14 Best Ibanez Guitars in 2024 (All Price Ranges)

If you are a guitar player, there is a very high probability that you have heard of Ibanez guitars at some point. Ibanez has such a huge range of acoustic, electric, and bass guitars you can choose from, and they cover a wide range of price points as well.

As a company, they have built a reputation for producing quality instruments at an affordable price. However, viewing Ibanez as only a budget-friendly brand would be a great disservice to the company since they have more than a handful of outstanding high-end models that can go up against any premium guitar brand. Over the years our team at Guitar Lobby has tested and owned dozens of Ibanez guitars, and in this article, we share our favorites at each price point.

Here Are the Best Ibanez Guitars

1. Ibanez RG550 Genesis Collection Electric Guitar (Best Under $1000)

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Estimated Price	$1000
Body	Double Cutaway Basswood Body
Neck	Maple/Walnut
Fretboard	Maple
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	V7 Humbucker + S1 Single-Coil + V8 Humbucker
Bridge	Ibanez Edge Locking Tremolo

My Review: If you belong to the generation of guitarists that was born in the ‘80s, then you’ll immediately recall the Ibanez RG550. For most of us, it was the dream guitar. If you aspired to become a shredder, and you did, this Ibanez was your only option. Remember, this was the era of the Superstrat, and the RG550 came out in 1987. However, with other music genres, such as grunge, becoming more popular during the ‘90s, the RG550 was discontinued in 1994. Which was a real shame, since this guitar sounded great and was much more versatile than anyone gave it credit for.

Fortunately, somebody at Ibanez had some common sense to introduce it again in 2018, keeping everything that was great about the original model, and adding just a few modern touches, and making it more affordable. The original aggressive design is still there, and thanks to the thin, contoured body with double cutaways, the RG550 is incredibly comfortable and easy to play. But, arguably the most important feature of this electric guitar is the thin Wizard Neck, which I found incredibly fast and fun to play.

While the proportions are there, this new neck is different from the old one, since the original neck was one piece of maple, whereas the new one is a 5-piece neck made up of maple and walnut. As far the sound is concerned, the RG550 features the HSH pickup configuration, which is quite common on competing guitars made by ESP, Schecter, or Jackson. The single-coil S1 pickup, of course, is in the middle, while US-designed V7 and V8 pickups are located near the bridge and the neck of the guitar, respectively.

The RG550 has biting mids and just the right amount of compression when you opt for higher gain settings. Sure, that makes this guitar just about ideal for metal, hard rock, prog metal, and other heavy genres where fast playing is required, but we think that the Ibanez RG550 is versatile enough for playing in other guitar-oriented genres, save for jazz maybe.

Who Will Use This Most: Metal players will love it because of the fast, as well as the extremely strong nostalgia factor. Despite the phenomenal price point, this is a guitar that will be desired by professionals as well.

What Sets This Product Apart: Apart from the decent price and expected Ibanez build quality, the RG550 has a ton of character, as well as the legacy that most metal guitars can only dream of.

Bottom Line: All things considered, the Ibanez RG550 is just about the best that the company has to offer. And since this is Ibanez, that is a lot. Any guitar player would be happy to have one of these in their collection. This is one of my favorite Ibanez guitars to play and I’d say it’s the best Ibanez guitar under 1000 dollars.

2. Ibanez AZ2204 AZ Prestige Series Electric Guitar (Editor’s Choice)

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Estimated Price	$2000
Body	Double Cutaway Solid Alder Body
Neck	Roasted Maple
Fretboard	Roasted Maple
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	1 x Seymour Duncan Humbucker + 2 x Seymour Single-Coil Pickups
Bridge	Gotoh T1802 Tremolo/Vibrato Bridge

My Review: As we have pointed out before, Ibanez has a huge range, and yes, a lot of the guitars are aimed at shredders and metalheads. However, there is more than meets the eye with this brand. Just like they have their own line of hollow-body jazz guitars, they also have something that is a lot more classic. Case in point: the Ibanez AZ series.

Although a ton of Ibanez guitars are basically Superstrats, we don’t see that many that resemble the traditional Stratocaster as the AZ2204 does. And the prestige reflected in the price tag, too. For that kind of money, you can get yourself a USA-made Fender Elite Stratocaster, and that is just about as iconic as it gets.

