Ibanez-Guitar.com - How to choose

So how do you know which Ibanez is right for you?
Well, the first key is pretty obvious: know what you want to play. Ibanez makes some exceptional basses and acoustics in addition to their electric mainstays. Let's take a look at the basses first.

Basses How many strings?
Time was that this was an easy call: 4 strings were enough for everyone, and if it wasn't, tough luck. But with inventive metal, jazz, and progressive rock players leading the way, the world slowly changed to give the rhythm section more options. Today, a 5-string is a common sight in working bands, with many players appreciating the increased flexibility and punch. So which is right for you? It depends on where you are as a player, and how adventurous you are. For beginners, 4 strings is probably the way to go. If nothing else, you'll spend less to get a good instrument, and it's easier to find manuals and instruction. It's also true that most people find the 4-string to be easier to play, since there's less to get in your way. But if you know you want that subsonic rumble, see yourself playing long and involved runs, or just want to be out of the ordinary, don't be afraid to go for the fifth string. Most people who opt for the 5-string are experienced players who see it as a way to spice up their playing and add versatility to their sound. The nice part about Ibanez is you can do that without hocking your belongings. Something else to keep in mind: an entry-level 4-string bass can be quite acceptable, but a very low-end 5-string simply isn't. You are not only picking up a tougher instrument to play, but also to make... so don't go for an inferior brand to save a few bucks. In the long run, it won't be any fun to play, and there is no good price for a guitar that won't be used.

Which 4-string is right for me?
First decision: acoustic or electric. Expect to spend more for an acoustic; it's a harder thing to make, with les tolerance for error. Just like the 5-strings, you'll have to pay more for a quality acoustic bass, and acoustic basses are more of a niche appeal than their electric brethren. But in the right situation, the acoustic bass is essential. Everything in the Ibanez family will give you the tone and volume you need, with building materials and attention to details making up the difference in price points. Depending on how discerning you are, this can make all of the difference. For electric players, there is another full range of choices. Over time, mechanics and materials will change, but the following remains constant: get the best instrument you can afford. Starter instruments are frequently finisher instruments, and the time you will spend will far outweigh the cost. Last, but not least, make sure that the instrument is a good weight, especially if you are playing live a lot. Once upon a time, I played a Les Paul that was an easy 10 pounds heavier than my current Ibanez. You think you'll get used to it, and keep telling yourself that, but it's just not the case. Heavy guitars are fatigue-inducing guitars, and fatigue makes sloppy players of us all.

How much should I pay?
Depending on what you are looking for, anywhere from $300 to $800 (and beyond) is common. With Ibanez, I've always had my best experiences buying new, then selling what I didn't use later. Since the line delivers such value and playability, buying a used piece means you are usually getting something that's been played a lot. Ibanez guitars hold up like nobody's business, but every guitar winds up needing fret work and TLC after it's been in daily use. And when a guitar gets played that much, it's too easy to miss flaws, marks or other hassles. Another tip: don't be afraid to use the Web -- and the fact that many new musicians allow monstrously large guitar meat markets to pop up all over the place. I'm not too proud to admit that I've gone into my local MonsterChain store several times to try a few pieces, than gone home and found the very same instrument for 30-40% less online. And don't forget the sales tax! My best buys have come from www.MusicPower.com, and they carry a ton of Ibanez guitars.) The thing with MonsterChain is that those showrooms and auto salesmen-in-training are paid for with overinflated guitar prices. So if you can't find just about anything they sell on the Web for less, you really just aren't trying. The best place to buy from is a business that's been around for a while (to make sure they will deliver), but isn't so huge that they are answering to their stockholders. Remember, somebody's got to pay for those showrooms. It just doesn't have to be you.. and since you seem interested in buying an Ibanez, it's already apparent that you don't throw your hard-earned dollars away. With the exception of the really new instruments with nontraditional materials (i.e., too soon to tell), Ibanez guitars hold their value pretty well. You will, of course, need to take care of them with a good case and reasonable care, but these guitars were made to work. Don't coddle 'em too much.

Ibanez Acoustic Guitars
For more about picking an acoustic check out Acoustic-Guitars.net

With acoustics, just like in the bass section, knowing what you want to do is critical. It's way too easy to get talked into a guitar -- especially if you are new and susceptible to the lizards at your local MonsterChain. The nice thing about Ibanez is that even when that happens, you wind up with a good guitar and a nice value... but finding the one you really should have is still preferable.

Which acoustic is right for me?
Some quick definitions: Classical guitars have nylon strings, shorter necks, and different strumming and picking techniques. Unless you are specifically looking to play classical guitar, rather than folk or acoustic rock, this isn't the guitar for you. Straight-up acoustics are guitars with no onboard electronics, so if you want to amplify them, you need to invest in a pick-up system. The tone of these guitars is usually very good. Electric-acoustics have a pick-up system already on board, and in many cases, EQ controls. Tone can suffer here, but versatility for live performance usually makes up for the loss. Last and not least, 12-strings double up on each string, providing an unmistakable chorus sound. Which particular model should be in your hands again depends on your experience level and budget. If you are just starting out, get a moderately priced acoustic that won't stunt your development. If you know you are going to be playing open mics where amplification is inevitable, consider an acoustic/electric. But staying in the Ibanez family is rarely a mistake, given the price levels and resale values of the line.

