Part 3: "Ibanez" "Paul Stanley" Signature Model!!
Hello, this is Karibe m(__)m
We received some warm comments from customers who read our previous feature, “Fresher: Legendary Guitars Ahead of Their Time.” Once again, thank you so much to everyone who checked it out m(__)m!!
So, this time around, I’d like to shine the spotlight on another legendary Japanese-made guitar (*っ´ω｀)っ"
The guitar I’m introducing today is from “Ibanez,” a brand launched in the 1950s by Hoshino Gakki, a company founded during the Meiji era.
Starting in 1962, the company began full-scale manufacturing and sales of electric guitars. Initially focusing on imports, it expanded its reach to countries around the world, including the United States and Europe. Alongside the astonishing technological advancements in Japanese electric guitar craftsmanship, the brand gained worldwide recognition for its exceptional quality—on par with the original brands like Fender and Gibson.
While the early lineup consisted of traditional replica styles, the company subsequently moved forward with the development of original models incorporating its own unique ideas, and in the 1970s, the “AR (Artist)”—its first original model—was born.
Subsequently, various original series were released, and in 1973, the company launched one “Artist Series” model after another—featuring world-renowned guitarists such as George Benson, Paul Stanley, Bob Weir, and others—which cemented Ibanez’s popularity.
Among them, the model we’re highlighting today is…
The “Paul Stanley” signature model from the legendary rock band KISS!!
◎Ibanez '79 PS-10 "Paul Stanley" Model
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Paul Stanley himself uses a variety of guitars, but this one—
—has been used on countless stages since the '70s and is a familiar favorite among fans♪
Let’s take a quick look at the whole thing right away (∩￣∇￣)∩"
Body
This model, which has become synonymous with him, features an “Iceman” body shape with a maple top and mahogany back.
In addition to its stable body balance that fits comfortably against the body, the black finish gives it that familiar, understated style!!
Joint
The neck is crafted from three pieces of maple and features a set-neck joint.
This reduces stress in the higher frets and enables smooth fingering!!
Back of Neck / Volute / Joint Area
The headstock features the “Iceman” shape and is equipped with pearloid-button tuners, a familiar sight on AR models and others♪
It really complements the overall silhouette, doesn’t it?♪
Nut / Truss Rod Cover
The nut incorporates brass,
and the truss rod cover features a printed signature.
Position Mark-Up / Inlay-Up
The fingerboard is made of ebony, and the position marks feature block inlays combining pearloid and abalone.
Also, the words “PAUL STANLEY” appear between the 20th and 21st frets!!
Binding
The binding shows age-appropriate discoloration and cracks, but it looks gorgeous when paired with the inlays (*´ω｀)"
Pickup Close-up
And as for the pickups—it’s equipped with powerful “V-2” open-coil humbucker pickups.
Bridge / Tailpiece / Plate
The bridge features a “Gibraltar Tailpiece Bridge.”
The plate beneath the tailpiece is also distinctive♪
In addition to this model, reissue versions like the “PS10-II” and “PS10LTD” from the ’90s are also being released, but the original “PS10” has become quite rare on the market in recent years.
With its striking, innovative design and a style that never fades no matter how many years pass, this is truly a rock-and-roll guitar!!
Following on from the last feature, this one has also turned out to be... an item geared toward collectors, hasn’t it? (;´▽｀A"
Afterword
In putting together this feature on the Ibanez PS10, I once again drew on catalogs from that era, magazines, the internet, and feedback from our customers m(__)m
I hope to continue creating this column with the help of our customers in the future m(__)m
It’s a short column, but I plan to update it whenever I come across a rare or interesting guitar, even if it’s just a little bit special♪
I wonder if there will even be a next time ( ￣～￣)!?
...Well then, see you in the next feature (￣▽￣)ノジ