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Show Some Love →1990 Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature – Brown SunburstVintage Japanese Jazz Archtop | Ebony Fingerboard | Floating Humbuckers | Original Hard Case
A beautiful 1990 Ibanez GB10 George Benson Signature, finished in an elegant Brown Sunburst and manufactured in Japan.
The GB10 is one of the most celebrated jazz guitars in Ibanez history, developed in collaboration with legendary guitarist George Benson.
Introduced in the late 1970s, the model was designed to combine the rich, warm sound of a traditional jazz archtop with the comfort, clarity and versatility required by a professional performing musician.
This particular example dates from 1990 and retains many of the distinctive details associated with earlier Japanese-made GB10 models.
Its beautiful Brown Sunburst finish, ornate headstock inlay, ebony fingerboard, gold hardware and elegant hollow-body construction give it a wonderfully sophisticated vintage appearance.
Despite being more than 35 years old, this guitar remains in excellent overall vintage condition, with particularly well-preserved binding and over 90% of its frets remaining.
The original Ibanez fitted hardshell case is also included.
An attractive instrument for jazz guitarists, George Benson enthusiasts and collectors of vintage Japanese guitars.
Beautiful Japanese Craftsmanship & Traditional Archtop Construction
The GB10 features a compact, fully hollow archtop body designed to deliver the warmth and resonance of a traditional jazz guitar in a more comfortable and manageable size.
The body combines a spruce top with maple back and sides.
The Brown Sunburst finish transitions beautifully from warm golden-brown tones in the centre to deep, rich brown around the edges.
The back displays attractive natural maple figuring beneath the sunburst finish.
The three-piece maple neck has an elegant matching finish, revealing beautiful grain patterns along the back of the neck.
The ebony fingerboard features distinctive pearl-and-abalone split-block inlays, complemented by cream-coloured binding.
The headstock carries the traditional Ibanez logo, decorative George Benson emblem and elegant signature detailing.
The gold hardware, tortoiseshell-style pickguard and distinctive GB10 tailpiece complete the sophisticated appearance of this classic Japanese jazz guitar.
Weighing approximately 3.23 kg (7.12 lbs), this instrument is comfortable to handle while retaining the substantial feel of a quality archtop.
A Distinctive 1990 Example – Vintage Character Compared with Modern GB10 Models
One of the most interesting aspects of this guitar is its place in the history of the George Benson Signature series.
The GB10 remains in production today, reflecting the enduring success of its original design.
Modern Japanese-made GB10 models continue to offer excellent craftsmanship, retaining the essential combination of a compact hollow body, ebony fingerboard and floating humbucking pickups.
However, this 1990 example has a distinctive appeal beyond its specifications.
It belongs to an earlier period of Japanese GB10 production and retains several charming details associated with vintage examples.
Of particular interest is the "GEORGE BENSON" inscription in the upper fingerboard, a distinctive period detail not found on current production examples.
Together with the vintage headstock detailing, naturally aged gold hardware and beautifully preserved Brown Sunburst finish, this feature gives the guitar a special historical character.
The appeal of a vintage GB10 is not necessarily that it is better than a modern example, but that it offers the original design through the craftsmanship, materials and individual character of an earlier era.
For players who appreciate vintage Japanese guitars, that connection to the instrument's history is an important part of the experience.
GB Special Floating Humbuckers & Sound Character
The sound of the GB10 is one of the main reasons this model has remained popular with jazz guitarists for decades.
Its distinctive floating humbucking pickup system was developed to preserve the natural acoustic response of the hollow body while providing a clear and controlled amplified sound.
Unlike conventional pickups mounted directly into the top of an electric guitar, the GB Special mini-humbuckers are suspended above the soundboard.
This arrangement allows the top to vibrate more freely, helping retain the instrument's natural acoustic character.
The compact hollow body also contributes to a focused response and helps reduce the tendency toward unwanted feedback compared with some larger traditional jazz archtops.
The GB10 is particularly appreciated for its combination of warmth, clarity, articulation and dynamic response.
The neck pickup provides the rounded, full-bodied tone traditionally associated with jazz guitar.
It is especially well suited to warm chord melodies, smooth single-note lines and expressive improvisation.
The lower frequencies have a controlled character, while the midrange retains the body and warmth needed for a rich jazz sound.
The high frequencies remain clear without becoming excessively sharp, allowing individual notes in complex chords to remain distinguishable.
The bridge pickup offers a brighter, more immediate response, adding definition and attack.
This makes the instrument equally interesting for rhythmic comping, blues, jazz-funk and articulate clean playing.
The combination of the two pickups provides additional tonal flexibility, allowing the player to balance warmth and clarity according to the musical setting.
Another important characteristic of the GB10 is its sensitivity to playing dynamics.
A gentle touch produces a smooth, rounded sound, while stronger picking brings out greater articulation and presence.
This responsiveness is particularly valuable for jazz players who rely on subtle changes in touch and phrasing.
