Ultimate Guide to Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez is one of our most popular brands here at Andertons, and it's easy to see why. The company's well-known for making innovative, high-quality instruments that appeal to all kinds of players. Rock guitar virtuosos like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai have endorsed Ibanez guitars since the '80s, while jazz legend George Benson has been with the brand as far back as the late '70s. More recently, modern instrumental and metal masters such as Ichika Nito, Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah) and Polyphia axemen Tim Henson and Scott LePage have relied on Ibanez instruments to create their genre-twisting, boundary-pushing sounds.

But perhaps the main reason Ibanez is so renowned is the sheer breadth of its catalogue. Electric guitars are its bread and butter, but the company also crafts high-quality basses and acoustics, as well as guitar pedals that have become cult classics — like the TS9 Tube Screamer.

In this guide, though, we'll be focusing exclusively on Ibanez's electric guitars. Even this corner of the brand's catalogue is incredibly diverse, split into distinct families designed to suit different styles and playing preferences. But before we get to those, here's an overview of Ibanez’s latest models, followed by a short history lesson...

When most guitarists think of Ibanez, the RG is usually the first model that comes to mind. Introduced in 1987 and inspired by Steve Vai's iconic JEM, it's become the brand's flagship electric guitar. Defined by its sharp styling and deep cutaways for exceptional upper-fret access, the Ibanez RG is a design that's remained hugely popular with metalheads and modern rock players for almost four decades.

Most RG models follow a tried-and-tested formula: Basswood, Mahogany or Meranti bodies paired with bolt-on Maple or multi-piece necks carved to Ibanez's famously slim Wizard profiles. Combined with flat 24-fret fingerboards and a 25.5" scale, the result is a guitar that feels fast, comfy and effortless to play. Variants such as the arched-top RGA and extended-scale RGD offer subtle twists on the formula, for players after curvier aesthetics or extra tension when using lower tunings.

As you'd expect from a guitar built with high-performance playing in mind, Ibanez RG Series guitars often come loaded with high-output humbucking pickups and modern hardware. Depending on the model, you'll find everything from Ibanez-designed pickups to premium options from DiMarzio, Fishman and Bare Knuckle. Many RGs are also equipped with Ibanez Edge locking tremolo systems, allowing for extreme whammy-bar tricks without knocking your strings out of tune, while hardtail and Gibraltar bridge-equipped models provide a simpler, more traditional playing experience.

First introduced in the late '80s as the Saber, the Ibanez S Series is famous for its sculpted, ultra-thin body and double-cutaway design. It remains one of the lightest, comfiest and fastest-playing electric guitars on the market, so it's no surprise why shredders such as Kiko Loureiro and Nita Strauss choose S Series models as their weapons of choice.

Unlike the RG, which typically uses flatter body contours, the S Series is defined by its dramatically carved Mahogany body. This helps deliver a warm, rich and resonant tone while keeping weight to a minimum. Most models also feature bolt-on Maple or multi-piece necks boasting Ibanez's fast Wizard profiles, paired with 24-fret fingerboards so you can rip through solos like it’s second nature. The more traditional SA models offer a slightly thicker body and 22-fret neck, appealing to players who prefer a more conventional feel.

When it comes to electronics and hardware, the S Series shares much of the RG's high-octane DNA. Most models come equipped with high-output humbuckers from Ibanez, DiMarzio or Fishman, making them ideal for everything from classic rock to contemporary metal. Depending on the model, you'll find either divebomb-ready Edge Zero locking tremolos or fixed Gibraltar bridges for added simplicity and sustain.

Launched in 2018, the AZ Series marked a departure from Ibanez's usual “super-strat” formula. With its understated styling, premium appointments and versatile electronics, the AZ was designed for players seeking a more classic-looking instrument without sacrificing the performance features Ibanez is known for. It's since become a favourite among modern virtuosos, with artists like Tim Henson, Tom Quayle and Martin Miller all playing signature models based on the AZ.

One of the main reasons why Ibanez AZ Series guitars have become so popular is because of how easy feel to play. Most models feature balanced-sounding Alder or Basswood bodies paired with roasted Maple necks, which offer improved stability and a smooth, comfortable feel. Jumbo stainless steel frets come as standard on many AZ guitars too, which provide superb durability and help bends feel easy to perform.

Available with both HSS and HH pickup configurations, many models boast Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups that deliver clear, dynamic tones suited to a wide range of genres. Unlike the more metal-focused RG and S Series, the AZ opts for traditional-style Gotoh tremolo systems and locking tuners. That means they stay in tune great while retaining a familiar feel — ideal for players coming from more conventional electric guitars.

