Ibanez - FLATV2-MSN Josh Smith Mint Sand + Etui

With the FLATV2-MSN, Ibanez and Josh Smith have clearly decided not to do things by halves. The alder body, well known for its tonal balance, responds here with accuracy and clarity, whether you're playing with your fingers or a tired pick. The resonance is felt right down to the deepest bass, and it's easy to see why this model was designed to take you from hairy blues to hushed jazz without breaking a sweat. This isn't a guitar: it's a playground that adapts to your current mood.

The Ibanez FLATV2-MSN's S-TECH steamed maple neck combines an old-school soft V profile with a contemporary finish that feels great in the hand, even after hours of bending. The feel is immediate, fluid and almost companionable. The frets? Nothing sticks out, the edges are hand-polished. Not to mention the Luminlay markers that won't let you down, even on a stage with questionable lighting.

The HS configuration of this FLATV2-MSN by Ibanez doesn't pretend to cover ground. The humbucker on the neck adds an almost mellow warmth, like a velvet cushion, while the simple coil on the bridge stands in stark contrast to its biting brilliance. In between, the middle position surprises with an unexpected blend of fatness and snap. It's the kind of palette you'll want to hear more of, especially when the urge to switch from a bluesy solo to a more country riff strikes without warning.

When it comes to stability, the FLATV2-MSN is no slouch. The Gotoh F1803 bridge holds the tuning without flinching and ensures a good note hold, while the oil-bath tuning machines handle mood swings without batting an eyelid. Like to tinker with your tuning? It lets you do it, but reminds you who's holding the neck.

If you tend to carry your guitar around more often than your keys, the Ibanez FLATV2-MSN comes with a hard case, because staircases and car boots are rarely havens of peace for sensitive electronics. It's a minor detail, especially when you start taking it everywhere.