1987 Ibanez Maxxas MX3 – Black Hall (“Black Hole”) Vintage – Made in Japan (Fujigen)

A rarely seen model from one of the most important periods in Ibanez history — when the company was actively reinventing itself through design, ergonomics, and artist collaboration.

If you know the Maxxas, you already understand what this is.

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THE MODEL / CONTEXT

The Maxxas series sits right in the late-’80s transition where Ibanez moved away from traditional designs and into the performance-led thinking that would define the brand going forward.

Produced during the same period Ibanez were building their relationship with Steve Vai and developing the ideas that led directly into the JEM and early RG platforms, the Maxxas represents part of that experimental phase — sculpted, ergonomic, and unapologetically forward-thinking.

It’s often cited — including in Ibanez’s own historical material and Vai interviews — that instruments from this era, including a Black Hall Maxxas, were used as part of Ibanez’s early efforts to engage Vai, with one famously gifted as a Christmas surprise during initial discussions.

The Black Hall (“Black Hole” - Original Promo Copy typo) finish is one of the more unusual options from the range, with a depth and reflectivity that shifts under light rather than reading as a flat black/green burst.

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CONSTRUCTION / FEEL

The Maxxas body is internally chambered, not just for weight reduction but as part of Ibanez’s push toward more resonant, player-responsive instruments during this era.

- Lightweight, balanced feel

- Subtle acoustic liveliness compared to typical solid-body designs

- Fast, slim Fujigen-built neck

- Sculpted body that sits close to the player

It’s a design that feels closer to modern ergonomic thinking than most guitars of its time.

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ELECTRONICS / MODIFICATIONS

This is not a collector-grade original — it’s a player’s example that’s already been opened up:

- Fitted with vintage DiMarzio humbuckers (believed 1980s)

- Additional middle single-coil installed

- Upgraded to a 5-way selector for expanded tonal range

Result is a far broader usable palette than the original configuration — from clear, articulate cleans through to saturated lead tones with proper mid-body.

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CONDITION

- General player wear throughout

- Finish crack near output jack

- Slight finish crack at tip of headstock

- Rear electronics cover missing

- Replacement knobs

Structurally sound and fully functional.

This is very much a player-grade example of a rare model — not a case queen.

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WHY THIS ONE

- 1987 MIJ Fujigen build

- Rare Black Hall finish

- Chambered body design

- Modified for real-world usability

- Already past the “keep it original” barrier

No guesswork. No surprises.

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SUMMARY

A genuinely uncommon Ibanez from a pivotal moment in the company’s history — offered here as a usable, expressive instrument rather than a fragile collectible.

If you’ve been waiting to try a Maxxas without worrying about originality, this is exactly that opportunity.

On a personal level, this has been getting a lot of use in the studio lately and is a popular favourite!

Will ship with hardcase.

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Fully tracked UK shipping

Fully tracked international shipping available

Overseas buyers MUST message for a more accurate shipping quote.

Prices here may reflect platform fees.

Also available on other Marketplaces and auction sites.

Please ask any question, more pictures always available.