Despite the influence of electronic synthesizers and drum machines in contemporary pop music, the electric guitar and those who consider themselves die-hard "axe wielders" and "plank spankers" have not faded away. Ibanez guitars have developed a reputation for making especially good budget guitars that in some cases are better value than the same budget model from a pricier company. In certain respects, it was a lawsuit in 1977 that spurred this Japanese company with a Spanish name to creativity and innovation. However, some argue that the company was already on the path to breaking the mold well before the lawsuit.
In the 1980s, Eddie Van Halen's tinkering in the pursuit of the perfect sound had led him to rebel against the conventions of electric guitar assembly. Cutting and pasting, his guitar construction laid the foundation for a new design that would greatly impact the guitar industry. He made famous the concept of the "Superstrat". Ibanez guitars and other companies exploited this development by transforming this Superstrat design into the staple of their production lines. Ibanez guitars were widely used in hard rock and heavy metal performance. For those who yearned for a top-of-the-line Strat but couldn't fork out the cash, Ibanez guitars were one option.
The Superstrat is visually like a Fender Stratocaster but with longer pointed horns, no scratchplate, and deeper cutaways. It has a 24-fret slim neck, a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system, and a unique three pickup layout with a humbucker at the neck, a single coil in the middle, and a humbucker at the bridge. The RG series of the Superstrat has all these features plus an ultra-thin, lightweight body. It was made for heavy metal. The company focused attention on guitar solos and virtuosity. Ibanez guitars have collaborated with renowned guitarists to develop the Artist series guitars for George Benson, the Iceman for Paul Stanley of KISS, and the Destroyer for Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden. Ibanez also developed a seven-string guitar in collaboration with Steve Vai who in the past has played for Frank Zappa, Whitesnake, and now has a thriving solo career. Today, the basic design of the RG guitar has aged well, as the main elements of the guitar are still contemporary.
Ibanez Guitars are both aesthetically and aurally pleasing. The tone has been described as clear, lush, and warm. With the dominant musical genres hard rock, heavy metal, punk, and grunge, Ibanez guitars have been designed with the right features. Many of the "first" Ibanez guitars continue to increase in value and many are now highly prized collector?s items. Steve Vai's own Jem VAI2K DNA reportedly went on sale on eBay for over $25,000.
As well known for its jazz guitars as it is for rock, Ibanez has an impressive line of jazz boxes. It's also one the top selling bass companies in the world. One-time company communications director, Paul Specht, authored Ibanez: The Untold Story, an almost 300 page book, chronicling the history of these successful guitars.
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