As for the fundamentals, both guitars have solid alder bodies topped with flame maple. Both have a 25.5” scale, with 12” radius jatoba fretboards seating 24 extra-jumbo stainless steel frets.

Yes, it’s a decorative flourish that Ibanez has applied to other high-profile models – e.g. for Polyphia’s Tim Henson – but Passionflower motif, which graces the Macasser ebony fingerboard from the ...