Ibanez GB10

This is a 2003 George Benson model, made in Japan. I don't know if they still make the Korean model but there is a BIG difference in quality between the two, with the Japanese-made version being much better. 22 medium frets, spruce top, maple sides and back. 3 way pickup selector, 2 tone, 2 volume controls. 2 special George Benson floating humbucker pickups. Brown sunburst, no flame on top, back or sides. Single cutaway, adjustable ebony bridge, tension adjustable tailpiece. Ebony fretboard, strap button mounted on base of tailpiece, strap button for neck unmounted but included in case. What I like about the features is that they are well thought-out, from the tension adjustable tailpiece, to the bridge humbucker height adjuster, to the brass nut, to the pearlized tuning knobs that won't corrode, to the rubberized ring around the volume and tone knobs for better control. Clearly George Benson's input from years of playing were incorporated.

This guitar is superb for that warm jazz sound as well as a brighter cutting jazz tone depending on pickup used. What surprises me is the tone is so pleasing whether it is plugged in or not. This is not to say you can use it for an acoustic guitar, but rather when practicing unplugged, you will still know you are playing a high quality jazz guitar. When shopping, I compared it to the Epiphone Joe Pass and Broadway guitars and the difference in acoustic tone between the GB and these was night and day. The GB was more open and sustaining, while the Epiphones sounded like you were playing a plywood guitar with the tone stuck inside.

The fit and finish on this guitar was top notch. I must admit I was a little surprised at the attention to detail. The f-hole bindings were clean, without the plastic shavings on the edges you see in the lower quality guitars. The binding around the body was flawless and neck joint was pure craftmanship. The frets were the smoothest and most polished I've ever seen and the inlays (mother of pearl and abalone)were perfectly placed, without black glue to cover up mistakes. The headstock inlays were immaculate and the body and neck finish were smoothly applied. Inside, there were no wood shavings or paint spots on the back. By comparison, the Epiphones and Aria archtops had finish blemishes, wood shavings, paint spots on the inside, and lots of glue around the inlays. Although the action on the GB was playable to begin with, I had it professionally set up to a slightly lower action.

Solid, dependable, and inspires confidence. If you are used to playing a solidbody, this will feedback more, but that is the nature of a hollow body. If anything, it will feedback less than many other archtops because of design features (thinner and slightly smaller body, thicker top), and give you both the playability and tone of a great jazz box.

Haven't dealt with the company, but it would be nice if they put a way to contact them on their website. It appears their philosophy is to rely on their dealer network, but sometimes you need to be able to contact them directly for fast, accurate information.

I've been playing for about 20 years, and play folk, new age, rock/blues, and jazz. The artists that have influenced me the very most are Neil Young, Michael Hedges, Santana, Al Dimeola, Pat Metheny and Pat Martino. I own a variety of acoustics: a Martin D-41 (incredible tone!), a Taylor 814CE, an Al Dimeola Ovation and an old 1980's Ovation Custom Balladeer. For electrics, I play a Dean Evo Premium, a Gibson Custom Les Paul and the George Benson Ibanez. If the GB were lost or stolen, I would definitely replace it. I love the size of it, being slightly smaller bodied than an acoustic, but thicker than a solidbody electric. The neck is sooo smooth to play as well, not too unlike the Les Paul. I compared this guitar to the Epiphone Joe Pass and Broadway models, a Gibson 175, an Aria archtop, the Yamaha AEX150(didn't get to play this one, just read all about it and decided it was better suited for fingerstyle than plectrum-based playing), and other Ibanez archtops. By far, this one felt and sounded the best, even better than the Gibson. Now if I wanted to spend over twice as much, I might have considered a Gibson L5 or Wes Montgomery model, but for me, the Ibanez GB was the best overall value, and I absolutely LOVE this guitar.

1986, Japan. You know the features from other rewievers. The top according to some web sites is solid spruce, others say it is laminated. The size is perfect for both sitting and standing up being a little reduced compared to a 175. I think this doesn't influence negativily the tone or the look of it.

