Ibanez 2007- preliminary comments
refer to the above link to check out the offerings thusfar, thanks to the enthusiasm of maestro ShredCow, we know what's coming... 8)
btw, decided to do this here instead of any other thread/ starting a new one.
Artist series
*great move by Ibanez for introducing the newer models- ADC/ ADD (Destroyer-esque)/ ADZ (ice man-esque)/ ART. they could have done better with the ADD; it looks too stunted & devoid of its more renowned former incarnation traits.
*we now have 2 other affordable, solid body singlecuts (ADC/ ART) in the fold, in addition to 2006's ARC which looks too much like a certain Yamaha unit. however, none of the 2006 Artists models made it here so the debut of the above-mentioned quartet is doubtful.
SA Series
*the preliminary specs for SA220FM indicates a set-neck construction, this might be a dangerous hint of the current SAS models joining the dinosaur league. hopefully, it won't be the case.
*not listed in the link above is the Prestige SA2160, basically the current SA2120 with an HSS pickup combo.
S-series
*in the non-Prestige offering, we have 2 new models (might be more) S670 + S320. the former features a visually pleasing flame maple top & a new inlay design (split diamond). fans of the lacquer-free/ stain oil finish would welcome the S320 inclusion; not for the reckless handler, though.
*of course, the great buzz in this series is the 7-string S7320; one wonders why it doesn't join the Prestige range when there is a simpler, fixed bridge RG model in such reverance. nothing special from the specs list, would appeal to those itching for an S-7 incarnation.
*Prestige addition in this fold- S4170. the addition of a non-maple top Prestige S continues...
SZ series
*the SZ320 has a new finish- white. it's a simple hue yet it's making me very excited (probably because i've yet to own a white guitar...).
*the Prestige SZ2020 is revived (absent in 2006, was superseded by the SZ4020) featuring active EMGs (85) but a repulsive 'X' fretboard marking.
RG
*the woderful RG320 now has a reverse headstock incarnation- RGR320 but devoid of a maple laminate top unlike its former sibling. pickups are also new; EMG-designed.
*the Prestige RG2XX models get a new inlay; Prestige Shark Tooth basically an outline of the beloved version.
*perhaps the grand buzz for 2007 is the 8-string Prestige RG2228. good to see the inclusion of active units because a guitar churning out super low notes requires mandatory clarity, the EMG pickups will definitely take care of proceedings. we also note the debut of the Fixed Edge III bridge (this case 8-string version), hinting the demise of the FX-edge unit. this is further underscored by the 2nd Mick Thompson signature model, featuring the same derivative. it's also heartening to note the straight string pull adopted by the headstock design/ tuner arrangement. applause, applause.
*Prestige RGT3020 is revived. instead of resurrecting its 2004 gorgeous flame top version, it retains 2006's RGT320 line-splitting body design.
*Prestige RG2610 is perhaps my priority this year; the only make featuring an off-the-shelf Seymour Duncan (FUll Shred) pickup as default.
Signature model
*MTM2 Mick Thompson model has the 'SEVEN' fretboard inlay removed & relegated to the truss rod cover. i personally find this more appealing. however, the guitar now features a pair of passive, covered, in-house pickups (V-series) & a Fixed Edge III bridge.
*The K-7 Korn model is now extinct, superseded by 2 new entries- Apex1/ Apex2 (TOM type + string through body). the former still has the u-bar contraption in the bridge but the bridge itself is an Edge Pro 7, not the previous Lo-Pro Edge 7. the Apex1 has a very pleasing simplicity but the manufacturer could be more creative with the 'Apex' inlay; that plain font & the ring to it makes it too pharmaceutical. the Apex2 went quite overboard with the fretboard inlay IMO one repulsive (K7) inlay to another BUT there are already some ikings to it... hmm...
Others
*VBT700- we finally get a very decent V-type design in the catalogue, for those of us new to Ibanez, the manufacturer had it in the '80s when the A-team/ Knight Rider/ Airwolf/ Street Hawk/ Automan/ Manimal/ Hunter/ Magnum/ Miami Vice/ etc were very good reasons why we stayed enthusiastic during prime-time weekday nights. if you sincerely know what i'm talking about here, you're... old. the Dimarzio Deactivator pickups are tasteful inclusions.
*XPT700- an interesting, irregular body outline with reverse headstock to boost but will Jackson bring Ibanez to court for it? we shall see... pickup sentiments- ditto VBT700.
ok i've talked too much :smt015