Ibanez APEX20 James Munky Shaffer Signature 7-String Guitar
Ibanez APEX20 – James “Munky” Shaffer Signature 7-String Guitar
The Ibanez APEX20 is a 7-string signature model designed for James “Munky” Shaffer of Korn, introduced in 2014 as a streamlined alternative to the flagship APEX200. Built in Indonesia, it carries the aggressive RG-style body design, extended range, and performance reliability that modern metal and downtuned players demand. Its fixed hardtail bridge and factory down-tuned setup make it a workhorse for heavy, riff-driven music.
Positioned as a more accessible option, the APEX20 strips away extras while retaining DiMarzio Blaze pickups, a durable Gibraltar Standard II-7 bridge, and a clean, no-inlay aesthetic on its dark fingerboard. This makes it a powerful yet straightforward tool for serious players.
Key Features
- Signature Design: James “Munky” Shaffer’s 7-string model, inspired by Korn’s heavy sound.
- Solid Build: Basswood body with RG contours for comfortable playability.
- Extended Range: Factory setup in a full step down tuning for modern metal styles.
- Premium Pickups: DiMarzio Blaze humbucker and single-coil for crushing lows and articulate highs.
- Hardtail Stability: Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed bridge for solid sustain and tuning reliability.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model / Series | APEX20 (Munky Signature) |
| Years Offered | 2014 – 2019 |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
| Body Material | Basswood, solid RG-style body |
| Neck / Joint | 3-piece Maple, bolt-on (APEX neck design) |
| Scale Length | 648 mm (25.5") |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (2014–2017), Jatoba (2018–2019); no inlays |
| Frets | 24 jumbo frets |
| Nut / Width | Barless Top-Lok locking nut, ~43 mm width |
| Bridge | Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed hardtail, 10.8 mm spacing |
| Pickups / Electronics | DiMarzio Blaze HS setup – Bridge humbucker, Neck single-coil |
| Controls | Single volume, 3-way pickup toggle |
| Factory Strings / Tuning | D’Addario EXL110 + .054 set; tuned down one full step (low D–A–D–G–C–F–Bb) |
| Finish | Satin Black / Matte Black |
Why Choose the Ibanez APEX20?
- Artist Approved: Built to James “Munky” Shaffer’s specs for heavy, down-tuned styles.
- Affordable Signature: Simplified design compared to the APEX200, without losing tonal power.
- Solid Reliability: Hardtail bridge ensures sustain and tuning stability.
- Modern Metal Ready: Down-tuned factory setup ideal for heavy riffing and low-end clarity.
Built for Heavy Riffs
The Ibanez APEX20 offers Korn-inspired playability and tone in a no-frills package. Whether you’re practicing, recording, or performing live, it delivers the tight, low-end punch and reliability required for aggressive modern music.
Ibanez APEX20 – James “Munky” Shaffer Signature 7-String Guitar
The Ibanez APEX20 is a 7-string signature model designed for James “Munky” Shaffer of Korn, introduced in 2014 as a streamlined alternative to the flagship APEX200. Built in Indonesia, it carries the aggressive RG-style body design, extended range, and performance reliability that modern metal and downtuned players demand. Its fixed hardtail bridge and factory down-tuned setup make it a workhorse for heavy, riff-driven music.
Positioned as a more accessible option, the APEX20 strips away extras while retaining DiMarzio Blaze pickups, a durable Gibraltar Standard II-7 bridge, and a clean, no-inlay aesthetic on its dark fingerboard. This makes it a powerful yet straightforward tool for serious players.
Key Features
- Signature Design: James “Munky” Shaffer’s 7-string model, inspired by Korn’s heavy sound.
- Solid Build: Basswood body with RG contours for comfortable playability.
- Extended Range: Factory setup in a full step down tuning for modern metal styles.
- Premium Pickups: DiMarzio Blaze humbucker and single-coil for crushing lows and articulate highs.
