Ibanez George Benson LGB30 & John Scofield JSM10 review demo

Reviewed in Guitarist issue 396
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[@elvinlewis4233]

Say what you want abour it's width and materials, but you cannot argue with it's sound. It's a slice of heaven. Just blew me away.

[@dreadnought45]

As an owner of a Gibson ES-175 and as the two guitars presented are beautiful, I much prefer the LGB30 over the JSM10. I like the sound of full-bodied jazz guitars. Just my taste in jazz guitars. Ken, Toronto

[@dressedtosmellgood]

hooray for you

[@Gman44044]

i have LGB, i wonder if i shud get the JSM10. Im into jazz, neo-soul. Wondering if its worth adding to my collection?

[@pathofprophecy]

When I first started playing guitar my father brought home an Ibanez catalog and I used to pour over that. The George Benson model intrigued me because I was a fan of Benson, largely because of hearing "Breezin". I thought if I could play like that, that would be it. A few years later I learned about Miles Davis, and because of that introduction became familiar with John Scofield. My first electric was a Les Paul. I later bought a cheap copy of a Gibson 175 (maker unknown). But then I saw the Ibanez John Scofield model in a music store I taught at. I found it to be a great guitar. The Les Paul was heavy on my shoulder. The Scofield model was light yet had a power and tone that was great for jazz with both a clean sound or dirty. Nice to see this feature of the Benson and Scofield models. One hint is to have a better microphone sound when you're speaking. Great job!

[@charlie-obrien]

At 2:40 the sweetness begins. These are two great guitars that share heritage, quality and a pure tone sensibility.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Great post, gentlemen! Being Scotch/Irish: in other words a cheap hothead, I always look for economy w/quality. And you boys showed it very well. And these days, when we're stuck at home, we make due with what we've got. And both these instruments are sweet to my ear, especially the clean. Being a violinist my whole life, I'm tired of any friction (sawtooth) in my sound.

[@deeman524]

I Love the deep hollow sound of Jazz guitars, although I wouldn't want to own one;Very tempting though. The Benson sounds more deeper and clearer than the Scofield.

[@guitarman6742]

Finally...someone who can play doing a demo. Thank you!

[@DrJoshGuitar]

Good review. Kind of wish they used the same amp for both guitars though so you could really hear the difference between the guitars better.

[@violao206]

The most critical remark in this review is how the reissues necks feel. "The neck is a more of a D-shape." I own original Ibanez guitars, one being the solid body AR-305AV that John also performed on Still Warm. I was very disappointed that the new reissues have "chunkier necks" than the originals. The feel of the original necks was what drove my love for Ibanez. My 1st was a 1978 Performer PF300NT (Les Paul), 2nd 1982 Artist AR305AV, 1981 GB10NT and a 1982 Artist AM205 (small semi). They all possess mostly a relatively slim profile which is what makes them so comfortable to play. I love Ibanez Guitars, and not for the later RG super Strat era, but for their golden '70s and '80s era Japanese builds. As an aside, it is funny to see a slightly younger Mic in his old job in this video. He is once again very humble and shy about his guitar skills. He really is a fairly good guitarist, albeit very ensconced in the Blues.

[@DavePriceGuitarist]

The JSM10 looks very similar to the Ibanez AS153. Great guitars.

[@Gman44044]

im debating between the two, any differences in tone?

[@DavePriceGuitarist]

@@Gman44044 I would imagine they would be very similar. I have not tried the JSM 10 but I own the AS153. It's a great guitar.

[@romeou4965]

JSM10 has 15.75” semi is like the es335…but for 14.5” body like es339 but full hollow body check out the AMH90 which has same 2-5/8” depth and Super58 PUs. But the JSM has superior maple body and artstar fret edge work. JSM20 is matte black.

