Ultimate Guide to
Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is among our most popular brands here at Andertons Music Co. The company’s appeal is understandable when you consider the huge amount of high-profile artists that have used their instruments in the past, as well as those on their current roster. With virtuosos like Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert having endorsed their guitars since the ‘80s, modern masters such as Jake Bowen (Periphery), Tom Quayle and Polyphia axemen Tim Henson and Scott LePage also rely on their Ibanez instruments to pioneer their ground-breaking sounds.

Another reason why Ibanez are so well-known, as we’ve already alluded to, is because of their massive instrument range. While their electric guitars are the most popular in terms of demand, Ibanez also manufactures basses and acoustic guitars, as well as compact pedals and even amplifiers.

In this guide, though, we'll be focusing solely on Ibanez’s electric guitars. These alone are extremely varied and split into distinctive lines to suit players of all styles; not just metal. Use our tiles below to skip to a particular model or series, or scroll further to learn about the history of Ibanez guitars.

The history of Ibanez is rich and extensive, but what is regarded as the Japanese brand’s “modern era” began in 1957. It’s fair to say that the company didn’t get off to a flying start though, as their early guitar designs were considered too eccentric and divisive by most in the guitar community.

As a result of this, in the ‘60s and ‘70s Ibanez started to produce instruments that closely resembled the designs from more established companies; broadening their appeal. Ultimately leading to a lawsuit, Ibanez’s design team was forced to become more creative. Such models that were released during this period included their distinctive Iceman and AR shapes; the former of which later became synonymous with Paul Stanley of KISS.

Ibanez’s reputation truly blossomed in the ‘80s, thanks to its association with super-shredder Steve Vai. Developing the JEM, Vai’s signature guitar truly represented his flamboyant style and was unlike anything seen before. Emblazoned with a vibrant fluorescent pink/green finish, the original JEM featured a pointed Strat-style body, a super-thin 24-fret neck, high-output DiMarzio pickups, a double-locking tremolo system and the famous “monkey grip”.

This guitar took many by surprise at the 1987 NAMM Show where it debuted, but its reception was overwhelmingly positive. Still in production and largely adhering to the same early formula, it's worth noting that this instrument also inspired Ibanez’s RG guitar; arguably the brand’s most recognisable and popular model. These were released in ‘87 too, along with the lightweight and ergonomically-shaped S series guitars.

In 1988, Vai’s former teacher Joe Satriani started using Ibanez guitars; developing the JS signature model. As a successful instrumental songwriter in his own right, Satriani’s endorsement deal gave Ibanez even more exposure. This helped the brand to grow and become more accepted among aspiring guitarists.

Vai and Ibanez collaborated once again in 1990 to develop what would become the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitar; the Universe. Essentially a JEM with an additional string, this game-changing instrument found popularity with metal musicians; most notably Munky and Head of Korn. Taking advantage of its low tuning, these guitars were employed to pioneer the “nu-metal” sound, with Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit) and Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) also using Ibanez 7-string guitars later in the decade.

Since their explosion in popularity in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, Ibanez remains one of the key players in the guitar industry. Now boasting an enviable catalogue of models and ranges, the company continues to innovate and design new models that allow players to express their musicianship to the fullest.

In the rest of this guide, we're going to break down each of Ibanez's main guitar models by shape, as well as the different series' that form their overall lineup.

The RG is Ibanez’s flagship guitar - and arguably their most recognisable. If someone hears “Ibanez” - 9 times out of 10; an RG is probably the first thing that would come to mind. Introduced in 1987, this bold-looking instrument is distinctive for its sharp and stealthy looks, as well as its deep cutaways that allow for exceptional upper fret access.

With over 30 years of heritage, it’s worth mentioning that the RG has undergone many facelifts and changes in that time. There are several different styles of RG in the current lineup, but the majority of them share the same fundamental formula.

Most Ibanez RG guitars feature Basswood bodies, a material that is admired for its forgiving weight and balanced sound. The standard RG body is typically flat, with a curved lower bout that provides greater comfort for a player’s forearm; akin to a Strat’s body. The RGA is a more modern take on the classic RG shape, and features an arched top made usually made from exotic woods like Flamed Maple or Walnut. The RGD body is also slightly different; predominantly flat but with ergonomic contours around its cutaways.

Ibanez RG models generally adhere to a bolt-on construction, which contributes to their snappy and immediate sound. Their necks are also made from Maple, which is known for its bright tonal qualities. Most importantly, though, that signature Ibanez feel comes from the RG’s necks, which are carved to the brand’s renowned “Wizard” profiles. Although there are variants of the Wizard shape, almost all are adored by shredders for their thin and fast feel.

