Graph Tech Announces New Partnership with Ibanez Guitars and Basses

Graph Tech Announces New Partnership with Ibanez Guitars and Basses

DELTA, B.C.; April, 2009 – Graph Tech Guitar Labs, the world’s largest guitar nut and saddle manufacturer is pleased to announce that they have established a new partnership with Ibanez Guitars. Ibanez is now using Black TUSQ® XL nuts on various basses and electric guitar models.
“The reason why we selected BLACK TUSQ XL is to improve tuning performance on our high grade models” says Ozawa Yuki, Product Manager Bass Division.

Black TUSQ XL is designed to boost guitar tone and performance. This precision engineered nut is made with a specially formulated material which couples the strings' vibrations to the neck and brings out hidden harmonics and richness in every note. It is based on the highly resonant TUSQ® man made ivory, but is impregnated with Teflon® to improve the tuning performance of the guitar.

Other nut materials have a tendency to bind the strings in their slots. Black TUSQ XL’s lubrication is impregnated throughout the material. Teflon is the slipperiest substance on earth...500 times more slippery than graphite, so this ensures the string will never bind at the nut again.

“We are very honored to be able to supply Ibanez with our Black TUSQ XL nuts for great tone and tuning performance” says Dave Dunwoodie, president of Graph Tech. “Ibanez has always been known as a true front runner in guitar innovation and design. To have Black TUSQ XL called upon to improve tone and tuning for Ibanez is a great testament to both companies involved in the best in guitar performance.”
About Ibanez

Ibanez is a guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki and is based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan. Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in the United States and Europe. The Ibanez brand name dates back to 1929 when Hoshino Gakki began importing Salvador Ibáñez guitars from Spain.
The company has grown significantly since it was established and is now known internationally as a cutting edge guitar manufacturer. In 2008 they celebrated their 100th anniversary of inauguration of business.

About Graph Tech Guitar Labs

Founded in 1983 by President Dave Dunwoodie, Graph Tech Guitar Labs manufactures more guitar nuts and saddles than any other company in the world. Focused on innovations to improve guitar tone and vibration for optimal performance, Graph Tech is the maker of TUSQ® and Black TUSQ® XL man-made ivory, String Saver™ saddles, String Saver™ Classics steel saddles, ResoMax™ Harmonic Bridge System and ghost® Modular Pickup Systems. The world’s leading retailers, luthiers, and guitar manufacturers choose Graph Tech products including: Carvin, Fender, Gibson, Godin, Hagstrom, Ibanez, Jay Turser, Lag, Larrivee, Martin Guitars, Ovation, Peavey, Samick, Schecter, Taylor Guitars, and Yamaha Custom Shop. For more information, visit www.graphtech.com or call 604-940-5353.