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JohnS
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2001 - 10:33 pm:   

Mark said:

Guys,

This is really encouraging. To make something like this fly we obviously need someone to
manage the project, some pointmen, and some cash. High quality photography doesn't come cheap.

If we don't combine our resources and pitch in, a book like this will never happen.

As far as I can see, we'd need someone dedicated to the co-ordination of each of these tasks:

- Research
- Copy writing
- Design & Layout
- Photography
- Commercialisation

Possibly we could collaborate with Michael Wright himself.

Anybody interested???
JohnS
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2001 - 10:42 pm:   

I'm in the publishing biz. I'm a Production Coordinator responsible for quite few books a year. Over the last decade, I've been a co-author or contributing author for 6 or so books and tech editor on a score more. I've been in the Graphic Design business since 1975.

I'd love to help out.

But I can tell you from experience, that producing a traditional book is a bigger project than most people think.
Seth
Posted on Monday, February 19, 2001 - 11:33 pm:   

Michael Wright did an excellent job in Guitar Stories, but a brief look around this forum reveals so much additional information that isn't available in that book or anywhere else in print or on the web. The first-hand knowledge of the collectors on this board is an invaluable resource. It would be great to tap into that knowledge and produce the definitive history of Ibanez guitars.

Hopefully someone out there will grab the reins and organize this project. I have quite a bit of experience writing and editing copy. I'd love to write/edit text, compile information and do research for the book if that's needed. Also, I work for a small illustration firm, and our studio designs and produces a yearly catalog. . .
Harry
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 7:59 am:   

Hi guys!
I'm reacting just to brainstorm with you about the concept. What do we need? A book that covers the whole Ibanez story until now, or a book that's mainly about the copy/replica period? That's one thing. The other thing is: this great discussion board has given us so much good, sometimes even professional information that it just might be an idea to publish the useful contributions in book-form. Someone might make a concept (based on the topics and the "strings" as we know them from this board) and ask all contributors if anyone has materials (photo's, reviews etc.) to illustrate the book. This might be much easier than to write a complete new book. You could think of doing this every year so that you could speak of an "annual".
Just think of the enormous amount of information and pictures you might have based on the contributions of one year. And your documentation on Ibanez will grow every year with the appearance of a new "Ibanez Discussion Board Annual"".......
As I said: I'm just thinking and immediately sharing this with you just to think about the pro's and con's of various ways to get things going.
Greetings to all, Harry
Len C
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 2:55 pm:   

I really think ya gotta give the whole story.

Do the pre lawsuit stuff, the lawsuit stuff,
the "golden age stuff" , the eighties and metal, and on into the current guitars. I think a publisher would have lot easier time biting on this over just a vintage book.

I would, and you would, but I think they would want to include some appeal to the zillion guys who play RGs and JEMs etc.

I suspect Ibanez itself would be interested in participating in some way, it the book tied the fabulous history to the current product.

Maybe they'd just pay for the photographer :)

I think a book structured this way would go a long way towards telling the tale of the lawsuits and the golden age, which is what most of us here are after.
Mark Munchenberg
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 8:16 pm:   

I agree with Len on this one. We do need to cover the whole story from as early as possible to the current models.

I think we should look to include contributions from guys like Jim Donahue and Mark Hartman in the project too.

I'm all for doing whatever I can to make this thing happen. If we can work with Michael Wright and get Jeff Hasselberger involved we should be able to get the cooperation of Ibanez themselves and all the guitar magazines that have archived material.

I don't think we want to step on Michael Wright's toes though if he is already well advanced with his book. If so, I believe it would be best for us to collaborate with him and assist in the provision of information, photos, sales material, etc.

If not, then we should go for it.

Regards,

Mark
Mark_Hartman
Posted on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 8:29 pm:   

Hey all,

Great topic here - and something I've wanted to see for many years now. I should mention that Jim Donahue (alnico5@mail.comcat.com) has been working on a book like this for months now. I don't know the expected finish date, or if it covers more than the vintage era, though as I haven't emailed him in a while to check up on the progress. I do know he was having all his early catalogs photographed for inclusion in the book. So there may be something out soon that we all want!
mike g.
Posted on Friday, February 23, 2001 - 4:03 am:   

