Did you know the Ibanez RG550, known for its quick neck and diverse pickups, has been a favorite since the 80s? It’s a top pick for both metal and rock guitarists1. This guitar shines because of its playability and its big impact in the electric guitar world.
Looking for an amazing guitar to make your music better? Look no further than Ibanez. Whether you’re into electric riffs or acoustic chords, Ibanez has the perfect guitar for you. Their unique designs and ongoing improvements mean you’ll always have the best tool to lift your music. Ibanez works hard to fulfill the needs of all guitar players, making it a leading choice.
Key Takeaways
- The Ibanez RG550 is celebrated for its fast-playing neck and versatile pickup configuration.
- Ibanez guitars cater to both electric and acoustic music genres.
- This brand is constantly evolving to meet the needs of musicians.
- Ibanez offers a variety of models to suit different play styles.
- Their guitars remain a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts.
The Legacy of Ibanez Guitars
The story of Ibanez starts in the late 19th to early 20th century with Hoshino Gakki. This was originally a bookstore called Hoshino Shoten, which then began its musical instrument division2. By 1935, in Nagoya, Japan, they started making guitars named ‘Ibanez Salvador’, soon shortened to ‘Ibanez’3. Since then, their commitment to quality and innovation made Ibanez loved by famous musicians.
By 2017, Ibanez showcased its range with nearly 165 bass guitars, 130 acoustic guitars, and more than 300 electric guitars2. This selection shows their pledge to keep evolving. It makes them the third largest guitar brand, right after Gibson and Fender2. Their unique mix of old and new has earned them a prestigious place in music.
The Tube Screamer pedal, launched in 1979, notably changed the music scene3. It garnered fame among icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan. In the 1980s, Ibanez embraced the shredding trend with guitars designed for speed and flexibility.
Their collaboration with stars like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai led to famous models such as the JEM and Universe3. These partnerships highlighted Ibanez’s superior craftsmanship. They even began mass-producing seven and eight-string guitars, making a huge impact on music2.
From 1981, Ibanez expanded their line to include amps, pedals, and more4. They offered everything from high-end Prestige models to beloved series like Artwood. Each step they took helped build the monumental Ibanez legacy4. This legacy inspires musicians to aim for creativity and excellence.
Electric Ibanez Guitars: Versatility in Sound
Electric Ibanez guitars are known for their wide-ranging sound. They fit many musical styles and tastes. Since 1935, Ibanez has built a reputation for quality and innovation. It’s now a big name in the guitar world5.
Top Electric Models
The Ibanez RG and S series are among the top models. Launched in 1987, the RG series is loved for its 24-fret fingerboards and Maple necks5. These features are perfect for those wanting a full 2-octave range. This adds to the brand’s sound flexibility.
The S series is known for its slim, comfort-focused design. It uses Mahogany, showing Ibanez’s focus on innovation and playability5.
Sound Quality and Features
The sound quality of electric Ibanez guitars shows the brand’s commitment to excellence. They have dual-humbucker setups and are great with high-gain amps. The RG and S Series cater well to metal enthusiasts5.
With many shapes and series, these guitars produce varied tones. This makes Ibanez’s features very appealing6.
Ibanez guitars are popular for their playability and comfort. They are chosen by beginners and experts alike. Their build quality and design, along with artist support, ensure reliable performance and sound6.
Master the Stage with Acoustic Ibanez Guitars
Acoustic Ibanez guitars are perfect for shining on stage. These guitars are made for performers, giving excellent sound with every strum. They’re great for both cozy venues and big concerts. Their design and functionality are unmatched.
Every Ibanez guitar is made with care, focusing on every detail. They make playing music easy, even the complicated parts. This makes them great for both recording and live shows. They fit any musician’s needs.
The TOD10N model stands out, especially for left-handers. It gives a strong, clear sound on stage. When you pick an acoustic Ibanez, you’re choosing a guitar that lifts your music higher.
Ibanez isn’t just about acoustic guitars. They also make electric guitars, basses, pedals, and amps5. Famous musicians like Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert love them5.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Craftsmanship | Elegant design with superior playability. |
| Sound Quality | Exceptional acoustic sound for clarity and precision. |
| Versatility | Perfect for both studio recording and live performances. |
| Endorsements | Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Jake Bowen, and more5. |
Famous Artists Who Use Ibanez Guitars
Ibanez guitars are popular among many skilled musicians across genres. They offer smooth playability and a powerful sound. The brand is known for its seven-string and eight-string guitars. These models highlight Ibanez’s role as a leader in metal music7.
