Paul, thank you for the review. I am awaiting delivery on a GB10EM-JBB. The reason for the small body, is that George Benson wanted an archtop that was the size of a Les Paul. Archtop guitars began their lives as acoustic instruments in the rhythm section of big bands. They needed to push some air to cut through the mix. Pickups were tacked on later. GB, as a soloist, had no such concerns. He wanted a lighter, more compact design to get Johnny Smith tones, at an affordable price point. Thank you George, and thank you, Ibanez!
Thanks for your informative and sonic review.I think it's nice for a beginner to intermediate player,the pro players will have to consider the MIJ model which cones in Natural or a brown Sunburst finish.I have both,one from 1978 and the other from 2006. Once you play the MIJ you will be sold and they are keepers. Just awesome guitars.
Thank You for coming back and giving me another look! I'm trying to be more Jazzy style in this video. Also, most of this video is recorded using the NECK pickup only. That sounded softer and more forgiving - like an archtop should sound (in my opinion). Suffice it to say that changing pickup selection to both pickups or "Bridge-only" delivers a sharper, more treble-boost tone (of course). All the amplification you hear in this video is also done using Line 6 Pod Go . . . and I know that's not a tube amp. I might do another video of this guitar where I use a combination on line-direct recording (like what I did here) + use a nice condensor microphone and combine both while recording. This guitar is a true hollow-body, after all. Also, I removed the foam (under the bridge) and it does sound a bit louder (brighter) without it.
take a mirror and look inside the guitar towards the neck. i had two custom archtops that I put a strap holder just above the neck on the (front)side of the guitar. I would say they have blocks on either side of the set neck. You don't need much, you're just putting in a small screw. I prefer the front of the strap here on archtops because it is allows the guitar to be tilted up toward you view easier when needed.
This GB model is a more stylish version of the matte black Ibanez AG85 hollowbody with same pickups. For $50 more I think spruce top is worth it. Also ebony vs walnut neck is the other main difference
@@martianmurray loosen the strings, hold the bridge in position and slide it from under the bridge. If it's new it's good to check the intonation anyway, so if the bridge get's moved a bit in the process... you should adjust it again afterwards.
And in 2024 this model still does not have a strap lock near the joint of the neck. Really stupid idea from Ibanez. I was thinking of getting this model, but just for that I might forget it.
Hey Paul, mine came with a truss rod wrench, and in with that, was also the strap pin. I think ibanez wants you to drill the hole yourself because you have to be careful were you drill into a hollow body guitar. Most folks would drill into the back of the neck joint were it meets the body. Also, the guitar will dent and ding more so than other models because it's made of Linden. Linden is a very cheap, soft wood that will scar and dent very easily. I like mine, but ended up selling it. But they're overall nice guitars, but after much research; I'm not to crazy about linden. I also did a review on mine on youtube by Greg Henley...Good luck.
Hi Greg, thanks for the info. Yes, I later discovered the Strap Connector w/ Screw in a plastic bag. Still haven't installed it! I don't want to drill a hole into the neckbrace area!
@@typhoolin no worries. I eventually decided I’m just gonna take the strings off and see what happens. The first thing that happened is the bridge fell off lol. So you may want to use some kind of painters tape to secure or at least mark the spot where the bridge goes (be careful about the tape you use if you’re worried about the finish tho). Luckily there were some indentations there so it was pretty easy to get it in the right place so maybe yours will have the same. The tailpiece actually tilts forward a little bit so there’s not a lot of room. When putting the new strings on I found it easier to put it upright on a stand because when laying down the strings kept falling out. Also it seems best to do the outside strings first so you can have the bridge kind of secured in place, just don’t tighten them up too much because the bridge may move a little if you don’t tape it down like I did. Honestly I thought it was harder than changing strings on a classical guitar but hopefully it’ll be easier the next time around. Hopefully that helps if you try to change them yourself.
@@martianmurray Actually as a Lone Timer user of Fat Jazz Guitars with Floating Bridges, the bridge helps with Intonation v.i.a. Moving Bridge slightly to Tune in the Intonation more perfectly. NEVER EVER glue, tape or 'fix' the Floating Bridge- Unforgivable Sin.
@@BoxcarJohnnie Wouldn’t it be good to tape it down once you find the spot where the intonation is good, or would it possibly need to be adjusted each time you change the strings?
