Ibanez JP20 Joe Pass Signature – Japan 1982

Introduced in 1982, the JP20 is a signature guitar model dedicated to the renowned American jazz guitarist Joe Pass. This model boasts a full-sized 16” body with a 25 1/2” scale, featuring a single cutaway design, an arched spruce top, and maple back and sides, making it a distinguished piece in the hollow body electric guitar category. Initially crafted in Japan by FujiGen, the production of the JP20 transitioned to Terada in 1986, marking a pivotal moment in its history.  

Notably, the JP20 holds the distinction of being the first and only signature model made for Joe Pass by Ibanez. It features a sophisticated three-piece maple neck, a 22-fret ebony fingerboard adorned with binding, and pearl and abalone split block position markers, adding to its elegance. The guitar is equipped with a single Ibanez Super 58 humbucking pickup, inspired by the D’Aquisto 16” archtop once owned by Pass.  

The serial numbering system for the JP20 is unique, with the initial FujiGen models, like this one, marked by "JYPPPPY," where "J" stands for Joe (Pass), and the first and last digits represent the production year. The middle four digits denote the production sequence within that year. This one’s serial number is J801852 making it the 185th JP20 ever built – pretty cool! The JP20 was discontinued in 1990, leaving a legacy as a coveted model for jazz guitarists and collectors alike.  

This Ibanez JP20 has been well loved and looked after, and presents in fantastic condition for its 42 years of existence. The top, back and sides are remarkably clean, with only the odd small mark or scuff. The slim ‘C’ profile neck is essentially blemish free allowing smooth playing experience. The frets show some wear but still have life in them. There is a screw hole in the back of the headstock above the serial number, most likely for a (removed) strap pin. 

A very early example of the Ibanez JP20 in excellent condition, ready for its next custodian. 

Comes without a case but one can be organised by Premier Guitars if required. 

Specs:  

Action at 1st fret: 0.5mm 

Action at 12th fret: 1.25mm 

Neck depth at 1st fret: 19.91mm 

Nut Width: 44.58mm 

12 fret width: 51.05mm 

Weight: 2.9kg / 6.39lb 

Body type: Hollow body 

Width: 405mm / 16" 

Depth: 70mm / 2¾" 

Top: Material: Spruce 

Binding: Multi-layer cream/black 

Body Material: Maple 

Neck pickup: Ibanez Super 58 (H) passive/alnico 

Controls: Master volume / master tone 

Neck joint: Set-in 

Bridge: JP special ebony w/ebony saddle 

Tailpiece: JP special ebony 

Pickguard: Tortoise 

Hardware color: Gold 

Neck material: 3-piece maple 

Scale length: 648mm / 25½" 

Fingerboard material: Ebony w/binding 

Fingerboard inlays: Pearl and abalone split block 

Frets: 22 / medium 

Nut: Bone