So what is ‘Thermo Aged’ I hear you asking? The title says it all really. It all begins by applying an aging process to the tonewood, which is unique due to the high temperature during the drying process, also known as “baking” or “torrefaction”.
Only choice selected and seasoned tone wood can be cured to Thermo Aged wood. The wood is heated in a vacuum with a specific treatment for each kind of the wood in order to release water and decompose resin contained within the wood.
As a result, Thermo Aged tone wood becomes light, hard and stable like tone wood dried for decades, while providing amazing response and a louder sound.
The tone character includes a full-bodied low-end and a great smooth sustain in the treble strings which are common features of vintage guitars. Plus, the Thermo Aged process turns spruce tops amber, adding another vintage characteristic.
Also included with the Thermo Aged series are Grover open gear tuners w/butterbean knobs (18:1 gear ratio), which ensure accurate, stable tuning and help reduce the headstock weight. Rounding out the features is Ibanez’s original Mother of Pearl fretboard inlay and D’Addario’s Nickel Bronze strings.
The Artwood Vintage Thermo Aged Models will be offered in a variety of body styles (Dreadnought, Grand Concert, Parlor) and wood styles (Mahogany, Sitka Spruce).
For more details on Ibanez products, head to australismusic.com.au.