[@charlie-obrien]

@@falsenotefest It's awfully funny how you are like the only negative commentor about the JSM10 and yet your on every channel that reviews it. If you had only spent 1/10 the time taking advantage of the Ibanez warranty through your dealer, then you wouldn't have anything to bitch about. This just in: life ain't perfect.

[@falsenotefest]

@@charlie-obrien Whatever for the price 1300 Euros you can't expect much better except a Godin guitar made in canada for sure

[@kennygardner5041]

The Ibanez semi’s are well made. I do prefer the Japanese JSM 100 as well as the AS 200. Reason is the neck joint. On the Chinese stuff the neck has a square joint, like a vintage Gretsch at the 17th fret. On the Japanese Prestige stuff the neck joint is at the 19th fret like a Gibson ES 335. Much better to play up high.

[@Ben-ll3iy]

@@falsenotefest How do you still like your guitar?

[@frankcrowe8796]

I have an Ibanez Artist from 1980 and it is the most amazing playing and sounding guitar and always my favorite. It does it all!!!!

[@cathytaibbi1945]

Which one?

[@geecen]

Played that LGB guitar today - it's niiceeee PS Nick looks fancy in the olden days!

[@ianstone1900]

I Have a LGB-30 and it is a Great looking and sounding guitar (better with the included wooden bridge) but does have a problem with the metal used in the tail-piece where it joins the body, it is very poor and will bend and crack over time. I had one replaced under warranty but now that one has also failed (I am hoping a replacement fit for purpose is going to be offered but am not holding my breath as UK distributer has not been responsive)

[@romeou4965]

JSM10 is semi with 15.75” body like the es335…but for 14.5” body like es339 but full hollow body check out the AMH90 which has same 2-5/8” depth and Super58 PUs. But the JSM has maple body and artstar fret edge work. JSM20 is matte black.

[@falsenotefest]

For the price 1300 Euros you can't expect much better except a Godin guitar made in canada for sure

[@biffelliotforpresident]

1:20 "Hey, don't touch my knob, mate!"

[@robinr.2233]

unless you're talking about the new turquoise, quilted top version... the LGBTQ model :)

[@al21122]

On AfD Izzy Stradlin used a ES-175; the same he played Live at the Ritz '88!

[@philippeclement1570]

Yeah dude I remember that. But that scofield model is one of the many guitars that sound great on anything

[@makhilasjambok2103]

The guy who plays the Scofield has not listened to John. With the same axe John is super good and does a superb setting. Here the guy achieves a harsh sound, criard we say in french. Vomitting !

[@daniellurman9093]

Like razor blades to the ears!

[@xsamitt]

LGB2 for the win here folks!

[@bobaldo2339]

The LGB 30 is very impressive.

[@arlo2203]

my friends and i love ur vids... and i have MANY guitar wielding friends! :) rest assured, america loves you two fellas.👌

[@chuckwolfboyer7830]

NEED TO HEAR THE YAMAHA S A 2200

[@Vazmusic]

I'm grateful that you thought to demo the two of these guitars but... You are reviewing two guitars that will both probably be used to play jazz on. Don't you think it would be a good idea to have at least one of the players in the video, to be proficient in playing some kind of bop. There is a whole lot more to Sco's playing than picking near the bridge!

[@gabrielmojay7720]

Excellent review!

[@rajnamajnadunav]

Great review! what are those chords that you played instead of open E chord? Those jazzy ones. Thanx!

[@dyvzzjumbii7740]

The first chord he played after the open E chord was an E13 (root, third, fitfth, seventh and 13) and then he played some 6/9 chords with different roots (root, third, fitfth, sixth) and he altered the nine of the chords sometimes aswell.

[@thomashogan1985]

Theres an min7add9 in there somewhere

[@rickamato7049]

Try Am6(9)-Bm7-E7(b9)-Am9-D7(b9)-G6sus2. I think close.

[@jazzman1954]

Thanks for asking a jazz player to review a jazz guitar at long last. Denny......... THE STIG! of guitar reviews?

