This $300 Brand Name Guitar Could Change Things

#knowyourgear #sharpenmyaxe #mcknightrepair
Ibanez GIO GRG121SP Electric Guitar - Blue Metal Chameleon
sweetwater.sjv...
Video where I sold My pedals to buy this
• Selling My Gear On Swe...
Intonation video
• How To Intonate Your G...
Train method video
• How To Do A Fast And G...
Tools used in this video
Radius Gauge with slots
stewmac.sjv.io...
Fret Rocker
stewmac.sjv.io...
Precision Notched Straightedge
stewmac.sjv.io...
The Music Nomad gauge I use
sweetwater.sjv...
Digital Caliper
stewmac.sjv.io...
Digital Multimeter
stewmac.sjv.io...
Nyon test Socks
amzn.to/3Te2jPy
What tuner do I use?
sweetwater.sjv...
My Favorite set up tools
stewmac.sjv.io...
Gear in this video
Amp used in this video
sweetwater.sjv...
Mic used in this video
sweetwater.sjv...
Interface
sweetwater.sjv...
The strings I was talking about
sweetwater.sjv...
The picks I use
sweetwater.sjv...
My Store on Reverb
reverb.grsm.io...
My suggestion for set up tools
stewmac.sjv.io...
Join me on Instagram for cool giveaways and more guitar content
/ phillip_mcknight
Join Know Your Gear Facebook for other videos and posts
/ knowyourgear
Want to have your product on an episode ? Contact us here
[e-mail]
iTunes: smarturl.it/KY...
Spotify: smarturl.it/KY...
KZbin: smarturl.it/KY...
iHeart Radio: smarturl.it/KY...
By clicking some of the links above you are supporting the channel with the purchases you make. Thank you

[@jeffreydooley3745]

I do like Ibanez. They put out a good looking guitar with some very cool custom looking finishes, something I do not see other name brands doing too much. The fact that Ibanez is now putting more higher quality features on this lower priced guitar is also very cool. I hope the industry does take notice and make changes. Some guitars are just far too expensive.

[@martyshwaartz971]

No matter the price point, buying Ibanez is consistently one of the best values for money.

[@rickrichards2829]

I also think you would stand a chance at getting a good price if you sold it because of Ibanez's reputation but you will generally take a bit of a hit selling something like a higher end Harley Benton etc which never achieve a great deal on the second hand market

[@liteheavy]

Indeed

[@beefnacos6258]

Ibanez needs to take the concepts of their cheaper guitars and implement them on their higher end guitars. Like the grg series how it has the red shark inlays they should do that on their higher-end models as well.

[@Melpheos1er]

Not to mention that Ibanez has the best neck there is (for people who likes thin neck)

[@benfowler2127]

For anyone that is curious and doesn’t want to do the research… Jatoba is also known as Brazilian Cherry. It is a very dense wood. You will find it being used for stair treads and cabinetry in some homes. I’m shocked it’s on such an affordable instrument.

[@doogledog1740]

I have a Jatoba fretboard on an Ibanez Talman bass. They've been using it for a fair time, at least on lower to mid-priced guitars and basses. it's a decent wood and can look good.

[@rexrathtar3893]

I have a mid-range Ibanez with a jatoba fretboard. It's a lot lighter in colour than the fretboard on Phil's guitar here though. Not really a fan of the look of it myself. The guitar I have has a beautiful maple neck and I'd have just preferred maple for the fingerboard as well.

[@xenogear88]

Pau Ferro and Jatoba are very good woods. Everyone wants a rosewood fretboard because Fender and Gibson used this wood back in the day.

[@pedromartinazzo5036]

@@xenogear88 Local Brazilian luthiers have been using these woods for more than 50 years, it doesn't get much better than south american hardwoods. I find it funny that everyone is trying to get Pau Ferro fretboards now that Fender and some other brands are using it.