Mark,

This is a thought that John & I had also pondered the night he was over to look over some.
I agree and think it is a great idea but also something that will be very time consuming to put together.
I also think that nearly every Ibanez owner would buy one and that would translate into alot of sales.
I am more than willing to offer pictures of what I have to someone who would like to document the many different combinations that were available especially with models that have little documentation now such as the Silver Series and Challenger Series Strat copies.
I also agree that it should start from the time they started making an impact on the US market as the quality of some of the early ones was pretty marginal at best.
So many Ibanez guitars are hard to find in any other publication and I am glad that Mr.Wright put together Vol.1 to open the eyes of everyone to the lesser known brands that were/are so often
looked down upon by the Vintage Dealers and Mags.
I also agree that this and J.D.'s site have the most info available and all sites that have something to add should chip in with such an effort.
I would love to open up a guitar mag and see nice reviews or articles about some of the very good Ibanez models that are very deserving of more press than they ever get.
After watching a set neck Les Paul copy reach over $750.00 at ebay without a Law Suit headstock,I know sooner or later some of the guys who wanted Vintage Fender or Gibsons will start taking a closer look at the Ibanez Goodies and realize what a great value these are in the vintage market.(although Mr.Gruhn might disagree with these qualifying as Vintage)
I certainly hope this book becomes a reality,I'll be among the first to buy one.
Keep up the good work !
Mike G.
Jimi D
Posted on Saturday, February 24, 2001 - 11:51 pm:   

So, we've got a consensus that a book covering the general history of Ibanez is a good idea, but both Michael and Jim are writing books about Ibanez as we speak. As a long time Ibanez employee, Jim's might be more personal in nature, but Michael's will certainly be an extension/elaboration of the MOUNTAINS of research he had to do for the Ibanez chapter in Guitar Stories vol. I... Of course, with all the work he has to do on his VG column ("Different Strummer") and other projects he has on the go, he could probably use all the help he can get on the research side of things...

The HUGE amount of information that Glen Cianciulli has gathered about high end Ibanez rock guitars on Jemsite would be an important addition, no doubt. To my mind, the biggest job as far as this site is concerned would be taking the collected "knowledge" found on the site and turning it into coherent, readable, searchable information. There are many golden tidbits and factoids in these threads, but they're buried in so much other stuff that digging them out will be the hard part. Look at the raw specs for each and every Jem, Universe, USA Custom & USRG that Glen has put together for Jemsite; I helped him compile a (very) small part of that in regards to list pricing on various US-made Ibanez guitars, and I can tell you it's not much fun - actually, it's dull and meticulous, like most research. And the half-dozen exceptions you can find to any given "rule" in the Ibanez book is enough to drive you mad :-)

I don't know if I can be of help or not, but I've gathered a good bit of Ibanez knowledge and lore over the years - most of it is available here but I do think I have an interesting cross-over perspective, as I've owned everything from a 2681 to a couple Jems (and loved them all, I might ad :-) If I can be of assistance, I'm in!
Fred B.
Posted on Sunday, February 25, 2001 - 8:25 pm:   

As a topic idea, wonder if the early endorsers (Steve Miller, Bob Weir, and others) would be interested in interviews on early Ibanez. I'm sure there must be some interesting anecdotes on the company at that time. I'd also like to know if they still have/play the models they endorsed.

Regards,
Fred
JohnS
Posted on Monday, February 26, 2001 - 5:40 pm:   

One of the realizations that this Board has impressed upon me is how little we really "know" about the Ibanez of the 60s & 70s. (I'm not sure how plentiful "real" information is regarding the 80s and 90s, either.) We don't even know that truth behind the serial numbers on earlier models. Or what the fretboard markings represent.

Without Hoshino/Ibanez's help, we could spend forever surmising and extrapolating from our collective knowledge/experiences. I don't have that long to live. J I believe that Michael Wright had some help from the people in the know. But even his book isn't as accurate as I'm sure he'd like it to be.

So where does that leave us? What have we got to sell? And how big is the audience that would pay for it?

I mentioned to Maniac Mike, that a calendar would be a reasonable publication. You only need 12 guitars, 12 short-stories (which could even be derived from the commentary we already have here) and 12 very good photographs. Much lower overhead than a book. Tons less hassles, too.

It could be distributed via the Net as a PDF so that buyers could use/print them as they wished. Or they could be printed "on-demand" and shipped for some additional $$$.

Any opinions?
Mark Munchenberg
Posted on Monday, February 26, 2001 - 8:27 pm:   

JohnS,

Something is better than nothing. Has anybody found out exactly what Michael Wright is up to with his new book?

My original inspiration was to photograph key pieces of Mike and Harold's collections, given that Mike has said he will sell off a lot of guitars.

Perhaps, we simply can supply photos of particular instruments for Michael's book. Personally I would like to see a book that is heavy on the photos, heavy on stories, and all the specifications put into an appendix. I really dislike books that bury all the specs in the copy.

Fred's idea of speaking to Ibanez endorsers, new and old, is a good one too.

