George Benson GB 100 or GB 12 or GB 10?

AprilSwiftHerbst · #1 04-23-2011, 06:48 PM

I bought my husband 3 guitars so far:

Gibson ES 175
George Benson GB 200
George Benson GB 10

Now i would like to buy the 4th one for my husband's birthday so should i get: Ibanez GB 12 or Ibanez GB 100?

Where do i also buy Polytone Amp for my husband?

I would like to surprise Tyrone with either a GB 12 or GB 100...

If anyone could help it would be great thank you so much.

We are from Newport Beach California and Honolulu Hawaii.

I bought my husband an Ibanez GB10 for his birthday but it turned out to be the wrong guitar

I was meant to buy him the Ibanez GB100

or was it GB 12 i cant remember but it has deeper wider body compared to GB 10.

I know it is either Ibanez GB12 or Ibanez GB 100 that he had dreamt of for so long.
I cant seem to find GB 100 or the GB 12 anywhere does anyone know if i could order it direct from Ibanez? i don't want to buy from shops because of scams and stuff.

If anyone has anyone info please give me a call i am urgently trying to buy him another one for his birthday in a August.

Please call us on either numbers:
April Swift Herbst email: m3.chick@hotmail.com
Tyrone Lee email: tlee2009@hotmail.com
+1(949) 612-2952 Newport Beach CA USA
+1(808) 664-3318 Honolulu Hawaii

Thank you.

barrymclark · #2 04-23-2011, 09:10 PM

First off, you're an awesome wife!

Second, you could probably call any Ibanez dealer near you (where ever you may be) and they could get one in.

I know the GB200 is deeper... but I don't anything about the 100 or 12. Sorry.

I have always just looked for used Polytones at local shops or on eBay so I am not sure where else you can get one other than the online dealers of new ones and even then, I can't tell you how they stand up to the classic ones.

goshawk · #3 04-23-2011, 10:16 PM

As far as I know, the GB-12 was a special, 12th anniversary model and isn't available any longer. I've heard it described as a "tricked out" version of the GB-10; I do know that Benson used GB-12s when he toured for quite a while. I've seen the GB-100 referred to as a "reissue" of the GB-12, but I'm not sure it's sold in the US.

If you haven't already, your best bet might be to try ibanezcollectors.com. Here's a link to a thread comparing the GB-12 and GB-100

Ibanez Collectors World: GB12/100 comparison

docbop · #4 04-23-2011, 10:19 PM

They also made a GB20 for a few years it was the first larger body Benson model. I that is what I play and they are nice.

M-ster · #5 04-24-2011, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrymclark

First off, you're an awesome wife!

+ 1,000,000

Wow!

Pierrot · #6 04-24-2011, 01:54 AM

For me, and after having owned a GB100 and this one, the GB 15.
I never used the bridge PU on the 100.

AprilSwiftHerbst · #7 04-25-2011, 11:23 AM

Yeah i was meant to buy the GB 100 for the hubby but the salesman gave us the wrong one

been looking at guitar shops all over the world and none of them have GB12 or GB100

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrymclark

First off, you're an awesome wife!

Second, you could probably call any Ibanez dealer near you (where ever you may be) and they could get one in.

I know the GB200 is deeper... but I don't anything about the 100 or 12. Sorry.

I have always just looked for used Polytones at local shops or on eBay so I am not sure where else you can get one other than the online dealers of new ones and even then, I can't tell you how they stand up to the classic ones.

Thank you

phatdude · #8 07-17-2011, 09:07 PM

I've got a GB12 for sale in LA - shoot me p.m. if you're still interested!

jorgemg1984 · #9 07-18-2011, 09:46 AM

If you can get an old polytone, 80s or 70s, just make sure they are working. They sound much better than the new ones with the sonic circuit and are much cheaper.

AprilSwiftHerbst · #10 07-20-2011, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatdude

I've got a GB12 for sale in LA - shoot me p.m. if you're still interested!

Do you have photos of the guitar? and how much?

AprilSwiftHerbst · #11 07-20-2011, 08:17 AM

YouTube Video

I got ibanez to build is a custom GB10 with a GB12 body and the 30th Anniversary special inlay. Cost me a lot more but it's the only way and they said they will only do this one off guitar.

BigMikeinNJ · #12 07-20-2011, 09:05 AM

Well you are a cool wife, my wife always supports me when I find something worthy of being added to the small collection.

I was going to say that these don't come along very often, and that is pretty accurate. BUT I looked on eBay and there is this GB12 with a BIN at about $2400.00 which is pretty good (I'm a very long term member of the ICW and familiar with the rarity and pricing).

