You will receive a verification email shortly. However, sometimes it is actually depicted as a letter at the very start of the code. By Heres a bit more about them: So any time you see one of the series within the name above, the price should make more sense. That tonal edge translates well through a dirty guitar amp too. Available in some stunning colors, and with options for either SSS or HSS pickup configurations, this guitar is well worth a look. On some models, the final digit can give extra information about the guitar. Thanks for visiting! Axion Label- these are aimed at the heavy metal market with long scale lengths and sometimes 7 strings. They feature exceptionally high quality materials, impressive craftsmanship, and a higher level of finish overall making these guitars some of the best Japanese guitars on the market. Guitar World is supported by its audience. 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. A lot of models dont have a letter at the start to indicate the series, and just start with the shape code, but a lot of models in the GIO series make this exception. With Meranti being a darker wood, closer to Mahogany in tone and color, the RGA42FM delivers impressive sustain. 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. The black finish, gold hardware and big block inlays are reminiscent of the Black Beauty Les Paul Custom, and while the looks are traditional, the guitar itself is the modern guitarist's dream. So what does the rest of the code mean? While Ibanez is possibly best-known for the signature guitars of the virtuosic Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, your options are much more than a deluge of gain and divebombs. The easiest way to demonstrate this, is using an example. Ibanez have a very popular range of hollowbody and semi-hollowbody guitars including signature models from George Benson, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and Eric Krasno. 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. The AZ series was only introduced in 2018 and it has already grown in popularity so much that there are many signature models available. Instead of worrying about which is better, find a guitar you like the feel, sound, and look of. Prosoundhq.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk. The ICHI10 consists of a Nyatoh body, which is tonally similar to Mahogany, and a neck made from roasted Maple and Bubinga. Ill go through some examples shortly to demonstrate. So lets take a look at the Ibanez RG470AHM to start with. Yes please well have five. This guide will focus only on the current range you can buy. Standard: these guitars are a step-up from the GIO range, and cost usually around $300-$1000. The pickups Seymour Duncans Five-Two single coils deliver stunning, precise cleans. While you may struggle to find j.custom models, youll always see plenty of Prestige models available. There are some Ibanez guitars that are better to Fender and some Fender guitars that are better than Ibanez. The Prestige models can be identified by the clear Prestige logo on the headstock. The shape and design of the AR series was one of Ibanezs first original designs instead of them producing copies of other designs. 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. Wed love to stay in touch, sign up for The Pick team to contact you with great news, content and offers. Once, weve been through the next section, Ill point out some examples to show this. The first part is easy, the RG of course means it is an RG-shape guitar. This is in the standard series, because it does not have any other distinguishers. The Sustainiac in the neck position brings with it a raft of cool effects and tones. Dont focus too much on brand name as both brands can produce excellent quality guitars. Okay, so those are the basics. 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. Since its introduction in the late 80s, the RG550 has become a cult classic in the world of Ibanez, and rightfully so. Ibanez GRGM21G: in this example, the first G identifies that the model is in the GIO range. 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. The first thing to know about the Ibanez range, is that it is split into series or sub-ranges, which separate the entire selection, into models catering for specific budgets. Genesis: these make re-issues of some of the older iconic Ibanez models. While the RG guitars have a blocky shape, the Ibanez S (S stands for Saber) is incredibly thin and contoured. While pickups, switching and other electronics can be changed, its preferable if your guitar has exactly what you need straight from the factory. 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. Were confident that youll find at least one guitar that you love on this list, so if youre looking to buy one of the best Ibanez guitars, then there are a few things that wed suggest you consider. This makes it very hard to compare Fender and Ibanez. There was a problem. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. On the back of your guitars headstock or neck plate (on some older models), you will see a model number and a serial number. The RG then tells you that it is an RG shape. Most of the finishes over the years have used some sort of burst along with other finishes that are clearly inspired by Gibson. The LB1 has a HSS pickup configuration consisting of three Seymour Duncan Lari Basilio signature pickups which all offer a medium to high output. Bath Its possible that some of these classic Ibanez shapes will come back into production at some point. Older models often use simple model numbers, but the number wont tell you anything about the woods used, number of strings, or guitar finish. 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. Ibanez make a huge range of guitars, and theyre one of the best brands on the market. With the wide range of styles available in other series, the FR models are subtle. Weve been through the start of the names, and how to identify the series and the shape. Their switching setups are mostly traditional in nature, enabling you to focus primarily on your playing. 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. