Premium: guitars in this range are considered mid-range and hover around the $1300-$1600 price mark. Ibanez offers plenty of guitars with fixed bridges for those who never use a tremolo arm, and Strat-style trems for those who like to use one within certain parameters. The HSH configuration offers some fairly impressive levels of tonal versatility, and with a mostly Maple neck and Basswood body supplying the bright sounding, punchy tone thatll catapult you through any mix, the RG550 Genesis could just be exactly what you need in your life. Ibanez currently only offer the SA series outside of the main S range. 0 refers to the fact the model is in the Prestige series (other series will not have this digit, for example it would just be called an AZ224). a G at the start will indicate the GIO series, and the next 2-3 letter will indicate the shape. Artstar: high-end Japanese guitars ranging between $1000 and $2600. Like many higher-end Ibanez guitars, the LB1 is based on the AZ platform but has an Ash body as opposed to the Alder and Basswood bodies of similar models. Ibanez is one of the most popular guitar brands and has been used by countless guitarists over the decades. There are literally 30+ minute videos on YouTube explaining Ibanezs model numbers. Modern blues icon Josh Smith has his FLATV signature an out and out blues machine and Yvette Youngs YY10 and YY20 signature models offer some of the sweetest clean tones around. At the moment, Ibanez only produces AR models in the Standard sub-brand. Granted, Ibanez does have some fancier models in the form of the Jem and PIA, but for straight up playability, versatility and reliability, the AZ2204 is the one for us. While pickups, switching and other electronics can be changed, its preferable if your guitar has exactly what you need straight from the factory. After various factory closures and reshuffles over the following years, Ibanezs guitar production was taken to the FujiGen Gakki guitar factory, where most Ibanez guitars were built up until the mid-to-late 80s. You'll find amp controls guides, tips to improve your tone, and answers to loads of specific issues. Youll notice in the below photo that the headstock logo doesnt identify the guitar as an Axion Label.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They feature exceptionally high quality materials, impressive craftsmanship, and a higher level of finish overall making these guitars some of the best Japanese guitars on the market. A 5-way selector switch offers an impressive amount of tonal capabilities, but we wish that the bridge pickup could be used in parallel. The PIA was designed for a reason, and that was to create one of the cleverest, most capable tools money can buy. Models that end in 0 have standard features. A lot of models dont have a letter at the start to indicate the series, and just start with the shape code, but a lot of models in the GIO series make this exception. For the professional players among us, wed recommend the AZ2204 Prestige (opens in new tab). These pickups annunciate the high end clarity and sweetness that this guitar is capable of producing, while the bridge humbucker also shares its dark side. This makes it very hard to compare Fender and Ibanez. Ibanez offers affordable guitars under the GIO brand by cutting down on production costs. Before 1957, Hoshino Gakki manufactured guitars named after the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. The A in RGA standards for the Arched top these guitars offer. The main series are: GIO, Standard, Premium, Prestige and J Custom. For the intermediate guitarist, youll be looking at spending up to about $1,200 on a new Ibanez. This is all well and good and so much fun but wed advise getting your guitar professionally set up every time you go wild with string gauges. Even the headstock modifies the classic Ibanez style and rounds it out for a more mellow look. The first 0 indicates that it is in the prestige series. While the Prestige and Premium sub-brands tend to only have a few models to choose from under each series, there are usually far more variety in the Standard sub-brand. The Gio is Ibanezs budget sub-brand, which started as the RX, AX, and EX series. As of writing this in 2020, you can only buy Prestige or Premium AZ models. There have only been a handful of FR models over the years across most of the sub-brands. The RGD series keeps the iconic RG shape but adds in some interesting contours to give the guitar a slightly better feeling while playing. The fourth digit (1) refers to the fixed bridge. Heres what the model number RG652AHMNGB means: So to properly understand Ibanez model numbers, you need to know all the different codes for each part of the number. Find out more here. This is why the example here ends in 21 and not 20, as we described in the first example. While the above model number is ridiculously confusing, it does give you a lot of information about the guitar. As of writing (October 2020), there is only one model listed as in production on Ibanezs website. Similar to the GIO mentioned above, this AZ Essentials model also consists of a Poplar body, Maple neck and Jatoba