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#1
06-08-2014, 11:09 PM
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Ibanez SS500 VLS
I've had my eye on the Ibanez SS500, since it came out a few years ago. It appears to be based on the artcore series. It has a beautiful nitrocellulose lacquer finish, solid spruce top, ebony fretboard, and flamed maple back and sides. It also has beautiful maple (I think) binding. The body width is very similar to the George Benson model and AG series Artcores (14.5") but the body depth is a little deeper at 3.125 inches.
Unfortunately, these were only sold in Japan and unfortunately, they seemed to have stopped making it already. I happened to stumble across one on eBay last week and while the price would not be considered a steal, I jumped on the BIN price. I received it on Friday, and have been playing it most of the weekend. It sounds as beautiful as it looks. Couldn't be happier with my purchase. While I do have several Ibanez archtops, this one was a little pricier than the others. It was a bit of risk buying it more or less sight unseen. So I am very grateful that it worked out and that the guitar turned out to be such fine instrument. Here's a few photos (from the eBay ad). Will try to post some video or recordings of it sometime soon. Darryl     
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“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself” — Miles Davis. 
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#2
06-09-2014, 09:24 AM
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Great looking guitar! Is it deeper than the GB models? 15" body?
Enjoy, and play!
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#3
06-13-2014, 08:43 PM
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Thanks AG.
Yes, smaller body like the GB10...14.5" width. The body depth is 3-1/8" a the rim...much deeper than both the GB10 and the GB12/100. Solid spruce top (pressed, not carved). Never had a solid top archtop before. The lacquer finish, maple binding, flame maple...all very nice touches.
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“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself” — Miles Davis.
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#4
03-17-2015, 05:49 PM
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Ibanez SS500
I just got one last week, and wow - I can't put it down. I've never had a solid top archtop before and now, I don't think I could ever go back to a laminate. I couldn't find anything on the Internet about the finish - you say it's lacquer? Are you still digging yours?
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#5
03-17-2015, 09:33 PM
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Quote:
 Congratulations! Glad to hear you are enjoying yours. I see them regularly on eBay now, so I guess more have made over to the U.S. from Japan. I read on Ibanez' Japanese website that the finish was nitrocellulose lacquer. It's my first solid top archtop. I have to say that while I think it sounds beautiful, I haven't picked up the nuances of the solid top as compared to my other electric archtops. Be that as it may, I really am enjoying the tone, fit and finish of this guitar. Enjoy your new axe!
__________________
“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself” — Miles Davis.
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#8
04-08-2015, 12:44 AM
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Quote:
I've played (but have not owned) solid top Benedetto, Tacoma, Ribbecke and Solomon guitars, all of which sounded wonderful acoustically. In this case, while Ibanez made a very beautiful guitar with a wonderful amplified sound, I don't quite see the benefit of the solid top on this specific guitar. Hope that explains a little more about what I meant in my original comment. Cheers!
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“Sometimes you have to play a long time to be able to play like yourself” — Miles Davis.
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#9
04-08-2015, 01:02 AM
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Quote:
Makes things much clearer. 
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#10
04-30-2015, 08:39 PM
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That is a very lovely looking guitar. I haven't been able to find one in the UK. There is an SJ500 for sale which is a larger version.
I am awaiting delivery of an SS300, which appears to be the same spec with a darker stain and a different tail piece. Apart from the fixed pickups it appears very similar to the GB-10 and half the price.
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