Paul Stanley & Ibanez Together Again

[elduave]

Want. Whatever it is.

http://www.guitarworld.com/ibanez-introduces-paul-stanley-signature-guitar

[Biz Prof]

Interesting. Paul has quite a history of signature models for a lad who brings minor league skills to a major league show.

[cmatthes]

Glad to see that model back after all the shitty crap he's been endorsing for the last couple of decades...

[JohnnyB]

Glad to see that model back after all the shitty crap he's been endorsing for the last couple of decades...

Whatever could you possibly mean?

[velorush]

Let me just say: I LOVE THE ICEMAN!

I wanted one ever since I saved my allowance money and brought this home from WalMart:

I just had to have one, but the problem was (and I didn't figure this out until the 90's) I was certain it was a Gibson because on "Dressed to Kill" and probably others (DTK is the only other one I lay hands on right now) it states clearly, "KISS uses Gibson Guitars because they want the best." I didn't know any better and it wasn't like I knew anyone I could actually ask.

IMO one of the coolest shapes ever.

[cmatthes]

I had one of the 1992/3 20th Anniversary PS-10s, autographed by Paul. Loved everything about it, but the way it played (stiff feeling), and hated the pickups. But everything else...guess I remember why I sold it.

I do want to try out the new version.

[RobB]

Did PS have anything to do with the design of the Iceman? I think I recall a Japanese magazine (or Greco) had a "design guitar for Cheap Trick" contest and the winner was the one RNielsen holds on "Budokan?"

[elduave]

I don't think there's a connection with Greco/Rick in creation. The model from the contest is not an Iceman shape. The Iceman began as an Artist 2663 model, associated with Steve Miller.

[cmatthes]

The "Iceman" was the renamed Artist model from '75 or so. The Nielsen model was a blue Greco Mirage - same guitar.

I think the guitar from the design contest was a cherry sunburst Greco one with a Vee head and bowtie inlays. I think the idea for the later "Uncle Dick" guitar also came from that contest.

[RobB]

Thanks, guys, for the clarification. Chalk it up to age/narcotics...

[cmatthes]

You say it like those are bad things.

[JohnnyB]

I don't think there's a connection with Greco/Rick in creation. The model from the contest is not an Iceman shape. The Iceman began as an Artist 2663 model, associated with Steve Miller.

For example ... ?

[RobB]

The "Iceman" was the renamed Artist model from '75 or so. The Nielsen model was a blue Greco Mirage - same guitar.

I think the guitar from the design contest was a cherry sunburst Greco one with a Vee head and bowtie inlays. I think the idea for the later "Uncle Dick" guitar also came from that contest.

Right, of course. Pg. 143 from “GOTS.” The Mirage is on the preceding page. Funny how familiar images can cross a few wires in the brain. I DO remember (now) a mid-70s Ibanez catalog with SMiller/Artist page.

Always one of my fave Ibby shapes. They make such nice guitars now that I hope they reprise the Iceman again. Quality (and price) should be through the roof.

[LucSulla]

You wanted the best, but you got a Silvertone.

[Disturber]

I never listened to any of Paul Gilberts music. Back in Mr Big's hayday I really thought they were a lame band, and then he had to be lame too. I know he plays many notes per minute, that is about all. And that he makes product videos for Dimarzio. He seems like a really nice guy, from those videos. So I don't think he is that lame any more Guess we both grew up, huh!

When I saw this Ibanez it is the first of their guitars that I liked since I saw Paul with the Iceman back in the 70's. It is an Iceman cousin, very cool.

Icemans are the coolest Ibanez guitars ever made. To bad most of the other Ibanez stuff are just meedley mee stuff with pink pickups, wang bars and ugly finishes. They just lost the plot when poodle rock entered the arena.

I had a killer white 3 pickup Ibanez SG, with the old Ibanez logo, in the early 80's. That was one guitar I shoulda kept.

