TEST: Ibanez FRIX6FDDQM Iron Label

As an instrument maker in the electric guitar sector, you really don't have it easy at the moment. In a market that is saturated to the hilt, you have to come up with something in the area of "aesthetically" shaped bodies in order not to bring the millionth variation of Strat and co. onto the market. The people responsible at Ibanez must have said something similar to themselves and have come up with the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label, a fusion of various classics.

The construction of the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label

For the company's internal processes, the cryptic alphabet soup, which Ibanez now uses almost without exception as a model designation, may be a helpful thing, but for the ambitious guitar fan, the whole thing turns out to be a bit exhausting at times. The model on test comes from the comparatively new FR series, which at first glance looks like a fusion of Strat, Paula and EvH. Since even China has meanwhile increased its production costs and Indonesian workers are in no way inferior to their Chinese colleagues in terms of craftsmanship, more and more manufacturers are moving the production of their cheaper lines to Indonesia, where the FR line is also manufactured.

If you look at the individual components of the instrument, it is already visible at first glance that Ibanez has placed great emphasis on an all-rounder, that is, a guitar with which you can basically cover the entire evening repertoire of a cover band. Let's take a look at the individual components in detail.

The components of the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label

For a good all-rounder, it is of course important to cover the two great forefathers of the electric guitar, as there are the big F and the big G plus their flagships in terms of wood selection and hardware. Ibanez jumps here truly very intelligently from branch to branch and helps itself in each case to the strengths of the protagonists, enriched with a few interesting Japanese details.

The 2-piece, asymmetrically glued body of the instrument is made of Nyatoh, a Southeast Asian species of the sapote plant family, which is supposed to be very similar to the wood type mahogany in appearance and sound. Here, too, the commercial skills of Leo Fender were probably taken into account, who at the time only used woods that grew on his doorstep and where transport costs were as low as possible. In times of ecological footprints a not to be neglected plus point in the production!

The top is made of cloud maple and is finished in a burst varnish, described by the manufacturer as Black Mirage Gradation, pronounced "Black Fata Morgana finish". Well, the last color step on the right bell bracket is indeed black, but the finish fades from dark to light and back again on the headstock in a NATO green hue. The reader may decide for himself if he likes the color, for camouflage-heavy U.D.O. or Sabaton tribute bands at least an interesting alternative.

The three-piece neck (Maple / Purple Heart / Maple) has an asymmetrical shaping, which at a width of 43 mm and a thickness of 19 mm at the nut expands to a thickness of 58 mm at the 24th fret and a thickness of 21 mm at the 12th fret. The fingerboard radius is kept very flat at 400 mm, typical of Ibanez, and Jumbo Frets are also used. A special feature are the luminescent side dots, which are intended to facilitate orientation on the fingerboard on a sparsely lit stage. The bound fingerboard itself is made of ebony and has no inlays. The long scale length of 648 mm is used. The neck is quadruple bolted and sits bombproof in the neck pocket.

In terms of hardware, the color black is used and six locking tuners from Gotoh are installed, which do not have to be tagged due to the angled headstock. As a bridge, a product from the in-house Gibraltar series with the designation Standard II is used, which includes an interesting detail on closer inspection. In order to be able to guarantee the eternal problem of octave purity over all sets of strings when the strings are fed through the body, the holes of the two lowest bass strings were optionally moved a little to the rear in order to be able to better adjust the individual riders in the rear area. If you are now wondering why these double holes were also made on the top treble strings, I guess the bridge is also supposed to be used on the left-handed models, where said situation is reversed. Cleverly done.

Or even such small details as the truss rod cover. While other guitars, even in the high-end league, require the annoying workflow of "loosen strings - remove cover screws - remove cover - tune strings - adjust trussrod - loosen strings - put cover on - tighten cover screws - tune strings" when readjusting the neck, the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label has a simple, snap-in flap that can be folded away sideways with a fingernail as a cover. Why isn't something like this standard? I can only hope that the system is patent protected, so the other manufacturers would at least have an excuse, if they do not use such a system.

