Ibanez

Ibanez is a prominent and highly respected brand in the musical instrument industry, with a history dating back to 1908. The company was founded by Hoshino Gakki in Nagoya, Japan, initially as a distributor of sheet music. Its foray into guitar manufacturing began in 1935, when Hoshino Gakki started producing Spanish-style acoustic guitars under the name "Ibanez Salvador," honoring the esteemed Spanish luthier Salvador Ibáñez. The name was later shortened to simply "Ibanez." In the mid-20th century, particularly with the rise of rock 'n' roll in the 1950s, Ibanez shifted its focus towards electric guitars. The 1960s and 1970s saw Ibanez gain significant recognition for producing high-quality replicas of popular American guitars from brands like Gibson and Fender. This period, often referred to as the "lawsuit era," culminated in a legal dispute with Gibson in 1977 regarding headstock designs. This lawsuit, though challenging, became a pivotal moment for Ibanez, prompting the company to pivot from replicas to developing its own unique and innovative designs. This shift led to the creation of iconic and original Ibanez models that have defined its brand identity. Notable examples include the Iceman, introduced in 1975, and the Roadstar series, which evolved into the highly popular RG series in 1987. The RG series, with its sharp aesthetics, thin necks, and deep cutaways, became synonymous with shred guitarists and metal music. Ibanez also cemented its reputation through collaborations with legendary artists, leading to signature models like Steve Vai's JEM and Joe Satriani's JS series, among many others for renowned musicians across various genres, including jazz (George Benson, Pat Metheny) and rock/metal (Paul Gilbert, Nita Strauss, Korn's Munky). Beyond electric guitars, Ibanez also produces a comprehensive range of bass guitars (including the long-standing Soundgear series), acoustic guitars, hollow-body instruments, amplifiers, effects pedals, and various accessories. They cater to a broad spectrum of musicians, offering instruments across different price points, from entry-level GIO models to high-end Prestige and J-Custom series, all while maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation. Ibanez is globally distributed and recognized for its consistent ability to adapt to evolving musical trends and for its strong relationship with a diverse roster of endorsing artists.