fingerboard, offering up that bright, snappy tonality that so many players adore. Typically they are around $1800-$3000. Dont focus too much on brand name as both brands can produce excellent quality guitars. The best quality Ibanez guitars are from the j.custom sub-brand. The roasted Bird's Eye Maple neck and fingerboard not only looks stunning, but is also responsible for the punchy, Fender-esque response and resonance that comes from playing the LB1. What complicates things, is that sometimes the suffix may be telling us more than one feature. RGA refers to the shape (curved, double cutaway). Ibanez S Series S621QM: in this example, the S Series, and the S in the code, indicate the shape of the guitar. While there are six-string models in the RGD range, you can also find a few 7-string models like the one shown above. For example, lets first look at the AZ2204 Prestige Series. Most models have been some type of grey, black, or white. Ibanezs guitars come in a range of shapes and sizes, here are some of the most common: You can also find a lot of artist signature models, which have unique shapes, usually based on some of the models described above. The RG shape is iconic and while there are plenty of different RG models to choose from, they all have a similar style and features such as 24 frets, a thin Wizard neck, and dual humbuckers. The great thing about these sub-brands is that you can find an Ibanez shape you like, then find one in the sub-brand that fits your budget level. I, along with help from the rest of the eCommerce team, write, maintain and update our buyers guides and keep you up to date with the latest and best deals on killer gear. The very first Ibanez RG was the RG550 as shown below: You can see how new RG models still retain most of the features in the above guitar. The PIA is a Superstrat fan's dream, and for those who love a bit of Vai, you can't currently get closer to his tone from any other guitar. Usually, this is depicted in either the first 2-3 letters, or the 2-3 letters after the first letter. There have been a few different S-based series produced over the years. RGD refers to the RG shape with a longer neck. Here are some examples of the main shapes. The second 0 identifies that it has a tremolo bridge. Instead of worrying about which is better, find a guitar you like the feel, sound, and look of. Id personally like to see the Iceman or the AX series come back in more interesting finishes, but at the moment it feels Ibanez is really pushing the AZ series. Available in Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red and Purple Neon, there are few guitars that stand out the way this one does. This should make it clear how many different features and styles youll find under the RG umbrella. Lots of Ibanezs most treasured high-end models have been recreated for the Gio line, meaning that any beginner guitarist can play something which looks expensive, without shelling out. The Ibanez RG8 is one of Ibanezs most well-known and easily recognizable guitars. Although the most famous of Vai's signature collection is the JEM, the PIA takes many of the same design cues, albeit with subtle differences. This can be confusing as you would expect something like the Edge Pro II to be an upgraded version of the Edge Pro, but often these models are low-cost versions of the original models. Ibanez make a huge range of guitars, and theyre one of the best brands on the market. 8 David Gilmour techniques that will change the way you play, David Lee Roth gets nostalgic for Van Halen high-jinks on new single, Nothing Could Have Stopped Us Back Then Anyway, Dunlop partners with Korns James Munky Shaffer and Brian Head Welch for new signature 7-string set, Orianthi announces new album Rock Candy and drops riff-loaded single Light It Up, David Ellefson and Jeff Young to play classic Megadeth albums in their entirety on tour this fall, Johnny Marr: If theres a room full of guitar players, Im the last to leave, man. Guitarists such as Andy Timmons, Martin Miller, Tim Henson, and Tom Quayle already have signature AZ models available. On some models, the final digit can give extra information about the guitar. The Premium range of guitars are built in Ibanezs Indonesian premium factory to very high quality standards, and many would argue that this range competes with the Mexican or Korean-made electric guitars of other major manufacturers. The playability of a guitar is one criteria that must be met when buying a new model. Bath Looking for the Prestige logo on an Ibanez headstock is a quick way to identify the top quality guitars in any Ibanez series. Were confident that youll find at least one guitar that you love on this list, so if youre looking to buy one of the best Ibanez guitars, then there are a few things that wed suggest you consider. These guitars are built by expert luthiers in Japan using the highest quality hardware and exotic woods. It wasnt until 1957 that the modern era of Ibanez was founded, with the models on offer throughout the late 50s and early 60s being manufactured by Guyatone, Kiso Suzuki Violin and also in Gakkis own Tama factory. SSS config not usually found on