How much should I pay?
There are an awful lot of starter acoustic guitars that should really be called finisher guitars... because they are just so painful to play and listen to, that any self-respecting beginner will go find something else to do, rather than get through the initial learning curve. Luckily, Ibanez doesn't make any of those guitars, but the fact is that any acoustic that you find for less than $150 is guilty until proven innocent. For the more upscale pieces, you can get into the $600-$800 range pretty quickly. To the untrained ear, that sounds pretty pricey... until you start seeing what longtime industry overlords like Martin and Taylor charge. Even when you move into the second-tier players like Takamine/Ovation, Washburn and Tacoma, the Ibanez price tags will be considerably less. So how do you know which Ibanez electric guitar is right for you? Well, the first key is pretty obvious: know what you want to play, and how much you can afford to spend. Ibanez makes a wide range.

Ibanez Electric guitars
For more on picking a guitar in general check out Electric-Guitars.net.

Lucky 7 The 7-String Invasion Ibanez has jumped on the 7-string revolution better than any other manufacturer in the industry. So if you are looking for extra rumble, or if you are into the jazz feel, here are 5 options, more or less evenly spread among the price spectrum. And for the high-end guitars in this line, your 7 can easily become your only electric.

How much should I pay?
With new 7-strings, anywhere from $400 to $1200. That's more than a 6-string for the simple fact that this is a more complicated piece of engineering. To be honest, you really don't want to play or hear a substandard 7-string; it's just painful. Since 7-strings are a relatively new phenomenon, finding them in good used condition is tricky. While they probably won't have the wear and tear issues of most guitar purchases, there is also this: since the instruments haven't been in circulation for long, it's harder to determine the right price. Buying new, especially if you can find a good dealer, is your best way to go. Just as with other kinds of Ibanez guitars, tap the Web to avoid the markups that can result from exposure to chain guitar meat markets. Using those showrooms is OK for the strong of stomach, but with the satisfaction guarantees and full information you'll find at good Web sites, even that's pretty unnecessary. Add in the fact that you can often duck sales tax and shipping costs online, and you might save hundreds on your 7-string with just a few clicks. I've picked up a couple of Ibanez 7-strings from MusicPower.com, and have always been happy with the experience.) As mentioned above, the resale price on 7-strings is still up in the air. However, the increased versatility and interest in the instrument definitely increases your chances of making a good investment. As with any guitar, you will need a good case and TLC, but since Ibanez guitars are made to work, they really don't need to be handled with kid gloves. Play hard, but play professionally.

Traditional (6-string) electric's
With 30 years of experience in the field, there is really no shortage of choices for the discerning Ibanez enthusiast. Most electric's in the family owe a lot to the slash-and-burn school of metal mania and that's part of why the line holds such strong value. Put it this way: if you make a guitar that can stand the constant torture tests (travel, lights, extreme temperature changes, questionable roadies and even more questionable showmanship) that define life in a rock and roll band, you've made something that can simply take a lot of punishment. Ibanez makes guitars for players that are hard on guitars. Again, the choice starts with your experience level and wallet. If you go for entry-level, be aware that unlike many starter guitars, Ibanez they won't warp your progress with bad action or faulty tone. Many players even wind up staying with the same model and upgrading the pick-ups and humbuckers over time. Personally, I don't have the luthier skills to pull that off, but if you want to indulge your mad scientist Jones, knock yourself out. If nothing else, the price of failure is pretty reasonable! When you start to climb the price ladder, you get better tone, improved playability and more sophisticated electronics, which increases the instrument's versatility. Where you get in is, of course, completely up to you.

How much should I pay?
Depending on what you are looking for, anywhere from $300 to $800 (and beyond) is common. With Ibanez, I've always had my best experiences buying new, then selling what I didn't use later. Since the line delivers such value and playability, buying a used piece means you are usually getting something that's been played a lot. Ibanez guitars hold up like nobody's business, but every guitar winds up needing fret work and TLC after day-in, day-out hammering. When a guitar especially an electric is played that much, it's too easy to miss flaws, marks or other hassles. Another tip: don't be afraid to use the Web -- and the fact that many new musicians allow monstrously large guitar meat markets to pop up all over the place. I'm not too proud to admit that I've gone into my local MonsterChain store several times to try a few pieces, than gone home and found the very same instrument for 30-40% less online. And don't forget the sales tax! My best buys have come from MusicPower.com, and they carry a ton of Ibanez guitars. The thing with MonsterChain is that those showrooms and auto salesmen-in-training are paid for with overinflated guitar prices. So if you can't find just about anything they sell on the Web for less, you really just aren't trying. The best place to buy from is a business that's been around for a while (to make sure they will deliver), but isn't so huge that they are answering to their stockholders. Remember, somebody's got to pay for those showrooms. It just doesn't have to be you.. And since you seem interested in buying an Ibanez, it's already apparent that you don't throw your hard-earned dollars away.