However, the AZ2204 can go head to head with any Elite Strat, because Ibanez has used premium materials all throughout and has done a wonderful job in terms of craftsmanship. The body of the AZ2204 is made from alder, which is a standard for all premium Strats. However, this guitar also comes with a roasted maple neck. More specifically, all the Prestige models the S-tech wood, which is a patented technology that enables the wood to resonate better and to have a more uniform appearance. There plenty of other details that might not stand out at first, such as the rounded fretboard edges, as well as the side dots that are luminescent.

The body is more contoured than on the Strat, making the AZ2204 more comfortable to play. Since this is a high-end model, Ibanez has equipped it with Seymour Duncan Hyperion, which is exclusive to the AZ series of guitars. The HSS combination of pickups is not something that we usually see on Ibanez guitars. As for the sound itself, it’s tailor-made for hard rock, blues rock, punk, as well as funk.

You can pretty much dial in any kind of tone you want, which means that the AZ2204 can sound both vintage and modern. The only problem we really see here is the price. Not that the AZ2204 isn’t worth it, because it is, but because it puts directly up against US-made Strats.

Who Will Use This Most: Fans of Fender Stratocaster which aren’t married to the Fender brand, as well as anyone looking for a versatile premium guitar.

What Sets This Product Apart: It’s something we haven’t seen from Ibanez too often, plus it’s brilliantly well-made and plays like a dream.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez AZ2204 is one of the best Ibanez electric guitars that the company currently makes and one which proves the versatility of the brand’s catalog as well as their commitment to producing some of the highest quality instruments on the planet.

3. Ibanez JEMJR Steve Vai Signature Series Electric Guitar (Best Value)

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Estimated Price	$500
Body	Double Cutaway Mahogany Body with Monkey Grip
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Jatoba
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	1 x Quantum Single-Coil Pickup + 2 x Quantum Humbucker
Bridge	Standard Ibanez Double Locking Tremolo System

My Review: It’s hard to think of a more iconic virtuoso guitarist than Steve Vai, who is not only famous for his guitar pyrotechnics, but also his loyalty to Ibanez. Now, let’s get one thing out of the way at the beginning of this review. This is not the actual guitar that Steve Vai Plays. That would be the JEM7V, and it costs several times more than the JEMJR. This is pretty much the mid-tier version of that guitar, and damn good one at that, because it’s incredible how much you get for the price.

Obviously, as soon as we tested this guitar, one of the first things noticed was that some of the hardware and materials are different from the original signature model, which is to be expected. But, if you decide to get the JEMJR, you will be getting a lot of stuff that makes the original so impressive. At first glance, their appearance is quite similar.

You even get the acrylic fretboard inlay design, also known as the “Tree of Life”, and of course, the famous “monkey grip”, which enables you to carry the guitar more easily. In terms of design, it’s an acquired taste because of the monkey grip. Another great thing about the JEMJR is that it features that recognizable Ibanez Wizard III maple neck, which is incredibly thin and fast, and therefore ideal for fast players and shredders.

When it comes to sound, I did notice a tone difference to the JEM7V, because the JEMJR features Quantum pickups instead of the DiMarzio pickups that Steve Vai tends to use. However, the familiar bite is there, there is plenty of sharpness to the tone, enough so that you don’t need to think about switching out the Quantum pickups to their DiMarzio counterparts.

In terms of configuration, you get the familiar HSH layout, with a 5-way selector switch enabling you to find just the right combination of pickups. We were pleasantly surprised with how versatile this guitar is, given the fact it was designed to replicate the JEM7, which obviously gets associated with Steve Vai’s tone and style of play. Finally, I loved the double-locking bridge which helps players stay in tune even when doing deep bends.

Who Will Use This Most: Obviously, Steve Vai fans should line up to get this one, but also anyone who is looking for a capable, versatile, and well-made guitar.

What Sets This Product Apart: The eye-catching details and features, such as the Tree of Life inlays, as well as the monkey grip, both of which closely mimic the signature JEM7V model.

Bottom Line: Overall, we really liked the JEMJR’s playability and its fast neck. Also, the level of detail and build quality on a model that costs this much is almost unparalleled. When it comes to the category of best Ibanez guitar for the money, the JEMJR is certainly near the top of the list. Highly recommended.

