Did Joe Pass have a lot of influence designing the JP-20?

[Jerry Carden (Jerry_San)]

 Hi, Jeff -
I have read conflicting tales regarding Joe Pass' involvement with the design of the JP-20.  At one end of the spectrum he's very involved, and sending prototypes back with "suggestions", and wants it just right before he'll play it, and at the other end of the rumor mill, he just takes whatever you guys designed and agrees to put his name on it for the endorsement fee.  What's the real story?  Thanks!

[Harold Wherry (Blues)]

 Jeff,

Is it possible that the Joe Pass Model was an exact copy of the guitar luthier James D'Aquisto  made for Joe Pass?

Harold

[Mark Munchenberg (Munch)]

 Harold,

The Joe Pass definitely has a D'Aquisto vibe about it. Certainly the ebony tailpiece is similar, as are the modernistic f-holes. I really don't understand the pickup placement though. Everyone knows the neck pickup should be placed under the theoretical 24th fret.

Maurice Summerfield is the guy who would know most about the JP20. He was the British importer of Ibanez. I was told he was responsible for bringing the Joe Pass endorsement together.

Also, as a side note, I believe many Ibanez guitars were sold in the UK under the Antoria brand - as featured in a number of Oasis videos.

Cheers,

Mark

PS. When I talk to non-guitar people about my guitars I characterise my Joe Pass as the Cadillac of my collection, whereas my Gretsched FG100 is the Hot Rod Lincoln!!! Always makes sense to someone who knows anything about motorcars.

[Seth (Seth)]

This probably isn't the detailed answer you're looking for, Jerry, but it confirms that Pass was involved with the design of his Ibanez signature model.  Here's the link:

http://www.geocities.com/oasysco1/jpcard.htm

Also, check out this page:

http://www.geocities.com/oasysco/joepass.htm

It's dedicated to the Epiphone Joe Pass model, but scroll ~2/3 of the way down the page to the "Owner Testimonials" section. . .  Apparently the Epiphone Joe Pass Emporer is actually a copy of Bruce Forman's custom Ibanez!

[Harold Wherry (Blues)]

 Seth,

Thanks for the information concerning the Joe Pass Epiphone model and Bruce Forman.

I hope to here from Bruce Forman soon regarding his Ibanez guitar.

Regards,
Harold