[HAMERMAN]

Steve Miller played Iceman's? That's why I love this place, you learn something new every day! :-)

[Steve Haynie]

The 1992 Paul Stanley Iceman reissues had a different body contour, binding, and hardware from the original run. In 1995 Ibanez put out another run with all the details correct to the 70's version with the exception of a gun metal gray metallic finish instead of black. There were more guitars in the 1995 limited run than the 1992 limited run.

I had one of those 1995 models. It had glue over the abalone purfling. The neck felt like it hit a step with a very noticeable angle change on the back of the neck. It would not play in tune, possible because a nut was cut too high. My hero's guitar was in my hands, and it was flawed. That guitar was sold.

If a flawless Iceman, Paul Stanley model or not, could end up in my collection again I would jump on it. That body style is comfortable as can be in addition to looking cool.

[LordOfTheThighs]

Steve Miller played Iceman's? That's why I love this place, you learn something new every day! :-)

Its been said he recorded "Jet Airliner" on his Iceman. He used it the "Fly Like An Eagle" album.

[Tres Aardvarks]

I never listened to any of Paul Gilberts music. Back in Mr Big's hayday I really thought they were a lame band, and then he had to be lame too. I know he plays many notes per minute, that is about all. And that he makes product videos for Dimarzio. He seems like a really nice guy, from those videos. So I don't think he is that lame any more Guess we both grew up, huh!

When I saw this Ibanez it is the first of their guitars that I liked since I saw Paul with the Iceman back in the 70's. It is an Iceman cousin, very cool.

Icemans are the coolest Ibanez guitars ever made. To bad most of the other Ibanez stuff are just meedley mee stuff with pink pickups, wang bars and ugly finishes. They just lost the plot when poodle rock entered the arena.

I had a killer white 3 pickup Ibanez SG, with the old Ibanez logo, in the early 80's. That was one guitar I shoulda kept.

Even from the first Mr Big album, I liked Paul. I'd heard Racer X but couldn't get into it, especially the singer. It was obvious though that the guy had a real sense of humor, and wanted to write songs not just shred. A lot of Mr Big's stuff was pretty bland (although the songwriting got better on the second album), but his solo albums are a lot of fun. He also really likes guitars, and weird guitars. His signature Ibanez (with a hardtail) was the Ibby I wanted the most!

[Armitage]

I had a '78 PS-10 and while it was the coolest looking guitar, the way the neck attached to the body was terrible. The neck just started getting thicker at about the 12th fret until the body.

[tbonesullivan]

He's a BIG NAME, which is why he can get custom models from various makers. KISS was, after all, thinking about marketting from the get go. They have an image, many fans, and the ability to sell guitars. It's not like he's the only non guitar god to have a signature guitar.

[diablo175]

Sam Totman from Dragon Force plays his own sig version. Have been sorely tempted to acquire one but white and trans blue just don't do it for me.

[Biz Prof]

Steve Miller played Iceman's? That's why I love this place, you learn something new every day! :-)

Its been said he recorded "Jet Airliner" on his Iceman. He used it the "Fly Like An Eagle" album.

I like that "Bingo Jed had a Lighter" song, too.

[tomteriffic]

I don't think there's a connection with Greco/Rick in creation. The model from the contest is not an Iceman shape. The Iceman began as an Artist 2663 model, associated with Steve Miller.

For example ... ?

This is the one I first saw, triplebucker and all. I wanted that one soooo bad! I need one like a fish needs a bicycle but if one came my way, I'd be sorely tempted. I didn't know about a Steve Miller connection back then, I just saw it on Mel Bay's wall and damn near did something embarrassing on the spot.

[Biz Prof]

He's a BIG NAME, which is why he can get custom models from various makers. KISS was, after all, thinking about marketting from the get go. They have an image, many fans, and the ability to sell guitars. It's not like he's the only non guitar god to have a signature guitar.

Well, that's all true. Point taken.

Perhaps that explains why Takamine has/had this in its catalog: http://www.takamine.com/guitars/body/om/kc70-kenny-chesney-signature-rosewood-fingerboard-with-case/