The best Ibanez guitar for you depends on the style of music you play and what features you want in a guitar. The second two digits (70), refer to the pickups and the pickguard.
I personally think of the FR as a modernized version of the Tele. DISCLOSURE: articles may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission.
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. Standard: these guitars are a step-up from the GIO range, and cost usually around $300-$1000. As we discussed earlier, the extra digit on the end indicates different features. 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. Youll notice in the below photo that the headstock logo doesnt identify the guitar as an Axion Label. If youre just starting out and looking for a great beginner electric guitar, or just looking for a killer budget electric guitar, wed recommend the Ibanez AZES31 (opens in new tab). You can clearly see the basic shape is a Les Paul with a symmetrical double cutout. 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. Premium: guitars in this range are considered mid-range and hover around the $1300-$1600 price mark. For the professional players among us, wed recommend the AZ2204 Prestige (opens in new tab). The combination of an Alder body and a bolt on Maple neck brings the Strat-esque snappiness we know and love, but to get that tone from a super-playable offset with a 12 fingerboard radius? If youve seen a famous guitarist play an Ibanez, the chances are theyll have their own signature models available. This makes it very hard to compare Fender and Ibanez.
The PIA was designed for a reason, and that was to create one of the cleverest, most capable tools money can buy. Most Iron Label guitars dont use fretboard dots or inlays but all models have side-dots. Ibanez, whilst being mostly well known for their shred-friendly Superstrats, produce some gorgeous semi and fully hollow bodied guitars. 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). 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. published 26 January 22, Our pick of the best Ibanez guitars for beginner to pro players, along with useful buying advice. Note: Ibanez has a long history and a ridiculous number of models too many to cover in one guide. Again, if youve got small hands, wider and chunkier neck profiles might not be suitable for you. So far we have discussed two aspects of the Ibanez names: the series, and the shape. As you can see from the above list of sub-brands, there are quite a few options to choose from. While you may struggle to find j.custom models, youll always see plenty of Prestige models available. So what does the rest of the code mean?
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.
However, one complaint a lot of buyers have, is that the names are super confusing, with all the different letters and numbers. The Premium sub-brand is slightly more affordable than the Prestige guitars as they are produced in Indonesia instead of Japan. Available in Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red and Purple Neon, there are few guitars that stand out the way this one does. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. A flamed Maple top is the icing on this RGAs aesthetic cake, and in any of the available finishes, this guitar looks epic. 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. There are so many different Ibanez models, series, and labels available that it can quickly become confusing trying to understand your different options. As of writing this in 2020, you can only buy Prestige or Premium AZ models. Dont focus too much on brand name as both brands can produce excellent quality guitars.
By 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? The RG series offers models in the J.Custom, Prestige, Premium, Genesis Collection, Axion Label, Iron Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. The first digit indicates the quality level. At the end of this guide is some expert buying advice, so if youd like to read more about the best Ibanez guitars, and what to know about when buying one, head to the bottom of the page now. Use the above guide to understand what these numbers mean. 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. This makes the pickup sound warmer and thicker in Gibson 498T vs 500T: Bridge Pickup Comparison. The RGA series started in 2005 with a Prestige-model fixed-bridge but gradually introduced other sub-brands. The rest of Ibanezs hardware is often well-made and highly durable, with many models featuring locking tuners from Gotoh. Keep in mind that while some Ibanez guitars are cheap, they also have high-end guitars that are expensive.
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. The 1st number, indicates the quality level, the 2nd number identifies the pickup configuration, and if the 3rd number indicates additional features (if it is not 0). England and Wales company registration number 2008885. There have been so many different Ibanez models over the years and sadly a lot of them are no longer in production. Before 1957, Hoshino Gakki manufactured guitars named after the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. Models at the moment typically cost around $1000. Artstar: high-end Japanese guitars ranging between $1000 and $2600.
Ibanez is one of the most popular guitar brands and has been used by countless guitarists over the decades. 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. Available in some stunning colors, and with options for either SSS or HSS pickup configurations, this guitar is well worth a look. With Meranti being a darker wood, closer to Mahogany in tone and color, the RGA42FM delivers impressive sustain. The LB1 has a HSS pickup configuration consisting of three Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio signature pickups which all offer a medium to high output. 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 second 0 identifies that it has a tremolo bridge. RGA refers to the shape (curved, double cutaway). The D in RGD stands for Drop-tuning, which is what this guitar was designed for (although you can play in standard tuning).