RG necks also boast flat 24-fret fingerboards that provide a full 2-octave range per-string. These are usually made from Rosewood, Ebony or Maple. Fitted with either medium-jumbo or jumbo fret wire, these larger frets allow players to have greater control over vibrato and string-bending techniques; another quality that shredders admire. And speaking of strings, the tension on an Ibanez RG should feel quite familiar to most, with a generic 25.5” scale length. However, Ibanez RGD guitars feature slightly longer 26.5” scales; making them more apt for drop tunings.

As Ibanez RG guitars are designed primarily for metal players that use high-gain amps, most that you’ll come across will have dual-humbucker configurations. While cheaper models will be fitted with Ibanez-designed pickups, those from the high-end Axion Label and Prestige series’ come equipped with premium aftermarket pickups from the likes of DiMarzio, Fishman and even Bare Knuckle.

In terms of hardware, Ibanez RG electric guitars often come installed with Edge double-locking tremolo systems. Letting you perform crazy divebomb effects and flutters without knocking their strings out of tune, tremolo-equipped RG guitars also have recessed designs that enable players to raise their pitch too. You can also find Ibanez RGs with more straightforward hardtail bridges, if simplicity is preferred. Some high-end RGs are fitted with modern Gibraltar bridges, which have a high-mass design that can yield more sustain and fullness.

The S Series is another popular Ibanez model that came to the market in the late ‘80s. Originally named the Saber, this instrument fully displayed Ibanez’s ethos to innovate and push the boundaries of guitar design, with its sleek ergonomic curves and ultra-thin body.

Used by the likes of Herman Li (Dragonforce), Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth) and Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper), the Ibanez S Series is synonymous with super-shredders that seek optimal performance and precision.

The AZ Series is a relatively new addition to the Ibanez catalogue; launched at the 2018 NAMM Show. With a far more understated look than many would perhaps expect from Ibanez guitars, this instrument is designed to offer unrivalled versatility and lush playability.

Although the Ibanez AZ was perhaps crafted with traditionalists in mind, it has actually found popularity with many modern virtuosos. This includes Tim Henson and Scott LePage of instrumental progressive rock band Polyphia, as well as Mario Camerena and Erick Hansel of Chon, and jazz-fusion supremos Tom Quayle and Martin Miller. All of these incredible players have their own Ibanez signature models based on the AZ shape.

The AZS Series is essentially a T-shaped version of the popular AZ model that Ibanez introduced back in 2018 — debuting in early 2021. Perfectly-designed for virtuosos, this innovative and modern take on the traditional T-type design promises sublime playability and performance without losing that unmistakable "twang".

Boasting an incredible feature-set that comprises Seymour Duncan pickups, a Roasted Maple neck, stainless steel frets, Luminlay side dots, Gotoh locking tuners, a genuine bone nut and a steel bridge pickup plate — the Ibanez AZS is a beautifully-made instrument with plenty of vintage/modern charm.

The Ibanez AZS currently comprises two models — the contemporary AZS2200 and the more classic AZS2209H. While the former comes equipped with a Gotoh tremolo and an Alder body, the latter has a more old-school bridge sporting "In-Tune" saddles that guarantee pitch-perfect intonation across the fingerboard and consistent string spacing. The AZS2209H also boasts a tasteful control plate with an elegantly-shaped pickguard, as well as an Ash body that harks back to '50s and '60s "golden era" electric guitars.

The Q (Quest) Series represents one of the biggest electric guitar design shifts in Ibanez’s entire history. Developed from the ground up, these cutting-edge instruments feature "headless" necks, ergonomically-shaped bodies and versatile electronics. This makes them hugely appealing to modern and progressive players — those who seek compact and comfortable guitars that can keep up with the increasingly technical and flamboyant styles spreading across modern rock and metal music.

Apart from their ergonomic allure, these forward-thinking models also boast a number of additional unique elements in order to maximise tone, performance and playability. This includes proprietary pickups, 'dyna-MIX' switching systems, highly-adjustable 'Mono Tone' bridges and custom string-locking mechanisms that accommodate almost any brand of strings or gauge — unlike some headless instruments made by alternative brands.

While the Ibanez Q Series will satisfy any headless guitar enthusiast, these models make players of all disciplines question the full scope of their creative potential. The standard Q Series guitars are the most accessible, with their straight-fret fingerboards offering a familiar feel for traditionalists. The QX sub-series allows more adventurous and technically-proficient guitarists to make full use of their skills — featuring flat-radius, 8-degree slanted-fret fingerboards that accommodate the natural inward tilt of your fingers.

The AR Series is one of Ibanez’s earliest original guitar designs, making its first appearance in 1974. With its symmetrical double-cut body shape and old-school trimmings, including block inlays and a “Quik Change Classic” tailpiece; the AR is far more traditional-looking than Ibanez’s popular RG and S Series models but still has its plaudits.

