The Ibanez FRM 250 mf captures Paul Gilberts passion for playing guitar, and channels it into a striking 6 string slayer.

Sound
The guitar sounds amazing. Quiet functioning electronics, long sustaining notes, a snappy neck with tall frets... it just all combines to something special. The strat sounds in this thing are killer! Sizzling is the best way to describe it. Think Pauls Hendrix tribute recordings and youre getting the idea. I like the Air Classics a lot too, HSH is my preferred pickup layout so i was thrilled when I saw that Paul chose to include humbuckers in this Fireman, and they sound great! Nice response, not too compressed, and they catch the harmonics. Especially the middle position which combines them both. Hit a hard open chord and then go for a smoke while it trails out endlessly... just awesome, crisp notes with great sustain that even tolerate a little bit of buzz if you prefer a super low action. So whatever you like to play, from jazz (neck) to stevie ray (split neck) to hendrix (split bridge) to AC/DC or Metallica (bridge), the sounds are in there.

Features
The FRM250 comes loaded with high end dimarzio pickups, a locking Tight-tune tailpiece, and some unique electronics. You wont find a coil tap pot here, rather the switch handles it automatically. This seems to have sacrificed the use of the Tone control in the 1 and 2 positions. Odd, But ive never really caught myself rolling off the tone… read more on a neck pickup anyhow. To elaborate: Position 5: Air Classic bridge Position 4: Air Classic bridge(split) / Area 67 Position 3: Air Classic bridge / Air Classic neck Position 2: Air Classic neck(split) / Area 67 Position 1: Air Classic neck This is not a common layout of a traditional 5-way switch, with no pull-pot no less, and it works tremendously. the Air Classics are new to me, but I am digging them. Ive used the Area line, even the 67, in other guitars before, and they never let me down. Tight, clear sound, and they sound magnificent combined with a split humbucker, which this guitar offers. Also, how about that middle position not using the 67 at all? I love that they went against convention and went for the Huge, but sometimes tele-like sound of two humbuckers combined. The volume knob is also reversed in placement as is norm with the FRM series, and the cream bell knobs turn smoothly and have a nice "curve" to the tone and volume roll-off. The angling of the pickups is also worth noting. Apart from looking rad, by placing the treble poles further back, you cut back on some of that shrillness on the top strings. It may be subtle, but I find myself restricting myself as to how hard Im willing to bash a high E on my other guitars. On this FRM, You can dig in and still sound smooth. The tight-tune bridge is a little more complex to adjust than a traditional bridge, but what do you expect when every moving part on it has a lock. Once you set your action and lock it down, it will sing. I imagine this bridge must do something for sustain, and changing strings is easy. As for wood choice weve got a set 3pc Mahogany/maple set in neck, which feels almost like a gibson, but... nicer. Mahogany body is nice and light, but theres a LOT of wood to shake down there. I can feel the whole mess vibrate as I play, and sitting down, yes- the upper horn really does go into your heart as Paul gushes. Its just resonant, harmonic bliss. Yes, you wont find a whammy bar, or piezo pickups, or a killswitch on this guitar. But you cant detract points because thats not what this guitar is about, its about simplicity and sustain, playability and reliability.

Ease of Use
Best playing guitar ive ever owned, and ranks with the best ive ever tried. The fat neck is easy to traverse, and picking just seems.... easier. I believe it may be the high frets i like so much, really easy to bend. Theres only one switch and 2 knobs, so getting good sounds is simple. As with anything from China, id recommend giving it a look-over out of the box. I live in a warm humid climate, and i found the neck needed a little tightening upon arrival and a few days playing. Once I set my action how I prefer, the guitar came alive. I should mention I have small hands, so if you were like me and worried about this fabled neck of doom, dont be. Perhaps the original FRM1 had a baseball bat for a neck, but i have no problem at all chording or shredding on any part of the neck,

Quality
Its very sharp,` striking, and different. Its a signature model but most would just think its some strange experiment from Gibson or Dan Electro from the 60s, haha. As im sure you know, its a reversed Iceman with extra cut-away, flamed maple top, red mahogany back, cream binding, rosewood fretboard, white dot inlay, black pickgaurd. Cream bell knobs, and a very long headstock. Seriously, its like some Stag horn. The sharp lines and strong colors just make this thing stand out. It appears very well built, light but sturdy, and I wouldnt be afraid to gig with it at all. I think it would be Pauls greatest nightmare that all his firemen had to sit in cases all their lives. This is made in China, but of good quality. Yeah, its not like the original, but that cost 8k and was made of a poisonous wood, I mean, come on. There really isnt much to complain about in the quality department. The design is polarizing, you will probably love it or hate it. I love it, and if the pictures pique your interest, you will not be let down by the quality in person.

Value
Considering the standard red FRM sells for a only a few hundred less, Id say the price point is about right for this anniversary model. If you have the means to, pick one up while you can. If you have the means to buy an original FRM1, get off the internet and back on your yacht.

Manufacturer Support
Have not yet had to deal with Ibanez as of yet. I dont forsee a lot going wrong with this guitar that isnt easily fixed.

The Wow Factor
Yeah, theres a wow factor. It just begs to be played. The looks, the playability, the sounds it contains, the sustain, MY GOD THE SUSTAIN. Its a signature artist guitar without the gaudy signature. Its a glass case guitar that belongs in a raucous club. Paul wants you to set your garage, your stage, your studio on fire with this axe. And you will. Paul is a great guy who cares about educating the next generation of musicians and deserves your money. And you deserve a FRM 250 MF.

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