Ibanez JP20 Brown Sunburst 1990 (Joe Pass Signature)
Description
Ibanez JP20 Brown Sunburst 1990 (Joe Pass Signature)
The "JP-20," a full hollow body electric guitar by Ibanez presented in 1982 as a signature model for American jazz guitarist "Joe Pass (ジョー・パス)". Initially manufactured by Fujigen, production was transferred to Terada Gakki around 1986.
The unit we have in stock is a 1990 model from the Terada manufacturing period. Weight is 2.9kg.
It features a full hollow body structure with a full-size single cutaway, arched spruce top (with f-hole), and maple back & sides (multi-binding specification). The neck is a 3-piece maple set-neck joint, with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard with binding and pearl and abalone split-block position markers.
Other characteristics include gold "Ibanez Super 58" humbuckers, height-adjustable ebony bridge and tailpiece, bone nut, tortoiseshell pickguard, "Sure Grip" knobs, and "VelveTune" pegs with pearloid buttons.
This model has different parts depending on the year. In late 1982, "Sure Grip II" knobs were introduced. In 1983, strap pins changed from standard type to V-shaped "Dead End" type. In 1985, "Smooth Tuner II" pegs were adopted, and in 1987, strap pins reverted to standard. As the final change, in 1988, the pegs were changed to "Gotoh SG38".
The pegs on this unit have been replaced with gold-colored Gotoh pegs. (Originals are included, but operation is unconfirmed)
Designed based on a 16-inch D'Aquisto arch-top that Joe owned, it features a 25.5-inch scale and 22-fret fingerboard to match his fingerstyle playing technique, unlike typical jazz guitars. As a result, the pickups are positioned closer to the bridge than on standard jazz guitars, giving it a harder sound characteristic.
The serial number system is also unique: "J" indicates Joe, the combination of the first and last digits indicates the manufacturing year, and the 4 digits in between indicate the production order for that year. After the transition to Terada Gakki, a different system was used, beginning with "H", followed by 1 digit indicating the year, and the next 5 digits indicating the manufacturing number.
Ibanez is a manufacturer known for strong semi-acoustic and hollow body models. Being Japanese-made ensures quality construction. Although production of this model ended in 1990, it has a dedicated fanbase, with outstanding appearance and playability. Highly recommended as a first full-acoustic guitar!
Body dimensions : Width: 405mm / 16" Depth: 70mm / 2¾"
Top Material : Spruce
Binding : Multi-layer cream/black
Back/sides : Maple
Neck joint : Set-in
Bridge : JP special ebony w/ ebony saddle
Tailpiece : JP special ebony
Pickguard : Tortoise
Strap buttons : 1982: Standard (round) / 1983–1986 : Dead end / 1986–1990 : Standard (round)
Knob style : 1982: Sure Grip / 1983–1990 : Sure Grip II
Hardware color : Gold
Neck profile : JP20
Material : 3-piece maple
Scale length : 648mm 25½"
Fingerboard material : Ebony w/ binding
Fingerboard inlays : Pearl and abalone split block
Frets : 22 / medium
Nut : Bone 44.5mm
Machine heads : 1982–1984: Ibanez VelveTune or VelveTune II / 1985–1987 : Ibanez Smooth Tuner II / 1988–1990 : Gotoh SG38
Neck pickup : Ibanez Super 58 passive/alnico
Controls : Global vol / global tone
【Accessories】Hard case (The center strap is broken, making it open both ways, but there is no problem for transportation. Whether it is original is unknown.)
【Appearance & Condition】In addition to dullness of parts, there are signs of use including discoloration and deterioration due to aging, scratches, and small dents on the top.
【Truss Rod】Good clearance
【Frets】Approximately 70% remaining
【Neck】Straight
【Nut Width】Approximately 44.5mm
・If buzzing or dead spots that significantly impair playability or other issues are found, they will always be noted. In the absence of such notes, our store judges the play condition to be without problems.
・If "Original" or "Replaced" etc. are not specifically stated, we do not make definitive judgments regarding specifications or condition.
・Regarding the truss rod, from a product protection perspective, we only check approximately 45 degrees in both the tightening and loosening directions. (When "Good clearance" is noted, it indicates there is approximately 45 degrees of clearance in both directions)
・The posted information is as of the time of listing. Changes may occur due to seasonality and aging.
・Accessories are limited to those shown in the photos and listed on the product page.
・As we conduct sales both in-store and online, items may be sold or under negotiation.
・We cannot accommodate requests for specific delivery time slots.
・For any other questions or if you wish to try the instrument, please use the inquiry form or contact our store email address (mion-gakki@mion.tokyo).
・Our business hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (11:00–18:30).