Ibanez

Named in honor of Spanish master luthier Salvador Ibáñez, whose classical guitars Hoshino Gakki (Ibanez’s parent company) began importing to Japan in the 1920s, the Ibanez brand was officially founded in 1935 as Hoshino’s Spanish-style guitar division. 

While it first garnered a reputation in the U.S. for building high-quality copies of popular guitar models at a fraction of the price in the early 1970s, it wasn’t until Ibanez began producing its own unique designs that its shred-ready appointments—including fast, skinny necks, high-output humbuckers, deep cutaways, and locking tremolo systems—quickly made Ibanez one of the most popular brands in the U.S. by the 1980s.

Whether you’re a die-hard shredder, a lifelong blues player, or lean towards the jazz life, CME’s wide array of Ibanez guitar and bass options for sale online, or in-store, offers musicians a balance of quality craftsmanship and affordability at any price point. Plus, you can always find low prices when you shop deals on new, vintage, and used Ibanez musical instruments available every day at Chicago Music Exchange, with free shipping on most items.

For players chasing speed, precision, and modern tone, Ibanez remains one of the most influential electric guitar brands in the world. From high-performance shred machines to versatile studio workhorses, Ibanez guitars are some of the best electric guitars for metal, many equipped with fast neck, and and are comfortable to play.

At Chicago Music Exchange, we offer one of the best selections of Ibanez guitars available, including top-selling models like the Ibanez RG Series, AZ Series, S Series, JEM (Steve Vai signature), RGA, Prestige models, extended-range 7- & 8-string guitars, and hollowbody Artcore designs. Whether you’re looking for a superstars electric guitar, a modern tremolo-equipped shred guitar, or a versatile HSS performance platform, CME has it in stock.

Ibanez guitars are favored for:

  • Ultra-fast Wizard neck profiles
  • Lightweight, ergonomic body shapes
  • High-output humbuckers and versatile switching systems
  • Locking tremolo systems for stable dive bombs
  • Extended range models for progressive metal and djent

Ibanez is synonymous with elite players such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Tosin Abasi, and Tim Henson. From progressive metal to fusion and instrumental rock, Ibanez remains a top choice for technical players worldwide. The brand is also heavily featured by modern guitar YouTubers, metal producers, and gear reviewers, making it a consistent leader in online searches.

Whether you're looking for an Ibanez guitar for metal, an Ibanez 7 string, comparing Ibanez Prestige vs Standard, or the best Ibanez guitar under $1000, Chicago Music Exchange is your destination. Every Ibanez guitar we sell includes detailed specs, high-resolution photos, and professional setup—ensuring your instrument performs at its peak.

FAQ – Ibanez Guitars

Q. Are Ibanez guitars good for metal?
A. Absolutely—Ibanez guitars are renowned in the metal community for their fast necks, aggressive tones, and versatile pickups. From classic shredding to modern djent styles, their instruments are designed to have a wide range of precision & speed all the way to Chuggy/Djent-heavy riffs, making them a top choice for metal players at every level, no matter the setting.

  • Q. What is the Ibanez RG Series?
  • A. The RG Series is Ibanez’s iconic superstrat line, built for speed, precision, and versatility. Known for its thin, fast neck and powerful pickups, it excels in metal, rock, and shred styles. With lightweight bodies and advanced hardware, the RG Series gives guitarists the ability to execute lightning-fast runs, dive bombs, and complex riffs with ease and comfort.
  • Q. What is the Ibanez AZ Series?
  • A. The AZ Series is Ibanez’s modern, premium electric line designed for versatility and style. With carefully crafted necks, top-quality hardware, and versatile pickups, these guitars handle genres from rock and blues to jazz and fusion. Offering smooth playability, rich tones, and elegant finishes, the AZ Series is ideal for guitarists who want a professional instrument that looks as good as it sounds.

