Unleash Your Inner Satch: Introducing the Ibanez JS2480-WH Joe Satriani Signature
Get ready to rock with the Ibanez JS2480-WH Joe Satriani Signature electric guitar. Experience endless sustain, and versatile tones
Read the guide →Brand hub
Ibanez
Hoshino Gakki, a Nagoya instrument distributor dating back to 1908, put the Ibanez name on guitars from the 1950s onward and became one of the first Japanese brands to build a real foothold in the US and European import market. The JEM and Universe, developed with Steve Vai in the late 1980s, and the RG series that followed made Ibanez a default choice for fast, technical playing, and the company pioneered mass-produced seven and eight-string guitars well before most rivals offered them. It now ranks alongside Gibson, Fender and PRS as one of the world's major guitar makers, building across Japan, China, Indonesia and the US. New signature models and shred-focused releases are a constant on GuitarBomb. Here's everything we've covered.
last coveredOfficial site ↗
Latest Ibanez news
Ibanez Launching 7-String Multi-Scale Iceman Guitar
Ibanez launches a 7-string multi-scale Iceman with Fishman Fluence pickups, ebony fretboard, and extended 27.2" bass scale for modern metal.
Founded1957
Based inNagoya, Japan
Parent companyHoshino Gakki
Articles here45
Makes
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
- Acoustic guitars
- Effects pedals
Known for
- RG Series
- JEM
- Artcore
- SR Soundgear
- Tube Screamer
- Universe
Best of Ibanez
Hand-picked by the editor
Ibanez news
All Ibanez articles →
Ibanez deals
All deals →
Keep up with Ibanez.
Leaks, deals and reviews in your inbox, once a week. No spam, just gear.
Ibanez FAQ4 questions
Where are Ibanez guitars made?
Japan, China, Indonesia and, for custom shop work, the United States. The Japanese built Prestige and j.custom lines sit at the top; the more affordable ranges are built elsewhere in Asia. The country of origin is printed on the back of the headstock or in the serial number.
What is the difference between Ibanez Prestige and the standard ranges?
Prestige is the Japanese built tier, with tighter fretwork, better hardware and higher grade timbers. The standard ranges use the same body shapes and broad designs at lower cost, built outside Japan. The playing feel of the neck and the fret ends is usually where you notice it first.
Is the Tube Screamer an Ibanez product?
Yes. The TS808 and TS9 are Ibanez pedals, and they are probably the most copied overdrive circuit in the instrument. Our overdrive coverage returns to them constantly for exactly that reason.
Why are Ibanez guitars popular with metal players?
Thin, flat necks, deep cutaways for upper fret access, and a long history of extended range and seven and eight string models beginning with the Universe. The RG shape in particular has been a metal default since the late 1980s.