[@-drakrats-]

@@rexrathtar3893 why didn't you buy a guitar with a maple fretboard then?

[@matthewmorin7016]

The guitar cost less than what Kiesel charges for that flip/flop paint job.

[@BunkMasterFlex77]

I call it the flim/flam paint job.

[@MrPhotonjockey]

I bought a $300 Chinese ax from Amazon with the same paint, SS Frets, compound radius roasted maple neck, bone nut, Mahogany body and locking tuners. This is the new price point for a quality overseas guitar.

[@NoJobRob]

@@MrPhotonjockey what was the guitar?

[@MrPhotonjockey]

@@NoJobRob Musi Virgo Fusion. They have Increased the price to $359 now. I think they are a little nuts to ask that much, because you can get an EART T-Style for $400. I believe the EART has better pickups.

[@houseatlantic8973]

I’m pretty sure they even charge more purely for a roasted maple neck as well

[@Potatobrains_]

I've been guitar shopping lately online and the one thing I've noticed is Ibanez has become the champion of just gorgeous guitars for the low-budget guitarist.

[@mikeg6666]

They really do make some great guitar's at affordable prices , even these GIO models are well built and sound great. Great modding platforms also , if you're into that!

[@louism8217]

I've owned (and still own a SZ320), a number of Ibanez guitars, they are easily on par with much more expensive guitars.

[@mikeg6666]

@@louism8217 Absolutely and I'll even throw Schecter in there. They make great affordable guitars also , both these are my favorite!

[@mikeg6666]

@@louism8217 The S521 is the next one on my list , I've got an RG421 and the AZES31 right now...

[@beefnacos6258]

@@mikeg6666 unfortunately the Gio models don't have the full RG size body. They're simply just not worth upgrading because they're like toy guitars.

[@thomasmims7850]

I work at Guitar Center and I almost impulsively bought this guitar (with my discount it would have been an actual steal) and while I don't regret it I am SO impressed with it. The only thing I'd like for it is to not say GIO on the headstock xD We guitar players are a shallow bunch aren't we? Ibanez has lowkey forced their way into my favorite guitar brands along with Schecter. They just can't be denied.

[@Creed_fan_69]

Dude I feel you so hard on it saying “Gio” on the headstock. I don’t like it either and I know I have no GOOD reason for not liking it haha

[@zakkmylde1712]

I was just talking to my girlfriend last night about how Schecter built guitars have become my go to. I have an LTD EC 1000, Wylde Audio Barbarian and a Schecter Diamond Series Solo ii. Out of 17 other instruments they are the ones that receive regular attention and all 3 get played whenever I sit to play. After about two decades of playing I found my brand. The Solo ii is basically a Gibson LP Custom except it came with things that make sense like locking tuners and SS frets. Oh and it's less than a quarter of the price. Got it for an absolute steal on top of everything because a wife was selling her husband's midlife crisis that he decided to not follow through on, literally how she worded it in the ad lmao.

[@carlosalmendralenam9049]

scratch it with a pick in "GIO", so I took it out of mine without damaging the paint

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Lmao I cant dwny I hate the go logo to buy that being said I dont mind the squire logo lol ha ha such eye popping candy pirates aren't we.

[@jomesias]

Ever played a Jackson though? doesnt get more metal than a Jackson Randy Rhoads

[@Gene_Cali]

Thank you for saying to use my ears to adjust pup height. I was never happy with factory settings on a few of my guitars. One step closer to knowing my gear.🎸🔥

[@MidwestOntarioHeadwaters]

After setting up the intonation and string height, I'll strum a G chord through an overdrive pedal, and lower the pups until you can hear the individual notes in the chord.

[@danthegeetarman]

I have to say sounds like Ibanez is going back to what they were doing back when I got my first one. My $299 RG320DX was a magnificent starter guitar, but after that the starter guitars seemed to go downhill for many years after that, so glad to see them come full circle for another generation to have the opportunity for good quality affordable starter guitars 👍

[@davidmckean955]

Replace the input jacks and give the frets a polish you have something stage ready. I played one locally the other day, it's much more than a starter guitar.

