JS1BK

Details & History

Details & History

Don't for get to check out Oli's website, great site. Thanks Oli.

This black beauty is the guitar that started my Ibanez addiction. It is also my most frequently played live guitar: a marvellous Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS1BK bought in 1993.

The serial number is J 002512 stamped on the neck plate. On these so-called "J"-plates the usual Ibanez dating key fails. The JS series is obviously serialized by ascending production numbers. According to the JS expert Rich Harris, it was most likely built in 1992, like all HSH-equipped JS1's.

The JS series was developed by Joe Satriani in cooperation with Ibanez's North Hollywood/LA based Custom Shop in the late 1980's. The first Ibanez guitars Joe played as an endorser were custom made instruments based on the 540P "Power" (as seen on various record covers) and finally the 540R "Radius" line featuring custom wound DiMarzio pickups and vintage neck dimensions. In 1990 the first JS signature guitars were released, including a limited run JS3 with graphic design by artist Donnie Hunt and a stunning chrome plated JS2CH, which was quickly discontinued after ca. 2 dozen pieces due to severe finish problems. All of them featured the DiMarzio "FRED" at bridge position, which was constructed expressively for Joe.

Compared to the Radius model, the JS has slightly downscaled in all dimensions. It has a somewhat thinner and more asymmetric body shape and a one-piece neck with a straight non-tilted headstock. The fingerboard shows a noticeably smaller radius that makes it necessary to be compensated by different shims under the vibrato saddles. Modern JS1000 guitars even feature a multi-radius fretboard and a digitised neck shape taken from one of Joe's favourite axes. Unfortunately, the frets do not match the multi-radius; which leads to high action. To make the frets match the board, a skilled luthier has to file them down which costs extra money.

The JS1 (later JS1000) with HSH-configuration was produced exclusively in the years 1992 and 1993, which makes my guitar a little special. In 1990-1991 and from 1994 to today it comes with two humbuckers. The master himself never seemed to play any of the HSH models; at least I never noticed in songbooks, CD booklets or his homepage photo section. In my opinion the HSH JS was only intended to calm down Ibanez fans and customers, because the Radius series was no longer manufactured after 1992.

In fact this particular guitar is one of the most versatile and best playable instruments I have; a real work horse for gigs, rehearsals, studio situations. It has proved to be suitable for any music style: from crispy funky sounds, warm jazz chords to heavy screamin' distortion. Because of the reduced weight and extremely ergonomic shape, you won't get shoulder problems even after long playing periods on stage or anywhere.

Great comments. Thanks again Oli.

Details & History

Notice the missing centre pick up in this later 91-2 version