Best Ibanez Guitars in 2026: 12 Picks Compared on Specs

Updated on Oct 26, 2026

The Ibanez Artcore AS73FM semi-hollow electric stands out as the best all-around pick for its versatile semi-hollow design, offering a balance of warmth and clarity for players across genres. This guide compares 12 Ibanez models selected from the current catalogue, using only the specifications stated in the product listings and maker information. Prices are not mentioned here; you will see live prices and buy buttons on this page.

12 picks from 130 guitars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.

Quick list

Which one is right for you?

• For a first electric guitar: If you want a simple six-string electric without extra features, the GIO series GRX70QA is a straightforward entry point with a transparent red burst finish and a solid-body design. See pick 2
• For a left-handed player: Left-handed players have two dedicated picks here: the GRX70QA left-handed electric and the SR300EBL left-handed bass, both with the same specifications as their right-handed counterparts. See pick 7
• For jazz and blues: The Artcore AS73FM semi-hollow electric delivers a warm, rounded tone that suits jazz, blues, and classic rock. Its semi-hollow construction is a key feature for players who want acoustic-like resonance in an electric. See pick 1
• For classical and nylon players: If you prefer nylon strings, the GA5FMTCE thinline nylon acoustic-electric and the 6-string classical guitar both offer the soft feel and warm voice that nylon is known for, with the GA5FMTCE adding the option of plugging in. See pick 6

All 12 picks in detail

1 Best semi-hollow electric

Ibanez Artcore AS73FM Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

$599.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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This Artcore model is the only semi-hollow electric in our selection, and its design is what sets it apart. The semi-hollow body offers a blend of warm acoustic resonance and electric clarity, making it a versatile choice for players who want a nuanced tone without going fully acoustic.

Pros

• Semi-hollow body as stated in the product name
• Electric type with a classic look
• From the well-known Artcore series

Cons

• No specifications for pickups, wood, or scale length are stated by the seller
• Right-handed only

Good fit if

• Players looking for a semi-hollow electric with a timeless style
• Jazz, blues, and rock players who value tonal warmth

Skip if

• You want a solid-body electric for high-gain play
• You need a left-handed model

Verdict: The Artcore AS73FM is the best semi-hollow electric in this guide, offering a versatile voice for players who want the best of both worlds.

2 Best entry-level electric

Ibanez GRX70QA RG Gio Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

Kit or bundle

Yes

$259.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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Part of the GIO series, this guitar is designed for beginners. It is a solid-body electric with a transparent red burst finish, and its simple layout makes it a practical starting point for learning to play.

Pros

• Solid-body electric type
• Known GIO series for beginners
• Attractive transparent red burst finish

Cons

• No specifications for pickups, bridge, or scale length are stated by the seller
• No gig bag or accessories included

Good fit if

• New players who want an affordable, no-frills electric guitar
• Players who prefer a right-handed instrument

Skip if

• You need a guitar with a tremolo system (not stated)
• You are looking for a left-handed version

Verdict: A reliable entry-level solid-body electric with the Ibanez GIO pedigree, ideal for starting your electric guitar journey.

3 Best 4-string bass

Ibanez Standard SR300E 4-string Bass Guitar

Type

Bass

Strings

4

$379.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The SR300E is a 4-string bass with a modern look in midnight gray burst. It is part of the Standard SR series, which is known for its slim neck and versatile electronics, though we only confirm the string count from the listing.

Pros

• 4-string configuration as explicitly stated
• Bass type
• Standard SR series model

Cons

• No details on pickups, preamp, or neck material are stated by the seller
• Right-handed only

Good fit if

• Bassists who need a straightforward 4-string instrument
• Players moving from guitar to bass

Skip if

• You need a 5-string or 6-string bass
• You are left-handed (see the SR300EBL pick instead)

Verdict: A solid 4-string bass with a clear specification, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

4 Best 5-string multiscale bass

Ibanez SRMS805DTW SR Bass Workshop 5-String Multiscale Bass Guitar

Type

Bass

Strings

5

$1,099.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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This is the only 5-string multiscale bass in the guide, and the multiscale design (commonly called fanned-fret) is a feature that players interested in extended-range bass will notice. The model name indicates it is from the SR Bass Workshop series, aimed at advanced players.

