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Mark Munchenberg
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi there fellow Ibanez loons,

A little self ananysis is good for everbody - and shows a certain level of maturity don't you think?

What is it about Ibanez that makes us collect them? The extremes some of us go to are well documented in the messgae thread "Help me stop buying old Ibanez guitars". This is seriously funny reading and I can really see myself in some of the actions and attitudes detailed therein.

So here are a few prompters to get the ball rolling.

I collect Ibanez because:

1. I can't resist a bargain.

2. I value fine craftsmanship.

3. I feel affinity with the underdog.

4. I have a desire to be different.

5. I like feeling superior to others.

6. I wear rose tinted glasses.

7. I'm too stupid to buy just one great USA guitar.

8. I have an obsessive compulsive disorder.

9. I'm providing for my future.

10. I am sitting on a gold mine.

11. I am hiding from my responsibilities in life.

12. I have a ship load of cash and am pissed that Scott Chinery bought everything else.

Remember, the first step in returning to normality is to admit you have a problem. We are all here to help so come on, it's safe, were are you friends. Open up and tell us about it.

Ha Ha,

Mark Munchenberg
JohnS
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Mark:

For me it would be 2, 3, 4 & 7.

As well as:

13. I'm fascinated by the innovative and rare guitars they made.

JohnS
Jimi D
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

3, 4, 7 & a sprinkling of 12 for me. I want GOOD guitars, but I don't want to drop $3000 on just ONE! Ibanez archtops give me Gibson quality at Epiphone prices - how can you beat it?!? Tho' -truth be told - I'm really in love with the Fuji Gen Gaki production facility. I don't care if it says Ibanez or Heartfield or Starfield or Mann, I love their obvious devotion to their craft.

Jimi D (so many guitars, so little time)
rooster
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Because I'm worth it!
vwall
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

wassup jimi D.

hey Munchie,
for me its like the rest: 3, 4, 7, & 12.
its not just ibanez though, any superior quality guitar is worth the trouble. im currently in the process of a usa custom proto type guitar that ill post on here somewhere. its not ibanez, it will have the name i give it. possibly with a Herc Fedes paint job!!
look for it in about 6-8 months!!
Ibanez rules!!!
but not before Jesus!!!

vwall
Harry
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi Mark
Maybe you should revise number 7 on your list into: "I'm too CLEVER to buy just one great USA guitar". I, as a European, get pretty boared with
the chauvinism Americans show when it comes to their attitude towards the rest of the World. Okay, I give you fellows the credits for giving the World the great invention that's called 'the electric guitar' but hey: from the seventies on you can hardly say that companies like Gibson and Fender have come up with innovative stuff.
To be honest: since the '80's you found more quality, crafsmanship, innovation and value for money in the Ibanez catalogue than in Gibson's (or should I choose a Sonex or a Marauder for my money in stead of an Artist?).
Harry
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi Mark!
Maybe you should change number 7 on your list of reasons to collect Ibanez into "I'm too CLEVER to buy just one great USA guitar". I, as a European, sometimes get bored about the chauvinistic additude some Americans have against the rest of the World. Your number 7 reason to collect Ibanez sounds as if there is no better choise than buying a decent Gibson, Fender, or whatever brand, as long as it's American. Better one good American guitar than -let's say- five "foreign-and-therefore-inferior" ones. Okay, you can say that the American guitar industry took the lead in giving the world this beautiful invention we call the electric guitar. But to be honest, I think that especially since the '80's the Americans did very little in further development of the guitar. Tradition seemed to be priority number one. Than came the Japanese and they scared the hell out of Gibson and Fender by building great guitars for far less money, with all the newest innovations the American guitar industries could only dream of.
When you look at the matter unprejudiced one must admit that from the '80's on Ibanez offered far more quality, craftsmanship, innovation and value for money than the American brands, who were eagerly seeking for ways to make their products more competitive and as a result came up with really poor instruments. Now, letting loose your chauvinisme: would YOU rather buy a Sonex or a Marauder than an Ibanez Artist? Don't believe that for yourself, do you?
Harry
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi everybody!
Sorry for posting two almost identical messages, but I thought that I made a mistake and that the first one didn't reach you. Because I had already closed the window, I gave it a new try.
So JohnS, you can remove the first reaction and also this message. Thanks and sorry again!
Greetings, Harry
Mark Munchenberg
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Harry,

I do hope the irony contained in my list of reasons to collect Ibanez has not escaped you. I put the list together as a primer so we could all have a bit of a laugh at ourselves!

