Just got my FlatV-1 yesterday. Absolutely fantastic guitar!!! It shows how much thought Josh put into it. Sounds, feels and plays fantastic and the build quality is outstanding. Love it!!!
@@jimkiousis the neck is very comfortable. It's pretty thick. It's thicker than my Strat but feels nice in your hand. It's not a slim neck that you usually associate with Ibanez. It's not too far off my LP. I was surprised at first but it's extremely comfortable to play. The pickups are amazing. They're a little hotter than any I've played on a Tele but not crazy high output either. The bridge has a really nice bite to it with loads of clarity but it won't take your head off or be very ice picky. It's bright without being brittle. There's no problem with it cutting through a band mix. The neck pickup is very warm and full sounding. I found that I kept them both the height they came from the factory (kind of medium height) and they really sing. But it's without question the best Tele I've ever played. Hope that helps!
It's only available for pre-order anywhere I've seen. It sucks but I pre-ordered one. Tired of fenders crap American lineup and the even worse price for guitars that play like crap and sound terrible. Love v necks and thats hard to find In general outside of custom shops. I love custom shop fender guitars but I'm not buying another custom shop too expensive. ButT truly second to none in my opinion. I'd rather have a custom shop tele than this but for 2500 for these specs is insane
Really amazing when companies let someone design Everything in their signature models. Great of him stopping by & showing how great they sound together. Another great review !!!!!
Love the demo style and tone! Don't really know your catalog but will listen more for your stuff after this demo. Thanks Josh n Sweetwater! Made my Sunday afternoon.
Josh is one of the best players of our time and also seems like a super nice guy, so I'm happy that he gets the appreciation he deserves. Imo Fender really screwed up not making a signature Tele with him and letting him go to Ibanez, especially considering the plethora of other sigs and (sometimes) weird limited models Fender is putting out the last couple of years...
Love it! At about 6:15 through 6-26, when Josh starts with the chicken-picking he goes from an almost piano sound to brash organ...with just the guitar, amp and his well-trained fingers.
I remember testing out amps and playing with josh in the early 90's at the local pawn shop/music store in Florida.... lol.. he's really gone a long way from those days!
Neat how the treble side of the pickup is the lower. Gonna think of why this might be. Sounds good to me, that is likely on account of the quality of his guitar work first and foremost.
Stunning, it's great to see Ibanez making more traditional designs again. I really like the stylistic look of this guitar is a lot more attractive than a traditional tele and also the modern modded series of F gear
my first guitar was a robin. still have it. then went to a usa fender custom shop guitar. the body is the only thing left. mex back up had two teles. but i recently found you. i met joe when we both were 16 when he was with bloodline. i hadnt played one of your signature. but im tellin you right now i want one. i hope u dont mind if i sand it down and paint it the color i want it will be a surprise but i know n Joe will love it. being a gatton fan. Miko Curtis Tulsa Ok.
The neck pickup looks to me to be bigger than a normal neck pickup. I may be completely wrong but that's the way it looks to me. Also for someone known to play with really high action & big strings. It looks like the neck pickup is almost flush with the pickguard. I'm sure it's not, but it does look like the neck pickup & possibly the bridge as well are both set really low. I'd be really curious to know what Josh's action & pickup height settings are.
The only thing is the top horn- I've always hated that jabbing me in the solar plexus. This one is prominent and so not for me, especially sitting down. I would've cut an inch off. Anyway, good luck with it.
Hi, Jakollee! Thanks for your message, hope you're well, Happy Holidays! The Boost is only available via the switch near the control knobs. It's meant to be a set and forget when you can't turn the the volume up. Please contact us direct with other questions as you have them! Robert Williams, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 2371, robert_williams@sweetwater.com
This guy could plug into a pile of cow dung with a rubber guitar and it would sound great. What a virtuoso! Nicely done, and congratulations on your success in superb endorsement deals with great manufacturers. This guy is big league... 1 in a million player.
josh is such a dynamic player. Love the new new guitar, but while the "bent carrot" pickguard (to quote the TV ad for a urology medication) may make ergonomic sense, it really is not a very aesthetic detail.
I hear what you're saying. I didn't care for the banana control plate much at first. But it's starting to grow on me. It is refreshing they actually produced a unique control plate, rather than just settle for an existing, seventy year old design.
@@REM1956 I'm sure Robo-tuners made sense at Gibson as well :) In all seriousness, a phallic shaped steel plate is a pretty jarring appointment whatever the ergonomic, and I think it's a big turn off for a lot of people whom otherwise might consider a Josh Smith T-style clone. It would have looked better from an aesthetic design sense without the plate and keeping the controls in his desired position. I suspect that if we get a mass market (Ibanez prestige) level version of this vintage style telecaster model, they might offer a more traditional plate shape
Amazing player at the top of his game. Sounds great. Wonder if in 2090 it will be as classic as a 52 tele? Anyway a 52 tele will be 138 years old then. Oh my good God, I hope my kids will look after my guitars and pass them on.
Aesthetically speaking, The Ibanez T style guitar is one of the ugliest shapes in history. But my man Josh knows how to make it sing!! Josh is awesome!!
