TEST: Ibanez Iron Label

 The older readers will still know the practice. I think it was Fender who first started outsourcing the production of American instruments to Asian regions in the late 1970s for manufacturing cost reasons. At that time there was the first league in the form of “Made in USA” and the second league in the form of “Made in Japan”. But as Asians are, just a few years later the Japanese themselves became excellent craftsmen when it came to making electric guitars, which in turn brought the neighboring country of Korea onto the scene as an alternative.

This game has now been expanded several times to include the states of China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, always with the same result. The former novices in instrument making quickly became more and more adept at manufacturing technology, while at the same time rationalizing manufacturing costs. Anyone who thinks that instruments manufactured in the above-mentioned countries only cover the dregs of the manufacturer's respective range is very much mistaken. The best example is the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat, which, despite being manufactured in Indonesia, barely hits the 1000 euro mark in terms of selling price.

Oh yes, some readers will ask themselves, why this? Well, if you look at the individual components of the instrument, you will quickly notice that a similar production would have cost twice as much in Japan and probably even three times as much in the USA. Because one thing is certain, there were almost no savings here, which the following test will show.


construction

“Iron Label”, you could say. Even the unbiased user will quickly notice that this instrument, indeed the entire product range, was designed specifically for the metallic consumer group. Although many musicians still only cite the variations of the Explorer or Flying V form as the only legitimate forms of metal, the different varieties of Powerstrats have held up more than just bravely in the last few decades.

Ibanez in particular has a huge range of variations with their RG series, so that the interested artist will find an above-average selection and, in contrast to the Flying V, can also play for a tea dance with an RG in emergency situations without receiving disdainful looks.

Wherever it says RG, there is also RG in it, which in turn clearly defines the key points of the instrument. Once again, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat has an expansive Stratocaster shape, although the two cutaways have been milled significantly deeper for the benefit of playing in high registers. In combination with the very soft, round milling on the body part, you can actually play the instrument up to the 24th fret without any restrictions. No knobby neck foot in the Les Paul style, no square board and counter plate in the Stratocaster design, just a free ride into the weekend.

Conceptually, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat follows the principle of a continuous neck with glued-on body wings made of ash. The side parts were subjected to a special sandblasting process, which highlights the annual rings in three dimensions. The neck itself is a 7-piece construction made of maple and walnut, while the fingerboard is made of ebony with a long scale length (25.5”). Standard Jumbo Frets are used as frets. Some people will be aware of the selling price here.

It continues with very good components such as Gotoh locking mechanics and a fixed Gibraltar bridge. On the back of the instrument, the offset holes allow one or two question marks to appear on the user's forehead. However, a look at the front of the instrument makes sense of the undertaking. In order to keep the contact pressure of the strings as high as possible, the manufacturer tries to bend the strings immediately behind the individual riders at the greatest possible angle towards the body. Depending on the octave purity, however, the riders have different distances from the respective drill hole, which in turn would exert different pressures on the riders.

In order to at least rudimentarily counteract this, Ibanez decided to use a two-hole solution for four of the six strings in order to be able to react accordingly depending on the string length. I guess the Gibraltar Bridge is aligned according to the D and G strings, the different drill holes do the rest. Clever!

In terms of color, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat comes in a matt, transparent-dark blue with a slight tendency towards turquoise, which sometimes appears darker or lighter depending on the wood underneath. The different woods and their partly standing, partly lying annual rings result in an immense variety of shades of blue. An interesting finish, a successful variation on the ever-popular high-gloss finish.

Personally, I always like small detailed solutions, such as the cover of the truss rod on the headstock. Where you otherwise have to suffer through (eventually) spinning mini-Phillips screws with strings that are inevitably loosened, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat simply has a small plastic disc that you can push to the side. Adjust the neck with full string tension, push the disc back, done! A very simple principle, a huge relief. Why do only the Japanese always come up with such little things?

In terms of circuitry, the popular metal combination EMG 81 as a bridge pickup and EMG 60 as a neck pickup (hardly anyone knows that the 60 was originally designed as a bridge pickup) is managed with a classic three-way switch, with a massive kill switch if necessary popular extreme tremolo effect generated by hand. Despite being anchored directly in the wood, both pickups sit firmly in their holes. No comparison to the still popular foam knob pushers, which never allow a parallel line to the string guide. When it comes to knobs, a volume control, call it a day, no one needs a treble fader in metal!

If you're ever reminded of "Made in Indonesia", it's in the form of the three-way switch, which has a rather wobbly plastic version and will give up the ghost at some point in its life a little earlier than the rest of the hardware components.


