Ibanez Electric Guitars

Ibanez built its reputation by giving players from every genre innovative guitars at accessible prices. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani helped the Japanese brand redefine the shred guitar in the late 1980s, but Ibanez now produces instruments for every playing level. Competitor product guides note how the company offers everything from budget-friendly AZES models for beginners to high‑end Prestige and signature instruments with Gotoh hardware and Seymour Duncan pickups. Music Street UK’s Ibanez collection demonstrates this range, from starter guitars to fully‑fledged jazz archtops and basses, all set up by our in‑house techs.

Why choose an Ibanez?

• Variety across price points. Reviews from Guitar World and Killer Guitar Rigs point out that Ibanez offers “standard and signature models for every budget”. Budget AZES or Gio guitars give beginners a comfortable neck, versatile pickups, and a durable Mono Unit jack, while Prestige models (such as the AZ2204) include premium Seymour Duncan pickups and Gotoh hardware for serious players. A new player can start with an affordable Ibanez AZES31 AOC and progress to a GB10BK or AS93QMSP DBS Artcore without switching brands.
  
  
• Fast, comfortable necks. Ibanez invented the “Wizard” neck to help shredders reach lightning-fast speeds. MusicRadar’s guide names the RG550 as one of the best shredding guitars, praising its super-thin five-piece maple/walnut neck and versatile humbucker-single-humbucker pickup array. Even the affordable AZES31 has an oval “C” profile and 10-inch fretboard radius for effortless play.
  
  
• Genre-spanning tone. Product reviews highlight how Ibanez instruments cover everything from crisp blues to modern metal. The AZ Essentials range’s three single coils and Dyna MIX8 switching give beginners eight pickup combinations, while the JEM and RG series offer hot humbuckers for metal. Semi-hollow Artcore models use maple bodies and Super 58 humbuckers for warm jazz tones. On the low end, SR basses feature fast necks and active 3-band EQs for articulate basslines. Music Street stocks SR370E - Sapphire Blue and SR300EB Iron Pewter models to suit funk, rock, or metal players.
  

Entry-level Excellence

AZ Essentials & Gio
The AZ Essentials (AZES) series is designed to streamline the learning process. A product description notes that the AZES31 offers a comfortable oval C-shaped neck, 10″ fingerboard radius, ergonomic Mono Unit output jack, and a Dyna MIX8 switching system that gives eight tonal options. Coupled with three single-coil pickups and a hard-tail bridge, the AZES31 is a perfect first guitar. Check out the AZES31 AOC or the mint coloured AZES31-PRB, both are under £300 and are frequently recommended in beginner guitar guides.

Ibanez’s Gio range offers another budget option. Reviewers describe the GRX70QA as the best entry-level super strat thanks to its quilted maple top and versatile H S H pickup layout. While the GRX70QA isn’t part of Music Street’s lineup, the same principles apply to our AZ Essentials guitars: great value, solid hardware, and player-friendly necks. For bassists, the GSR series receives praise in beginner bass articles. Our blog Top Bass Guitars for Beginners highlights models like the Ibanez GSR200.

Intermediate and signature models

RG & S Series

When speed and aggression are needed, the RG and S series step up. MusicRadar calls the RG550 “a faithful reboot of a classic shred machine” thanks to its lightning-fast neck, Edge tremolo, and V7/V8 humbuckers. The S series adds a thinner, curved body for comfort. Players who favor technical metal or prog rock will appreciate how these guitars combine high-output pickups with slim necks.

Signature Models

Ibanez made history by collaborating with virtuosos. KillerGuitarRigs’ review highlights the Steve Vai JEMJR and Joe Satriani JS models, noting that the JEMJR’s Wizard III neck and Quantum pickups offer incredible value. At Music Street UK, we carry the GB10BK, George Benson’s signature jazz guitar, which features a three-piece maple neck, bound ebony fingerboard, half bone/half brass nut, and gold hardware. Its Super 58 pickups deliver smooth jazz tones while retaining clarity. If you want a semi-hollow alternative, explore the Artcore AS93QMSP DBS; its quilted maple body and Super 58 pickups balance warmth and definition, making it ideal for blues or fusion.

