Ibanez Axe Design Lab SML721 Guitar

[@davidconnelly1793]

One of the best looking guitars I've ever seen. The only challenge for me is that if you picked up a guitar like that, everybody would expect you to be a virtuoso.

[@PMoisey]

Love the Ibanez S guitars. So light, comfortable, and great to play.

[@evowire]

For those who may have dermal sensitivity to nickel, like myself, the EVO wire is perfect. It definitely solved my painful skin issues. It also stands up just fine to the Ernie Ball Cobalt strings, also Ni-free. I first started using this fret wire in 2006 and still no fret wear. It's the only wire I use and I have to re-fret every guitar I purchase with it. I'm glad to see manufacturers like Ibanez, and Kiesel offering it.

[@suitsandstrings55]

Never realized this was a thing man. Happy to hear there are alternatives so you can keep playing.

[@evowire]

I recently spoke to a Jescar representative, and they will no longer be carrying EVO wire due to raw material issues. They are working on an alternative alloy, but it won't be ready for a while. Serious bummer.

[@tuu_nainen]

I just found out about my nickel allergy, and probably will have to either refret, or repurchase all my guitars. Do you have any more advice as to which guitars come stock with Jescar Evo frets? So far I know about this one, and the Q-series headless + the Ichika Nito sig. This is going to be one expensive allergy to treat..

[@michael1]

As the post above yours said jescar evo gold is no more. Ibanez have used stainless steel on the quest series for 2024 (although retailers still have stocks with evo gold and they've a couple of ltd edition quests that are specced as having evo gold - perhaps to use up the last stock?). Stainless steel is probably a better alternative anyway given the larger number of guitars that come with it as standard.

[@crystaloffrost]

Yours are the best guitar reviews. Most of the other guys are just playing the guitar throughout the video without checking anything on the guitar and we are actually watching a review of their playing capability. Thank you for checking the frets. Especially friction test is a nice touch.

[@JR-dd4ec]

Over the last x amount of years Ibanez continues to impress me as a guitar company because growing up I thought they were only metal or indie but really since 2000 they've been making instruments whether you play rock metal or blues or anything with a guitar focus and they continue to impress me

[@tonyv5202]

In my opinion the Ibanez era was 1988 - 1999. After that the quality dropped and they tend to look lost, trying to cover every style and jumping on every bandwagon. For sure some of their guitars are winners and I still love them.

[@mikeg6666]

In my opinion Ibanez and Schecters are the best guitars out there for the money. They're consistently good and always innovative!

[@reactedboss99]

Honestly, I wish more people would see the light on Ibanez. Most people I've seen have played 1 badly setup floor Ibanez guitar and base their entire opinion on that 1 bad experience and it's quite annoying.

[@JR-dd4ec]

I completely agree with mikeg66

[@KellerFkinRyan]

@@reactedboss99 I think its mainly because they use cryo frets instead of the industry standard of stainless steel for this price range for overseas guitars. I mean, why buy a guitar that will wear out when you can buy one that won't?

[@KellerFkinRyan]

schecter and LTD for these $1000-2000 range in my opinion

[@skitariisoldier7367]

I've never had a Schecter, but I know from experience that ESP/LTD and Ibanez make killer instruments in the sub-$500 range. Meanwhile, Gibson can't make a $3K+ instrument with a decent paint job.

[@gorlagOv]

My friend has a 2004 S series Ibanez. It’s a fantastic guitar. The S series is underrated.

[@ajc9644]

I have a S Prestige, made in Japan. Best built guitar I have, by a long margin. The wizard neck is great, not for every song situation, but it is amazing.

[@karemare6426]

Lol, no they are not underrated. Everybody knows the S series is amazing, except for the lower end

[@boxboxbox624]

I have a severe nickel allergy and have been using EVO gold frets for years. I can't refret my own instruments so when I buy a new guitar I have to factor in another $500 for the refret before I get to play it. I currently have a Strat, JTV-69s, Les Paul and PRS custom 24 with these frets. To finally see a major manufacturer releasing guitars with these frets are a godsend if not decades overdue. I also use Rotosound British Steels as they are the only string that is truly 100% nickel free. All others have nickel, including the stainless strings claiming to be nickel free. This is so awesome! I'm very excited to see any future models with these frets being released!!!

[@gasaddict]

Picked up a S521 the other day at my local guitar shop and walked home with it. Love how light they are and effortless they are to play.

