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1994

Ibanez PGM500 - Paul Gilbert Signature

Candy Apple Red

F438741 – 7.8 Pounds

Here is an amazing guitar you most likely will not find hanging in your local guitar shop. This listing is for my Very Good Condition 1994 Ibanez Paul Gilbert Signature PGM500-CA Candy Apple Electric Guitar.  Paul built his reputation as one of rock's fastest, most technically dazzling guitarists with Racer X and then Mr. Big, and Ibanez built the PGM series around his playing style starting in 1989. The PGM500 arrived in 1993 and stayed in production through 1999, becoming one of the most recognizable shred guitars of the era thanks to its painted f-holes (with the volume knob tucked into the lower one) and reversed headstock.

I am happy to tell you this PGM500 is in fantastic over-all condition. With a few edge chips, no buckle rash and no joint cracks, I was very pleased when I came across it. Not bad for a 32 year old instrument. This Candy Apple Red beauty was made while Paul was touring the Bump Ahead album in 1994. To put that into perspective, that was also the year Kurt Cobain died, the end of Nirvana.  Biggie Smalls released Ready to Die, Green Day released Dookie and Woodstock ’94 Mud Festival took place.

This one plays like you expect a slippery fast Ultra Thin, Wizard type neck to. I have a photo of the top frets and you can see some slight dimples.  The High E string fretted on 1 and 2 does not ring crystal clear.I am happy to report the neck is straight and true. Whoever buys this one will want to do a set up to their liking.

The Front Body shows fantastic. The gold has aged as you can see in the photos. There is a chip on the lower edge of the front body. On the Low E side edge is another smaller chip.  I personally do not believe in touching up chips. Adds to the character. You can see these blemishes photographed close up with the tip of a pencil. The finish by the High and Low E strings is in great shape. This guitar was enjoyed lightly by a sit down player. The Rosewood board is VERY dark like an Ebony. Very impressive. This was a great time to be an Ibanez.

Flip over to the rear body and I am happy to report NO BUCKLE RASH. There is a chip on the rear left edge by the large access cover. See it photographed with the tip of a pen. Angle the rear body around under a bright light and I am sure you will be amazed as I was how clean it is.  THAT’S IT! Nothing else to report. These do not come available often and if you have had the pleasure to try one, you know why.  It’s the kind you just don’t want to put down.  Serious bang for your buck Ibanez.

Specifications:

Model: Ibanez PGM500, Paul Gilbert Signature

Year: 1994 (FujiGen, Japan)

Serial Number: F438741

Finish: Candy Apple Red, color-matched headstock.

Body: Basswood, double cutaway with painted signature f-holes

Neck: Maple "Wizard" type neck, bolt-on

Fretboard: Rosewood, 24 jumbo frets, clay dot inlays

Headstock: Reversed

Bridge: Gotoh GTC101 fixed/hardtail

Pickups: DiMarzio HSH configuration

Tuners: Gotoh SG38

Hardware: Gold

I specialize in international shipping for over three decades. If you live on this planet, I will get this guitar to you. This Paul Gilbert will be double-boxed and packaged professionally with its Ibanez Gig Bag. Please note, any import duty, tax(es) and/or VAT is the buyers responsibility. If you do not know what your country charges, I recommend you contact your local customs office. Buy worldwide with confidence.