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.
The Sustainiac in the neck position brings with it a raft of cool effects and tones.
Lari Basilio is one of the most highly regarded guitarists around today, and her Japan-made signature model LB1 is the perfect instrument for any guitarist of her caliber. Both Ibanez and Fender produce a wide range of guitars at various budget levels. There are a couple of ways these can be identified in the full name. As you might expect from a Custom guitar, they use exotic tonewoods and are produced in very small numbers.
The GRX40 GIO is a perfect beginner electric guitar for those on the smallest of budgets, with hardware and build quality beyond its price point, and added touches like the mono-unit output jack a one-piece output jack construction makes this guitar even easier to just get on and play. Ibanezs top of the line Japanese-made models are sold under the Ibanez Prestige name. If youve been keeping up to date with modern guitar playing, youll know all about Yvette Young and her unique playing style. 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. The second digit (5) refers to the quality, the same as in the first example. Everyone wants to play a guitar that looks like something their guitar heroes would pick up, and this budget-friendly AZ model offers that exact experience. For example, here is the serial number for my Ibanez GRX40: So this serial number tells me that the guitar was built in Indonesia (I) in the Cort Guitars factory in January 2001.
With the wide range of styles available in other series, the FR models are subtle. Gotoh hardware finishes off this killer signature guitar, so you wont need to worry about anything slipping out of tune. There are some Ibanez guitars that are better to Fender and some Fender guitars that are better than Ibanez. Ibanezs artist roster features some of the guitar worlds most intriguing and exciting new talent, and Ichika Nito seems to be the most intriguing and exciting of them all.
From the model number alone, you can find out all the details about the guitar down to the finish used. 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. 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. Ibanez has been building Prestige guitars in Japan since 1996. 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 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 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 neck is a 3pc Maple set neck which adds to the impressive sustain this guitar creates, and like all Ibanez guitars, its slim, comfortable profile sets this guitar apart from other semi-hollow options at this price point. 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. Fortunately, not all Ibanez models have confusing numbers. 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. AX: double cutaway, wide lower bout, with pickguard.
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, This guide on the Ibanez Fandom Wiki explains how to decode a serial number depending on how many digits it uses.
With so many other sub-brands, it doesnt seem right to call the Standard sub-brand the normal Ibanez tier. Guitarists such as Andy Timmons, Martin Miller, Tim Henson, and Tom Quayle already have signature AZ models available. The first 2-3 letters indicate the shape. This guitar has a five-piece Maple/Walnut neck, Meranti body and Jatoba fingerboard and its this combination of warmth from the body, top end brightness from the neck and a snappy response from the fingerboard material which makes the RG8 such a balanced instrument. Please refresh the page and try again. The Prestige sub-brand is the highest quality Ibanez guitars you can buy (apart from J. The above model is an Axion Label, which is why it has some custom features such as fanned frets and Fishman Fluence pickups. The final 2-3 letter indicate extra information such as the finish, pickups or inlays.
So lets take a look at the Ibanez RG470AHM to start with. Some notable series you may find secondhand include the Iceman, X series, the Destroyer series, and AX series. While Ibanez tends to use the RG and S series for more modern styling, the AR series is where Ibanez focuses on classic styling. 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. 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. If youd rather just get to the products, keep on scrolling. The great thing about the Standard sub-brand is that there are so many different styles and features available to choose from. There have only been a handful of FR models over the years across most of the sub-brands. In the above photo, you can see how the RGD keeps the same RG shape while adding ergonomic contours to the cutaways. They typically cost between $900-$1100. The Ibanez AR or Artist series has been produced on and off since 1974. Ibanez has a massive range of signature guitars from some iconic guitarists. Ibanez solid body and semi-hollow/ hollow body guitars are arranged in different series. 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. 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.
This should make it clear how many different features and styles youll find under the RG umbrella. You can easily identify a j.custom Ibanez from the headstock logo.
In this case, the guitar has a HSH pickup configuration, and does NOT have a pickguard.
