10 Best Ibanez Guitars 2025 in the United States

The Ibanez GIO Series GRX70QA in Transparent Black Sunburst is a solid choice for beginner to intermediate guitar players. One of its biggest strengths is the fast, slim Maple neck, which makes it easier to play, especially for those who are still building their finger strength. The beautiful quilted Maple art grain top adds a visually appealing touch, making it stand out among other guitars in its price range. It features high output Infinity R pickups, which deliver a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music genres.

The pickup configuration is H-S-S (humbucker-single coil-single coil), providing a good range of tones from warm and full to bright and clear. The tremolo bridge allows for expressive playing with pitch variations but can be a bit challenging for beginners to keep in tune. The guitar's body is made of basswood, which is lightweight and comfortable to handle during long practice sessions, though it may not resonate as richly as other wood types like mahogany.

With a scale length of 25.5 inches, it’s a standard size that most players will find comfortable. The fretboard is made of Amaranth wood, offering a smooth playing surface, though it’s not as common or sought after as rosewood or maple. Weighing 7.5 pounds, it's relatively light, making it easy to carry around. With a very good customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,700 reviews, this guitar is well-received by users. The Ibanez GRX70QA is a visually striking, versatile instrument that's particularly well-suited for new guitarists or those looking for an affordable yet quality practice guitar.

The Ibanez Axion Label RGD71ALMS in Black Aurora Burst Matte is a 7-string electric guitar designed for advanced players seeking versatility and quality. The solid Nyatoh body provides a robust tone with good sustain. The Panga Panga/Walnut neck combined with the Macassar Ebony fretboard ensures a smooth playing experience with a comfortable grip. The active humbucking pickups deliver powerful and clear sound, suitable for various music styles, especially metal or rock.

The guitar's scale length of 25.5 inches offers a good balance for string tension, making it easier to play both rhythm and lead parts. However, its weight (12.6 pounds) might be a bit heavy for some players, especially during long sessions. The 7-string configuration is perfect for those looking to explore extended range music but might be overwhelming for beginners.

The black aurora burst matte finish gives it a unique and attractive look. With a nut width of 1.89 inches, the neck may feel slightly wider, accommodating the extra string but requiring some adjustment for those used to 6-string guitars. This model is not discontinued and continues to be a reliable choice for guitarists looking to enhance their sound with additional string complexity and active electronics.