John, you know Michael don't you??? Would you consider to offering our assistance to him???

regards,

Mark
Mark_Hartman
Posted on Monday, February 26, 2001 - 9:43 pm:   

Hey,

I emailed JD sunday to ask how his book is coming along and I'll post the answer as soon as I get one. I agree that anything is better than the void of information and research we have now. A calender is a great idea too! A calender could have a tighter focus too, like just the Artwood Twin, for example (each with a story of it's life-if possible). Or the Paul Stanley model, or guitars with neck stampings or left-handed cherry-burst reverse-headstock electric mandolins ;)

I enthusiastically support talking to Ibanez endorsers from 'back in the day' and think that those stories would be highly intriguing and entertaining. In fact, that could be half of the book right there, if enough of them would be willing to chat at length about their Ibanez relationship, experiences and musings.

Personally, specs should be (as Mark pointed out) put at the end of the book, in small print too. I'm not one to waste a lot of valuable photo space for tables of specs.

Mark H.
spiro
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 12:56 am:   

I'll get info from the original service guy of Ibanez/Jason australia... great source of info.....
Harold
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 2:39 am:   

Folks,

I believe the Book thing is an excellent idea!
I believe most of us Ibanez collectors and players are interested in also documenting the shared experience, thrill, and excitement that comes from owning and playing vintage Ibanez guitars.
Pictures from catalogs are o.k. but a lot of us already own most of the catalogs so perhaps we can look further into what interest us about Ibanez. Also, High Quality Photographs make the best Statements!
We want more than facts and dry truth. We are people who have invested a lot of time and money in these guitar! Hey, Ibanez gives you a lot of guitar for the buck!
Talking about how we have come to acquire our choice Ibanez guitars would be interesting.
Until this very day I'm still excited that Michael Wright printed photos of several of my vintage Ibanez guitars in his book, "Guitar Stories, Vol. 1." However, ...I wish something had been printed about how much I enjoy playing Ibanez guitars or why I collect them.
I liked Ibanez guitars before I ever knew that George Benson or John Scofield played them.
To me in some form or another all of us are endorsers of Ibanez guitars along with George Benson and John scofield.

Harold
LenC
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 4:20 am:   

JohnS mentioned the conundrum about haw little we actually "know" and we could end up chasing our tails.

Maybe we have sections about the mainline classics - 2619 etc. and some other sections about the odd birds that frankly as far as we can tell no one knows. Turn the collective ignorance into a "feature"

I'm still trying to figure out the story on my
1977 Artist 2618-12 with the Rickenbacker type headstock.

I do think that a reason to turn to some sort of corporate sponsorship (Ibanez) is that a table top book is gonna scream for quality photos which wouldn't be cheap.
Mark_Hartman
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 6:05 pm:   

I emailed JD these questions:

What years will your book cover?

Will your book include complete reproductions of early catalogs?

Any estimated publishing date?

What do you think about Ibanez fans doing their own book? Is that a problem?

Here is his reply:
---------------------------------

"The book is in full swing and I have someone that is helping that has already written a few books. The release date is January 2002, as this is the 30th anniversary of Ibanez USA. The book layout is not finalized yet but it will be very big and it starts at 1908 and goes up until 2001. I have no idea on another book that fans will do - but I don't see how they will be able to get any information because we are keeping everything for our book?
--Take care-- Jim Donahue"


I'm excited to see that one come out! Sounds like they cover it all, early years to current stuff - and apparently they (Ibanez) don't wish to share their information either. So - at least we can move forward knowing that much.
Mark Munchenberg (Munch)
Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2001 - 10:14 pm:   

Guys,

I'm just happy to hear that a book is coming out! Whether it is ours, JD's, MW's - it doesn't matter. However I believe that we should do whatever we can to photograph our great instruments and have them included in whichever book wants them.

Failing that, I really like Johns idea about the calender.

Is anyone here able to talk with JD or MW about using our guitars in their books??

Cheers,

Mark
Jimi D
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2001 - 1:46 pm:   

Personally, I'd much rather read someone else's labor of love than bust my hump writing my own (which I would no doubt be sick to death of 6 months before it was finished)... Go JD!!

...and as far as Ibanez is concerned, it's my understanding that they've never exactly been forth-coming with information regarding their past products - largely because it's not readily available, and they have no interest in making it so. Jim's got the inside scoop, so I think sitting tight for a few months is the way to go...

Now a CALENDAR! That's a great idea :-)
John (Johns)
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2001 - 2:16 pm:   

Well, if 2001 is considered Ibanez USA's 30th anniversary, then it would make a lot of sense that Hoshino/Ibanez would put great effort into a VERY nice book. Right?

How much info that effort would provide for us, as collectors, would be a big question mark.

wink, wink, nudge, nudge...say no more.
Harold Wherry (Blues)
Posted on Friday, March 02, 2001 - 3:33 pm:   

Well one thing I don't want to see is a book full of pictures from past or present catalogs.
Seems to me that any NEW book should have input from Ibanez guitar designers, craftsmen/employees. Must also include input from Ibanez Collectors, Players, and Endorsers World Wide!