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, This example is similar to the first one weve already been through, but the difference is that it has an extra number, so instead of having 3 digits, it has 4 instead. J Custom: these are the limited edition, rare models which are usually over $3000. To call this an original design does seem to be a stretch though. S series guitars have been available since they were introduced in 1987. There are also a few popular ones such as the Genesis, Axion Label and Iron Label to consider. They currently market over 300 models of electric guitar so you should manage to find at least one or two you fall in love with. Here are some common examples: Unfortunately, the example we went through above, was pretty much as easy as it gets, despite having 8 digits to de-code! The pickup/ pickguard codes are as follows: Models in this range may still have any of the 2-3 letter suffixes that weve already talked about, however this example doesnt have one. Guitar Gear Finder is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, or Amazon.de, Fender Squier Strat Review: Affinity, Bullet, Contemporary, Why Are There Dots on Guitar Fretboards? bridge type. There are literally 30+ minute videos on YouTube explaining Ibanezs model numbers. If this is you, then wed suggest you look no further than the Ibanez YY10 (opens in new tab). Whatever style or tone youre looking for, it can be achieved with an Ibanez - and heres where this guide comes in. Here are some common questions you might have about Ibanez guitars. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. Ibanez offers loads of different pickup configurations on their guitars, including different amounts of pickups, sizes, output levels, brands and more. I now own an acoustic guitar and several electric guitars including my personal favourite, a PRS SE Custom 24. This indicates the colour. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. The first 2-3 letters indicate the shape. Like any other guitar search, its important to make sure the Ibanez guitar of your dreams has electronics which suit you. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This guide will explain Ibanez electric guitars and compare the different models. With jumbo stainless steel frets and Prestige fret-edge treatment, a bone nut and Gotoh hardware, this AZ2204 Prestige, like many other Ibanez guitars, is designed to be all about playing. The RGA42FM doesnt have the catchiest product name, but what it lacks in name, it entirely makes up for in its performance. Id personally like to see the Iceman or the AX series come back in more interesting finishes, but at the moment it feels Ibanez is really pushing the AZ series. The model number will be a combination of letters and numbers. The best Ibanez guitars come in all shapes, sizes, finishes and price points so whether youre after a budget-friendly shred machine, a well-priced hollowbody, or a high-end Superstrat, theres something for you in Ibanezs vast product catalog. Dog Ear vs Soapbar P90 Pickups: Is There a Difference? I started playing an electric guitar when I was given a Squier Strat for my birthday around 15 years ago. The rest of Ibanezs hardware is often well-made and highly durable, with many models featuring locking tuners from Gotoh. Find out more here. 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. Ibanez has been building Prestige guitars in Japan since 1996. Some notable series you may find secondhand include the Iceman, X series, the Destroyer series, and AX series. 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. Today, you can find models in the Axion Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. 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. Equipped with heavy duty Gotoh hardware and Seymour Duncan pickups as stock, your only real limitation is your creativity when it comes to the AZ2204 or any of the AZ Prestige models, for that matter. link to Gibson 498T vs 500T: Bridge Pickup Comparison, link to take you directly to Guitar Centers electric guitar range. AX: double cutaway, wide lower bout, with pickguard. The lower quality tremolos include the Edge Pro II, Lo-TRS, and Edge III. Your intonation will thank us later! The A in RGA standards for the Arched top these guitars offer. 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. 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. Three R1 ceramic single coil pickups and an onboard alter switch offer a player 10 different tonal options, making this guitar one versatile beast. Normally you would expect this number to be 20, but on models with 4 digits, this often tends to be just the first digit without the 0. 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. Custom hardware options such as the strap locks, pickups, and the lack of a tone knob make this guitar instantly stand out. The AR even uses a set-neck joint (learn about different neck joints here). Youll notice these guitars dont use a tone knob, use a 3-way pickup selector, and have super-thin Nitro Wizard necks. The second digit (5) refers to the quality, the same as in the first example. As you might expect, Ibanez serial numbers can be confusing. The playability of a guitar is one criteria that must be met when buying a new model. This AR520HFM is no exception. The Artcore or AS series may not be as variety as Ibanezs solidbody electrics, but there are still plenty of series to choose from. Ibanezs main goal like many other guitar manufacturers is to only produce easily playable guitars, but everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to their setups. The scale length on this guitar is a little bit shorter than the rest, coming in at 25 a sweet middle-ground zone for many players. Crafted from a combination of a Maple top and sides and an Okoume back, the body of this guitar produces warm, sweet resonance you just cant get from a solidbody. The serial number starts with a letter followed by numbers. For the professional players among us, wed recommend the AZ2204 Prestige (opens in new tab). A 5-way selector switch offers an impressive amount of tonal capabilities, but we wish that the bridge pickup could be used in parallel. These guitars are built by expert luthiers in Japan using the highest quality hardware and exotic woods. If youd rather just get to the products, keep on scrolling. The second two digits (70), refer to the pickups and the pickguard. The second 0 identifies that it has a tremolo bridge. It is definitely worth noting that Ibanez have changed their naming system a few times, and there are exceptions to the general rules. The neck is specifically designed for Satch and his JS models, and being a titanium reinforced Maple/Bubinga 3-piece construction, youve no reason to worry about anything other than your playing. 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. 