Ibanez Acoustic Guitars: History of Excellence and Innovation

The Ibanez was one of the first Japanese musical instruments to have a strong foothold in the U.S. and Europe. Their climb to the top began in 1957 with their good copies of the best acoustic guitars of the era. By 1970, Ibanez acoustic guitars were mostly copies of American brands, but of excellent quality at low prices.

Ibanez’s rise to the top

Ibanez began moving out of the copy business by 1976 with releases of Iceman and Roadstar, their own designs. In the 1980s, Ibanez maker Hoshino experienced a slump but this was augmented right away through their collaboration with Frank Zappa’s former guitarist, Steve Vai. The release of Steve Vai signature models were soon followed by signature models of other guitar greats, like Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert.

The very first Ibanez acoustic guitar signature model came out in 2004 and Euphoria 7 was added to the roster of Steve Vai signature series. The upgrade, Euphoria 9, was released recently and on board is the Fishman Aura System, an evolution in amplified acoustic guitar playing, to give the guitarist more tonal versatility and getting the same quality whether at open mics or at recording sessions.

Rising to the challenge for today’s acoustic guitars

Ibanez acoustic guitars have continually evolved and are constantly perfected. Quality was never compromised; with their attention to providing the latest in acoustic guitar technology, the Ibanez brand remains prominent in the market. The discriminating guitarist could not be happier with the array of choices Ibanez acoustic guitars offers.

Ibanez acoustic guitars are no longer just pretty instruments giving clear, sparkling sound. Additional features have been mounted on-board to make the Ibanez acoustic guitars the answer to today’s need for a versatile instrument. The standard in today’s Ibanez are electronics for giving amplified acoustic guitar that realistic “plugged in” sound as well as greater playing capabilities, on stage or off.

Continually, consistently innovating

Several Ibanez acoustic guitars are leading the innovations in acoustic guitars. The purists’ guitar of choice - the Artwood series - now has Fast Action Set-up Technology for easier neck adjustments; the Flying Top construction is also a recent improvement to give better resonance. The beauty of Exotic Wood series is also enhanced by comfort (having nylon strings version) and convenience (with the addition of B-Band electronics).

Ibanez acoustic electric guitar took innovation to new heights with their recently released Montage, a dual acoustic/electric guitar offering five sound options from sparkling acoustics to clean electrics and snarling distortions - all in one Ibanez acoustic electric guitar. The Montage is a revolutionary design with innovative electronics making it the most versatile Ibanez acoustic guitar to date.

Ibanez was originally the Spanish Salvador Ibanez; throughout its history from Spain to Japan’s Hoshino, Ibanez acoustic guitars have always been of superb make. Craftsmanship, state-of-the-art, tonal versatility - all these while providing a high-end guitar at lower cost. Ibanez acoustic guitars may have started out as copycats; but now, the competition is checking out Ibanez acoustic guitars with new eyes.