Collection: Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez Guitars has been favored by numerous famous players across various genres. Here are ten notable musicians who have used Ibanez guitars:

1. Steve Vai: A virtuoso guitarist known for his work with Frank Zappa and as a solo artist, Vai's association with Ibanez spans decades. He is closely associated with the Ibanez JEM series and has played a significant role in its development.

2. Joe Satriani: Renowned for his instrumental rock compositions and technical proficiency, Satriani has collaborated extensively with Ibanez. He is known for his signature Ibanez JS series guitars, which feature unique design elements tailored to his playing style.

3. Paul Gilbert: A highly skilled guitarist and member of the bands Racer X and Mr. Big, Gilbert has been a longtime Ibanez user. He is associated with the Ibanez PGM series, featuring his signature models designed to meet his demanding playing requirements.

4. John Scofield: A prominent jazz guitarist known for his distinctive improvisational style, Scofield has been an Ibanez player. He has used various Ibanez semi-hollow and solid-body models throughout his career.

5. George Benson: A legendary jazz guitarist and vocalist, Benson has had a longstanding association with Ibanez. He is known for playing his signature Ibanez GB series guitars, which are widely acclaimed for their warm tone and versatile playability.

6. Nita Strauss: A skilled guitarist known for her work with the band Alice Cooper, Strauss is recognized for her fierce playing style. She is an Ibanez endorsee and has her signature Ibanez JIVA series guitar.

7. Tosin Abasi: The innovative guitarist and founding member of the progressive metal band Animals as Leaders, Abasi has made waves with his unique playing techniques. He is associated with the Ibanez TAM series guitars, designed to accommodate his extended-range playing style.

8. Herman Li: A member of the power metal band DragonForce, Li is known for his lightning-fast guitar solos and energetic performances. He has used Ibanez guitars extensively, particularly the Ibanez E-Gen series, which features his signature models.

9. Munky and Head (James Shaffer and Brian Welch): The guitarists of the nu-metal band Korn have been long-time users of Ibanez guitars. They have been associated with various Ibanez models, including the iconic Ibanez K7 series.

10. Guthrie Govan: A highly regarded guitarist known for his versatility and technical prowess, Govan has used Ibanez guitars in his career. He has been associated with models like the Ibanez AZ series, which offer a modern take on classic guitar designs.

These are just a few examples of the many famous musicians who have chosen to play Ibanez guitars. The brand's reputation for quality and innovation has made it a popular choice among guitarists in various genres.

The Ibanez Story

Ibanez Guitars is a prominent Japanese guitar manufacturer known for producing a wide range of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. The company has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. Let's explore the full history of Ibanez Guitars, including the Artcore series and the J Custom line.

Ibanez was originally established in 1908 in Nagoya, Japan, under the name Hoshino Gakki. The company started as a sheet music store and later expanded into importing and distributing musical instruments. In the 1930s, Hoshino Gakki began manufacturing Spanish acoustic guitars under the brand name "Ibanez Salvador."

In the 1950s, Hoshino Gakki started to produce electric guitars inspired by popular American models. Initially, they were distributed under different names, such as Antoria, Star, and Tama. However, in the 1960s, Hoshino Gakki decided to consolidate its guitar production under the Ibanez brand name.

During the 1960s, Ibanez gained popularity by creating quality replicas of American guitars, including Gibson and Fender models. These replicas were well-regarded for their craftsmanship and affordability, which led to their widespread adoption by musicians around the world.

In the 1970s, Ibanez introduced a series of original designs that further cemented its reputation as a leading guitar manufacturer. Notable models from this era include the Iceman, the Destroyer, and the Artist series. These guitars showcased unique body shapes and innovative features, appealing to a diverse range of players.

One of the significant milestones in Ibanez's history came in the late 1970s when they collaborated with renowned guitarist Steve Vai to create the JEM series. These guitars featured cutting-edge features like the "Monkey Grip" handle and the "Lion's Claw" tremolo cavity, and they became highly sought after by players seeking high-performance instruments.

In the 1980s, Ibanez gained significant recognition in the metal and rock genres. The company's RG (Roadstar Guitar) series became synonymous with high-speed playing and heavy sound. Artists such as Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert became associated with Ibanez guitars during this period, further establishing the brand's reputation for quality and innovation.

The 1990s saw the introduction of the Ibanez Universe, a seven-string guitar designed in collaboration with Steve Vai. This model became popular among players looking to explore extended range and lower tunings.

In 2002, Ibanez launched the Artcore series, which focuses on semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars. The Artcore models combine classic aesthetics with modern playability, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

The J Custom line was introduced in the late 1990s as a high-end division of Ibanez guitars. These instruments are meticulously crafted in Japan by skilled luthiers and are known for their exceptional quality and attention to detail. J Custom guitars often feature premium tonewoods, elaborate finishes, and custom appointments, appealing to discerning players and collectors.