I like it a lot! Deep, rich sound both acoustically and amplified. Acoustically it rings quite much louder than es-175. It has great sustain especially with roundwound strings infact it sustains at least as long as a Carvin Holdsworth Fat boy I used to play. I tested my GB-10 against several 175. I like the GB-10 more because I manage to get a more articulated, variated and richer sound just buy changing dinamics, pick or finger attack. I do not agree with rewievers saying it does not have a true deep jazz box sound. I think it does with the right amp, strings and hands tecnique. I like it a lot with roundwound 0.11 strings for versatility but sometimes I string it with 0.13 flatwound. This way it sounds very mellow and deep. With roundwound I like to use the bridge p.u. (or the neck p.u.) with overdrive to get great "in between tones". I like the p.us a lot in the way they reproduce with fidelity what I am doing while playing and you hear distinctly all the strings. They are transparent but not hursh....maybe they are more on the mellow side (made of alnico and mine are 17 years old, now). I normally use this guitar with a Pearce G2R top and Electrovoice speacker and I get a very resonant deep tone yet clear and snappy if I need that. Normally I just use a tad of reverb (Alesis or Lexicon, but I often shut the units of and have just the natural resonance of the guitar). The guitar doesn't feedback easyly. My 175 did becouse it is bigger. I sold the 175 a year ago and having tha GB-10 and still don't regrett I did. I don't mean to say that the gb-10 is a better guitar than the Gibson es-175. Most of the greatest jazz players favor the es-175. For me it just works better with this Ibanez guitar.

I play mostly jazz in big bands and in smaller ensembles with it.
You may get great tones from this instrument even if you are not a disceple of G. Benson (wich b.t.w. I love and think is one of the greatest jazz players ever). Personally I try more to get a more "modern sound" like that of Mike Goodrick, Bill Frisell, Lorne Lofsky and J. Abercrombie and I am very satisfied with using this guitar for that aim. I also use an AS200 wich is another great Ibanez guitar. I believe Ibanez really makes good jazz guitars wich are both traditional and innovative.
Great intonation all the way up the neck.

I bought it used and I set-up everything by myself. It can be set easily to sound great and to be easily played even with thick strings and resonably high action.
Very nice finish. Mine is blonde and looks very handsome.

It is very solid and it should last very long if one uses proper care.

Never dealt with Ibanez.

I like the GB-10 and I believe there is a certain consistency in Ibanez guitars. I tryed several GB-10 and AS-200 and I think they all sounded good. If you are about to buy a jazz guitar and are not sure of wich I suggest the same evryone with sense would say: try as many guitars as you can and buy what you like best for the money you can spend. Don't just go for the brand or for what people writes on H.C. Trust your ears.

My experience so far with this guitar is very positive and I think is a great instrument worth its price. I play with it often both at gigs , at home while reharsing and with my pupils while teaching. Be aware there is a Korean version probably with the same name but cheaper. I never played one but I noticed the freatboard and bridge are of rosenwood.

10 made in japan probably in2002 outstanding features,worth the cost 3300cdn.

the sound of this archtop can really be appreciated acoustically,with roundwound12-52.It's not a deep jazz sound but more heavenly bright.I play an Ibanez AF120 as well and the GB10 rings alot longer.Outstanding electric sound from all positions.

I lowered the action to my taste, but it can be lowered even more without any buzz.In my opinion it would be hard to improve even if I was to have a custom hand made.

As good as it gets

I played well over 10,000hours so far,but now that I have this new guitar my hrs/week are going way up. This beautiful instument is like a collectors violin in the way it looks,plays and especially sounds. The store had aGibson L5 that I compared it to, there just wasn't any comparison eventhough the Gibson costs over twice as much.This instrument is truly for someone who is addicted to playing guitar.I have yet to come across a guitar, archtop or otherwise that acoustically rings longer.Electrically this acoustical ringing phenomenom creates a whole new dimension to electric playing.

Made 2001 in Japan. 22 Frets. 2 Volume, 2 Tones, 3-way selector. Pickups are George Benson special. 3 pieces of maple neck, spruce top, flamed beautiful maple back. Blonde finish. Adjustable tailpiece for changing string tension. One strap button included that not installed on the guitar.