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? The Artcore series also has sub-brands such as the ARTSTAR, Artcore Expressionist, Artcore Vintage, and Artcore. These models all offer a basic tremolo with SSH pickup configuration and 22 frets. The Premium sub-brand is slightly more affordable than the Prestige guitars as they are produced in Indonesia instead of Japan. While the above model number is ridiculously confusing, it does give you a lot of information about the guitar. In this case, it is telling us two features: There are loads more of these suffixes to consider, way too many for this article, but you can check out most of them on the Ibanez.Fandom website. RG: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body, RGA: double cutaway, pointed horns, curved body, RGD: double cutaway, pointed horns, flat body, longer scale length, AZ: double cutaway, pointed horns, curved lower bout, S: double cutaway, curved horns, flat body, SGA: double cutaway, curved horns, curved body. The third digit (2) refers to the HH pickup configuration. A combination of a Poplar body, Jatoba fingerboard and a GRX Maple neck offers any player a heap of punchy brightness, perfect for carving a hole through any mix. Gotohs T1502 tremolo and MG-T locking tuners round off this stylish signature axe, making it one of the most versatile on the market at this price point. Models that end in 0 have standard features. 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. The third digit (or fourth if the model has more than 6 strings) indicates additional information e.g. To summarise, here what the codes mean for most shapes in the range (excluding the AZ shape and signature models). In my spare time, youll catch me writing songs, taking my greyhound, Simba, to the beach, or getting very nerdy about coffee. Having guitars manufactured in Indonesia allows Ibanez to produce cheaper guitars. All rights reserved. Unveiling Donn Aaron's new guitar technique, YouTuber builds super-super thin electric guitar. This guitar and its crazy finish options took the late 80s by storm, and it continues to do so in this new and updated version. Heres what it would mean if it was a different number: Now, all thats left to decipher is the three letter suffix. This was an homage to the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibez. Here are some more articles you might find useful: Hey, I'm Heather. Typically, the higher the number, the higher the quality and price of the model. GIO: this is the entry-level series and models are typically under a few hundred dollars in this range. Note: Ibanez has a long history and a ridiculous number of models too many to cover in one guide. Ibanezs top of the line Japanese-made models are sold under the Ibanez Prestige name. If youve seen a famous guitarist play an Ibanez, the chances are theyll have their own signature models available. 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. The fourth digit (1) refers to the fixed bridge. The Axion Label sub-brand has only been available since 2019 and offers hyper-modern features. Gotoh hardware finishes off this killer signature guitar, so you wont need to worry about anything slipping out of tune. These clamp down on your strings, ensuring that string-slip and tuning issues are kept to a minimum. 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. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. For the intermediate guitarist, youll be looking at spending up to about $1,200 on a new Ibanez. At the moment, Ibanez only produces AR models in the Standard sub-brand. These guitars are designed more for metal guitarists and use unique features such as the Ibanez Nitro Wizard five-piece neck, luminescent side dots, Schaller strap lock pins, Sustainiac sustainer, multiscale necks, and other aftermarket features. In the early 90s, Ibanez also offered USA Custom guitars, so you may still find second-hand models out there. Here are some examples of the main shapes. As of writing (October 2020), there is only one model listed as in production on Ibanezs website. I created this website to share everything I've learnt over the past 15 years of playing guitar. Artcore: entry-level models made in China, ranging between approximately $300 and $600. Premium guitars have been available since 2011 in most of Ibanezs guitar series. The above model is an Axion Label, which is why it has some custom features such as fanned frets and Fishman Fluence pickups. Heres why you can trust us. There have been a few different S-based series produced over the years. What a horrible mess! 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. The Prestige sub-brand is the highest quality Ibanez guitars you can buy (apart from J. As we discussed earlier, the extra digit on the end indicates different features. So far we have discussed two aspects of the Ibanez names: the series, and the shape. The PIA was designed for a reason, and that was to create one of the cleverest, most capable tools money can buy. Guitars from different sub-brands, series, or years can have completely different numbering systems. Their GIO range offers impressive quality and playability, and this GRX40 is no exception to that rule. The first digit (4), indicates the quality of the model within the range. The fingerboard radius 250mm or 9.8 is a middle-ground spec choice also, making this instrument super versatile and suitable for anything. In this case, there are three main series: Now lets take a look at the different shapes that Ibanez offer. RGA refers to the shape (curved, double cutaway). BA1 1UA. Please refresh the page and try again. 0 refers to the fact the model is in the Prestige series (other series will not have this digit, for example it would just be called an AZ224). From the model number alone, you can find out all the details about the guitar down to the finish used. Artstar: high-end Japanese guitars ranging between $1000 and $2600. If youre a child or smaller person, then a big-bodied guitar might not be the most appropriate. You can clearly see the basic shape is a Les Paul with a symmetrical double cutout. published 26 January 22, Our pick of the best Ibanez guitars for beginner to pro players, along with useful buying advice. The RG series offers models in the J.Custom, Prestige, Premium, Genesis Collection, Axion Label, Iron Label, Standard, and GIO sub-brands. If you're looking for a high output Gibson bridge pickup then the 498T and 500T are your best options, but what's the difference between them? 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 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). 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). 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. 1 refers to the quality level. The RGD series keeps the iconic RG shape but adds in some interesting contours to give the guitar a slightly better feeling while playing. Similar to the GIO mentioned above, this AZ Essentials model also consists of a Poplar body, Maple neck and Jatoba fingerboard, offering up that bright, snappy tonality that so many players adore. Use the above guide to understand what these numbers mean. Before working on Guitar World I was a guitar salesman at a local music store, so I know a thing or two about matching people with their perfect instruments.
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