In terms of pickups, DiMarzio products are used again, this time the Fusion Edge humbucker series, both of which are designed to be spilt. Apparently these pickups are made exclusively for Ibanez, at least they don't show up on the regular DiMarzio website. By means of a pleasantly heavy three-way switch and a coil tap switch, you can call up the variations Humbucker Neck Serial - Humbucker Neck / Bridge Serial - Humbucker Bridge Serial - Inner Coil Neck - Inner Coil Neck / Bridge and Inner Coil Bridge. Logical, simple and usable for 95% of all common sounds. A tone control was omitted, only a volume control was placed on the instrument.

The Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label in practice

It may not come across that way in the photos, but the menagerie of the colors green (top), red-brown (body), purple and natural (neck) is already a daring composition, but should not say anything about the sound. Connected to a H&K Triamp MK III with a Marshall 4x12 Cabinet with Celestion G75 Speaker and 2 pcs. SM57 in Fredman method the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label turns out to be a real all-rounder.

In particular, the flexible pickup circuit allows a wide range to emerge in the clean / crunch range. Hardly a characteristic sound, which would not be hit by the six pickup configurations. In addition, the bandwidth can be increased many times over with the volume control. Clean and crisp single coil sounds are just as familiar to the guitar as powerful rumbling humbucker crunches, whereby the single coil sounds on the neck pickup differ marginally from the classic under the 24th fret due to their discreetly inward moving orientation. However, this is not to be understood in a judgmental way, at the latest with Steve Morse with his up to 6 coils on his instruments, you can experience how impressive coils sound in positions where you would not expect them.

The attack behavior of the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label also knows how to please. The guitar is very "snappy" in its response, swings up quickly and has nothing in common with the sometimes discreet sluggishness with which many a mahogany body goes to work. Once again, I spontaneously think of the area of application in a cover band, where many sounds are needed without constant instrument changes. Such a guitar in combination with a highly flexible combo like the Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo (https://www.amazona.de/test-hugheskettner-black-spirit-200-combo-gitarrenverstaerker/) and the whole repertoire of the evening is set.

For a smoky blues evening in old-man style, the instrument seems to me too tangy in its approach, but I'm sure this approach was never planned by Ibanez either. The Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label seems more like it was designed for the modern player who can do without a vibrato system, especially since you really get a lot of instrument for the store price thanks to Indonesian manufacturing. Interestingly, I also didn't notice a single point where you could feel or hear the Asian manufacturing.

Conclusion

With the Ibanez FRIX6FDQM-BMG Iron Label, modern guitarists get a lot of instrument for their money. The guitar impresses with great flexibility, very good workmanship and interesting details, from which many a big name can sometimes take a leaf out of the book.

Additional informations:

- Ibanez Guitars is a renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer known for producing high-quality instruments for guitarists of all skill levels. The company was founded in 1908 by Hoshino Gakki and began as a music store selling imported stringed instruments. Over the years, Ibanez has developed a reputation for producing innovative and reliable guitars that have earned the respect and admiration of guitarists around the world.

Ibanez's guitar designs have always been innovative, with the company continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in guitar manufacturing. In the 1950s and 1960s, Ibanez produced copies of popular American guitars, but by the 1970s, the company was developing its own designs. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of the Ibanez Roadstar, a versatile guitar that quickly became popular with both professional and amateur guitarists.

In the 1980s, Ibanez cemented its reputation as a leading guitar manufacturer by producing the Ibanez JEM, a signature guitar designed in collaboration with virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai. The JEM featured a range of innovative features, including a double-locking tremolo system and a monkey grip handle. The JEM became a popular guitar among shredders and metal guitarists, and it continues to be one of Ibanez's most iconic designs.

Today, Ibanez produces a wide range of guitars, from entry-level instruments for beginners to high-end models for professionals. The company's product lineup includes electric guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, and ukuleles, all of which are known for their quality and reliability.
One of Ibanez's most popular product lines is the RG series of electric guitars. The RG series features a sleek, modern design and is known for its fast playability and versatile tone. The RG series has been used by guitarists in a variety of genres, including metal, rock, and fusion.
Another popular Ibanez guitar is the Artcore series of semi-hollow electric guitars. The Artcore series features a classic design and a warm, rich tone that is well-suited to jazz, blues, and rockabilly styles. The Artcore series has been used by guitarists such as George Benson and John Scofield.

In addition to producing high-quality guitars, Ibanez is also known for its commitment to innovation. The company has developed a range of unique features, including the Edge tremolo system, the Tight-End bridge, and the Fishman Fluence pickups. These features have helped to distinguish Ibanez guitars from other brands and have contributed to the company's continued success.

Overall, Ibanez Guitars is a leading guitar manufacturer that has earned the respect and admiration of guitarists around the world. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a favorite among professional and amateur guitarists alike, and its wide range of products ensures that there is an Ibanez guitar to suit every style and skill level.

Ibanez Guitars' Iron Label Series is a highly regarded line of instruments that caters to the needs of modern metal and hard rock guitarists. Known for their exceptional build quality, powerful tones, and sleek aesthetics, the Iron Label guitars have become a go-to choice for players seeking high-performance instruments that can handle the demands of heavy music genres. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key features, design elements, and sonic capabilities of the Iron Label Series.

Design and Construction: The Iron Label guitars feature a distinct design aesthetic, blending modern and aggressive elements with a touch of elegance. These guitars are built with precision and attention to detail, ensuring optimal playability and reliability. The body shapes often found in the Iron Label Series include the popular RG and S series, known for their ergonomic contours and comfortable feel. These guitars are typically crafted from high-quality tonewoods, such as mahogany, ash, and maple, which contribute to their rich tonal characteristics and sustain.

Neck and Fretboard: The necks of Iron Label guitars are designed to facilitate fast and effortless playability, ideal for high-speed riffing and shredding. Typically, they feature a slim and fast profile, allowing for smooth navigation across the fretboard. The fretboards are usually made of high-grade rosewood or ebony, ensuring excellent note articulation and a smooth playing surface. The frets are well-dressed and polished, allowing for accurate intonation and comfortable fretting.
Pickups and Electronics: One of the standout features of the Iron Label Series is the powerful and versatile pickup configurations. Ibanez incorporates high-output pickups, often from renowned manufacturers like EMG or Seymour Duncan, to deliver a wide range of aggressive and articulate tones. These pickups are specifically selected to excel in high-gain situations, providing clarity, tightness, and ample sustain. The pickup configurations vary across the Iron Label models, offering options like HSS, HH, or HSH setups, allowing guitarists to achieve their desired tonal palette.

Hardware and Tremolo Systems: Ibanez understands the importance of reliable hardware in the world of heavy music, and the Iron Label Series is equipped with top-notch components. The guitars often feature high-quality locking tuners, ensuring precise and stable tuning, even during intense playing sessions. Additionally, many models in the series are equipped with double-locking tremolo systems, such as the Ibanez Edge Zero II or the Gibraltar Standard II, enabling guitarists to perform expressive dive bombs and extreme pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability.

Tonal Versatility: While the Iron Label Series is primarily known for its metal and hard rock capabilities, these guitars offer a surprising degree of tonal versatility. With the help of the carefully selected pickups and versatile control layouts, guitarists can achieve a broad spectrum of tones, ranging from warm and clean sounds to searing leads and crushing rhythm tones. The guitars excel in high-gain situations, delivering tight and articulate distortion tones ideal for heavy genres, but they are equally capable of producing beautiful cleans and dynamic crunch tones.

Conclusion: The Ibanez Iron Label Series has rightfully earned its place as a leading choice for guitarists who demand powerful and reliable instruments for metal and hard rock music. With their exceptional build quality, attention to detail, and a wide range of tonal options, these guitars provide players with the tools they need to express their creativity and deliver intense performances. Whether you're a professional musician seeking a workhorse instrument for the stage or a dedicated enthusiast looking to explore heavy music genres, the Iron Label Series from Ibanez is a compelling option that is sure to impress.