I play jazz and that's what this guitar is made for. It's also great for pop/r&b. The sound is amazing. This guitar can play bebop the way it should be played. I have heard some better archtops, but that one is great too. I believe the sound could be fatter.

Finish is really beautiful. The action was too high for me so I lowered it down. The pickups are floating which is a great idea, but I found that it gets the sound of your fingers picking on the string and I find it pretty disturbing. The guitar came in perfect condition, the quality is really high. Well worth the money.

This guitar will sure stand a live playing, the hardware will last though gold will fade. This guitar is one of the higher quality guitars. Ibanez sure knows how to make a great archtop.

Never dealt with them but I find the fact there's no "Contact Us" on their website pretty disturbing.

been payed for 4 years, I own a Les Paul Studio, Ovation Elite 1868 and a Fender Princeton 65 Amp. I love the sound and the look. There's nothing like a great blonde archtop jazz guitar. I compared it to Gibson es-175 and to PM120 Pat Metheny model. I like the 175 more, but it was way to expensive. The PM120 was to thin for me. Well, there are some better archtop, I wouldn't mind owning Gibnson L5 or a D'angelico, but this baby is awesome for itself.

Made on 2001. 3-way selector, 2 mini humbucker pickups, 2 volume & 2 tone controls. Same features as noted before. BEAUTIFUL blonde finish.

Well I play jazz and that is what this guitar is made for. It's also very varsetile and can go to pop/r&b. Feedback is sometimes a problem. I liked the sound of the ES-175 more but it is way too expensive here in Israel. Yet the sound of this babe is amazing. Can play bebop the way it should be played.

Low action. The guitar came in a great condition. The overall quality is really great. The binding could be more fancy, but binding is not a thing to complain about. The finish is REALLY beautiful. Nothing's beautiful like a pure blonde archtop. The pickups are floating and it might be good against feedback (thought the guitar tends to feedback quite alot) but one thing that bothers me is that the pickups recieve the sound of the fingers move on the fingerboard and I find it quite disturbing.

This guitar will surely stand a live playing, everything seems to last long except the gold parts (pickups etc) which I guess will fade a bit.

been playing for 4 years now, I own a Les Paul Studio, Ovation Elite & Fender Princeton 65 amp. I've seen some better archtop in my life but afterall that one really is great and satisfying. I just love everything about it, but would be happier if it would be a bit bigger and fatter.

I have 2 GB-10s which I bought new in 1980 and 1981, and both are made in Japan. The first is blond-coloured, and the other one is an antique sunburst. The earlier reviews have described the technical specifications of this earlier edition. The only thing to add is that both came with hard cases, and the outer plastic began to delaminate on one of the cases in the high heat and humidity conditions I live in. I stripped the outer cover off and was surprised to find that the case was constructed of wood ply (not some synthetic, which I expected). This case has now been varnished as a "real wood" look case!!

I am an amateur player who spends most of my time in a church band. The music ranges greatly, and the GB-10 has never let me down. It can be smooth and jazzy (although not having the same big sound of a true jazz box), bright and energetic, and can be finger-plucked for quieter numbers as well. The arched top is very responsive and that may be the reason why the guitar feeds back quite easily, which is the only thing that has let me down. But the guitar plays so easily. I have set up one with 0.12 flatwound strings, and the other is set up for a livelier feel using PRS 0.10 strings. Different tones, feels, and sounds -- but same wonderful playability.

The workmanship on these earlier editions is really excellent. I have had some degeneration of the binding on the body and attribute this to more than 20 years of exposure to high humidity and heat here in Singapore. The blond guitar colour has aged to a beautiful golden hue. But all the hardware is in great shape, and nothing has had to be changed over the decades -- except the strings. I fully agree with the other reviewers' comments about the adjustability characteristics of the guitar.

Apart from the above comments about the sheer quality of this guitar, it has been played in band settings regularly without any back-up. Unlike one of the other reviewers, both the guitars I have came with back-of-neck strap buttons. I think that Ibanez might want to survey those lucky people who still own a GB-10, just to show how good the quality of these guitars is (or was -- I haven't played any later issue models).

Never had to contact the Ibanez representative since 1980. And I did get the 1982 and 1983 Ibanez guitar catalogs, which I keep just to remind me of the early magic moments.