4. Ibanez GIO GRX70QA Electric Guitar (Budget Pick)

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Estimated Price	$200
Body	Double Cutaway Poplar Body with Quilted Art Grain Top
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Treated New Zealand Pine
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	22
Pickups	1 x Powersound Single-Coil Pickups + 2 x Powersound Humbuckers
Bridge	FAT 6 Tremolo Bridge

My Review: If you are looking for an affordable, entry-level electric guitar, then you definitely need to look at the GIO series by Ibanez. These guitars will go easy on your wallet, but will also offer a lot more than their price tag might suggest.

We have chosen the Ibanez GIO RGX70QA as our budget pick, because not only does it look incredible, but it also beats all of its competition on numerous points. Seriously, you would be hard-pressed to find an electric guitar just $200 that beats this one.

Now, of course, some corners have been cut on this guitar to keep the price budget-friendly. Fortunately, build quality doesn’t reflect these.

However, we have cheaper tonewood choices here, such as poplar for the body of the guitar instead of mahogany, but that is something that is expected in this price range. Speaking of the body, we love how the finishes on the RGX70QA.

Most budget electric guitars also have a pretty basic appearance, so we have found the looks on this one really refreshing. The neck, on the other hand, is maple, which is really nice to see.

In terms of playability, the RGX70QA gives you what you would expect from a hard rock- and metal-oriented brand like Ibanez. It’s really thin, comfortable, and easy to play, with 22 medium-sized frets, which is something that will be appreciated by beginners especially. The fretboard is made out of treated New Zealand Pine.

Contrary to the basic price, you will be able to coax a wide variety of tones from the RGX70QA, thanks to the HSH pickup configuration, which gives it an edge over its competition, such as the Schecter C-6 Plus, for example.

This pickup layout is supported with a 5-way selector switch which enables you to find just the right sound, and the sonic palette is even wider thanks to the presence of the FTA 6 tremolo bridge.

Yeah, you can perform dive bombs with this entry-level guitar, which is something we have found really impressive, but which might cause some tunning instability.

Who Will Use This Most: Mostly beginner players, as well as those who want to try their hand at faster, more aggressive genres without breaking the bank.

What Sets This Product Apart: Although its price it’s quite appealing, the RGX70QA also has some nice things going for, such as the tremolo bridge, and the Art Grain Top, which aren’t too common on entry-level guitars.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez RGX70QA is just about the best way you can spend a bit under $200. We are thoroughly impressed with its build quality and versatility.

5. Ibanez RG420HPAH RG High-Performance Electric Guitar (Best for Metal)

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Estimated Price	$1000
Body	Nyatoh Body with an Ash Top
Neck	Wizard III Roasted Maple Neck
Fretboard	Jatoba
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	2 x DiMarzio Fusion Edge Humbucker
Bridge	Double Locking Tremolo Bridge

My Review: Ibanez made its name in the ‘80s thanks to the RG series of guitars, which has remained synonymous with metal for four decades.

We have already named the RG550 as our top pick due to it being a jack of all trades, but if you want an Ibanez that is aimed at metalhead players, then you should definitely check out the RG420HPAH, which is just superb.

Yes, it’s another guitar of the RG series, but one which also belongs in their High Performance lineup. Just like its full name indicates, the RG420HPAH is designed with speed and dependability in mind, but it also features numerous premium specs and details that make it stand out head and shoulders above similarly priced competitors.

As soon as we put this guitar to the test, we realized it was indeed special. We loved the premium look and finish off it. For instance, gold hardware looks spectacular in combination with the Blue Wave Black finish that Ibanez chose for this guitar.

The double-cutaway body is made of nyatoh tonewood and decorate with an Ash Top, which looks incredible. Despite the premium hardware and generous use of tonewood, the RG420HPAH weighs only seven pounds!

Talk about a lightweight ax. This number is even more impressive given the fact that the RG420HPAH has somewhat of an elongated body.

The premium feel and finish is also present on the neck, which is made out of roasted maple neck. The wood is roasted in order to bring out a more mature tone of the guitar, as well as to make it more durable to the elements.

This is yet another Ibanez guitar that sports their famous Wizard III neck, which spells great playability and comfort. Another eye-catching, but also useful feature are the luminescent side dots down the entire length of the fretboard.

Not only do these dots look cool, but they also help you find your way around the neck in case you are playing on dark stages.

