The Ultimate Ibanez Electric Guitar Buying Guide

Welcome to Eddie’s Guitars, your go-to source for all things guitar-related. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Ibanez electric guitars offer a blend of innovation, quality, and versatility that’s hard to beat. Let’s dive into the world of Ibanez and help you find the perfect electric guitar for your needs.

About Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is a brand that has become synonymous with cutting-edge design, playability, and affordability. Founded in Japan, Ibanez has a rich history of producing innovative instruments that rival American-made pieces and also cater to a wide range of musicians, both left-handed and right-handed.

From solid-body electric guitars to hollowbody models, Ibanez has made its mark in virtually every genre of music. Artists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Stanley, and Nita Strauss have all chosen Ibanez guitars to create their signature sounds.

Best Ibanez Models

Ibanez offers a wide array of electric guitars, each designed to meet the needs of different players. Some of the standout models include:

• Ibanez JEM: A signature model by Steve Vai, the JEM series is known for its incredible playability, unique design, and powerful sound. Whether you opt for the JEMJR or a higher-end model, these guitars are built for precision and speed.
• Ibanez RG: A staple of the Ibanez lineup, the RG series is beloved by shredders and metal guitarists for its fast neck, powerful pickups, and aggressive styling. The RG series guitars are available in a range of finishes, including the classic Sunburst and Iron Label models.
• Ibanez Artcore: The Artcore series offers a range of semi-hollowbody and hollowbody electric guitars, perfect for jazz, blues, and rockabilly players. These guitars blend vintage aesthetics with modern playability.
• Ibanez Iceman: Known for its distinctive shape and powerful tone, the Iceman is a favorite among rock and metal guitarists. The Iceman series guitars feature a solid body and come with a gig bag for easy transport.
• Ibanez Prestige: The Prestige series represents the pinnacle of Ibanez craftsmanship, offering premium materials, meticulous construction, and superior playability. These guitars are perfect for players who demand the best.
• Ibanez Premium: The Premium Series was first introduced in 2011. With all models crafted in Indonesia, these guitars are still made with excellent attention to detail and feature high-quality pickups and hardware.
• Ibanez Mikro: Ideal for younger players or those with smaller hands, the Ibanez Mikro series offers a scaled-down version of the classic Ibanez design without compromising on quality.
• Ibanez Universe: This is the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitar. Essentially a JEM with an additional string, this game-changing instrument found popularity with metal musicians and “nu-metal” sounds.

Choosing the Right Ibanez Electric Guitar for You

With so many options available, choosing the right Ibanez electric guitar can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find the one that best suits your needs:

Budget

Ibanez offers guitars at various price points, making them accessible to all players. The Ibanez Gio and Mikro series are great options for beginners or those on a budget, while the Prestige and Axion Label models cater to professionals looking for top-tier quality.

How it Sounds

Ibanez guitars are known for their versatility and can cover a wide range of tones. The JEM series, with its high-output pickups and versatile tone controls, is perfect for shredding and complex lead work. The Artcore series, on the other hand, excels in warm, resonant tones, making it ideal for jazz and blues. Try out different models to find the sound that resonates with you.

Choosing the Right Bridge

Ibanez guitars come with various bridge options, each affecting playability and tone. The floating tremolo system, found on many RG and JEM models, allows for dramatic pitch bends and dive bombs, while the fixed bridge, available on models like the RGA, offers greater tuning stability and sustain.

Which Guitars Are Best for Which Musical Genre

Different Ibanez models are suited to different genres:

• Metal and Hard Rock: Ibanez RG, Ibanez Iceman, Ibanez Iron Label
• Jazz and Blues: Ibanez Artcore, Ibanez George Benson Signature
• Rock and Pop: Ibanez JEM, Ibanez Iceman, Ibanez ATZ10P Andy Timmons Signature Premium
• Fusion and Instrumental Rock: Ibanez Prestige, Ibanez Tom Quayle Signature

The Neck

Ibanez guitars are famed for their fast, slim necks, which make them ideal for technical playing styles. The RG and JEM series, in particular, feature ultra-fast neck profiles that are perfect for shredders. For players who prefer a thicker neck, the Artcore series offers a more traditional feel.

Amps and Pedals

Ibanez electric guitars pair well with a variety of amps and pedals, depending on your style. Whether you’re looking to achieve the searing lead tones of Steve Vai or the warm, jazz tones of George Benson, selecting the right combination of amp and pedals will help you get there. Consider investing in overdrive, reverb, and delay pedals to expand your tonal palette.

The Frets

Ibanez guitars typically feature 24 frets, allowing for a full two-octave range that’s perfect for soloing and complex riffs. The fretwork on Ibanez guitars is precise, ensuring smooth playability and accurate intonation.

Pick Your Ibanez Electric Guitar at Eddie’s

At Eddie’s Guitars, we take pride in offering a wide selection of Ibanez electric guitars to suit every player. Whether you’re in the market for a beginner-friendly Gio model or a top-of-the-line Prestige guitar, our expert staff is here to help you make the right choice. Visit us today and discover the electric or acoustic guitars that are perfect for you.

Schedule an appointment with us today to get started.