Ibanez - IC420FM-CRS Iceman Cherry Red Sunburst + Housse

The IC420FM-CRS features a three-piece okoume neck with an IC profile, a little rounder than a standard C, designed to maintain a fluid feel throughout the scale. Its satin finish ensures a natural glide, even during fast passages, while the 22 medium frets and jatoba fingerboard deliver a clear, even response throughout the entire range. Each fret, made from acrylic and abalone blocks, captures the light in a subtle way, adding to the instrument's old-school charm. This marriage of woods and finishes creates a guitar that's responsive and balanced, yet still retains the full-bodied tone so dear to Ibanez. It seems to have been crafted to convey every nuance of playing, from subdued picking to strong rhythms, without ever losing comfort or precision.

The IC420FM-CRS's gold hardware enhances its looks and adds a touch of sophistication. The Gibraltar Performer bridge, combined with the Quik Change III tailpiece, guarantees exemplary tuning stability and generous sustain. The combination of these elements, chosen by Ibanez, reinforces the impression of an instrument that is both solid and expressive, capable of traversing all styles without faltering. Once in the hand, the guitar responds with accuracy and character, as if anticipating every playing intention.

Under the covers, the Super 80 ceramic magnet pickups deliver a brilliant attack and tight grain, perfect for bringing out the harmonics or piercing a dense mix. The famous 'Flying Finger' engravings hark back to the golden age of Ibanez and bear witness to an aesthetic care that goes beyond mere sonic performance. The three-position selector offers a wide range of nuances: roundness of the neck pickup, balance of the centre mode, bite of the bridge. Each of the four judiciously positioned control buttons allows you to adjust volume and tone with precision. There's a rare coherence to the ergonomics, as if everything had been thought out so as not to break the dialogue between guitarist and instrument. Every pick stroke is magnified, as sharp as it is elegant.

The Iceman series boasts an assertive style and an assertive personality. The IC420FM-CRS continues this lineage with a unique presence, where flamboyant looks meet modern sonic precision. Its meticulous assembly, from the glued neck to the flamed maple top, is a reminder that at Ibanez, build quality remains a true signature. This is a guitar that exudes stage presence and raw energy, designed for musicians who like to feel their instrument react to every vibration. Behind its shiny finish is a temperament forged to last and inspire for a long time to come.