| Author |
Message |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 3:16 pm: | |
Hello all. Being a total newcomer here, I thought it’s best to introduce myself. My name is Bjorn, live in Sweden and have been poking around here for a while getting valuable information. You guys never stop to impress me with your dedication and knowledge about Ibanez guitars. This forum also offers a warm and real friendly atmosphere. I saw some pictures of the collections you posses in another thread and I’m impressed. Do you have regular jobs?!? Anyway, I started looking for an old Ibanez GB a year ago after a neighbor showed me an AF75 he borrowed from a music store. Suddenly, I remembered when I was 20 + a few, worked extra in a musical instruments store in Gothenburg, and for the first time played a GB10. I wanted that guitar so much, but it was too expensive for me at that time. Now, 25 year later, I managed to find one in Stockholm. Since then I’m hooked, and currently have four GB’s. The GB200 is from 2000, both the sunburst GB10’s are from -79 and the blond one is from -83. Notice the different number of frets on the two -79’s. I believe that they made some adjustments to the design in March -79, changing the number of frets from 21 to 22. There is definitely a difference in the electrified sound between the two. I believe it has to do with the placement of the neck pickup, giving that the one with 21 frets has a softer “base-ier” tone. Anyway here’s a pictures of my humble collection so far.
Currently looking for a GB20 and a GB12! Any tips would be welcome!
Any other newcomers out there who like to share pics of their collections?
/Bjorn |
Blues
Username: Blues
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, March 25, 2006 - 7:02 pm: | |
Bjorn,
Very nice collection!
You have excellent taste in archtop guitars!
Your story is simular to mine. When I was 30+ I got my first GB10 used as part of a trade plus cash deal. I had wanted a GB10 about 10 years prior but I was unable to afford the $600.00 price tag for a used blond GB10. Since that time I have owned five GB10's, and one GB20.
A present I own two GB10's, one GB5, three GB30's and one GB200. In my opinion all of the made in Japan GB's are awesome guitars!
All the best!
BLUES |
Dvsleeko
Username: Dvsleeko
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 12:39 am: | |
They are sweet. Best of luck with them.
?;^)~ |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, March 26, 2006 - 4:19 pm: | |
Callistabb, welcome to the ICW.
What a sweet collection of GB's! Very nice.
I too was smitten by the GB10 the first time I played one. It was about 15 years ago and the guitar was a well worn '78. I could not put it down...worse yet, could not afford it. Drove my wife crazy talking about that darned GB10. 
A few years later I ended up buying a new blonde '97...and recently scored a used blonde '79.
You might be able to find another cool GB in Sweden...the GB100. Looks just like the GB12, but without the 12th anniversary headstock logo.
Good hunting. |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 4:25 am: | |
Thanks, glad you like the picture, Must say that seeing it here makes me a little proud. As stated before, got my first one last summer and have 4 now. The train has started rolling and it is downhill. Have began looking also for Artists with ebony fingerboards.
The GB’s are truly amazing. I was able to set all of them up to my taste and they are extremely consistent in their quality and feel. In my opinion a jazz guitar like these should be set up with very low action, an almost completely straight neck (to allow smooth action all the way down to the body) and preferably strung with .013 flats. Soundwise, on the other hand, all four of them sound different acoustically and their acoustic differences are reflected when played thru an amp much more than I was expecting.
Found this GB20 on eBay now and have asked the seller a couple of questions.
http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7401800972
/Bjorn |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
If you are interested in that GB20, be sure to ask the seller for a close-up photos, especially of the pick guard and the top frets. From the poor shots he did provide, it appears that there is some gassing out of the guard. That means it may need to be replaced. And where can one locate that pick guard?? |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 11:50 am: | |
I have nothing helpful to add. I just wanted to add my comments that you have a great collection of GB's! Thank you for posting photos for everyone to enjoy. Good luck finding a GB20. |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 12:48 pm: | |
Thanks all for your comments.
Guitartim: I made just that and received a couple of additional pics. I suspect that you were right, sharp eyes! I especially dislike the green-ich color on the pickup, Seen a GB10 like that before but that one was green mostly on the shielding of the wires. Suspect that you’re right also about the pick guard but that’s a little bit harder to tell for sure from the photo.
