Let’s talk about the guitar brand that’s been making shredders drool and jazz cats nod in approval for decades, Ibanez Guitars. If you’ve ever watched a guitarist’s fingers blur across the fretboard at warp speed, chances are they were wielding an Ibanez. But here’s the thing: pigeonholing these Japanese masterpieces as “just metal guitars” is like saying sports cars are only good for racing.

Born as a humble Japanese instrument shop in 1908, Ibanez has climbed to become the world’s third-largest guitar maker behind only Fender and Gibson. How? By creating instruments that make you think, “Damn, why didn’t anyone do this before?” Let’s dive into what makes these speed machines tick and why they might be exactly what your playing has been missing.

Why Ibanez Guitars Keeps Winning the Game

Ever picked up a guitar and thought, “This feels like it was built for someone else’s hands”? Ibanez tackled this problem head-on by creating the legendary Wizard neck, a sleek, thin profile that feels like it was custom-made for your hand. At just 17mm at the first fret, it’s practically a race track for your fingers.

But Ibanez isn’t just about speed. Here’s what’s keeping them at the top of the mountain:

✓ They Think Ahead: While other brands were perfectly content with six strings, Ibanez was like, “What if we added another one?” Their Universe 7-string in 1990 changed metal forever, and by 2007, they were mass-producing 8-string beasts before most players even knew they needed them.

✓ Swiss Army Knife Versatility: That AZ in your hands can go from pristine cleans that would make John Mayer jealous to face-melting distortion without breaking a sweat. Their lineup covers everything from djent to jazz and doesn’t apologize for any of it.

✓ Bang-For-Buck Champions: While other brands charge you extra for “premium features,” Ibanez guitars are out here putting stainless steel frets and roasted maple necks on $549 guitars. Your wallet just heaved a sigh of relief.

✓ Still Handcrafted Where It Counts: Their top-tier Prestige and J.Custom models are still meticulously built in Japan, where luthiers treat each guitar like it’s being built for Eddie Van Halen himself.

From Lawsuit Knockoffs to Industry Innovators

Here’s a fun bit of guitar history: Ibanez started out making Gibson and Fender copies so good that Gibson’s parent company finally said, “Okay, that’s enough” and sued them in 1977. Talk about a backhanded compliment!

This legal smackdown turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Ibanez. Forced to create their own designs, they went all-in on innovation rather than imitation. By the 1980s, they connected with a bushy-haired virtuoso named Steve Vai, and guitar design would never be the same.

The JEM was born in 1987, complete with that weird handle cutout (aka the “monkey grip”) that’s actually super useful when you’re juggling guitars onstage. The RG followed right after—basically a JEM without Vai’s flourishes—and quickly became their bread and butter.

The neck was the real game-changer though. While traditional companies were making chunky baseball bats, Ibanez created the Wizard neck profile that felt like it was designed for speed runs. Suddenly, playing fast wasn’t just for the genetically gifted few—it was for anyone with an Ibanez.

The Holy Trinity: RG, S, and AZ Series

RG: The Speed Demon’s Dream

If Ibanez Guitars made a superhero, it would be the RG—lean, mean, and ready to scream. This is the guitar that launched a thousand metal bands and has been punishing eardrums since 1987. What makes it special?

• That neck: flat, thin, and fast as greased lightning
• Double-locking tremolos that let you dive bomb without fear
• 24 jumbo frets because those last two matter, dammit
• Pickups configured for maximum versatility (usually HSH)

When you see bands like Periphery or Polyphia doing the seemingly impossible on their instruments, they’re often wielding a hot-rodded RG. But here’s a secret: throw some lower-output pickups in there, and these guitars clean up beautifully for fusion or even pop.

S Series: The Comfortable Shredder

The S series is what happens when the RG hits the gym. Same lightning-fast neck, but with a body that’s been sculpted to hug your torso like a faithful pet. At just 45mm thick with contours in all the right places, these mahogany beauties are remarkably comfortable for all-night jam sessions.

What’s wild is how these guitars maintain rock-solid sustain despite being thinner than a fashion model. The rich, warm tone from the mahogany body also makes these surprisingly good for blues and fusion when you roll back the gain.

Oh, and that angled output jack? Pure genius for keeping your cable out of your picking hand’s way. It’s the little things, folks.

AZ: The Sophisticated Chameleon

The newest kid on the block is actually the most versatile. Introduced in 2018, the AZ series asks, “What if Ibanez made a guitar your dad would approve of?” It’s their take on the classic S-type, but with modern appointments that make it a genuine Swiss Army knife:

• Roasted maple necks that stay straight through apocalyptic climate changes
• A more traditional oval C neck shape for comfortable chording
• Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups that respond to your touch like a premium sports car
• Switching systems that give you 9-10 different sounds from just 3 pickups

The AZ has quickly become the choice for players like Tim Henson and Tom Quayle who need to jump between genres faster than you can say “versatile.” These guitars can do sparkly cleans, bluesy crunch, and high-gain mayhem all in the same song.

