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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@PMoisey]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 ;-)

[@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...

[@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.

[@kipponi]

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

[@suzannecoholic1467]

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

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Loved the nod to Holy Diver!

[@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.

[@_patrikjay_]

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

[@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.

[@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).

[@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!!

[@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...

[@Gruppe_11]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@onionheadguy7094]

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

[@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...

[@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!

[@charliedillon1400]

I think Ibanez names their guitars after various tax forms.

[@glennmartin4232]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@stillbreathing9146]

Excellent presentation, covers everything. Thank you.

[@tomrochester7381]

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

[@lacrimau4u]

Guitar necks with slanted frets is made for tapping!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@Can.M.]

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! 💯

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Bring that Dio heat 🔥

[@winstonsmith8240]

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

[@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.

[@portland573]

Another cracking Ibby. Looks and sounds great.

[@snicker576]

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

[@bstoner1300]

Ahhh super excited to see this review!

[@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

[@TarynnElizabeth619]

That is a gorgeous Guitar! The one thing that is always kept me from buying an S series, Ibanez guitar, is that I don’t like that five way switch. Lol! I completely understand because of how slim the guitar is, that is necessary. I love how light that one is as well. ☮️💜😊

[@gtr1952]

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

[@danparry834]

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

[@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.

[@VA3JPX]

So many different sounds out of that git. Wow.

[@billyshears6622]

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

[@MrNbkelly]

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

[@dancortes2164]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@nsiderultimaseth]

Me see fancy Ibanez. Me click.

[@stewy4158]

Great review 👍 nice guitar for my collection 😃

[@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

[@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

[@DJPLAYNICE]

Thanks for the Dive, dude! 🤘🏼

[@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.

[@kennygardner5041]

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

[@PeterPerez.]

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

[@ChaosAttractor13]

I neeeds that GOLD!!!!

[@tankdarla637]

i love s series, although i have never played one

[@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.

[@pro_zack90]

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

[@stephenmenor6557]

My Ibanez QX527PB also has these gold evo frets

[@azdavidza]

That was a wholly great deep dive at 14:58

[@HeadbangoO]

I wish they had more choices in the S series, which to me is their best design. Great guitar but the color and pickups are not in my ballpark 😏

[@jrtme]

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

[@ivanalex1141]

Hey Phil, this review turned out so cool about not so high end guitars that deliver more for the buck; but recently I’ve seen lot of discussion/vids on the Ibanez PIA’s that on the other hand, they smack you with over $3,700 and still they are far from what they should. Would you mind talking about in your next podcast?

[@KevOppelt]

yay first live show!!!!

[@officialWWM]

Sick!

[@TheChicagoTodd]

Looks killer!

[@HighVybeTribe]

My wife loves all 5 positions as well

[@RichardGarcia93]

Woohoo! I love the SA serious.

[@vechap]

Just received one today! :)

[@jayschulz8060]

March shipment. got it coming

[@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 🤩

[@jeffvargo1068]

EVO frets have been around for years..I prefer them over SS frets because they’re warmer sounding and last …just as long as SS…you just have to put up with the gold look….

[@jasonyltan7672]

S series are great guitars, I have an old S570B but they will feel slightly different because of the body thickness. Not for Les Paul or Tele players. I love the fit and finish of this one but can’t get into it for some reason, maybe because I prefer normal wood top natural looking guitars. It is nice of Ibanez to try something new though.

[@icenic_wolf]

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

[@NeuroApathy]

Love it

[@KM-wj5wm]

Looks like a great instrument, though I think you get more value for money with the Cort X700 Mutility. Pretty much same specs with stainless steel frets and fishman fluence pickups.

[@chemo86]

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

[@ctrlcf]

It looks great as a new guitar but I’d worry that it would look really cheap as the gold covering starts to wear away