Jazz Guitar Today contributor Marc Silver recounts his journey anticipating a guitar that truly delivered on its promise: the Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny Signature.
In September 2015, the Detroit Jazz Festival played host to Pat Metheny as its Artist-in-Residence. For fans like guitarist Don Carr and myself, this meant a weekend immersed in Metheny’s diverse performances. We journeyed to Detroit, eager for close-up views and backstage access, and for me, a chance to reconnect with local musicians at the festival.
Detroit in September can be unpredictable, and this particular weekend was marked by sweltering mid-90s temperatures and oppressive humidity. This weather detail, while seemingly minor, becomes relevant as it sets the scene for the initial glimpse of what would become Pat Metheny’s new go-to guitar.
Among the performances we eagerly anticipated was the Pat Metheny/Ron Carter Duo. The venue was overflowing, packed beyond capacity. Positioned beside the concrete stage in the blazing afternoon sun, we were sweating profusely, yet our anticipation for Carter and Metheny’s music remained undeterred.
As they took the stage, two immediately noticeable and unusual elements sparked a buzz among the audience.
Firstly, Pat Metheny was wearing a sport coat in that intense heat. Metheny in a sport coat? It felt akin to a Bigfoot sighting – an anomaly! It’s understood that Ron Carter consistently performs in formal attire, so perhaps Metheny’s sport coat was a respectful nod to Carter’s professional standards. This level of dedication is certainly admirable.
The second point of intrigue was Pat’s guitar. It wasn’t the familiar Ibanez PM200 archtop he had been using throughout the festival. This new instrument featured a clearly recognizable Charlie Christian style pickup. However, the headstock, neck, inlays, body, and tailpiece appeared to be a unique combination, almost a custom compilation of premium archtop features. Don and I engaged in considerable speculation about its origins, but on that day, the mysterious guitar’s identity remained elusive.
Subsequent research revealed that Pat had commissioned this custom creation from Daniel Slaman, a luthier based in the Netherlands. This discovery led to questions about how Metheny, an Ibanez signature artist, would integrate a non-signature model into his performances. Fast forward a few years to a Pat Metheny “Side Eye” outdoor concert in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There, Pat was playing an Ibanez-produced version of the Slaman guitar. An idea sparked: Ibanez was likely developing a new PM guitar equipped with a Charlie Christian style pickup. My intuition proved partially correct.
The fruition of this idea, the Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny Signature model, took a few more years to reach the market. However, having now experienced it firsthand, I can confidently assert that it was indeed worth the wait.
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny Signature guitar in natural amber finish, showcasing its single Charlie Christian style pickup, f-holes, and tailpiece
Ibanez PM3C Pat Metheny Signature
My initial encounter with the PM3C was at the Ibanez booth during Sweetwater’s 2024 GuitarFest this past August. Unaware of its release, I was pleasantly surprised to find it on display, inviting me to explore its flatwound strings and harmonic potential.
While I enjoyed playing the new Metheny model in the bustling GuitarFest environment, a comprehensive assessment required a more intimate setting. I knew immediately that a review for JazzGuitarToday was in order, necessitating a thorough examination in my home studio. Ibanez graciously provided a PM3C for this purpose.
Here are my findings:
Staying true to Pat Metheny’s preferences, the PM3C features a 16″ lower bout, a 24.7″ scale length, and a 1.692″ nut width, mirroring his other PM signature guitars. My review model, finished in Natural Amber, boasts a laminated spruce top with dark-stained maple sides and back. Despite the use of laminated woods, the guitar is remarkably light and resonant, while also exhibiting feedback resistance – a highly desirable combination.
Undoubtedly, the centerpiece of this new PM artist model is its Charlie Christian style single-coil pickup. Having never owned a guitar with a CC pickup, I was particularly eager to hear its interaction with my amplifiers. The tonal character is distinctly different from a humbucker. With my standard amp settings, it delivers a somewhat leaner, brighter, and more articulate tone, especially with the factory-installed flatwound 11 gauge strings. Chord clarity is exceptional. I anticipate that heavier gauge flatwound strings, such as my usual 12s or 13s, would further enrich the tone. Metheny achieves a full, rich sound even with 11s, demonstrating the pickup’s versatility. The PM3C’s wide-ranging tone control, in conjunction with amplifier EQ adjustments, allows for seamless transitions from bright and thin to dark and thick sonic textures.
The PM3C arrived with impressively low action and accurate intonation straight out of the box, requiring only a quick tuning. A critical aspect I always evaluate is the clarity of notes in the higher register, around the 10th fret and beyond. The PM3C performed flawlessly, with notes ringing clearly and in tune across the entire fretboard. This level of craftsmanship is truly impressive.
The guitar showcases exquisite design and construction, incorporating high-end appointments such as:
– Triple binding on the top, sides, and back, adding a touch of elegance to the Ibanez guitar.
– Bound headstock, neck, and f-holes, enhancing the instrument’s sophisticated aesthetic.
– Smooth, comfortable Artstar fret edge treatment, ensuring effortless playability on this Ibanez guitar.
– Ebony fretboard with custom PM3C acrylic inlays, a signature touch on this Ibanez guitar model.
– Large, visually striking headstock fitted with high-quality tuners, a hallmark of Ibanez guitar craftsmanship.
– Smartly-designed tailpiece, subtly incorporating an “M” for Metheny, a unique detail on this Ibanez guitar.
– Gold-colored hardware, contributing to the overall premium feel of the Ibanez guitar.
– Exceptional workmanship and finishing throughout, reflecting Ibanez guitar’s commitment to quality.
Its appearance and playability belie its surprisingly affordable $1,599 street price. It genuinely looks and feels like a much more expensive instrument. This Ibanez guitar offers incredible value.
Marc Silver is a respected guitarist, composer, and author, renowned for his influential instruction book Contemporary Guitar Improvisation (Utilizing the Entire Fingerboard), a guide for aspiring improvisers since 1978. Visit MarcSilverGuitarImprov.com for more information.
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