Ibanez 2026: Ash gold

I'm still scrutinizing the 2026 Ibanez releases. This year an ash body, gold hardware AZ2204 was introduced. Ibanez continues to offer variations of its existing models, nothing really 'new'. Really unaware there's a strong demand for gold hardware but having an ash body variation is a good move. 

Ibanez should offer more models without the Alter switch option for those of us who are not looking to vary our tone too much. Some of us are content with the conventional tones on offer plus we have other guitars for specific tone manifestation. Anyway, the AZ2204AG is available at Swee Lee for the above listed price.

Pics: Ibanez

8565

This is one of the new lineups this September - RG8565R. It's the RG565 given the J-Custom specs. Till I become a vine inlay & gold hardware fan, I can make do with the Genesis RG565.

Pic: Ibanez 

Bass as well

The Fender (Japan) models recently featured here with gold hardware - it's available for bass as well.

Ditto the competition stripes. Contrary to convenient assumptions, I'm not anti-bass... 😅

Pics: Fender Japan

More gold

Should have looked carefully & included this in the previous post pertaining to gold.

White version exudes class. Anyway, do I fancy gold hardware? No. The coating wears off over time but that's just me. I don't wanna spend money on something that would undo itself over time 😅

Pics: Fender Japan

Gold & sustain

Some news from the Solar camp. This is the new Marcus Siepen (Blind Guardian) signature model. It's a first in the Type A Series to feature gold hardware.

Sustainiac fans, here's the A1.6FRPM Sustainiac+ featuring the Stealth Pro in the neck position. I respect how the Solar brand is slowly filling up the gaps in their own line up with features that are already in instruments of other brand names. So if you are a Solar loyalist, you need not abandon brand loyalty, chances are, there's an instrument in the Solar line up offering what you want. A very smart commercial move.

Pics: Solar

Ibanez 2021 (3)

More Ibanez highlights since other gear news are taking a little more time to appear. There are many new RGs this 2021, no surprises there as these are the money-making models for the manufacturer. This gorgeous looking RG6PKAG is the first Premium model to feature an Edge bridge. The gold appointments are a little overkill; even the frets are gold. I still think that a natural finish for guitars bring out that privileged look & feel.

FYI: RG6PKAG (Premium Series / Koa top / Active electronics / Gold hardware)

PIC: Ibanez

Ibanez: Iron Label +

 

Much was said about these Ibanez Iron Label series when their debut was leaked just before fall. Ibanez already had the Iron Label models going so a second generation of Iron Labels should manifest more than their predecessors otherwise, why add any more to a selection that is already reputable. So here they are, the much talked about change was the inclusion of an ebony fretboard instead of the standard rosewood units. The rest of the add-ons are cosmetics, namely the gold hardware as well as the quilted maple tops (headstock veneer included). I have not handled one personally so I won't know if the added quilted caps do add to the overall weight significantly to influence tone. In case of the models featuring active pickups, this won't matter much.