Ibanez 2022 New Guitar Line Meh? |
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Jan 16 2022, 08:03 PM
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Ibanez came out with their new lineup for 2022 recently and I've been having a look at them and I must say I'm not really that impressed so far. They have some cool looking guitars in there and it's cool to see them moving to Fishman Fluence pickups on some of the models, etc. But it does seem a bit of a rebuilding year maybe? To be sure it's been a rough couple of years which may be part of the reason that the 2022 lineup is perhaps a pinch less than I may have expected. Supply disruptions are still with us and some materials are getting tough to come by. Let's take a look.
RG There are only a couple of Sig models on offer here. The tradition Andy Timmons and the venerable Jem Jr. Below that we have the 2022 selection of RG guitars. The somewhat underwhelming bit is that there is just a single Prestige RG. It's got Fishman pups which is nice though. The rest are "Premium" and or standard RG models. So only 1 non signature model with the much loved 17mm neck profile (the Prestige with the Fishman pups)  AZ Next up is the AZ line which are quite popular due to bands like POLYPHIA among others, who prefer this style of axe. There are a ton of neo soul players who have embraced these axes and they take their styling cues from Fender to some degree, more so than the RG line does. These axes have started popping up all over instagram and tik tok as neo soul has exploded as a popular style, lead by folks like Mateus Asato among others.  HOLLOW BODIES These guitars take their cues from Gibson Hollow Body guitars among others. They are popular among Jazz players and blues players. The cavity body is their defining feature. These are not shred guitars by any stretch but quality instruments built to try to compete with some of the more storied brands and axes.  ELECTRIC BASSES Signature Series The bass category seems to have some of the more interesting additions this year. The Mike D’Antonio (Kill Switch Engage) signature bass takes it’s cues from the Ibanez Destroyer shape that was popularized in the 80s and looks roughly similar to an explorer type shape. Lots of nostalgia on this one.  EHB The EHB line are Headless basses with multi-scale necks and active electronics. Headless instruments are not for everyone, but these do spiff imho and they feature fanned fret necks as well as E.Q. active tone controls. In addition, the output jack is a Neutrik locking model which prevents a guitar cable being accidentally pulled out during a gig. This is one of the more interesting instruments in the lineup but sadly it’s a bass.  SR These basses feature flamed maple tops and exotic woods like bubinga. They also feature a passive version of the multi band e.q. Electronics found on the EHB. The neck is a 5 piece construction with Panga Panga and Purple Heart with titanium truss rods. Some nice features to be sure.  BTB These feature Poplar Burl tops with Ash wings. The neck is 5 piece and best of all it’s a neck through body design which some players favor over bolt on designs.  ACOUSTIC The ibanez acoustic line range from featuring the full built in tuner and preamp with eq, to a more limited version of these electronics, to a starter version without a pickup/electronics These are usually quite solid in terms of build quality and reasonably priced.  ACOUSTIC BASS These feature an acoustic pickup and built in tuner with active electronics.  UKULELE If you want to try a ukulele, ibanez has you covered. They also make a unit shaped like a vintage destroyer, though they are quite rare.  *For more information.. https://www.ibanez.com/usa/news/detail/20211203155749.html This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Jan 16 2022, 08:04 PM |
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Jan 19 2022, 08:32 PM
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I looked at it the other day and I was disappointed too.
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Jan 19 2022, 09:41 PM
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Nothing there for me, but then again, I don't really have GAS at the moment other than wanting a 540R which are like hen's teeth.
I know Rob Balducci has been using an AZ for a while and he likes it. He is giving a demo below with no talking, if you get to the end, the next video is him demoing TH-U https://youtu.be/_KCElSgwh18 This post has been edited by Phil66: Jan 19 2022, 09:41 PM -------------------- SEE MY GMC CERTIFICATE  “Success is not obtained overnight. It comes in instalments; you get a little bit today, a little bit tomorrow until the whole package is given out. The day you procrastinate, you lose that day's success.” Israelmore Ayivor |
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Jan 20 2022, 01:09 AM
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Bit disapointing eh? Last year we had the return of the legendary RG565 and some other very cool bits. This year, it seems just very underwhelming. I know covid is not helping things, but still, we had covid last year as well and we got headless Ibbys and RG565 reissues. Seems like they could have done better ya know?
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jan 19 2022, 03:32 PM)  I looked at it the other day and I was disappointed too. The AZ is part of the NEO SOUL line and that's all well and good. Still, it's not really a true ibby imho. Responding to current trendy bits is to be expected but the seem to have let go of their tradition of re releasing great guitar from years past which was what kept things interesting.  QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 19 2022, 04:41 PM) Nothing there for me, but then again, I don't really have GAS at the moment other than wanting a 540R which are like hen's teeth. I know Rob Balducci has been using an AZ for a while and he likes it. He is giving a demo below with no talking, if you get to the end, the next video is him demoing TH-U https://youtu.be/_KCElSgwh18 |
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