Practice

When it comes to playability, you would actually only need to drop the name “Ibanez RG”, the rest is self-explanatory. Like almost all representatives of the RG series, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat also has all the advantages of the established concept. Every musician who has ever held an RG in their hands will be lastingly impressed by the easy handling, the ergonomic concept and the legendary neck dimensions.

“But what about the sustain?” I can already hear the first ones shouting in the background, an objection that couldn’t be dismissed, especially with the first instruments in the RG series due to the small wood mass. However, these same concerns can safely be dismissed. The continuous neck turns out to be a true sustain monster with the neck-thru-body string guide, as is the case with other representatives of this design. Not a tone that doesn't have an above-average vibration duration, coupled with a quick response and a tasteful fade-out. Fans of modern playing techniques such as tappings, sweeps, glides, hammer-ons and pull-offs will really enjoy the instrument.


Conclusion

With the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat, Japan's figurehead when it comes to power strats once again shows where the metal hammer lies. With the Iron Label series, which is specially tailored for metal, the company offers fans of the hard style a good selection of battle axes, which, due to their construction, play into the hands of the ambitious solo guitarist.

Equipped with enough independence in terms of finish, sound and concept, the Ibanez Iron Label Sapphire Blue Flat will once again ensure that the name Ibanez will continue to be one of the first names in the industry.

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Additional Informations:

In the realm of electric guitars, certain models stand out not only for their sonic prowess but also for their rich history and evolution. Among these, the Ibanez Powerstrat holds a unique position, blending elements of classic designs with modern innovations to create a versatile instrument prized by musicians across genres. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating genesis of the Ibanez Powerstrat, tracing its roots, examining its key features, and exploring its enduring appeal.

**Origins and Influences**

To understand the genesis of the Ibanez Powerstrat, we must first look back at the early days of electric guitar development. The 1950s and 1960s marked a period of intense innovation in the guitar world, with brands like Fender and Gibson leading the charge. Fender's Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, quickly became an icon, renowned for its sleek design, versatile tone, and playability. Meanwhile, Gibson's Les Paul, with its mahogany body and humbucking pickups, offered a contrasting but equally influential sonic palette.

In the 1970s, Japanese guitar manufacturers began to emerge as serious contenders in the market, with brands like Ibanez gaining recognition for their high-quality instruments. Drawing inspiration from American classics, Ibanez sought to create their own interpretations of iconic designs, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative features.

**Birth of the Powerstrat**

The Ibanez Powerstrat emerged during the 1980s, a decade defined by rapid technological advancements and a flourishing music scene. Inspired by the enduring popularity of Fender's Stratocaster, Ibanez set out to craft a guitar that combined the Strat's timeless aesthetic with modern features tailored to the needs of contemporary players.

At the heart of the Powerstrat's design is its body shape, which bears a striking resemblance to the classic Stratocaster silhouette. Crafted from select tonewoods such as alder or basswood, the Powerstrat's body offers a balanced blend of resonance, sustain, and ergonomic comfort. However, Ibanez infused the design with their own unique touches, including sculpted contours and refined finishes, giving the Powerstrat a distinctive identity all its own.

**Innovative Electronics and Hardware**

While paying homage to tradition, the Ibanez Powerstrat also incorporates several innovative features that set it apart from its predecessors. Central to its sonic versatility are the pickups – crucial components that capture the nuances of the player's performance and shape the guitar's sound. Ibanez outfitted the Powerstrat with a range of pickup configurations, including single-coil, humbucker, and hybrid options, allowing players to dial in a diverse array of tones suitable for any musical style.

Moreover, the Powerstrat boasts a wealth of electronic controls, enabling precise tone shaping and sonic experimentation. From traditional volume and tone knobs to push-pull coil-splitting and series/parallel switching, the guitar offers an extensive sonic palette at the player's fingertips. Combined with high-quality hardware such as locking tuners, tremolo systems, and adjustable bridges, the Powerstrat delivers unparalleled performance and reliability on stage and in the studio.

**Evolution and Enduring Legacy**

Over the years, the Ibanez Powerstrat has undergone numerous iterations and refinements, reflecting the ever-changing needs and preferences of musicians. From signature models developed in collaboration with renowned artists to limited-edition releases featuring exotic tonewoods and custom finishes, the Powerstrat continues to evolve while staying true to its core identity.

Its enduring legacy is a testament to its timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to quality. Whether wielded by virtuosic shredders, blues maestros, or alternative rockers, the Powerstrat remains a symbol of innovation and inspiration in the world of electric guitars.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, the Ibanez Powerstrat stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of iconic guitar designs and the relentless pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and innovation. Born from the intersection of tradition and modernity, the Powerstrat continues to captivate players with its distinctive sound, versatile performance, and unmistakable style. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the musical landscape, the Powerstrat remains a timeless icon, inspiring generations of guitarists to push the boundaries of creativity and expression.