Tod & Krys (2)

Oh well, they've been there all along. The new Ibanez signature models for the Polyphia guys were hiding in plain sight. The images you see above are screen grabs from the music video, ABC. As you can see, the new signature models were given those hideous / artistic add-ons as distractions. This was back in September. In a November 22 interview (GW), they admitted to having new signature models with Fluence pickups & that pretty much gave things away but the admissions / hints were done after the ABC video debuted so whatever you see in the video were not suspects. Clever bits to cover things up.

More Js

More Jackson-anigans here. Actually these happened before the American Series stole the limelight. I was a little late as usual because the endorsers of these models are not whom I fancy in terms of guitar-playing. For instance, Josh Smith's Soloist SL7 ET you see above, I'm like, Josh Smith? And I found out he's in a metal core band & like - I don't listen to this kinda of music. But in true guitar-inclined interest sans the judgmental facet, I actually checked it out. The BK Impulse pickups there mean business, of course. I'm sure it has some aggressive applications for those interested. USD2,699.99 - interested?

Rob Cavestany's Pro Series signature model is something I can relate to - that pointy outline screams metal. However, a USD1,199 guitar with an FR Special bridge... em... 

Final one on the list - a Japanese MJ Rhoads RRT (USD2,799.99). A very white guitar with promising appointments & my kinda pickups - Seymour Duncans. However, I've enough of white finishes that would cream off over time. It's like you might as well invest in an off-white finish but if colour ageing is your thing then by all means. Deal-breaker (in my opinion) - price.

Pics: Jackson

Summer NAMM 2022: Kiko / Jiva

The Ibanez KIKO100 is back. Back because it used to be in production till about 2017. Nothing special about the 2022 version as it's spec'd out to replicate its predecessor. The KIKO models will be in production for a good while seeing how it's showcased to the world through Megadeth shows. 

Finally, a deserving Japanese model for Nita Strauss - JIVAX2. The ebony fretboard is retained together with the DiMarzio pickups. She opted for the EZ bridge instead & a less intense body binding. 

I lumped these two together to show you the artists who favour non-RG type models for their signature version - they do exist. While the RG dominates in terms of popularity, the Ibanez brand name is not about this model exclusively. 

Pics: Ibanez

G&G

Charvel has announced the release of these guitars but they will only be available in 'Fall (September). These are the new Rick Graham (bottom) & Guthrie Govan (top) signature models. What's the big deal? These are made in Japan so it won't be as costly if these were made in the USA. The former feature Bare Knuckle pickups while the latter are Charvel's own custom units. The pertinent question: Will these be here?

Pic: Gearnews

New @ stores

 

Some stuff that would do your weekend shopping some good - we begin with the Edwards LP-types here. The E-LP125SD ($1,450) gold top is equipped with Seymour Duncans from the factory so it lists for a little more than its brother. That black E-LPC ($1,150) is the non-Seymour Duncan version; a good investment if you are into Japanese guitars which are affordable but not skimpy. Available at Davis GMC.

Over at the Swee Lee camp, a pair of Fender signature models: 1) HER (above, $1,599) 2) Tom Morello (below, $1,879). 

PICS: Davis GMC/ Fender