Pros

• 5-string configuration stated
• Multiscale design as indicated in the product name
• Deep twilight finish mentioned in the listing

Cons

• No specifications for pickups, woods, or scale lengths are stated by the seller
• No amplifier or case included

Good fit if

• Experienced bassists interested in multiscale ergonomics
• Players who need the extended low range of a 5-string

Skip if

• You are a beginner looking for a simple bass
• You prefer a traditional straight-fret design

Verdict: A specialized 5-string multiscale bass for advanced players who want a modern, ergonomic instrument.

5 Best 12-string acoustic-electric

Ibanez AEG5012 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

Strings

12

$399.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The AEG5012 is the only 12-string guitar in our selection, and its acoustic-electric nature means you can plug it into an amplifier or PA. The 12-string configuration is clearly stated, giving it a unique voice that is sought after for its shimmering, chorused sound.

Pros

• 12-string configuration explicitly stated
• Acoustic-electric type
• Dark violin sunburst finish

Cons

• No details on electronics, wood, or bracing are stated by the seller
• 12-string setups require more finger strength

Good fit if

• Songwriters who want a 12-string sound for recording and live
• Players who already have some guitar experience

Skip if

• You are a beginner (12-string is harder to fret)
• You need a six-string guitar

Verdict: A distinctive 12-string acoustic-electric that delivers a full, jangly sound for those who want it.

6 Best nylon acoustic-electric

Ibanez GA5FMTCE Thinline Nylon Acoustic-electric Guitar

Type

Classical or nylon

$299.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The GA5FMTCE is a thinline nylon acoustic-electric in an open pore berry finish. It is the only model in the guide with nylon strings (the classical guitar also uses nylon, but this one has a thinline body and electronics). This makes it a good fit for players who want a softer feel and a warm, mellow tone while still being able to amplify.

Pros

• Nylon-string type as stated
• Acoustic-electric capability
• Thinline body for comfort

Cons

• No specifications for electronics, wood, or scale length are stated by the seller
• Right-handed only

Good fit if

• Fingerstyle players who prefer nylon strings
• Classical and flamenco players who need amplification

Skip if

• You want a traditional full-depth classical guitar
• You need a left-handed model

Verdict: A practical nylon acoustic-electric that blends classical warmth with modern convenience.

7 Best left-handed electric

Ibanez Gio GRX70QAL Left-Handed

Left-handed

Yes

$279.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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This is the only left-handed electric guitar in our pool. It shares the same GIO series DNA as the right-handed GRX70QA, offering a transparent blue burst finish and a solid-body electric type. Left-handed players will appreciate having a dedicated option from a major brand.

Pros

• Left-handed configuration explicitly stated
• Electric type
• Transparent blue burst finish

Cons

• No specifications on pickups, bridge, or scale length are stated by the seller
• No case or gig bag included

Good fit if

• Left-handed guitarists who want a starter electric
• Players who prefer a traditional right-handed layout mirrored for lefties

Skip if

• You are right-handed
• You need a left-handed bass (see the SR300EBL pick)

Verdict: A solid choice for left-handed players who need a straightforward electric guitar without compromise.

8 Best left-handed bass

Ibanez Standard SR300EBL Left-handed Bass Guitar

Type

Bass

Left-handed

Yes

$429.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The SR300EBL is the only left-handed bass in the guide. It is a 4-string bass from the Standard SR series, with a weathered black finish. Left-handed bassists have few dedicated options, and this one mirrors the popular SR300E specifications.

Pros

• Left-handed configuration stated
• Bass type with 4 strings
• Standard SR series model

Cons

• No details on pickups, preamp, or neck wood are stated by the seller
• No gig bag or accessories included

Good fit if

• Left-handed bassists looking for a reliable 4-string
• Players who want the SR series ergonomics

Skip if

• You are right-handed
• You need a 5-string or 6-string bass

Verdict: A rare and welcome left-handed bass option with the trusted SR series name behind it.

9 Best acoustic pack

Ibanez IJV50 JamPack Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Pack

Type

Acoustic

Kit or bundle

Yes

$159.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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This is the only acoustic guitar pack in our selection. It bundles a dreadnought acoustic guitar with a gig bag, tuner, strings, and a pouch, as stated in the product name. For a beginner, having everything you need to get started in one box is a practical advantage.

Pros

• Acoustic guitar type with dreadnought body shape (per name)
• Bundle includes gig bag, tuner, strings, and pouch
• Open pore natural finish shown in the name

Cons

• No specifications for wood, scale length, or bracing are stated by the seller
• The pack may not include an amplifier (not specified)

Good fit if

• New acoustic players who want a complete starter package
• Parents buying a first guitar for a child or teen

Skip if

• You already have accessories like a tuner and gig bag
• You want an acoustic-electric guitar

Verdict: A convenient all-in-one pack for acoustic beginners, with the essentials included.

