Ibanez Guitars History

By the 1960s, the company had developed a line of funky guitars to the US, where they were sold by department stores.  In 1971, Hoshino opened up an office in Philadelphia to help distribute their high quality, reasonably priced guitars in an American market that was being flooded by low quality instruments at high prices. 

Soon, the company decided to produce its own unique designs.  The Artist line was a solid body guitar that was made famous by Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead.  The Iceman was a favorite of KISS’s Paul Stanley and Swedish metal band Meshuggah.  George Benson- the Grammy winning pop and R&B artist- has a jazz guitar line designed for high-volume stage playing.  Today, these guitars are collectors items that command high sums.  While the company had originally made copycat designs- which cost them a lawsuit in 1976- Ibanez guitars had become successful in their own rights thanks to their innovative designs. 

When instrumental rock took off in the mid 1980’s, Ibanez gained a new popularity among 80’s guitarists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Paul Gilbert.  Ibanez appealed to this new generation of players with the Ibanez RG, JS, JEM, and S models.  These same models are still favorites among hard rock and instrumental guitarists. 

Ibanez also produces jazz guitars including the George Benson and Pat Metheny models, plus the newly introduced John Scofield signature semi-acoustic box.  Ibanez introduce a line of bass guitars in the 1970’s with active electronics called the Musician line.  Verdine White, bassist for Earth, Wind, and Fire played an Ibanez signature VWB-1 bass, and Mark White of the Spin Doctors plays a signature rainbow colored Ibanez bass.  Today, Ibanez produces 4, 5, and 6 basses in the Soundgear and Ergodyne models. 

Ibanez offers a full range of electric guitars toady, as well as the popular acoustic guitars that come in a variety of styles and prices.  The company is committed to combining the latest technology with time-honored instrument making techniques that create the signature quality sound that Ibanez is known for.  In fact, Ibanez sells a popular version called the Ibanez Acoustic Electric- a guitar which is designed to sound great whether plugged in to an amplifier or played as a standard acoustic guitar.  If you are just starting out with the guitar, Ibanez offers a line of competitively priced guitar kits that include a beautiful Ibanez acoustic guitar, replacement strings, picks, a strap, and some kits even include an electronic tuner and DVD to help you learn to play.

Ibanez’ combination of affordability and high quality has made it a favorite of professionals and guitar lovers throughout the United States.  The company offers a large selection of unique guitars that will help you get that signature look that can set you apart from other players.  If you are an experienced guitarist looking for a new instrument, consider an Ibanez Acoustic or Electric guitar.  If you are just starting out on the guitar, an Ibanez guitar kit is a good way to start out with a quality instrument that will help you learn to play on the type of quality instrument that you will want to continue playing for many years.