headless instruments, The V7 and V8 pickups are criminally underrated, Would expect something nicer than Basswood, Designed and set up for alternate tunings, The cool switching capabilities can be confusing, A signature model worth selling a kidney for, A fierce signature model for a fierce woman, Ibanez guitars don't get much cooler than this, Guitar World teams up with TrueFire to create the ultimate in guitar masterclasses, 1x Infinity humbucker (bridge), 2x Infinity single coil (middle & neck), Black Night, Metallic Light Green, Candy Apple Red, Metallic Light Blue, Transparent Gray Flat, Dragon Eye Burst Flat, Blue Lagoon Burst Flat, Satin Chrome Ibanez Mono Tune bridge, Ibanez Custom String Lock tuners, V7 humbucker (neck), S1 single-coil (middle), V8 humbucker (bridge), Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red, Purple Neon, Wilkinson WV6-SB Tremolo, Gotoh MG-T locking tuners, Sustainiac Driver single-coil (neck), DiMarzio The Satchur8 humbucker (bridge), 2x DiMarzio Notorious single coils, 2x DiMarzio Notorious ceramic humbucker, Gotoh T1502 tremolo and MG-T locking tuners, Seymour Duncan Experion single coils and humbucker, Gotoh T1802 tremolo, Gotoh Magnum locking machine heads, Black, Hazy Rose Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, 2x Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio single coils (Neck & Middle), Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio Humbucker, Gotoh Tremolo, Gotoh Magnum locking tuners, 2x DiMarzio UtoPIA humbuckers, 1x DiMarzio UtoPIA single coil, Gold Gotoh Tuners, Edge Tremolo with Ultralite arm, What is bubble harmonics? While Ibanez is possibly best-known for the signature guitars of the virtuosic Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, your options are much more than a deluge of gain and divebombs. As you might expect, Ibanez serial numbers can be confusing. The neck is specifically designed for Satch and his JS models, and being a titanium reinforced Maple/Bubinga 3-piece construction, youve no reason to worry about anything other than your playing. The $3.5k price tag feels a little outlandish, but you get one hell of a guitar for the money so if you can afford it, we'd suggest you just go for it. Heres a bit more about them: So any time you see one of the series within the name above, the price should make more sense. Ibanez prides itself on having one of the coolest and most diverse artist rosters around, and Tim Henson has to be one of the most interesting of the bunch. Ibanez usually fits one or two models from each range with a fixed bridge, and the Strat-style tremolo features heavily on their less extreme models such as the AZ and YY models, among many others. Running around like a headless Ibanez? The easiest way to demonstrate this, is using an example. In the above photo, you can see how the RGD keeps the same RG shape while adding ergonomic contours to the cutaways. AR: double cutaway, wide lower bout, without pickguard, AG: hollow, slimmer than the AF, with a pointed single cutaway, AM: slimmer than the AF/ AG, with a double cutaway, AGS: slimmest design with a single cutaway. The RG series (RG stands for Roadstar Guitar) is the most popular Ibanez range and is what most people associate with Ibanez. Unless youre dying to be the next John Scofield or Pat Metheny, wed suggest you go for something smaller itll be easier to play, and youll improve quicker. The main exception is if the guitar has more than 6 strings, and in this case the model will usually have 4 digits instead of 3, and the rest of the rules will apply after taking into consideration the first digit. The first part is easy, the RG of course means it is an RG-shape guitar. As you might expect from a Custom guitar, they use exotic tonewoods and are produced in very small numbers. Ibanez's Prestige level of craftsmanship is impressive at the best of times, but these AZ models especially the AZ2204 are taking the Prestige nametag to a whole new level of quality. Look for an AL in the model number on the back of the headstock if youre unsure whether a guitar is an Axion Label model or not. With the wide range of styles available in other series, the FR models are subtle. The second digit (or third if the model has more than 6 strings) indicates the pickup configuration and presence or absence of a pickguard. With each step up in price, you can expect an increase in the build quality, attention to detail and material quality. This is a more complicated example of the AZ model: Some models will have the full code, and then a space followed by another 2-3 letters. The above RGA model guitar should immediately tell you how different Axion Label models can be. The fingerboard radius 250mm or 9.8 is a middle-ground spec choice also, making this instrument super versatile and suitable for anything. By If youre a child or smaller person, then a big-bodied guitar might not be the most appropriate. You will receive a verification email shortly. The serial numbers can tell you where the guitar was built, who built it, and when it was built. Standard: these guitars are a step-up from the GIO range, and cost usually around $300-$1000.

