Taking advantage of its low tuning, these guitars were employed to pioneer the “nu-metal” sound, with Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit) and Dino Cazares (Fear Factory) also using Ibanez 7-string guitars later in the decade. Essentially a JEM with an additional string, this game-changing instrument found popularity with metal musicians most notably Munky and Head of Korn. Vai and Ibanez collaborated once again in 1990 to develop what would become the first mass-produced 7-string electric guitar the Universe.
This helped the brand to grow and become more accepted among aspiring guitarists. As a successful instrumental songwriter in his own right, Satriani’s endorsement deal gave Ibanez even more exposure. In 1988, Vai’s former teacher Joe Satriani started using Ibanez guitars developing the JS signature model.
Ibanez ex 120 series#
These were released in ‘87 too, along with the lightweight and ergonomically-shaped S series guitars. Still in production and largely adhering to the same early formula, it's worth noting that this instrument also inspired Ibanez’s RG guitar arguably the brand’s most recognisable and popular model. This guitar took many by surprise at the 1987 NAMM Show where it debuted, but its reception was overwhelmingly positive. Emblazoned with a vibrant fluorescent pink/green finish, the original JEM featured a pointed Strat-style body, a super-thin 24-fret neck, high-output DiMarzio pickups, a double-locking tremolo system and the famous “monkey grip”. Developing the JEM, Vai’s signature guitar truly represented his flamboyant style and was unlike anything seen before. Ibanez’s reputation truly blossomed in the ‘80s, thanks to its association with super-shredder Steve Vai. Such models that were released during this period included their distinctive Iceman and AR shapes the former of which later became synonymous with Paul Stanley of KISS. Ultimately leading to a lawsuit, Ibanez’s design team was forced to become more creative. It’s fair to say that the company didn’t get off to a flying start though, as their early guitar designs were considered too eccentric and divisive by most in the guitar community.Īs a result of this, in the ‘60s and ‘70s Ibanez started to produce instruments that closely resembled the designs from more established companies broadening their appeal. The history of Ibanez is rich and extensive, but what is regarded as the Japanese brand’s “modern era” began in 1957. Use our tiles below to skip to a particular model or series, or scroll further to learn about the history of Ibanez guitars. These alone are extremely varied and split into distinctive lines to suit players of all styles not just metal. In this guide, though, we'll be focusing solely on Ibanez’s electric guitars. While their electric guitars are the most popular in terms of demand, Ibanez also manufactures basses and acoustic guitars, as well as compact pedals and even amplifiers. With virtuosos like Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert having endorsed their guitars since the ‘80s, modern masters such as Jake Bowen (Periphery), Tom Quayle and Polyphia axemen Tim Henson and Scott LePage also rely on their Ibanez instruments to pioneer their ground-breaking sounds.Īnother reason why Ibanez are so well-known, as we’ve already alluded to, is because of their massive instrument range. The company’s appeal is understandable when you consider the huge amount of high-profile artists that have used their instruments in the past, as well as those on their current roster. Ibanez is among our most popular brands here at Andertons Music Co.
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