| Author |
Message |
John Shanley (Johns)
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Let's shake things up in this section. What's your opinion on the best Ibanez acoustic guitar made?
Do you think any of Ibanez's acoustics hold a candle to the likes of Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Larivee or more like Takamine and Ovation?
Have they ever had any big name endorsements from artists?
Share some pictures or stories of your favorite Ibanez acoustic.
JohnS |
shane pashen
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
c'mon guys,
i thought this would was a hot topic and would
really get some good responses.i'm waiting with
great anticipation for some contraversial opinions.i would love to throw in my 2 cents but
just don't know enough.i have seen 1 ibanez
acoustic i quite liked.a big country jumbo a bit like a j200,solid spruce top. big pearloid inlays.
big bassy tone.i can't remember the model no.but it ended with an s .for solid top i guess,any ideas. |
jimeina
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Personally, I don't recall EVER playing an Ibanez acoustic I could stand. Every one I've ever seen felt like cheap junk to me, and that includes their new seven string Artwood (or whatever) that I was playing last weekend. I love their electrics, but I've never found an Ibanez acoustic that moved me. Just my opinion, but I'll keep my Martin, thanks. |
Pablo
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
I've been looking for pictures of the new PGA 1000 (Paul Gilbert acoustic) I'm beginning to think that the store in question is talking rot. But I'm not an acoustic player I probably should get one though to improve my playing it's just that there are so many cool electrics out there without a home.
P |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Pablo:
I've got an acoustic catalog printed in '98 and it doesn't show a PGA model. Would be nice to see what one looked like.
JohnS |
Pablo
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
It would be cool if it was like the gold sparkle one he's got with the tortise shell f'holes Trust me it's cool but I think that was a 12 string.
P |
Brandy T
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Mine is a "D380RB" that I bought in '80. It has a sunburst finish, and is very beautiful. Low action, thin neck for short fingers, and a rich tone. It doesn't have a serial #, but has "made in Japan" stickers on it. I've never seen anything like it! |
Patty Haley
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
I have an Ibanez Acoustic 6-string that I bought new in 1975. I am not fluent on wood and/or body types. It was made for medium ga. strings. It has a beautiful low luster finish and the sound is heavenly. I would love to gleen some information and value on my guitar. The label inside: Ibanez Vintage - Produced in Japan under strict quality control. Outside the label frame in the lower right hand corner is:
HT 75-121. I hope some one can enlighten me. |
Patty Haley
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Sorry, I left out the model number which is S300SV. |
vasile tudoran
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
I just purchased a guitar and it needs
restauration . it is a simple acustic
guitar and has a label inside which say:
The worlds supreme quality
Ibanez Salvador , copy of ( Signature)
Rafaele Galaee
on the bottom right corner has a serial
no. 8200 and underneath with capital
letters JAPAN.
Anyone can tell me where I can find the hardware for the neck and also if it is worth anythng
once is restored.It had only 3 strings when
I bought it but the sound is exceptional.
any help is highly appreciated.
You can contact me at vtudoran@aol.com
thank you
vt |
Blur Horizon
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
hi John,
i have a very small pic of Paul Gilbert holding an
acoustic gtr. it could be the PGA-1000.
others include John Petrucci,Andy Timmons, Wes Borland,John 5,Dino Cazares......from ibanez's 2000 catalog "Urban Acoustics"
http://www.geocities.com/xcvxcv65/ibanez/blueinbaez2000acoustic.htm
cheers,
Ben |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Ben:
That does look like a nice acoustic! Thank for posting the link for all to see.
JohnS |
Carla Kelly
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Hi,
I have a very beautiful, mint, '77 Ibanez "Concord," Model 671. It has a solid flame maple body with a solid B. rosewood "V" in the three-piece back, solid spruce top, burled maple fingerboard, abelone inlaid script logo and lots of herringbone binding. Custom "Concord" tortoise truss rod cover and special "Concord" label inside. It is an exceptionally beautiful guitar which sounds and plays with the best of them. If it were a Gibson or Martin it would go for around $3K. I have seen other "Concords" with different model numbers and made out of different wood, so the Concord name was used on several different guitars. Strange. Email for pix. |
Aaron Hancock
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
I've got to take some pics of my 77' Artist accoustic. It is all blonde, and has an amazing sound! A accoustic guitar maker/repairer I know was very impressed with it. I'll have to take some pics and get them up here soon! |
Aaron Hancock
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Hey John, can I get you to stick up A picture of my 77 Artist Blonde Accoustic? I want to see if anyone has, or has seen one like this one before. The guitar sounds amazing. Just as good as the several thousand dollar Martin's I looked at a few weeks ago... but this one is much fancier than those were as well! I love this guitar!!
