The realm of modern guitars is constantly evolving, and Ibanez has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. Their headless guitar designs, particularly within the Quest series, represent a significant leap in ergonomic design and tonal versatility. One standout feature in some of these models, like the QX52, is the “Power Tap” system, designed to expand the sonic palette beyond traditional humbucker configurations. This article delves into the nuances of the Ibanez Headless Guitar, specifically examining the QX52 and its Power Tap functionality, exploring its strengths and areas where it might fall short.
The Ibanez QX52, a prominent model in their headless lineup, aims to deliver a modern playing experience. Central to its tonal flexibility is the 5-way pickup selector, which operates in conjunction with the Alter switch (Power Tap). Understanding how these controls interact is crucial to unlocking the guitar’s full potential.
When the Power Tap is disengaged (Alter switch towards the bridge), the 5-way switch behaves as expected on a dual-humbucker guitar. Positions 1 and 5 activate the bridge and neck humbuckers respectively, delivering the full, powerful tones associated with these pickup selections. However, positions 2 and 4, intended for coil-split configurations, exhibit a noticeable volume drop. While coil-splitting is designed to produce brighter, single-coil-esque tones, the volume reduction can be a drawback, especially for players seeking consistent output across all switch positions. It’s worth noting that some manufacturers have implemented volume compensation circuits in their coil-tapping designs, a feature that appears to be absent in this iteration of the Ibanez Power Tap when “off”.
Engaging the Power Tap (Alter switch towards the neck) fundamentally alters the function of positions 2 and 4. Instead of a standard coil split, these positions now completely deactivate one humbucker while tapping a single coil from the other – the neck coil in position 4 and the bridge coil in position 2. Positions 1, 3, and 5, while still utilizing both humbuckers (or neck humbucker in position 5), incorporate a high-pass filter into the tapped coil when Power Tap is engaged. This filter, achieved through a capacitor and resistor circuit, aims to emulate a single-coil sound, introducing both the desired brighter tone and, inherently, single-coil noise. The Power Tap, in these positions, essentially shapes the frequency response to lean towards a thinner, more articulate sound profile.
Subjectively assessing the sound of the Ibanez headless guitar QX52 reveals a complex picture. Through a REVV D20 amplifier (utilizing a Two Notes Torpedo and Twin Reverb emulation), the bridge pickup was described as “ice picky” and overly bright, particularly with the higher output pickups pushing the preamp into overdrive even at lower gain settings. The tonal character was perceived as darker and lacking “openness” compared to other humbucker-equipped guitars, including a Steinberger GT-Pro used for comparison. Interestingly, the Kemper Stage (with a Two Rock Classic Reverb profile) seemed to mitigate some of the harshness, presenting a more pleasant and tonally varied response, allowing for better appreciation of the Power Tap and coil selection nuances. This suggests that amplifier pairing significantly impacts the perceived sound of the QX52.
A notable issue encountered was a physical defect in the volume knob of the test unit. Binding occurred around the “5” setting, hindering smooth volume adjustments. Furthermore, rolling off the tone knob completely resulted in a muddy sound, indicating a lack of treble compensation in the tone circuit, requiring a more nuanced approach to tone knob adjustments for usable darker tones.
Aesthetically, the Ibanez QX52 is only available in a black matte finish. Personal preference heavily influences opinions on matte finishes, and the reviewer expressed a dislike, noting that the guitar appeared to need constant cleaning. This is purely subjective, and players who appreciate a modern, understated look might find the matte black appealing.
Example Tones and Power Tap Demonstration
To illustrate the sonic characteristics of the Ibanez QX52 and the impact of the Power Tap system, a series of audio examples were recorded. These examples systematically showcase the tonal variations across all five pickup switch positions, both with the Power Tap engaged and disengaged. Chord sequences and riffs were played in each position to highlight the differences in tone and output. These audio examples serve as a valuable resource for prospective buyers to hear the Power Tap in action and assess its suitability for their playing style and tonal preferences.
In conclusion, the Ibanez headless guitar QX52 presents an intriguing package of modern design and versatile switching options with its Power Tap system. While the Power Tap expands the tonal palette, the volume drop in standard coil-split positions (Power Tap off) and the potentially bright and sometimes harsh nature of the pickups (depending on amplification) are points to consider. The subjective tonal assessment suggests a darker overall character compared to some other humbucker guitars. Potential buyers should ideally test the guitar with their preferred amplifier setup and carefully consider the described tonal characteristics and the functionality of the Power Tap to determine if the Ibanez QX52 aligns with their sonic and ergonomic needs in a modern headless guitar.
