| Ibanez is a guitar manufacturer started by Hoshino | | | | different models with different finishes and electronics. |
| Gakki in Japan. Back in 1900 when the company first | | | | An example of some of the guitars you can find |
| began they were called the Hoshino Gakki Company | | | | include the Prestige Series guitars, the Vai Signatures, |
| and they only started making string instruments in 1935. | | | | Pat Metheny Signatures, Korn Signatures, Joe Satriani |
| These early stringed instruments were not known in | | | | Signatures, and the Andy Timmons Signature guitar. |
| the West until the 1960s when Gakki paired up with | | | | These signature guitars were designed with or by the |
| Harry Rosenbloom, a Pennsylvania music shop owner. | | | | artists themselves. Other models include the S-Series |
| Together, they decided to give the guitars the name of | | | | guitars, special models for left handed players, and the |
| Ibanez to make it more marketable to a western | | | | Artcore guitars. |
| audience. | | | | There are also certain artists who use and endorse |
| By the time the 70s hit, Ibanez began making guitars | | | | the brand. These include Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, |
| modeled after popular styles that companies like | | | | two highly regarded instrumental rock guitarists who |
| Gibson and Fender were putting out. Though they | | | | often tour together. Andy Timmons, Korn, Pat |
| were almost exact replicas, they were made with | | | | Metheny, George Benson, Terry Balsamo of |
| cheaper materials and were therefore inexpensive. | | | | Evanescence, Fran Cosmo of Boston, Marty Friedman, |
| However, Ibanez has changed. They no longer model | | | | John Scofield, and Matt Roberts of 3 Doors Down. |
| their guitars after other styles put out by different | | | | Here is what some people have to say about Ibanez |
| companies. They have their own makes and models | | | | guitars (source Harmony Central): |
| that are endorsed by some pretty high level players. | | | | I have been playing for about 3 years now and this is |
| The newer Ibanez guitars are more modern in design | | | | my consideration of my first real guitar. I have always |
| and style. You can find some with interesting shapes | | | | played Ibanez, I just like the look, feel and sound of |
| and designs. Also, artists such as Steve Vai work | | | | them. If this were stolen I would definitely get another |
| closely with the company to manufacture special | | | | one of these and I plan to replace my GRX170 with |
| models with their own artistic flare. (For example, Vais | | | | another one, yes I want another one call me crazy but |
| tree of life pattern on the fretboard). | | | | I wanna have another guitar with a normal string |
| Another modern style element includes the fact that | | | | arrangement on it. I love everything about this guitar, |
| they have slimmer necks and flatter fingerboards than | | | | the look, the feel, the sound, it definitely has a |
| the classic style guitars. This makes doing intricate and | | | | character of its own. |
| accurate speed work a lot easier. Also watch out for | | | | |