Ibanez: 2024 (4)

As suspected, Ibanez has more in store from its higher tier models but these are not for release in the mean time. Winter NAMM 2024 showcases this pair of Pat Metheny models with a single Charlie Christian pickup but cleverly labelled as prototype. There are more, of course.

Pic: Ibanez FB

AZ7

The rumour that there's an Ibanez AZ 7-string version out there had been quelched. This model you see here, belongs to Martin Miller.

This other version belongs to Wes Hauch. Both are protos & won't be in regular production soon (till announced). Interesting to see only one knob in the Hauch model. Anticipations....

Wrathe's proto

Here's Lee Wrathe putting some mileage into a proto Ibanez which is suspiciously similar to the one showcased by Martin Miller: CLICK

Some implications:

1. Since it's not an exclusive piece, we can arguably rule out a signature range in the works. Good news for dweebs like me who dislike signature pieces. Having said that, my next guitar will be a signature model.
2. We see a Prestige label at the headstock's flip side so that's compounding what was mentioned in 1.
3. Seymour Duncan pickups in there- ha! 
4. Ibanez continues the proud philosophy of doing things their own way. Look at the string saddles; not something you can readily find in the stores.

On that note, it's the end of April as we know it. Wishing everyone a good May ahead. 👍

Miller's custom

This is the initial prototype of Martin Miller's customized Ibanez. It's already dichotomizing Ibanez fans out there. The pro camp says it's a thing of beauty with a touch of Ibanez history. The anti camp opines that it's moving too far away from the current manifestation, it barely retains the identity. There's also the disoriented camp saying it's a Suhr in an Ibanez shell & it's awesome- we wonder what they were drinking.

It brings me back to the pre-RG era where Ibanez Roadstars were the highlight. This RS225 for instance, has very similar outline to Miller's custom albeit the cutaway refinements. 

More RS models here with that very simple but elegant design. I'm just of the opinion that professionals like Martin Miller prefer features in their guitars that adds to playability & tone rather than conforming to a certain take on design. We await further developments with bated breath 😊

EDIT: As at October 2017, we know it's not an artist custom but a new Ibanez model to be released @ NAMM 2018.

Merrow's proto

If you are 7-string inclined & gravitate towards all things heavy, Keith Merrow shouldn't be a stranger here. Schecter has a signature proto for the Merrow man & it looks good. It's so darn simple, no-frills & it reflects the man's priority- his tone & skills. I'm for that reverse headstock, definitely.