Over the years, Ibanez has continued to innovate and expand its product lineup, offering a diverse range of guitars that cater to various musical genres and player preferences. They have collaborated with numerous artists and introduced signature models, further solidifying their position in the guitar industry.

Today, Ibanez remains a respected and popular choice among musicians worldwide, known for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation in guitar manufacturing.

 Ibanez Trivia

 1. Origins: Ibanez Guitars started as a sheet music store called Hoshino Gakki in Nagoya, Japan, in 1908. It later expanded into importing and manufacturing guitars.

2. Gibson Lawsuit: In the 1970s, Ibanez faced a lawsuit from Gibson due to the production of their Gibson-inspired replicas. This led Ibanez to develop their own original designs and establish their unique identity in the guitar market.

3. Favored by Metal Artists: Ibanez gained significant popularity in the metal genre during the 1980s and 1990s. The brand's RG series became particularly favored by many metal guitarists due to its fast necks and aggressive sound.

4. Steve Vai and the JEM: The Ibanez JEM series, developed in collaboration with Steve Vai, has become iconic in the guitar world. The JEM features unique design elements such as the "Monkey Grip" handle and "Lion's Claw" tremolo cavity.

5. Seven-String Pioneers: Ibanez was one of the first major guitar manufacturers to embrace seven-string guitars. The Ibanez Universe, introduced in collaboration with Steve Vai in 1990, was one of the earliest commercially available seven-string models.

6. Acoustic Guitars: While Ibanez is primarily known for its electric guitars, the company also produces a wide range of acoustic and acoustic-electric models. Their acoustic guitars are well-regarded for their playability and value for money.

7. Artcore Series: The Ibanez Artcore series, introduced in 2002, focuses on semi-hollow and hollow-body electric guitars. These instruments offer vintage aesthetics and versatile tones, making them popular among jazz, blues, and rock players.

8. Signature Models: Ibanez has collaborated with numerous renowned guitarists to create signature models tailored to their unique playing styles. Artists such as Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, and Nita Strauss have all contributed to the development of signature Ibanez guitars.

9. Extended Range Instruments: Ibanez has been at the forefront of extended-range guitars, catering to players seeking additional strings and lower tunings. They offer eight-string, nine-string, and even multi-scale guitars to accommodate a wide range of playing preferences.

10. Quality Control: Ibanez has gained a reputation for its meticulous quality control standards. Even their more affordable models undergo rigorous inspection and setup processes to ensure consistent playability and craftsmanship.

These trivia facts showcase the evolution and impact of Ibanez Guitars in the guitar industry, highlighting their innovation, collaborations with artists, and commitment to meeting the diverse needs of guitar players.

Ibanez and Joe Satriani

The relationship between Ibanez and Joe Satriani is a longstanding and influential partnership that has spanned several decades. Joe Satriani, known for his virtuosic guitar playing and melodic compositions, has been closely associated with Ibanez guitars since the late 1980s.

In the late 1980s, Joe Satriani was seeking a guitar that could meet his specific requirements for tone, playability, and versatility. He was impressed by the craftsmanship and innovation of Ibanez guitars, particularly their RG series. Satriani approached Ibanez, and the collaboration resulted in the creation of his first signature model, the Ibanez JS1, which was released in 1988.

The Ibanez JS1, nicknamed "Chromeboy" due to its distinctive chrome-plated finish, featured a unique double-cutaway body shape, DiMarzio humbucking pickups, and a special "Edge" tremolo system. The guitar was designed to match Satriani's playing style and tonal preferences, providing him with the tools to execute his intricate and expressive playing techniques.

The success of the JS1 laid the foundation for a long line of Joe Satriani signature models with Ibanez. Over the years, the JS series has seen various iterations, each incorporating Satriani's feedback and evolving technology.

Ibanez has worked closely with Satriani to introduce innovative features on his signature models. These include the "Satch Track" pickups, the unique "Monkey Grip" handle, the high-pass filter "Push-Push" tone control, and the "Prestige" neck construction.

Satriani's partnership with Ibanez extends beyond signature guitar models. He has collaborated with the company on projects such as the development of the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9JS, a signature version of the iconic overdrive pedal, tailored to his specific tonal preferences.

The collaboration between Joe Satriani and Ibanez has not only resulted in iconic signature guitars but has also played a significant role in shaping the Ibanez brand's reputation for high-performance instruments. Satriani's association with Ibanez has showcased the brand's commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and meeting the demands of discerning guitarists.

Overall, the relationship between Ibanez and Joe Satriani has been a fruitful and influential partnership, contributing to the evolution of guitar design and providing guitar players worldwide with instruments that reflect Satriani's distinctive playing style and musical vision.