Ibanez Offers Second Retro-Style Jet King

JTK2BS (Click for a close-up)

Ibanez introduced a second Jet King guitar model at the 2004 NAMM show. "Like the first Jet King, the Jet King II offers retro looks that hearken back to the funky-looking guitars Ibanez offered in the '60s," commented Bill Reim, president of Ibanez USA, "but with today's playability, tonal versatility and stability. However, instead of the thinner neck and the basswood body of the 1st Jet King, the Jet King II features a mahogany body and a thicker neck for even more tone and sustain. Plus it's got even more funky-looking pickguards."

Originally called the "Pawnshop Project," the Jet King concept was to combine the funky looks that were associated with the old '60s found hanging is pawnshops, with the versatility, playability and good intonation that the old guitars were not associated with.

Both Jet King models feature old-style rocker tone switches that are actually modern coil-taps for instant switching between classic single coil and humbucking tones. String-thru-body construction provides greater sustain, and tighter tension.

The original 2003 JTK1 Jet King features a basswood body and thinner neck for light weight and easy playability. The new 2004 JTK2 King II features a larger mahogany body with a thicker neck for more warmth and sustain. The list price for both models is $399.99

Model JTK2 (Jet King)

• List $399.99
• Available Finishes BS Brown Sunburst, CP Coral Pink
• Body Material Mahogany
• Neck Material Maple
• Neck Scale 25.5"
• No. Frets/Type 22/Mideum
• Fingerboard Rosewood
• Inlay Offset Triangle
• Bridge BR-EG
• H/W Color Chrome
• Neck Pickup Powersound PSND1 Humbucker
• Bridge Pickup Powersound PSND2 Humbucker
• Controls One tone, One volume, Three way toggle switch, Two rocker coil tap switches
• Other Special Features Double Pickguard
• Case AM150C
• Case List $169.99