In this case, there are three main series: Now lets take a look at the different shapes that Ibanez offer. Only a few brighter wood-grain finishes have been produced. The Hoshino Gakki company initially sold guitars under the brand name Ibanez Salvador, then eventually shortened this to Ibanez. Equipped with heavy duty Gotoh hardware and Seymour Duncan pickups as stock, your only real limitation is your creativity when it comes to the AZ2204 or any of the AZ Prestige models, for that matter. There are a couple of ways these can be identified in the full name. Ibanez has a massive range of signature guitars from some iconic guitarists. With so many other sub-brands, it doesnt seem right to call the Standard sub-brand the normal Ibanez tier. The AZ series was only introduced in 2018 and it has already grown in popularity so much that there are many signature models available. The LB1 has a HSS pickup configuration consisting of three Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio signature pickups which all offer a medium to high output. There are some Ibanez guitars that are better to Fender and some Fender guitars that are better than Ibanez. The RGA42FM doesnt have the catchiest product name, but what it lacks in name, it entirely makes up for in its performance. 30=SSS with pickguard or HH with pickguard. The Prestige models can be identified by the clear Prestige logo on the headstock. If you want to find out more about Steve Vais signature guitars, check out my Ultimate Guide to Steve Vai here. AX: double cutaway, wide lower bout, with pickguard. Axion Label- these are aimed at the heavy metal market with long scale lengths and sometimes 7 strings. Dog Ear vs Soapbar P90 Pickups: Is There a Difference? Most Iron Label guitars dont use fretboard dots or inlays but all models have side-dots. There arent many brands that do budget electric guitars quite like Ibanez.

Ibanez have a very popular range of hollowbody and semi-hollowbody guitars including signature models from George Benson, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Eric Krasno. Ill go through some examples shortly to demonstrate. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. There is a wide range of 6, 7 & 8 string models available in the RG range as well as multi-scale necks (learn about multiscale necks here). Remove the variables of dodgy fretwork or sub-par hardware, and you've got yourself a guitar that will keep on giving back for years to come. The higher end tremolos are the Edge, Lo-Pro Edge, Edge Pro, Edge Zero, and ZR tremolos. RG: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body, RGA: double cutaway, pointed horns, curved body, RGD: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body, longer scale length, AZ: double cutaway, pointed horns, curved lower bout, S: double cutaway, curved horns, flat body, SGA: double cutaway, curved horns, curved body. Keep the above sub-brands in mind as you go through the different Ibanez series below. Thank you for signing up to The Pick. Some guitars add in other codes such as the j.custom sub-brand (adds JC at the start of the model number) or the GIO sub-brand (adds G to the start of the model number). Once, weve been through the next section, Ill point out some examples to show this. The Prestige sub-brand is the highest quality Ibanez guitars you can buy (apart from J. Weve arranged 13 of what we think are the best Ibanez guitars in price order, lowest to highest, to make things a bit easier. Keep an eye out for the word slim when reading about a guitars neck shape, as these will likely be your most comfortable options. While there are some guitars with simpler model numbers such as the original RG550, newer model numbers pack in a lot of information. Use the above guide to understand what these numbers mean. Im just as hooked as everybody else, and I have been since I was 5 or 6, Unrivalled access to the artists and gear you love, Exclusive lessons that will make you a better player.

