have been addressed by a traditional 5-way switch but they wanna make it different for this guitar.

Why is there a new JEM Jr when Steve Vai is moving in the PIA direction? No DiMarzio pickups (expected at this price range) & an in-house Ibanez dual action whammy bridge. There are other worthy Ibanez models to consider, really.

JEM up

This, ladies & gentlemen, is something you've seen before. It's the Ibanez JEM Jr.

Due to its colour 'upgrade', you'd think it's something new. Nothing else changed less the aesthetic feature as mentioned so this is how you propel the lesser models; you make it look like its other higher performance siblings & suddenly, you'd tell yourself you don't actually mind buying one. If you are a Vai fan, perhaps this entry level model with the colour make-over might be a worthy adventure. For the rest of us who know what the bridge & pickups have to offer in terms of performance, we believe in other models.