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“Whether this is the first instrument you buy, or that dream guitar you’ve saved years for, the expectation from Ibanez has always been to over-deliver”: How Ibanez is continuing to cement its legacy as the alternative acoustic guitar brand
Ibanez's legacy is inextricably linked to acoustic guitars. Indeed, in 1935, the Hoshino Gakki company decided to start producing Spanish-style acoustic guitars, with the brand name, initially “Ibanez Salvador,” chosen in honor of Spanish luthier Salvador Ibáñez.
Fast-forward to 2025, and Ibanez still prides itself on being an innovator in the acoustic space. Front and center is the company’s ethos of embracing and even pioneering avant-garde designs and specs for those guitarists who are not afraid to push the boundaries.
Take its lineup of nylon-string cutaway acoustic-electric guitars, such as the FRH10N, for example – it’s a smart hybrid acoustic that's undisputedly inspired by Tim Henson's signature model, not to mention the AEG721, a seven-string electro-acoustic at an affordable price range, and the Talman/TCY621, the multi-scale hybrid acoustic.
As Ibanez representative Adam Ironside perfectly sums up the brand’s spirit of innovation, “We are always looking at what we can do differently, or what we can do better – whether that is brand-new body shapes or design features.”
What does Ibanez mean when positioning itself as “the alternative acoustic guitar”?
“Want an all-black, seven-string acoustic guitar? The AEG721 is for you. Want an acoustic that looks and feels like an electric? The Altstar range has you covered. Or maybe a Denim Blue Talman-shaped acoustic? Then check out the TCM50FM. And of course, the incredibly popular electro-nylon guitars: the FRH10N and Tim Henson signature TOD10N.
“It isn’t just about alternative aesthetics, though. The acoustic guitar world has an incredibly rich heritage, and while regularly looking to challenge it, we’ve always held a deep respect for tradition, and we honor that tradition in many of our other designs. Our V Series guitars provide a whole host of classic looks and tones at seriously affordable prices, while our Advanced Acoustic series offers a reimagining of those same historical designs.”
Ibanez has guitars for “every player, at every price point.” How do you ensure consistency of quality across entry-level, mid-range, and premium acoustics?
“Our expectations are high. Our manufacturing standards are high. Whether this is the first instrument you buy, or that dream guitar you’ve saved years for, the expectation from Ibanez has always been to over-deliver.
“We have an incredibly rigorous QC. In the UK alone, we have a team of expert luthiers and technicians; every single guitar that leaves our warehouse is put through the exact same QC and setup process to ensure that your new instrument is the best it possibly can be.”
What role does price accessibility play in Ibanez’s mission to be perceived as the go-to alternative acoustic guitar brand?
“It’s a vital consideration. Every now and again, our R&D team comes up with a no-expense-spared, limited run of guitars that really push our expert craftsmen to their absolute limits.
“Most of the time, however, we are incredibly conscious of making our guitars as financially accessible as possible. It’s so important to us that musicians and aspiring players all around the world see our instruments as attainable. And, to repeat an earlier line, it’s all about over-delivering on quality, at every price point.”
Looking at the future of acoustic guitar design, does Ibanez see the market shifting toward more hybrids and unconventional builds, or is tradition still dominant?
“It’s probably a 50/50 split. In every generation of guitarists, there are those who want to honor tradition, who are entrenched in the rich history of acoustic guitar, and then there are those of a more rebellious spirit who want to redefine what the guitar is and what it is capable of. At Ibanez, we’ll always cater to both, and everyone in between.”
- Find out more at Ibanez.