Since its introduction in the late 80s, the RG550 has become a cult classic in the world of Ibanez, and rightfully so. This is a little shorter than a standard Fender-style scale length, so string bending is easier and overall string tension is a little lower making playability easier. Most models have been some type of grey, black, or white. The easiest way to demonstrate this, is using an example. Here are some of the most common. Not only is Slime Green Sparkle one of the coolest finishes weve seen in forever, but the Strat-style pickup configuration coupled with the 12 fingerboard radius is our idea of the perfect vintage/modern blend. 
cimar acoustic guitar ibanez What a horrible mess! When should you change your guitar pickups? 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. By the end of this guide, youll understand the different quality-levels and ranges of Ibanez guitars.
Another interesting feature with Axion Label guitars is that they use Sub Zero Treated Frets, which have been temperature treated to harden the frets. This was an homage to the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. The first digit (7) refers to the fact it is a 7 string model. JEM: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body and handle cut-out.
Axion Label- these are aimed at the heavy metal market with long scale lengths and sometimes 7 strings. 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. Dog Ear vs Soapbar P90 Pickups: Is There a Difference? 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.
This construction enables Hensons own DiMarzio Notorious signature pickup set to flourish delivering wide-open sounding clean tones or gurn-inducing dirt when needed. The Ibanez brand as we know it today was founded in 1957 in Japan.
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. Like any other guitar search, its important to make sure the Ibanez guitar of your dreams has electronics which suit you. 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. If you love the sound of a single-coil electric guitar pickup, then two humbuckers probably wont do it for you, and vice versa.
For example, lets first look at the AZ2204 Prestige Series. The first digit (4), indicates the quality of the model within the range. There arent many brands that do budget electric guitars quite like Ibanez. The brand is owned by Hoshino Gakki a Japanese company that also own Tama drums. The Ibanez FR series guitars were introduced in 2008 and are clearly different in style compared to the other series such as RG and S. Its obvious that the FR series was inspired by the classic Telecaster shape. Heres why you can trust us. 20 refers to the HH pickup configuration. Think of these sub-brands as quality levels or tiers. The much lighter top and neck woods help to brighten up the tone of the instrument rather well, drawing the best from that pair of Quantum humbuckers. Im a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World - the ideal job for a gear nerd like myself. The Iron Label sub-brand has been produced since 2013 and offers bare-bones styled guitars designed purely for metal guitarists. The fourth digit (1) refers to the fixed bridge.
The first 0 indicates that it is in the prestige series.
Today, you can find models in the Axion Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. Some modernized changes over the classic Tele include 24 frets, a super-thin Nitro Wizard neck, high-output humbuckers, and aftermarket hardtail bridges. 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. 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. Read the section in this guide about the different sub-brands to learn about these options.
Your intonation will thank us later! Guitar World is supported by its audience. 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. The Artcore series also has sub-brands such as the ARTSTAR, Artcore Expressionist, Artcore Vintage, and Artcore. The best quality Ibanez guitars are from the j.custom sub-brand.
ibanez guitar jem plan electric wiring diagram guitars plans scale any bass strat catalog 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 roasted birdseye Maple fingerboard first of all looks amazing, but also adds to the tone in the form of a musical brightness which really makes the guitar sing. Most of the finishes over the years have used some sort of burst along with other finishes that are clearly inspired by Gibson.
Thanks for visiting! 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.
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.
hardtail bridges bridge abm ibanez wiredguitarist guitarist wired
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.
All of the switching can get a bit confusing at times, but the tones are happily worth the effort. James Farmer There have been a few different S-based series produced over the years. 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. P90's are single coil pickups but with a wider and shorter bobbin compared to standard single coils where the wires are closer to the pole pieces. Custom). Most of the time you can tell what series an Ibanez guitar is in, because it will be after the code. Weve arranged 13 of what we think are the best Ibanez guitars in price order, lowest to highest, to make things a bit easier. pickguards pickguard pickguardplanet Ibanez obviously thought so too, announcing her signature model, the YY10, in early 2020. At the moment, Ibanez only produces AR models in the Standard sub-brand. Thank you for signing up to The Pick. The right guitar for you needs to have hardware suitable for your playing style. Their switching setups are mostly traditional in nature, enabling you to focus primarily on your playing.
The letter suffix gives extra information, usually about the finish. Instead of worrying about which is better, find a guitar you like the feel, sound, and look of. The GIO sub-brand is easy to identify with the big GIO on the headstock. tfr headstock fluorescent rgr acclaim The ICHI10 consists of a Nyatoh body, which is tonally similar to Mahogany, and a neck made from roasted Maple and Bubinga. S series guitars have been available since they were introduced in 1987.