As for the DiMarzio Fusion Edge pickups, they were developed in collaboration with Ibanez. Here you have two humbuckers that produce a clear sound, along with very smooth response, ideal for anything from progressive metal to metalcore.

The RG420HPAH also has a double-locking tremolo bridge, so we didn’t have to worry about going out of tune while making bends.

Who Will Use This Most: Both professional musicians and amateurs alike looking for a high-quality metal guitar that looks and sounds as good as anything out there.

What Sets This Product Apart: Superb build quality, excellent playability thanks to the fast neck, as well as premium features such as the luminescent side dots, gold hardware, and the roasted neck.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez RG420HPAH is an incredible premium electric guitar, and probably the best one in their range if you are serious about playing metal.

6. Ibanez LGB30 George Benson Signature Hollowbody Electric Guitar (Best for Jazz)

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Estimated Price	$1100
Body	Single Cutaway Hollowbody with Spruce Top/Flamed Maple Back and Sides
Neck	3-piece Artstar Mahogany/Maple
Fretboard	Bound Ebony Fretboard with Pearl & Abalone Block Inlay
Scale Length	24.75″
Fret Count	20
Pickups	2 x Super 58 Custom Pickups
Bridge	ART-1 bridge

My Review: We have already said at the beginning of this article that Ibanez is no one-trick pony. Sure, it’s made its name thanks to its incredible metal axes, but believe it or not, they make awesome jazz guitars as well.

If you don’t believe us, believe the legendary guitar player George Benson, who has been using Ibanez for about 40 years. In fact, Ibanez has issued several different signature models, and the one we have put to our test is the Ibanez LGB30 George Benson Signature Hollowbody electric guitar.

The LGB in all of the signature models stands for “Little George Benson”. We should say that the best Ibanez jazz guitar is the LGB300, but that model has been discontinued and is very expensive if you can get your hands on one.

The LGB30 is its little brother, which gets pretty close to the original, but it does so sporting a much more affordable price tag. It looks premium, though, with lovely vintage finishes and an eye-catching tailpiece.

The top of the hollow body is made out of spruce, while the back and sides are made from laminated maple. Adding to the overall vintage vibe are the f-holes, and the standard four-knob Gibson-style control layout. T

he LGB30 is a little bit smaller than the LGB300, but don’t let that fool you that this is a small and light guitar. In fact, at 8.5lbs, it is quite heavy, and not really friendly toward beginners and smaller players in that aspect.

There is also the “Florentine” cutaway, which is really deep, allowing you to reach all of those upper frets with ease. We also loved the cream binding, which adds a touch of class.

As far as the neck is concerned, we have a 3-piece laminate neck, with one piece of maple and two pieces of mahogany. The fretboard is made out of bound ebony, with abalone block inlays.

We really liked the bone nut on the guitar, as well as gold tuners, which make this guitar seem more expensive than it really is.

The engine that runs this guitar comes in the form of two Alnico Super 58 Custom humbucker pickups, with the neck pickup producing a really warm tone, while the bridge pickup has a lot of clarity.

Through various combinations of control knobs, you can get a pretty wide spectrum of different sounds from the LGB30, which makes this guitar equally suitable for genres like blues or Americana.

Who Will Use This Most: Jazz and blues players, George Benson fans, as well as those who prefer hollow-body guitars.

What Sets This Product Apart: The attention to detail and quality that far surpasses any competitors, as well as the fact that it’s incredibly well-priced.

Bottom Line: Ibanez LGB30 is a fantastic hollow-body guitar that we would highly recommend to pretty much every jazz and blues player out there.

7. Ibanez AW54CEOPN Artwood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar (Best Acoustic)

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Estimated Price	$330
Body	Dreadnought Cutaway with Solid Mahogany Top and Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
Neck	Nyatoh
Fretboard	Ovangkol
Scale Length	25.62″
Fret Count	20
Pickups	Ibanez T-bar Undersaddle with AEQ-TP2 Preamp
Bridge	Ovangkol

My Review: It’s not a secret that we love Ibanez acoustics due to the way they are built, as well as their superb playability. This is also the case with their Artwood series, which features exotic tonewoods.

Now, while these tonewoods may or may not make a huge difference when it comes to sound, they do make the guitar that belongs to the Artwood series look really stunning. Our pick for the best acoustic Ibanez guitar is no exception.

