NAMM​ 2025: Ibanez Unveils Stellar Signature ​Guitars with a Nod to the K7 Legacy

At NAMM 2025, Ibanez has unveiled an impressive new lineup of signature guitars, highlighted by the return of the‍ iconic K7 models​ for Korn’s legendary guitarists, James ‘Munky’ Shaffer and Brian ‌‘Head’ Welch. This marks a significant reunion, as Welch had previously departed from ⁢ibanez in 2017 to collaborate with ESP, primarily due to differences over his preferred Evertune​ bridges and other changes within the‌ brand. However, ⁣the past is‌ behind them, and both artists are now back with Ibanez, with Munky having remained loyal throughout⁢ the years.

The new K7 ⁤models are crafted in Indonesia and represent a fresh take on the classic seven-string design, as Munky’s long-standing APEX series⁢ is retired in favor of these ‌revamped K7s. Originally launched in 2001,the K7 was among the first commercially successful seven-string guitars,and now,as Korn celebrates three decades with Ibanez,the K7 is making ​a triumphant return.

“To honor our remarkable 30-year partnership​ and the return of‍ both Head and Munky to Ibanez, we are thrilled to​ introduce two new K7 models, inspired by ‍the timeless concept of yin and Yang,” stated Ibanez.

These guitars feature RGA-style bodies that pay homage to the original‌ K7⁤ while embracing modern ‍advancements. Each model is equipped with DiMarzio Blaze humbuckers, ensuring a powerful sonic experience, ⁣and proudly showcases the iconic K7 logo at the 12th fret.

Introducing the K7YIN and K7YANG

Munky’s K7YIN boasts an ⁣all-black finish, while head’s K7YANG dazzles with it’s striking aesthetics. Both guitars come with Wizard II-7 five-piece maple/walnut necks, RGA-style nyatoh bodies, Gotoh tuners, and ‌luminescent side dots. Munky’s⁢ minimalist design includes an ebony fretboard⁤ and a Lo-Pro Edge7 tremolo system,​ while Head’s model features a‍ maple ⁣top, rosewood fretboard, and the sought-after ⁤Evertune bridge. These ⁢models are set ⁣to launch ‍this summer, with pricing yet to be ⁣announced.

New signature Models⁤ from Other Artists

In addition to the K7s, blues guitarist and producer Josh Smith, known for his admiration of Japanese culture, is also getting a new signature model. His​ first signature guitar, the FLATV, was a modern take on the T-style design, and now he’s ‍introducing a new variant that incorporates a classic Tele Custom-style SH configuration, featuring a brand-new Seymour Duncan signature Flat ⁢V humbucker at the neck. The original ⁤FLATV was priced ⁣at $2,499.99, so‍ expect‌ a ⁤similar price point for this⁤ new model.

meanwhile, Lari Basilio is gearing ‌up for a big year in 2025, with a‍ new black finish option for her‌ LB1 signature guitar, enhancing the‌ visual appeal of its gold hardware. Priced at $2,699.99, this model features a versatile HSS configuration with Seymour Duncan signature ⁢pickups, showcasing Basilio’s remarkable playing style.

Joe⁤ satriani has also been busy, taking on guitar duties for Van Halen in the “Best of All Worlds” ​tour and collaborating with Steve Vai. This year, he introduces the stunning JS1GD, featuring a gloss gold body and satin gold ‍top, along with a DiMarzio Satchur8 humbucker and Sustainiac neck pickup. This model ⁣is available for order at a price of $5,999.99.

Lastly,the legendary george Benson has ⁤unveiled a new black variant of his GB10 signature model,typically priced at $3,599.99. While the specifications⁢ remain unchanged, sometimes, ⁢sticking to a classic design is the best​ choice.

For more details on these exciting new signature models, visit Ibanez’s official website.