Ibanez GB-12 George Benson Guitar | eBay

and there is a 2nd GB12 with a starting bid about $500.00 more.

Ibanez George Benson GB12 Archtop Jazz Guitar | eBay

The one with a BIN of $2400.00 looks pretty doggone nice. And what another poster said earlier that the GB12 came first and the GB100 was sort of a reissue is spot on correct... I'd love one of those myself, but my DREAM GB would be a GBY2K - really rare but it floats my boat.

If you pass on either of these and later decide to buy do contact dealers like Archtops.Com and Greuhn's Guitars and ask them to put you on their WANT LIST - they are both very well networked with other dealers and collectors and can find you one. Also MEESTURSPARKLE on eBay is in Japan and he runs a GB12 or GB100 every so often, look him up and contact him - when he runs an ad you get to see the guitar from every single angle you can imagine. There is never any doubt what you will get. Fast shipping - EMS gets it to you in about 3-4 days - many times better than what an American seller will provide (but for a small price).

WOW a GB-12... (envy, envy !!)

phatdude · #13 07-20-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Today 08:16 AM AprilSwiftHerbst Quote:
Originally Posted by phatdude

I've got a GB12 for sale in LA - shoot me p.m. if you're still interested!

Do you have photos of the guitar? and how much?

Yes - that's my eBay ad that BigMikeinNJ said was "Pretty doggone nice"

->Ibanez GB-12 George Benson Guitar | eBay

AprilSwiftHerbst · #14 07-20-2011, 02:09 PM

IS the guitar in the youtube video any good?

I saw a lot of GB12 without serial number on the back of the head stock are they fake?

Here are our little collection so far:

YouTube Video

BigMikeinNJ · #15 07-20-2011, 02:53 PM

I looked at the photos of the GB12s currently on eBay and both have the serial number stamped on the back of the headstock.
As for the video on YouTube is that guitar even for sale ??
I think you would be wise to ask any seller for more photos if you can't see some aspect of the guitar you are interested in. I do feel both ads present the guitars for sale well and the sellers honestly state their condition. The higher priced one is within the range these guitars fetch.
These days people are selling the standard GB10s for anywhere between $1500.00 and $3000.00 (if someone is willing to pay THAT much). The GB12 and GB100 fetch more because they are fancier and have more ornate detail such as the abalone inlays around the body edge and the fancy fingerboard inlays - just like any other guitar that fancy would be fetching more.

Good luck - you have two solid prospects to look into.

AprilSwiftHerbst · #16 07-20-2011, 04:00 PM

Anyone want to trade your GB12 for our GB200? We have mint condition Ibanez GB200 my husband is willing to let it go for a straight swap.

We bought ours in 2001 so it' has aged beautifully there are no scratches or any blemished it. It has not been played on for almost 10 years since we had it. The guitar is too big for his liking.

BigMikeinNJ · #17 07-20-2011, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AprilSwiftHerbst

Anyone want to trade your GB12 for our GB200? We have mint condition Ibanez GB200 my husband is willing to let it go for a straight swap.

We bought ours in 2001 so it' has aged beautifully there are no scratches or any blemished it. It has not been played on for almost 10 years since we had it. The guitar is too big for his liking.

Yeah I think a lot of us older guys are starting to lean toward thinner archtop models - I have an Eastman 810ce that is what, 3 5/8 ?? and two Eastman John Pisanos that are 2 3/4 inche and I prefer them a lot more than the 810ce . For years I played out in a group from my church and I used a lot of different guitars. But my trusty GB-10 always worked best for me. So many times the old folks would wheel themselves up after our "service" and say "young fella that is a fine sounding guitar you have" - LOL

Good luck in your search - the GB lineup are remarkable.

paynow · #18 07-20-2011, 05:18 PM

Do you have a sister?

jorgemg1984 · #19 07-20-2011, 05:28 PM

I think this is the first time i see someone complaining about a GB being too big

BigMikeinNJ · #20 07-20-2011, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jorgemg1984

I think this is the first time i see someone complaining about a GB being too big

A GB200 is a bigger guitar in many aspects. It's more of an "L5" type guitar if you will - with bigger body and pickups mounted INTO the top. Closest to a standard archtop.

Last time I saw GB in concert (April 2010) he was using a GB10 the whole time and the venue is Bergen PAC which in Engelwood NJ which is not far at all from his home (and part of his extensive collection).

AprilSwiftHerbst · #21 07-21-2011, 04:59 AM

Does anyone know where i could get a polytone george benson AMP? When i was living in LA i rang polytone direct but they are so rude never answer the calls.

