Ibanez guitars: history, features

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Today Japanese Ibanez guitars are of exemplary quality, chic sound and their own style. The instruments of this company were not always the property of Japanese "guitar building", the manufacturer went through a long thorny path in search of recognition.

Company History

This company was founded in 1908 by Hoshino Gakki. Initially, the manufacturer did not create its own instruments, but only imported what was created by the famous Spanish master Salvador Ibanez. Already at that time, his strings were in great demand and had a certain respect among guitarists.

Years later, this situation changed, Gakki acquired the brand, and Ibanez guitars began to be produced in Japan, at the Tama factories. By the 60s, production was partially transferred to the FujiGen factory (a well-known guitar manufacturer in Japan).

Initially, Ibanez guitars did not have their own design and most of them were similar to replicas of famous brands such as Fender or Gibson. This approach led to a string of lawsuits (the design of the tools was patented). Naturally, it was unprofitable to endlessly sue, as a result of which Ibanez decided to create their owndesign. Over time, two radically different models were presented: Iceman and The Roadstar.

The turning point in the development of the company was the collaboration with Steve Vai. Thanks to the joint work, two new tools appeared - JEM and Universe. Later, a series of instruments under the name RG saw the light, it was a more mass and affordable product with the SuperStrat design.

Ibanez RG Guitars: Features, Design

One of the main distinguishing features of the guitar is the body and an elongated 24-fret neck. Despite the fact that the whole body is quite massive, all important ergonomic properties are observed, there are bevels in important places (a cut along the right edge and a notch for the stomach). Linden is used as the main wood (on almost all models of the series), this material allows you to achieve a smoother and softer sound, cutting off overly bright high tones and adding depth to low tones. The sustain is very long and rich, as it should be.

The neck of the guitar is thin, designed specifically for high-speed playing. Scale 25.5 inches. Rosewood is used as a fretboard, adding even more depth to the sound of the instrument. The headstock features the iconic Ibanez Wizard profile. Due to the increased number of frets, the location of the pickups has also changed, they have become closer, which can be detrimental to the playing of those who are used to more space between the pickups. This fact also influenced the sound of the neck pickup.

Another feature of the guitar bodyis the AANJ, a redesigned cutout near the neck mount, designed for more comfortable access to the upper frets. This system allows access to the upper frets without sacrificing ergonomics, sound and durability, which is what sets it apart from others.

In terms of electronics, many complain about the weak “clean sound” in the RG series, but only on models with branded pickups. The same series guitars that received signature pickups have the widest range of tone and almost no weak points.

Famous musicians who have chosen Ibanez

Ibanez, like other guitar brands, has its own evangelists and endorsers, who for many are the face of the instrument. One of the most famous was the famous guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. In fact, there are many more of them: Paul Stanley from KISS, Joe Satriani, Mick Thompson from SlipKnot, Fieldy from KoRn, Charlie from Arch Enemy and many others, including very young artists, for example: virtuosos from August Burns Red or wild deathcores from Breakdown of Sanity. They all play very different music, but agreed that Ibanez is the best choice for them: the variety of genres played on these guitars is amazing.

Acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers

Besides electric guitars, other types of goods can be found in the assortment of the Japanese, including Ibanez bass guitars, which are also in great demand among famous musicians and amateurs. A distinctive feature of the Ibanez bassesare deep bottoms and “imprisonment” for especially heavy music, it’s not for nothing that they are in demand among hardcore and metalcore bands. The company also boasts of producing quality acoustic and electro-acoustic instruments, which is worth only one Ibanez V72ECE electric acoustic guitar: the instrument is no longer to be found, but at the time of its release it was an amazing choice for lovers of acoustics with a piezo pickup and a really deep sound.

Manufacturer sells under its own brand guitar amplifiers, straps, cases and other accessories of average quality, designed mainly for beginners.

Ibanez: guitar reviews

To see the quality of Ibanez instruments, just look at the list of musicians who have trusted the company and their instruments. Owners of mid-range RG models praise the tool for its versatility and excellent value for money. Those who own guitars from the Prestige line are completely in ecstasy from what kind of sound these “sticks” are capable of producing, especially seven- and eight-string ones. The owners of budget options from the GIO line and the like tend to think “that for its price it’s even nothing”. All in all, whether you're looking for an electric instrument or an acoustic guitar, the Ibanez is a great choice and will more than cover your needs.