Ibanez PS120-BK

Ibanez PS120-BK review

The Ibanez PS120-BK is Paul Stanley's signature version of the Iceman, a guitar whose sharp, distinctive outline sets it apart from more familiar single-cutaway designs. It has a black finish, a maple top over an okoume body, and a three-piece mahogany neck. An ebony fingerboard, decorative acrylic and abalone inlays, and binding across the fingerboard add detail to the otherwise dark look.

The model has been available since March 2015. Its listed price is 1015, though the supplied information does not specify a currency. The specification lists 22 medium frets, a 628 mm scale, two humbucking pickups, chrome hardware, and no tremolo. Ibanez includes a gig bag, but not a hard case.

Construction and appointments

Visual finish quality is one of the most consistent points of praise in the owner feedback. Reviewers describe the paintwork as clean, the wide binding as attractive, and the hardware as high quality. Several also note that the neck-to-body transition feels well resolved. The combination of the Iceman shape and decorative inlays gives the PS120-BK a stage-ready look, though its appeal is not limited to KISS fans.

There is a significant qualification around build consistency. One owner reported raised frets on both of two separate instruments, causing fret buzz or notes to choke out. That same report described loose-feeling bridge posts and movement in the tuner shafts, as well as a factory setup with string action close to 4 mm. The guitars were returned. Other owners describe clean construction and a comfortable feel, so the reports do not establish that every example has these problems. They do make a careful inspection and setup sensible before committing to one.

Playability and setup

In use, the PS120-BK receives both strong praise and pointed criticism. Some players find it comfortable and easy to play, including one owner who uses it with a band. Another says its unusual outline does not prevent comfortable playing. The neck has a painted finish, which one reviewer found pleasant to the touch.

Balance is less settled. One player describes the guitar as noticeably neck-heavy, particularly when standing, though manageable while seated with a strap. Another owner calls its weight ideal, and a separate report gives a weight of 3.4 kg. That figure comes from an individual instrument, not a guaranteed weight for every PS120-BK. Because the body shape and balance can affect comfort, trying the guitar with a strap is worthwhile if you expect to play standing for long stretches.

One owner also found the string height above the body unusually large, attributing it to the bridge arrangement and neck construction. That is distinct from the action over the fingerboard, which the same reviewer considered acceptable. Intonation prompted a more specific complaint: the G string could not be adjusted to play both the octave and the first five frets in tune. The open setup issue was eventually addressed with a compensated nut. This is an individual account, but it reinforces the value of checking intonation across the neck rather than judging setup by action alone.

Pickups and sound

The pickup configuration is a pair of Seymour Duncan humbuckers, identified as a '59 and a Custom 5. Reports on the sound are mixed. One player found the tone strong, while another expected more impact and described it as slightly flatter than anticipated from Seymour Duncan pickups. That reviewer also questioned the absence of visible Seymour Duncan branding on the pickups. The available information does not establish why the logos were absent or whether the pickups had been changed, so that observation should not be treated as evidence of a specification change.

As with any electric guitar, the amplifier, effects, and setup shape the final result. One satisfied owner reported using the PS120-BK with a Big Muff and an Orange Crush Pro 120 amplifier in a rehearsal space. The feedback supports its use in a band setting, but does not point to one universally preferred sound.

Verdict

The Ibanez PS120-BK offers a distinctive Iceman design, attractive appointments, an ebony fingerboard, and a Seymour Duncan humbucker pair. Owners who received well-set-up examples report a pleasing playing experience and strong visual finish. However, inconsistent fretwork and setup, plus questions about balance and intonation, deserve attention. Check fret condition, bridge stability, tuner movement, and tuning across the neck before buying. The included gig bag is useful, but buyers who need a hard case should budget for one separately.