[@MrSJPowell]

Also worth noting that several years ago, Pacifica was what forced Squier to step up their game. It's good to see Yamaha pushing here, and I hope this trend spreads to other guitar companies.

[@nayr87]

Yamaha?

[@briangeorgebowes]

I have an RGX 621 from 1996 (got it for for my birthday) and it is still one of the best guitars I've ever owned.

[@chris_2714]

Where was Yamaha mentioned? Do they own Ibanez?

[@walkdontrunplz]

@@voornaam3191 who hurt you

[@Jimboishere11]

@@voornaam3191 What's the point if you need to replace 3/4 of the guitar? 🤣

[@zaz4667]

8:04 That will become a classic quote from Phil! "Ibanez please stop!" I found it hysterical!

[@Chris_Nouvelli]

No matter what brand of guitar I’m currently playing, I’ll always come back to being ‘an Ibanez guy’. I just love the brand. It was the first manufacturer I ever truly loved when I started playing. Growing up, my band mate bought a Prestige RG570 and it looked very similar to this, aside from the addition of an Edge Pro trem. For me, I can just trust that I’m going to pick up any Ibanez and it’ll be great for me.

[@bartonamon]

Love the addition of the fret measurement Phil. Another amazing video, thank you.

[@MiguelMakesMusic]

same! recently started paying attention to that and I feel like it's one of the most important things nobody talks about. way more important than measuring pickup resistance IMO.

[@komraderymcdermott5903]

I own this as well, this thing is absolutely incredible, I’ve never had such a good playing guitar for the money by an name brand

[@komraderymcdermott5903]

@@MikJames sounds like someone who hasn't gotten past the '59 mentality lol

[@jbowen24]

Bought this model for my daughter as a starter and was very impressed with its quality at the price point. Plays fantastic too!

[@Ron_Masterjohn]

So this is ok for a totally new beginner as in my grand daughter who is 10?

[@jbowen24]

@@Ron_Masterjohn yes it would be a perfect starter guitar

[@michael1]

@@Ron_Masterjohn I'd suggest you can easily do 2 things (a) Find a cheaper guitar that plays just as well or (b) Find a guitar that's better value for money albeit possibly a little more expensive. The point here is, phil was talking nonsense when he said the finish is like a $3000 guitar. Shiny paint is meaningless - it's precisely done because many beginners and their parents or grandparents have little idea what to look for so they go on appearance. We all did this at some point - I went to the guitar shop in the 80s and bought a guitar that was shiny and red and looked great. It wasn't great. You'll be luckier today because the vast majority of guitars play reasonably well. You do have to avoid some junk on places like Amazon and whatever, but if you go to a local music shop or find a good retailer online and look what they have in the beginner stuff you'll find playable guitars that are cheap. Save what you don't spend on this towards her next guitar - which is likely to cost more. If you don't play, her guitar teacher may well be willing to help you select an instrument or give advice. The only thing I'd put in this instruments favour is Ibanez guitars with 'wizard' necks, the neck is thinner than typical guitars - the idea is to let people play lots of fast notes, but it's actually a feature for people with smaller hands and the set of people with smaller hands includes kids and women (although there are exceptions) so she may well find the neck suits her. For similar reasons the guitar size and weight - because these are things that can make a guitar feel cumbersome for younger people. Note too, if she has lessons at school quite often the guitars get stored somewhere during the day. My son had to leave his guitar in a stock cupboard and the kids wouldn't be careful grabbing their own guitars so, even with a gigbag the guitar started to get a lot of dings and so on. Another reason really not to worry about a shiny finish. I wouldn't say don't get this guitar but I don't think this review was good - he seemed too phased by the shiny paint to be objective. If you get the guitar and the frets are unlevel then you'll need someone to level the frets. Really you want a retailer who will do this for you. Otherwise you're going to pay twice. Phil doesn't think about this. Or perhaps he thinks it's a way of him making money, the manufacturer's QC is poor, the retailer just ships the box - so now the purchaser has to find someone like him to pay to get the guitar into a playable state. I mean, for a more expensive guitar it might be worth paying for plek or a setup, but imo a cheap guitar either plays well or it's junk because at the cost of paying someone to try and fix a cheap guitar you could have gotten a better one.

