Product Spotlight: Ibanez Electric Guitars

Ibanez started out in 1908 as sheet music and musical products distributor Hoshino-Gakki before taking on the name Ibanez in the 1930's when they started making guitars. The Ibanez name is associated with Spanish guitar maker Salvador Ibanez whose guitars Hoshino-Gakki started importing into Japan during the late 1920's.

Ibanez rose to prominence in the 1960's and 1970's borrowing from the design cues and styles of the two big American companies. Eventually Ibanez faced some legal issues given the headstock shapes they were using before a law suit concerning trademark infringements was settled out of court in 1978. These so-called 'lawsuit' era guitars are highly sought after owing to their build quality, tone, and materials used.

Ibanez were at the forefront of the guitar boom in the 1980's. Introducing the now famous RG models, these 'superstrats' were based on a Fender style guitar sporting some serious modifications. With sharp edges and pointed body horns, locking tremolo systems, 'shark-tooth' fret inlays, high output pickups, and flat, thin 24 fret necks, the RG's are designed for speed.

All throughout that decade and into the 90's, guitar wizards like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai continued to push the limits on what was possible on electric guitar and working closely with Ibanez developed their signature guitars such as the JS140 and Jem series. An innovative company, Ibanez has been a pioneer in the evolution of multi-string guitars. Such development demands the genesis of new products like new pickups and hardware that cater for guitars such as the Iron Labels, the RG7 and the RG8 range.

Many prominent players have selected Ibanez electric guitars as their guitar of choice for rock, shred, punk and metal in all its various forms and genres. These include Munky and Head from Korn, Paul Stanley from Kiss, Mick Thompson from Slipknot, Noodles from The Offspring, and Kiko Loureiro from Megadeth.

Not only have Ibanez excelled in making excellent solid body electrics, jazz masters George Benson, John Schofield and Pat Methany all choose Ibanez as their main guitar of choice showcasing the diversity, build quality, and tone of their Hollow Body, Artstar and Artcore range.

Here at The Music Spot we are proud to be the premium Ibanez dealer on the Brisbane's Southside covering all the bases from the entry level, budget friendly GIO, the excellent Premium series, the Artcore Hollow bodies, and even up to the top line Japanese made Prestige Series guitar range.

Come in and try one out today.

Product Spotlight: Ibanez Bass Guitars

This week's product spotlight focuses on Ibanez bass guitars. Started in 1908 as a sheet music and musical products distributor, Hoshino-Gakki changed its name to Ibanez after Spanish guitar maker Salvador Ibanez, whose instruments they started importing into Japan in the late 1920's. Ibanez started making their own instruments during the 1930's and continue to do so to the current day.

Ibanez bass guitars are innovative and progressive in their concepts and design. For over 40 years, Ibanez have pioneered new developments in bass guitar production conceived in their Bass Workshop. The Music Spot is proud to showcase several of these fine bass guitars in our current lineup.

The SR755 five string bass is a stunning example from the Bass Workshop. With a five piece neck, lightweight maple body with bubinga top, Nordstrand pickups, and Ibanez's Custom Electronics preamp system, this bass covers all styles and genres with the sleek, clean lines the SR series is known for. Ibanez's SR series basses all feature a smooth fast neck, lightweight bodies with well designed and thought out electronics. The SR300 is a four string bass with a sleek body made from mahogany. Its 5 piece maple and rosewood neck is fast and thin while the CAP EXF-N2 pickups and active electronics with three band eq allow you to dial in a wide range of tones.

For players looking for a completely different vibe, the Black Eagle is perfect for the alternative rocker. A limited edition reissue of the now forty year old classic, the Black Eagle brims with 70's era cool with its distinctively shaped mahogany body, striking abalone eagle inlays and F-hole shaped head stock.

The ATK series can be considered as the traditional bass turned up to 11. Ash bodies and that familiar feeling neck profile combine with active electronics and CAP humbuckers that offer three way switching modes. Our ATK800 model features Ibanez's Premium fretwork and comes with a case, while the ATK300 with its natural finish not only looks beautiful but is a pleasure to play as well.

Ibanez also provide instruments for the younger bass player in their Mikro series. Featuring a 3/4 scale length and smaller lightweight body, the SRM20GB is a scaled down version of the extremely popular SR200 series bass. This is a great model for guitarists transitioning into playing bass and comes with a heavy duty padded gig bag.

Finally, there is the PCBE12MH Acoustic bass, Featuring an open pore mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard and AEQ-2T preamp with built in tuner, this Grand Concert sized bass guitar is perfect for roots, jazz and blues music with its full round warm tone.

All of these basses offer exceptional value for money. With quality materials and well thought out designs, an Ibanez bass is an excellent choice for the seasoned professional and the beginner alike.