[@ericmartin2778]

There is no audible difference on the parallel and tapped switch position. I have this guitar and others have commented on that too. The only way you hear a difference is to crank your amp to pick up the tapped buzz. So basically the middle position is useless.

[@adamreams7297]

John's old AS200 does have the jack on the top of the guitar. Just as the jsm10 does.

[@iansimpson119]

I have a 1985 AS 200 and yes, the input is on the front.

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

scofield slays

[@darylwinn7507]

I am thinking about buying an AS253 but since finding out it is Chinese made, I've kind of put it on hold. EVERYTHING is now made in China. What is the quality of these Chinese guitars Ibanez guitars?

[@GuitarZen83]

+Daryl Winn I personally owned a as153 and a as200, The as153 can hold its own against the as200 although in the end I would pick the as200. I would be happy with either one as my main semi hollow. I also own a yamaha sa2200 now that guitar is in a league of its own, just a beast of a guitar and play like buttah. I think the most important thing is to play one first before buying. Hope that helps.

[@ianstone1900]

Not as good as it should be, had a few issues with my LGB-30. Maybe with hindsight I would save up for the Japanese version.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Daryl Winn I have the JSM10. It plays as good as any Gibson 335 I've ever owned. Is it perfect, no, but pretty close. I've never owned a perfect Gibson either. It's just that when it says Gibson on the headstock everyone chocks it up as character. The only knock I give is the case. It's pretty poor. I prefer a hard sided gig bag so that wasn't a huge deal for me. One thing to remember about made in China, when ibanez was only manufacturing in Japan, that was supposed to be inferior, then Korea was inferior,. I have found that their quality control has always been very consistent no matter who or where they have their manufacturing done.

[@johne1599]

Check Sweetwater or Ibanez sites. I think you'll find the Scofield is made in Korea, not China. ;-)

[@Wes-Evans]

"i should'nt be playing open e chords on this guitar, i should ...sounds beautiful isnt that?"

[@DMSProduktions]

It's a SPLIT Mick, NOT a tap!

[@Robstafarian]

***** That misunderstanding seems to be quite common in the UK.

[@DMSProduktions]

***** The USA even MORE so... :o/

[@alftupper9359]

@@Robstafarian Pull out the knob it changes the tone. Who gives a fuck?

[@cbtfungngai]

Are you sure that they are fitted with super 58, not super 58 custom? Please clarify.

[@boozoochavis7506]

With all that faff every time I've seen Scofield live he seems to use the middle control setting and works the volume and tones for darker or brighter sounds - don't think he even bothers with that little splitter switch! I had to laugh when Mick reached over at the start of the video to turn down the other players volume knob, I know why he did it BUT - MAN Mick you are one wound up tight dude, relax some buzz won't spoil the mood!!

[@vincentsabatino4480]

great playing excellent sounds !!

[@butteredbiskit3497]

I like the mini humbuckers on the gb10.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

Curious what brand and gauge of pick he was using to play them? Guitar picks can have a huge affect on tone. Thanks.

[@vecernicek2]

I am waiting for the thinline version of the George Benson guitar. It will be called the Ibanez LGBT.

[@ValiRossi]

Will it have a Quilted finish?

[@belascialoja4812]

Hahahaha!!! I kept seeing "LGB" and it was reminding me of something - aha! LGBTQuilted.

[@MrBrynstar]

this made my day

[@middle_pickup]

@@ValiRossi Nope. Flamer.

[@freemanrabe4689]

@@belascialoja4812 lol

[@jdb255]

What scales were you playing on the LGB when you switched guitars?

[@GaryMcNeill]

What timestamp?

[@tapeoclock825]

Great guitars.

[@blueeyedsoulman]

What speaker is the Victory head plugged into?

[@jessiesuyu7889]

Stu(hangover) on guitars!!

[@mainsblanches8793]

Signature guitar but he doesn't use the hardware on it?...bravo Mr. Scofield!!...