My other guitars range from an Epiphone Emporer, 2 Ovations (including a classical), and my Ibanez bass. Over the years, a Strat (with Bill Lawrence pick-ups) and a Les Paul (sunburst, beautiful, why did I ever sell it?) have stayed here at home as well. So there is no direct comparison with the GB-10: that fills a unique niche of versatility and quality. I will NOT lose this guitar....

This is a 2002 issue George Benson Ibanez. It's a solid archtop-top (spruce). Two floating mini-humbuckers are mounted on the neck and pickguard with standard controlls... toggle, volumes, and tones. Ebony fretboard with nice MOP inlays. Nice inlays on headstock as well. The body style is like a Les Paul hollowbody... a little bigger with F-holes. The tail-piece is very unique in look and function. Case included. The only thing that keeps it from a 10 is the lack of a strap button on the neck side of the instrument. I was told it's standard for companies to do that... whatever.

I study jazz at the local college and grew up playing lots of blues and rock. This ax filled the gap in my arsenal. It's got that super dark jazz tone but can still pull off the more bluesy bits. Very low noise... but tends to feedback very easily. Very full sound. Aside from the feedback theres nothing I dislike about it.

The action from the factory is a bit high for my taste, not to mention the 13 guage flat-wounds. I might keep the string size but the action kills on the gig. Pickups are just right and the finish... ooh maan.... the finish is perfect. I think I was the first person the play the guitar before I bought it.

I have a friend with the exact same guitar. I believe his is a 1986 and it's working out fine for him.

No encounters yet.

I've been playing for 12 years. I currently own a Les Paul Studio and Fender Strat. Both serve their purpose as will the GB-10. I compaired this guitar to a Gibson es-175,135 and 335, PRS models including the Mcarthy 4" hollowbody, and a Hamer Newport Pro. For what I wanted the Ibanze was the better guitar. If if had to buy it again I would gladly pay more than what I did.

The features have been covered in other reviews. My guitar is a 1980 in Sunburst.

l play mainly smooth jazz/soul and light funk. The amp l currently favour is the "Tech 21trademark 60" occassionaly l use a "fender Hot-rod deluxe" but l feel it colors the sound too much.
The GB 10 sounds great! It's more punchy than a Jazz box and to my ears it doesn't provide a true Jazz guitar sound but is a nice compromise in that it is smaller in size and therefore more comfortable to play standing up. The sound is very tight and has a lot of snap to it, l use flatwound strings, tryed it with roundwound wounds and didn't like the sound at all. The guitar is prone to feedback, which surprises me because of the small body size and tightness of construction. l also own a Gibson tal farlow which is considerably larger but never feeds back. Over the sound is warm and unique to this instrument.

Action is great. Beautifully finished. Superb workmanship1

l have used without a back-up but in general l 'll take the Tal farlow if l haven't played the room before in case of the afore mentioned feed back problems.

Never dealt with them.

The guitar is great, although the prices for theses have gone through the roof recently and l believe l could get a better guitar in the same price range. One thing l'd like to mention is that many people believe these guitars are all individually signed by George Benson himself. This is definitely not true. The inside label is a very clever facsmilie of his original signature, he did sign the first 500 way back in 77/78 but ever since they're copies. l still believe George is the greatest Jazz guitarist alive today . Also his endorsement deal with Ibanez has ended and he is often seen playing other manufactures instrument these days.

This is a 1981 Natural Blonde (beautiful woodgrain)small hollow body Jazz box. Two mini-humbuckers, ebony fretboard and bridge. Spruce top and maple back/side as well as the neck. The adjustable tension tailpiece is one of the nice feature of this guitar (in fact everything is great on this axe). Thanks to Jon (see previous submission) playing around with the tension can bring the sound of this ALIVE.