I personally think of the FR as a modernized version of the Tele. DISCLOSURE: articles may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission.
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. Standard: these guitars are a step-up from the GIO range, and cost usually around $300-$1000. As we discussed earlier, the extra digit on the end indicates different features. 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. Youll notice in the below photo that the headstock logo doesnt identify the guitar as an Axion Label. If youre just starting out and looking for a great beginner electric guitar, or just looking for a killer budget electric guitar, wed recommend the Ibanez AZES31 (opens in new tab). You can clearly see the basic shape is a Les Paul with a symmetrical double cutout. 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. Premium: guitars in this range are considered mid-range and hover around the $1300-$1600 price mark. For the professional players among us, wed recommend the AZ2204 Prestige (opens in new tab). The combination of an Alder body and a bolt on Maple neck brings the Strat-esque snappiness we know and love, but to get that tone from a super-playable offset with a 12 fingerboard radius? If youve seen a famous guitarist play an Ibanez, the chances are theyll have their own signature models available. This makes it very hard to compare Fender and Ibanez.
The PIA was designed for a reason, and that was to create one of the cleverest, most capable tools money can buy. Most Iron Label guitars dont use fretboard dots or inlays but all models have side-dots. Ibanez, whilst being mostly well known for their shred-friendly Superstrats, produce some gorgeous semi and fully hollow bodied guitars. 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). 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. published 26 January 22, Our pick of the best Ibanez guitars for beginner to pro players, along with useful buying advice. Note: Ibanez has a long history and a ridiculous number of models too many to cover in one guide. Again, if youve got small hands, wider and chunkier neck profiles might not be suitable for you. So far we have discussed two aspects of the Ibanez names: the series, and the shape. As you can see from the above list of sub-brands, there are quite a few options to choose from. While you may struggle to find j.custom models, youll always see plenty of Prestige models available. So what does the rest of the code mean?
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. However, one complaint a lot of buyers have, is that the names are super confusing, with all the different letters and numbers. The Premium sub-brand is slightly more affordable than the Prestige guitars as they are produced in Indonesia instead of Japan. Available in Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red and Purple Neon, there are few guitars that stand out the way this one does. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. A flamed Maple top is the icing on this RGAs aesthetic cake, and in any of the available finishes, this guitar looks epic. 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. There are so many different Ibanez models, series, and labels available that it can quickly become confusing trying to understand your different options. As of writing this in 2020, you can only buy Prestige or Premium AZ models. Dont focus too much on brand name as both brands can produce excellent quality guitars.
By 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? The RG series offers models in the J.Custom, Prestige, Premium, Genesis Collection, Axion Label, Iron Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. The first digit indicates the quality level. At the end of this guide is some expert buying advice, so if youd like to read more about the best Ibanez guitars, and what to know about when buying one, head to the bottom of the page now. Use the above guide to understand what these numbers mean. 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. This makes the pickup sound warmer and thicker in Gibson 498T vs 500T: Bridge Pickup Comparison. The RGA series started in 2005 with a Prestige-model fixed-bridge but gradually introduced other sub-brands. The rest of Ibanezs hardware is often well-made and highly durable, with many models featuring locking tuners from Gotoh. Keep in mind that while some Ibanez guitars are cheap, they also have high-end guitars that are expensive.
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. The 1st number, indicates the quality level, the 2nd number identifies the pickup configuration, and if the 3rd number indicates additional features (if it is not 0). England and Wales company registration number 2008885. There have been so many different Ibanez models over the years and sadly a lot of them are no longer in production. Before 1957, Hoshino Gakki manufactured guitars named after the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. Models at the moment typically cost around $1000. Artstar: high-end Japanese guitars ranging between $1000 and $2600.
Ibanez is one of the most popular guitar brands and has been used by countless guitarists over the decades. 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. Available in some stunning colors, and with options for either SSS or HSS pickup configurations, this guitar is well worth a look. With Meranti being a darker wood, closer to Mahogany in tone and color, the RGA42FM delivers impressive sustain. The LB1 has a HSS pickup configuration consisting of three Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio signature pickups which all offer a medium to high output. 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 second 0 identifies that it has a tremolo bridge. RGA refers to the shape (curved, double cutaway). The D in RGD stands for Drop-tuning, which is what this guitar was designed for (although you can play in standard tuning).