[@Rusty-METAL-J]

Ibanez is just 1 example of the dedication and passion that the people of Japan have for anything that they do. We have some wonderful Allies and Friends in the Japanese. Another thing about Ibanez, that's all The Satch Man(Joe), and also Steve Vai. Ibanez has painting beautiful canvases all over the worlds of METAL and Rock Music, for 4 Decades and maybe some change. I just bought my 1st Ibanez. I got an RG-7 that was built in 2013. She sounds Increditastic.

[@chrischristofis8501]

Japanese allies, really🤷‍♂️

[@imposantermrbubblebutt8197]

@@chrischristofis8501 hold my atomic bomb!

[@BK-lx5mo]

I bought an RGA Gio (GRGA) with an Edge iii on a whim. It punches WAY above its weight class. I swapped all the Edge iii bolts with SS, swapped the pickups with an old set of V8/V7 I had handy. It stays in tune really well and sounds great (I added coil splits as well). I love having a mahogany guitar with a Floyd (Think Kirk Hammett Kill ‘em All solo sound.) The neck, like the one here, is a generous C shape which is refreshing for Ibanez.

[@thomasd9237]

Why not just buy a real guitar to begin with ?

[@Fiveash-Art]

@@thomasd9237 Maybe because he's having fun modifying a cheaper guitar? 🤷‍♂

[@judosailor610]

I’ve honestly never played a high end Ibanez. But I’ve owned and played several low end/entry level ibanez’s including both acoustic and electric and they’ve all been great!

[@bobwallace9814]

I can see what Ibanez is doing here. They are doing what some other companies (especially car mfgs.) do and that is their own "Ibanez for Life" marketing. Start them on a GIO and continue to upsell and upgrade on Ibanez guitars as the buyer progresses in life and guitar skills.

[@Anikanstern]

I have played a couple of these at a guitar store. For some reason the action was set super high so I wasn’t blown away.

[@mynamesdalton7186]

Owned this guitar for a few months now, I first saw it at a guitar shop and sadly let it slip away. With that heart breaking news, I went straight to Sweetwater and ordered one. For a composer, even beyond entry level, this thing feels like butter. Especially if you’re into bands like polyphia, or even classical compositions, the neck on this things does the job wonderfully. It really feels geared towards those Neural DSP/ plugin amps with an audio interface. It’s less of a beginner guitarists guitar, more of a beginner producer’s guitar. Sick find.

[@TurfShifter]

That finish is superb regardless of the price. Might have a look to see if we have that in the UK.

[@phillippitts6294]

They really pop in person. 🤘🏻🖖🏻

[@robbiexbaker]

guitarguitar sell it for £280!!

[@TurfShifter]

@@robbiexbaker that is spooky I was looking at it on their site when your comment flagged up.... Omen? Purchase?

[@ianjamieson3985]

Guitarguitar say that it's a 'Spot' series (whatever that is) limited edition which is only available from them! But I found it on quite a few other sites including Thomann who price it at £247 but currently out of stock! They do however have a B stock at £231 and their B stock from all reports is indiscernible from new. It is however also listed on Ibanez's UK website with no mention of being a special edition.

[@clintwilson6380]

Dude, you played any Gordon Smith guitars?

[@GregPentecost]

Been really impressed with Ibanez lately. Not a brand I've used much in the past, but added the AMH90, AG85 and Gio Mikro Bass to the collection in the past few months and completely impressed with all of them.