Jaimie Patel: Solo Artist
Jaimie Patel is a famous solo artist who impresses fans with her Ibanez guitars. Her choice in Ibanez helps her show off her melody and technical skills. This makes her performances stand out.
Tim Henson: Virtuoso of 7-String Guitar
Tim Henson is celebrated for his skill with the 7-string guitar. He plays the Ibanez THBB10, which is designed for him8. His talent in mixing music styles shows what Ibanez guitars can do. Tosin Abasi, another guitar legend, also favors Ibanez9.
Jaimie Patel and Tim Henson demonstrate Ibanez guitars’ quality. Their music proves the craftsmanship and sound Ibanez is known for. They stand alongside famous Ibanez players like Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani7.
Ibanez Guitar Models to Suit Every Style
Ibanez delivers a wide range of guitars for all types of music. Electric or acoustic, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, or any genre, Ibanez has the right guitar for you.
The iconic RG series is famous for its versatility and quality. It’s ideal for energetic performances. The series offers 7-string, 8-string, and Multi-scale models for modern techniques10. The j.custom guitars represent luxury, with elite craftsmanship and top-notch materials10.
Ibanez’s acoustic guitars are impressive too. The Artwood series blends old-school crafting with new tech for a beautiful sound. The AE and AEG series, on the other hand, are great for both playing live and practicing.
The Prestige line is about high-quality crafting and precision. It’s made for superior performance10. The Genesis Collection nods to the RG’s classic style and quality10. The Standard series boasts fast necks and durable builds, perfect for all skill levels10.
Metal enthusiasts will love the Iron Label series. It features easy-to-play necks and pickups made for metal10. The Axion Label series breaks the mold with its advanced designs, catering to modern players10.
The GIO series mixes quality with affordability. It’s perfect for beginners, offering well-inspected, durable guitars10. No matter your experience or style, Ibanez guitars offer the performance and reliability you need on your musical journey.
How to Buy Ibanez Guitars Online
Looking for Ibanez guitars online is thrilling when you know the right places. Many musicians prefer buying from online stores that are well-known and offer great service.
Trusted Online Stores
Kraft Music and The Music Zoo are highly suggested for trusted online guitar shopping. Kraft Music is famous for offering special Ibanez packages. These deals come with accessories at a good price, plus free shipping for orders over $99. They also have a 45-day return policy and amazing customer support11.
The Music Zoo is also a great choice because of its easy financing options and quick shipping. They offer a simple return policy and sell used Ibanez gear that has been thoroughly checked12.
What to Look For
When buying guitars online, always check for detailed product descriptions and clear return policies. It’s important to read real reviews from other customers. Make sure the store has safe payment options. Look for extra benefits like price guarantees or special offers on accessories. Keeping these points in mind lets you confidently shop for Ibanez guitars at trusted stores like Kraft Music and The Music Zoo.
Honest Ibanez Guitar Reviews
When looking at ibanez guitar reviews, the quality and how well each guitar plays are key. The Ibanez QX52 is notable and costs $1399.99 in Canada. It has 24 Jescar Gold EVO frets and a beautiful roasted birdseye maple fretboard13. This guitar features a mix of humbucker and single-coil pickups, Q58 passive ceramic pickups, and slanted frets angled at 8 degrees13. It also offers five pickup selector choices and a Power Tap option for different sounds13. These aspects are often praised in ibanez performance feedback, showing the guitar’s flexibility and fun to play nature.
The QX54QM is the most expensive in the Q series at $1539.9913. It has a nyatoh body with a quilted maple top that shines in a Blue Sphere Burst matte finish. This design contributes to a brighter and fuller acoustic sound than the QX5213. Reviewers frequently compliment its elegant quilted maple cap in ibanez guitar reviews.
It has a Meranti body with a Quilted Maple top, a maple neck, an ebony fingerboard, and 24 jumbo frets14. At 7 pounds 6 ounces, it’s equipped with D’Addario EXL 120 9s strings and Quantum pickups14. The Ibanez Edge Zero II bridge and locking nut ensure the guitar stays in tune, earning it praise in many guitar quality reviews14.
The JIVA Jr. impresses with its Quantum H pickups offering rich tones and the Quantum S single coil adding a Strat-like brightness14. Played with various amps like the Bogner Supersonic, ENGL Fireball, and a Roland JC-120, it shows a wide range of sounds and quality performance14. This in-depth testing and feedback highlight its reputation in ibanez performance feedback.
| Model | Price (CAD) | Body Material | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibanez QX52 | $1399.9913 | Roasted Birdseye Maple | Q58 Passive Ceramic Pickups, Power Tap Option |
| Ibanez QX54QM | $1539.9913 | Nyatoh with Quilted Maple Cap | Blue Sphere Burst Finish, Alter Switch |
| Ibanez JIVA Jr. | $1119.9914 | Meranti with Quilted Maple Cap | Floating Edge Zero II Bridge, Quantum H/S Pickups |
Essential Ibanez Guitar Accessories
Make your Ibanez experience even better with the right accessories. These include quality strings for better playing, precision picks, and strong cases for protection.
