Hoshino U.S.A. Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Ibanez Custom Shop Basses

Hoshino U.S.A., the U.S.-based distributor of Ibanez Guitars, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with the creation of limited collection of “extremely special, hand-crafted, custom instruments.” The instruments are built as a project between the Ibanez L.A. Custom Shop and the Japanese Custom Shop in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

“Just as no two years are ever exactly the same, each one of these guitars and basses are totally unique from one another,” the company writes. “They are instilled with their own unique style and feature set, principally inspired by the master luthiers who built them.”

The lineup includes three basses built in L.A. and seven built in Japan. The three American-made basses are historically derived with features based on vintage models. The LACS6, aka “Dale”, is a reproduction of the American Master series from the late ’80s and early ’90s.

“As such, the team opted to include a little history while naming this axe, ‘Dale,’ for the latter half of Glendale, California, where Master Luthier, Tak Hosono’s shop was located at the time, and it was the place many of the originals were built,” Hoshino writes. “The LA team sought to carry forward the key characteristics and historical elements of this acclaimed line in the form of a top-flight, hand-built bass guitar.”

Ibanez adds that the bass’s specialty lies in the finer details, like its custom-made wooden truss rod cover at the neck joint. The luthiers used the same woods as the neck block for the neck joint for a seamless look. Other features include a set of Nordstrand pickups matched to a Vari-mid 3-band EQ.

Across the ocean, the Japanese luthiers made a set of four basses to represent the four seasons as well as a custom BTB and two basses with detailed inlays. The JPCS32, nicknamed “Sakura”, is covered in cherry blossom inlays made from various wood and seashells.

“The inlay work on this guitar was meticulous and painstaking. It involved individually cutting, sanding, and seating well over 90 individual pieces of shell and wood,” the company writes. “Not to mention the extra time involved to seat, level, and dress the stainless steel frets. The end result of all the hours that went into this bass is absolutely stunning. The inlay work, combined with the Maple Burl top, and Yozakura Blue finish, coalesce in a synergistic and inspired manner to form an exquisite piece of functional artwork.” The Sakura also has a set of Nordstrand Big Singles with a 3-band EQ.

The Ibanez Hoshino 50th Anniversary basses vary in price. Each comes with a hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity. For the full range of basses, check out the Ibanez website.

LACS6 “Dale” Bass Specs:

JPCS32 “Sakura” Bass Specs: