ImportStrings.com

Importing immaculate rare guitars into Australia

YEA! AT LAST!! We get a PGM on the site!!! We all know the guitar and we all know the SHREDDER behind it, but for that one person who hasn’t picked up a guitar mag. in the last 20yrs, this guitar belongs to Paul Gilbert truly one of the “Guitar Gods” of our time! Keeping this REALLY brief, Paul has been wowing the guitar world since age 14, before M.I.T he’s the co-founder of Racer-X and Mr.Big, has numerous solo projects, guest appearance on many artist/tribute albums, instructional dvds, magazine columnist, does guitar seminars worldwide, etc etc etc…GET THE POINT!! This guys so busy you would have to surgically remove his guitar. His knowledge of theory and his extremely high level technique and influence has
ranked him as a “Super Guitarist” among guitarists and dispite having this status, a really down to earth guy with a wacky sense of humour.

Paul also loves vintage Ibanez and can been seen playing Vs, Icemans, RGs and one of his favorite workhorses still to this day is an old beat up RG called “Dino”. In 1989 Ibanez gave him his own sig. guitar which was the first in a line of PGM series. The pgm is pretty much a RG built to Pauls specifications/design. With the recently released PGM100RE 20th Anni. model on the market, owning an “Original” has become alot more special to collectors. The PGM100 ran from 1989~1991 (In Japan) and only the PGM100&200 would have the “Shark Tooth” inlay, distinctive pink F-Hole design and pick-ups and minus the “PGM Series logo on the head, Pauls first trem and non-trem sigs. The PGM series have always been popular with collectors but, as of recent have seen a surge in people trying to get their hands on the older models especially the rarer 10 Anni. and 90th Ham models. The PGM Importstrings have is in near new players condition and fantastic for its age with, 90%+ frets just the usual wear and some tiny dings (Almost unnoticable) and the sound? Well, VERY Paul Gilbert!

If your after PGMs “TELL US” we readily have them available although, the 200, 600, 700, 10th anni. and Ham are abit scarce but, we can get on availability. But if you don’t tell us we wont know!!

Body : Basswood
Neck : 1pc Maple PGM Type w/Binding
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/Sharktooth inlay
Bridge : Edge Tremolo
Pick-ups : (Front)Di Marzio PAF Pro, (Middle)Di Marzio FS-1, (Rear)Di Marzio PAF Pro
Controls : 1 Volume, 5 way selector
Hardware Colour : Cosmo Black
Colour : Jewel Blue

Near new playing condition,scuff/tiny laquar chip

For those who don’t know who John Petrucci is, he’s the guitarist for the Metal band Dream Theatre, with his own solo projects on the side (You might want to check out the AWESOME G3 in Tokyo DVD with Vai & Satch) I kind of think of Dream Theatre as a super cool “Rush” sounding band, very well orchestrated and quite technical. Every Musician in Dream Theatre is so talented and together amazing, John’s rhythm, solos and shreddin so melodic, you can see why he’s such an influence to so many. John currently endorses Music Man and has his own 6&7 string sig.models but, before that was endorsed by Ibanez which, brings us to the MORE FAMOUS and PICTURESQUE “Picasso”.

This is one Ibanez that’s getting really difficult to get as the years go by, collectors rarely part with them and getting a JPM in near new condition a big bonus. The JPM series were produced from 1995~2000 in 4 patterns P1~P4 and the even rarer JPM90HAM (only 450 made) in 1998. The popularity/demand of these guitars is driving the prices up and up, like some of the Jems, the prices have doubled since when they first came out! Anyway you look at it one of the HOTTEST Ibanez to collect!! Although we do come across JPM’s quite often, getting one in the condition of this was a real thrill. This is a 1997 model and looks like it just came of the shelf complete with original tags and manuals, seriously its in near new condition a rarity to see these days! A piece of John Petrucci and Ibanez history.

Body : Basswood
Neck : 1pc Maple JPM
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/off-set dot and binding
Bridge : Lo-Pro Edge
Pick-ups : (Front)Di Marzio Air Norton, (Rear)Di Marzio Steves Special
Controls : 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 3 Way toggle selector
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Picasso P2 Graphics

Near new playing condition, scuff/tiny lacquer chip

Now this is one of the most interesting J-Customs to get your hands on, and one of the most versatile sounding guitars around. The RG1680X is a very sought after model and RARE, only produced once in 2001(only a few dozen made) although I have seen a shop original, from the same period in a different colour. Without trying to complicate things, basically you can go from the magnetic roar of the Di Marzio’s and at a flick of the switch turn into an electric/Acoustic. Under the saddles of the “Double Edge Lo-Pro” are sensors connected to the Piezo set-up, this is a pick-up that works in the same principle as an Electric/Acoustic, drawing the string vibration through the bridge (Only this bridge is full floating FUN!) It also has two output jacks enabling you to either run it as a regular guitar using the Di Marzios & Piezo or, splitting the two signals (Eg.Piezo to effect board or P.A) and also runs great if your amp has two channels (Clean & Gain).

