Down-tuning has become synonymous with metal, and although many guitar builders have answered the siren call to serve this extreme sonic palate, none has exceeded the excesses Ibanez has given the world. In this context, the new ARZ Prestige Uppercut is Ibanez working at the height of its prowess, combining the power of three mighty musical elements. First, as all serious guitar aficionados know, Prestige is the guitar-makers finest line.
Built in Japan, Prestige imbues the attitudes and care of old-world craftsmanship with high-tech manufacturing techniques. Then, consider the introduction of the Ibanez ARZ in 2011, which has gone on to make a name for itself as a guitar that combines the playing comfort of a single cutaway with 24-fret down-tuning capability.
Combining the clever design mechanics of the ARZ with Prestige craftsmanship might have been enough, but now Ibanez delivers the knockout blow: Founded in 2003, UK-based Bare Knuckle has quickly amassed a glowing reputation for building 100% hand-wound pickups from the finest authentic traditional materials for even the most discriminating guitarist.
Eventually, Bare Knuckle made its way into the realm of metal, winning favor among numerous influential artists who immediately responded to their tight, articulate sound when used in down-tuning. Ibanez quickly took notice of Bare Knuckle, and mutual admiration led to the creation of the Uppercut Series, and ultimately, the ARZ6UC.
