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I picked up the new Ibanez PM3C model after loaning to have an ES350 with a CC pickup for years. I wasn't sure how good it would be with a price like that, but I got it at a 20% discount, so I took the chance. This model is made in Indonesia, but I've seen some quality guitars coming out of Indonesia, like the Ibanez AS153, the Schecter strats, and many others etc.. After having owned some of the previous PM models, like the PM20, PM2, and PM100, I can say that (in my experience) this is close to the level of the higher end models, in quality, craftsmanship, and materials. This is the first of the PM models with a Spruce top, which I was told was a solid top, although I have my doubts. After putting it through its paces, I was disappointed with the ceramic pickup, which was bright and a bit sterile. No surprise there, since a lot of companies cut down on the electronics in order to be at a certain price point; so I ordered a new CC pickup from Pete Biltoft. The body feels solid, and the guitar is very resonant even unplugged, the matte finish on the guitar looks nice, and the bridge is probably one of the better bridges I've seen in a PM model. I was also surprised to see a real bone nut and not a plastic or synthetic one. The neck feels like a 175, and the fret work is phenomenal, it has the Artstar fret edge treatment which only comes on the higher end Ibanez models, and feels very smooth all the way down. The stain finish on the maple back and sides looks great, and at glance looks like mahogany. In conclusion, you get a lot of guitar for the money.... I will further report after installing the new CC pickup.
Cheers,
Arnie..
Last edited by arnie65; 08-15-2024 at 10:18 PM.
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08-14-2024 02:22 PM
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Now that's a cool archtop!
I do wish Ibanez offered an optional pickguard for their PM models.
This new PM3c would look killer with a guard...and provide wrist support.
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I will say, aesthetically, this new Slaman copy tailpiece is my favorite at the moment. Really elegant
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Can I buy that pickup when you get the replacement?
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I know, Pat did not like pickguards, that's why you don't see them on any of his models.
Originally Posted by Gitfiddler
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Sure! Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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Cool, now I just need to source a 25 1/2 scale donor guitar.
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Thank you for the first PM3C review on the entire internet!
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Direct from Ibanez support:
Rob,
The PM3C has a laminated spruce top.
Tod
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I'm surprised Ibanez hasn't contracted Sweetwater or any company or players to showcase the guitar in a video. Very strange... Originally Posted by Nohhyuk
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I much prefer a laminated top, they are much more resistant to feedback. Originally Posted by jazzshrink
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Me, too. I’ve been waiting for any kind of review/demo. Have never tried a CC style pickup before and interested in hearing what people think! Thank you for posting! Originally Posted by arnie65
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From the other thread on this guitar.
Originally Posted by AllanAllen
Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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They did book match the top layer of spruce though, which is a nice touch. Originally Posted by jazzshrink
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It's been years that we have been anticipating this guitar coming out. The first time I remember this being discussed was when there was a print ad of Pat Metheny and people from Ibanez standing around a couple of guitars on a table, which clearly had the pick up cut out for this design. I think PM got his Slaman guitar like eight years ago or something like that, based on what YouTube videos I could find. A lot of hype among a rather small contingent of people that will be interested in this.
But, now we have at least one for a member with one in his hands and perhaps we'll finally get to hear this beast. I really like the sound of the Charlie Christian style pickup (Charlie Christian, of course; Jimmy Raney; Tal Farlow; Barney Kessel; and more recently, Pat Metheny among others. Fred Archtop has done several videos comparing various CC pickup options, which sounds surprisingly close even when they don't have the big cobalt magnets, but instead are structured like a PAF size).
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Please post some pics of the pickup once you have it out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Will do... Originally Posted by ThatRhythmMan
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Could you weigh the guitar for me
Arnie ?
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6.2 lbs. Originally Posted by pingu
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So according to arnie65, one of the unique selling points of this guitar, i.e., the CC pickup, is inferior?
Why, that's unheard of in this industry!
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I thought it sounded nice. So we’re split 50/50. Originally Posted by Mick-7
So according to arnie65, one of the unique selling points of this guitar, i.e., the CC pickup, is inferior?
Why, that's unheard of in this industry!
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What kind of amp were you running into? I ask because CC pickups, in general, can definitely sound overly bright and sterile through modern solid state amps or brighter tube amps but the same pickup can come to life and sound great through a darker tube amp like a Gibson EH, Supro, etc... especially if it's being pushed hard enough to break up around the edges.
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It was a Fender tone master deluxe reverb. I played it full out and also dialed the guitar back some.
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I was thinking about getting that pickup out. At first for whatever reason, I was remembering that les paul john lennon had where they hogged out a large portion of the back to get an original cc in it.
With that guitar, maybe just remove the three screws, then tilt it so the magnets swing towards the back, and hopefully it slides right out.
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Originally Posted by Mick-7
So according to arnie65, one of the unique selling points of this guitar, i.e., the CC pickup, is inferior?
Why, that's unheard of in this industry!
- Let me correct you my friend, according to me, the pickup IS NOT a selling point, it's a flaw. I stated that "I founded to be bright, and sterile in my opinion". You and and/or most people may find it completely fine, tone is a subjective thing. Whether it is inferior or not, is for you to decide. Ceramic pickups are known to be bright. I'm sure Pat had to give the OK for this instruments to be launched to the public, (they carry his name) so maybe Pat didn't find the tone to be bright or sterile, or the pickup quality to be inferior.
Cheers,
Arnie...
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