[@Grindermetalhead]

This might sound like a dumb suggestion, but when you do the fret ends test, you can just flip the same sock around instead of using two socks, one for the bass and one for the treble side. That will produce less waste and it will also save you a couple of bucks in the long run.

[@FormaAlert]

0:50 this whole section about woods got me unreasonably excited, felt so good hearing someone as experienced as you talk about how little wood matters outside of pricing/sourcing matters

[@donniejean]

Gave you a woody?😂

[@_Peremalfait]

When I was young, if you wanted a decent guitar it was going to cost you a lot of money. How great is it that beginning guitarists can afford a good guitar that they can learn on and also use professionally after they've learned.

[@michaelgrahamwongacutemadness]

I bought mine from Guitar Center instead; I didn’t think for a $300 guitar nowadays that there were many imperfections as Ibanez quality went up in very recent times without raising prices dramatically except the 50th Anniversary ones started really expensive, but this was still sold to me as a scratch n’ dent for two frets on one side sticking out a little bit and the fact that the pickups don’t really move though you can see in photos how tight it is compared to other guitars with direct-mounts. I thought they were basically high-output passives when stuck like that and I have the adjustable screws set even higher yet not so close that the string loses sustain which of course is less likely with an active pickup being under-wound in that case, but I really like how the poles aren’t actually the magnets themselves like on a lot of alnico pickups with fixed poles which I could care less for since their magnetism doesn’t hold as well yet generally cost more and there’s a drop of gain when doing string bends; I think the slotted screws despite being harder to turn resemble staple pickups and the two-poles per string like on many bass guitars but also like flat pickups which one side is therefore they’re versatile in design when you really think about it sounding way better than stock pickups at that level.

[@marcherwig8060]

I would also say for "Name Brands", Squier has also been moving in the same direction with their contemporary series. Upgraded hardware, electronics, roasted maple necks, contoured heel, ect. It's great to see another brand like Ibanez also get the hint for what the common player is looking for.

[@joecoach7268]

I played a $599 Squire 40th Anniv Tele today in a music store and it was as good as any Fender I have ever owned. It was a dark mahogany wood (I think) with roasted maple neck and black binding - it was a really nice guitar.

[@danielx5039]

@@joecoach7268 I ordered myself that tele in green ... can't wait to arrive

[@araybeezy1653]

this is almost the exact same guitar as a 20 year old ibanez RG321 except with roasted maple instead of regular maple.

[@DarthCiliatus]

They've upped their game even with the affinities. I got a 2022 affinity tele a few months ago and it played and sounded as good as a classic vibe.

[@_Yep_Yep_]

Squire and this guitar come out of literally the same factory as production contract guitars, so your observation is on point.

[@terrorbirds9835]

Gio has been a killer option for years. I don’t know why they don’t get more love. I got a Gio DC style, did a few upgrades, and that’s my main guitar. I leave my Gibson at home and don’t worry about it.

[@Rocktalk101]

I bought one of the Gio series guitars years ago and they are great guitars for the price and I feel that they are better then even some more expensive guitars. I just past mine on to a good friend of mines son who is starting to play guitar and he loves it! Again in my opinion they are great guitars!.

[@cizmar1972]

Ibanez never disappoints, even with their budget lines.

[@TheDp1965]

Great review. My son just bought an Ibanez SR400egm bass, being old school and owning a Fender 1971 P bass and a older musicman RAY34 I would never of thought looking at an Ibanez. I got to tell you his bass is a Very Very nice Guitar in that $400.00 to $500.00 dollar price range. Cheers.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

My first guitar was a Kay. It was handed down by my brother and the strings were about 3/8 inch above the neck. There was no adjustable truss rod and I was ready to give up the guitar. My first good guitar was an Ibanez, a shameless copy of a 1959 sunburst Les Paul, and it sounded and played great. I still am a huge Ibanez fan to this day.

