Ibanez PA230E Percussive Natural Satin

The new PA acoustic series from Ibanez aims to bring a new level of fine-tuned playability and tone to modern fingerstyle players. This line features a uniquely shaped asymmetrical jumbo body with slightly more surface area on the upper side of the body. This shape generates a rich low end, and offers easier access on the treble side for tapping, making this an optimal design for incorporating percussive elements. The bridge, and body cutaway are also specially shaped making them better suited as tapping surfaces so that multiple sounds and dynamic variations can be incorporated into the percussive playing elements. The PA series also utilizes a multiple pickup system featuring a contact pickup and stereo outputs. This electronics package creates an incredible array of sounds and the pickups are positioned in prime locations to capture the multifaceted nuances of fingerstyle playing.

Ibanez AP11 Magnetic / Contact pickups

The AP11 pickup is small, lightweight and positioned so it won’t inhibit the natural vibrations of the top wood. The pickup generates a highly responsive sound with minimal feedback throughout the entire frequency range. The sound is transparent and reflects the guitar’s natural acoustic tone while preserving presence and mid-range. The AP11 also works well with effects such as reverb, chorus and many others. The Contact pickup consists of three transducers facilitating organic individual note clarity and naturally reproduces percussive body tapping techniques. This pickup also adds an airy depth of tone and brightness to the amplified sound.

Ibanez Custom Electronics w/ Magnetic Pickup Volume and Contact Pickup Volume

Blending the Contact pickup with the Magnetic pickup provides more natural acoustic tone. This pickup combination enhances the depth of the sound and the tonal brightness. It especially excels for solo fingerstyle players or in a small acoustic ensemble.

Dual Outputs (Magnetic/Contact pickup outputs)

Plugged into the endpin jack only: Magnetic pickup + Contact pickup with mixed output Plugged into both the endpin jack and the open jack: Endpin Jack = Magnetic pickup, Open Jack = Contact Pickup

Macassar Ebony top loading bridge

For a better percussive sound, the Macassar Ebony bridge features a top loading system without a bridgepin. It also offers a fast and easy method for string changes.

Asymmetric jumbo body

Developed for modern fingerstyle players, the asymmetric jumbo body features a low-end focused sound and tapping friendly shape

Modified X-M Bracing

With several years spent on research and development, Ibanez ultimately developed the exciting, new X-M bracing design. The carefully designed scalloped X-bracing, features strategically positioned tone and finger braces, which transmit string vibration more efficiently through the bridge to the body, greatly enhancing the quality and projection of the sound. This modified X-M Bracing design creates a highly responsive sound with a wide dynamic range, but it also emphasizes a focused low-end, which perfectly complements modern fingerstyle playing.

25 3/4 inch scale

A 25 3/4 inch scale helps to maintain proper tension and pitch even while down tuning, a technique modern finger players often utilize. This scale-length also delivers improved sustain.