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Ibanez Mike Mushok Signature MMM1
List: $1,700
The Mike Mushok signature model by Ibanez (MMM1) borrowed heavily from the SZ series design. In fact it wouldn`t be far fetched to opine that this guitar is merely a baritone incarnation of the SZ model, an attempt to sell the Ibanez brand name to the nu-metal masses, or so it seems…
The MMM1 is every bit similar to its SZ sibling in looks but be informed that there are technical/ physical differences to set this guitar apart from the non-baritone make. In addition to the longer scale length- 28” (vs 25.1” of the SZ)- the lower body cutaway of the MMM1 meets the body at the 18th fret making upper frets access a little tricky. The headstock is also longer to accommodate the longer neck length (not to be confused with scale-length) for an appropriate break angle of the strings to the machine heads, to prevent the inclusion of a string retainer after the nut. It`s a necessary accommodation but this design consideration placed the D & G-string tuners too close to the headstock itself, to such an extent that your finger will knock against it when tuning- it lacks a comfortable clearance. The MMM1 also features a Gibraltar Custom bridge which is placed further to the tail-end of the body to accomplish a 28” scale length. The pickups on offer are a pair of Ibanez Super 58s, the same units which proved lethal in the George Benson & John Scofield models but can these jazz pickups handle the bass-inclined baritone rumbling? Please read on… Also, the MMM1 sports 1X Vol & 1X Tone controls, as opposed to the SZ`s 2X Vol & 1X Tone layout. The pickup selector is 3-way. Time to play…
It`s a through-&-through mahogany guitar but sounded not too bright unplugged, a little disturbing by my standards. The guitar however proved itself praise-worthy once plugged in. The low-end rumblings are impressive clean & driven. If you are bothered by a low-end overdose, there would be a need to turn up the treble output of your amp & the guitar sings with clarity albeit sounding very low. It`s detune haven right from the start, bottom heavy riffs sing through with ease & single note definition everywhere across the neck is superb. Thanks largely due to the Super 58 humbuckers, Ibanez didn`t include them here for convenience (in fact, it looks out of place- covered humbuckers in an offset dual cut-away guitar & a natural finish- an acquired taste, really…). Sustain-wise, it`s easily one of the best out there, we have the neck-through construction & the Custom Gibraltar bridge anchor plate to thank. This contraption is a secondary attachment to the main bridge unit which helped disperse body resonance more extensively. Gimmick, you might say, regardless, it`s a design that works. Applause…
I had a hard time putting this guitar away, despite the Mike Mushok affiliations. If you palm mute your notes most of the time, then adjustments to your palm placement at the bridge, is necessary, keep in mind it`s located further away, to the tail-end. The design of this guitar is sleek, the only put-off is that oversized volute behind the nut, which is necessary to strengthen the neck-headstock tilt. Fans of the Super Wizard neck would be repelled by the thick, rounded feel.
Reality check: Mushok hardly uses this guitar, his personal custom has parallel specs but the body is a resurrected Ibanez Radius design, which is the current Joe Satriani signature body shape- rounded edges, with tapered bass-side. All in all, the MMM1 is a superb player, do ignore the artist affiliation, it`s a fine guitar in its own stead.