10 Best compact acoustic-electric

Ibanez PC54CE Acoustic-electric Guitar

Type

Acoustic-electric

$199.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The PC54CE is an acoustic-electric guitar in a natural finish. Its name suggests a cutaway body (CE stands for cutaway electric), which is a common feature for easier access to upper frets. As the second acoustic-electric in the guide, it offers a different shape from the 12-string and nylon models.

Pros

• Acoustic-electric type
• Natural finish
• Cutaway design likely in the name (CE)

Cons

• No specifications for electronics, body size, or wood are stated by the seller
• Right-handed only

Good fit if

• Players who want a cutaway acoustic for lead lines
• Those who need a guitar that can be amplified without a mic

Skip if

• You want a small travel guitar (size not stated)
• You need a left-handed version

Verdict: A practical acoustic-electric with a cutaway, suited for players who value upper-fret access.

11 Best premium semi-hollow

Ibanez ASH300 Artstar Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Type

Electric

$1,799.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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The ASH300 is the most expensive and feature-forward semi-hollow in the guide, coming from the Artstar series. The product name mentions a tobacco brown finish and ebony fingerboard, which are notable for a guitar at this level. It offers a different flavor from the Artcore AS73FM, with a richer set of appointments (though we only confirm the fingerboard material from the name).

Pros

• Semi-hollow electric type
• Ebony fingerboard as stated in the product name
• Tobacco brown finish
• From the premium Artstar series

Cons

• No specifications for pickups, woods, or wiring are stated by the seller
• Right-handed only

Good fit if

• Experienced players who want a high-end semi-hollow with a premium finish
• Jazz and blues players who appreciate fine materials

Skip if

• You are on a tight budget (this is a higher-tier model)
• You prefer a more affordable semi-hollow like the AS73FM

Verdict: A refined semi-hollow electric that offers a step up in materials and finish for those who want it.

12 Best classical guitar

Ibanez 6-String Classical Guitar

Type

Classical or nylon

Strings

6

$299.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)

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This is the only dedicated classical guitar in the guide, with a 6-string nylon setup (the type is listed as 'Classical or nylon'). It has a natural finish and a full classical body that provides the warm, rich tone associated with nylon strings, as noted in the source from Martin Guitar's body-type guide.

Pros

• 6-string configuration stated
• Classical or nylon type
• Natural finish

Cons

• No specifications for wood, scale length, or nut width are stated by the seller
• No electronics (not an acoustic-electric)

Good fit if

• Classical and flamenco players
• Fingerstyle musicians who prefer nylon strings

Skip if

• You need an acoustic guitar with steel strings
• You want to amplify without a microphone

Verdict: A straightforward classical guitar that stays true to the traditional nylon-string design.

Specs compared

How we chose these

We selected these 12 guitars from a pool of 121 Ibanez listings. Our shortlist prioritizes established models, avoids near-duplicate colors, and covers a range of body types: solid-body electrics, semihollow and hollow-body electrics, basses, acoustic-electrics, a nylon-string, and a classical guitar. We rely on the specifications given in each product listing, and where specs are missing we say so. Prices shown with the products are live from the store at the time this page loaded; we have not tested or handled any of these instruments.

What to look for

Body type: solid-body, semi-hollow, hollow, or acoustic

The biggest difference between Ibanez guitars in this guide is the body construction. Solid-body electrics (like the GRX70QA) use a solid piece of wood and are the most common for rock and metal; they resist feedback at high volume. Semi-hollow models (the Artcore AS73FM and Artstar ASH300) have a hollow side block that adds acoustic resonance, which many players prefer for jazz, blues, and classic rock. Hollow-body models (not in this guide) are fully hollow and are most often used for jazz. Acoustic guitars (the IJV50 pack and PC54CE) project sound without an amplifier, though acoustic-electrics like the PC54CE add a pickup. Classical guitars use nylon strings and have a wider neck, which some players find comfortable for fingerstyle.

Number of strings: 4, 6, or 12

Most of the picks are 6-string guitars, but the guide includes a 4-string bass, a 5-string bass, a 12-string acoustic-electric, and a 6-string classical. The number of strings affects both the sound and the playing difficulty. A 12-string guitar doubles the courses (two strings per note) for a fuller, chorused sound but requires more finger strength and heavier bracing. Basses typically have 4, 5, or 6 strings; a 5-string bass adds a low B string for extra range. Classical guitars are usually 6-string with nylon strings, which are softer on the fingers than steel strings.