Low End Options: SR & Talman Basses

Ibanez basses are famous for fast necks and modern tone. The SR range has been a go-to for rock and metal players since the 1990s. Our SR370E Sapphire Blue features a slim maple/walnut neck, Nyatoh body, and PowerSpan dual coil pickups wired to an active 3-band EQ, perfect for punchy slap or articulate finger style. The SR300EB Iron Pewter and SR300EB Candy Apple Red offer the same slim feel at an even more affordable price, making them popular in our Top Bass Guitar Brands blog.

The Talman (TMB) series blends retro looks with modern playability. The Talman TMB100 Walnut Flat, available from Music Street UK, uses a mahogany body, maple neck, and P J pickup configuration. With separate volume controls and a Phat II active EQ, it delivers everything from vintage thump to slap-ready brightness. Our Low End Guide explains how to dial in these tones.

Buying Tips: Find Your Perfect Ibanez

Competitor sites suggest evaluating sound, playability, and price when choosing a guitar. Here are a few points to consider:

When comparing options, think about genre (e.g., the RG and S series for metal, Artcore for jazz, AZES for versatility), neck profile (Wizard for shred, C profile for comfort) and hardware (tremolo vs. hard tail). Our considering buying a new guitar article dives deeper into these topics, while the string gauge guide helps you customise your new Ibanez for feel and tone.

Why Buy from Music Street UK?

Music Street UK isn’t just another guitar shop. Our collection is curated by musicians, and every guitar, whether a starter AZES31 or a high-end GB10BK, is set up in our workshop before it ships. We offer finance options on instruments over £300 and accept part exchange trades.

Ibanez guitars continue to evolve, combining cutting-edge technology with playable necks and competitive pricing. Whether you’re buying your first electric guitar or upgrading to a professional instrument, Music Street UK’s team will help you find the perfect Ibanez to match your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the standout features of an Ibanez electric guitar?

Ibanez electric guitars are renowned for their innovative designs, versatility in sound, and exceptional playability. Known for their slim neck profiles and wide range of models catering to various genres, Ibanez guitars are a favorite among players looking for instruments that can handle everything from jazz to metal.

2. How does an Ibanez electric guitar model differ from other brands?

An electric guitar Ibanez model often stands out due to its cutting-edge aesthetics, pioneering hardware like the Edge tremolo system, and a commitment to quality across all price ranges. Ibanez guitars frequently offer unique tonal options and configurations, making them distinct in the electric guitar market.

3. Can I find Ibanez guitars at Musicstreet, one of the best guitar shops in the UK?

Yes, Musicstreet, recognized as one of the best guitar shops in the UK, offers a wide selection of Ibanez guitars. Whether you're searching for your first guitar or a professional-grade instrument, Musicstreet provides a variety of Ibanez models to suit your needs.

4. Are Ibanez guitars suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Ibanez offers a range of guitars that are ideal for beginners, including models with comfortable necks and user-friendly features. The brand's commitment to quality ensures that even entry-level Ibanez electric guitars provide a great playing experience for new musicians.

5. How do Ibanez electric guitars compare to an Acoustic Guitar or Classical guitar?

Ibanez electric guitars are designed for a different musical experience compared to an Acoustic Guitar or Classical guitar. While acoustic and classical guitars produce sound through their hollow bodies and are often used for folk, classical, and singer-songwriter genres, Ibanez electric guitars are amplified and offer a wider range of sounds, making them suitable for genres like rock, jazz, and metal.

6. Does Musicstreet offer Bass Guitar options alongside Ibanez electric guitars?

Yes, Musicstreet offers an array of Bass Guitar options in addition to their selection of Ibanez electric guitars. Catering to a wide range of musical preferences and styles, Musicstreet ensures that both guitarists and bassists can find quality instruments that suit their individual needs.