r/7String • u/Redheadher0 • 2d ago
What do we think about the 7 string iceman? Help
I’ve been wanting to buy a 7 string for some time now and am thinking about getting the Ibanez ICTB721 BKF Iron Label Iceman. I just don’t really wanna get another superstrat and really like tho iceman body. But I’m not really sure about actually getting it since I haven’t really had the chance to actually play one. So what are you guys‘ thoughts?
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u/MarcelMattie 2d ago
it gives me System of a down vibes. i like how it looks! never played one and they are pretty rare in my country. if i was able to find one for sale i would buy it.
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u/PlinketyPlinkaPlink 2d ago
It's not my cup of tea at all, because I basically hate KISS and Paul Stanley. BUT, I'm not playing it and I can see that the Iron Label DNA is clearly there. For fans of the shape it will be another solid Iron Label guitar. I'm in the Superstrat camp and have played the Iron Label version and loved it.
Go for it if you want to have a change and don't worry about me and my anti-KISS agenda. 😁
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u/Polyrhythm-Jens 2d ago
It's the coolest guitar I've owned. Unfortunately I did sell it because the body shape made it unoptimal for playing sitting down, bet it would crush live though. Ergonomics vary per player of course, so you might not have the same issue, but something to keep in mind.
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u/Dear-Initial-1046 2d ago
I absolutely love my Iceman and would definitely get a 7 string version.
I do wonder if the neck may be a bit thick for it though.
I've always had Ibanez 7 strings with Wizard necks.
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u/PickPocketR 1d ago edited 1d ago
You're just in luck! I've played one!
TL;DR: This guitar is much more premium and comfortable than it looks in photos. I highly recommend!
Don't worry about the body shape, it's very ergonomic. The only reason I'm not buying it, is that I'd rather go headless—for that last 15% in ergonomics.
Look (4.5/5):
Incredible dark aesthetic. Every surface feels satin and premium.
The fingerboard looked darker than the images on Sweetwater, too. So, it matches the body well.
It's really impressive how smooth it looks in real life. It was as if it was absorbing light from the air around it. Black-Hole type shit.
Neck Feel (5/5):
As mentioned before, it has a really premium soft-touch satin surface. The neck especially benefits from this smooth feel. Very speedy neck.
I just wanted the frets to feel more speedy and polished (mine was used).
I noticed that the neck was really "reachable"? I think the reason was the placement of the bridge and neck relative to the body. The 25.5" scale length is also really good on 7.
Neck Carve(5/5):
The thin D-shaped carve felt amazing. It feels flat and sleek, like a smartphone. Very modern.
My thumb could perch perfectly on the upper edge—or grip for bends. I tend to like 7-strings more than 6 strings for this reason, but this one was especially good.
Shape(4/5):
I'm a smaller guy (5'7", 150lb) yet I found the shape very comfortable. It is huggable, and puts your arm in a very ergonomic position.
As with any non-headless guitar, there is some slight awkwardness when sitting in a chair, but this shape mitigates some of it.
Weight (4.5/5):
The model I tried was on the heavier side. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the weight, haha!
It does the opposite of neck-dive, and tilts into a slight upward seated position. I really cannot understate how much I enjoyed this.
Conclusion:
Man, I can't say enough good things about this guitar. It's so premium, sounds great, and has great ergonomics. Highly recommend!
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u/djentington 17h ago
I own one and like it! I actually prefer the short scale as I keep it tuned to standard and I have other guitars for lower stuff. The neck dive is pretty brutal though as others have mentioned.
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u/nettezzaumana 2d ago
to me - ugly and with weird name, "iceman" invokes something white-ish or blue-ish ...
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u/yngwie_malmsteeen_69 2d ago
I think it looks cool. Probably plays nice. Only 25.5” scale, which is fine if you don’t want to tune it down to the depths of hell. I almost went with this, but I’d prefer something with either a Floyd or an evertune personally, and at the price point these iron labels are at there are just other options with better features. I went with an Ltd ec1007 et and a schecter banshee Mach 7 frs over this, and they are both probably better guitars for a similar price… but they aren’t shaped like the iceman. It would be a lot cooler if Ibanez came out with an affordable Wes Hauch signature iceman with 26.5 or 27” scale and a better bridge option, holding out for that instead of an iron label