Introducing the Ibanez Alpha Series: A Bold Step into Progressive Guitar design
Ibanez has launched an exciting new electric guitar collection known as the Alpha Series, marking a significant milestone for the iconic metal guitar manufacturer.
Featuring both seven- and eight-string models, the Alpha Series represents ibanez’s most progressive offerings to date, infusing a modern twist into a lineup traditionally associated wiht shredding and heavy metal.
With its futuristic double-cut design, ergonomic features, and Fishman Fluence humbuckers, the Alpha Series clearly draws inspiration from the latest trends in contemporary progressive guitar craftsmanship.
Inspired by the Innovators of progressive Metal
The Alpha guitars evoke a strong sense of ‘Tosin Abasi’ influence. Abasi, who previously collaborated with Ibanez on a prototype signature model before founding his own brand, has been a leading figure in the progressive metal scene for several years.
Through his company,Abasi Concepts,he has introduced innovative models like the Larada and Emi,and later teamed up with ernie Ball Music Man for the Kaizen series.
Other brands pushing the envelope in modern metal guitar design include Strandberg, Kiesel, and Aristides, alongside Ibanez’s own Quest series. this surge of creativity in the progressive guitar market is evident, making Ibanez’s decision to embrace thes trends a timely and strategic move.
Engineered for Comfort and performance
According to Ibanez, the Alpha models seamlessly combine advanced features with user-kind ergonomics, emphasizing tone and playability. The guitars are described as ”engineered from the ground up” to meet the demands of modern players.
Each Alpha guitar boasts a lightweight basswood body paired with a five-piece walnut and maple neck, designed for optimal comfort whether playing while standing or seated. The innovative body contours, including a forearm cut and unique lower body carve, enhance playability across various positions, reminiscent of the design philosophies seen in Strandberg guitars.
Innovative Features for Modern Musicians
The Alpha Series introduces a new three-bolt neck joint,enhancing joint stability and facilitating access to upper frets. Additionally, a back-mounted output jack provides a cleaner stage presence.
equipped with Fishman Fluence Modern humbuckers and a versatile Voicing switch, these guitars offer a wide range of tonal possibilities. The multi-scale configurations range from 27.2″ to 25.5″ for the seven-string and 27.5″ to 25.5″ for the eight-string, complemented by jumbo stainless steel frets and Gotoh MG-T locking tuners.
Available finishes include Iron Pewter, nebula Shift, and Coral Mirage. The seven-string model is priced around $1,899, while the eight-string version is approximately $1,999.
In the context of the market, these prices position the Alpha Series competitively within the upper-mid-range segment of progressive guitars, falling between the $4,000 ernie Ball models and the $899 Sterling Kaizen guitars, and aligning closely with the Strandberg Bodens.
With the backing of Ibanez’s renowned manufacturing capabilities, the Alpha Series is poised to bring these innovative designs into the mainstream guitar community.
For more details, visit the official Ibanez website.