[@tradbowseven]

I’m perplexed that the lgb30 has a tunomatic bridge, but the 300 is all wood

[@bubberdy76]

I read somewhere that it comes with both bridges and you use whichever you prefer.

[@ianstone1900]

It comes with a wooden bridge as well which to my ear sounds much better.

[@OliveAmore]

What chords were played on timestamp @7:00

[@DMSProduktions]

Sadly, NO Yamaha is made in Japan any more. IDK about the motor bike division. Kinda makes you think when a Instrument makes also makes vehicles... :o/

[@jonyq]

***** BBNE2, L-series acoustic guitars above the 16 series, GC series classical guitars, TRBJPII, AES1500, SA2200 models are made in Japan. Also, Yamaha Music and Yamaha Motor Company are two different companies today.

[@DMSProduktions]

jonyq Ok thanks for the info. It's nice to know!

[@planpitz4190]

Yamaha Bikes made in China? ....definitely not! Some are made in Italy though , but with the rich Italian Motorbike and design legacy that is even a very good thing.

[@DMSProduktions]

LGB... lol! Supporting the Lesbian/Gay/Bi musical community now? ;oP Very nice axe. I have a 70's model similar to this.

[@alfianbanjaransari428]

***** except if you're trans, in which case isn't included in the acronym LOL

[@DMSProduktions]

Alfian Banjaransari Yes, well, I just got back from judging a youth battle of the bands this evening for my local council, and there was a trans there! ;oP

[@sunlightpictures8367]

Very NICE! I loved it so much I just subscribed.

[@leozurimusic]

Could you do a demo of the Höfner Verythin (Special?)

[@Bobby007D]

***** buy the German made Hofner V.T.

[@spb7883]

Weird to see Mick playing quasi-jazz.

[@carlosdommar]

The Scofield model sounds horrible,.. not sure if it's your amp setup but the tone is too shrill.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Carlos J Dommar they're trying for Scofield tone. I own it and it has a full woody 335 tone. Their is a slight upper midrange edge considering the ebony fingerboard, but I prefer that since it's easier to roll the tone off then try and make something brighter.

[@robinpearce6961]

Wrong amp sound to demo JSM10

[@justingarcia7722]

I agree but in fairness, that’s a hard tone to pull off. Arguably only really Sco makes it work, for anyone else without that beebop finesse I think it just falls apart. He has such an aggressive sound/rig but plays so precisely

[@30smsuperstrat]

Everything's better with Mick.

[@planpitz4190]

Really ?!Ibanez sells guitars made in China?.....that would be like if Harley Davidson would sell bikes made in Thailand!......Wait ? What ?????

[@romeou4965]

Doesn’t matter where a luthier lives but how good his craftsmanship is

[@Netlife-001]

re: George Benson .,.. wow, that opening tone .... worse than bad. Nice review though!

[@Amanet13]

I kinda don’t like his review,it wasn’t quite enthusiastic about it,like he just wanted to get over it,,,

[@smilingskull7827]

Do we say "Chinese built" or made in China?

[@PeterDad60]

uuuuum, uuuuhm!

[@jazzlefty]

Mmm.

[@michaelpangburn279]

Sorry Ibanez. Ive been burnt twice by your "midrange" junk. You blame it on China, but you have the final word on quality control.

[@ianstone1900]

I do kind of agree, as the quality in parts is poor, however the LGB30 does play and sound great. You pays your money and takes your choice. I have also seen a high end Ibanez from Japan with a very poor neck joint so origin may not be enough to guarantee quality.

[@sboy1955]

China!?!

[@falsenotefest]

I have just bought the IBANEZ JSM10, made in Indonesia, good sounding guitar.......... BUT the frets are not all at the same height so the strings G and B rub, Lame, I am not very happy to have to go to the luthier !!! And what about that dirty black dye on the fretboard that I had to remove !

[@romeou4965]

Doesn’t matter where a luthier lives but how good his craftsmanship is.