Here is a wonderful and masterfully constructed Ibanez jazz box from the golden age “lawsuit era” of Ibanez Guitars. 

The Ibanez 2453 Howard Roberts model combines several structural and aesthetic cues from a number of iconic arch tops. The 24 3/4 scale length, Florentine cutaway and 3 3/8th” body depth give this instrument a very ES-175 sound and feel, with the added acoustic projection of that big oval sound hole. The tailpiece is decidedly “L5” in form and function, right down to the varitone adjustment - a brass barrel with grub screw which can be used to tune the resonance of the top of the instrument. 

This guitar features striking flamed maple top, back and sides, stained maple neck and a nice dark Indian rosewood fretboard, all tied held together with aged white multi ply binding. The high grade selection of tonewoods are a testament to the overall quality of the instrument. 

This instrument comes to us in a very original, unmodified state. The pick guard has been removed earlier in its life, however there have been no other modifications to the guitar. 

This instrument has no serial number, making it more of a challenge to date. However the Super 70 floating pickup has a serial number dating it to 1976. This, as well as the headstock inlay, narrow the date of manufacture to 1976 / 1977. 

One unique feature of this instrument is the secondary tone knob. Turning it up scoops out the mid range, giving the guitar a perceptibly more 'hi fidelity' tone. 

Structurally this guitar is very solid. At 1.8mm - the action is nice and low with a very straight and stable neck. Fret wear is very minor and the fret nibs up the side of the neck indicate this guitar has never been refretted. These guitars wouldn’t have been so infamous if it weren’t for the threat that they placed on Gibson’s US manufacturing standards at the time. The workmanship and build quality of this guitar is exceptional. After nearly 50 years this guitar plays just as well, if not better, than the day it was made. 

This guitar comes with a soft case, however we can source a suitable hard case for added protection if you would like us to ship this guitar to you. Contact us with your preference and we can organize it for you. 

Workhorse or affordable collectors item, this is an excellent, well made and well looked after guitar that sounds great, looks hip and will no doubt stand out from the crowd. 

 
Brand: Ibanez
Model: 2453 Howard Roberts
Country: Japan
Year: 1976
Serial: N/A
Case: Soft Case
Body Colour: Sunburst
Neck Colour: Stained Maple
Finish: Gloss 
Body Material: Maple
Neck Material: Maple
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Scale Length: 24 3/4” 
Frets: 22
Neck Radius: 12” 
Action (Low E): 1.8mm
Neck Profile: C
Nut Width: 43.1mm
12th Fret Width: 53.8mm
1st Fret Depth: 20.5mm
12th Fret Depth: 23.6mm
Pickups: Ibanez Super 70
Resistance: 7.55k
Electronics: Original
Knobs: Speed Knobs
Pick Guard: N/A
Hardware: Gold Plated
Weight: 3.04kg
Mods, Repairs: Removed Pickguard