[@bloosman1]

Recently bought an Orangewood Berkley acoustic guitar. I've owned a Taylor that was at the same price point in the early 2000's. The Oragewood is superior in so many ways, from the L.R Baggs pickup/internal mic to the setup, to the all solid construction. Things are changing!

[@Artcore103]

sweet. I have the Mason Live and it's quite nice. but I can't run ultra light strings on it, some of the frets choke out. with lights there's zero issue. i tried adjusting the truss rod some and it didn't really help, but i haven't tried to do a thorough setup or really test/push the truss rod adjustment much. really I should be using lights anyways, it's just that I don't play much and I primarily play electric so my hand muscles for playing acoustic are just weak so I wanted to try and make it easier lol. also, i really like the cutaway look and got it for that, but I do wish it had some more low end/volume, not that it doesn't sound amazing, it does, but just as a preference thing I think I'd go a bigger body without a cutaway like a dreadnaught style or something next time. i tell myself it's for fret access too but when am i ever shredding the top of the fretboard on my acoustic in reality? yeah... basically never. lol.

[@edwardrichard5665]

What a fine instrument .😮

[@kevinmorris7722]

Even the big guys back when knew to make student guitars that played well. Seems for the last few decades students have just been stuck with cheap. CNC made it better but Ibanez is a brand that a student or experienced player will be proud to have. Glad to see it. Feeling proud when you play is important. Very important.

[@Aleriion]

I own a white Ibanez GIO RG (manufactured April 2016 in China) and it really is a great starter guitar. I don't have any plans to replace it. It did and still does everything I want a 6-string to do. One point of failure however, was the input jack, which went out in November/December of 2021. I replaced with a Pure Tone 4-point input jack (only cost $5, great and easy upgrade on probably any guitar) and it was a pretty simple install since the input jack "hole" was normal and not plastic like this. If anyone buys this model with the plastic input jack, expect that you will likely need it replaced and that, like shown in the video, the hole is too small for a normal input jack. I was really disappointed to see that they messed around with the input jack in such a way that would make it hard to fix if need be, but maybe this will increase the durability of the stock input? I'm not sure. Please keep this in mind if you are purchasing or looking to purchase. My Ibanez has the same sound qualities as the one that was demoed in this video. Again, other than the potential for the input jack to go awry and be difficult to fix in these newer models, this guitar will probably do everything you want. - good looks (subjective) - sounds good when recording - warm stock neck pickups for twinkly cleans - hot and aggressive stock bridge pickups (trust me these can go way harder than they did in this demo with the right pedals and amp settings) - stock tuners do a good enough job as well, and can handle thicker gauge strings and keep them in tune at least all the way down to drop C/B (if you wanna go lower, consider a 7-string or 8-string) I think this guitar was one of the best, if not THE absolute best purchase of my life (I bought used btw), and I don't plan to ever get rid of mine. At the end of the day, even still with the input jack nonsense, I would co-sign this purchase for a beginner

[@draleigh8881]

this is the one ive been waiting for somone to mod! some locking tuners and new pick ups this thing is sweeet!!

[@ianjamieson3985]

Great review Phil, you're the most on point as always! I think you're spot on in that it's Ibanez fighting back against the all-budget brands who are stepping their game (and with it their market share) up. On the jack socket: Ibanez say it's been improved for durability. It shouldn't be long before there are aftermarket copies!

[@MartRockCafe]

Thats a really nice guitar, love the paint job, cheers Phil 👍🤘

[@DOESlab]

The output jack is brilliant, cause when it's often accidentally pulled out it wont break easily, or got twisted cause it's one whole unit, better reliability and durability. I'm suprised you don't see the benefit. I would get the walnut flat finish cause it has this hand built vibe about it

[@thomashalley7258]

Just bought my nephew a Gretsch he pointed out and it is slightly more than 300 but is punching way above its weight. Plus the neck felt so good.

