Ibanez Performance 1986 - Natural- Unique/Perhaps one of a Kind

Southwest Acoustic Products has unearthed what appears to be an Ibanez Performance Guitar prototype that is truly something special.

This is not your everyday production Ibanez performance.

Every detail of this guitar has been crafted with the utmost care, making it an unrivaled instrument that you won't find anywhere else. From the intricate bindings around the sound hole to the pure abalone fret markers, this level of detail and uniqueness is sure to amaze and even confound the most discerning musician or knowledgeable collector.

Through our research we believe this was a prototype Ibanez Performance guitar, that was a "one-off" guitar.

The label inside the sound hole says Ibanez Performance, however, there is no model number or serial number, indicating to us that this guitar was a prototype and never manufactured.
We further researched this guitar through all of our sources and have not found another one anywhere with the detail and the quality that this guitar displays.
A few examples:
The Ibanez Performance Series was introduced in 1986. Researching all the models and years we could not find one that has the level of detail and quality of manufacture displayed in this guitar. Additionally, most Ibanez Performance Guitars have pickguards. This one does not but rather has an intricate abalone binding around the sound hole. We welcome more input but truly believe this may be a "one-of-a-kind" model. A true collector's dream.

The history of Ibanez guitars dates back to the early 20th century, when Hoshino Gakki began producing classical and flamenco guitars in Nagoya, Japan. By 1935, the company had transitioned to producing steel-string acoustic and electric instruments for jazz musicians. During the 1950s and '60s, Hoshino Gakki continued to produce a variety of stringed instruments for professional artists, including folk guitarists and blues artists.

In 1957, Hoshino Gakki launched the brand Ibanez, named after one of their most popular models - the Ibanez Salvador. This was followed by several other models during this time period, such as the Artist Series in 1961, which featured hollow-body archtops designed by famed luthier Samick. From there, Ibanez's lineup expanded further into solid body guitars suitable for rock music.

By the 1970s, Ibanez had become renowned for its innovative designs that combined classic construction with modern features. Some of these iconic instruments included their Artist Series semi-hollow bodies with DiMarzio pickups, as well as their Iceman series with powerful humbuckers perfect for metal and hard rock music. The 1980s saw even more advanced designs from Ibanez with their RG series featuring super-fast necks suitable for shredding solos at lightning speed.

Today, Ibanez continues to push boundaries and create unique instruments that will be appreciated by generations of musicians to come. With a vast selection ranging from acoustic to electric models crafted with superior sound quality and craftsmanship, it's no wonder why so many players choose Ibanez over other brands!

This perhaps may be an opportunity for the guitar collector to truly own a true "one of a kind" instrument