The Piezo is “Brilliant” it really does come close to an electric/acoustic and way clearer than trying to simulate through magnetic pick-ups and the Di Marzio’s are all there so ROCKIN is still no problem! The Piezo runs off a 9v battery at the back so, if your live DON’T forget to change it or you’ll end up looking like Satan in his underpants. If your in the studio with access to gear, let the mind go crazy, with this guitar the sounds you can create are endless. I love it ,could go on about this guitar all day! But won’t.
ENJOY….

Body : AAA Flame Maple top and binding w/Mahogany back
Neck : 3pc Maple&Bubinga J-Custom Neck
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/Abalone off-set dots and Custom Jumbo frets
Bridge : Double Edge(Lo-Pro w/Piezo)
Pick-ups : (Front)Di Marzio PAF Pro, (Middle)Di Marzio Blue Velvet, (Rear)Di Marzio Steves Special
Controls : 2 Volume(Output A&B), 1 Magnetic Tone, Output Mode Switch, Magnetic/Piezo switch
Hardware : Cosmo Black
Colour : Deep Red

Near new playing condition, scuff/tiny lacquer chip

This 2005 model is like the “Artillery” of the J-Customs, heavy as hell but, very, very smooth, that extra string is punishing. Like all the J-Customs exceptional woods and electronics all the way and stunning, you just cant help grinning when you open the case. Why 7 strings are not as popular is beyond me, if your playing in regular open E tuning just forget about the top string, if you need to tune down don’t worry its already there and scales become really interesting too. Loads of fun to play and no need for two guitars! EASY!! If your into METAL than a 7 is pretty handy to have around. Another point with the J-Customs 7’s is that they are not made every year so if you missed out on buying one…..UMMM a bit of bad luck and happy hunting. If you have missed out or a after a particular J-Custom drop us an e-mail, we have been collectors and sellers of these fine instruments since 1996 (When the first models came out)!

Body : AAA Flame Maple top and binding w/Mahogany back
Neck : 5pc Maple/Wenge J-Custom neck w/Ebony head stock
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/Abalone small dot and Custom-jumbo frets
Bridge : Edge-Pro 7
Pick-ups : (Front)Di Marzio Air Norton 7, (Rear)Di Marzio Tone Zone 7
Controls : 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 5 way selector
Hardware Colour : Cosmo Black
Colour : Vintage Violin

Near new playing condition, scuff/tiny lacquer chip

A classic example of quality for $$ is this all original B-7, part of the Kramer Glide series from 1989. The Glide series was an improved/upgraded JK-2000 based on the original early 80’s “Pacer”. From 1989 would come with Pacer on the truss rod cover, E.S.P original Full Shaker based on Seymour Duncans Full Shred SH-10, KS-80 and Power Sleeper based again on Duncan’s Hot Rail. The E.S.P originals are VERY high quality and personally are on par with any other top quality maker. (for those who didn’t know E.S.P started off as an electronics company so they know what their doing) and the Full Shaker humbucker has a coil tap switch giving it a bit more gain.

The “Stagemaster” with its neck-thru design is the only model that would come out on top after this model, the Glide series are very impressive guitars and fetched a pretty high price tag in their day. The B-7 sounds like it was built for one purpose only, SHREDDIN! seriously this guitar has an almighty range with a humbucker to kick you in the teeth. Its plays like a demon possessed and in fantastic condition, apart from a lacquer ding at the bottom near the strap pin. These were only produced for one year so there aren’t that many of them, if your a collector of 80’s vintage guitars or a Kramer freak you’ll definitely love this.

Body : Alder
Neck : Maple
Fingerboard : 24 fret Ebony w/Diamond inly
Bridge : Floyd Rose Original
Pick-ups : (Front)E.S.P Power Sleeper, (Middle)KS-80, (Rear)E.S.P Full Shaker
Controls : 1 Volume w/coil tap, Direct on/off,5-way selector
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Black

Near new playing condition, scuff/tiny lacquer chip

Another Metal era all original 1987 model-3 in Pink Metallic Mist, a very desirable colour for collectors. Unlike the 86`models, comes with the newer Jackson JT-6 tremolo and U.S.A made Jackson Ultra-High output J-90c ceramic humbucker and J-100s vintage single coil pick-ups. Other than a slight lacquer ding near the jack, in near new condition. As expected “Monster” sound the vintage J-100’s give it a nice touch extending its range music wise. A must for any Charvel fan!!