With the exception of their LA Custom Shop and j.custom divisions, Prestige has been the highest tier of Ibanez’s guitar manufacturing infrastructure since 1996. Models from the Prestige Series are crafted in Japan by Ibanez’s highly-trained and talented luthiers, constructed with the finest tonewoods available and featuring high-quality hardware and electronics.

Most of Ibanez’s core guitar models have Prestige versions available, including their flagship RG, S, AZ shapes. And even though all of Ibanez’s instruments are made with the utmost attention-to-detail, Ibanez Prestige guitars just have that extra sense of finesse and precision that makes them feel and sound superior to anything else. It’s no wonder why so many of these incredible instruments are used by thousands of professional guitarists worldwide.

The Premium Series is the range that sits just below Ibanez’s Prestige line, and was first introduced in 2011. With all models crafted in Indonesia rather than Japan, these guitars are still made with excellent attention-to-detail and feature high-quality pickups and hardware to meet the demands of even the most fastidious of players.

With most Ibanez Premium guitars priced at just above £1000, they are quite reasonable when you consider the high-end appointments that they boast. This includes Seymour Duncan and DiMarzio pickups, Gotoh hardware and even 5-piece laminated necks on selected models.

The “Premium fret edge treatment” that all models undergo really sets them apart from their contemporaries. Producing semi-hemispherical fret ends, this process completely eliminates sharp frets and allows your fingers to glide super-smoothly over the fingerboard without any painful snagging.

Ibanez’s Axion Label Series is fairly new, introduced at the 2019 NAMM Show. Encompassing a number of RGA and RGD guitars, these particular instruments boast extravagant finishes, multi-scale necks, powerful aftermarket pickups and even 7 strings. They’re truly designed for the new generation of modern metal masters.

The best thing about Ibanez Axion Label guitars is their relative affordability, with all models sitting at around the £1000 mark. Even with their amazing specs, including Fishman, Bare Knuckle and DiMarzio pickups, Gibraltar bridges, Gotoh locking tuners and Schaller strap-locks; these guitars remain attainable for most musicians. We absolutely love them!

Much like the Axion Label Series, the Genesis Collection is comprised of RG models only. However, whereas the Axion Label RGs are designed for the most contemporary of metallers, the Genesis Collection guitars are made to recapture the essence of Ibanez’s original RG models from 1987.

Available in vibrant colours such as Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red and Purple Neon, these guitars truly evoke a sense of nostalgia. Fitted with original Edge tremolo systems, Ibanez’s own “V” and “S” series pickups and “Super Wizard” Maple necks; performance is still at the forefront of their designs.

We said it at the start - Ibanez guitars are most synonymous with metalheads. However, the company definitely has a softer and more traditional side, with its Artcore Series made up of classic semi-hollow and hollow body guitars. And to the surprise of many, the Artcore Series is actually one of Ibanez’s longest-running instrument ranges; featuring some of the company’s oldest guitar designs.

Most Artcore guitars adhere to a semi-hollow construction. This means that they combine the essential features you’d find on an electric guitar, like pickups and controls, with a light and resonant acoustic-like body that has a “centreblock” running through its middle. The majority of Artcore series guitars that follow this design will feature humbuckers, as they can counteract the hum that often occurs with hollow instruments.

The Ibanez Artcore Series does also feature electric guitars with full hollow bodies - the AFC range. These particular instruments are far more suited for jazz as their larger bodies can produce rounder, more acoustic-esque tones. Legendary jazz guitarists Pat Matheny and George Benson even have their own signature Ibanez Artcore guitars!

Ibanez ensures that all players and budgets are catered for with their huge instrument catalogue. The GIO Series is their entry-level line, featuring affordable no-frills guitars that are perfect for inspiring passionate beginners with their cool looks and features.

In the 21st Century, guitarists that are keen to find their first proper instruments have never been so lucky. Ibanez have played a huge role in diversifying the beginner guitars market, offering a number of attractive models that are well within the reach of players starting their musical journeys.

The brand’s flagship RG and S shapes are available within the GIO range, letting beginners emulate their rock and metal heroes with instruments that are aesthetically similar to their high-end counterparts.

With such an established presence in the guitar community, it's not surprising why so many renowned players rely on Ibanez guitars to carve their own sounds. The company is proud to support talented musicians with their incredible instruments, and those that are lucky and loyal enough have been graced with their own custom signature guitars!

Ultimately, the Ibanez Signature Series allows fans to purchase the exact same guitars that their heroes use. The majority of Ibanez’s Signature guitars are based on some of their most famous shapes, with the artist adding their own unique twist by selecting their favourite pickups, hardware and finish.

As we’ve already mentioned, the Ibanez endorsee list is comprehensive, and there are many players that have their own signature guitars. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani have officially endorsed Ibanez for over 30 years, and really helped in putting the company on the map back in the day. Their Ibanez signature instruments have remained in the catalogue since the late ‘80s, becoming legendary in their own right - particularly Vai’s JEM guitar.