I am offering here an Ibanez Artist 2622 from 1978, a handcrafted in Japan vintage solidbody double-cutaway model with solid mahogany body, plain maple top, set mahogany neck with 43mm bone/brass hybrid nut, bound ebony fingerboard with elaborate mother-of-pearl/abalone split-block inlays, two hot Ibanez Super 80 humbucker pickups, including sophisticated electronics with active EQ, high-quality Gibraltar bridge with Gibraltar tailpiece and tuning-stable Velve Tune tuners in a beautifully graded Antique Violin high-gloss finish with elegant gold hardware in excellent collector’s condition, complete with original aluminum hardshell case, manufacturer’s paperwork, and professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings.

The Ibanez Artist Series is one of the most significant Japanese guitar series of the late 1970s and also marks Ibanez’s transition from the so-called “Lawsuit Era” to independently developed, original instruments. Instead of continuing to draw primarily on American classics, Ibanez established its own distinctive design with the Artist models, combining meticulous Japanese craftsmanship with luxurious materials, versatile electronics, and unique construction features. With its particularly elaborate design, the Artist 2622 ranks among the top-of-the-line models in the series and is best known for its use by Steve Miller and Bob Weir (Grateful Dead).

The 2622 is built on a solid mahogany body with a two-piece plain-top maple top, which—together with the set mahogany neck—provides a powerful, sustain-rich fundamental tone. The shorter 628mm scale length, combined with the generous double cutaway design, results in an exceptionally comfortable instrument where even the high frets remain easily accessible. Weighing 4.35kg, the guitar has a substantial, solid feel and produces a correspondingly powerful and resonant fundamental tone.

A deep black ebony fingerboard features elaborate split-block inlays of mother-of-pearl and abalone and is surrounded by creme binding. Together with the elaborately designed headstock, the mother-of-pearl logo, the engraved truss rod cover, and the gold Velve Tune tuners with pearl buttons, these features underscore the distinctly luxurious standards of the Artist Series from that era. The unusual bone/brass hybrid nut combines the tonal characteristics of both materials and is one of the defining details of this era.

The two sought-after original Ibanez Super 80 humbuckers (also known as “Flying Finger” pickups due to their distinctive covers) provide the characteristic sound. They deliver a powerful, overtone-rich humbucker sound with pronounced definition, warm mids, and enough bite for classic rock and fusion sounds.

Particularly interesting is the active electronics—which are exceptionally extensive for an instrument from the late 1970s—and can be optionally activated via a mini switch: In addition to master volume and a boost control, there is an active 3-band EQ with separate bass, midrange, and treble boost and cut controls, as well as an EQ bypass. As a result, the tonal range extends far beyond that of a classically wired HH guitar.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

The solid Ibanez Gibraltar bridge, together with the separate Gibraltar tailpiece, forms an extremely stable unit and contributes to excellent vibration transmission and long sustain. The high-quality Velve Tune Gold tuners also ensure reliable tuning stability.

Visually, the 2622, with its warm, gradient Antique Violin high-gloss finish, is a prime example of the elaborately crafted Japanese luxury guitars of that era. The seven-layer cream-colored body binding, the multi-layered headstock binding, abalone and mother-of-pearl inlays, and the aged gold hardware combine to create a distinctly elegant overall appearance.

Technical Specifications:

• Country of Origin: Japan
• Year Built: 1978
• Body Style: Double Cutaway Solid-Body
• Body: Solid mahogany
• Top: Plain top maple, two-piece
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Neck Profile: Artist
• Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl/abalone split block inlays, bound
• Frets: 22, jumbo
• Nut: 43mm, bone/brass hybrid
• Headstock: Black Face with mother-of-pearl logo inlay and engraved truss rod cover, 3-layer binding
• Bridge: Gibraltar
• Tailpiece: Gibraltar Tailpiece
• Pickups: 2x Ibanez Super 80 humbuckers
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 1x volume and 1x boost control, active 3-band EQ, 1x EQ toggle (active/passive)
• Tuners: VelveTune Gold tuners with pearl buttons
• Hardware: Gold
• Body binding: Cream, 7-ply
• Finish: Antique Violin High Gloss
• Weight: 4.35kg
• Scale length: 628mm
• Serial No.: D787516
• Includes original vintage aluminum hardshell case, manufacturer’s paperwork
  

The Ibanez Artist 2622 was only manufactured from 1977 to 1979 and is accordingly rare, especially in such condition.

This guitar is in excellently maintained condition and technically flawless. Visually, there is occasional age-related wear which blends in well into the vintage patina of the instrument (see photos). The frets are in top condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €29.99 within Germany or for €79.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All photos shown are of the actual instrument for sale.