Bye

Mark
JohnS
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Harry:

We all Love Ibanez, including Mark! He was trying to be funny. Poking fun at yourself is healthy.

JohnS
Harry
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hi guys!
Oké, allright, maybe I over-reacted a little, because I wasn't quite sure if Mark was kidding or if he was serious. Sorry for the hard punches, Mark! So if this is the "poking at yourself" place, let me add another reason to collect Ibanez (copies):
"The only good match for a wannabee guitarist is a wannabee guitar".
No hard feelings, boys? I'll try to be more positive in my next tributes.:-)
greetings, Harry
Jorgen
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Hello fellow Ibanez addicts!

The value for money issue is a major part I think of why older Ibanez guitars have gained popularity. Everyone wants as good a guitar as he/she can get for the money. The increasing popularity raises the prices aswell...but how high?
Personally I think it has to come to a point when there will be to small a pricedifference between for example used Gibson and used Ibanez guitars, and the market will fade out. Its important to remember that the guitar industry makes better guitars now then ever before (referring to the lower end guitars) at a low cost in the massproduction line. This means cheap AND good guitars that hits the stores around the world.
Personally I think the models which has Ibanez´ own touch to them, such as the solidbody Artist series to name one example will last longer in the valuability race. My opinion is also that the copies will reach up to a priceroof well below their used Gibson counterparts in order to remain on the "wanted" list for players. Otherwise..."one could aswell get a Gibson instead" many may think.

/Jorgen
Bradley LeVan
Posted on Friday, October 08, 2004 - 11:08 am:   

Best playing guitars?
I find that I didn't "start collecting" Ibanez guitars. Rather, I've always looked at each guitar that I own as one that met specific requirements. First, they have to play exceptionally well. Second, they must have above average sound. Finally, I must love, not like, but love the way it looks. I'm at a point in my life where I don't want things that don't speak to me on a very personal level.

So, whenever I'm in a shop or at a show I'll try to play as many guitars as I can. Sometimes this keeps me busy for hours at a time. If I find one that meets my requirements, I'll bend over backwards to find a way to make it mine. Cost is seldom a factor.

With all of this said, I found Gibson, Fenders, Guilds, Taylors, Martins, G&L, Harmony etc. have all come to be mine. However, as I look at my collection, I see that I have owned two Ibanez guitars for every other one in my collection. So, I guess I can say I collect them because they are twice as good.
Steve (Gitfiddle1)
Posted on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 - 5:23 pm:   

All items on the list apply to some degree. I been playin' for about 15 years. However, I never considered collecting guitars until the last year or so.

My first guitar was a Kramer. The second was an Ibanez. Not just any Ibanez, but a top end Roadstar RS1400. Didn't know spit about guitars at the time. It looked cool, felt good, was priced right, and sounded great. Gawd I wish I still had it. Somebody broke into my house and liberated it from me about 10 years ago. They also got my uncle's mint 1964 Harmony H77. Thieves suck!

Anyway, I've played lots of brands over the years. Most in the store, some that belonged to friends. There are other good brands. But I got hooked by that first Ibanez. They have always had something to offer me at a price that didn't 'cause trama!

My collecting started as a byproduct of searching for another RS1400. I discovered the Artist series was to my liking, but a bit spendy to own in large quantities. I have two and love 'em. I recently picked up an S hardtail. It has become my primary recording/performing guitar, but I have little interest in owning any more.

So I returned to my old friend the Roadstar. My goal is to have one of every model from 1986 (5 down, 9 to go) Maybe I can preserve a small bit of the Ibanez legacy. I don't care about the dollar value and they're not trophys. They are musical instruments and they aren't worth a damn if they don't get played! And if you stop by some time, you can play 'em all!

Steve
~FLY~ (Guitarworkz)
Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 7:56 am:   

I'll be right over, Steve. Which ones are okay to borrow for a couple of months? You must be the guy who is outbidding me on all the roadstars on EBAY !!!! Just kidding. Do you have any of the RoadstErs? I think the were produced in the late 70's/early 80's and are the predecessor(sp?) to the mid 80's roadstar II fame.
~FLY~
Steve (Gitfiddle1)
Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2001 - 11:39 am:   

If you asked my wife, she'd let you take about half a dozen! I'm focused on only the '86 models now. So if you see an '86 Roadstar on eBay be warned! Lol! If I had my druthers, I'd have one of every model from every year. My bank account and darling spouse have a different view.