Harold
Harry
Posted on Monday, March 05, 2001 - 4:43 am:   

Hi everyone!
Let me jump in again on this topic. Since Jim D's book probably will turn out to be the holy bible for Ibaneezers it seems to me that we don't have to do things over again. We must focus on addition, I believe. The calander could be an option. And may I remind you of my idea from a few weeks ago to compile interesting topics/items from this discussion board over one year time and publish it in what you might call an annual? John S. could do the selection, maybe helped by some of us. Corresponding with the topics/items we could send in pictures of our OWN instruments to illustrate the whole thing. And I don't believe this requires high-quality photography because I think that most home-made pictures we see on this site are of sufficient quality to be printed on paper as well. I believe that publishing annuals could be a way to give an original and useful addition to the JD's book every year. Imagine: a great standard book, yearly supplemented by us, the players and the collectors! I sure would like that on my bookshelf!
Any comments?
Greetings, Harry.
Steve (Gitfiddle1)
Posted on Monday, March 05, 2001 - 3:37 pm:   

Hey,

Maybe the thing to do is make our guitars and personal "hands-on" knowledge available to JD. Since we're the guys (and gals) with the guitars in our hands, we have the fossil record.
Let's assume somebody knows the story of how the 2618-12 with the Ric headstock came to be. The story isn't complete without the present owners input. It's like the missing Shelby Cobra Daytona coupe. Numerous publications have commented on the fact that one (of the 6 built) is unaccounted for. If somebody could put the whole story together, then they'd have something.
Even production models listed in the catalog can have interesting stories. Example; The neck-through Roadstars (RS1400 and RS1500) from the 1983 catalog. Or the AR1505 with the spruce top and special Super58 "jazz" pick-ups. How many were produced? How many have survived? Where are they now? How do they compare to the other more common models?
Just food for thought.

Steve
JohnS
Posted on Monday, March 12, 2001 - 2:57 pm:   

I received a message from Michael Wright regarding rumours of Ibanez book projects. With his and Ibanez's permission, here's relevant snippets:


"...Yes, there is an Ibanez book in the works. Jim [Donahue] originally wrote a first draft manuscript,...Hoshino (USA) felt that the project needed the hand of a professional writer. I will be that writer...[Jim's] knowledge will really make the book...the project is moving ahead and have begun preliminary work and thinking. The project is in too early a stage to predict what the final book will be like, but I believe it will be all-color and I guarantee that it will have a lot of interesting stuff in it.

The book is intended to be done for the Winter NAMM show next year, Hoshino USA's 30th anniversary...yes, you will have the book you've been waiting for."


I've invited Michael to drop by and monitor this particular message thread. So, if you want to get a message to Michael regarding the new book, add your comments here. But please, don't expect a reply.
Harold Wherry (Blues)
Posted on Monday, March 12, 2001 - 11:02 pm:   

Michael,

Thanks for the brief update on the new Ibanez book.

I would like to know if you are planing to have a section with actual pictures of guitars as opposed to resizing pictures from old catalogs?

_Do you plan on having any comments from Collectors, Players and Endorsees?

_Will you be requesting pictures from Collectors?
if so, when?, how?


Regards,

Harold
mike g.
Posted on Monday, March 12, 2001 - 11:12 pm:   

If anything in my collection would be a help in putting this together, I would be more than happy to provide any pictures of any guitar I have.

I am sure everyone who frequents this site is excited about the upcoming book and I look forward to more great reading from the Different Strummer on these fine instruments.

Thank you for all the informative articles over the years on the guitars snubbed by so many "experts"

Warmest Regards,
Mike Graves (maniac mike)
Mark Munchenberg (Munch)
Posted on Monday, March 12, 2001 - 11:46 pm:   

Michael,

I think the resources available to you from regular members of this board are very valuable. We'd all like to help, but the process needs to be managed and kept confidential in some way.

Perhaps John Shanley could set up a separate discussion topic related to information for your book. This topic could be password protected and only viewed by yourself and members of the board who have password access. I'm sure you don't want prying eyes finding out what you're upto!

In this protected topic you could post your "want ads" for specific info you need, and the members could respond. Beyond this you could then communicate with specific members on a one to one basis using email if required.

Regarding photos I'm sure every one of us would like to see our entire collection featured in full page gloss plates. Not practical and beyond the scope of your book I'm sure. However, between us we can offer you quick access to any guitar you feel needs to be in your book. I'm sure that the owner of the guitar would not mind paying for the photography given that his/her guitar will be imortalised in your Ibanez Bible.

