Almost every artist follows the same path to mastery: extended periods of concentrated effort spent honing the skillset, often followed by a long period of artistic imitation. This mimicry serves as a foundation on which the artist’s contribution of genius to his field of endeavor will be built. So it is with master instrument builders. In the 70s, Ibanez crafted copies with such intensity and diligence that they often surpassed the quality of the originals. Clearly, Ibanez anked among the world’s best. The big question: could Ibanez deliver their own original contribution to the guitar world? It didn’t happen easily. Or overnight. But in 1987, Ibanez created not one, but two guitars that would join the modern musical instrument pantheon. Developed first as the Roadstar, the fully “Ibanezed” pedalto-the-metal RG is known throughout the rock and metal world as a full-bore performer. The thin “Wizard” necks are only one of the many innovations that make the RG, the streamlined, n…

A cache of dazzling AA-grade koa and an arresting batch of Mexican cocobolo proved to be the central design catalysts for our 2011 Fall Limiteds. Bonded by their bold visual complexions, both woods inspired the notion of a wood-rich appointment package, anchored by a new rosette and a pair of related fretboard inlays that together create a cohesive, organic aesthetic for each series. The koa and cocobolo LTDs offer something truly special to guitar enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of sophisticated wood details. Another rewarding aspect of designing the Fall LTDs is taking an existing series and putting a value-added spin on it, rewarding players with an extra splash of premium quality at a more accessible price point. This year Indian rosewood makes a guest appearance on the 400 Series, and a cedar top warms up the rosewood laminate Nylon Series. Click this link for more information at the Taylor website, and see the video for a presentation by Andy Powers. See some of t…