Best Compact
Ibanez Guitar
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Unleash crunchy metal tones through Ibanez Infinity R humbuckers
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best Ibanez
Guitar
for Small Hands
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Maple neck provides supreme comfort for endless practice
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best Ibanez Guitar
for Jazz
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Overall: 8.5/10
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Best Feature: Superb jazz tones produced by dynamic Super 58 pickups
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Are you in the market for a new guitar and wondering if Ibanez guitars are worth considering?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Ibanez is a well-known name in the guitar industry, and for a good reason. They offer a wide range of guitars that cater to all levels of players and budgets.
But the question remains: Are Ibanez guitars good?
Let’s look closer at what makes Ibanez guitars so unique, and why they might be the right choice for you.
Keep on reading to find out my verdict!
The History of Ibanez Guitars
You’ve probably heard of Ibanez guitars if you’re a guitar enthusiast. These guitars have been around for quite some time and have a rich history.
The story of Ibanez guitars began in Valencia, Spain, with a luthier named Salvador Ibanez, who made excellent guitars.
Salvador’s surname inspired the brand’s name, and his guitars were successfully distributed in Japan by a company called Hoshino Gakki, which is still operating today.
In the late 1950s, Japan’s youth started getting bitten by the rock ‘n’ roll bug.
As a result, Ibanez began selling weird and wonderful oddly-shaped instruments that were produced by instrument makers in Japan, including Teisco, FujiGen Gakki, Guyatone, and in its factory.
In the 1970s, Ibanez made a name for itself with its original designs and custom shop.
The company’s catalogue includes many guitars, including solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow-body models. Ibanez also produced bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and other stringed instruments.
In the 1980s, Ibanez became known for its shredder guitars, designed for fast playing and heavy distortion.
These metal guitars were popular with heavy metal guitarists and helped cement Ibanez’s reputation as a high-quality guitar manufacturer.
Today, Ibanez continues to make iconic guitar models and produce a wide range of affordable guitars that cater to all budget levels.
Why are Ibanez Guitars Trusted to Be a Good Brand?
Ibanez is one to consider if you’re looking for a quality guitar brand.
Here are some reasons why Ibanez guitars are trusted to be a good brand of guitars:
Guitars are Manufactured with Good Quality Material
Ibanez takes great care in sourcing and selecting the materials used in their guitars.
Every component is carefully chosen to ensure durability and superior performance, from the wood used for the body and neck to the hardware and electronics.
High-quality materials result in a solid and reliable instrument and contribute to the guitar’s tone, resonance, and overall playability.
Choosing wood is particularly crucial in constructing guitars, and Ibanez understands this. They use a variety of tone woods known for their excellent sound qualities, such as mahogany, maple, and rosewood.
These woods are selected based on their tonal characteristics and ability to enhance playing styles and genres.
Moreover, Ibanez guitars often feature top-of-the-line hardware and electronics. This includes high-quality tuners, bridges, pickups, and controls built to last while delivering exceptional sound quality.
By using dependable hardware components, Ibanez ensures that their guitars stay in tune, have great sustain, and offer a wide range of tonal options.
Ibanez also has a reputation for rigorous quality control standards. Each guitar undergoes thorough checks and inspections to ensure it meets the brand’s high standards before it reaches the hands of musicians.
This meticulous attention to detail helps Ibanez maintain their reputation for producing reliable and well-crafted instruments.
Producers of a Wide Range of Models and Styles
Whether you’re into rock, metal, jazz, or any other genre, Ibanez offers a guitar that caters to your unique taste and playing style.
Ibanez ensures that there’s something for everyone, from their iconic RG series to the versatile S series.
The extensive range of models and styles offered by Ibanez speaks volumes about their dedication to meeting the diverse needs of guitar players.
In addition to their wide range of models and styles, Ibanez has a legacy of working with renowned artists across various genres.
Their collaborations with guitar virtuosos such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert have resulted in signature models that carry the stamp of excellence.
Offers Excellent Playability
Ibanez guitars are also known for their exceptional playability and ergonomic designs.
They pride themselves on creating comfortable instruments in your hands, enabling precise fretwork and effortless maneuverability across the fretboard.
This attention to detail ensures that Ibanez guitars sound great and provide a remarkable playing experience.
So, whether you’re shredding fast solos or strumming gentle chords, Ibanez guitars provide the playability needed to enhance your musical expression.
Availability of Unique and Innovative Designs
Ibanez guitars are known for pushing the boundaries of guitar craftsmanship, consistently offering fresh and distinctive designs that appeal to a wide range of players.
Whether it’s their signature models or limited editions,
Ibanez is devoted to providing players with instruments that sound great and stand out visually.