- Hardtail Stability: Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed bridge for solid sustain and tuning reliability.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model / Series | APEX20 (Munky Signature) |
| Years Offered | 2014 – 2019 |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
| Body Material | Basswood, solid RG-style body |
| Neck / Joint | 3-piece Maple, bolt-on (APEX neck design) |
| Scale Length | 648 mm (25.5") |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (2014–2017), Jatoba (2018–2019); no inlays |
| Frets | 24 jumbo frets |
| Nut / Width | Barless Top-Lok locking nut, ~43 mm width |
| Bridge | Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed hardtail, 10.8 mm spacing |
| Pickups / Electronics | DiMarzio Blaze HS setup – Bridge humbucker, Neck single-coil |
| Controls | Single volume, 3-way pickup toggle |
| Factory Strings / Tuning | D’Addario EXL110 + .054 set; tuned down one full step (low D–A–D–G–C–F–Bb) |
| Finish | Satin Black / Matte Black |
Why Choose the Ibanez APEX20?
- Artist Approved: Built to James “Munky” Shaffer’s specs for heavy, down-tuned styles.
- Affordable Signature: Simplified design compared to the APEX200, without losing tonal power.
- Solid Reliability: Hardtail bridge ensures sustain and tuning stability.
- Modern Metal Ready: Down-tuned factory setup ideal for heavy riffing and low-end clarity.
Built for Heavy Riffs
The Ibanez APEX20 offers Korn-inspired playability and tone in a no-frills package. Whether you’re practicing, recording, or performing live, it delivers the tight, low-end punch and reliability required for aggressive modern music.
Description
Ibanez APEX20 – James “Munky” Shaffer Signature 7-String Guitar
The Ibanez APEX20 is a 7-string signature model designed for James “Munky” Shaffer of Korn, introduced in 2014 as a streamlined alternative to the flagship APEX200. Built in Indonesia, it carries the aggressive RG-style body design, extended range, and performance reliability that modern metal and downtuned players demand. Its fixed hardtail bridge and factory down-tuned setup make it a workhorse for heavy, riff-driven music.
Positioned as a more accessible option, the APEX20 strips away extras while retaining DiMarzio Blaze pickups, a durable Gibraltar Standard II-7 bridge, and a clean, no-inlay aesthetic on its dark fingerboard. This makes it a powerful yet straightforward tool for serious players.
Key Features
- Signature Design: James “Munky” Shaffer’s 7-string model, inspired by Korn’s heavy sound.
- Solid Build: Basswood body with RG contours for comfortable playability.
- Extended Range: Factory setup in a full step down tuning for modern metal styles.
- Premium Pickups: DiMarzio Blaze humbucker and single-coil for crushing lows and articulate highs.
- Hardtail Stability: Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed bridge for solid sustain and tuning reliability.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model / Series | APEX20 (Munky Signature) |
| Years Offered | 2014 – 2019 |
| Country of Manufacture | Indonesia |
| Body Material | Basswood, solid RG-style body |
| Neck / Joint | 3-piece Maple, bolt-on (APEX neck design) |
| Scale Length | 648 mm (25.5") |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (2014–2017), Jatoba (2018–2019); no inlays |
| Frets | 24 jumbo frets |
| Nut / Width | Barless Top-Lok locking nut, ~43 mm width |
| Bridge | Gibraltar Standard II-7 fixed hardtail, 10.8 mm spacing |
| Pickups / Electronics | DiMarzio Blaze HS setup – Bridge humbucker, Neck single-coil |
| Controls | Single volume, 3-way pickup toggle |
| Factory Strings / Tuning | D’Addario EXL110 + .054 set; tuned down one full step (low D–A–D–G–C–F–Bb) |
| Finish | Satin Black / Matte Black |
Why Choose the Ibanez APEX20?
- Artist Approved: Built to James “Munky” Shaffer’s specs for heavy, down-tuned styles.
- Affordable Signature: Simplified design compared to the APEX200, without losing tonal power.
- Solid Reliability: Hardtail bridge ensures sustain and tuning stability.
- Modern Metal Ready: Down-tuned factory setup ideal for heavy riffing and low-end clarity.
Built for Heavy Riffs
The Ibanez APEX20 offers Korn-inspired playability and tone in a no-frills package. Whether you’re practicing, recording, or performing live, it delivers the tight, low-end punch and reliability required for aggressive modern music.
