Build and features

For many years people have been making noise-cancelling P-90-style pickups, but it’s rare to find them on a lower budget guitar. Although they look vintage, these modern Ibanez HFS models utilise a stacked-coil design to minimise hum. They’re controlled by single volume and tone controls plus a three-way pickup selector.

The JTK30 is also unique because it not only features an offset double-cutaway body, but is the only semi-hollow design here. This construction is visible via three soundhole strips on the bass side of the mahogany body, which certainly add to its modern-retro appeal.

The sixties theme continues with a string-through chrome plate, split-wing Firebird-esque scratchplate design and shark-tooth inlays. Naturally, it’s acoustically loud, although the ultra-slim neck and modern feeling 12-inch radius fretboard seem at odds with its leftfield visual vibe. That said, the JTK30H plays solidly and looks great. A kooky headstock shape and Gibson-style control knobs cap it all off nicely.

Next: Ibanez JTK30H sounds, pros and cons