From Ramen Budget to Rock Star: Finding Your Price Point

One of the coolest things about Ibanez is that they don’t reserve their innovation for just the expensive models. Their lineup scales remarkably well from beginner to rock god:

GIO Series ($169-$429): Starter Guitars That Don’t Suck

Remember when beginner guitars felt like they were strung with rusty fence wire? The GIO series says “no more of that nonsense.” These affordable axes actually play well, with thinner necks and better hardware than competitors in the same price bracket. The GRX40 at $169 is practically a steal, while the GRG320 at $429 feels like it should cost twice as much.

Standard Series ($450-$850): The Working Musician’s Sweet Spot

This is where things get serious without getting silly expensive. The AZ22S1F might be the best value in the entire guitar world right now with roasted maple, stainless steel frets, and premium electronics for just $599. Ridiculous.

Premium Series ($1,000-$1,800): Nearly Perfect

Made in Indonesia with Japanese oversight, these beauties give you 90% of what the Prestige series offers at a more attainable price. Expect gorgeous wood tops, perfect frets, and name-brand electronics. The Premium S1070PBZ in breathtaking Cerulean Blue is a jaw-dropper that backs up its looks with substance. Its poplar burl top over basswood body combines with DiMarzio pickups and that ultra-thin S series contour to create an instrument that feels as premium as it looks. This is essentially a professional instrument that just happens to not be made in Japan.

Prestige Series ($1,500-$3,500+): Japanese Craftsmanship

Now we’re talking handmade in Japan with fanatical attention to detail. The fretwork alone is worth the price of admission—these things play like butter and come with hardshell cases nice enough to be featured in a luxury luggage catalog. The RG5120M at $2,299 is what your favorite guitar heroes are likely playing.

J.Custom Series ($3,500-$5,999): Guitar as Art

Reserved for serious collectors and professionals, these limited-production masterpieces feature exotic woods, mind-blowing finishes, and inlays so complex they make other guitar builders weep. Often featuring the iconic “Tree of Life” inlay, these instruments are heirloom-quality and appreciate in value like fine art.

What’s awesome is that Ibanez Guitars doesn’t cynically strip features from lower models. You’ll find innovations like Gotoh hardware and special switching options across the price spectrum, which is refreshingly player-friendly.

Breaking the Metal Stereotype: Ibanez Guitar Across The Genres

Let’s bust the biggest Ibanez myth right now: these aren’t just metal machines. While yes, they excel at high-gain hijinks, there’s a whole other side to the Ibanez lineup that deserves attention.

The Jazz Connection You Didn’t See Coming

Did you know George Benson—yes, THE George Benson of smooth jazz fame—has been with Ibanez since the ’70s? His GB series hollow bodies are some of the best-selling jazz guitars ever made, featuring floating pickups that preserve the acoustic properties of the instrument.

Pat Metheny and John Scofield, two more jazz legends, also rock Ibanez signature models. Scofield’s JSM even features a half-bone/half-brass nut of his own design for the perfect balance of warmth and snap.

The Artcore series, introduced in 2002, brings hollow and semi-hollow goodness to mere mortals at prices that won’t require a second mortgage. The AS73 at $499 might be the best semi-hollow value on the planet.

The New Progressives: Math Rock and Beyond

Modern technical players have flocked to Ibanez in droves. Polyphia’s Tim Henson and Scott LePage both have signature models featuring unique switching options and appointments designed for their tapping-heavy, genre-defying style.

Ichika Nito, the Japanese YouTube sensation, plays an Ibanez designed specifically for his otherworldly tapping techniques, while Yvette Young of Covet rocks a YY model optimized for her math-rock approach with single-coil pickups.

These aren’t your dad’s metal guitars—they’re precision instruments for a new generation of players who blend genres like a musical food processor.

Blues and Classic Rock: Yes, Really

Even traditional players are finding homes in the Ibanez family. Josh Smith’s FLATV signature model is a T-style guitar built specifically for blues, while the AZ series has attracted players who would normally be drawn to more vintage-inspired brands.

The Andy Timmons signature model has been a staple for melodic rock players who need versatility without sacrificing character. It’s proof that Ibanez can do “classic” without being stuck in the past.

The Artist Connection: From Vai to Benson

Ibanez doesn’t just slap an artist’s name on a stock model and call it a day. Their signature guitars are genuine collaborations that often push guitar design forward.

Steve Vai’s partnership literally changed the shape of electric guitars. The JEM’s monkey grip handle, lion’s claw routing (for ridiculous up-pull on the tremolo), and vine inlay became instant icons. More importantly, his input on neck design and electronics helped create the modern superstrat template.

Joe Satriani’s JS series took a different approach, with a more rounded, comfortable body shape and signature DiMarzio pickups that deliver his singing lead tone.

