Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez has been creating guitars since 1935, when it was the Hoshino Gakki Company of Japan. Perhaps the reason that Ibanez electric guitars sound so good is because they've been using Japanese technology since the beginning. But Japanese technology wasn't always so well-respected. Back in 1965 Japanese-made was synonymous with low quality and thus the American branch of Hoshino Gakki renamed itself after their Spanish subsidiary, Ibanez. In 1971 Hoshino Gakki bought out their American distributor's store and his Elger Guitar Company. The new conglomerate, located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, became the home of Ibanez USA, one of the world's most respected makers of electric, acoustic, and electric-acoustic guitars.

The Reinvention of Ibanez

In the beginning, Ibanez guitars were manufactured as affordable copies of famous brands like Fender and Gibson. It was not until a lawsuit in 1978 that Ibanez began to create its own original models. From there sleeker designs and new technology, especially in the electric guitars, rocketed Ibanez to the top and made it the choice of heavy metal musicians.

Nowadays Ibanez is renown as the guitar created by guitarists. Famous musicians such as George Benson (GB series) and Paul Gilbert (PGM series) have designed their own models for public release. These modern Ibanez instruments are built to handle the stress of onstage artists. The original slim, basswood bodies are now often replaced by a stouter mahogany and the sleek, futuristic look that prevailed in the old line of guitars has been replaced by a new line of a funky, 1960s throwback

Quality & Affordable Guitars

Despite a change in appearance, Ibanez is constantly applauded as affordable, easy to play, and attractive. Both electric and acoustic guitars are rated sonically near-perfect with the electric guitar producing little feedback. However, in a few models of electric-acoustic guitars the electric was noted as having a better sound quality. Reviewers from such magazines as Guitar World consistently emphasize the easy playability of Ibanez guitars. The curved bodies are built to fit the human torso and the slim necks and electronic configurations limit unwanted hand contact. Ibanez makes a wide range of guitars in all shapes, colors, sizes, and even mandolins. One thing each model seems to have in common- Ibanez guitars are better built now than ever before.

The Best of Ibanez

Obviously Ibanez makes a great guitar, though some products seem to receive more praise then others. The Ibanez "Artcore" series of semi-acoustic guitars often used in jazz music are so revolutionary that they have even been purchased by competing manufacturers. Other guitars receiving encomium are Steve Vai's "Jem" as well as the "Ax" and "Gax" series, are some of the best selling guitars in the world. Celebrated acoustic guitars include the "Atwood" (A) series, while the best sound quality in an acoustic-electric guitar can be found in the "Masa." The "GSR Soundgear" is one of the most popular beginner basses sold in the world. In honor of the band Korn's use of 7-strings in rock Ibanez has created the "K7," a 7-string guitar perfected by experience. The original "Artist" series remains their most affordable guitar.

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