Ibanez S770PB [2010-2011]

SPECS
Neck Material: 3pc Maple
Neck Type: WIzard III
Body: Mahogany body/ Poplar Burl top
Frets: Jumbo frets
Fingerboard: Bound Rosewood
Inlay: S24 abalone inlay
Bridge: ZR bridge w/ZPS2
NeckPU: INF1
MiddlePU: INFS1
BridgePU: INF2
HW Color: CK
Finishes: NTF

NECK DIMENSIONS

Scale/Length 648mm/25.5"
a: Width at Nut 43mm
b: Width Last Fret 58mm
c: Thickness 1st Fret 19mm
d: Thickness 12th Fret 21mm
Radius 400mm
PICKUPS
Bridge Pickup
Name: INFINITY 2
Model No: INF2
Construction: Humbucking
Magnet: Alnico
Description: Enhanced midrange output. Alnico-5 magnet for individual string clarity. Excellent dynamics.

Middle Pickup
Name: INFINITY SINGLE1
Model No: INFS1
Construction: Single Coil
Magnet: Alnico
Description: Designed to work with humbuckers in the split position.

Neck Pickup
Name: INFINITY 1
Model No: INF1
Construction: Humbucking
Magnet: Ceramic
Description: Versatile and responsive with warm classic tone and added output.

UTILIZATION

This is a shred dream! Playability on this guitar is out of this world - the neck is very thin, yet comfortable. The string action can be set as low as desired, and the fretboard radius is pretty flat. Most S series guitars have traditionally had 22 frets, so the addition of a couple more frets makes this guitar rip into the stratosphere! The ZR tremolo is very smooth, with ball-bearings instead of knife edges, and it returns true to pitch.

SOUNDS

The guitar sounds good. There can be a lack of definition in complex chords when using distortion, although that's typical for many instruments. I marked down because there are the few guitars out there that can truly maintain clarity no matter what, so they would be the benchmark of perfection in this situation, right? As far as versatility is concerned, this guitar excels at shred, funk, fusion, jazz, hard rock, reggae, and even country. It's hard to think of a style that this axe would sound bad with.

OVERALL OPINION

Playability is the thing on this axe. Balance is also great, and the guitar is very light. The Poplar Burl wood is very attractive, but isn't for everyone. Anyone looking for a versatile axe that can shred with the best of them, yet is on a budget, would do well to look into these guitars from Ibanez.