We are talking about the Ibanez AW54CEOPN, which is one of the best acoustic-electric guitars you can get for around $300. For that kind of money, you get a solid mahogany top, which really gives that warm, rich sound that mahogany is known for. Even better is the open-pore finish, which allows to wood to resonate more freely.

The back and sides are made out of laminated mahogany, while the neck is also solid mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. There is something about that natural finish and warm sound that makes this guitar ideal for intimate gigs inside bars and clubs.

We were also pleasantly surprised that the AW54CEOPN came already set up and ready to play. We didn’t even have to adjust the action. Also, the AW54CEOPN comes with its own built-in preamp system, which means you can use it in a live setting as well.

The AEQ-TP2 Preamp does an admirable job, but where the AEQ-TP2 Preamp really shines is when you play it without a preamp. The tone coming out of this thing is just incredible.

Thanks to X-bracing, the sound is also pretty balanced, which means you can use the AW54CEOPN for both gentle fingerpicking and loud strumming. And in terms of playability, this guitar lives up to what you would expect from an Ibanez guitar.

There is no shortage of acoustic-electric guitars on the market, or even within the Ibanez range itself, but the AW54CEOPN feels special due to that warm, darker tone that mahogany produces, making it ideal for acoustic rock and blues.

Who Will Use This Most: Singer-songwriters, as well as gigging musicians that need a well-made acoustic guitar that plays and sounds great.

What Sets This Product Apart: The open-pore finish of the solid mahogany top, as well as the warm mahogany tone which really adds a different flavor.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez AW54CEOPN acoustic-electric guitar is a great acoustic instrument, and if you are thinking about getting one, it’s an absolute no-brainer.

8. Ibanez JS2410 Joe Satriani Signature Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$2600
Body	Double Cutaways Alder Body
Neck	3-Piece Maple/Bubinga neck
Fretboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	25.5″
Fret Count	24
Pickups	DiMarzio Satch Track + DiMarzio Mo’ Joe Humbucker
Bridge	Edge Locking Tremolo Bridge

My Review: Another famous guitar virtuoso who has been playing Ibanez for decades now is the legendary Joe Satriani. The Ibanez JS2410 is Satch’s signature model and according to the build quality, the craftsmanship, the attention to detail, as well as price, it definitely in the premium range of guitars.

Yes, that price is high enough to make your head spin, but then again, you are getting the exact same guitar that Satriani helped design, and which he uses both live and in the studio. So, let’s see if the JS2410 lives up to its reputation.

At first glance, absolutely. The contoured thin body, as well as the ultra-thin neck, tell us right away that this guitar was built with performance in mind. We also love the finishes on this one, as well as the colored pickups.

The body of the JS2410 is made out of alder, which is a common choice for high-end electric guitars, whereas the neck is made from a combination of maple and Bubinga. It also features a rosewood fretboard.

Seeing as this is a premium Ibanez guitar, it’s not a surprise that it is built and put together in Japan, with a typical Ibanez level of quality. Also, this is the first of the JS signature models that have 24 frets.

The pickups are made by DiMarzio, of course, with DiMarzio Satch Track Humbucker sued as the neck pickup and DiMarzio Mo’ Joe Humbucker as the bridge pickups. The JS2410 has a monstrous tone, and we are sure it can sound even better if you play as well Satriani, which we can’t.

One interesting thing about the tone controls is that there is a high-pass filter on the volume pot, which helps to keep those high notes at a reasonable volume, as well as the push-pull coil tap that allows you to make tonal adjustments to both pickups.

Who Will Use This Most: Professional musicians, Joe Satriani fans, and guitar virtuosos that need a high-performance instrument.

What Sets This Product Apart: The outstanding craftsmanship, premium materials and finish, as well as the incredible range of sounds you can get from this guitar.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez JS2410 Joe Satriani may be a pricey guitar, but it’s worth every penny and then some considering the kind of tone and quality that it offers. We absolutely love it.

Popular Related Article: The Best Electric Guitars Brands (Ranked and Compared)

9. Ibanez S Series S670QM Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$600
Body	Double Cutaway Mahogany Body with Quilted Maple Top
Neck	Wizard III Maple Neck
Fretboard	Bound Indian Rosewood Fretboard with Off-Set White Dot Inlay
Scale Length	25.5″
Fret Count	24
Pickups	1 x Quantum Single-Coil Pickup + Quantum Humbuckers Pickups
Bridge	Edge Zero II Tremolo Bridge

My Review: If you are looking for a mid-priced rock/metal guitar, Ibanez should pretty much be the go-to brand for you. There is almost too much choice, but there are several of their mid-priced guitars that really stand out.