In the name of user friendliness, may I make some suggestions:

1. Stories not specifications
I'd like the book to be a great read first and
foremost. Please consider putting all the specs in an appendix at the back. Compare Jay Scott's terrible book on Gretsch to Paul Day's work in The Fender Book.

2. A Picture is worth a thousand words
Please make this book as photographic as possible.

3. Artist Endorsements
the stories behind the development of signature models would be a great read.

Michael, I hope you like these suggestions - for all I know I may be telling you how to suck eggs!!

Anyway, I am looking forward to providing any assistance I can - you just have to ask.

Best wishes,

Mark Munchenberg
Jorgen (Jorgen)
Posted on Sunday, November 25, 2001 - 4:21 pm:   

Hello people.

Just thought about that Ibanez book the other day...
The last input to this discussion was March 12th, so I wonder what the current status is regarding the book, and when it is scheduled to be finished?

I hope that production totals for different models will be included in the book, if such data could be obtained, and made available to the author/authors.

Regards
Jörgen
Michael Wright
Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 7:31 am:   

Ibanez book update: The Ibanez book is alive and well. Here is what I can tell you. The original book drafted by Jim Donahue was turned over to me to rewrite, which I've pretty much done. I have one small sidebar and a couple interviews to try to complete yet, plus finish up an appendix which will list all of the models. This will be a coffee-table type book with lots of pictures. It will be more complete and accurate than the chapter in my first book, but there will still be things that you want to know about that remain to be told. Imagine trying to condense as many guitars as Ibanez has made into one book! The original due date was to be the Jan. NAMM show but, well, let's just say the project didn't get immediate attention as a priority until late. The new target will be the summer NAMM show. The manuscript is now being expanded and tweaked to reflect the desired company perspective. I was supposed to be interviewing Head and Munky of Korn a couple weeks ago but Munky had his wisdom teeth yanked and we had trouble hooking up. We're still trying to hook up with Bob Weir, too. Hoshino will be publishing the book itself, so I'm not sure how available it will be; that is, where. Probably from your local Ibanez dealer and direct, but I'm not sure how well thought out that is yet. Places like Amazon usually don't take books unless they come from an established distributor, but since Hoshino has decided to bypass that aspect, who knows? I'm also not sure where the net is on hardcover/softcover. Originally we talked about a limited run of hardcovers and the majority soft, but again I don't know where their head is at on that subject right now. Anyhow, that's where we are. Expect to see the book available by mid year, if not before. Expect that I may do some more detailed essays for Vintage Guitar Magazine in the near future since that level of detail on guitars themselves will not be in the book, at least as narrative text.
Michael Wright
The Different Strummer
JohnS
Posted on Monday, November 26, 2001 - 9:44 am:   

Michael:

Thanks for the detailed update. Can't wait til the book is available.

Is Bob Weir still playing his Ibanez guitars?

One article I'd love to see would be interviews with endorsors like Benson, Methany, Scofield, Ritenour, etc. to hear WHY they went with Ibanez. Some of these older guys threw their lot in with Ibanez when affliation with a Japanese guitar was risky.

Was it just for free guitars (or money)? Somehow I'm sure there must be more to the stories these artists could tell.

BTW, thanks for the great article on Ibanezes in the recent VG.

JohnS
ICW
Maniac (Maniac)
Posted on Friday, April 26, 2002 - 12:45 am:   

Hello everyone !

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm pacing back and forth in anticipation of this book.
It has been 5 months since any comments have been made and I'm wondering if there are any updates to report.

I'm ready to send my $$ wherever to get a few copies of this book right now. AND, I hope a hard cover version IS available to people other than just the big dealers or a select few.

Just thought I'd breath a little life back into this thread.

Mike G.
Maniac (Maniac)
Posted on Sunday, May 26, 2002 - 8:50 am:   

ANY NEWS ABOUT THE IBANEZ BOOK YET ?


MANIAC
Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 12:01 pm:   

Did ya'll see this insanity?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2577539961&category=621&rd=1

Methinks the publisher should seriously consider another printing...

Cheers
Steve
Musash (Musash)
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 5:08 pm:   

Wow.. I agree Steve, what a price. Any rumours about the new book?
Orval (Orval)
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 5:35 pm:   

i got an email from michael wright and he told me
that the ibanez book is online for january release.
Johns (Johns)
Posted on Friday, December 05, 2003 - 6:27 pm:   

Steve:

Wow! I wonder if I should sell my copy? It's pretty dogeared, but I'll take $100 for it, no problem.

Publishing is my biz. I wonder if Michael can get the rights to the book? If an author isn't interested in making lots of money, you can usually find some way of reprinting a book for pretty cheap.

Michael has also changed his email address. So, don't use the AOL account if you want to contact him.
Mr_Roadstar (Mr_Roadstar)
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2003 - 6:13 pm:   

John,

I just received Guitar Stories Vol 2 as an early Xmas present. Now I REALLY want Vol 1 !!

