Ibanez FLATV2 has been introduced as the latest signature model for guitarist Josh Smith. Following the earlier FLATV1, this new model represents the next stage in Smith’s collaboration with Ibanez. The FLATV2 builds on established specifications while incorporating defined material and hardware choices confirmed through the official product listing.
Rather than being limited to a single domestic market, the FLATV2 is presented as part of Ibanez’s broader signature lineup. It is designated as a made-to-order model and includes a hardshell case.
Josh Smith and the FLATV Series
Josh Smith is a blues guitarist originally from Florida. He began playing guitar at the age of six and was recognized at an early age for his ability in blues performance. Over the course of his career, Smith has continued to refine his playing, remaining active both as a bandleader and as a touring guitarist supporting other artists.
In 2011, he performed alongside Mick Jagger at the Grammy Awards. His playing style blends blues with elements of jazz, funk, and country. This adaptable approach has contributed to his reputation among contemporary guitarists.
The FLATV2 follows Smith’s previous signature model, the FLATV1. As the successor, it maintains the flat-top concept while presenting updated specifications.
Body and Neck Construction of the Ibanez FLATV2
The Ibanez FLATV2 features an alder body. Alder is widely used in solidbody electric guitars due to its balanced tonal characteristics and consistent response.
The neck is a FLATV / S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck. Roasted maple is heat-treated to improve dimensional stability. This construction method is commonly used in modern instruments where resistance to environmental changes is a consideration.
The fingerboard is made of rosewood, fitted with ivory dot inlays.
The instrument has 21 medium frets, finished with Prestige fret edge treatment. This detail is associated with Ibanez’s higher-tier production standards and is intended to provide smooth fretboard edge finishing.
The scale length is 648mm (25.5 inches), and the fingerboard radius is 250mmR.
Pickups and Electronics
Ibanez FLATV2 Pickup Configuration
The Ibanez FLATV2 is equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups:
- Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan FLAT5™ (H), Passive / Alnico
- Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan FLAT5™ (S), Passive / Alnico
This configuration combines a humbucker in the neck position with a single-coil in the bridge position. Both pickups use Alnico magnets and operate with passive circuitry.
The official specification does not indicate onboard active electronics. The pickup layout defines the tonal structure of the instrument, offering contrast between the neck and bridge positions.
Hardware and Construction Details
The Ibanez FLATV2 uses a Gotoh® F1803 bridge, paired with Gotoh® machine heads.
The bridge features Gotoh®/Ibanez co-designed “In-Tune” saddles, supporting precise intonation. String spacing is 10.5mm.
The nut material is bone, and the hardware finish is chrome.
Factory setup details include:
- D’Addario EXL110 strings
- String gauge: .010/.013/.017/.026/.036/.046
- Standard tuning: 1E, 2B, 3G, 4D, 5A, 6E
- Hardshell case included
- Made-to-order production
Ibanez FLATV2 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Josh Smith Signature |
| Body | Alder |
| Neck | FLATV / S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood / Ivory dot inlay |
| Frets | 21 Medium / Prestige fret edge treatment |
| Scale Length | 648mm / 25.5″ |
| Radius | 250mmR |
| Neck Pickup | Seymour Duncan FLAT5™ (H) / Passive / Alnico |
| Bridge Pickup | Seymour Duncan FLAT5™ (S) / Passive / Alnico |
| Bridge | Gotoh F1803 |
| String Spacing | 10.5mm |
| Nut | Bone |
| Strings | D’Addario EXL110 (.010–.046) |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Production | Made-to-order |
| Case | Hardshell case included |
Specifications are based strictly on the official product listing.
Source: Ibanez Official website
FAQ
Who is the Ibanez FLATV2 signature model for?
The Ibanez FLATV2 is the signature model of blues guitarist Josh Smith and follows his earlier FLATV1 model.
What are the main specs of the Ibanez FLATV2?
The Ibanez FLATV2 features an alder body, a FLATV S-TECH WOOD roasted maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, 21 medium frets with Prestige fret edge treatment, and a 648mm (25.5″) scale length.
What pickups are used in the Ibanez FLATV2?
The Ibanez FLATV2 is equipped with Seymour Duncan FLAT5™ pickups, with a humbucker in the neck position and a single-coil in the bridge position. Both pickups are passive and use Alnico magnets.
What hardware does the Ibanez FLATV2 use?
The Ibanez FLATV2 uses a Gotoh F1803 bridge, Gotoh machine heads, a bone nut, chrome hardware, and co-designed In-Tune saddles.
Is the Ibanez FLATV2 a standard production model?
The Ibanez FLATV2 is listed as a made-to-order model and includes a hardshell case.
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