Model 529
The 529 appears in both the 1980 and 1982 mandolin catalogs. Initally, the model featured a dot inlay fingerboard, as shown in the 1980 Ibanez Mandolin Catalog.
The later version in the 1982 catalog shows a fancy fingerboard inlay, likely used to distinguish it from the newly introduced, cheaper 528 mandolin which had a dot inlay fingerboard.
The 529 is part of what I call the “Modern Series” of Ibanez mandolins. By the 1980′s, Ibanez had reached a point where they were no longer directly copying Gibson designs but developing original designs. The snakehead and hollow scroll are unlike any previous models. Although not a direct copy, some inspiration from the work of John Monteleone, who was a prominent luthier at the time, and Gibson lump scroll models is evident.
The striking hand-rubbed Antique Violin finish was reserved for the most high-end Ibanez instruments, and the dramatic top carve is reminiscent of the 527. Note the unusual shape of the f-holes. The overall effect is a very high-end instrument with excellent craftsmanship.
I have this Model 529, Serial Number 814067, signed CJ Keslakabe (as close as I can decipher his signature)
I enjoy it very much!
I am a very happy owner of this 529 Ibanez mandoline. I bought it atround 1980 – 1982 and It is the version having the Fancy fingerboard and it is a true jewel. I wonder how come Ibanz stopped manufacturing these beautiful instruments, which are as fine or even better than the absurdly expensive Gibsons. What ever hqppened to ibanez ? who knows about this ? Does anyone knows how much worth my mandoline could be ? It is in absolute mint condition.
Best Wishes,
Juan Manuel Gonzalez de Cosio
I have 529 model B814372. My brother and I ordered this beautiful instrument from our local music store at Finland inspired by a catalog of Ibanez at that time. Its not so loud, and never been, instrument but have its unique sound. Nowadays its my second mandolin, used mainly for recording sessions. I have crafted myself a new mable bridge for it,and now its time to do some repair for the neck, too, but its still in fair good condition.
Greetings Juha Linna, Finland
I also own a 529 though it has been modified.The v-neck has been professionally rounded/refinished retaining the ‘Crafted in Japan’ decal.Schaller straplocks have been fitted(one on the[back's] curlique to avoid making the mandolin ‘sit proud’ in the case)as well as a MIJ Monteleone-style tailpiece,and a Sullivan/FQMS small-wheeled ebony bridge.Top braces have been professionally shaved using a fingerplane.The mandolin now has a great ‘sweet spot’and an improved sound.Some USA guys employed by Ibanez say the instruments were variable(some being overbuilt).They tend to rubbish the ‘violin finish’ theory saying Ibanez was a hotbed of mass-production and,in terms of the shiny coat,Nitrocellulose-City!.They say that the label signature(Watanabe/Kasahabe? on mine-it’s at home whereas I’m away recovering from a long-term broken thigh)is that of head of mandolin production at the time.I did hear once that just 30 were made per annum.Haven’t seen one fall victim yet to the Flea-Day ‘recession-curse,but I did see,in late October 2010,528 on there(in the States)for just over $500.Sellers were intermittently drooling/arranging to buy a case in their homeland as it lacked juan!.
Just to correct what I said in previous correspondence.To loosely quote Scott Zimmerman(sorry for quotes not being verbatim folks,but the essence is there)of Japan’s Desert Rose Banjos-’When we worked at Ibanez we made 15000 instruments a month EVERY month.The idea of little wizened bearded men hand-rubbing coats of lacquer and tap-tuning instruments’ has to be discounted under those mass-production circumstances.He even consulted a ‘luthier from the old days(at Ibanez)’,who checked on an instrument(which had sat in a rack with others unfinished for years)and concluded ‘No deviation from unyielding Ibanez policy here-the finish is sprayed-on Urethane’.I like mine though(post-changes previously described).Originally it was overbuilt/too heavily lacquered I felt.String sets with a bass of .040” or .041” were an absolute NO-NO..039” or .038” brought the instrument to life much better(and I’ve stuck with those gauges even after the modifications described in the previous correspondence.All the best,Nick(ex-coalminer & ret’d mental health nurse-England).
The USA ‘Flea Day’ Recession Special 528 I mentioned previously sold for $620(+ $95 worth of seller-acquired case/foreign? shipping though).Anyone musing on what their 529 is worth could always try attempting to project this figure upwards.
I have a 529 as well…serial No. A815941 with the beautiful deep red (wine) mattte finish. I am the original owner, having purchased the instrument in Montreal in December 1981 for $795 Canadian. It has aged very nicely (wish i could say the same for myself) and sounds great!
I’ve got a lovely 529 as well (G825671). Lovely tobacco sunburst finish. Very playable. Not a super-loud chop-chop barker, but a bright sweet tone all the same. I’d take it over most Eastmans, fine as they are.
A Yorkshire England-based red-wine finished dot-inlaid 529 with original case[seemingly totally original,ie without any uprating/modifications whatsoever]sold today on UK Ebay for a fairly modest GBP £645 + £45 p&p.
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