Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is one of the best values in the world of guitar. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you'll always get plenty of bang for your buck with an Ibanez. And even though the brand is typically associated with hard rock and metal, it is rather diverse and covers a wide range of potential sounds and play styles.

One criticism of Ibanez is that the clean tone of the guitar can come across a bit flat. This is sort of true in that a lot of the sound depends on the effects and amplification that you use. If you have a digital interface to your computer, you can also bypass purchasing the often expensive hardware used to craft that custom sound. A digital mixing board can also be a great way to test out those effects and amplifiers before spending the money on your final physical rig.

That said, there aren't many lasting complaints about Ibanez unless you just happen to really dislike the look and aesthetic. The hardware is high quality and built to last, and the costs are always competitive for what you get.

Check out a small sampling of their lineup:

Ibanez Prestige RG2027XL – 7 String

Near the peak of Ibanez's premium lineup is the Prestige RG2027XL. This comes with seven strings in midnight blue and a floating bridge that can wail solos over more octaves than most bands will ever conceive of. The dual humbucker style pickups are ready to rock and harmonize and everything in between. The rosewood fretboard looks great, and performs just as well, with low profile inlays near the top of the neck.

Ibanez RG470MB

Did all of that sound great until you heard the price? Me too. That's why I personally got the RG470MB in autumn fade metallic, as shown below.

This one has many of the features of the prestige model listed above, but it is just a six string configuration and the fretboard is maple. It's the fastest, thinnest maple I've ever played on, but the whole thing cost just a fraction of the price at around $400. While it's priced like a beginner's guitar, it certainly feels like it is ready to take the lead.

Ibanez Euphoria 5 Acoustic/Electric

And as I mentioned before, just because Ibanez is primarily known for hard rock and metal, doesn't mean that's all they're good for! If you're looking for something completely different, check out the Euphoria 5 Acoustic Electric. The latest in a long line of Ibaneze acoustic electric guitars, this is at home playing country, blues, classical, or anything you can come up with.

There are a hundred variations on the Ibanez guitar, but they all share a high quality available at a great value. The hardware will last, your strings will stay in tune. You're not going to be pigeonholed into a certain type of sound if you want to branch out with tone altering effects and amplifiers. All in all, it's really hard to beat, and that's why I've played exclusively on Ibanez for the last 25 years! But that's mostly been on the bass guitar, so that's a whole other story. Until next time!