(SOLD) Ibanez RG9QM 9-String Black Ice 2015
Ibanez RG9QM, black burst, made in Indonesia 2015. I bought this one for shop stock in a trade recently thinking I'd get a funny reaction out of JT, who does most of our setup work around here, and she did not disappoint: "WHY did you buy THAT!?" Well, for a laugh of course, dear JT. So, let's go over some basics for those playing along at home: it has nine strings, and it's tuned E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#-B currently, using a seven string set of strings paired with a pair of short scale bass strings on the lowest notes. It's a 28" scale, the neck is a whisker slimmer than an aircraft carrier runway and it is mercifully equipped with a hardtail bridge. Yes, that lowest note is currently the same note you'd get on a five string bass. Now Ibanez are no dummies, so if anyone could pull off a production model nine string and have the thing make any kind of sense in the hands, it's them. The fret and finish work is great, the neck is super stable and the action is very playable (top marks JT!) Obviously it's a blunt tool if you're aiming to impress your friends with a crisp cover of Wonderwall or Dammit, but as a songwriting or arrangement aide, studio secret thickening sauce, tap-dancing neo-djazz Tosin djamnation influencer or paired in an unholy alliance with a loop pedal, it has a place. Are you the famous djoctor knickerbocker number nine? Welcome to Djentmoot.
Model: Ibanez RG9QM
Made: Indonesia, 2015, (serial I150910350)
Finish: 'black ice' black to grey burst over quilt maple, gloss poly
Body: basswood, quilt maple veneer top
Neck: 5-piece maple/walnut, maple board, 28" scale, 17" radius, D shape, 62mm nut
Weight: 4.225kg
Pickups: Ibanez QM9 humbucker x2
Mods: none
Case: Ibanez wood hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the edges. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear on the back only. The back has a couple of dimples near the neck joint and some light scuffs along the back edge. The sides have a couple of dimples near the jack. The front has a couple of light scuffs near the knobs and behind the bridge, as well as some play 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. The frets have almost wear, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10-62 Ernie Ball strings on strings 1-7, plus a pair of short scale D'Addario bass strings on strings 8-9, tuned 'standard' 1-6 and then B-F#-B on 7-9.