|
 IBANEZ |
| MODEL DATING & IDENTIFICATION |
| It may be easier to date an Ibanez guitar knowing when key hardware developments were introduced. 1977: Ibanez' Super 80 "Flying Finger" humbuckers with chrome covers. 1980: Ornate (or just large) brass bridges/tailpieces, and brass hardware. 1984: 'Pro Rocker' locking tremolo system. 1985: 'Edge' double locking tremolo system. 1987: Debut of the DiMarzio-made IBZ USA pickups. 1990: 'Lo-Pro' Edge tremolo system. In addition to the Ibanez company's model history, a serialization chart is provided in the back of the Blue Book of Guitars to further aid the dating of older Ibanez guitars (not all potentiometer builders use the EIA source code, so overseas-built potentiometer codes on Japanese guitars may not help in the way of clues). 1959-1967: Elger Acoustics are built in Ardmore, Pennsylvania; and are distributed by Medley Music, Grossman Music (Cleveland), Targ and Dinner (Chicago), and the Roger Balmer Company on the west coast. Elger imported from Japan the Tama acoustics, Ibanez acoustics, and some Elger electrics. 1962-1965: Introduction of entry level bolt-neck solid body electrics, and some set-neck archtop electrics by 1965. 1971-1977: The copy era begins for Ibanez ( Faithful Reproductions ) as solid body electrics based on Gibson, Fender, and Rickenbacker models (both bolt-ons and set-necks) arrive. These are followed by copies of Martin, Guild, Gibson, and Fender acoustics. Ibanez opens an office and warehouse outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to maintain quality control on imported guitars in 1972. 1973: Ibanez's Artist series acoustics and electrics are debuted. In 1974, the Artist-style neck joint; later in 1976 an Artist 'Les Paul' arrives. This sets the stage for the LP variant double cutaway Artist model in 1978. 1975: Ibanez began to use a meaningful numbering system as part of their warranty program. In general, the letter stands for the month (January = A, February = B, etc.) and the following two digits are the year. 1977: Ibanez's first original design, the Iceman, arrives with a rather excited lower bout and goosebeak headstock. A bass with the neck-through design (similar to a Rickenbacker 4001) is available, and a full series of neck-through designs are available in the Musician models. The George Benson GB-10 model and more original design series like the Performer, Professional, Musician, and Concert also appear. 1979-1980: Musician Series basses, Studio Series guitars, and an 8-string bass (MC-980) debut in 1979. The semi-hollowbody AS Series are introduced a year later. 1981-1987: Ibanez switches to the bolt-neck Strat design and other variants in the Roadster series, followed by the Blazer in 1981, and the Roadstar II models by 1982 . The Pro Line and RS Series solid bodies appears in 1984. The early 1980s are the time for pointy body designs such as the Destroyer II (Explorer- based model), X Series Destroyers, 'headless' Axstar models, and the original extreme pointy-ness of the XV-500. Jazz boxes like the AM Series semi-hollowbody guitars are introduced in 1982, followed by the FG Series a year later. In 1984, the Lonestar acoustics are introduced, and Ibanez responds to the MIDI challenge of Roland by unveiling the IMG-2010 MIDI guitar system. 1987: Ibanez hits the Hard Rock/Heavy Metal route full bore with popular artist endorsements and the Power, Radius, and Saber (now 'S') series. These models have more in common with the 'superstrat' design than traditional design. The early to mid-1980s is when Ibanez really begins making inroads to the American guitar consumer. 1988: Steve Vai's JEM appears on the U.S. market. Ibanez covers the entry level approach with the EX Series, built in Korea. The experimental Maxxas solid-looking hollowbody electric is unleashed. 1990: In 1990, the Steve Vai JEM 7-string Universe model (it's like six, plus one more!) proceeds to pop young guitarists' corks nationwide. The Ibanez American Master series, a product of the new American Custom Shop, is introduced. 1991: Reb Beach's Voyager model (Ladies and Gentlemen, nothing up my sleeve, and nothing behind the tremolo bridge!)intrigues players who want to bend up several semitones. 1992-1993: The ATL acoustic/electric design in unveiled and RT Series guitars debut in 1993. (This overview, while brief, will hopefully identify years, trends, and series. For further information and deeper clarification, please refer to Michael Wright's Guitar Stories, Volume One.) |