Ibanez unveils eagerly awaited Lari Basilio LB1 signature model
The Brazilian-born virtuoso specs up her own T-type with all-new signature Seymour Duncan pickups
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Back in October 2020, Lari Basilio switched from Suhr to Ibanez, and at the time, we suggested her custom sparkle AZ model could be a future signature=… But, as it turns out, the final guitar is very different indeed.
Timed with the launch of a new T-type range, the AZS – and a Josh Smith signature model – Ibanez has equipped the Brazilian-born virtuoso with a Tele-inspired outline, the LB1.
Decked out in Basilio’s trademark Violet finish, the LB1 comes fitted with Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio alnico pickups: two Tele-style single coils and a bridge humbucker – presumably, a signature set will be on the cards at some point – adjusted via a five-way selector and an Alter Switch, which dials in Ibanez’s ultra-versatile dyna-MIX9 switching system.
Otherwise, the Japanese-built model takes many of its cues from the newly launched AZS lineup, with an ash body, and oval C-shaped roasted birdseye maple neck with compound radius (228mm to 305mm) and stainless steel frets.
And like several of Ibanez’s T-types, a Gotoh T1702B tremolo is onboard, too, as well as Gotoh Magnum Lock machineheads and Luminlay side dots.
The news makes Lari Basilio Ibanez’s third female signature artist, following Nita Strauss and Yvette Young.
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There’s no word on price point yet, but for more info, head to Ibanez.com.
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
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