This 1974 Ibanez Artist "Custom" 2612 with its carefully chosen features leave little to wish for in a guitar. This is truly one of the Holy Grail's of Ibanez craftsmanship.
Not many people realize that Ibanez itself dates
back over 100 years and for those old enough to
remember, Ibanez was "NEVER"really associated
with the early development of the modern guitar.
Back in the early 1970's, the company was just
starting to get a firm grasp on the artistic and
production techniques that would define them as
a major player in the guitar industry.
This very rare Custom 2612 Ibanez, was part of
that artistic transformation. This Artist model
comes straight-out-of the legendary Fujigen-Gakki
factory during the notorious Gibson lawsuit era.
The suit came about during a low time in Gibson's
history. By 1970, the Gibson Guitars were really
starting to fall part in the terms of quality. Around
1974, Ibanez was regularly kickin' Gibson's butt in
the United States with their sales.
Granted a lot of the Ibanez guitars were close
copies of other manufactures... but just as many
of the so-called original designs from Gibson and
Fender were also copies of other national &
international guitar companies.
Comparing the Ibanez guitar models, at this point
in history, to other manufacturers... Ibanez was
consistently produced a better playing, better
looking and better sounding instrument than
either Fender or Gibson produced and did it for
half to 2/3rd of the price of the competition.
Not only did this lawsuit bring major world
wide attention to Japanese guitar building, but
it also forced Ibanez to sink or swim by developing
their own unique design concepts... like this
Artist Series.
This guitar is from the "Pre-1975" serial number
era. After 1975 Ibanez "Stamped" their serial
numbers on the back of the headstock. Dating
of these Pre-serial number models is verified
by the "INKED" number located on the back of
the pickups.
(FYI: this guitar no# 24912 - which translates into 9/12/1974)
This "Artist" comes equipped with Ibanez/Maxon
Humbucker pickups... which are basically a rare
version of the "Super 70's" before they were called
such. These Humbuckers are bright, articulate and
respond as well as any vintage Gibson PAF's. This
2612 "Custom" is topped-off by a beautiful old Ibanez
script logo, bound neck with incredible black star
inlays, diamond markers set in silver on a ebony
board and a bound double cutaway body.