This commitment to originality and innovation sets Ibanez apart from other guitar brands, making them a trusted choice among musicians seeking something special and unique.
This brand consistently introduces new technologies and designs that enhance the sound and playability of their guitars.
By collaborating with renowned musicians and having their input in the development process, Ibanez ensures that their instruments meet the demands of even the most discerning guitarists.
Well-known for Great Sound and Tone
Whether you’re a professional or a beginner, the quality of sound produced by an Ibanez guitar will captivate your audience.
From warm and mellow tones to powerful and aggressive sounds, the versatility of an Ibanez guitar allows musicians to express their creativity in various genres and playing styles.
Ibanez has established itself as a go-to brand for musicians prioritizing sound quality. Their commitment to detail in crafting each instrument ensures that every guitar delivers a consistent and high-quality sound.
The Cost of Ibanez Guitars
If you’re in the market for a new guitar, you’re probably wondering how much you should spend. When it comes to Ibanez guitars, there are options for every budget.
One of the great things about Ibanez guitars is their affordability.
Even their budget models are well-made and offer great value for the money. You don’t have to break the bank to get a good quality Ibanez guitar.
Of course, you can get some unique instruments if you’re willing to spend more. Ibanez has a range of high-end guitars built with the best materials and designed for professional players.
These guitars can be quite expensive, but they offer incredible tone, playability, and craftsmanship.
When considering the cost of an Ibanez guitar, it’s essential to think about the value it provides. Even if a guitar is expensive, it may be worth the investment if it offers great value for the money.
On the other hand, a cheap guitar that doesn’t play well or sound good may not be worth the money, no matter how affordable it is.
The Best Models for Students and Beginners
Ibanez GIO GRGM21 MiKro Electric Guitar
The Ibanez GIO GRGM21 MiKro Electric Guitar is a compact and stylish instrument that packs a punch.
Perfect for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more comfortable size, this guitar does not compromise on quality or tone.
Its solid build and smooth playability offer beginners and intermediate players an excellent choice at an affordable price.
Ibanez GIO GRGM21 MiKro Electric Guitar, White
FEATURES:
- Develop your skills on a thin and comfortable maple neck with a sleek jatoba fretboard
- Unleash crunchy metal tones through Ibanez Infinity R humbuckers
- Provides a rock-solid tuning stability courtesy of the fixed hardtail bridge
- Easy to play thanks to its compact size
- Offers the signature Ibanez feel and tone but in a scaled-down size to enhance the playability
- The guitar has a limited tonal range due to its basic pickup configuration and lack of tone control options
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez GRX40 GIO
The Ibanez GRX40 GIO is a fantastic electric guitar suitable for beginners and intermediate players. It offers an impressive blend of affordability and quality.
With its sleek design and solid construction, this guitar not only looks great but also delivers exceptional sound. It boasts three standard single-coil pickups that provide various tones to suit various musical styles.
The GRX40 GIO is built for comfort, ensuring ease of playability, making it an excellent choice for those looking to start their musical journey or expand their collection.
Ibanez GRX40 GIO, Black Night
FEATURES:
- A dynamic guitar with superb playability
- Explore a wide range of sounds thanks to a trio of quality pickups
- Put vibrato in your riffs using T106 tremolo bridge
- A perfect all-rounder, ideal for all genres
- A breathtaking guitar packed with potential
- The guitar's basic pickup configuration may limit the range of sounds that can be produced
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez GRGM21M GIO MiKro
The Ibanez GRGM21M GIO MiKro in Walnut Sunburst is a compact, stylish electric guitar that packs a punch. Its smaller size and 22.2″ scale length make it perfect for beginners or players with smaller hands.
The walnut sunburst finish gives it a sleek and vintage look, while the maple neck and mahogany body provide durability and a warm tone.
Equipped with two Infinity R humbucking pickups, the GRGM21M offers versatile sound options for various music genres.
Ibanez GRGM21M GIO MiKro, Walnut Sunburst
FEATURES:
- Powerful tones stem from a pair of infinity humbuckers
- Maple neck provides supreme comfort for endless practice
- Maximum tuning stability thanks to sturdy F106 bridge
- Offers the same quality and sound as the rest of their guitars but designed with smaller hands in mind
- Short scale length may not be suitable for players who prefer a longer scale length or different string tension
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Best Models for Intermediate Players
Ibanez AF95 Artcore
The Ibanez AF95 Artcore is a versatile and stylish semi-hollow body guitar that is perfect for jazz, blues, and rock players.