Beg to differ here.. Much prefer this looks over a classic Fender. But I haven't tried playing it, if it doesn't feel fit for me then I'm just gonna stick with Fender
a princeton and tele is a one trick pony if you are. Any player worth their weight can make a rig like that do anything, and they do...thats why its one of the most seen combos in virtually every studio, wielded by the best session musicians. The best players need gear thats clear and reliable so they can do their thing, not the other way around. If you are relying on gear to make you sound more versatile youre simply not a versatile player..
@@Ottophil Sure my low watt amps are Mesa Boogie Mark V 25 and a TransAtlantic TA-15. Both much better, more versatile and lighter than anything Fender make. My guitars are 1 Fender Tele, 1 Strat, SG and 2 Gretsch. Are you aware of how many Tele and Princeton clones have been made the past 40 years - literally 1000s :)
Two pieces of gear critical in shaping Josh Smith’s signature sound 🔥 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more videos like this one!
Just got my FlatV-1 yesterday. Absolutely fantastic guitar!!! It shows how much thought Josh put into it. Sounds, feels and plays fantastic and the build quality is outstanding. Love it!!!
How much ??
Nice pick !! Tell us more about the neck compared to a fender and the pickups ! Thanks
@@jimkiousis the neck is very comfortable. It's pretty thick. It's thicker than my Strat but feels nice in your hand. It's not a slim neck that you usually associate with Ibanez. It's not too far off my LP. I was surprised at first but it's extremely comfortable to play. The pickups are amazing. They're a little hotter than any I've played on a Tele but not crazy high output either. The bridge has a really nice bite to it with loads of clarity but it won't take your head off or be very ice picky. It's bright without being brittle. There's no problem with it cutting through a band mix. The neck pickup is very warm and full sounding. I found that I kept them both the height they came from the factory (kind of medium height) and they really sing. But it's without question the best Tele I've ever played. Hope that helps!
@@JimmyDel thank you and enjoy your new instrument !
It's only available for pre-order anywhere I've seen. It sucks but I pre-ordered one. Tired of fenders crap American lineup and the even worse price for guitars that play like crap and sound terrible. Love v necks and thats hard to find In general outside of custom shops. I love custom shop fender guitars but I'm not buying another custom shop too expensive. ButT truly second to none in my opinion. I'd rather have a custom shop tele than this but for 2500 for these specs is insane
I’m simultaneously inspired and depressed when I watch Josh play…dude is an animal; LOVE his playing!!!
Really amazing when companies let someone design Everything in their signature models. Great of him stopping by & showing how great they sound together. Another great review !!!!!
And then he doesnt even use it live lol.
I bought a JS12 through Sweewater and left a review. My only amp for 18 months. Love it so much. Thanks Josh!
Man, I haven’t wanted an Ibanez in such a while. This guitar really changed my mind. Great job, Josh!
Consistently a mind blowing guitarist! Both guitar and amp sound 👍
Love the demo style and tone! Don't really know your catalog but will listen more for your stuff after this demo. Thanks Josh n Sweetwater! Made my Sunday afternoon.
Great sound from both! Love the bite the pickups have!
Such excellent, timeless chops.
Josh is one of the best players of our time and also seems like a super nice guy, so I'm happy that he gets the appreciation he deserves. Imo Fender really screwed up not making a signature Tele with him and letting him go to Ibanez, especially considering the plethora of other sigs and (sometimes) weird limited models Fender is putting out the last couple of years...
Be glad they didn't because the only thing he would be able to choose would be maybe the colour.. The rest would be like every other telly.
I met Josh a few months ago..nice guy.
❤❤❤❤
You guys are killing lately with these interviews! Btw, your my goto online retailer for music gear!🎸
Love it! At about 6:15 through 6-26, when Josh starts with the chicken-picking he goes from an almost piano sound to brash organ...with just the guitar, amp and his well-trained fingers.
Yeah, I heard that piano to organ sound, right about 6:17, unbelievable tone Josh gets, just guitar into amp!
Yet another great demo from sweetwater ~ fabulous 👍
The rig sounds great.
I remember testing out amps and playing with josh in the early 90's at the local pawn shop/music store in Florida.... lol.. he's really gone a long way from those days!
Was totally not expecting the Rush chord (F#sus4) when you through that in.
Neat how the treble side of the pickup is the lower. Gonna think of why this might be. Sounds good to me, that is likely on account of the quality of his guitar work first and foremost.
I can’t wait for these pickups to be released
Sounds great. Like both the amp and the guitar.
Josh is indeed, a virtuoso.
Stunning, it's great to see Ibanez making more traditional designs again. I really like the stylistic look of this guitar is a lot more attractive than a traditional tele and also the modern modded series of F gear
I know right ?? When they used to to make almost exact copies by the way I love those old law suit models
Looks and of course sounds amazing.
my first guitar was a robin. still have it. then went to a usa fender custom shop guitar. the body is the only thing left. mex back up had two teles. but i recently found you. i met joe when we both were 16 when he was with bloodline. i hadnt played one of your signature. but im tellin you right now i want one. i hope u dont mind if i sand it down and paint it the color i want it will be a surprise but i know n Joe will love it. being a gatton fan. Miko Curtis Tulsa Ok.
