The Altair Custom and had two direct mounted Seymour Duncan humbuckers. This was a high end model: by the looks of the design it was a response by Ibanez to the success of PRS in the early 1990s. It was the mahogany bodied, flame maple topped version of the Starfield American Classic. Ibanez made the STARFIELD ALTAIR AMERICAN CUSTOM (models ALC1220 and ALC1225) from 1992 until 1994. This was because the master builder at Case Ave had the most experience in painting.RARE Ibanez (made in USA) Starfield Altair American Custom 1992 California Custom Shop It should be noted that the Case Ave shop was hired by H&S to paint a run of vintage sunburst RG's or Starfields. For example, when one shp needed wood or more frequently for parts. There were times when the shops would would help each other however. It should be noted that for the most part, the two Ibanez Custom Shops (H&S and Case Ave) did not work together. Regardless, it is estimated that H&S had around 12 or 15 workers, maybe less. There were some unsubstantiated reports that the H&S Shop (Ibanez Shop for Customers) was a joint effort between Fender Japan (Hartfield) and Hoshino (Starfield) to assemble and paint guitars in CA. In addition, most of Ibanez color samples came from Case Ave. For example the Burnt Stained Blue JEM was born in the Case Ave shop. This ranged from making the prototypes and modifications for many new Ibanez models, especially the Starfield Project. If this were not enough, they were also responsible for research and development. Once completed, they were also responsible for the upkeep of the artist's guitars, ensuring they would meet their demands with use. They did everything from making the bodies, necks and doing the paint. build custom guitars for the endorsee to their liking. The duties of the Case Ave shop were crystal clear. They built nearly everything that was on MTV with a reign from 1989-1994. The guitars produced here were made exclusively for the Ibanez endorsed artist, none would be resold or made for customers or dealers. Ibanez shop had a small team featuring three main people, master builders Michael Lipe & Mace Bailey along with Artist Relations Chris Kelly from Texas. He can tell you who was the hardest to satisfy and why. These guys will not just play anything for sure. Jennifer Batten(Michael Jackson/Jeff Beck)Ĭoco Montoya(The Bluesbreakers/Albert Collins) Guitars that are hand built, by a master. Is now doing warranty service in the USA for "ZEMAITIS GUITARS" Mike worked for HOFNER (known as music group), FENDER warranty service center for World Music in Santa Clarita C.A and is on his own as LIPE GUITARS U.S.A. Here he worked on the assembly and quality control of the "PACIFICA" line of guitars for two years. After leaving IBANEZ, Mike went to YAMAHA. At IBANEZ Mike helped to create a custom guitar shop on the West Coast where he was a master builder of fine guitars for IBANEZ endorsers throughout the United States. After six years of building and customizing guitars for some of L.A.'s most respected musicians, Mike's business was purchased by IBANEZ in 1995. In 1989 Mike went into business for himself and became L.A.'s original "Guitar Doctor". After eight years at the music store Mike left to work for guitar manufacturer "MIGHTY MITE". Starting in the mid 70's, working in a music store, Mike learned the demanding craft of woodworking and finishing from an old violin maker. He has been playing guitar for over 36 years, and has had more than 25 years experience building and customizing guitars for some of the biggest names in music. Mike Lipe is one of the most respected names on the Los Angeles music scene. I spoke with him today and what a nice guy as well. Not a name I have seen or heard around here. He was teh Master Builder for the Ibanez Artist Custom shop where Vai, Satrianni, Gilbert put him through hell trying to satisfy them But he did. This guy hand built Curt Cobain's Starfield guitar on display. Split to outer humbucker coil to give authentic strat tones. Humbucker Magnets split to match the middle and neck on SSH configurations. A one man shop and some very unique stuff. Not a name I knew and then I read his experience and credentials.
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