Another option to increase my collection of GBs is off course this wonderful Y2K. €3000 is a bit much for me though, even for a guitar from which only 40 exist. It is for sale for another 4 hours on eBay Portugal. I think the white knobs looks a bit cheep, to say the least.
http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D7400640168 |
Bigmike
Username: Bigmike
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Monday, March 27, 2006 - 1:00 pm: | |
Under 4k for a GBY2K is about the going rate, that is when you DO see one. Real nice guitar. ACTUALLY an exceptional instrument.
And it's good to be extra cautious with that GB20, hope I'm not offending the seller if he happens to be a member or lurking here. Considering the condition of the pickup cover and the tailpiece you might also run into some finish issues under the pickguard and decaying of the binding or the case liner just above the pickguard (when the guitar is in the case and the top is closed). I had a 70's Byrdland copy with those issues.
Well if I had the dough and was interested in a good instrument, I'd grab the GBY2K... That must be a joy to play and will only appreciate in value. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 12:38 pm: | |
Found this GB20 while trolling Gbase...
I was reeally tempted, but just scored a cool Heritage archtop...that emptied the piggy bank.
I think the price is a bit high. What do you guys think?
http://www.gbase.com/Stores/Gear/GearDetails.aspx?Item=1502892 |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 12:42 pm: | |
Wow, that one is gorgeous. Is that an example of a GB with a solid top?
Which Heritage did you get??? |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 12:59 pm: | |
Tim:
It is a nice one. But I don't believe the last few on ebay have even made it to the $1500 mark. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 1:28 pm: | |
Johns~I thought the price was a bit out of line!
Wildfield~A '95 Heritage 'H575 Custom' followed me home. A wonderful playing instrument that's easy on the eyes too! |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 1:43 pm: | |
Ooo. Sounds nice (the Heritage H575 Custom, that is). Any chance you'll be posting pics and comments??? |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:13 pm: | |
Already did.
Here's the link to the thread:
http://www.ibanezcollectors.com/discus/messages/17/16215.html?1146268164 |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 2:21 pm: | |
Holy cow!!! |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - 8:30 pm: | |
This is pretty astounding. A NOS 1977 GB20!
http://www.qksrv.net/click-1802666-10381315?loc=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI .dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D320041018560 |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, October 26, 2006 - 3:39 am: | |
Thanks for the GB20 tips guys. I have been drooling over the one on Gbase for a while now. I also think it’s too expensive, especially since I live in Sweden and would have to pay shipping, at least $200, VAT 25% of the insured value (in this case almost $600) and import tax 4% (another $100). For this guitar the total would be around $3200 before it reaches my door.
Buying from another EU country would make it so much less expensive since freight is much cheaper and no import tax or VAT is applicable btw EU countries. There are many European members on ICW, anyone with a great tip on how to handle shipments from outside EU?
As for the one on eBay, I did not see it before. Unfortunately the seller makes rather clear he don’t want to ship outside the US. I also have a feeling that a couple of questions have to be asked before bidding. Watching the auction with interest........
Still looking
/Bjorn |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 10:21 am: | |
Finally have one. This baby is on its way from Germany since yesterday.
Sure hope it arrives before leaving for a 10 day vacation trip next Tuesday.
I've been warned about some pretty heavy fretware but hope it's OK otherwise.
/Bjorn |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 10:36 am: | |
WOW...SWEET GB20NT!!!!!! |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:05 am: | |
Callistabb:
That is a real stunner! I've never seen a NT GB20 before.
Please give us a complete review when you get an opportunity. |
Petruz
Username: Petruz
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:27 am: | |
callistabb, that one is really incredible. compliments, your GB collection is truly impressive.
now you should complete it with a GB5, GB100 and a GB30 to have all the "normal" models (gb12s and GKs are "abnormal"). in particular the GB20 is in my opinion one of the most gorgeous archtop designs ever, period. please post some good shots! |
Petruz
Username: Petruz
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:44 am: | |
callistabb, that one is really incredible. compliments, your GB collection is truly impressive.
now you should complete it with a GB5, GB100 and a GB30 to have all the "normal" models (gb12s and GKs are "abnormal"). in particular the GB20 is in my opinion one of the most gorgeous archtop designs ever, period. please post some good shots! |
Petruz
Username: Petruz
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 11:45 am: | |
scuse me, double click...
here's the GB5 and all the family
 |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 10:27 am: | |
Petruz~ Do you own all of those beauties?! If so, very nice collection.
