Ibanez LACS 50th Ann

So, after the dust had settled on the 2022 Ibanez releases, they pulled some surprises from the LACS commemorating the manufacturer's 50th Anniversary which I am unaware of. I will mention three in this episode which are fundamentally the AZs, given the LACS treatment. The flame maple top version here is called Sly.

If you prefer a quilted version instead, then meet Roscoe.

These are just costly, super hyped AZ models, you say? It's the first to feature a through-neck design. Most probably, this will not be cascaded onto the other interpretations, making these models unique.

But you are an HH kinda guy / gal then the Golden Eagle might be it.

Unlike Sly & Roscoe, the Golden Eagle has a completely finished rear body so you can't see the through-neck construction. Also, it has a pau ferro fretboard & a swamp ash body. Its other two siblings sport a mahogany body & rosewood fretboard. All three guitars sport a generic black headstock finish which IMO make the instruments look less exquisite at this end. Oh well, it doesn't matter anyway because these won't be available here. The official Ibanez distributor said these are American models which they can't acquire. That's strange isn't it? Considering the EBMM & some exquisite Fender Custom Shop models in store are from the USA as well. 😶

Pics: Ibanez CS

Leading

Reminding ourselves of Fender's re-living its past glory with current re-issues. This is the Lead II.

Both maple & pau ferro fretboard versions are available.

If you fancy a humbucking version instead, the Lead III might be it.

That's right, pau ferro version here. The fact that these are Mexican models imply affordability. Prices are along the lines of the current Duo Sonics. 

Pau

Ibanez is firmly in the acoustic camp & keeping up with the times. It's just that the Ibanez name isn't an imposing label in this circle. Anyway, the AVD15PFR here features a pau ferro fretboard, body side & back. The top is a tested & proven formula; solid sitka spruce. Folks, pau ferro is an in-between offering when it comes to wood pores; not as airy as rosewood but not as compact as ebony. So you get the rosewood warmth & the firm attack of ebony; a good chemistry of both. 

Standard price

The new batch of Fender Standard Strat/ Tele featuring pau ferro fretboards are listing for the same price as their rosewood fretboard counterparts. Of course, the rosewood version had undergone a price revision before it was discontinued but it's good to know that no further induced inflation took place along the way...

Hello, November 👍

Pale ferro?

This is pau ferro. It's a current alternative (among others) for instruments sporting rosewood parts.

So which part of this instrument's fretboard is pau ferro? 🙈