1978 Ibanez GB10-BS George Benson Signature Model (Pre-owned)
This 1978 Ibanez GB10 represents the early golden era of Ibanez craftsmanship, blending compact jazz ergonomics with premium materials and meticulous Japanese build quality. Designed in collaboration with George Benson, the GB10 delivers a warm, articulate voice thanks to its fully hollow laminated spruce and maple body paired with floating humbuckers that minimise feedback while preserving resonance. Its smaller body size offers exceptional comfort without sacrificing tonal depth.
It's in overall great condition, showing tasteful, honest wear that reflects nearly five decades of careful use. The finish displays light surface scratches and the occasional small ding, all of which are cosmetic and add to the guitar’s authentic vintage character without detracting from its overall presentation. Notably, and unlike many early examples, the binding remains in very good condition.
The pickguard has been professionally replaced due to the well-known “off-gassing” issue common to original guards from this period. The current guard is clean, stable and fits the instrument well.
Two of the machine heads are missing their rear covers; however, all tuners function smoothly and hold pitch reliably, with no impact on performance.
Importantly, the guitar remains structurally sound and plays beautifully, delivering the warm, articulate tone the GB10 is known for. A great opportunity to own an early example with genuine vintage mojo.
Comes with a modern Ibanez hardshell case.
Specifications:
- Body Type: Hollow body
- Top: Laminated spruce
- Back & Sides: Laminated maple
- Neck: 3-piece maple (set-in)
- Fingerboard: Ebony with binding and split block inlays
- Scale Length: 24.75" (628mm)
- Frets: 21 (pre-1979 models)
- Pickups: Dual Ibanez GB Special humbuckers (floating)
- Controls: 2 × volume, 2 × tone, 3-way selector
- Bridge: Ebony adjustable bridge
- Tailpiece: GB10 trapeze-style tailpiece
- Nut: Half bone / half brass
- Hardware: Gold
- Finish: Brown Sunburst
- Origin: Japan (FujiGen factory)
***PHOTOS ARE OF THE ACTUAL GUITAR IN STOCK***