Ibanez Unveils Exotic Wood Acoustics

Ibanez unveiled its first 12-string and first left-handed models in its best selling EW Exotic Wood acoustic-electric guitar series at the Summer NAMM musical instrument convention in Nashville, Tenn. Both EW models feature figured ash back and sides, a B-Band UST pickup and Ibanez AEQ-SRTn pre-amp with onboard notch filter and tuner.

The Ibanez EW Exotic Wood line was launched at the Winter NAMM 2005 convention with just three "pure" acoustics models. "Sound and playability are the two most important components in an instrument. However, the importance of the visual aspect cannot be denied. The appearance and sound of these three unique instruments were designed for the player who is looking for a completely new and different voice. We don't think you'll find anything else quite like the new EW guitars. If you do find something somewhat similar, you'll find that the price isn't remotely similar. These are simply great¿and very different¿guitars at great prices," explained Irene Shvartsman of the Ibanez Acoustic Division at the debut.

The concept was unquestionably a success as the line has been a constant best seller from the beginning and now encompasses acoustic-electrics, acoustic-electric basses, concert-sized models, nylon-string models, and now 12-string and left-handed.

The 12-string EW2012ASENT lists for $642.84 and the left-handed EW20LASENT lists for $614.27.