Comprehensive Guide to Ibanez Guitar Prices in 2025

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Guitar Price Guide
September 2, 202520 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Ibanez Guitars in 2025

Image Source: Unsplash

Read this first:
  • RG vs S vs Artcore — which one matches your style
  • Fast necks, trem systems, and pickup options explained
  • Quick buying shortcuts: set a budget, pick a neck, match pickups to genre

Compare specs on the Ibanez official site and cross-check history on Wikipedia.

Contents

Why Ibanez Guitars Are a Favorite Among Shredders

Shred guitar on stage (representative)

Ibanez guitars are synonymous with speed, precision, and performance.

For decades, they have been the weapon of choice for some of the world's most technically demanding guitarists.

But Ibanez is more than just a shred machine.

With a diverse lineup that includes everything from jazz boxes to 8-string behemoths, Ibanez has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Ibanez guitars in 2025, including:

  • The differences between the RG, S, and Artcore series.
  • The history of Ibanez and their rise to fame.
  • A complete guide to Ibanez pickups.
  • Practical tips for buying a new or used Ibanez.

So, if you want to become an Ibanez expert, you've come to the right place.

The Ibanez Lineup: A Quick Overview

Guitar lineup (representative)

Ibanez guitars are divided into several series, each with its own unique features and price point.

Here's a quick overview of some of the most popular series:

SeriesKey FeaturesBest For
RGFast Wizard necks, deep cutaways, HSH pickupsRock, Metal, Shred
SThin, lightweight mahogany body, fast Wizard neckShred, Players who prioritize comfort
ArtcoreSemi-hollow and hollow-body constructionJazz, Blues, Rock
JEM/PIASignature Steve Vai models with unique featuresShred, Experimental, Collectors
JSSignature Joe Satriani models with aerodynamic bodiesRock, Shred, Legato

Now, let's take a closer look at some of these series.

Ibanez RG Series: The Flagship of Shred

Superstrat style guitar (representative of RG)

The Ibanez RG series is the brand's most recognizable and popular line.

Introduced in 1987, the RG (Roadstar Guitar) was designed to be a mass-produced version of Steve Vai's JEM signature model.

It quickly became a favorite among rock and metal guitarists for its fast Wizard neck, deep cutaways, and versatile HSH (humbucker-single coil-humbucker) pickup configuration.

The RG series was also groundbreaking in popularizing seven-string and eight-string guitars.

Bottom line: The Ibanez RG series is the go-to choice for rock and metal guitarists who demand speed, precision, and performance.

Ibanez S Series: The Lightweight Powerhouse

Thin body electric guitar (representative of S series)

The Ibanez S (Saber) series is known for its incredibly thin and lightweight mahogany body.

Despite its slender profile, the S series retains a warm and resonant tone.

Like the RG, it features a fast Wizard neck and is popular with shredders and players who prioritize comfort and ergonomics.

Bottom line: The Ibanez S series is a great option for players who want a lightweight, comfortable guitar that doesn't sacrifice tone or performance.

Ibanez Artcore Series: The Jazz Box for the People

Hollow body jazz guitar (representative of Artcore)

The Ibanez Artcore series is the brand's line of semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars.

Introduced in 2002, the Artcore series is highly regarded for its affordability, quality craftsmanship, and versatility.

These guitars are popular in genres like jazz, blues, and rock.

Bottom line: The Ibanez Artcore series has made hollow-body guitars accessible to a wider range of players, offering great value for the money.

A Guide to Ibanez Pickups: Finding Your Tone

Humbucker pickups close-up

Ibanez offers a wide range of pickups, from their own in-house designs to collaborations with pickup giants like DiMarzio.

Here's a quick guide to some of the most common Ibanez pickups:

Pickup ModelTypeTonal Character & Ideal Genres
DiMarzio PAF ProHumbuckerClassic humbucker tone with a modern twist. Great for rock and metal.
DiMarzio Tone ZoneHumbuckerHigh-output humbucker with a powerful low end and midrange. Perfect for heavy rock and metal.
DiMarzio Air NortonHumbuckerWarm, open-sounding humbucker with a vintage vibe. Great for rock, blues, and jazz.
Ibanez V7/V8HumbuckerVersatile, high-output humbuckers that are great for a wide range of genres.
Ibanez QuantumHumbuckerHigh-output humbuckers with a tight low end and a crunchy midrange. Perfect for modern metal.

FAQ

What's the best Ibanez guitar for beginners?

The Ibanez GIO series is a great choice for beginners. These guitars are affordable, easy to play, and offer classic Ibanez looks and tones.

Are Ibanez guitars good investments?

Certain Ibanez models, especially vintage and signature models, can be good investments. The JEM series, in particular, is highly collectible.

Should I buy a new or used Ibanez guitar?

It depends on your budget and preferences. A new Ibanez will come with a warranty and the latest features. A used Ibanez can be a great way to get a high-quality instrument for a lower price.

This guide provides comprehensive information about Ibanez guitars, including pricing trends, model comparisons, and buying advice.

Information is regularly updated to reflect current market conditions and pricing.