Is Lari Basilio Ibanez’s next signature artist?
Brazilian-born virtuoso switches from Suhr – and reveals a new AZ-derived model
With her latest album, Far More, Lari Basilio established herself as one of today’s foremost instrumental guitar players, and now the Brazilian-born guitarist has further cemented her credentials as she joins the Ibanez artist roster.
“Today a new chapter begins!” Basilio, previously a longtime Suhr artist, said in a Facebook post announcing the news.
“I grew up watching my guitar heroes playing Ibanez Guitars and I’m so honored and happy to join the team now! Very excited about what’s coming!”
Speaking of which, just what exactly is that model slung around Basilio’s shoulder? It’s spec’d like an AZ2204 – and certainly, she’s been seen playing a limited-edition koa brown version of that very model lately – but there are a number of differences.
For one, that Silver Sparkle finish is definitely something fresh for the range, and complemented by a black painted headstock and gold hardware.
Plus, if you look closely, you’ll see ‘Seymour Duncan’ written out in full across the guitar’s two single coils, rather than the ‘S’ logo that appears on other AZ models – so these may well be something other than the standard-issue Hyperions you’d normally find on AZs.
All of which leads us to speculate… is this our first look at a Lari Basilio signature guitar? That accolade would make her Ibanez’s third female signature artist, following Nita Strauss and Yvette Young.
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
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