Ibanez

We have always been impressed by the overall quality of Ibanez’s archtop electric guitars. Even the most humble offerings from the Artcore line that have darkened our door as trades have proven to be excellent performance values.  Undoubtedly one of the most instantly recognizable and most desirable models within the whole Ibanez line would be the Japanese-made GB-10, or George Benson model.  Known for its compact and comfortable design, the GB-10 has been in continual production since the late ‘70s.  In fact, as an interesting aside, during the pandemic, we were enlisted by the Carter Center to help restore the blonde GB-10 that George Benson had gifted to President Carter (R.I.P.) in 1977, right on the heels of Benson’s release of his massively successful album, Breezin’.  President Carter’s ’77 GB-10  was one of the first made; and in comparing it to more recent examples we’ve had, it seemed Ibanez got the recipe right the first time, as little has changed.

As one of the top models, the GB-10 is understandably out of the price range for many. So, in recent years Ibanez teamed up with George Benson to create a more budget-friendly version of the GB-10 in the form of the LGB30.  The LGB30 is actually a slightly larger instrument, and thus not a true analogue of the GB-10 (the LGB30 is 5/8” longer, 1” wider, and ½” deeper). Yet, it certainly retains the compact feel and elegant proportions of the GB-10.  In addition to the general comfort afforded, the compact design of the LGB30 makes it quite attractive and more versatile in terms of managing feedback, relative to traditional archtops. Meanwhile, the two mounted SB58 Custom Humbuckers offers the player more tonal variety, echoing that of famous models like the ES-175 Gibson. Finally, sporting its Vintage Yellow Sunburst finish, split acrylic/Abalam parallelogram inlays, inlaid rosewood tailpiece, and rosewood pickguard, the LGB30 has an enhanced aesthetic appeal relative to other instruments in its price point.  In short, the LGB30 is exactly what we here at Maple Street Guitars shop for, a fantastic performance value!

Condition

Though this instrument was used by a serious student, it has been by and large well-maintained and shows little evidence of wear and tear. Following our customary set up work and cosmetic conditioning, it is back in its prime and ready to serve the next player.  EXCELLENT+ Condition

• Arched Top Hollowbody
• Single Florentine Cutaway
• Laminated Spruce Top
• Laminated Flamed Maple Back and Sides
• White Binding
• 3-Ply Black/White Top Purfling
• 2 Bound F-Holes with 2-Ply Purfling
• Vintage Yellow Sunburst
• High Gloss Polyester Body Finish
• 3-Piece Set Nyatoh/Maple Neck with George Benson Carve
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Abalam and Acrylic Block Fingerboard Inlays
• White Fingerboard and Headstock Binding
• 2-Ply Black/White Fingerboard and Headstock Purfling
• 20 Medium Frets with Artstar Fret Edge Treatment
• 12” Fingerboard Radius
• Rosewood Headstock Veneer with Acrylic GB Inlay
• High Gloss Polyester Neck Finish
• Super 58 Custom AlNiCo Humbucking Pickups with Gold Covers
• Floating Gibraltar Artist Gold Tune-o-Matic Style Bridge
• Floating LGB30 Rosewood Tailpiece with Acrylic and Abalone Inlay
• Ibanez Die-Cast Gold Tuners with Ebony Buttons
• Bound Floating Rosewood Pickguard
• Bone Nut
• 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width
• 25 ¾” (628mm) Scale Length
• 19 ½” Body Length
• 15 ¾” Lower Bout Width
• 3 5/8” Body Depth
• Original Molded Plastic Hard Case