[@M.Wilson7946]

I have an s521 from 2000. Made in japan. Got ot for $180 over 10 years ago and i dont think i could ever let it go. I love the s series

[@mikeg6666]

That's my next one , been wanting it for a while. I was watching Andertons a couple days ago and they previewed this one and some 27" scale one's. Killer new line from Ibanez , enjoy your 521. Hopefully I'll be getting that next month ✌️🤘

[@himbourbanist]

I just love how thin the body is on the S series, it almost doesn't feel possible. I feel like I can never find an extended range S series, I would love to get an 8 string with the 'S' body profile but they seem few and far between

[@matthewf1979]

That’s the first Ibanez I’ve even been interested in in decades. This must be the guitar you were talking about on the last podcast!

[@Russell_Optics]

I had an "S" series 521 and it was super comfortable and lightweight. The thinner body with the comfort carves and the thinner neck made it effortless to play. I didn't really like the pickups, but sold the guitar and got a PRS rather than change them. Honestly, I wish I would have kept it and tried other pickups. My mistake.

[@grumpyrocker]

I have an S521 and totally agree. The shame and weight make it an absolute joy.

[@scoresandflames]

My first newly bought guitar was an S521 and I'm not going to sell it ever. Let's not forget, that a few adjustments on the humbucker heights and their pole heights can change their sound for better (or worse). Magic happens in positions 2 and 4 though...

[@caseylee12]

I love the Ibanez s series, and I have 2 of them- one hardtail and one with a "zero resistance" trem. I'm 57 years old now and they're a complete neck and back saver! I can play one standing for hours with no strain. Thanks, Phil, for the review!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

That's a nice guitar.. I love the colors.. This is one I like that's multiscale because it's not bigger than a strat scale and even better the little strings are a PRS scale.. So, bravo Ibanez! I love my older S series guitars, so this would be one I might have to get.. How dare them part my money ;-)

[@KainzMusic]

15:48 That tone right there, with just a touch more crunch, would be my ultimate rhythm tone. One more guitar I hafta have now dagnabbit...

[@9th_note]

Ibanez QC has always been great for me, I have a $200 RG and I have a $2000 RG prestige and honestly the neck on both of them is beautiful, both of them have dead level frets with beautiful edges. given the cheaper model fit and finish with the control cavity plates etc. is a little more sloppy but decent. Both guitars play awesome. I may have to go pick one of these up, it's a beautiful instrument and I have always loved that body shape. Great video phil.

[@musicianwithchild]

So true ! I took both of my "cheaper" ibanezs and even did a fret leveling job. Which they didn't need much to begin with. But after getting ever fret absolutely "perfectly" level (as possible by me lol) I could lower the action to an absurd amount. Of course I made sure the neck was straight as an arrow as well. But their playability and action are just so perfect for me personally.

[@Andrew_182]

Love the paint job. I have an EC1000 in Violet Andromeda thats similar that transitions between a light blue, purple, green, and bronze.

[@suzannecoholic1467]

Ibanez is really upping the game on the finishes on guitars and basses

[@y007p3]

As a builder I can say that the Evo Gold frets are very nice to work on. Same story for the Stew Mac gold. They are harder than standard frets, but easier to install and work on than stainless steel frets.

[@niclastname]

I hope the clip/plug system for pickups becomes way more common and/or standard. It's just such a way better system. It requires 0 tools or practice. Literally anyone can change a pickup like that. There are lots of clip plugs like that in cars, and that goes through a lot more abuse than a guitar. So we know it can be made durable enough. It makes no sense that they're still soldered in 2023 when it's meant to be a replaceable part. Same with amp speakers for that matter (although I know it's more common to find a clip on a speaker than a guitar).

[@kipponi]

Love Ibanez guitars. I have two of course. Beauty guitar!

[@_patrikjay_]

Beautiful finish and the matching headstock is stellar. Nice demo Phillip

[@dylano6033]

I think Ibanez are going to sell a lot of these guitars. They look amazing, playability seems fantastic. Versatile sounds out of it too. Easily my favourite out of the 2023 Ibanez offerings shown thus far.

[@SixString_J5]

2:30 For an indonesian Ibanez, that is a really nice looking neck and tuner combo. Locking gotohs, neck volute, 5 pc satin neck, and all access heel joint. My one qualm with the model, I wish it were at least .5" longer scale length. like 25.5"-26" ... It's kinda pointless to me to have a multiscale instrument in which the low E isn't longer than fender scale. It's my main qualm with strandberg. The point of multiscale to me is that the low E needs to be longer to remedy having to have a super heavy gauge 6th string when playing in low tunings. Otherwise it's a cool guitar.