Where is your JSM100? |
Petruz
Username: Petruz
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - 5:03 pm: | |
guitartim, these are not mine. i wish i had them all! i've had many ibanezes but they come and go... presently i have only two, a GN30 and a PM100. i've had a Gb10 (to remain in the theme "bensons").
i don't have a JSM but some months ago i gave away a stunning AS200 - too heavy for my bones.
i was staring at the GB20 photo above and a song came to my head: "the more i see you... the more i want you..." |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 3:32 am: | |
Petruz: Thanks for the teasers, you are absolutely right about the song. The seller shipped it Tuesday evening and I haven’t heard from him since. He was supposed to come back with a tracking number. It is cash-on delivery so I’m still not too worried (lying).
I never played a GB5. On the pics it looks exactly like my GB200. Maybe the GB200 is just a reissue of the GB5. A
GB12/100 has been on my wishlist for a long time but a GB20 tops that same list. I did not expect to find a blond one.
Don’t know how it is for you guys but my watch starts ticking at half its normal speed when a guitar is on its way.
Waiting times ……………..
/Bjorn |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Friday, November 17, 2006 - 10:26 am: | |
Bjorn,
Congratulations in advance. That guitar is gorgeous. Anxious to hear your comments once you have received the guitar. |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 5:13 am: | |
My new mistress arrived well packed yesterday. The condition was more or less as expected. The only surprise was that someone had filed away on the nut to the extent where no sound could be heard form the A and D strings. The seller could have told me about that, but overall a very good deal! It also had some heavy fret ware but I was aware of that. Not the original case but a functional one (with keys!).
Anyway, after some 2 hours of cleaning it, using soapwater, polish and lemon oil, new D’Addario Chromes 013, some truss rod adjustment due to the heavier strings, the result is amazing. Neck adjusted perfectly, as always with these old guitars, and action can be set extremely low. Some buzz at the first and second fret only but that’s due to the nut and fret ware. I‘m going to Brazil for a two week vacation tomorrow. When I’m back I will pick her up from my luthier hopefully with new frets and new or lifted nut.
Some spontaneous impression based on two hours of acquaintance: Neck feels a little bigger compared to the rest of my GB’s. I have not had the time to measure the dimensions, could be just a feeling. When plugged in, it sounds fantastic and is very responsive, feed back problems expected. Acoustically, the sound is very correct, not that laud but, as can be expected, a lot better that the GB 10’s and also a big difference compared to my GB200.
Best of all, she’s a real blond beauty, or what do you think?
Snapped some fast pics:
Well packed
Does anyone know it the volume knob is the original; I’ve seen some with this knob but more often with Sure Grip I.
Nice wood patterns at the back.
 |
Davejacobs
Username: Davejacobs
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 5:56 am: | |
Bjorn,
Congratulations, makes a perfect match to the blonde GB10 :-)
Dave. |
Callistabb
Username: Callistabb
Registered: 02-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 6:01 am: | |
Thanks Dave, that blond GB10 is the one that gets played the most, at least until now. She was yours once, right? |
Petruz
Username: Petruz
Registered: 05-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 6:33 am: | |
amazing guitar.
although the GB20s usually have the best sunbursts ibanez ever made, this one is truly a masterpiece. maybe a fret dress will put it in top playing condition.
callistab, if you go to rio (my birthplace) or s. paulo check out for concerts - there's a lot of cats there doing terrific bossa nova and chorinho everyday... |
Davejacobs
Username: Davejacobs
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 8:35 am: | |
Yes she ways, I'm truly glad she's in your home now! |
Wildfield
Username: Wildfield
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 9:23 am: | |
Bjorn,
Wow, congratulations again. Glad to hear the guitar met your expectations. The new frets and nut should make her play better than new. |
Guitartim
Username: Guitartim
Registered: 04-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 10:34 am: | |
Bjorn~ I am speechless! |
Blues
Username: Blues
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 21, 2006 - 7:52 pm: | |
Bjorn,
Very nice catch!
BLUES |