I might have to cough up that $100... :)

Cheers
Steve
Meranti (Meranti)
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2003 - 11:57 pm:   

Whatever books you have treasure it even if it is creased or whatever. Consider this.

I live in Indonesia (I am not Indonesian just happened to work here) and got to know this so call businessman tycoon collector. By all accounts he is a very rich man and his businesses include owning the Regent Hotel here and sole agent for a major bowling equipment manufacturer.

To cut the story short, I lent him my hardback copies of the Chinerry Collection, the Tsumura Collection plus others. This was like a year ago. To date, calls to him only end up talking to the secretary and leaving messages that I want my books back. I know I am an idiot but I am beginning to believe all the warnings about credit card fraud etc in Indonesia. He has the money to buy yet believes in having it free!!!

All these books have very limited production numbers as they are not really best sellers and once gone they are really hard to get. So take good care of your books.


Regards,

Meranti
Meranti (Meranti)
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 7:33 am:   

For those of you still waiting for the Ibanez book, check out this recently published book "Accoustic Guitars - The Illustrated Encyclopedia" a companion to the earlier "Electric Guitars - The Illustrated Encyclopedia".

There is a section on Ibanez (only slightly over 3 pages) written by Michael Wright. An interesting fact is that the Salvador Ibanez name is a Spanish guitar manufacturer established in 1875. The link to Ibanez is that Hoshino sourced guitars from this Spanish maker from 1929! I wish Michael could explain whether there is any link between Salvador Ibanez guitars made in Japan and Ibanez or Hoshino.

This book is on accoustics including archtops and another interesting mention is that a limited edition Marcel Dadi signature model was made in 1979!!! Anyone heard or seen this model, (not the solid one that was featured here on ICW)?

The information is not plenty but I suppose anything on Ibanez is worth checking out. Happy reading.


Regards,

Meranti
Craigjc (Craigjc)
Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 12:24 pm:   

Got the "Electric Guitars - the Illustrated Encyclopedia" book at Christmas (a give to myself gift). It's great - the entire Ibanez section is substantial (and more coverage than Hamer, Dean, Yamaha, and MOST other major brands).

Highly recommended. $29.98 US.
Electric Guitars - the Illustrated Encyclopedia
Johns (Johns)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 8:27 am:   

Ibanez Book ALERT!

I talked with Michael Wright this week and he told me I could release the following information:

"The Ibanez book is about to be published. It's in the final throes of layout. It will be rolled out at the summer NAMM show. It's going to be very nice, lots of new information, tons of pictures.

In December about the only thing left was color correcting a few chapters and making some last minute editorial changes, plus finalizing the LO of the appendix, which contains lists of all Ibanez guitars we could trace. As of now, I'll probably be going to the NAMM show as part of the hoopla."

Anyone know where and when the Summer NAMM show is?
Sixvsix (Sixvsix)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 9:47 am:   

Great news John.

Did any of our members get involved with information and pictures for the project?

Perhaps it will be out in time for my birthday in March.
Mrmahar77 (Mrmahar77)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 11:07 am:   

Hey John,

The summer NAMM show is in Nashville this year as it has been for the last 11. They are going to start rotating the show in 2005 starting with Indianapolis , then Austin in 2006. Here's a link:
http://www.namm.com/summersession/

Cheers,
Mark M.
Orval (Orval)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 1:07 pm:   

six,
i was involed with michael on photos for
the section on 1960's era. michael used some
of those photos in the vintage guitar article.

other than that,it was my understanding that
most of the photos came from the ibanez archives.
orval
Sixvsix (Sixvsix)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 2:45 pm:   

Orval,

I knew it! I also saw some of your guitars in the UK "Guitar" mag article a couple of months back. Did Paul send you a copy? I contributed to the same article.

six
Johns (Johns)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 5:35 pm:   

I never got a copy of the mag, either. :(
Orval (Orval)
Posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 - 8:28 pm:   

yes, paul sent me a copy, he was dissapointed
that my 5 were in such a small photo at the end
of the article. i have that photo on the home
page of my website http://www.mr-ibanez.com
Sixvsix (Sixvsix)
Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 4:17 am:   

Paul and I often chat on the phone. I supplied him with the information on parts for the article. It was easy really as I have a parts catalogue from around 1977 that covers both original and copy hardware for the Ibanez range.

six
Stevo (Stevo)
Posted on Friday, April 23, 2004 - 11:57 pm:   

on the 2004 catalog, all the big endorser's commentarys, are from "Ibanez.The untold story".
Can't wait till NAMM.
Any news about the price/avalaibility?
Stefano
Jerryneves
Username: Jerryneves

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Sunday, October 10, 2004 - 10:50 pm:   

Any word on the Ibanez Book recently?? Release date?