Aaron |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Aaron:
Sure. Send it to my email address. I'll take care of the rest. |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Here's Aaron's '77 Artist Acoustic. It does look very nice! Tell us more about it.
 |
Aaron Hancock
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Well, I got it about 2 years ago from a local shop, and paid $499 for her. She sounds amazing, and is beautiful! All blonde guitar, with beautiful inlay of abalone and mother of pearl. I don't think i have any pictures of the back, or any better ones of the front, but I'll be taking some soon. A great design up the back as well, but it's hard to describe. Looks like an indian pattern or western deal. Very nice either way. How many of these things are around? Are they common at all? I've not run across another one since I've been storing up these old Ibanez guitars. What's the story on these things? It is a great guitar, and an amazingly beautiful piece of work. I just wanted to share it with u guys and let you guys at least see it. Thanks John for getting the pic up! You're doing a fine job here! |
JohnS
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Aaron:
What's the back and sides made out of?
Send more pictures whenever you get them. |
Aaron Hancock
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
John, the back and sides are maple. I'll try to get some taken as soon as I can.
Aaron |
mike g.
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
John S & Aaron,
This one looks just like the one I was telling John about at the show.Very Nice guitar with full sound and super neck.
I'll try to get more detail when I see the owner this weekend.
Maybe he'll let me take some closeups to see if the designs on the front and back are the same.
Mike G. |
Aaron Hancock
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Awesome, I'd like to see another one like this to compare with mine. Thanks Mike!
Aaron |
Carla Kelly
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Just bought a Concord 652. Looks like a D-28 with some D-35 features (bound fretboard and script inlay logo) but has a two-piece, Indian rosewood back. This is another great guitar--beautiful, with wonderful sound. I own about 15 guitars in a rolling collection and these vintage Ibanez guitars are just about my favorites. If anybody wants to sell one, contact me please. Email: shamusky@neca.com |
Mike Cleary
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
I have a Ibanez acoustic - model V300, Approximately 25 years old. Curious as to the price of this. Can anyone help me out.
Thanks Mike C. |
Bruce Mohacsy
| | Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 10:57 am: | |
Hi every one! I've recently been given an Ibanez V-500TV Acoustic guitar. Does anyone know any thing about it? It semms like an "O.K." sounding instrument but nothing special....a trifle thin on the low end.It's got some kind of spruce top(plywood?) with mahogany sides and back. Lots of abalone binding.. the detailing is actually quite beautiful. Help Meeeee!!!!! |
PatrickL
| | Posted on Thursday, February 15, 2001 - 9:38 pm: | |
Hey Carla!
I have a 77 Concord 671 that sounds a lot like yours. Will you be posting a picture? Your right it does sound great... very rich. |
Blue Son
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 7:00 pm: | |
I have an S-300 acoustic. Made in Japan. Low end is not real deep but overall sound is very very nice. Great High end. Purchased in'78 for $280. Mohagany sides & two pc back. Herringbone binding, snowflake fretbord markings. It has a Vintage label like Patty Haley's above/below. S'N starts w/ a 78, which indicates the yr made. I know of two of these that just get better with age. Action is incredible. I have never seen or heard anything about them. Patty's is the closest I've found. Any info out there? |
Blue Son
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 7:10 pm: | |
Oh yeah, I must add, the newer acoustics by Ibanez I've played I find similar to jimeina's description. That's why I'm so curious why this older one I have described above sounds and plays so great. |
Daveyanco (Daveyanco)
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 11:56 pm: | |
Any of you guys ever own or play a Ragtime Special, the first ones from the early 80's...
I got two of them, a R640STV and a R400, GREAT
Acoustic guitars... |
Russellw (Russellw)
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 2:24 am: | |
Hi all
Just to keep this post rolling we might have a little history lesson on the Ibanez acoustics from the 70's - apologies to those with later instruments but my knowledge gets a bit fuzzy after 1985!!
The best known of the 70's Ibanez models are the Gibson and Martin copies which were mosty Jumbo and Dreadnought bodies. These start with the 627 and 628 Concord models in 6 and 12 configuration and in natural and vintage finishes. These were D size bodies with reasonably narrow necks and a fine sounding instrument.
Next in the order are the 645 (not Concord neck) models which are a Martin copy - necks are a fair bit thicker but these are still sweet to play.
The 670 Concord is another Martin copy that I've only ever seen in Natural although I've seen catalogues with it in a burst finish (If anyone has one let us know).
The 684 is a straight Gibson Hummingbird copy made between 1971 and 1976 - there aren't a lot of them around especially in 12 string form.
The 698 Concord model is a Gibson copy that was available in natural and burst finishes and 6 or 12 string. Some of the later of these had fancy pickguards as in the enclosed photo. The necks on these instruments are very narrow but very fast too.
The 752 models pretty well rounded out the 70's but I don't have a great deal of info on them - again anybody with info it would be appreciated.