@@martianmurray I’m a violinist. I also play jazz guitar and u get used to having to adjust the bridge each time u change strings. I’m happy with the action a bit higher. Jazz guitars shouldn’t be used for string bends anyways
Thanks for the post! Did you find the actual body of this guitar to be too small? I typically like to rest my upper right arm on the top curve of a guitar and wondering if this was an issue with the GB10EM? Appreciate your review Sir!
It seems fine to me. I wouldn't say that it feels too small. It does feel "light" - and I believe this is actually a hollowbody guitar - not semi-hollow.
@@typhoolin Thanks Paul. Yeah I'll have to find a store that has it so I can physically feel/play it as I want guitars that have a bit of reasonable weight on them. Thanks again!
I hate that the sides and back of the guitar isn’t the same color as the front. That’s the only reason why I won’t buy this guitar , I really wish I could afford and GB10 model (natural finish)
@@localguy8 I've been buying guitars since the late 70's and always knew i have to put extra money for a hard case. Some people don't mind having a cheap gig bag, but for me that's a invitation for disaster!
Paul, thank you for the review. I am awaiting delivery on a GB10EM-JBB. The reason for the small body, is that George Benson wanted an archtop that was the size of a Les Paul. Archtop guitars began their lives as acoustic instruments in the rhythm section of big bands. They needed to push some air to cut through the mix. Pickups were tacked on later. GB, as a soloist, had no such concerns. He wanted a lighter, more compact design to get Johnny Smith tones, at an affordable price point. Thank you George, and thank you, Ibanez!
Cool, but nothing like a big box guitar with full resonance
Thanks for your informative and sonic review.I think it's nice for a beginner to intermediate player,the pro players will have to consider the MIJ model which cones in Natural or a brown Sunburst finish.I have both,one from 1978 and the other from 2006.
Once you play the MIJ you will be sold and they are keepers.
Just awesome guitars.
I like your playing a lot. Nice sounding guitar too.
The top is “spruce” supposedly
Good improvement from last time!
Thank You for coming back and giving me another look! I'm trying to be more Jazzy style in this video. Also, most of this video is recorded using the NECK pickup only. That sounded softer and more forgiving - like an archtop should sound (in my opinion). Suffice it to say that changing pickup selection to both pickups or "Bridge-only" delivers a sharper, more treble-boost tone (of course). All the amplification you hear in this video is also done using Line 6 Pod Go . . . and I know that's not a tube amp. I might do another video of this guitar where I use a combination on line-direct recording (like what I did here) + use a nice condensor microphone and combine both while recording. This guitar is a true hollow-body, after all. Also, I removed the foam (under the bridge) and it does sound a bit louder (brighter) without it.
take a mirror and look inside the guitar towards the neck. i had two custom archtops that I put a strap holder just above the neck on the (front)side of the guitar. I would say they have blocks on either side of the set neck. You don't need much, you're just putting in a small screw. I prefer the front of the strap here on archtops because it is allows the guitar to be tilted up toward you view easier when needed.
Excellent review. Thank you!
This GB model is a more stylish version of the matte black Ibanez AG85 hollowbody with same pickups. For $50 more I think spruce top is worth it. Also ebony vs walnut neck is the other main difference
The GB10 EM comes with a spruce top. Linden is another name for basswood.
@@petemccarry2326 correct thanks for clarifying that the additional $50 gets you spruce with the GB model
Fyi, you need to remove the foam from underneed the bridge, it will sound better. ;-)
It is now removed. I'm playing it to see what the difference is. From what I'm hearing, I would say it's a bit louder without the foam.
@@typhoolin Louder is always better ;-)
How do you remove the foam? Just got one (first hollow body jazz guitar) and I’m afraid to start taking it apart lol.
@@martianmurray loosen the strings, hold the bridge in position and slide it from under the bridge. If it's new it's good to check the intonation anyway, so if the bridge get's moved a bit in the process... you should adjust it again afterwards.
And in 2024 this model still does not have a strap lock near the joint of the neck.
Really stupid idea from Ibanez. I was thinking of getting this model, but just for that I might forget it.
