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1980 Ibanez JP-20 Joe Pass Model
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Serial #: J801964, Joe Pass signed label
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 3/4" Body depth: 2 3/4"
Materials: Bookmatched arched laminate spruce top, bookmatched arched laminate flame maple back and sides; three-piece solid maple neck with adjustable truss rod; 22 fret solid ebony fingerboard; mother of pearl fingerboard and peghead inlay; multi-bound body, headstock and fingerboard, bound f-holes.
Hardware: Original gold plated hardware includes adjustable humbucking pickup, sealed tuners with ebony keys; contoured Macassar ebony tailpiece; adjustable compensated ebony bridge; bound ebony pickguard; gold volume and tone knobs.
Notes: Born in 1929, Pennsylvania native Joe Pass became one of the most influential jazz guitarists in the history of the instrument. With a superlative command of chord melody, interwoven by intricate single note fills, Pass created a pianistic stand-alone style that has defined solo jazz guitar to this day. An unparalleled accompanist and ensemble player as well, Pass performed in the A-List roster of jazz greats, producing timeless recordings with Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson among many others.
The Ibanez JP-20 Joe Pass Model was introduced in this model year, and produced in limited quantities until 1991. Designed in collaboration with British guitar impresario Maurice Summerfield, the JP-20 was adapted from Pass' own Jimmy D'Aquisto hand built guitar. Taking the workhorse ES-175 as a starting point, the JP-20 added subtle touches that improved response, playability and comfort. The 16" body is trimmed to a sleek 2 3/4" depth for comfort under the arm, and the scale extended to a full 25 1/2" for added snap. The slim depth, gently flattened D profile neck has a generous 1 3/4" nut to facilitate fingerstyle play, and the fingerboard and cutaway are extended to 22 frets for maximum range. The fully arched laminated construction resists feedback, assists sustain, and reduces weather sensitivity, while the 12 pole built-in humbucking pickup permits wider adjustment for a greater variety of string types.
This stunning example from October of 1980 is from the first year of production, and was hand signed by the artist himself. The guitar has been preserved in superb 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Action is effortless over freshly dressed original medium jumbo fretwork, and the tone is clean, rich and sweet through the amp, with a surprisingly respectable acoustic voice as well.
(On a personal note, we were deeply privileged to have Joe as an occasional dinner companion, jam buddy, and mentor here at archtop.com. His impeccable musicality and unfailing generosity are fondly remembered by all who knew him, and will always be a tremendous source of inspiration for us. Joe Lives!)
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original Ibanez deluxe brown arched plushlined hardshell case.