From late 70's onwards we move into model designations consistent with the electric ranges with various Performer, Artist, Artwood etc. models that we've all become familiar with.
Interestingly the value of these early Japanese built acoustics has not yet seen the gains that the Vintage electric models have and that should be seen as a bonus for those of us who love them as fine players instruments (which they are). Certainly the 684's and 698's are every bit the equivalent of the Martin and Gibson guitars they were (close) copies of but with a substantial difference in perceived value.
Cheers for now
Russ
 |
Johns (Johns)
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 10:17 am: | |
Russell:
I've seen two different labels inside the 645s. One says "Vintage" and the other "Concord". Do you know the difference?
The serial number on the "Concord" 645 is 75 7??. Does that mean it's a '75?
Thanks,
JohnS |
Johns (Johns)
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2002 - 7:11 pm: | |
Russell:
Oops. After checking, the labels says "York" not "Concord" and the serial number on the inside neck block is 75 709. |
Russellw (Russellw)
| | Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2002 - 1:35 am: | |
Hi John - at least you know the year of manufacture now. The Concord referred to the neck style and thus there are some models that were available with and without it. I've heard a number of different explanations as to what the Concord neck referred to but can't say with any certainty. Probably the closest I've had to an explanation comes from my luthier who has identified that the Concord models that have the Concord lettering on the truss rod cover have a tensile steel neck brace whereas the others don't.
If anyone can enlighten us further I'm sure we'd all like to know.
Cheers
Russ |
Tadragh (Tadragh)
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 06, 2002 - 9:14 am: | |
Does anybody know, if the Concordes have a solid top?
On page:
http://216.250.245.172/acoustic.html
are catalogues of Acoustic Ibanez guitars.
It seems form the scans and the table below it, that only Concordes 800+ have a solid top.
What do You think of it? |
Chipsotoole (Chipsotoole)
| | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2004 - 6:23 am: | |
I have a 77 Concord Hummingbird (marked made specially for Scandinavia)...catalogue describes it as "finely grained spruce top".....I think it is one piece but am not sure.
The guitar is pretty much an exact replica of the Gibson right down the the cross bracing inside, the handbuilt factor and their use of very high quality woods.....I am really stunned by it's tone (it easily rivals my Martin 0001 auditorium).....The ONLY area where it MIGHT be lacking (tho I've never played a real Gibson Hummingbird..they are hard to find!) is volume...this might be down to the high gloss finish and big pickguard...but I'm not a three chord thrasher anyway!!!....Its really nice to have a guitar I can take to parties and picnics and not worry about (like I would with the Martin)...having said that I still won't let any old drunken idiot play it!!  |
Russellw (Russellw)
| | Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 4:57 am: | |
Hi Chips
The lack of volume is indeed a result of the high gloss top - I have a couple of identically configured Gibson Hummingbird clones one of which is a gloss finished 12 and the other a flat finished 12. The difference is chalk and cheese both for tonal quality and volume.
Enjoy!
Russ |
Michel (Michel)
| | Posted on Monday, July 12, 2004 - 7:25 pm: | |
Shortly I bought a Concord 673. She looks somehow like a #742, but the label says Concord 673. The 3-piece-bottom has a center piece of rosewood, left and right is highly figured maple.
I have no information about this guitar.
Can somebody help with some information, please? |
Simonb
Username: Simonb
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, November 13, 2004 - 4:23 pm: | |
I have a Concord 684BK (Hummingbird copy) which I bought over 10 years ago for £45.00. I play it every day and while it is a bit beat up, it sounds and looks pretty good. Earlier this year I decided to treat myself. I sold my 1970's electric guitar, valve amp, pedals, etc (as I never use this kit any more) and bought a brand new Gibson J200 - making the most of the current low US dollar exchange rate. (It cost nearly $3000 with shipping). OK, so how does it compare with my Ibanez? Well, it is a sharper instrument, no doubt about it. Also, the body is much more resonant and "alive". The treble is sweeter; the bass richer. But... I didn't dare play the Gibson with the children around or dare to leave it out of its plush case, in case it was scratched. I played it maybe twice in six months - every other time I would pick up the Ibanez. So, last month I sold it on e-bay and fortunately got my money back. If I was a professional musician I would have a Gibson or Martin. But for kicking around at home and for my level of proficiency the Ibanez is PERFECT. |
Gramatica
Username: Gramatica
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 9:09 am: | |
I agree with Simonb... I sold a '67 Tele because I was afraid that I would break it! Bought my '81 AR-100AV with half the proceeds and Bobs your uncle.
Here is the guitar that is soon to be my ONLY. Same reasons as Simonb too, I can't justify owning 7 electrics anymore! I love my PF300...