We have already reviewed the JEMJR, and now it’s time to take a look at the Ibanez S Series S670QM. It costs more than the JEMJR, but on the face of it, it does seem to more versatile and traditional, at least when it comes to looks.

Speaking of look, the quilted maple top really makes the S670QM pop. The rest of the body is made out of mahogany, yet the guitar itself feels pretty light, which is definitely a plus.

We also have the 3-piece maple neck, and fortunately, it’s the Wizard III neck which is really fun and comfortable to play. Also, because it’s a 3-piece construction, it’s more rigid and durable. Seriously, we will never get tired of seeing this type of neck on a guitar.

The fretboard is made out of bound Indian rosewood and features 24 jumbo frets. Overall, everything looks great, which begs the question of the price tag, until we have found out that the S670QM is made in Indonesia. However, you wouldn’t be able to tell by the way it feels in your hands, because it’s a really well-made guitar.

If you have played Ibanez before, you will be familiar with the HSH pickup layout on the S670QM. As you would expect from a metal guitar, the pickups are high-output. And yes, this thing can really rock regardless of the pickups combo, which can be selected using the 5-way selector switch.

However, when we decided to switch things up a bit and try out its clean tone, we were surprised by how clean and crisp it sounded. You might even be able to play some jazz with this, although it feels right at home when blasting metal, rock, and funk.

Who Will Use This Most: Players in the heavier music genres looking for a versatile and quality electric guitar.

What Sets This Product Apart: It is capable of playing many different styles, and the quilted maple top makes it look stunning and classy.

Bottom Line: Ibanez S670QM might be just what you are looking for if you need a guitar that will enable you to take a break from the usually heavy riffing and explore different styles.

10. Ibanez RG Standard RG450DX Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$400
Body	Mahogany
Neck	Wizard III Maple Neck
Fretboard	Bound Jatoba Fretboard with Sharktooth Inlays
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	1x Quantum Single-Coil Pickup + 2 x Quantum Humbucker Pickups
Bridge	Double Locking Tremolo Bridge

My Review: This may very well be one of the most recognizable and most popular Ibanez guitars. The Ibanez RG450DX is the quintessential metal guitar and a true workhorse that has been going at it for more than 30 years.

The body has an instantly recognizable shape and is made out of mahogany. Just like all great Ibanez guitars, it has a speedy Wizard III neck made out of maple.

The shape of the neck pretty much lets your fingers glide up and down the fretboard, which is basically all you want if you are shredding or playing some speed metal.

If you are an intermediate player looking for a more “serious” guitar, you don’t need to look any further, because the RG450DX ticks all the right boxes and then some.

First of all, it won’t burn a massive through your budget, yet it will provide you with everything you could need in a metal guitar. In fact, it may even be a better candidate for the Best Value guitar than the JEMJR now that we think about it.

The heart of this guitar is three Quantum pickups, one single-coil, and two humbuckers, which is pretty much the gold standard for Ibanez metal guitars at this point. You can switch between a heavy down-tuned growl and screaming solos with ease thanks to the 5-way selector switch that is common on all Superstrats, which the RG450DX definitely is.

We love the deep cutaways that allow you to easily access all of the upper frets, as well as the Sharktooth inlays, which nicely separate this guitar from the rest in terms of visuals.

You also get a whammy bar and DL tuning, which means you can do all the dive bombs you want without fear of getting out of tune. This is pretty much an ideal metal guitar for the money.

Who Will Use This Most: All hard rock and metal players looking for a great instrument.

What Sets This Product Apart: The RG series has a massive metal legacy, and the RG450DX might just be its best example.

Bottom Line: It’s impossible not to love the Ibanez RG450DX when such as good, and dare we say it, classic electric guitar.

11. Ibanez GIO GRG7221 7-string Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$200
Body	Double Cutaway Poplar Body
Neck	Maple
Fretboard	Maple/Treated New Zealand Pine
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	2 x Infinity R Humbuckers
Bridge	Ibanez F107 Fixed Bridge

My Review: This is another guitar in the GIO lineup, which is basically Ibanez’s entry-level lineup. Now, it’s not impossible to get an electric guitar that barely costs $200, but they are usually made by lesser brands, and the finished product may vary a lot from one instrument to the next.

