The roots of the Ibanez brand began with the Spanish luthier and inventor Salvador Ibanez, whose impeccable instruments were widely sought-after in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Distributor Hoshino Gakki began importing Ibanez guitars into Japan, and after the original company disbanded, they eventually adopted the Ibanez name. While the production of Ibanez instruments moved to Japan, superior craftsmanship and innovation prepared Ibanez to take a prominent position in the guitar market from the ’50s onward.

The Modern Era of Ibanez Electrics

The modern era of Ibanez electric guitars began in the mid ’70s, with models like the Roadstar and the Iceman — the guitar that inspired the PS10 that KISS guitarist Paul Stanley played from 1977 to 1980. In 1987, Ibanez teamed up with Steve Vai to create the JEM, their original modded double-cut model, which led to the RG series. Both the JEM and RG series continue to be among Ibanez’s most popular models. Another highly popular model introduced in 1987 was the S (Saber) series, whose mahogany body and thin Wizard neck found favor among a new generation of aggressive guitarists.

Innovative Technology

As Ibanez’s solidbody electric guitar lineup has continuously expanded, along with their growing roster of endorsed artists, they’ve managed to achieve an exceptional balance between maintaining their popular models while offering new models with improved technology. Their double-locking Edge Tremolo is a long-standing favorite of Joe Satriani and Tom Morello, and the remarkably stable yet thin Wizard neck carve has evolved into a shape that many top shredders prefer. Likewise, the wide selection of 7- and 8-string electric guitars, such as those offered in their Iron Label series, have made Ibanez a mainstay of metal guitarists.

Bass Guitars

In addition to their electric guitar lineup, Ibanez bass models are also extremely popular. Many bass players start with SR (Soundgear) series basses, attracted by their comfortable neck and body contours, and fall in love with the soapbar-style humbuckers and active EQs found on even inexpensive models. SR Premium and SR Prestige models embellish this concept with exotic woods and high-end electronics. Among the many other bass models, the BTB (Boutique) series also stands out for its unique combination of rare body shapes, top-end hardware, and extended ranges — including models with seven or more strings!

Hollow and Semi-hollowbody Guitars

The same way Ibanez bass guitars deliver exceptional value, even at modest price points, Ibanez Artcore hollowbody and semi-hollowbody electric guitars are the first stop for many jazz, blues, and rock ’n’ roll guitarists. Artcore models range from traditional maple jazz boxes to rosewood and sapele models, and signature models for legendary guitarists such as George Benson, John Scofield, and Pat Metheny showcase some of the talent who swear by Ibanez hollowbody guitars.

Acoustic Instruments

Ibanez has never strayed too far from their roots, and the profusion of acoustic instruments they’ve released in recent years speaks volumes about their heritage. While traditional nylon-string acoustic guitars like the G10 Classical aren’t too far removed from the models made in the mid 1930s, instruments such as the AEG series acoustic-electric guitars featuring slim bodies, modern finishes, and high-quality electronics, showcase just how far Ibanez acoustics have come. Ibanez also makes other acoustic instruments including banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles.

Electronics

Ibanez may be primarily known for their instruments, but their electronics have taken the stage with countless performers too, from The Edge and Eric Johnson to Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan. There are few stompbox effects as well loved or as widely used as Ibanez’s Tube Screamer line, and virtually every green overdrive pedal on the market can trace its lineage to the TS808 or TS9 models. This technology has also found its way into Ibanez’s own line of guitar amplifiers. Ibanez effects pedals also include timeless classics, such as the AF2 Paul Gilbert Signature Airplane Flanger and ES2 Echo Shifter Analog Delay pedal, and the company continuously offers new and exciting ways to add sizzle to your pedalboard.