Designed in collaboration with Hazuki, the new Ibanez HZK1 seven-string is… not coming to the United States at the moment and that’s a huge bummer.
The guitar’s core features a Spalted Maple top over an Alder body, offering a balance of visual elegance and tonal versatility. The Alder foundation delivers bright, articulate resonance and rich sustain, while the Spalted Maple’s distinctive black-veined figuring gives each instrument a one-of-a-kind look.
At the heart of its playability is the ultra-thin Wizard-7 5-piece Maple/Wenge neck. The combination of these two tonewoods ensures rock-solid stability and a natural, balanced tone, while the Super Wizard-inspired shape provides unmatched comfort and effortless speed for high-velocity runs across all seven strings. Paired with a Bound Rosewood fretboard and Luminlay side dots, players can expect smooth action and confident navigation.
Topping off the fretwork are Jumbo Stainless Steel frets, each finished with Ibanez’s meticulous Prestige fret edge treatment. This combination offers durability, clarity, and a glassy feel that makes bending and vibrato almost effortless.
Powering the instrument’s formidable tone are a pair of Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic pickups. These active pickups boast two distinct voicings: “Modern Active High Output” for tight, cutting attack and crystal clarity, and “Modern Passive Attack” for a more organic, high-output roar with dynamic punch. Switching between the two is seamless thanks to a push/pull volume control.
Stability and precision continue at the bridge, where the Ibanez Lo-Pro Edge 7 tremolo ensures flawless pitch control and expressive vibrato action. Its low-profile design and rear-positioned fine tuners keep the hand clear and comfortable, reducing accidental tuning shifts during aggressive playing.
Check out the HZK1 here on Ibanez’s Japan website and keep up with all our Ibanez coverage right here.