Its sleek design and iconic shape make it a standout on stage, while its rich and warm tone ensures a captivating performance. The AF95 features a maple body with f-holes, providing excellent resonance and clarity.
With its smooth mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard, playing this guitar is a breeze. Equipped with two Classic Elite humbucker pickups, the AF95 delivers a wide range of tones, from smooth and mellow to punchy and powerful.
Ibanez AF95 Artcore, Brown Sunburst
FEATURES:
- Superb jazz tones produced by dynamic Super 58 pickups
- Amazing clarity delivered by a stunning spruce top
-Silky smooth playability courtesy of an ebony fretboard
- A powerful, elegant blues guitar embellished with sleek gold hardware
- The AF95 Artcore is a higher-end model and may be too expensive for some players who are on a budget
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez AZES40 AZ Essential, Black
The Ibanez AZES40 AZ Essential in Black is a versatile, eye-catching electric guitar with outstanding performance.
Its sleek black finish adds a touch of elegance to its modern design. The guitar features a roasted maple neck, providing stability and a smooth playing experience.
Its HSS pickup configuration offers a wide range of tones that can handle anything from crystal-clear cleans to crunchy distortion.
Ibanez AZES40 AZ Essential, Black
FEATURES:
- Explore any genre you like thanks to versatile, articulate Essential/Accord pickups
- Go wild with a T106 tremolo bridge, and it's built for fearless players
- Never be bored and never be limited - the dyna-MIX9 offers nine thrilling sounds
- Exquisitely designed to offer beginners a seamless playing experience
- Offers comfort and versatility
- May be too expensive for some players who are on a budget
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez RGIB21 Iron Label Baritone
The Ibanez RGIB21 Iron Label Baritone is a powerhouse guitar designed for players seeking a darker, richer tone.
With its extended scale length, it is optimized for lower tunings, making it perfect for heavy metal and rock music.
The mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant sound, while the Nitro Wizard neck provides incredible playability and speedy fret access.
Equipped with active EMG pickups, this baritone guitar offers a high-output punch with exceptional clarity, ensuring your riffs and solos cut through the mix with precision.
Ibanez RGIB21 Iron Label Baritone, Black
FEATURES:
- 28" scale with solid intonation and buttery thick tone
-EMG 60 and EMG 81 pickups for dynamic tone with endless sustain and articulation
- Nitro Baritone neck and Jatoba fretboard for a smooth, dense playing surface
- Gibraltar Standard II bridge that meshes with the body for articulation in every note
- Relatively heavy, which may not be comfortable for some players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Best Models for Professional Players
Ibanez JIVAX2-GH Nita Strauss
The Ibanez JIVAX2-GH Nita Strauss is a guitar designed in collaboration with renowned guitarist Nita Strauss.
It showcases a sleek and elegant green horizon finish, making it visually striking. This guitar features a solid ash body and a maple neck, providing a comfortable and balanced playing experience.
Equipped with DiMarzio Pandemonium pickups, it delivers a wide range of tones suitable for any genre, from crystal-clear cleans to crunchy distortions.
With outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Ibanez JIVAX2-GH Nita Strauss is a guitar that stands out aesthetically and sonically.
Ibanez JIVAX2-GH Nita Strauss, Ghost
FEATURES:
- Ultra-unique tone from signature DiMarzio Pandemonium humbuckers
-Shred for days on the sleek five-piece maple/wenge neck
- Made and set up in Ibanez's legendary Japanese factory
- Premium hardshell case included
- Designed with specific features and specifications to suit Nita Strauss'
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez AZ2204NW Prestige
The Ibanez AZ2204NW Prestige is one of the best Ibanez electric guitars with exceptional performance and style. Its sleek and elegant natural walnut finish stands out among other instruments.
This guitar features a comfortable roasted maple neck and a smooth fingerboard, allowing for effortless playability. The versatile H/S/H pickup configuration delivers a wide range of tones, from crisp and clear to warm and rich, making it perfect for any music genre.
Whether you’re a professional musician or an enthusiastic hobbyist, the Ibanez AZ2204NW Prestige is a reliable and high-quality instrument that will impress any audience.
Ibanez AZ2204NW Prestige, Mint Green
FEATURES:
- Perform with beautiful harmonics resulting from trio of pickups
-Hours of comfortable playing due to oval "C" neck's natural feel
- Take your performance to the next level with Gotoh tremolo
- Effortless transportation using included gig bag
- Look great while performing with a mint green finish and mother-of-pearl inlays
- The guitar's unique design may not appeal to players who prefer a more traditional or classic appearance
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Ibanez ATZ10P Andy Timmons
If you’re a fan of Andy Timmons’ music and are looking the best electric guitars to emulate his sound, the Ibanez ATZ10P Andy Timmons Signature model is worth considering.
