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.

Previously, signature models were of electric guitars to usher in the rock and roll era. But in 2004, Euphoria 7 was released - the first Steve Vai signature Ibanez acoustic guitar. The upgraded version, Euphoria 9, was recently introduced equipped with Fishman Aura System to provide the artist more versatility playing live or at the studio.

Standing out in today's challenges

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.

Continuously evolving

This continuous growth to be at the forefront of innovation has marked several of Ibanez acoustic guitar releases. The new Artwood series features new Fast Action Set-up Technology to make neck adjustments easier and the Flying Top construction to provide greater resonance and projection. Also, the Exotic Wood series now comes with nylon strings and B-Band electronics, making it more comfortable and convenient to play.

The Montage, a recent release dubbed as an electric/acoustic hybrid, is taking the Ibanez acoustic electric guitar to new levels. Boasting of five sound options, the Montage can play a range of music genre, from sparkling acoustic to snarling electric and everything between. Multi-functionality is given a new name in this revolutionary Ibanez acoustic electric guitar.

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.