The Ibanez EGEN18 is a E-Gen series guitar model and signature model of guitarist Herman Li, known for his work primarily with Dragonforce. It was introduced in 2008 and is the first E-Gen series guitar model. A second more affordable one was introduced in 2010 as the EGEN8.
The EGEN18 is based on the S model but features a number of model specific features, including the Kung Fu Grip on the upper horn, the extended sculpting on the lower cutaway, and a full HSH set of DiMarzio Herman Li pickups with additional switching options.
The DiMarzio HLM pickups were designed to provide Herman's signature sound, with the interesting feature that the middle pickup has been wound with extremely high output. It was designed this way to allow it to be positioned almost flat against the face of the guitar but still retain balanced output relative to the neck and bridge humbuckers, facilitating easier picking without the risk of hitting the pickup.
Tremolo
The EGEN18 was one of the first guitars to feature the new Edge Zero tremolo system, and the second Ibanez S series full production guitar to feature a full 24 frets neck, after the introduction of the S5470 also in 2008.
One particularly interesting feature of the EGEN18 is an optional extra that must be specified by the retailer at the time of ordering. The EGEN18 is the first Ibanez guitar produced since the introduction of the Edge Pro to feature locking studs. Prior to the introduction of this model, locking studs were not available on any Ibanez guitars with tremolo systems other than the original Edge or Lo Pro Edge.