The Q (Quest) Series represents one of the biggest design shifts in Ibanez's history. Developed from the ground up and launched in 2021, these cutting-edge headless guitars sport compact dimensions, ergonomic body shapes and flexible electronics. As a result, they've become super popular with progressive players looking for an instrument that can keep up with increasingly technical styles while remaining comfortable to play for extended periods.

Beyond their distinctive appearance, Ibanez Q Series guitars are packed with innovative features designed to maximise performance. Depending on the model, you'll find proprietary pickups, versatile dyna-MIX switching systems, highly adjustable Mono-Tune bridges and custom string-locking mechanisms that accommodate a wide range of string brands and gauges. Combined, these features deliver stellar tuning stability and a big tonal palette.

The standard Q models offer a conventional feel thanks to their straight-fret fingerboards, making them an easy transition for players new to headless guitars. For those seeking something even more progressive, the QX range features 8-degree slanted frets and ultra-flat fingerboards that promote a more natural fretting-hand position. Whether you're into djent, fusion or math rock, the Ibanez Quest Series is a solid choice.

The Ibanez Alpha Series is all about ergonomics and huge extended-range tones. Available in 7-string (A527) and 8-string (A528) configurations, these forward-thinking instruments feature multi-scale designs that keep the low strings sounding tight and articulate while maintaining a loose feel for bends, vibrato and lead playing on the higher strings.

From its carefully sculpted body contours to its accessible three-screw neck joint design, every aspect of the Alpha has been engineered to boost comfort and playability. These fanned-fret guitars also feature Ibanez's unique asymmetric Parallel Wizard AS neck profile, ultra-durable stainless steel frets and handy glow-in-the-dark side dots, making them ideal for technical players who spend long hours practicing or performing.

The electronics and hardware appointments are just as impressive too. Multi-voice Fishman Fluence pickups deliver the power, precision and sonic flexibility that modern metal players demand, while Gotoh MG-T locking tuners keep things stable even under aggressive playing.

First introduced in 1974, the AR Series remains one of Ibanez's oldest and most enduring original guitar designs. With its symmetrical double-cutaway body, block inlays and vintage-inspired appointments, the AR offers a more traditional look than the brand's performance-focused RG, S and, more recently, Q and Alpha Series models.

Construction-wise, the Ibanez AR Series follows a classic recipe. Most models pair a warm-sounding Mahogany body with a Maple neck and decorative Maple or Ash tops, delivering a rich, balanced tone with plenty of sustain. Unlike many Ibanez guitars, the AR features a set-neck construction, giving it a feel and response that's reminiscent of more traditional single-cut and double-cut electric guitars.

The AR's electronics and hardware complement its old-school character. Dual medium-output humbuckers (often Ibanez's Super 58 pickups) provide everything from warm cleans to punchy overdriven tones, while unique Tri-Sound switches let you access humbucking, single-coil and parallel voices without changing guitars. A Gibraltar Performer tune-o-matic-style bridge and Quik Change Classic tailpiece complete the package, making the AR a great pick for rock, blues and jazz players alike.

We said it at the start — Ibanez is best known for its thin and pointy guitars favoured by metal players. But the company has a more traditional side too, and nowhere is that more evident than with the Artcore Series. Made up of classic hollow and semi-hollow body electric guitars, Artcore is one of Ibanez's longest-running ranges and draws on some of the brand's decades-old designs.

Most Ibanez Artcore Series guitars feature a semi-hollow construction, pairing the feel and versatility of a conventional electric guitar with the airy resonance of an acoustic. A solid centre block helps to control feedback at higher volumes, while humbucking pickups provide the thick, rich tones that have made semi-hollow guitars favourites among blues, rock and jazz players since the ‘50s.

The Artcore family also includes fully hollow models, such as those found in the AF range. With their larger bodies and naturally resonant character, these guitars excel at delivering the smooth, rounded tones associated with traditional jazz. It's no surprise, then, that legendary players including George Benson and Pat Metheny have long been associated with Ibanez's hollow-body guitars.

Sitting just below Ibanez's elite j.custom and LA Custom Shop divisions, the Prestige Series represents the pinnacle of the brand's regular production line. Introduced in 1996, Ibanez Prestige guitars are crafted in Japan by highly skilled luthiers and built with premium tonewoods, hardware and electronics. Every instrument undergoes rigorous quality control, resulting in the exceptional fit and finish that Japanese-made guitars are renowned for.

