Ibanez PS3CM

Ibanez PS3CM review

The Ibanez PS3CM is Paul Stanley's signature take on the Iceman design, finished in Black Cracked Mirror. Its specification is focused and easy to understand: a mahogany body, maple top, three-piece maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and two Seymour Duncan humbuckers. Made in Japan, it is listed at 5999, with an included gig bag but no hard case.

That combination makes the PS3CM a distinctive instrument with a clear connection to its artist and design. The cracked mirror finish is the first thing that sets it apart visually, while the wood and hardware choices give it a more traditional foundation. For a buyer considering this model, the key questions are how it feels across the neck, how its pickup setup suits their playing, and whether the Iceman shape and finish fit their needs.

Construction and finish

The body is mahogany with a maple top. Ibanez pairs it with a three-piece maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard has acrylic and abalone inlays, and the neck carries 22 medium frets. The product information also lists a 628 mm scale length, a relatively compact measurement that may appeal to players who prefer a shorter reach than many longer-scale guitars provide.

Black Cracked Mirror is a bold finish, not a subtle variation on a standard solid color. It gives the PS3CM a strong stage presence and suits the theatrical character of Paul Stanley's signature model. The chrome hardware adds a contrasting detail. The bridge is a Gotoh GE103B-T, and there is no tremolo system. That makes the bridge setup a straightforward part of the instrument's specification rather than a platform for pitch effects.

One player report describes the workmanship as excellent and says the guitar plays comfortably in every position. That is useful practical feedback, though it reflects an individual playing experience rather than a guarantee for every instrument or setup. It also aligns with the impression given by the Japanese-made construction and the carefully specified components.

Pickups and playing feel

The PS3CM uses a two-humbucker configuration, with a Seymour Duncan '59 in the neck position and a Custom 5 at the bridge. The listed layout is HH, so this is a dual-humbucker guitar rather than a single-coil design. The player feedback supplied for this review praises the sound overall, but does not identify particular settings, genres, or amplifier combinations. A hands-on evaluation should therefore include testing both pickups and their controls with the equipment you normally use.

The 628 mm scale and 22 medium frets define the basic playing layout. The reported experience of comfortable access across the neck is encouraging, especially for someone who expects to move between positions during a set. Neck comfort remains personal, however. Hand size, preferred action, string choice, and setup all affect how a guitar feels. If possible, try the PS3CM while seated and standing, and spend time on both open-position chords and higher-register passages before deciding.

With no tremolo, the bridge arrangement keeps the specification focused on fixed-bridge playing. Players who want a tremolo for expressive pitch movement should look elsewhere. Those who prefer a simpler bridge configuration may find this a better match, although the available information does not establish any specific tuning stability or maintenance advantage.

What is included

An Ibanez gig bag is included, while a hard case is not. That is worth factoring into the purchase if the instrument will travel regularly or needs more protection in storage. The product has been available since June 2024, and its listed item number is 564995. The sales unit is one piece.

• Body and top: Mahogany body with a maple top
• Neck and fingerboard: Three-piece maple neck and ebony fingerboard
• Frets and scale: 22 medium frets and a 628 mm scale
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan '59 and Custom 5 humbuckers
• Bridge and hardware: Gotoh GE103B-T bridge and chrome hardware, with no tremolo
• Finish and accessories: Black Cracked Mirror finish, gig bag included, hard case not included

Verdict

The Ibanez PS3CM is a specific choice for players drawn to Paul Stanley's Iceman design and its striking Black Cracked Mirror finish. Its Japanese construction, mahogany body, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and Seymour Duncan humbuckers give the model a defined hardware and materials package. Feedback from a player highlights comfortable access across the neck, a convincing sound, and excellent workmanship.

The main compromises are equally clear. There is no tremolo, and the included protection is a gig bag rather than a hard case. Its visual style is distinctive, so it will not suit every player or setting. At a listed price of 5999, it makes the most sense for someone who specifically wants this signature model and has the chance to assess the finish, neck feel, and pickup response in person.