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.
The Sustainiac in the neck position brings with it a raft of cool effects and tones.
Lari Basilio is one of the most highly regarded guitarists around today, and her Japan-made signature model LB1 is the perfect instrument for any guitarist of her caliber. Both Ibanez and Fender produce a wide range of guitars at various budget levels. There are a couple of ways these can be identified in the full name. As you might expect from a Custom guitar, they use exotic tonewoods and are produced in very small numbers.
The GRX40 GIO is a perfect beginner electric guitar for those on the smallest of budgets, with hardware and build quality beyond its price point, and added touches like the mono-unit output jack a one-piece output jack construction makes this guitar even easier to just get on and play. Ibanezs top of the line Japanese-made models are sold under the Ibanez Prestige name. If youve been keeping up to date with modern guitar playing, youll know all about Yvette Young and her unique playing style. 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. The second digit (5) refers to the quality, the same as in the first example. Everyone wants to play a guitar that looks like something their guitar heroes would pick up, and this budget-friendly AZ model offers that exact experience. For example, here is the serial number for my Ibanez GRX40: So this serial number tells me that the guitar was built in Indonesia (I) in the Cort Guitars factory in January 2001.
With the wide range of styles available in other series, the FR models are subtle. Gotoh hardware finishes off this killer signature guitar, so you wont need to worry about anything slipping out of tune. There are some Ibanez guitars that are better to Fender and some Fender guitars that are better than Ibanez. Ibanezs artist roster features some of the guitar worlds most intriguing and exciting new talent, and Ichika Nito seems to be the most intriguing and exciting of them all.
From the model number alone, you can find out all the details about the guitar down to the finish used. 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. 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. Ibanez has been building Prestige guitars in Japan since 1996. 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 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 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 neck is a 3pc Maple set neck which adds to the impressive sustain this guitar creates, and like all Ibanez guitars, its slim, comfortable profile sets this guitar apart from other semi-hollow options at this price point. 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. Fortunately, not all Ibanez models have confusing numbers. 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. AX: double cutaway, wide lower bout, with pickguard.
Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, This guide on the Ibanez Fandom Wiki explains how to decode a serial number depending on how many digits it uses.
With so many other sub-brands, it doesnt seem right to call the Standard sub-brand the normal Ibanez tier. Guitarists such as Andy Timmons, Martin Miller, Tim Henson, and Tom Quayle already have signature AZ models available. The first 2-3 letters indicate the shape. This guitar has a five-piece Maple/Walnut neck, Meranti body and Jatoba fingerboard and its this combination of warmth from the body, top end brightness from the neck and a snappy response from the fingerboard material which makes the RG8 such a balanced instrument. Please refresh the page and try again. The Prestige sub-brand is the highest quality Ibanez guitars you can buy (apart from J. The above model is an Axion Label, which is why it has some custom features such as fanned frets and Fishman Fluence pickups. The final 2-3 letter indicate extra information such as the finish, pickups or inlays.
So lets take a look at the Ibanez RG470AHM to start with. Some notable series you may find secondhand include the Iceman, X series, the Destroyer series, and AX series. While Ibanez tends to use the RG and S series for more modern styling, the AR series is where Ibanez focuses on classic styling. 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. 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. If youd rather just get to the products, keep on scrolling. The great thing about the Standard sub-brand is that there are so many different styles and features available to choose from. There have only been a handful of FR models over the years across most of the sub-brands. In the above photo, you can see how the RGD keeps the same RG shape while adding ergonomic contours to the cutaways. They typically cost between $900-$1100. The Ibanez AR or Artist series has been produced on and off since 1974. Ibanez has a massive range of signature guitars from some iconic guitarists. Ibanez solid body and semi-hollow/ hollow body guitars are arranged in different series. 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. 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.
This should make it clear how many different features and styles youll find under the RG umbrella. You can easily identify a j.custom Ibanez from the headstock logo.
In this case, the guitar has a HSH pickup configuration, and does NOT have a pickguard.