Hey Paul, mine came with a truss rod wrench, and in with that, was also the strap pin. I think ibanez wants you to drill the hole yourself because you have to be careful were you drill into a hollow body guitar. Most folks would drill into the back of the neck joint were it meets the body. Also, the guitar will dent and ding more so than other models because it's made of Linden. Linden is a very cheap, soft wood that will scar and dent very easily. I like mine, but ended up selling it. But they're overall nice guitars, but after much research; I'm not to crazy about linden. I also did a review on mine on youtube by Greg Henley...Good luck.
Hi Greg, thanks for the info. Yes, I later discovered the Strap Connector w/ Screw in a plastic bag. Still haven't installed it! I don't want to drill a hole into the neckbrace area!
I know this guitar is light. Does it have a neck dive? awesome video btw. and Thanks in advance.
How does the tailpiece come off? Recently got one and about to do my first string change.
Oh man - that's a good question! I haven't tried changing strings yet. Still playing the 11 gauge Flatwounds that came with it. Sorry!
@@typhoolin no worries. I eventually decided I’m just gonna take the strings off and see what happens. The first thing that happened is the bridge fell off lol. So you may want to use some kind of painters tape to secure or at least mark the spot where the bridge goes (be careful about the tape you use if you’re worried about the finish tho). Luckily there were some indentations there so it was pretty easy to get it in the right place so maybe yours will have the same. The tailpiece actually tilts forward a little bit so there’s not a lot of room. When putting the new strings on I found it easier to put it upright on a stand because when laying down the strings kept falling out. Also it seems best to do the outside strings first so you can have the bridge kind of secured in place, just don’t tighten them up too much because the bridge may move a little if you don’t tape it down like I did. Honestly I thought it was harder than changing strings on a classical guitar but hopefully it’ll be easier the next time around. Hopefully that helps if you try to change them yourself.
@@martianmurray Actually as a Lone Timer user of Fat Jazz Guitars with Floating Bridges, the bridge helps with Intonation v.i.a. Moving Bridge slightly to Tune in the Intonation more perfectly. NEVER EVER glue, tape or 'fix' the Floating Bridge- Unforgivable Sin.
@@BoxcarJohnnie Wouldn’t it be good to tape it down once you find the spot where the intonation is good, or would it possibly need to be adjusted each time you change the strings?
@@martianmurray I’m a violinist. I also play jazz guitar and u get used to having to adjust the bridge each time u change strings. I’m happy with the action a bit higher. Jazz guitars shouldn’t be used for string bends anyways
Liked & subscribed. Was the guitar played as received straight from the box or was a little set-up required? 🎸
Much better, thanks
Thanks Jack! Been workin on my Jazz style! Still working on it - but picking it up little-by-little!
Excellent!
Excessive fx is masking the true tone of the instrument.
Thanks for the post! Did you find the actual body of this guitar to be too small? I typically like to rest my upper right arm on the top curve of a guitar and wondering if this was an issue with the GB10EM? Appreciate your review Sir!
It seems fine to me. I wouldn't say that it feels too small. It does feel "light" - and I believe this is actually a hollowbody guitar - not semi-hollow.
@@typhoolin Thanks Paul. Yeah I'll have to find a store that has it so I can physically feel/play it as I want guitars that have a bit of reasonable weight on them. Thanks again!
I hate that the sides and back of the guitar isn’t the same color as the front. That’s the only reason why I won’t buy this guitar , I really wish I could afford and GB10 model (natural finish)
I hear ya Chris! I too would like to get my hot little hands on the higher-level model!
How can you review a guitar with the protective paper still under the bridge? Jeez, man!
The pickups need an upgrade.
Looks small sounds brittle
Yes. Brittle. Right word. It doesn't have those beautiful deep tones.
Playing the same stuff with chorus effect on the sound does not make it “jazz”
Too bad no case
At this price point most guitars don't come with any case.
@@PedroMiguel-if3ll that’s the point the manufacturers are ganging up on the consumers squeezing every penny out of them
@@localguy8 I've been buying guitars since the late 70's and always knew i have to put extra money for a hard case. Some people don't mind having a cheap gig bag, but for me that's a invitation for disaster!
These guitar soft case cost at the Wholesale show is cheap if you get a badge to get in eg AMD show.
Terrible guitarist
Actually he is quite good.
Give him a break! A bit of encouragement goes a long way!!