[@JB_II]

Love the features and quality of this guitar for the price point. I definitely see myself ordering one of these and seeing if the multi scale is for me. Thanks for the great review.

[@grumpyrocker]

I have an Ibanez RG1121PB and that has Evo gold frets. These frets feel fabulous. And the rounded fret end treatment is beautifully done.

[@mikes9759]

Wow! Watching you run through this guitar brings back memories!! I guess dating myself here, starting to play in the 60s to slide the strings back and forth like bending you had to work your hands like a weight lifter to bend like that!! That guitar has some nice tones and a variety of sound! Great video and info as always Phil!!

[@che2335]

I love the Ibanez S. Neck body and Edge LoPro are industry leaders. My Japanese Prestige S1520 is the most comfy guitar Ive tried the 3pc maple rosewood skunk stripe neck is magic, i do wish it was 24.75 scale but its a strat style so...

[@IDGAF_PLUS]

I've always wanted an S body Ibanez since the first time I saw one probably around 89/90.

[@improvewitherror]

Love it, Ibanez makes such cool guitars.

[@davidl7797]

I just bought this guitar and it absolutely rips. The neck is so crazy fast. It really is a great step from regular rock into shredding. I find the exact same thing the switch down sounds better on everything. I don't have any "flashy" guitars but felt like this was a good first one to add LOL.

[@rodgerbell810]

Hi Phil, fantastic in-depth review. I loved it very much. A truly interesting guitar in fit & finish with nice appointments. Cheers ✌️🎸

[@dagguitar51]

Excellent review as always. Been interested in this model since its recent release. Thanks Phil.

[@glennmartin4232]

Wow, I want one. Lots of great ideas. Looks great

[@onionheadguy7094]

That is sick out of all the new releases from Ibby this one had my attention the most.

[@richbriggs6053]

I have the S 670QM, and I love it. Light weight and nice contour body and a thin neck with the dragon burst finish.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Loved the nod to Holy Diver!

[@gl3nnium]

I have an Ibanez Herman Li Egen18. I see a lot of referneces in this guitar to the Egen18. Colour and look is very similar.

[@stevegoulet6215]

Thank you for all your awesome reviews and informative entertainment. I was surprised to find that the Guitar Center in Roseville, MN somehow has two of these new on display, even though they are listed as preorder only online(GC could not explain). Cosmetically, both of the guitars looked perfect, and the color(s) appealed to me more than the online videos/pictures. I returned back the next day with a fret rocker, capo, and string height gauge planning to purchase the better of the two guitars. Both guitars were set up with very high action(2.5-2mm) and Guitar Center agreed that they would have their tech lower the action on the guitar I choose, so I could test it with a reasonable string height(1.5mm). I was disappointed to find that both guitars had high frets all the way down the neck in so many places that I would have needed to write down the results to keep track. I had recently purchased a new Sire S7 that had a couple high spots that I was unhappy with, but both of these were much worse! I considered maybe I could live with the uneven fet job and justify a PLEK, but on further examination, I found that one guitar had uneven neck relief (Low E was ~.01in and High E was ~.02-.025in) and the other guitar had a severe misalignment between the neck and the strings. The high E was too close to the edge up where the body meets the neck and the low E was set in a long way. Somehow I did not even look for this (have no idea how this could get through Ianez QC on a guitar at this level?) until I was playing and the high E slid off. The neck relief on the guitar with the string misalignment was even from E to E. Both nuts were a little high; enough to warrant modification, but not as high as the S7 and almost every other guitar I have purchased. Maybe the one with uneven neck relief could have turned out Ok with a PLEK job, but there would have been a lot removed from the Low E side frets to get it evened out? How do I find a good S series guitar? I am hesitant to order one online to find that it is much less than perfect and still within factory specifications.

[@RoloTomasie]

Really cool guitar I could actually imagine buying. Someone needs to make a slimmer 5-way switch to fit those bodies, though. Even a color-matched switch cover would be a massive improvement.

[@Gruppe_11]

Got a j-custom and it's the love of my life!

[@stillbreathing9146]

Excellent presentation, covers everything. Thank you.

[@Amp497]

Great review, Phil. Thanks for the tip about the pickup legs. I'm certain that you have saved a lot of people from making the same mistake as that on the Reverb guitar. Great guitar!

[@arsenaultgilles4557]

Love the body shape (pickups 5 way blade and a second split sound flexibility, with a fast neck great for shredding Love your demo thanks you for sharing different amp models kickass AX sound flexibility good for me

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Bring that Dio heat 🔥

[@tomrochester7381]

Aesthetically, the S-series 5-way switch is unforgivable! Sweet guitar outside of that blemish and ergonomically they’re second to none imo.