The a few days later i tried to call them again to buy a polytone amp, they had put my phone number on block

Polytone Company would have to be the most unprofessional business i have ever called or tried to do business with.

jorgemg1984 · #22 07-21-2011, 05:07 AM

If you live in the US it should be pretty easy to get one new or used, I bet some people on the forum can help you. If I were you I would consider checking an old one (pre sonic circuit) or other alternatives that exist these days on the market - I dont think new Polytones are very good (but I am also not a fan of GB guitars so...). You can get better spending less money.

I think Henriksen makes the closet to an old Polytone but more reliable. If you don't need a good reverb they are a better option and they will be much more friendly.

AprilSwiftHerbst · #23 07-21-2011, 06:58 AM

We are in Australia at the moment because my husband works offshore. He really wants the polytone George Benson Amp but so disappointed with the way Polytone behaved.

BigMikeinNJ · #24 07-21-2011, 07:02 AM

Look on eBay - there are usually quite a range of Polytones for sale, and most guys prefer the older ones. If your husband is trying to get George Benson's stage rig I know from watching ABSOLUTELY LIVE that at that time he was using a Fender amp, I believe a Blues Deville...

The problem with being in Australia is dealers charge a lot more for equipment there - I have friends at the ICW (Ibanez Collectors World) forum and when we're talking gear I'm amazed at the markup. Part of this high price difference is because shipping to AU is so high. And if you buy on eBay it's almost going to have to be from someone only in AU. No one likes shipping amps and the cost and perceived risk of shipping to AU would make any seller or company blanch and walk away. Most people selling on eBay US absolutely refuse to deal with anyone outside of the lower 48 states. It's just too complicated.

barrymclark · #25 07-21-2011, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AprilSwiftHerbst

We are in Australia at the moment because my husband works offshore. He really wants the polytone George Benson Amp but so disappointed with the way Polytone behaved.

Geez.

Well, you know, I have heard this that Polytones are great amps and all, but if you need ANY sort of support... you are just up a creek.

Real sorry to hear that a company with such a past is being this way.

Although I have never played through one, I have heard just nothing but praise for Henriksen (as mentioned in a previous post) from former Polytone players.

jorgemg1984 · #26 07-21-2011, 07:53 AM

Oh if you are in Australia maybe Polytone is not a very good option. As you already know they don't provide good costumer service and you will spend too much money for something that maybe doesn't even do what you want. I am not a Benson fan at all but I know his sound and I don't think new Polytones do that - actually a Fender could be a much better option. Henriksen is basically a better Polytone but sill far from Benson sound in my opinion.

This guy sells probably all "jazz amps" available (except Polytone) and he will ship to Australia for sure J. Hale Music Supply - Premium Jazz Guitar, Jazz Bass, Amplification Equipment And Accessories

If you really want a Polytone try to find something used in Australia, you will save a lot of money - and if you nail a old one it will be a much better amp. Just check for reverb or speaker issues, the two most common problems with old polytones.

Jabberwocky · #27 07-21-2011, 09:09 AM

Let me put in a plug for Michael Biller of Sound Island Music: Jazz guitar amp specialists: Sound Island . All round great guy.

JohnW400 · #28 07-21-2011, 09:22 AM

Here are a few places

Buy Polytone "George Benson's" Mini-Brute V Amplifier | Polytone Jazz Guitar Amplifiers | The Music Zoo

Polytone Amplifiers, Mega-Brute & Mini-Brute

Polytone Amps & Amplifiers - Musical Gear

AprilSwiftHerbst · #29 07-21-2011, 05:06 PM

We got 2 Fender Amps: one is a Deville and the other one is Deluxe Reverb Amp. Are these any good? However, they are too big and very heavy to lug around

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnW400

Here are a few places

Buy Polytone "George Benson's" Mini-Brute V Amplifier | Polytone Jazz Guitar Amplifiers | The Music Zoo

Polytone Amplifiers, Mega-Brute & Mini-Brute

Polytone Amps & Amplifiers - Musical Gear

Went to those links the amps are out of stock

BigMikeinNJ · #30 07-21-2011, 05:31 PM

The Deluxe Reverb (an OLD one, not the reissue) is probably my all time favorite amp - in my life I have had three - what they call "Blackface" Deluxe Reverbs - they just shimmer and sparkle. I believe the Deville is the one GB uses a lot on stage. Yeah the Deluxe is a little heavy but you know you need the big magnet speaker and cabinet size to get that golden tone. It's not something you can fake with a smaller amp.

One thing to remember (I used to try to emulate Pat Metheny's sound) no matter how well you match up the gear the sound and tone come from the hands and skill of the player. You sure are on the right track for Jazz Tone with what you already have.