I play in different bands but my main band is a Big Band. I was looking for a Jazz Box and always (since the GB came out) been in love with the concept and the look of this guitar. But looking good is only a small part in the criteria list for a good guitar. At first, I was looking at a more traditional sound (Wes, Tal or Kenny type) and wasn't to sure about the capability of the GB10 to deliver that. When I first tried it I was a bit disapointed but after chatting with Jon (thnks again) I got convinced that it could theoretically do the job. In fact, the set-up was not adequate for what I wanted but nevertheless I went for it (the price was good and worst case it would have been a good investment). Once I got it setup to my taste (flatwound) I started playing with my own gear. WOW !!! what a tone. I had the oppotunity to play a live concert with my Bigband and let me tell you that the tone incredible. even the soundman was impressed from what he heard (I was playing multiple guitars so he was able to compare) This guitar can do the real Jazz stuff plus if you want to get funky...do not be shy. I play this through a Tech21 PSA-1+Intellifex+Velocity 150+2 Rocktron S-112 bottoms. What a sound!!!!

Since this was a used guitar I cannot comment on the factory setting. But I have tried the Korean model and the setting was medium. The finish is flawless. Thnks the the previous owner thius guitar looks as good as a new one. Unbelievable!!! When I ask my luthier to change the string and make a setup to my taste I told him to get the action as low as possible (I was looking for a fast neck)since it was so high when I bought. The neck is so straight that when I got it the action was unbelievably low. I had readjust it. At least I knew that I could get whatever I wanted.

This guitar looks very solid. But I can't really comment since I had it only for about 2 months.

This is used so....

I have been playing for alomost 30 yrs but never owned many guitars. Though I know what to look for. Before buying this I have tried many other Jazz Boxes and this one is by far the nicest and best built (concept wise). In fact, I compared this one (Japanese) to Pat Metheny PM20, GB10 (Korean), Yamaha AES 1500,Samick, Aria Pro II series (old Japanese; excellent by the way)a few Gibsons and I am glad that I bought that (thanks again to Jon). I also own a Carvin Bolt, a Griffe (local Quebec manufacturer) acoustic/piezo and a classical guitar. If stolen, I would be very desperate since this guitar has almost 20 years and I am not sure that the new one are as good.

1983 sunburst small hollow bodied jazz box with 2 suspended mini-buckers, gold hardware, ebony board with beautiful pearl and abalone inlays, violin-style bridge (I adjust mine fully tight to increase string tension thereby improving sustain and tone). Original nut is half celluloid half brass; my luthier is replacing with ivory. Original frets are flat and approx. 500; I am replacing with tall jumbos (600)StewMac. Wish it didn't have such thick lacquer. Attractive guitar.

I am a GB and jazz player for 30+ yrs, use a Fender HotRod Deluxe, Carvin AG100D, and Polytone MiniBrute. Have owned Gibson ES-175, 1962 Gretch Chet Atkins (Why'd I ever sell that one?), 1963 Guild Studio (see prior statement--only a dozen made), 1967 ES-330,and gorgeous 1976 Larrivee LD-7. This GB-10 cuts any gig, and fits in overhead compartment anytime I've flown. Bride pu could have a bit more balls, but am considering having it re-wired. Very versatile, and very comfortable to play. Very warm neck pu.

Bought the axe new @ E.U.Wurlitzer in Boston. Guitar was perfect right out of the case. Beautiful maple top and burled back. Nice gold hardware (though pu covers have pitted and turned a bit green--too many boat gigs!). I use Elixer lights (.010)and they work great. This guitar is perfect for flat wounds, but need round wounds for rock, etc. Gotta get a Carvin Bolt kit!!

I gig constantly, and didn't need a major fret job until now. This axe is solid..got a last min. gig in Fla. and bought a SKB case as had to put it under the plane (thanks SKB!!). Tuned it up and it was great. Haven't needed a backup until now due to the fret job, but haven't dreamed about getting another axe. Did try new Gibson 446S (great sound and size, but come on....2700 bucks for a rosewood neck, dot inlays, simple binding, unbound f holes, and needed a good set up out of the case!!). Good luck finding a more versitile axe for the bucks.

Never dealt with Ibanez. Great quality, though. Also had one of those L5 copies (another axe I should have kept!!)

If stolen, would check out the new GB-10's. Unfortunately, doubt the quality would be the same. Doesn't seem any of the big boys care about quality anymore and only jack up the cost to pay for the good tone woods. Do yourself a favor and check this little beauty out. It's the one guitar I've kept!!