Strings
Choosing the right strings can change how you play. Ibanez has strings for all music types. The AZ Essentials line, including models like AZES31-VM and AZES40-BK, is perfect. They have a 25″ scale length that’s great for kids and those with smaller hands. This makes it easy for beginners to enjoy their play15.
Picks
Picks are key for precision playing. Ibanez offers picks that vary in flexibility and grip. The right pick can improve your chords and solos.
Guitar Cases
Quality cases are vital for keeping your guitar safe. Ibanez cases protect against impacts during travel and storage. They keep Ibanez guitars looking new.
The Essentials line, including AZES40-MGR and AZES40-PRB, shows off top craftsmanship. They come with Accord S-S-H pickups for various music styles15. Make sure your accessories match your instrument to enhance your music.
| Accessory | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | High-quality strings enhancing playability | Comfort and correct note playing for beginners15 |
| Picks | Precision-designed picks for better handling | Improved technique and performance |
| Guitar Cases | Sturdy cases for instrument protection | Safeguard during transport and storage |
Understanding Ibanez Guitar Prices
Ibanez guitar prices offer a broad range that can fit different budgets. If you’re new or experienced, there’s something for everyone. You can find deluxe models like the AZ2204 Prestige for pros at around £1,749. There are also budget choices like the GRX40 GIO, great for those watching their finances, with its versatile pickups16.
Ibanez splits its guitars into various sub-brands, showing different levels of quality and prices. The Prestige line is their premium offering, with guitars made in Japan since 1996. For a more budget-friendly option without losing much quality, the Premium models are made in Indonesia starting in 201117. These categories help when looking for the perfect mix of price and quality in a guitar.
The Ibanez RG series is known for its wide array of features, catering to all sub-brands like J.Custom and Prestige. Other series like the RGA and RGD have unique designs like arched tops. These choices match various styles and play preferences17.
Prices can also change based on the materials and how they’re made. Guitars with floating tremolos, especially from the RG series, are pricier than those with fixed bridges. The type of wood, like Mahogany or Basswood, also affects the cost. For example, cheaper models often use basswood, while the more expensive ones might use Mahogany18.
Ibanez has guitars at prices for every guitarist level. The Ibanez AZES31 is great for beginners and costs about £299.9516. For those a bit more advanced, the Ibanez YY10 is around $1,200, with better build and sound quality16. Knowing about the various prices can help you find an Ibanez guitar that’s affordable. It ensures you get the most value for what you spend.
| Ibanez Sub-Brand | Characteristics | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Prestige | Highest quality, made in Japan since 1996 | High |
| Premium | Made in Indonesia, introduced in 2011 | Moderate |
| GIO | Budget-friendly, includes RX, AX, and EX series | Low |
| Iron Label | Specifically for metal guitarists, debuted in 2013 | Medium to High |
| Axion Label | Features modern attributes, launched in 2019 | Medium to High |
| Standard | Wide range of styles and features | Varies |
Finding Your Nearest Ibanez Guitar Store
If you’re looking for the perfect Ibanez guitar, knowing where to search is key. Finding the closest Ibanez store is crucial. It lets you try the guitar and choose wisely.
Using Store Locators
Finding the nearest Ibanez guitar store is easy with an ibanez guitar store locator. Just type in where you are. You’ll quickly find the closest store. For example, Guitar Center’s website helps you find the nearest shop easily. It’s the largest seller of musical instruments and has a lot of guitars from brands like Fender and Yamaha19. So, no matter if you’re in Texas or California, Guitar Center is a good place to start looking.
Benefits of In-Person Shopping
In-person guitar shopping is special for many reasons. Going to an Ibanez store lets you test various guitars. This way, you know how they feel and sound19. Places like Guitar Center in Plano offer not just guitars but also lessons and repairs20. The staff there can really help you out. Plus, you can get music lessons or have your instrument fixed. They serve everyone, from solo musicians to full bands19.
The Best Ibanez Guitars for Beginners
Picking the right guitar is crucial for new players. The Ibanez GRX40 GIO is a top choice for beginners. It has a Poplar body, Jatoba fingerboard, and a GRX Maple neck. It also boasts 1x Infinity humbucker and 2x Infinity single-coil pickups16. This guitar is perfect for starting your musical journey because it’s easy to play and versatile.
