Metheny Hollowbody

[petruz]

this matter was extensively discussed in an old thread but i was not able to find it 

this guitar is a custom PM20 prototype, based heavily upon the FG100 model. the overall dimensions, woods (excluding neck and fingerboard) and f-holes are the same. the pickup position is the same too (poles under the 1/4 scale lenght/double octave harmonics). the ebony tailpiece comes from a JP20. i don't know if the pickup is a gibson or ibanez.

the final version of the PM20 is quite similar to this guitar. unfortunately ibanez moved the production to korea (although some say there are early MIJ PM20s) so the standards were not top-notch (glued peghead, rosewood bridge, metal tailpiece). but even so, PM20s are nice, if not spetacular, guitars.
i said "unfortunately" because it woud have been nice to have high-end, MIJ PM20s, like the GB models. that said, it's true that after a few years ibanez launched the PM100/120 with very high standards and "redeemed" this fault.

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

<<< although some say there are early MIJ PM20s >>>


That is true.

About 7 years ago, I had the chance to buy one from an Ebay buddy of mine.

I seriously questioned his claim that it was made in Japan.

He sent me a photo of the inside label...and yes it was made in Japan.

I passed on it, even though the price was cheap.   I just didn't need another guitar that would be case bound/unplayed.

[petruz]

oh chucks... THAT was a collectible ibanez 

i wonder if these MIJs have scarf-joint pegheads too (i bet they don't).

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

Yeah, I now know that...


But back then, I was not so aware of that...

No regrets though.


I also sold my Ibanez GB12 in brand new condition back then...barely played it...stayed in the case.   Too pretty to play.

[jazzrat]

I had a fairly early MIK PM-20. Sounded great but fit and finish was only so so.
MY MIC AS103 is way, way better in the fit 'n finish and fretwork dept.

[stbatz]

Recently pm35 examines one, and although by its price it is a good guitar, it does not have comparison with the p.m. signature, especially in terms of sound (is very trebly) and this made  with other types of wood,  5 parts  maple neck  instead of one   piece mahogany,rosewood fingerboard instead of ebony fingerboard ,and generally hardware seems  cheapo
I am not caused a good impression, and I speak with knowledge of these guitars, had one pm20, two pm100 and one pm120, at the moment really have one pm100 and one pm120, with which I am very happy,forgetting a small incident with neck Pu of my pm120 (thanks again Ginger)
C'mon  Hoshino, people wants redition of the prototype of Pat

[stbatz]

Recently pm35 examines one, and although by its price it is a good guitar, it does not have comparison with the p.m. signature, especially in terms of sound (is very trebly) and this made  with other types of wood,  5 parts  maple neck  instead of one   piece mahogany,rosewood fingerboard instead of ebony fingerboard ,and generally hardware seems  cheapo
I am not caused a good impression, and I speak with knowledge of these guitars, had one pm20, two pm100 and one pm120, at the moment really have one pm100 and one pm120, with which I am very happy,forgetting a small incident with neck Pu of my pm120 (thanks again Ginger)
C'mon  Hoshino, people wants redition of the prototype of Pat

[stbatz]

Sorry

[Roland_G303]

I agree with you Rick on the PM35.  They're not bad guitars, they're just not outstanding.  I'm surprised that Pat would allow that guitar to bear his name, but oh well.

I too would like to see Ibanez make an exact replica of his stage guitar.

Patrick

[Ibaneezer_Scrooge]

I was not aware of the new PM35....but after scouring the web for info, my advice...

Spend your hard earned cash on something else.

For example...

The AF105NT is a nicer looking guitar, two pups, tons of flame...and can be bought CHEEEEEP used on Ebay.

The one I have sounds great, plays great, and was a bargain.

And for a little more money, you can get an AF125...with gorgeous wood binding.

I even question the point of the PM35...unless its geared towards young kids emulating Pat Metheny.

The field of guitars is getting awfully crowded with all these models.

[stbatz]

Absolutely in agreement with your definition,and yes,the AF125 is a great option, and sounds very well,lamentably I cannot say the same of the PM35
Reasons for which it have the signature of Mr Metheny? , really I cannot understand them,money perhaps?
Perhaps to maintain the Pat Metheny Group working, has become very expensive, who knows?

[simonarg]

IMHO, I dont recomend the new AF Customs versions, the neck is great but the body it s like a cofee table (Super flame maple ¿?) and the bridge pickup tends to vibrate.
I preffer the Pm35 because i like the single humbucker config. and no flame body at all, but its my preference

[Vlad_J]

I also agree.  If the PM35 is the same build quality as my AS103 (and I'm sure it is from the same factory) then it can not be a bad guitar.  I also don't have use for a bridge pickup on an archtop.  And among other things, the PM35 is the only Artcore with a semi decent head-stock logo, althought it does seem more suitable for an Ace Frehley style guitar rather than a jazz box.

[Juha T]

AF105's one-pickup-version AF105F (last F = Floating) can be found on second hand market. For more info do ICW search or go to

http://www.ibanez.co.jp/anniversary/expansion.php?cat_id=285&now=6

Juha

[Vlad_J]

I always wondered what the difference would be soundwise between an archtop with a floating pickup and one with a regular.