    Q. Does Ibanez make 7- & 8-string guitars?
    A. Yes—Ibanez is a global leader in extended-range guitars, producing high-quality 7- and 8-string models. Designed for metal, progressive rock, and modern shredding, these instruments offer extra low-end range without sacrificing playability. With fast necks, stable hardware, and versatile pickups, Ibanez extended-range guitars allow players to explore heavier riffs, complex chord voicings, and expanded soloing possibilities.

    Q. What is Ibanez Prestige?
    A. Ibanez Prestige models are top-tier, Japanese-built guitars crafted for professional-level performance. Featuring exceptional build quality, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail, Prestige guitars deliver superior tone, sustain, and playability. Whether you’re performing, recording, or collecting, these instruments represent the pinnacle of Ibanez craftsmanship, combining precision engineering with modern innovation for the discerning guitarist.

    Q. Are Ibanez guitars good for beginners?
    A. Yes—Ibanez offers a wide range of beginner-friendly guitars with quality craftsmanship at accessible price points. Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to play, these models allow new guitarists to develop skills without sacrificing tone or reliability. From entry-level electrics to affordable acoustics, Ibanez provides instruments that grow with you, making them a smart choice for beginners seeking long-term value.

    Q. Does CME set up Ibanez guitars?
    A. Yes—every Ibanez guitar purchased from Chicago Music Exchange is professionally inspected, adjusted, and set up by our experienced techs. We ensure proper intonation, string action, pickup height, and overall playability, so your guitar is ready to perform right out of the box. Whether it’s a new RG, AZ, or Prestige model, CME delivers a setup that maximizes comfort and tone.

Ibanez RG Series

The Ibanez RG Series is one of the most searched electric guitar lines globally, frequently ranking for terms like “Ibanez RG for sale,” “best shred guitar,” and “superstrat electric guitar.” Designed for speed and precision, RG guitars feature thin Wizard necks, jumbo frets, and powerful humbuckers built for high-gain performance.

Players searching for Ibanez RG 550, RG 570, RG Prestige, or RG Standard models consistently prioritize fast playability, locking tremolos, and aggressive tone shaping. The RG platform is ideal for metal, hard rock, progressive, and fusion styles.

At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock multiple RG configurations including Floyd Rose-equipped models, hardtail options, 7-string versions, and Japanese-built Prestige variants—making CME a top destination for RG buyers nationwide.

Ibanez AZ Series (Modern Versatility)

Search queries such as “Ibanez AZ review,” “Ibanez AZ vs Strat,” and “AZ Prestige for sale” highlight the demand for this modern performance platform. The AZ Series combines vintage-inspired comfort with contemporary hardware, stainless steel frets, roasted maple necks, and versatile pickup switching.

Ideal for players who need studio flexibility, the AZ handles clean, blues, rock, and modern gain tones equally well. Many professionals choose AZ models for touring due to their stability and tonal range.

Chicago Music Exchange carries AZ Standard and Prestige models, offering one of the best selections for players searching for a premium, all-purpose electric guitar.

Ibanez 7-String & 8-String Guitars

Ibanez pioneered the modern extended-range market. Searches for “Ibanez 7 string guitar,” “Ibanez 8 string for djent,” and “extended range electric guitar” consistently trend high.

Models like the RG7, RGA7, and signature 8-strings are staples in progressive metal and modern heavy music. Longer scale lengths ensure tight low-end clarity for drop tunings.

CME stocks extended-range Ibanez guitars ideal for players seeking low-tuned articulation without sacrificing speed.

Ibanez Prestige Models (Made in Japan)

“Ibanez Prestige vs Standard” is a frequent high-intent search. Prestige models are built in Japan with upgraded craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, and enhanced quality control.

Players looking for top-tier Ibanez performance often choose Prestige for refined neck shaping, fretwork, and finishing. Chicago Music Exchange carries a strong selection of Prestige models for discerning players.

Buy Ibanez Guitars Online

Looking to buy Ibanez guitars online? Chicago Music Exchange provides full spec transparency, detailed photography, competitive pricing, financing options, and professional setup. Whether you’re shopping for an RG, AZ, S Series, Prestige, or extended-range model, CME offers one of the best Ibanez selections available.