With its stunning Sunburst finish and sleek design, this guitar looks great and offers exceptional playability. It features a lightweight alder body that delivers a well-balanced tone and sustains.
The combination of DiMarzio pickups and the versatile ATZ10P switch system ensures a wide range of sounds that can be adjusted to suit various musical styles.
Whether you’re a professional guitarist or an avid fan, the Ibanez ATZ10P Andy Timmons is a reliable instrument that captures the essence of Andy’s playing.
Ibanez ATZ10P Andy Timmons, Sunburst Matte
FEATURES:
- Hot, fiery tones soar with exhilarating power from DiMarzio pickups
-Glide at lightning speed across the satin finish, roasted maple neck
- Installed with a coil tap switch for even more sonic possibilities
- A supreme signature guitar, embodying the greatness of Andy Timmons
- Premium, durable, eye-catching instrument
- Designed with specific features and specifications to suit Andy Timmons' playing style
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Are Ibanez Guitars Good: Final Verdict
Summary
So, are Ibanez guitars good? The answer is a resounding yes!
I have an Ibanez AZ2204NW Prestige, and I love it!
Ibanez guitars have excellent sonic versatility and great price points.
But one of the main standout features of Ibanez guitars is their excellent playability. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that Ibanez guitars are easy to play and have a comfortable feel.
Ibanez guitars are also often priced competitively, making them an accessible option for any guitar player on a budget.
So, if you’re in the market for a new guitar, it’s worth considering an Ibanez.
With their unique designs, commitment to quality, and strong following among musicians, an Ibanez guitar could be the perfect choice for you!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Now that you’re fully clued up on Ibanez, perhaps you should read my article ‘What Is The Best Fender Guitar?’. You can then compare brands and pricing points…
Good luck, and write in the comments below what you end up buying…
While the praise for Ibanez guitars, particularly their sound and playability, is warranted, one might argue that their quality control has seen fluctuations over the years, especially with models produced in different locations. It would be worthwhile to consider the consistency of their instruments across different production lines and years. This isn’t to say they don’t produce excellent guitars, but like any manufacturer, they’ve had their ups and downs.
Interesting article, Lewis Turner. I’ve always admired Ibanez for their willingness to push the envelope on guitar designs. Their innovation in aesthetics and ergonomics, not to mention their unique approach to sound, really sets them apart in an industry that can sometimes feel a bit stagnant. It’s fascinating to compare how their more experimental models like the ones used by professional players stack up in terms of playability and tone against their more traditional models. I’d love to see a deeper dive into the technology behind their unique designs.
always heard good things about ibanez guitars, nice to see them get some love here. thinking of picking up one of the beginner models myself.
I cannot recommend the Ibanez GIO series enough, DaveyB. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners. Affordable, yet it doesn’t compromise on the quality. Your journey into guitar playing will be off to a great start with it!
I’ve been eyeing up the Ibanez AF95 Artcore for a while now and was thrilled to see it mentioned in your breakdown for intermediate players, Lewis Turner. The way Ibanez delivers on aesthetics while not compromising on sound quality just blows my mind. But I’m torn between the AF95 and the AZES40, also mentioned. Both seem like great choices. Could you or anyone else weigh in on which might be better for someone who mostly plays blues and jazz but loves to experiment with rock occasionally?
Interesting take on the cost of Ibanez guitars. You’ve pointed out the diversity in their pricing, which is spot on. But maybe delve a bit deeper into why there’s such a range? Like, what specifically about the high-end models justifies their price in terms of tech and materials?
In your discussion on the sound and tone of Ibanez guitars, it’s imperative to highlight the role of their pickups and electronics. For instance, the Super 58 pickups found in many of their Artcore series provide a warm, balanced tone that’s perfect for blues and jazz. This aspect is a crucial determinant of the signature Ibanez sound and deserves more attention in your analysis, Robert Emery.
Love the section on innovative designs. It’s cool to see how Ibanez isn’t afraid to push boundaries and try out new things. Keeps the guitar scene fresh.
yo, honestly never thought bout guitars much being a dubstep head but like, these Ibanez things sound cool? maybe should get one and mix it up, drop some sick beats with guitar. wonder if that AZ series got what it takes to churn out some mad electronic vibes. thoughts? anyone tried mixing it up?
While I agree with most of the professional models listed, I have to point out that the selection of the AZ2204NW might not suit all pro-level players, particularly those in the heavier genres. Ibanez has a broad catalogue, and including a Universe or JEM model could have added value to this section.
Great guide. Thanks!