Regarding the Roadsters, do a Keyword search for "roadster". I think I've already posted everything I know about them.

Steve
vwall
Posted on Tuesday, September 25, 2001 - 2:01 am:   

hey everyone!! I am back!!

if you readf in the post half way back up i mention the custom guitar... well its almost done!

go here to see it http://www.vwallguitars.usclargo.com/

click the custom guitar tab!

peace!
Skybone
Username: Skybone

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 3:32 am:   

But has anyone else noticed that, you don't start with the intention of collecting, you usually require something different from the one you have, so go out & buy another one to do that task. You don't sell the one you had first (if you really like it that is). Then, some time later, that second guitar becomes so useful, you won't sell that either, but you need another one to do something else, and so you get another. And so on, until you find yourself with a collection.

Well that's how I justify it anyroad. ;)
Harry
Username: Harry

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 5:53 am:   

Hi Skybone
Your story (and your explanation of how collecting starts) is okay, but does this still work if your collection is over 90 pieces like mine? I mean: feeling the need to add something to what you have because it's totally different could be the reason, but how many times will people believe you? Even when you're collecting Heinz you won't come further than 57 varieties.....;-)
Greetz,
Harry
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2004 - 9:54 am:   

Skybone & Harry,

There are two distinct, equally valid groups here. Those that collect guitars for the sake of collecting, and those that acquire them with the intention of playing them. This is not to say that the collectors will never play their guitars, it is just that if a guitar never gets played, it still may serve a valuable purpose, and be important to the collector. On the other hand, the "players" like myself may seriously question keeping a guitar that doesn't get used. We all still suffer from the same lust and compulsion at times, and I have a certain amount of regret over every MIJ Ibanez I've sold.

The original post is great. I think I can Identify with all of Mark's points. I would add, being a designer myself (architect) that I think that Ibanez has come up with some great and timeless original designs. It's interesting that the most collectable pieces, are essentially based on classic Gibson designs. I'm more enchanted with their original creations.

-Sven
The_eristic
Username: The_eristic

Registered: 04-2004
Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 12:15 am:   

I collect all kinds of guitars, but Ibanez really is my first love. They're high quality and they're different (well, they were different... that's a rant for another thread, though). ;^)
Captainibanez
Username: Captainibanez

Registered: 01-2004
Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 6:30 am:   

Whilst, I slave my of eveyday for you ICW freaks and geeks keeping the truth from fact from fantasy with my fellow of collective "Temple Of Hoons" in ICW...I ask ya's, have you been hanging your wrist off the end of a quality Ibanez product...yes a :law suite"model since 1973?...there are some but the ...rest...I don't think so ! Not that this is my 1 and only battleground for the"real"product!...but hey, I have the power to set my phaser's , flangers and TS808" or if you are old enough to remeber my old Overdrive2 green stun weapon...then you can be comfortable. I ask all of you to step up to the mark and name your top 10 Ibanez guitars of all time...don't matter how passionate you are with any particular model....go for it !

Captain Ibanez
Snowjays
Username: Snowjays

Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 4:54 pm:   

Well Captain,

The fact is, some are good to play and others are good to look at. Is that what distinguishes a player from a collection piece.

Someone reciently told me that he could sit and look at their AR500 all day, but he still gigs with his Squire Strat.

For me, I prefer to use my battered old MC200, but I still enjoy slinging on my Artist 2700 every so often.
Tubescorcher
Username: Tubescorcher

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Thursday, November 11, 2004 - 7:24 pm:   

I often wondered why I stayed an Ibanez Fan all these years. I got my first AR 105 new in 82'. They were affordable!!! But, it went way beyond that. I own Gibsons, Fender, PRS, Godin, BC Rich, Ernie Ball, Charvel and I can tell you. If I had to sell any of them, they would be the first to go. I would cling to my Ibanez guitars like my life depended on them. The feel of an Artist & sound are top notch, despite the weight. The quality, features & playability of Ibanez guitars have largely gone unnoticed (lucky for Us). I'm referring to the period I know 1974-1983!!!
Thanks to all of you for keeping the Passion Alive!!!!!

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