The neck pickup looks to me to be bigger than a normal neck pickup. I may be completely wrong but that's the way it looks to me. Also for someone known to play with really high action & big strings. It looks like the neck pickup is almost flush with the pickguard. I'm sure it's not, but it does look like the neck pickup & possibly the bridge as well are both set really low. I'd be really curious to know what Josh's action & pickup height settings are.
The only thing is the top horn- I've always hated that jabbing me in the solar plexus. This one is prominent and so not for me, especially sitting down. I would've cut an inch off. Anyway, good luck with it.
Guitar and amp sound amazing! Is the boost foot-switchable?
Hi, Jakollee! Thanks for your message, hope you're well, Happy Holidays!
The Boost is only available via the switch near the control knobs. It's meant to be a set and forget when you can't turn the the volume up.
Please contact us direct with other questions as you have them!
Robert Williams, Senior Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 2371, robert_williams@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater Thanks for your reply, makes sense. Happy Holidays to you as well!
This guy could plug into a pile of cow dung with a rubber guitar and it would sound great. What a virtuoso! Nicely done, and congratulations on your success in superb endorsement deals with great manufacturers. This guy is big league... 1 in a million player.
josh is such a dynamic player. Love the new new guitar, but while the "bent carrot" pickguard (to quote the TV ad for a urology medication) may make ergonomic sense, it really is not a very aesthetic detail.
I hear what you're saying. I didn't care for the banana control plate much at first. But it's starting to grow on me. It is refreshing they actually produced a unique control plate, rather than just settle for an existing, seventy year old design.
@@REM1956 I'm sure Robo-tuners made sense at Gibson as well :)
In all seriousness, a phallic shaped steel plate is a pretty jarring appointment whatever the ergonomic, and I think it's a big turn off for a lot of people whom otherwise might consider a Josh Smith T-style clone. It would have looked better from an aesthetic design sense without the plate and keeping the controls in his desired position. I suspect that if we get a mass market (Ibanez prestige) level version of this vintage style telecaster model, they might offer a more traditional plate shape
Bright fizzle sizzle
Love this 👌
Nice harmonics
Amazing player at the top of his game. Sounds great. Wonder if in 2090 it will be as classic as a 52 tele? Anyway a 52 tele will be 138 years old then. Oh my good God, I hope my kids will look after my guitars and pass them on.
Josh rips. Nice gear buddy.
Does he have 13s on it?
When a pro noodles, any reasonable dialed-in gear sounds amazing. That's the real truth.
I got my eye on that guitar ; )
Josh is the man.
I really like that amp! At least I think I do. So hard to tell for sure thru this crappy sound card. But it is on my Radar now.
It’s a grand more than the standard model😳
Which is already overpriced haha. Prices of guitars are out of control. Wait for a used model to hit the market ;)
Josh makes me wanna sell all my gear and pick up baking.
Oh. Good Grief! To quote the late, great George Harrison, “Go, Johnny. Go!” Josh. Can I have my melted face back, please?
That guitar is sick.
i don't geeeetttt why we can't just tac a 22nd fret on there. It doesn't change the toan!
2500 hundred bucks! But it does sound 👍
Big miss from Fender here.
I don't know whether to be Inspired or to hang up my guitar for good!
Aesthetically speaking, The Ibanez T style guitar is one of the ugliest shapes in history. But my man Josh knows how to make it sing!! Josh is awesome!!
Beg to differ here.. Much prefer this looks over a classic Fender. But I haven't tried playing it, if it doesn't feel fit for me then I'm just gonna stick with Fender
Morgan amps have caps that aren't rated for the load and catch on fire. Honestly surprised you're still carrying them after all the notorious fails
But it looks so damn weird !
He is kind of a wizard isn’t he?
Blown away from that guy´s playing…the Guitar…Well, a copy is a copy is a copy
Oh my god 2500$ !! Nope 👎. I’ll take Fender American Original for 1900$ with case and all.
But does it go to 11? 😂
So Ibanez makes a standard Tele ... ho hum. The Morgan amp is probably great if you want a 1 trick pony Princeton clone :)
You sound like you’re fun at parties. Oh gear master please tell us what YOU use since you’re so smart
It's such a cool guitar. Ofc there's some dude on the interwebs moaning about how he doesn't like it anyway.
The Morgan circuit has some similarity to a Princeton, but it is a whole different beast - much louder, and IMO takes pedals better than a Princeton.
a princeton and tele is a one trick pony if you are. Any player worth their weight can make a rig like that do anything, and they do...thats why its one of the most seen combos in virtually every studio, wielded by the best session musicians. The best players need gear thats clear and reliable so they can do their thing, not the other way around. If you are relying on gear to make you sound more versatile youre simply not a versatile player..
@@Ottophil Sure my low watt amps are Mesa Boogie Mark V 25 and a TransAtlantic TA-15. Both much better, more versatile and lighter than anything Fender make. My guitars are 1 Fender Tele, 1 Strat, SG and 2 Gretsch. Are you aware of how many Tele and Princeton clones have been made the past 40 years - literally 1000s :)