Jerry
Orval
Username: Orval

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 9:21 pm:   

Reporting Live from NAMM
ok, its the eve of the opening day for namm and the release of the book we have all been waiting for. i am excited to see the final version and get my copy. jim donahue and i are staying at the same hotel and will finally meet in person. who knows what the next few days will bring? if you are here, look for the dude in the ibanez straw hat (you know the one, just like on the back of the 70's catalog), i'd like to meet anyone who can be here.
later,
orval
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 10:02 pm:   

Orval have you seen it yet or do you get yours tommorow. I read the 1st half but I'm waiting till a few others get a copy so we can enjoy this together. I really like what I've read so far.
Orval
Username: Orval

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 10:23 pm:   

freak',, i saw the proof sheets at summer namm and looked at the entire thing with the hoshino writer. hey, did you get a laugh from the "we are real men" photo? i was talking this evening to the guy that was the service manager in the early days, and he has some similar photos, including one of him jammin in the warehouse on a prototype strat copy that i bought from him a few years ago. interculteral relations are entertaining and an interesting part of history.
we can all be real fools at times.
Ibanezcollector
Username: Ibanezcollector

Registered: 11-2003
Posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 11:58 pm:   

Orval,
I should have gone to this one! Something tells me there's gonna be some goodies on display!
It should be a very exciting time for you. Do you plan on staying there a couple days? Any word on live music and who's playing?
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 6:37 am:   

Yeah I saw that also when you get a chance check out where they got the rubber for the Suregrip knobs.
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 7:29 pm:   

OK, so has the book been officially released?
Orval
Username: Orval

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 9:04 pm:   

john,
it official, harold bought the first one to sell, and they were for sale to all namm attendees. i will post more when i get time, the shows are calling. watch the ibanez website for a photo of me holding a copy at the show.
orval
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 10:15 pm:   

Ok now its time to hook up the scanner and post all 298 pages
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:39 pm:   

The book is available here....
http://ibanez.com/news/untold_story.asp

Also it looks like they've started an on line store for stuff.
Hasy
Username: Hasy

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 4:28 am:   

Freak:

could you tell us the ISBN Number for the international order please !

Thanks Hasy
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 7:31 am:   

I don't know that I am sorry?
Hasy
Username: Hasy

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 8:15 am:   

The ISBN Number of the ibanez book, is the production number.

Example of "guitar storys" 0-7935-4037-2.

This number is placed on the back of the hardcover/softcover of the book.

wich this number you can order the book worldwide in all bookstores.

Please write down and let us know for futher orders here in europe

Thanks
Acetan
Username: Acetan

Registered: 09-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 11:50 am:   

Thank you Freak for the info. Just ordered the book and the site says it got 169 left in inventory.

Ace
Johnm
Username: Johnm

Registered: 08-2001
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 2:52 pm:   

Why oh why did Ibanez decide to only ship this book within the US...
Hasy
Username: Hasy

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 5:49 pm:   

John

i dont know, but mabye it need a little time to send the books overseas to europe ?

Ask your ibanez dealer for copies (serlui for the nederlands) they can help you !

Note:
i send all european ibanez collectors infos, if amazon or bol put them on the list !

Hasy
Orval
Username: Orval

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 9:26 pm:   

the book is about mostly ibanez usa and does not include much if any info on summerfield and austrailis, it will for the time being only be available from hoshino usa and eventually .........through bookstores.
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 2:21 pm:   

I ordered my book on 1/24 and got it today (1/26). You guys are going to love it! (Even if it is USA-centric). I hope that Ibanez finds a way to distribute it outside the US.
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul

Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 2:31 pm:   

Can't us Aliens get a little help from anyone of you US natives by order some for us and ship it through?
I'll pay in advance....

Paul
Spiro
Username: Spiro

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 2:52 pm:   

I flicked thorugh it yesterday (Cameron's Copy)

And found a few mistakes in it already.. Just wonderig how many there are !!

Otherwise its a great book..
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 4:49 pm:   

Spiro:

Cameron's copy has a lot of mistakes....but not mine. I saw something in the box on page 85 about the Concerts all being setnecks. Oops! I wonder if they want feedback so the next run can be revised?
Spiro
Username: Spiro

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 5:18 pm:   

Yeah I found a pic of an S1520 named an sa160 (bit of a model difference)

The IC 500 touted as the Kiss 20th Anniversary Model.