Artcore Expressionist: mid-range models ranging between around $650 and $800. Youll notice these guitars dont use a tone knob, use a 3-way pickup selector, and have super-thin Nitro Wizard necks. Ibanez guitars can largely be split into these four categories: Gio is Ibanezs budget range, often made in China or Indonesia, and offers great playability at low costs. The blend of these woods gives the ICHI10 a balanced tone, and theres plenty of scope for a punchy top end when you lay into it thanks to the bolt-on neck. Crafted from a combination of a Maple top and sides and an Okoume back, the body of this guitar produces warm, sweet resonance you just cant get from a solidbody. The Premium sub-brand is slightly more affordable than the Prestige guitars as they are produced in Indonesia instead of Japan. While the RG series is clearly focused on rock and metal styles of music, the AZ aims for a broader range of styles. On the back of your guitars headstock or neck plate (on some older models), you will see a model number and a serial number. Ibanez is also one of the most confusing guitar brands with different sub-brands, series, and labels. Custom is the top-tier sub-brand in terms of quality and price. Unveiling Donn Aaron's new guitar technique, YouTuber builds super-super thin electric guitar. This model is available with three Essentials single-coil pickups, which deliver traditional tones with a bit of an edge when required, making this model perfect for near enough any style of playing. All About Guitar Inlays and Markers, New Videos: 4 Cable Method, Licks, and Music Theory Explained, Ultimate Guide to Metal Guitars: How To Find The Right Guitar, Ibanez Model and Serial Numbers Explained, Check out current Ibanez AR Models at Sweetwater, Check out the current Ibanez Artcore models at Sweetwater, check out this handy guide on the Ibanez Fandom Wiki, 3 Ways to Use a Metronome to Become a Better Guitarist: Bite-Size Guitar Podcast Episode 15, Ibanez has changed model number systems a few times over the years, Different series or sub-brands often use slightly different systems, The model numbers include details on hardware configurations. Check out my guide to the cost of Ibanez guitars to learn more. Note: Ibanez has a long history and a ridiculous number of models too many to cover in one guide. ibanez aewc nnb browned burst One of the guitar greats of the late-80s, 90s and beyond, Satch has influenced scores of guitarists with his impressive legato playing, vocal-esque melodies and blazing solos. This guitar and its crazy finish options took the late 80s by storm, and it continues to do so in this new and updated version. I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. This makes the code a lot harder to work out, but there is still a system to it. Ibanez GRGM21G: in this example, the first G identifies that the model is in the GIO range. Guitar Center are always the first place I look at when Im interested in a new electric guitar because have a huge range of models for sale and always have some excellent deals on. Some artists only have one or two models, while other guitarists (eg: Steve Vai) have a wide range of models to choose from. Although it can take a long time to recall a specific tone, once weve found what works, this extended tonal palette can only be a good thing. The second two digits (70), refer to the pickups and the pickguard. The second digit (5) refers to the quality, the same as in the first example. Before working on Guitar World I was a guitar salesman at a local music store, so I know a thing or two about matching people with their perfect instruments. Ibanez name their models using a confusing combination of letters and numbers. This example is similar to the first one weve already been through, but the difference is that it has an extra number, so instead of having 3 digits, it has 4 instead. 1 isnt the only number it can end in though, here are the most common ones: The AZ shape models have a different naming system. Ibanez RG1121PB Premium: here you can identify the RG shape from the first two letters, and that it is in the premium series. Here are some of the most common. Here are some reasons why understanding Ibanezs model numbering is confusing: To show how confusing this can get, lets look at the below guitar that one of my students own: Heres the model number for this guitar: RG652AHMNGB. Guitars from different sub-brands, series, or years can have completely different numbering systems. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If youd rather just get to the products, keep on scrolling.

