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Musician Neal Schon of the band Journey plays an exceptional performance on an exceptional, unique 9-string Ibanez guitar.

Guitar virtuoso, Journey's hero, showcases the Ibanez Custom Shop model in a series of Instagram videos

Neal Schon of Journey rocks out on a rare 9-string Ibanez guitar.
Neal Schon of Journey rocks out on a rare 9-string Ibanez guitar.

Musician Neal Schon of the band Journey plays an exceptional performance on an exceptional, unique 9-string Ibanez guitar.

Neal Schon Unveils New Floyd-Rose-Loaded Gibson Les Paul Supreme, Continues to Showcase Nine-String Ibanez Guitar

Renowned guitarist Neal Schon, best known for his work with Journey, has recently shared clips of a new guitar on his Instagram account, sparking excitement among fans and music enthusiasts alike.

The new guitar, which appears to be a Floyd-Rose-loaded Gibson Les Paul Supreme, could potentially be a signature model, although this has not been officially confirmed yet. Schon has hinted at rekindling his relationship with Gibson last year, suggesting a possible collaboration.

However, the guitar clips Schon has posted are not definitively his nine-string Ibanez guitar, which he has often showcased in the past. This unique instrument, a custom creation from the Ibanez Japan Custom Shop, features a rare nine-string configuration, hot rail humbuckers, and a fixed bridge, designed to handle the extended string range and tuning stability required for nine strings.

Schon's nine-string Ibanez guitar, acquired many years ago by memorabilia collector Alan Rosen before eight- and nine-string guitars were widely available, has become a staple in his arsenal. He often refers to it as a "nine-string beast," and his videos showcasing its powerful low-end range have garnered praise from fellow musicians, such as Alex Skolnick, the jazz/thrash maestro of Testament.

One of Schon's nine-string Ibanez guitar videos, titled a "meditative nine-string extravaganza," has received approval from Skolnick, further highlighting the unique sonic palette this instrument offers compared to standard six- or seven-string guitars.

Despite the excitement surrounding the new Gibson Les Paul Supreme, Schon's nine-string Ibanez guitar remains a significant part of his repertoire. The employment of this unique instrument in the studio with Schon is yet to be determined, but fans are eagerly awaiting any updates on this front.

In summary, Neal Schon continues to push the boundaries of guitar technology with his unique nine-string Ibanez guitar, while also exploring new collaborations with iconic brands like Gibson. His dedication to innovation and his love for music are evident in every note he plays, making him a true inspiration for guitarists everywhere.

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