Although closely associated with traditional jazz, the GB10 is also an inspiring instrument for soul, jazz-funk, fusion and other styles requiring warm, detailed clean tones.
The result is an exceptionally versatile hollow-body design that balances traditional jazz warmth with modern playing practicality.
Well-Preserved Binding – An Important Advantage
An especially reassuring feature of this particular guitar is the good condition of its binding and decorative components.
Some GB10 guitars from the late 1970s and 1980s have developed age-related deterioration in their binding or other plastic components.
However, such deterioration does not affect every early instrument.
This particular guitar shows no visible signs of the binding deterioration, cracking, crumbling or separation sometimes encountered on older examples.
The binding around the body and fingerboard remains in good condition.
This is a particularly attractive feature for buyers considering a vintage Japanese GB10.
It allows the instrument to retain the appearance and character of an earlier model without the visible binding problems sometimes associated with older examples.
As with any vintage instrument, future changes caused by age or environmental conditions cannot be ruled out.
Specifications
The specifications are based on our inspection, measurements and documented GB10 specifications from this production period.
All measurements are approximate.
Condition & Setup
Considering its age, this 1990 GB10 remains in very good overall vintage condition.
The original Brown Sunburst finish retains its attractive colour and gloss, with relatively minor signs of age and use.
There are some small scratches and minor cosmetic marks on the body, consistent with a vintage guitar of this age.
The gold-coloured pickup covers show some natural plating wear and tarnishing.
The hardware also displays minor age-related patina, contributing to the instrument's authentic vintage appearance.
The pickguard shows slight cosmetic ageing but remains attractive.
A faint, superficial finish scratch is visible along the back of the neck.
This mark affects only the finish surface. There is no noticeable groove, raised edge or unevenness when running a hand along the neck.
It is a cosmetic mark rather than damage to the neck wood.
The neck otherwise retains its beautiful glossy appearance, with attractive maple grain visible beneath the original finish.
The body and fingerboard binding remain in good condition, with no visible signs of cracking, crumbling or separation.
The frets are estimated to have more than 90% remaining.
The guitar has been carefully inspected and prepared for normal playing use.
The current string action is approximately:
1st string: 1.6 mm
6th string: 1.8 mm
The guitar is comfortable to play, with a low and responsive setup.
All measurements are approximate.
Please review the detailed photographs carefully, including the images of the neck, binding, body finish, pickups and hardware.
The photographs form part of the description and show the actual condition of this vintage instrument.
Maintenance & Our Approach to Vintage Instruments
At The Sound Shop SUZUKI, we take particular care in preparing vintage Japanese instruments for their next owners.
This guitar has undergone general maintenance, fret adjustment and careful cleaning of the metal parts.
Our maintenance approach prioritises playability while preserving the character and appearance of a vintage instrument.
We retain natural patina and honest signs of age, and avoid unnecessary refinishing or aggressive cosmetic restoration that would diminish its vintage character.
Our aim is to offer a properly prepared and enjoyable instrument while respecting its history.
This is an important part of our philosophy as a specialist vintage instrument shop, rather than simply offering an instrument in uninspected, as-found condition.
Original Ibanez Hardshell Case Included
The guitar comes with its original fitted Ibanez hardshell case.
The case features a distinctive brown exterior with a cream-coloured plush interior, complementing the guitar's beautiful vintage appearance.
It is shaped to accommodate the compact GB10 body and provides secure protection during storage and transportation.
The original case shows signs of age and previous use.
Two hinge areas have been repaired.
These repairs are disclosed for accuracy and do not detract from the historical appeal of having the original case accompanying the instrument.
The case remains an important part of this vintage guitar's presentation.
For international shipping, the instrument will be carefully supported inside the case, with additional protective cushioning where necessary.
The case will then be securely packed inside a suitable outer shipping carton.
Vintage Guitar Notice
This is a vintage instrument manufactured in 1990.
Minor cosmetic imperfections, finish checking, hardware oxidation and other age-related characteristics should be expected.
Measurements are approximate, and the setup may change slightly during international transportation or due to differences in temperature and humidity.
Please review the photographs and description carefully before purchasing.
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■ Shipping
All guitars are securely packed for international export and shipped with tracking and applicable carrier coverage from Japan.
Shipping carriers may include FedEx or Yamato Transport International, depending on destination and package size.
Additional charges may apply to remote areas.
We ship only to the address registered with the payment provider.
Delivery delays may occur due to customs or carrier circumstances beyond our control.
The customs declaration will show the actual purchase price. We cannot declare the shipment as a gift or enter an artificially reduced value.
■ Customs & Import Duties
Import duties, VAT, local taxes, customs-clearance charges and carrier brokerage fees are the buyer's responsibility.
These charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Any sales tax or VAT collected by Reverb at checkout is separate from additional import duties or customs charges that may be assessed when the shipment enters the buyer's country.
Please check the applicable regulations in your country before purchasing.
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