Up for sale, a 1989 Ibanez George Benson signature model GB30 in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and owner’s manual. The GB30 is a semi-hollow, slightly scaled-down version of the flagship Benson GB10 (fully hollow) model, with a thinline (1 3/4“ deep) body and solid maple center block.
Tonewoods include a maple body, mahogany neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, and this GB30 weighs 7lbs 15oz, with plenty of natural resonance and percussive cut on tap. The pair of Super 58 humbuckers are designed for maximum versatility, landing firmly in the PAF-style camp and yielding everything from glassy cleans to singing overdriven leads. The bridge pickup is punchy and round-sounding, while the neck has more breadth and sweetness. This GB30 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Slender C, measuring .805” 1st fret, .900” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, 22 fret, offset dot inlay (“George Benson” inlay at 21st fret)
-Frets: Medium jumbo, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone
-Tuners: Gotoh SG38, pearloid buttons
-Serialization: H8XXXX9 serial translates to 1989 build date
Body Specs:
-Wood: Maple (maple centerblock)
-Pickups: Super 58 humbucker x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: Gibraltar II bridge, Quik Change II tailpiece
-Plastics: Sure Grip II knobs, four-ply black pickguard
The gloss Transparent Red finish is framed by ambered multi-ply binding, highlighting subtle quilted figuring in the maple. Exceedingly well-kept, there are just a couple faint marks on the body as a whole, while the gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The original brown tolex hardshell case is included, along with the owner's manual.