Fortunately, that is not the case with Ibanez, and their GIO series provides a lot of bang for the buck. This time, we are looking at the GRG7221, which is an affordable 7-string guitar. Seven-string guitars are growing in popularity, especially among players of modern metal and hard rock looking for that extra oomph on the low end.

The Ibanez GRG7221 is also available in a number of different finishes, and the ones which have a quilted maple top will set you back $50 more. We actually prefer the solid finishes.

This guitar is built to a budget, sure, but everything was well-made on it, from the neck to the finish of the body. Some corners have been cut, so you get the generic tuners and hardware, but it’s still nothing that would hinder your playing experience.

The Infinity pickups have their mids scooped, which is actually great if you are all about cranking up the bass and the treble and blasting some Metallica or aggressive punk rock.

The body is made out of poplar, and the fretboard can be either or treated New Zealand pine, depending on which color you decide to get. We found nothing with the neck either, and we were able to play the GRG7221 as smoothly as you can imagine.

What really stood out for us is the fact that the pickups, even though pretty generic, had a pretty good response to the 7th string, which is not usually the case on entry-level guitars.

Who Will Use This Most: Players who would like to try their hand at 7-string guitars, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, as well as beginners.

What Sets This Product Apart: Even though it’s cheap, it’s a good guitar, and miles better than anything you would get from Squier or Epiphone, both of which would also cost you more.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez GRG7221 is proof that a cheap guitar doesn’t have to cheaply made. If you are on a budget, we recommend that you give it a shot.

12. Ibanez Artcore AS73 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$400
Body	Double Cutaway Linden Body
Neck	Nyatoh
Fretboard	Walnut
Scale Length	24.7”
Fret Count	22
Pickups	2 x Classic Elite Humbuckers
Bridge	Gibraltar Performer Bridge with Quik Change III Tailpiece

My Review: Digging deeper into the Ibanez range, we have also found out that it makes great semi-hollow body guitars. The truth is, we love semi-hollow body guitars because of their classic looks and their ability to adjust to any kind of genre and musical environment.

So, we have decided to check out the Ibanez Artcore AS73 Semi-Hollow electric guitar. Priced at just under $400, the AS73 is a real bargain. The body of the AS73 is made out of laminated linden, which provides all that shimmery, jangly tone that is synonymous with this type of guitar.

While looks are not the most important factor when buying a guitar, we have to say that this guitar looks absolutely stunning.

So far, so good. The neck is made out of nyatoh, with a walnut fretboard, and features 22 frets. As is the case with most Ibanez necks, this one also plays really well. Providing the sound are the two Classic Elite humbucker pickups, which work like magic.

We were pleasantly surprised that these humbuckers had no issue whatsoever with the 60-cycle hum, which is usually the case with semi-hollow guitars.

You also get a 3-way selector switch, along with separate tone and volume control, which enables you to dial in the right kind of sound, whether you are playing rockabilly and you need a bright, stringy tone, or a mellow blues sound.

Of course, you can crank the controls way up, as well as your amp, and play some hard rock with this one as well, but the AS73 is just about perfect for playing jazz, blues, and even country.

It’s truly a guitar that can do it all, and at a reasonable price. Ultimately, you can view it as a budget-friendly substitute for the LGB30 we have reviewed earlier in this article.

Who Will Use This Most: Jazz and blues players, as well as those looking to get a good semi-hollow guitar at a decent price.

What Sets This Product Apart: Stunning design, versatility, and the fact that it offers a lot more than its price tag might suggest.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez AS73 is one of the best jazz guitars that the brand has to offer, and if you have been sleeping on it, we highly recommend that you check it out as soon as possible.

13. Ibanez Nita Strauss JIVA10 Signature Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$1500
Body	Double Cutaway Mahogany Body with Quilted Maple Top
Neck	JIVA 3-Piece Maple/Purpleheart Neck
Fretboard	Bound Ebony
Scale Length	25.5”
Fret Count	24
Pickups	1 x DiMarzio True Velvet Single-Coil Pickup + 2 x DiMarzio Pandemonium Humbucker Pickups
Bridge	Edge-Zero II Locking Tremolo Bridge

My Review: Another signature guitar from Ibanez, this time developed for Nita Strauss, who plays guitar for Alice Cooper. As you would expect, the JIVA10 belongs to the high-end of the Ibanez range in terms of price, build quality, and attention to detail.

