Ibanez PWM100 Paul Waggoner Model Black Oil 2017
Ibanez PWM100, black oil, made in Japan 2017. This sleek riffstick is the signature model for Paul Waggoner, chief shredlord for USA progressive act Between the Buried and Me. They're a wild band: huge changes, big soundscapes, dynamics ranging from whisper-quiet winding sections to proper death metal crushes. Paul was playing Ibanez S Series guitars for a while, before switching to Paul Reed Smith for a bit, and then bringing a bit of that PRS-feel to his signature Ibanez. The body is slim, but at 44mm, it's notably thicker than a regular S series, while still weighing in at a featherlight 3.3kg. The neck is a little thicker than a regular Wizard neck too, kinda similar to a PRS 'Wide/Thin' shape: still very quick and on the slim side, but not that super flat slim D shape common on Prestige RG models etc. I reckon those changes add up brilliantly: it feels great. The satin finish, natural balance and millimeter-perfect build make this thing feel extremely easy in the hands. The ash grain on show is pretty too, it's a bit snazzier than a standard flat black while maintaining a suitably mean look. The pickups are by Mojotone, who make Paul's signature Hornet set: passive humbuckers, with a ceramic magnet for the bridge and a more calm and measured alnico magnet for the neck, with a coil-split via the mini toggle. The tone is great: clear and warm on the neck, thick and angular on the bridge. These have been discontinued for a couple of years now, so they're not that easy to find... get on the wagon while it's in town.
Model: Ibanez PWM100 Paul Waggoner Model
Made: 2017, Japan, Fujigen Gakki
Serial: F1724125
Finish: black oil
Body: ash, 44mm deep
Neck: maple/bubinga, rosewood fretboard, PWM profile: little rounder/meatier than a standard Wizard
Weight: 3.350kg
Mods: trem arm replaced, original missing
Pickups: Mojotone Hornet humbucker set, ceramic bridge, alnico neck
Accessories: non-original SKB case, original manual, trem arm (slightly bent)
Cosmetic Condition Notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only, no major marks. The back has some scuffs near the neck join and elbow area. The sides have rub wear in the elbow area and some dimples near the jack. The front has minor dimples around the jack and bridge and some minor play wear on the horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)
Playing Condition Notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing 12/60 D'Addario strings in drop B.
Fret Life: 9/10, minor wear only