[@EddieVanAidan]

I've had the Jescar gold frets on my Jazzmaster for a few years. Really tough, really smooth and I couldn't tell a difference in tone when they were changed

[@portland573]

Another cracking Ibby. Looks and sounds great.

[@haldasinger6440]

i love EVO gold. Just did a refret on a kit guitar neck with EVO gold to match the bridge hardware and tuners. Lots of gold hardware haters out there but I love the look of those frets

[@bstoner1300]

Ahhh super excited to see this review!

[@danparry834]

Awesome to hear the pinch harmonic Phil! Great video as always!

[@winstonsmith8240]

I was expecting it to be twice the price, (keeping up with Harley Benton might be paying off). Love the S series. Tempting.

[@elevenAD]

i have had Evo gold frets on a few guitars now for 7 or 8 years and they have very little wear if any and they are buttery smooth!

[@charliedillon1400]

I think Ibanez names their guitars after various tax forms.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

I’d love to see a rich guy put actual gold on his fretboard, not realizing how soft of a metal gold actually is.

[@jonathanstrand2474]

Cool that there is non nickel material that’s harder than nickel, but not as hard as stainless. More innovation!

[@calvinlee8103]

Jack White did this with copper frets. He had them installed on his Parsons-built Gretsch triple jet, and they were completely ruined after a single Raconteurs show because copper is also pretty soft.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@jonathanstrand2474 Yeah I was interested to see what the “gold” frets were made out of, definitely something new for me. Ibanez makes lovely stuff, I love my RG.

[@garyburginjr1366]

Maybe if the put some stainless steel alloy in with it? That way it could keep the gold color and be much harder to wear down

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

@@jonathanstrand2474 I have two Ibanez Guitars with the EVO Gold Frets, they are very nice. I also have other guitars with stainless steel. I like them both. I prefer either one of them to the nickel. Eventually, I will change all the guitars. I have that don’t have either one to one or the other.

[@lacrimau4u]

Guitar necks with slanted frets is made for tapping!

[@Can.Mayali]

I love S series. I had one so long time ago. I've been dying for another one. I might buy probably another affordable one again but anyway thanks for the great review bro! 💯

[@MrNbkelly]

Just stumbled across this guitar, you are a fantastic reviewer!

[@doctoribanez]

I had a s series but ended up trading it for a rg because the super thin body felt weird to me for chugish stuff. Love your reviews man and how you play a few different styles

[@gtr1952]

Great to see all the good quality!! --gary

[@benfowler2127]

I’m digging it. I just wish there was slightly more difference in the scale. Like closer to 26 or 26.5 down to a 25, but I know that puts the frets at a greater angle, so maybe it wouldn’t be that great.

[@jwsaul]

I just finally received this guitar, ordered it when you released this video. I have purchased a whole bunch of guitars in the last 25 years. This is the best electric guitar I have ever played. It is a perfect feather. Looks fantastic, better in person than on screen--more plum than rose. The frets are unique and the fanning of the frets and the graduation of the string lengths is genius. Tight low strings and slinky high strings. 5 lbs 8 ozs gorgeous gold feather.

[@JORGTUBE]

How's the nut

[@edwardmichael7513]

Ive had EVO frets on a partscaster for years. Ive never had to change them, they are harder than nickel frets which i eat through like crazy. Stainless steel would last longer but you generally get upcharged significantly to do a stainless steel refret as they tend to ruin a luthiers tools

[@richardscarlett7942]

im not a musician. I dont know if its just me, but when you went through ythe 5 way blade switch and the toggle giving another 5 positions to that blade on the clean channel, I felt like i heard several different artists signature tonality. I even thought I heard some Steve Vai sounds, probably just me though

[@dancortes2164]

Quick fact I just discovered: Nyato is actually mahogany. They just named it different to avoid penalty fees about deforestation and import woods.

[@stephenmenor6557]

My Ibanez QX527PB also has these gold evo frets

[@nsiderultimaseth]

Me see fancy Ibanez. Me click.

[@billyshears6622]

"Gold frets!" Like that's a good thing. 😝

[@hannesganahl6384]

This Guitar is like the QX52 but with a headstock right? Same pickups, same swiching, same freds and the body shape is very similar. But is has a headstock and a different neck

[@VA3JPX]

So many different sounds out of that git. Wow.