Many of Ibanez's most popular designs are available in Prestige form, including the RG, S and AZ Series. And while the core characteristics of these models remain intact, Prestige versions typically feature upgraded specs such as stainless steel frets, aftermarket pickups from brands like DiMarzio and Fishman, plus multi-piece neck constructions designed for maximum stability.

What truly sets the Prestige Series apart is its attention to detail. From flawlessly finished fretwork and rolled fingerboard edges to meticulously matched components, these pro-grade instruments are aimed at serious enthusiasts and seasoned performers who want the very best of what Ibanez's Japanese production facilities have to offer.

Introduced in 2011, the Premium Series sits just below Ibanez's Japanese-made Prestige range and offers many of the same high-performance features at a more accessible price point. Built in Indonesia, Ibanez Premium guitars are designed for players who want wicked specifications without stretching to Prestige-level budgets.

Available across many of Ibanez's most popular model families — including the RG, S and AZ Series, plus many Ibanez bass guitars — Premium instruments often feature high-end appointments you'd expect to find on more expensive guitars. Depending on the model, these can include DiMarzio or Fishman pickups, Gotoh hardware, multi-piece laminated necks and eye-catching figured tops.

One of the standout features of the range is Ibanez's ‘Premium Fret Edge Treatment’. This meticulous finishing process rounds and polishes the fret ends to create a super smooth feel, making fast runs, bends and position shifts a breeze. Combined with their impressive build quality and modern specifications, Premium Series guitars offer some of the best value in the entire Ibanez lineup.

The Ibanez Genesis Collection celebrates the guitars that helped establish the brand as a force in the rock and metal world during the late '80s. Comprising faithful recreations of iconic models such as the RG550 and 540PII, the Genesis range captures the style, attitude and performance that made these instruments favourites among shredders during the golden age of virtuosic guitar playing.

Available in eye-catching finishes like Desert Sun Yellow, Road Flare Red and Purple Neon, Ibanez Genesis Collection guitars proudly wear their heritage on their sleeves. But these aren't simply nostalgia pieces — they're built in Japan and retain many of the rad features that made the originals so popular, including ultra-fast Super Wizard necks, original Edge locking tremolo systems and classic Ibanez pickup configurations.

For players who love the look and feel of vintage “super-strats” but want the reliability of a modern instrument, the Genesis Collection offers the best of both worlds. These hot-rodded guitars deliver an authentic throwback experience that's every bit as exciting today as it was in the late '80s.

With such a strong presence in the guitar world, it's no surprise that so many renowned players have chosen Ibanez to carve their sounds. The Signature Series celebrates these artist partnerships, giving players the opportunity to own guitars based on the exact specs used by some of the most influential musicians in rock, metal, jazz and fusion.

While many Ibanez signature electric guitars are built around established shapes, each is tailored to its artist's unique requirements. From custom pickups to bespoke neck profiles, finishes and hardware, these instruments offer far more than just a famous name on the headstock. In many cases, they've also served as platforms for new ideas and innovations that have later found their way into Ibanez's wider catalogue.

Some of the most iconic Ibanez guitars of all time began life as signature models. Steve Vai's legendary JEM helped shape the future of the modern “super-strat”, while Joe Satriani's JS remains one of the most successful artist-designed guitars ever produced. Today, the Ibanez Signature Series spans multiple generations and genres, featuring instruments developed alongside artists such as Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons, Yvette Young, Ichika Nito, Josh Smith, Nita Strauss, Munky (Korn) and many more. Basically, there's a signature Ibanez for almost every type of player!

Ibanez caters for players of all experience levels, and the GIO Series is where many guitarists start their journey with the brand. Designed to deliver the look, feel and reliability that Ibanez is known for at an affordable price point, GIO guitars offer impressive value for money and are among some of the best electric guitars for beginners.

Despite being the most budget-friendly range in the catalogue, GIO models borrow heavily from Ibanez's most popular designs. You'll find entry-level versions of iconic shapes such as the RG and S Series, complete with fast-playing necks, comfortable body contours and rock-ready aesthetics that mirror their higher-end counterparts.

Features such as humbucking pickups, tremolo systems and striking finishes come as standard on many models, giving new players access to features that would once have been reserved for far more expensive instruments. Whether you're taking your first steps into rock and metal or simply looking for a dependable guitar that won’t break the bank, the Ibanez GIO Series provides an excellent foundation.