Since its introduction in the late 80s, the RG550 has become a cult classic in the world of Ibanez, and rightfully so. This is a little shorter than a standard Fender-style scale length, so string bending is easier and overall string tension is a little lower making playability easier. Most models have been some type of grey, black, or white. The easiest way to demonstrate this, is using an example. Here are some of the most common. Not only is Slime Green Sparkle one of the coolest finishes weve seen in forever, but the Strat-style pickup configuration coupled with the 12 fingerboard radius is our idea of the perfect vintage/modern blend. cimar acoustic guitar ibanez What a horrible mess! When should you change your guitar pickups? 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. By the end of this guide, youll understand the different quality-levels and ranges of Ibanez guitars. 
Another interesting feature with Axion Label guitars is that they use Sub Zero Treated Frets, which have been temperature treated to harden the frets. This was an homage to the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. The first digit (7) refers to the fact it is a 7 string model. JEM: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body and handle cut-out.
Axion Label- these are aimed at the heavy metal market with long scale lengths and sometimes 7 strings. 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. Dog Ear vs Soapbar P90 Pickups: Is There a Difference? 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.
This construction enables Hensons own DiMarzio Notorious signature pickup set to flourish delivering wide-open sounding clean tones or gurn-inducing dirt when needed. The Ibanez brand as we know it today was founded in 1957 in Japan.
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. Like any other guitar search, its important to make sure the Ibanez guitar of your dreams has electronics which suit you. 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. If you love the sound of a single-coil electric guitar pickup, then two humbuckers probably wont do it for you, and vice versa.
For example, lets first look at the AZ2204 Prestige Series. The first digit (4), indicates the quality of the model within the range. There arent many brands that do budget electric guitars quite like Ibanez. The brand is owned by Hoshino Gakki a Japanese company that also own Tama drums. The Ibanez FR series guitars were introduced in 2008 and are clearly different in style compared to the other series such as RG and S. Its obvious that the FR series was inspired by the classic Telecaster shape. Heres why you can trust us. 20 refers to the HH pickup configuration. Think of these sub-brands as quality levels or tiers. The much lighter top and neck woods help to brighten up the tone of the instrument rather well, drawing the best from that pair of Quantum humbuckers. Im a Junior Deals Writer here at Guitar World - the ideal job for a gear nerd like myself. The Iron Label sub-brand has been produced since 2013 and offers bare-bones styled guitars designed purely for metal guitarists. The fourth digit (1) refers to the fixed bridge.
The first 0 indicates that it is in the prestige series.
Today, you can find models in the Axion Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. Some modernized changes over the classic Tele include 24 frets, a super-thin Nitro Wizard neck, high-output humbuckers, and aftermarket hardtail bridges. 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. 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. Read the section in this guide about the different sub-brands to learn about these options.
Your intonation will thank us later! Guitar World is supported by its audience. 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. The Artcore series also has sub-brands such as the ARTSTAR, Artcore Expressionist, Artcore Vintage, and Artcore. The best quality Ibanez guitars are from the j.custom sub-brand.
ibanez guitar jem plan electric wiring diagram guitars plans scale any bass strat catalog 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 roasted birdseye Maple fingerboard first of all looks amazing, but also adds to the tone in the form of a musical brightness which really makes the guitar sing. Most of the finishes over the years have used some sort of burst along with other finishes that are clearly inspired by Gibson.
Thanks for visiting! 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.
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.
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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.
All of the switching can get a bit confusing at times, but the tones are happily worth the effort. James Farmer There have been a few different S-based series produced over the years. 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. P90's are single coil pickups but with a wider and shorter bobbin compared to standard single coils where the wires are closer to the pole pieces. Custom). Most of the time you can tell what series an Ibanez guitar is in, because it will be after the code. Weve arranged 13 of what we think are the best Ibanez guitars in price order, lowest to highest, to make things a bit easier. pickguards pickguard pickguardplanet Ibanez obviously thought so too, announcing her signature model, the YY10, in early 2020. At the moment, Ibanez only produces AR models in the Standard sub-brand. Thank you for signing up to The Pick. The right guitar for you needs to have hardware suitable for your playing style. Their switching setups are mostly traditional in nature, enabling you to focus primarily on your playing.
The letter suffix gives extra information, usually about the finish. Instead of worrying about which is better, find a guitar you like the feel, sound, and look of. The GIO sub-brand is easy to identify with the big GIO on the headstock. tfr headstock fluorescent rgr acclaim The ICHI10 consists of a Nyatoh body, which is tonally similar to Mahogany, and a neck made from roasted Maple and Bubinga. S series guitars have been available since they were introduced in 1987.