[@sniffmatip3865]

Ive been looking for another hard tail ibanez for a while but I've not been able to find one of a decent quality, im using my 05 rg321mh as a benchmark because its a cheap guitar but im struggling to find one thats been put together as good aa it was. It was made in the Cort factory in Korea and im starting to think that is why i can't find a cheap one that plays and feels as good as that does.

[@stewy4158]

Great review 👍 nice guitar for my collection 😃

[@chemo86]

Hey Phil, thanks for the review. You mentioned the weight, how's the balance?

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

Wow !! That is the exact same price as a Godin Session HT, but offers much higher specs, more tone options and looks like the build quality is of a much higher standard. I lust bought a Godin Session HT and was totally blown away by the sub standard build quality and the things they let pass at QC. Nice lightweight body, very comfortable neck and no fret issues, but man, the rest of the assembly, the stuff you can't see, is simply quite shocking. Seemed to me that guitar was put together by a newbie with no experience or care. Yet the headstock proudly states "Handcrafted in Canada". Also in the last year they jacked up the price by 68.5 percent, from an MSRP of $849 to $1430 CAD. Hmmm, enough said, I guess.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

I wish PRS would do a custom 24 with fixed string through bridges like these. Or use their same bridge just string through fixed

[@dearconspiracy5504]

would this be a good guitar for a first timer’s REAL good guitar? i want to finally buy a good electric guitar and i’m def looking at this one. i was looking at prestige’s but i personally don’t think i’m good enough for one just yet and i feel this will be best. it’s sooo gorgeous and def wanna get it 🤩

[@davelogeman]

Thanks for the review. Have you had a chance to check out the Ibanez QX52? I'd be interested in your thoughts comparing it to a Strandberg and Kiesel headless guitars.

[@snicker576]

LOVE Evo Gold frets. Have multiple guitars with them. They have zero downsides, it should be the standard fret material

[@kennygardner5041]

Great stuff! I play mostly Fenders but I love this!

[@HighVybeTribe]

Cool ,but will it Chug ?!

[@michaelp8856]

Can you d o a review (just like this excellent one) of the Ibanez S series guitar in the lower price range (Ibanez S521) ? thanks - Mike

[@TeeFetch]

Are the ceramic pickups in this are worth a damn or would you say SD alnico are better?

[@PeterPerez.]

Man I was planning to get this guitar months ago but I'm still holding back

[@ChaosAttractor13]

I neeeds that GOLD!!!!

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks for the Dive, dude! 🤘🏼

[@jrtme]

Modern Super Distortions are 13.5 k ish. Old ones are mid 12k. Not 16 k.

[@iansavage2382]

Is there a reason they dont use titanium. For frets?

[@valendis]

Do you think these are the same fret material as German Warwick basses ?

[@azdavidza]

That was a wholly great deep dive at 14:58

[@eddysel10]

Great review. I do have the Ibanez SML 721 in my shopping cart. I think it is a very nice guitar with a lot on tone options. On the other hand, I do have the Ibanez Q52 Electric Guitar - Antique Brown Stained. A question, do they sound the same? I think they have a lot in common. If yes, maybe there is no need to buy the SML. Another option is the PRS SE DGT David Grissom guitar. I have several PRS guitars and I like them. But I don't like the glossy finish on the PRS guitar necks. It feels like glue to me. On the other hand, the Q52 has one of the best guitar neck in my opinion.

[@ti479]

Phillip what guitar is turquoise and white on the wall next to the gold les Paul ?

[@seikatsu4life]

It's his knaggs guitar, he has a video on it somewhere. It might be on his other channel where he interviewed the knaggs guys

[@impactQuake]

I can't decide between this and RGA42HPT :( help!

[@tankdarla637]

i love s series, although i have never played one

[@1in7-Twist]

beautiful guitar love the old flip flop paint, I remember Kramer making those back in the day.

[@Jamaicangurl81]

unrelated.. but which guitar is that top right (blue and white one?) love it

[@seikatsu4life]

That's a knaggs I believe he has a video on it somewhere on his channel, it could be on his second channel where he interviews the guys at knaggs guitar

[@Jamaicangurl81]

@@seikatsu4life thank you for responding! I'll go check it out

[@Nicholas211]

Love it, Purple Haze!

[@KevOppelt]

yay first live show!!!!

[@pro_zack90]

I love my Q52. I might have to check this one out.

[@Mcchubz]

March shipment. got it coming

[@icenic_wolf]

Now if only they'd make it headless...

[@packmxn]

completely unrelated - the Ibanez is a beautiful guitar but I’m dying to know what that teal and white bad boy is hanging in the top left corner. Anyone have any idea?