NAMM 2021: Ibanez introduces Lari Basilio LB1 and Josh Smith FlatV1 signature models

18 Jan 2021 by Jef |

4,3 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Ibanez Lari Basilio LB1 and Josh Smith FlatV1 signature models · Source: Ibanez

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Following on from its new AZS T-style models announced earlier today, Ibanez is releasing two new signature models for 2021. Both the new Lari Basilio LB1 and Josh Smith FlatV1 signature guitars share that classic ’50s T-style body shape, but are very different guitars.

Ibanez Lari Basilio LB1

Brazilian guitarist Lari Basilio is the latest female artist to receive an Ibanez signature model guitar, following on from Nita Strauss and Yvette Young. The new Ibanez Lari Basilio LB1 comes loaded with a set of Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio alnico pickups, with two T-style single-coils and a bridge humbucker. It has a five-way selector and an Alter Switch, which uses the dyna-MIX9 switching system. So lots of easy-to-access pickup tones are on offer.

Lari Basilio with Ibanez LB1 signature model · Source: Ibanez

The models are made in Japan and have a stunning purple finish on the ash body, with gold hardware, so it will certainly turn heads. Hardware includes a Gotoh T1702B tremolo as well as Gotoh Magnum Lock machineheads. The oval C-shaped roasted birdseye maple neck has a 228mm to 305mm compound radius, stainless steel frets, and Luminlay side dots.

RRP – TBC

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Ibanez Josh Smith FlatV1

Here’s another sweet looking T-style signature guitar, this time for Josh Smith. The new FlatV1 is packing a set of Josh’s new Seymour Duncan FLATV1 pickups. He has been teasing these for ages on his social media account, so it’s nice to finally see them revealed. These are wired via a volume and tone control, with a three-way pickup selector. The guitar itself has an ash body with an S-Tech roasted maple Soft-V profile neck shape.

Ibanez Josh Smith FlatV1 · Source: Instagram/Josh Smith

Hot Tele Action!

As above, the bridge and machine heads are made by Gotoh, so it should be rock solid. The black finish makes it look badass, and I bet it sounds even better when Josh plays it. You get all the neat features such as Luminlay side dots and an ergonomic control plate. It looks good and well-thought-out to me.

RRP – TBC

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Two Great New Signature Models

I honestly think these two new signature models look ace and, if the price is right, I can easily see these selling very well. And even though both are obviously based on the T-style design, they are very different beasts. I think they both offer some sweet features and specifications.