The great thing about this guitar is that it’s not a substitute, but an actual model that Nita Strauss plays when touring with Alice Cooper. And it’s a thing of beauty as well, thanks to that quilted maple top and thin body made out of nyatoh. This is a guitar aimed at professionals.

The JIVA10 has a Nitro Wizard neck, which is super-fast and just perfect for shredding, as well as doing fast runs up and down the neck, which is made of maple and with a bound ebony fretboard. When it comes to what really matters, which is the tone, this guitar really shines, thanks to DiMarzio pickups.

Two Pandemonium humbuckers and one True Velvet single-coil pickup make sure that you can produce just about any sound needed for rock and metal. The only issue we see with it is the price because there are many other premium guitars, even those built by Ibanez, that are closely matched with the JIVA10.

Who Will Use This Most: Professional metal musicians, as well as those who prefer a thin body guitar.

What Sets This Product Apart: Eye-catching design, generous use of premium materials, and superb craftsmanship

Bottom Line: The Ibanez JIVA10 is a fantastic instrument that sounds as good as it looks. It’s easily one of the best Ibanez guitars out there. Highly recommended.

Popular Related Article: The Best Fender Stratocaster Guitars

14. Ibanez RGD71ALMS Axion Label Multi-Scale 7-String Electric Guitar

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Estimated Price	$1100
Body	Double Cutaway Layered Ash/Nyato Body with Flamed Maple Top
Neck	5-Piece Maple/Walnut Neck
Fretboard	Macassar Ebony with Fanned Frets
Scale Length	Multi-Scale
Fret Count	24
Pickups	2 x FishmanFluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic Pickups
Bridge	Mono-Rail-7 Fixed Bridge

My Review: The Ibanez RGD71ALMS is the second 7-string guitar on this list. We had to include this one as well, just because it’s so different. The RGD71ALMS is a multi-scale guitar, which means that it has fanned frets.

In other words, this type of guitar was designed for more complex and down-tuned playing. Adding to superb playability is the Nitro Wizard-7 neck which, like all necks on premium Ibanez guitars, is ultra-fast and extremely playable.

Apart from the fanned frets, it’s also the eye-popping finish of the guitar and the unusual pickups that really make the RGD71ALMS totally unique in the visual sense.

Speaking of pickups, they are definitely the most special feature on this guitar. They are Fluence Modern humbucker pickups that have two different voices you can switch between.

The first voice is similar to the sound produced by active pickups, whereas the second voice is all about distortion. Since these are modern humbuckers, you get all of the growl, but none of the unwanted noise. Ibanez has really outdone itself with the RGD71ALMS. The only thing that might take some getting used are the fanned frets.

Who Will Use This Most: Virtuosos which need a multi-scale guitar for more intricate playing.

What Sets This Product Apart: Everything from 7 strings and fanned frets, to unique looks and Fishman pickups.

Bottom Line: The Ibanez RGD71ALMS is a thing of beauty, and in this case, that beauty is not just skin deep.

And there you have it, 14 incredible Ibanez guitars capable of fulfilling all of your playing needs, whether your genre of choice is rock, jazz, blues, or metal. We hope this will make your choice a lot easier, which can be pretty tricky when a brand has as many different guitars and series as Ibanez does. Good luck!

Wrap Up

Ibanez, as you probably already know, is a Japanese guitar brand founded back in 1957. The name doesn’t sound very Japanese, because it isn’t. Everything started with a Spanish luthier Salvador Ibanez, whose guitars made it all the way to Japan in 1929. The company that was importing the instruments, Hoshino Gakki, eventually started making its own copies of the Ibanez’s designs, and from 1957, it continued to do so under the Ibanez name.

If there is one thing that is synonymous with Ibanez, it’s innovation: it is the first Japanese that started selling its guitar in the US in 1971, as well as the first brand to produce seven and eight-string electric guitars.

The latter would go on to become a permanent staple in the metal world, but even before that, Ibanez was a popular choice among metal players and shredders thanks to their fast necks, high-output pickups, and aggressive designs.