Another great pick is the Ibanez AZES31. It’s affordable, with a Poplar body and a Maple neck16. The Jatoba fingerboard and 3x Essentials single-coil pickups make it a steal. For those wanting something more advanced, the Ibanez RGA42FM is a wonderful option. It features a Meranti body, Maple top, and 2x Quantum humbuckers16.
Ibanez designs guitars with beginners in mind16. They offer a variety of guitars that fit different budgets and needs. The RG and S series are beloved by beginners for their easy playability and variety of tones. These series offer various neck types to suit any playing style18. If you’re after a guitar with a floating tremolo or a simpler model, Ibanez has you covered.
Ibanez guitars aren’t just about looks and playability16. They have a legacy of use by famous musicians like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Knowing your guitar is favored by legends can spur your motivation to learn and excel.
In conclusion, the Ibanez GRX40 GIO and AZES31 are among the top picks for beginners. They provide great value, ease of use, and dependability. These guitars come highly suggested for newcomers to the music scene. For tips on choosing the right starter guitar, check out this resource.
Intermediate Guitar Riffs to Play on Your Ibanez
If you’re ready to step up your game, getting good at intermediate guitar riffs is key. These riffs, known for their cool style, will push your basic skills further. They help you move from beginner to a more advanced level.
“I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor” is a hit song from 2006. It’s a favorite among intermediate players. Guitarist Alex Turner used a Fender Stratocaster with an Orange AD3021. “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz is another example. He played a cream-colored Gibson Flying V guitar, using an octave pedal for its unique sound21.
A challenging British metal riff from the 1980s is great for technical skills. It’s played at 160bpm, using triplet 16th notes21. “The Trooper” is another speedy song at 160bpm. It features triplet 16th notes and complex patterns, perfect for your guitar riff guide21.
When playing riffs on your Ibanez, you mix these techniques for a cool sound. The 1960s hit “Brown Eyed Girl” is also good practice. It has a fast pace at 149bpm and catchy guitar harmonies. It’s great for learning intermediate guitar riffs21.
Customization Options for Your Ibanez Guitar
Customizing your Ibanez guitar is a great way to make it truly yours. You can choose from cool finishes to upgraded pickups and electronics. This lets you mix beauty and sound perfectly.
Custom Finishes
Custom finishes are a clear way to show off your style on your Ibanez. The Ibanez Japan Custom Shop, with experts like Junji Hotta, Kazuya Kuroki, and Akira Iida, creates one-of-a-kind guitars22. They take on all kinds of projects, making guitars for every kind of musician22.
Junji Hotta joined Hoshino in 1996 and took charge of Ibanez’s Guitar Development Center. He changed how custom guitars are made22.
Many fans love customizing their guitars, with 27K views and 121 replies on the subject23. People have suggested cool ideas, like adding a Jem grip switch. They’ve also liked unique designs, such as the green quilt with tree of life inlay24.
Pickups and Electronics
Changing your pickups and electronics lets you tailor your guitar even more. Many users enjoy tweaking things like the pickup layout23. This shows that players want lots of options for customization.
To celebrate Hoshino USA’s 50th year, the Japan Custom Shop is sharing its unique designs with everyone for the first time22. This is a great chance to further personalize your guitar.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Custom Finishes | Green quilt, Tree of life inlay, Various textures |
| Pickups | Toggle on/off Jem grip, Custom pickup routes |
| Electronics | Single volume knob placement, Pickup switch removal |
Maintaining and Caring for Your Ibanez Guitar
It’s important to take good care of your Ibanez guitar. This makes sure it sounds great and lasts a long time. Whether you’re jamming at home or rocking out on stage, proper care keeps your guitar at its best. A few easy steps can help maintain its beauty and performance.
Cleaning Tips
Cleaning your guitar regularly is key. Always wash your hands before playing to keep it clean. After playing, use a microfiber cloth to dust off the guitar’s body and neck. For the fretboard, opinions on using linseed oil differ — it might attract dirt for some. Instead, try lemon oil or Martin Guitar Polish25. These products are safe and keep your guitar protected from moisture.
String Replacement
Changing strings is crucial for keeping your guitar sounding fresh. Strings can break or lose tone over time. Replace them every few months, or sooner if you play a lot. Start by taking off the old strings and cleaning the fretboard. Then, put on the new strings, stretch them, and tune as needed. Don’t forget to clean the strings regularly to make them last longer.
In an online forum with 4K views on guitar care, users highlighted the importance of using polish kits and daily cleaning26. No matter your skill level, these tips can help safeguard your Ibanez guitar. This ensures it stays reliable for your music adventures.