[@allendean9807]

In 1999, my wife got me a Gio- kind of my reintroduction to guitar, after not playing for a few years. I played the hell out of that guitar, until i got my first Schecter, in 2009. To this day, that guitar still played great! I did change out the pickups to a Alnico 2/ Jazz, and decked the trem for more tuning stability.

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Last week I got an SA GIO for my brother, 90€ used, really impressed with the quality.

[@davelock3166]

Totally agree. Hope Squire does the same. Their Bass fit and finish at the moment from Indonesia is a lottery at the moment.

[@nesticle]

I saw this in store a few months ago and the color is amazing. It's hard NOT to notice it on the wall. The neck felt great too for the price.

[@aigomezguitar1362]

I had the exact same thoughts when I first saw this model introduced in their instagram story unveiling. It's crazy to think about how years back in the mid 2000's finding any features like these on a 300$ guitar was wildin.

[@davidmaynard398]

Thanks Phil! I bought this guitar after viewing your channel! You where 100% correct! I love it very light and sounds great I put some locking tuners on it! Thanks Again! Love your channel!

[@Fiveash-Art]

What kind of tuners did you put on it? I've been looking at that and I thought I'd go for some of the cheaper Grovers. I don't know though. I don't really wanna spend over a 100 bucks for tuners on a 300 dollar guitar.

[@arndlorenz6630]

I have that same model and I love it ! Even though it is awesome right out of the box, I swapped the pickups to a set of Lace D3 sabertooth, put on abalone like inlay stickers in a tree of life pattern and knobs with abalone tops. It’s a killer now🤘

[@LTD-7]

*I've got that Ibanez with a solid walnut body and it's a magnificent guitar that play's beautifully..*

[@Arbolist]

First electric was a '08 Gio Ibanez RG. My favorite guitar. Upgraded pickups and tuners and leveled the frets, now it's a metal machine.

[@TimO-wt9sz]

Phil please do a sharpen on this go I'm super pumped to see it common buddy you can do it with spare parts around the shop.. curious to see thanks Phil another great video

[@davva360]

I bought one of these as. a result of this video. My first Ibanez. I am extremely impressed especially for the price point. The guitar was set up great out of the box. The only thing I have done is added Hipshot locking tuners and thats just because I hate doing string changes without lockers. The original tuners were ok but not great. Sounds good, plays very good.

[@grene1955]

I think that's the nicest clean tones I've ever heard from an Ibanez... very impressive!

[@DashRiprock513]

Hey Phil, thank you for pushing back on the guitar snobs.

[@mikerauter1859]

Hoping the high (2.25mm) action Phil measured isn't factory set to disguise uneven fretwork, if you lowered it to 1.5, 1.2, 1.0mm perhaps what a lot of players prefer, you would probably have to fret level, which if done professionally kills the price of a cheap guitar...

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

I have been playing 50 years & 2 of my favorite guitars are a 1972 Ibanez Artist, and a 2015 Ibanez RG450 that I souped up. I also have a 1978 Gibson LP Custom & a 1976 Fender Strat, and several other older guitars. The Ibanez guitars get played as much or more than the others. Great guitars for the money.

[@kgmyatthu3171]

This is the kind of review i want to look at when I’m trying to decide.

[@sandyturner1911]

I just got one of these, used. I normally like the S style, but this one is beautiful. I ordered some StewMac Golden Age pickups for it..Overwound in the Bridge, and a Regular wound Neck. I'm going to put a 3 way switch in it. The neck feels and plays great, so it's totally worth it.

[@Andrew_182]

That’s rad, I’m really glad a big name is starting to take notice and compete with the “new kids” in town like this. This sort of competition is always a benefit for us the consumers. Thanks for bringing attention to it Phil. Also, that paint job looks great. Last year I bought an LTD EC-1000 in their version of that paint called Violet Andromeda. It’s a little more reactive to light shifts and has some copper and green in the mix with the blue and purple, but it was 4x the list price. Don’t get me wrong, it was worth every penny of what I paid (thanks to your advice I got a deal from my sweetwater guy), but its really cool to have that color change option at this super low price point now too.