Body : Basswood
Neck : Maple
Fingerboard : 22 fret Rosewood w/dot inlay
Bridge : Jackson JT-6
Pick-ups : (Front)J-100s, (Middle)J-100s, (Rear)J-90c Ultra-High Output
Controls : 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 5 way selector
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Pink Metallic Mist

Minor ware, good playing condition, scratches, chips

An original 1986 Model-2 this is from the first year of production. The Model series ran from 86~88 the 86 Model-2 came with the Kahler Fulcrum Tremlo and the U.S.A made Ultra-High Output J-90, from 87 to 88 they would be produced with the new J-90C(ceramic) pick-ups and Jackson JT6 Tremlo. These guitars have a “HUGE” sound, very bright highs, heavy crunch and awesome harmonics the length of the fingerboard, perfect for Hard Rock/Metal. This guitar is in like new playing condition and loads of fun to play, fretboard is like new has hardly had any ware but, a few dents and scratches front and back(What you would expect for a 23yr old guitar).The model series are REAL quality for $$ guitars and will stack up to today’s guitars anyday!! With such little ware, parts and neck wise a re-finnish would do this guitar justice and give you another 20 more years of enjoyment.

Body : Basswood
Neck : Maple
Fingerboard : Maple w/Clay dots
Bridge : Kahler Fulcrum Tremlo
Pick-ups : Ultra-High Output J90
Controls : 1 Volume
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Red

Minor ware, good playing condition, scratches, chips

A very rare Kramer is this all 100% original 1987 JK-1000BGL, based on the Barretta made famous by Eddie Van Halen. The Jk-1000 is basically a Barretta, fact is from 1985 onwards E.S.P were making most of the bodies and necks, then shipped to the U.S.A to be assembled (these would later be known as the “American Series”, due to the extra logo “American” next to Kramer on the head). The electrics were different though, the U.S.A models had Seymour Duncans were as the JK-1000 came with E.S.P’s original KP-100c based on the P.A.F design, the new Floyd Rose FRT-5 based on the original but, only sleeker and lighter was considered the best double locking system of its time and used on both models. This model is particularly interesting. Was it made in anticipation that George Lynch was about to endorse Kramer? George did have an arsenal of Kramer’s in his collection and did meet with Kramer but, decided to go with E.S.P for a better deal.

Anyway back to the JK-1000 as mentioned very rare and a great collectable for any vintage Kramer fan. What I know from sketchy Kramer (Japan) archives is approx.150~170 were made going by the serial no. and only came out once it can also be seen in the 1987 Kramer(Japan) catalogue. Over the past 17yrs or so I have seen a few butchered, broken and incomplete ones for sale so there can’t be many left out there. In their day this was a “real quality” guitar with, that really cool gritty 80’s sound and retailed $200AUD less than a JEM 77(That’s some hefty price tag in 1987!!) It also comes with an extra large “banana head” for this model only! The JK-1000 Importstrings have is in “players condition” scuff marks, a ding here and there but, still the neck is as straight as an arrow, the electrics have grunt and is in awesome playing condition!! Professionally setup but remember it is over 20yrs old.

A piece of Metal history.

Body : Alder
Neck : 1 pc Maple
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/Abalone dot inlay
Bridge : Floyd Rose
Pick-ups : E.S.P Original KP100c
Controls : 1 Volume
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Tiger Graphics

Fantastic quality

A very sought after Transparent Turquoise coloured J-Custom, although this model is not found in your catalogue. There are several guitar shops in Japan that from time to time will collaborate with Ibanez and make “SHOP ORIGINALS” (Some think they are actually TEST models) usaully they will order 1~2 models limited to maybe 2~3 of each making them very rare if you have missed out on buying one. Fact is catalogue J-Customs are also limited to only a few dozen of one particular model anyway! This J-Custom is a 98 KEY ORIGINAL model in electrifying Transparent Turquiose, this colour would be available in the 2003 catalogue 5yrs later. Shop originals are prized by collectors worldwide and can often cost you an arm and a leg! depending on specs. & rarity! Its in near “MINT” condition and plays like a dream. Rated 4 stars due to the fact it has a few 1mm YES 1mm lacquer ONLY dings (They are almost unnoticeable and for 11yrs old is absolutely amazing)!!!

Body : Mahogany w/AAAA Flame Maple top and binding
Neck : 3pc Maple J-Custom neck
Fingerboard : Rosewood w/Abalone off-set dot inlay and Custom Jumbo frets
Bridge : Lo-Pro Edge
Pick-ups : (Front)Di Marzio Air Norton, (Rear)Di Marzio Tone Zone
Controls : 1 Volume,1 Tone,5 way selector
Hardware Colour : Black
Colour : Transparent Turquoise

New condition

YES!!! We finally got another!!! As mentioned before the RG550 20th Anni. is quite scarce and prying them out of the hands of collectors is a challenge, but we managed! Thank you to all those who requested a 20th Anni. in Road Flare Red and there was quite a few. Comes complete with case, picks, strap and all the gadgets. It’s in “MINT” condition. This will be a first in first served offer, these are really popular so be QUICK! Also BIG thanks again for all the requests and support.

Body : Basswood
Neck : Maple/Walnut 5pc Prestige,original 1987″Wizard” shape
Fingerboard : Maple, 24 fret w/clay dots
Bridge : Original Edge Tremlo
Pick-ups : (Front)V1, (Middle)S1, (Rear)V2
Controls : 1 Volume, 1 Tone, 5 way selector
Hardware Colour : Cosmo Black
Colour : Road Flare Red