Up for sale, a 1998 Ibanez Paul Gilbert signature limited edition Hoshino 90th Anniversary Model PGM90HAM in near-mint, 100% original condition, hand-signed by Paul Gilbert and complete with the original hardshell case. A notably rare iteration of the Paul Gilbert signature model, this PGM90HAM was produced in very limited quantities, with only 337 sold worldwide to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Hoshino Gakki company in Japan (alongside John Petrucci, Joe Satriana, and Steve Vai Hoshino Anniversary editions). Premium touches include abalone purfling, an HSH trio of DiMarzio pickups, a two-piece flame maple top, 24-fret ebony fingerboard, and gloss Blue finish (with matching reverse headstock) accented by Gilbert’s signature painted f holes.  

The DiMarzio pickup complement includes a pair of Tone Zone humbuckers flanking a JEM Single single coil: the Tone Zones are bold and powerful high-output pickups that offer great low end and lower-midrange response to ensure the tone stays full and fat. The JEM Single offers sparkle and snap, pairing well with the (tapped) humbuckers at positions 2 and 4 on the pickup selector switch. Featherweight at 6lbs 11oz, this PGM90HAM has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Maple/bubinga
-Shape: Wizard profile, measuring .715” 1st fret, .830” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, 24-fret, offset abalone dot inlay with “90th Anniversary Model 1908-1998” at 24th fret
-Frets: Jumbo, pristine
-Scale Length: 25 1/2”
-Nut: 1.650” (42mm)
-Headstock: Reverse, abalone purfling
-Tuners: Gotoh
-Serialization: F97-prefix translates to 1997 (model was only offered in ‘98)

Body Specs:

-Wood: Basswood, flame maple (top, two-piece)
-Pickups: DiMarzio Tone Zone humbucker x2, JEM Single
-Controls: Volume, Five-way pickup selector
-Hardware: Hardtail bridge with block saddles (chrome-plated)
-Plastics: Strat-style knob, Paul Gilbert hand-signed rear control cavity cover

The gloss Blue finish has a subtle burst effect, highlighting the tight, uniform flame figuring in the maple top, framed by abalone purfling and accented by the painted f holes. Extremely well kept for over 25 years, cosmetic wear is limited to faint pick scuffing on top and a few light finish scratches on the body as a whole. The smooth satin finish on the neck profile is flawless save for one tiny mark on the bass-side shoulder at the 11th fret that has no impact on playability.

The original black tolex hardshell case is included.