Ibanez Debuts Record Number Of Signature Bass and Guitar Models At NAMM

Jan 29, 2007

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Already well-known for its artist signature models such as George Benson's GB10, Steve Vai's JEM, and the Joe Satriani JS models, Ibanez is upping the ante with more signature model intros at one NAMM show than ever before.

This year all the new additions target the metal or shred market. In electric guitars, the new signatures include models by Steve Vai, Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall, Mick Thomson of Slipknot and two new models named APEX for Munky of Korn. In electric basses, bassist Mike D'Antonio of Killswitch Engage now has a model while left-hander Paul Gray of Slipknot gets one (or two if you consider the right-hand version of the left-hand Gray's signature model a second model).

"We have over seven new signature models at this one show," said Matt Muranaka of Ibanez, "and I'm not including the illuminated Steve Vai 20th Anniversary JEM as that's a limited edition model. It takes a lot of time and work to bring these models from the idea stage to fruition, all the while remaining faithful to the artists' vision and requirements. Our artists, luthiers and artist relations people have much to be proud of."

Electric Guitar Signatures

Mick Thomson
This is Mick Thomson's second signature model, a more affordable bolt-neck version of Thomson's original MTM1

Model Number MTM2BK
Neck: 5pc Wizard II (Bolt on)
Body: Mahogany
Frets: Jumbo
Neck Pickup: IBZ V7
Bridge Pickup: IBZ V8
Bridge: Fixed Edge III
List Price: $799.99

Munky
These two new models replace the original K7 Korn signature 7-strings.

Model Number: APEX1BBK
Neck: 5-pc APEX Prestige Neck
Body: Mahogany
Frets: Jumbo
Neck Pickup: DiMarzio PAF7
Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio PAF7
Bridge: Edge Pro 7 with U-Bar
List Price: $2333.32
Hardshell Case Included

Model Number APEX2GSF
Neck: 5pc Wizard II-7
Body: Mahogany
Frets: Jumbo
Neck Pickup: DiMarzio PAF7
Bridge Pickup: DiMarzio PAF7
Bridge: Tone Pros 7 with thru-body stringing
List Price: $933.32

Matt Bachand
This is Matt Bachand's first signature model, which is based on the RGA Prestige design, but with simplified controls.

Model Number: MBM1BK
Neck: 5pc MBM Prestige
Body: Mahogany
Frets: Jumbo
Neck Pickup: EMG 60
Bridge Pickup: EMG 81
Bridge: Gibraltar Plus
List Price: $1999.99
Hardshell Case Included

Electric Bass Signatures

Paul Gray

Model Nos.: PGB1TKL (Left-Handed)
Neck: 5pc PGB4 Maple/Walnut
Body: Light Ash
Frets: Medium
Neck Pickup: ATK Triple Coil
EQ: 3-Band w/Tone Character Switch
Bridge: ATK4
List Price: $1266.65

Model Nos.: PGB1TK (Right-Handed)
Neck: 5pc PGB4 Maple/Walnut
Body: Light Ash
Frets: Medium
Neck Pickup: ATK Triple Coil
EQ: 3-Band w/Tone Character Switch
Bridge: ATK4
List Price: $1199.99
Hardshell Case Included

Mike D'Antonio
The 12th fret inlay and Medusa graphic on the body were designed by Mike D'Antonio himself. Based on the Soundgear Xtreme model, the MDB1BKF features beveled horns for even easy upper fret access and simplified tone controls (just one volume control with the internal tone controls set to mid-position).

Model No.: MDB1BKF
Neck: 5pc MDB 4
Body: Light Ash
Frets: Medium
Neck Pickup: PFR-AL-N (Alnico)
Middle Pickup: PF4-AL-B (Alnico)
EQ: EQB Low Impedance Circuit
Bridge: Accu-Cast B200
List Price: $1132.52

For more information, visit their web site at www.ibanez.com.