There are also a few popular ones such as the Genesis, Axion Label and Iron Label to consider. They typically cost between $900-$1100. If youve seen a famous guitarist play an Ibanez, the chances are theyll have their own signature models available. This guide will focus only on the current range you can buy. The serial number starts with a letter followed by numbers. The Artcore series also has sub-brands such as the ARTSTAR, Artcore Expressionist, Artcore Vintage, and Artcore. They cost around $1200-$1400. This is in the standard series, because it does not have any other distinguishers. published 26 January 22, Our pick of the best Ibanez guitars for beginner to pro players, along with useful buying advice. What a horrible mess! The RG series has been produced since 1987 when it was offered as a budget alternative to Steve Vais signature JEM. Iron Label: these guitars are aimed towards metal players and often have active pickups. Fortunately, not all Ibanez models have confusing numbers. Throughout the time since, Ibanez has been at the forefront of electric guitar design and development, delivering the first ever mass-produced seven and eight string guitars to the world market, among other achievements. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Ibanezs cheaper guitars dont usually feature locking tuners, but still hold up impressively against the competition. The black finish, gold hardware and big block inlays are reminiscent of the Black Beauty Les Paul Custom, and while the looks are traditional, the guitar itself is the modern guitarist's dream. ibanez guitar jem plan electric wiring diagram guitars plans scale any bass strat catalog Custom guitars fit that description to a T. Ibanez says they are envisioned to be the finest Japanese-made guitar in history, and with some of Ibanezs most skilled luthiers on the case, that claim is bang on the money. This is commonly seen with the 7/8/9 string guitars, where the first number is referring to the strings, so check this first if the code looks a bit different. link to Dog Ear vs Soapbar P90 Pickups: Is There a Difference? These letters are used to provide extra information about the model. tfr headstock fluorescent rgr acclaim The Ibanez brand as we know it today was founded in 1957 in Japan. These guitars are designed more for metal guitarists and use unique features such as the Ibanez Nitro Wizard five-piece neck, luminescent side dots, Schaller strap lock pins, Sustainiac sustainer, multiscale necks, and other aftermarket features. Some modernized changes over the classic Tele include 24 frets, a super-thin Nitro Wizard neck, high-output humbuckers, and aftermarket hardtail bridges. In the early 90s, Ibanez also offered USA Custom guitars, so you may still find second-hand models out there. In 1935, Hoshino Gakki the musical instrument sales division of Japanese bookstore chain Hoshino Shoten started making Spanish-style nylon string guitars under the name Ibanez Salvador. Im a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World - the ideal job for a gear nerd like myself. If you've been alive in at least the last 20 years, then you'll know Steve Vai and his epic range of signature Ibanez guitars. By the end of this guide, youll understand the different quality-levels and ranges of Ibanez guitars. The first digit (7) refers to the fact it is a 7 string model. For example, RG models used to only offer floating tremolo bridges, but there are now models with fixed bridges available such as the below 7 string. The AZ series takes a more traditional style with a thicker neck and a standard tremolo system. For a guitarist who's appeared on over 60 albums, you'd expect only the very best and that's exactly what has happened here with the PIA. The D in RGD stands for Drop-tuning, which is what this guitar was designed for (although you can play in standard tuning). Typically, the higher the number, the higher the quality and price of the model. This construction enables Hensons own DiMarzio Notorious signature pickup set to flourish delivering wide-open sounding clean tones or gurn-inducing dirt when needed.

In my spare time, youll catch me writing songs, taking my greyhound, Simba, to the beach, or getting very nerdy about coffee. 1 refers to the quality level. The Ibanez GIO GRX40 was my first guitar and you may notice in photos and videos that I still use it today. To summarise, here what the codes mean for most shapes in the range (excluding the AZ shape and signature models). BA1 1UA. Over time, expect to see models in other sub-brands as the series branches out to more budget-conscious guitarists. The Ibanez JEM is possibly the most recognizable and best-selling signature model: Designed in partnership with Steve Vai in the late 80s, it helped Ibanez rise to the massive brand they are today.

For example, heres the model number for my Ibanez GIO: From looking at this model number, heres what you can tell about the guitar: If you want to find the specific codes to decode any Ibanez model number, check out this handy guide on the Ibanez Fandom Wiki. ibanez nnb aewc rh acoustic electric browned burst string guitar natural series acclaim str guitars



Sitemap 40