Peter
 |
Artfield
Username: Artfield
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 5:36 pm: | |
For me its the Ibanez Ragtime Special, big sound, crisp and dynamic...and full acoustic, i will test it soon with some different pick-ups. I have the black version got it very cheap, but have a look at this link, its a beauty too...if you see one just buy it you won't regret, "love at first sight"
http://www.vintage-guitars.se/1981_Ibanez_Ragtime_Special_R_400_81091207J.htm |
Cmangeot
Username: Cmangeot
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 6:25 pm: | |
Second the motion for the ragtime 400. Loud, crisp, articulate sounds and that without plugging in. Plus the beauty is unmatched with other Ibanez acoustics. now if I could only find an R 640!!!!!
 |
Cmangeot
Username: Cmangeot
Registered: 04-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 6:27 pm: | |
Second the motion for the ragtime 400. Loud, crisp, articulate sounds and that without plugging in. Plus the beauty is unmatched with other Ibanez acoustics. now if I could only find an R 640!!!!!
 |
Gramatica
Username: Gramatica
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 23, 2006 - 6:30 pm: | |
How about that... I dusted off this topic that was dormant for 13 months and it is catching fire all over again!
That Ragtime is nice though. must - not - buy - 6 - acoustic - guitars!
Peter |
Chicagojoel
Username: Chicagojoel
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2006 - 2:10 pm: | |
I just bought a model 628 Concord. I've owned a V300 for about 2 years and love it to death. I play with 6 other guitarists on a bi-weekly basis. Three of them have Seagulls 2 Fenders 1 Epiphone. None of their guitars has the low end or volume of my V300. I am excited to get this 628 because as I understand it 628's became later the V302. See it here if you want. |
Chicagojoel
Username: Chicagojoel
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 8:22 am: | |
Does anyone know why some of these older acoustics have what appear to be pearloid dots on the bridge, and others don't?
 |
Chicagojoel
Username: Chicagojoel
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 8:29 am: | |
Thanks to Russell for sending me an enlarged ad that appears about in one of the posts. I thought I would add a link to the wallpaper I made from it for anyone interested. http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/bc/41cbc800_93b1/bc/concords.jpg?BCVvh2DBOkpxDME6 |
Chicagojoel
Username: Chicagojoel
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 8:33 am: | |
Thanks to Russell for sending me an enlarged ad that appears in one of the above posts. I thought I would add a link to the wallpaper I made from it for anyone interested. http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/bc/41cbc800_93b1/bc/concords.jpg?BCVvh2DBOkpxDME6 |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 12:05 pm: | |
Chicagojoel:
I can't seem to get a page to show using your link (Server not found error). Can you check it out? |
Chicagojoel
Username: Chicagojoel
Registered: 01-2006
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 7:31 pm: | |
My apologies for the bad link on wallpaper. Here is a link that will work. Right click on the image to view and save. The wallpaper is 1024 x 768.
http://www.geocities.com/em04@sbcglobal.net/Ibanez_Concord_628_12.html?113840812 1799 |
Michaelkaufman
Username: Michaelkaufman
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 27, 2006 - 8:46 pm: | |
If anyone's interested, I have a 1982 AE-405 w/ case that I'll sell. It's in nice shape. It has a nice sound and it smells absolutely wonderful. It definitely needs a setup. The action is too high for my liking.
mk |
Cheechacko
Username: Cheechacko
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 1:09 pm: | |
I have an LS 550, Lonestar series Ibanez. Serial # 86091004D - made in Japan. All pegs are on the top (Rock + roll headstock I think it's called). It has triangle pearoid inlay. I paid $400. for it 2nd hand. It has a sweet sound but I have another favorite, so am thinking of selling my Ibanez. Can anyone tell me anything about this model? -Thanks, Cheechacko |
Stogie
Username: Stogie
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 10:14 pm: | |
Well, here's a couple pics of my 82 M300AM. I can't say this is one of the best Ibanez acoustics out there, but it's the only Ibanez acoustic I have in my collection. I picked it up locally for a decent deal. I pretty much blame all you guys for having this one. I started reading ICW last year and my wife has officially declared me out of control...
 |
Jcmc64
Username: Jcmc64
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 3:15 am: | |
Here is my 670-12 :
|
Jcmc64
Username: Jcmc64
Registered: 06-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 3:17 am: | |
Here is my minty 76' 670-12 :
 |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 2:32 pm: | |
...hold a candle to the likes of Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Larivee...
The EP-9 got my $$$ away from ALL of the above.
Have they ever had any big name endorsements from artists?
Steve Vai has the EP-7 & EP-9 |
Jchester
Username: Jchester
Registered: 05-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 12, 2006 - 2:35 pm: | |
...hold a candle to the likes of Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Larivee...
The EP-9 got my $$$ away from ALL of the above.
Have they ever had any big name endorsements from artists?
Steve Vai has the EP-7 & EP-9
 |