George Benson’s influence expanded Ibanez’s jazz credentials, while newer artists like Tim Henson are pushing the company in fresh directions. His TOD series features Fishman Fluence pickups with multiple voicings and his signature “Tree of Death” inlay—a metal-inspired take on the classic Ibanez motif.

This artist-driven approach means Ibanez guitars evolve based on real players’ needs, not just marketing whims.

What’s Hot for 2025: Innovations Worth Noting

The 2025 Ibanez lineup doesn’t rest on past glories. Here’s what’s turning heads this year:

S-TECH Roasted Maple Everywhere

Ibanez’s proprietary roasted maple treatment is now appearing across more models than ever. This isn’t just for looks—the process literally bakes moisture out of the wood in a nitrogen environment at temperatures approaching 200°C, creating a more stable neck that resists warping and sounds snappier.

The AZ Standard Series: Premium Features, Mid-Range Price

The new AZ Standard series is 2025’s best value proposition. You get a roasted maple neck, stainless steel frets, and the sophisticated dyna-MIX9 switching system previously reserved for models costing twice as much. Available in both HSS (AZ22S1F) and HH (AZ24S1F) configurations, these guitars are serious contenders for working musicians.

7-String Acoustic Innovation

The AE3007FMH-TBH is breaking new ground in the acoustic world. This 7-string acoustic-electric features a Grand Auditorium body with a solid Sitka spruce top and flamed okoume back and sides. The A.I.R. port technology improves bass response and projection, while the Fishman pickup system delivers natural amplified tone. This is not your grandfather’s acoustic guitar.

The dyna-MIX Revolution

Ibanez’s switching systems have become increasingly sophisticated. The dyna-MIX9 and dyna-MIX10 systems provide 9-10 different pickup configurations from a conventional 3-pickup layout, including the ability to split humbuckers for authentic single-coil sounds without the noise. It’s like having multiple guitars in one instrument.

The Magnificent Seven: Essential Ibanez Models

With over 300 models to choose from, finding your perfect Ibanez can be overwhelming. Let me narrow it down to seven standouts that represent the brand’s versatility:

• RG550 Genesis ($1100 – $1300) – The legend reborn. This is the classic RG exactly as it was in 1987, complete with the original Edge tremolo and those eye-searing neon finishes. The Desert Sun Yellow version might require sunglasses, but it’s worth it for the ultimate shred machine.

• Ibanez AZ24S1F ($599 – $699) – The value king of 2025. You simply cannot find roasted maple, stainless steel frets, and sophisticated electronics at this price point anywhere else. Available in gorgeous flame maple tops with transparent finishes that look way more expensive than they are.

• Ibanez S521 ($400 – $500) – The most comfortable guitar you’ll ever play. Period. The ultra-thin mahogany body weighs practically nothing while delivering warm, rich tone that works for everything from blues to death metal. The Quantum pickups are surprisingly versatile for stock units.

• Prestige RG5120M ($2,299 – $3000) – When only the best will do. Handcrafted in Japan with flawless fretwork, premium tonewoods, and DiMarzio pickups. The birdseye maple fretboard is a thing of beauty that feels as good as it looks under your fingers.

• George Benson GB10EM ($750 – $850) – Jazz on a budget. This affordable version of Benson’s signature model gives you the magic of those floating Super 58 pickups and the compact hollow body design that’s perfect for controlling feedback while maintaining authentic jazz tone.

• Ibanez RG7421 ($499 – $599) – Seven strings don’t get more accessible than this. A fixed bridge makes this 7-string easy to maintain and intonate, while the mahogany body adds warmth to the extended low range. Perfect for modern metal and prog without breaking the bank.

• Artcore AS73 ($499 – $699) – The hollow body for everyone. This semi-hollow punches way above its price class with a comfortable body, easy-playing neck, and warm, woody tone that’s perfect for jazz, blues, and indie rock. The stock pickups deliver vintage vibes with plenty of clarity.

Final Feedback: Why Ibanez Deserves Your Attention

In a world of guitar brands clinging to “how things were done in 1959,” Ibanez stands out by continually asking, “how can we make this better for players today?” Their willingness to experiment—with thinner necks, extended-range instruments, and electronics innovations—has repeatedly expanded what’s possible on the electric guitar.

While their reputation for metal shredding is well-deserved, reducing Ibanez to “just a metal brand” misses the bigger picture. From George Benson’s smooth jazz to Tim Henson’s genre-defying techniques, Ibanez has created instruments that enable musical innovation across the spectrum.

Whether you’ve got $169 or $5,999 to spend, there’s an Ibanez that delivers quality and innovation at your price point. Their commitment to player-centric design makes them a brand worth serious consideration for any guitarist looking to expand their tonal palette or simply find an instrument that feels like it was built for their hands.

So the next time you’re guitar shopping, pick up an Ibanez. Your fingers might just thank you for it.

👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.

👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!