Left-handed options

If you are left-handed and do not want to flip a right-handed guitar, look for a model specifically designated left-handed. This guide includes the GRX70QAL left-handed electric and the SR300EBL left-handed bass. Both are built with the nut, bridge, and pickup layout mirrored for left-hand play. Most of the other picks are right-handed only, so left-handed players should check the specifications carefully.

Electronics and amplification

Acoustic-electric guitars like the GA5FMTCE, AEG5012, and PC54CE have a built-in pickup and preamp, allowing you to plug into an amplifier or PA system. This is essential for performing live or recording directly. For electric guitars, the type of pickups (single-coil, humbucker, etc.) affects the tone, but the listings do not always specify that detail. If you need a guitar with versatile tone controls, look for one that clearly states its pickup configuration. None of the picks in this guide list pickup details, so you may want to check the Ibanez website for the full specifications.

Bundles and accessories

Some Ibanez packages include more than just the guitar. The IJV50 JamPack comes with a gig bag, tuner, strings, and a pouch, making it a convenient option for beginners. Other picks may be sold in bundles with straps, cables, or even an amplifier; the listings will indicate these extras. If you already have accessories, you can save money by buying just the guitar, but for a first instrument, a bundle can be a practical way to get everything you need at once.

Finish and aesthetics

Ibanez offers a wide range of finishes, from the natural wood grain of the PC54CE and the classical guitar to bold transparent bursts like the red on the GRX70QA and the blue on the left-handed GRX70QAL. The finish does not change the tone, but it can influence how the guitar feels under your arm and how it looks on stage. Some finishes, like the open pore natural on the IJV50, allow the wood to breathe and feel more organic, while others are high gloss for a shiny appearance.

Questions

Are Ibanez guitars good for beginners?

Yes, Ibanez makes many entry-level models in the GIO series, such as the GRX70QA electric and the GSR200 bass. These guitars are designed to be affordable and easy to play, with simpler electronics and a comfortable neck profile. The IJV50 acoustic pack is also an excellent choice for a first acoustic, as it includes the essential accessories. However, the specifications in our guide only confirm the type and string count; for playability details, check the Ibanez product pages.

What is the difference between Artcore and Artstar?

Artcore is Ibanez's budget-friendly line of semi-hollow and hollow-body guitars, such as the AS73FM, which offers a good balance of price and quality. Artstar is a step up in the lineup, with higher-quality wood, better pickups, and more sophisticated finishes, as seen in the ASH300. In our guide, the ASH300 has an ebony fingerboard, while the AS73FM does not specify its fingerboard material, so the Artstar is the more premium choice in terms of materials.

How do I tune a 12-string guitar?

A 12-string guitar has six courses of two strings each. The higher string in each course is tuned an octave higher for the lowest four courses, and in unison for the two highest courses. This creates a rich, shimmering sound. The AEG5012 in this guide is a 12-string acoustic-electric, and you will need to tune each string individually. If you are new to 12-string, it may be worth consulting a guitar teacher or a tuning guide to get the octave relationships correct.

Can a left-handed player use a right-handed guitar?

Technically you can flip a right-handed guitar and play it upside down, but the nut, bridge, and pickups are designed for right-handed playing, so the string order is reversed. This can make chords harder to play and affects the tone balance. It is much better to choose a dedicated left-handed model like the GRX70QAL or SR300EBL from our guide, which are built correctly for left-hand use.

Do I need an amplifier for an acoustic-electric guitar?

An acoustic-electric guitar can be played without amplification just like a regular acoustic guitar, because the body still projects sound. The electric components only become active when you plug the guitar into an amplifier, PA system, or audio interface. So if you want to practice silently or play with others, you can leave it unplugged. When you need to be heard in a large venue, the pickup lets you connect directly.

What is the difference between a classical guitar and a steel-string acoustic?

Classical guitars use nylon strings, which have a softer, warmer tone and are easier on the fingertips. They typically have a wider neck and a lighter bracing. Steel-string acoustics, like the dreadnought in the IJV50 pack, use steel strings that produce a brighter, louder sound with more punch. The width of the neck is also different: classical necks are usually wider, which can be more comfortable for fingerstyle but less for chord shapes. Your choice depends on the style you want to play.

Update history

• 2026-10-07: First published.

Sources

• Ibanez FAQ and History
• Martin Guitar Acoustic Guitar Types
• Martin Guitar Wood Guide