Ibanez
Since 1957
Ibanez is a Japanese guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki. Based in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Hoshino Gakki were one of the first Japanese musical instrument companies to gain a significant foothold in import guitar sales in the United States and Europe, as well as the first brand of guitars to mass-produce seven-string and eight-string guitars.
68
Years in Business
10M+
Guitars Sold
$500M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Ibanez Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Ibanez guitars.
Ibanez Price Overview
Ibanez covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$1,200
+6% vs last year
eBay Listings
2,500
Active listings
Sold This Month
1,500
+9% vs last month
Price Range
$200-$7,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Ibanez Timeline
Hoshino Gakki Founded
Hoshino Gakki begins as a sheet music and music products distributor in Nagoya, Japan.
First Ibanez Guitars
Hoshino Gakki begins manufacturing their own Spanish-style acoustic guitars under the Ibanez name.
Modern Ibanez Era Begins
Ibanez starts producing modern acoustic and electric guitars.
The 'Lawsuit' Era
Ibanez gains notoriety for making high-quality copies of famous American guitar models.
RG and S Series Launch
Ibanez introduces the iconic RG and S series guitars, which become favorites among rock and metal guitarists.
JEM Series with Steve Vai
Ibanez collaborates with Steve Vai to create the JEM series, one of the most iconic signature guitar lines ever.
Universe 7-String Guitar
Ibanez releases the Universe, the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitar.
Artcore Series Launch
Ibanez introduces the Artcore series of semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars.
Complete Ibanez Product Lineup
Ibanez guitars are known for their high-performance features and are a favorite among rock and metal guitarists.
RG Series
The flagship Ibanez series, known for its fast necks and versatile tones.
S Series
Known for its incredibly thin and lightweight mahogany body.
Signature Models
Guitars designed with world-renowned artists.
"Ibanez guitars are known for their high-performance features and are a favorite among rock and metal guitarists."
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
RG Series Buying Guide
Wizard Neck
The RG series is famous for its thin, wide, and flat Wizard necks, which are designed for speed and comfort.
Edge Tremolo
The Edge and Lo-Pro Edge tremolo systems are highly regarded for their tuning stability and smooth action.
Pickups
The stock Ibanez pickups are often the first thing players upgrade, with DiMarzio being a popular choice.
JEM/PIA Series Buying Guide
Monkey Grip
The iconic handle carved into the body is the most recognizable feature of the JEM series.
Tree of Life Inlay
An elaborate vine inlay that runs the length of the fretboard is a hallmark of many JEM models.
DiMarzio Pickups
Most JEMs come equipped with a versatile HSH pickup configuration, often featuring custom DiMarzio models.
Artcore Series Buying Guide
Body Style
The Artcore series offers a variety of body styles, from full-hollow jazz boxes to semi-hollow guitars with a center block.
Pickups
The Artcore series features a range of pickups, from the budget-friendly Infinity R to the highly-regarded Super 58s.
Value
The Artcore series is known for its excellent value, offering high-quality hollow and semi-hollow body guitars at an affordable price.