Plus a couple of others I cant rememebr off the top of my head.. (didnt really read I just flicked through it..)
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 5:20 pm:   

Yeah and remember there are no Artfeilds at all in it.
Spiro
Username: Spiro

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 5:31 pm:   

Just to set things straight.. I am not complaining about this I just think that we may run into issues where people will be using the book as reference material and getting things wrong.. For instance the IC 500 was a completely seperate model from the 20th Anniversary Paul Stanley Model (a complete difference in price as well) So ebay guys will start referencing the book and trying to sell off units as things they actually are not..

maybe Hoshino USA have limited the first edition to 200 copies so that it can be revised before going out to the general Public ie. the rest of the world..
Spiro
Username: Spiro

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 5:38 pm:   

By the way if you are looking for the abovementioned mistkae its under the 1995? section headed "The Iceman Returneth"
Jim_donahue
Username: Jim_donahue

Registered: 04-2004
Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 11:05 pm:   

I finally did receive one at Namm, I went through most of it. Yes I found some other mistakes also,

I would probably guess that there is so much information in there that some things just slipped by?

But it is still a killer book,

Jim
Bigmike
Username: Bigmike

Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 2:05 am:   

I ordered mine today from Ibanez - 2nd Day Air so I should have it "Friday" ?? Hoping so. Looking forward to this like I would delving into a new John LeCarre...
Craigjc
Username: Craigjc

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Thursday, January 27, 2005 - 7:34 am:   

Ordered mine, too. Gotta try and keep in in good shape - the site lists current inventory of the book at only 140 !! Doesn't mean they won't print any more, but we can't assume that they will, can we?
Jerry_san
Username: Jerry_san

Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 8:59 am:   

Well, you knew it was gonna happen - someone on Ebay is selling them for $75 a copy. That seems a little pricey, given that the retail for a new one from Ibanez is forty bucks. Sheesh!
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 9:45 am:   

Someone is profiting on our overseas mates. He's got 10 copies...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33043&item=3779290612&rd= 1&ssPageName=WDVW
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g

Registered: 01-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:22 am:   

Yea, but no one is biting
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:27 am:   

I'd like to know how he's offering $9.00 shipping to France. 4-10 days shipping sounds like USPS Airmail parcel post, but the rates I was given were well over twice as much. These books are pretty heavy.
Lespaul
Username: Lespaul

Registered: 10-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 10:32 am:   

Lets hope nobody needs to bite because of some very kind friends at your side of the pond.....
I seem to have found one.....
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g

Registered: 01-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 1:13 pm:   

John..whats the $9.00 compared to the first bid f $75 for the book..Hoshino is selling them for $34.99 if you use the coupon !
Fox
Username: Fox

Registered: 02-2003
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 5:15 pm:   

"sigh" Hope there are some kind friends left... IŽd like to have one book, too..
Bcalla
Username: Bcalla

Registered: 01-2002
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 6:18 pm:   

Where do you get the coupon?
Tonedef
Username: Tonedef

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 11:21 pm:   

Dave g--cough up the dope on the coupon (por favor)!

Tonedef
Dave_g
Username: Dave_g

Registered: 01-2002
Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 1:12 am:   

When you "checkout", in the right hand corner a coupon appears-good on your next purchase-which explains how I spent 39.99 on the first one and 34.99 on the next two (for some european buddies of mine )
Johns
Username: Johns

Registered: 02-2001
Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 8:31 am:   

Dave:

When I ordered, I kept getting the link to a special price (no coupon) but then it wouldn't change the price from $39 to $34 on the credit card invoice. I figured it was broken.
Blackknife
Username: Blackknife

Registered: 09-2004
Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 6:18 pm:   

Mine came in today....I'm so happy! I can't put it down! I see ALOT of familiar names.....totally awesome!
Bigmike
Username: Bigmike

Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 7:23 pm:   

Mine arrived today also - didn't have much time to look at it. Will have an extended weekend to really check it out at length. NICE stuff... it's also nice to associate some names from here with faces.
Ibanezfreak1960
Username: Ibanezfreak1960

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 10:07 am:   

Current stock number os now 9175. So it looks as if some more people will get a copy.
Hasy
Username: Hasy

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 7:54 am:   

I got my copie too, arrived today !
A phantastic book !
one more happy collector too
Fg100
Username: Fg100

Registered: 03-2004
Posted on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 8:02 am:   

Hasy, how did you get it? You're in Europe right?
Hasy
Username: Hasy

Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, February 02, 2005 - 8:07 am:   

I got good ibanez friends worldwide !
That`s the point
Funkle
Username: Funkle

Registered: 12-2001
Posted on Saturday, February 05, 2005 - 12:37 pm:   

Well, I finally received my book today. Unfurtunately, I don't have the time to delve into it this weekend, but after a brief preview in my "office" :-) I can say that there is a lot of meat there, and I look forward to reading more. It looks like a great reference, in addition to a good read. Lots of trivia and anecdotes, like Jim D's observation that the folks in Japan need to give every part and feature a special name.

-Sven

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