[@jeffs6114]

I do have one complaint about modern guitars, that is the printing of the CE, UK, CA, etc. (3:24) on the back of the headstock. I understand and appreciate that the manufacturer conforms to various countries manufacturing guidelines, but it really detracts from the “guitar as a work of art.” Maybe it could be printed in a less conspicuous place, perhaps by the rear strap lock? ??? @Phillip McKnight Also if a guitar has those markings does it mean a significant improvement in the working conditions of the factory of origin?

[@frettingitforward]

Owned a Fender Strat my whole adult life, then I got an Ibanez Gio! It changed my life! 😍

[@v.k.7463]

For lower-cost guitars, Ibanez has always been one of my top recommendations.

[@justinfleming7603]

I got a woodgrain gio ,the new one Had to adjust the neck to straighten and I put a new nut on it but works great Just like you said mine needs frets polished real good Love the gio

[@thegaindane]

Just picked up one of these a couple of months ago, and it have quickly become the guitar I grab the most. It has a nice satin finish on the roasted neck, and is very lightweight (3kg.) Well done Ibanez 👍 Now... I don't have any expensive guitars... But I grab this one more than my PRS SE Pauls guitar.

[@SergioGonzalez-gi9kr]

I have a 300 dollar Ibanez archtop that has been fantastic. Fit and finish is good. Really nice neck. It can do everything from jazz to blues to indie rock to country and classic rock. It's great. I also have an Ibanez gio bass that I picked up used for 120 bucks. It's got a built in active boost preamp. Sounds and plays great. Awesome values.

[@jessicagarland4167]

I saw that s guitar at my local guitar shop and immediately fell in love with it. I am thinking of getting into electric guitar, if I do I definitely will be buying this one

[@DudeMcGuybro]

Brand matters. Harley Benton's return policy, and overall customer service were terrible in my experience, and that's the risk you run buying from a small, foreign owned business. I found the people I was talking to didn't speak English well, only German, and my german is very rough. They ended up labeling my guitar as a repair, when it was supposed to be returned as it arrived with a bowed neck, low cut nut, off center nut, wet paint, as well as other things I know I'm forgetting. Any other company, or seller, would have accepted the return, and sent my money back no issue, and covered the price of the shipping for the return, instead I got the run around until my 30 day return window closed, they essentially told me "that sucks, not our problem now" and I had to sell the basically unplayable guitar on Facebook for almost 300 less than what I bought it for... so yeah, never again. I just wasted a lot of time, money, and frustration on HB. I firmly believe if this were an Ibanez thru Sweetwater (a company I genuinely trust for good customer service) I don't think I would have had that issue, and I don't think I would have wasted my money, and if I felt that way, I know Sweetwater would make it right. People say brand doesn't matter because they've never had a reason to deal with customer service, or any kind of post sale problems, either because they haven't bought many guitars, or they're completely oblivious to the problems their instruments have. It's nice to know when you buy something, the people you're buying from will make sure you have a good experience. That's the difference (to me) between Thomann and Sweetwater. Sweetwater cares, Thomann just wants sales.

[@Fiveash-Art]

Maybe that's a reason Sweetwater doesn't carry Harley Benton. It's crazy though how much people rave about their guitars. I'm buying this Ibanez from them, and hoping to get them to set it up with some locking tuners. I've never paid for a set up before and I'm hoping it works out. I know it's like 100 bucks extra to have it set up with proper strings etc .. but I'm still hoping my dude cuts me a deal with tuners installment. If they'll even do that?

[@DudeMcGuybro]

@@Fiveash-Art I'm pretty sure they can do that for you as long as the tuners are a flush match, if that's the difference between making a sale or not it seems like something they can do in the setup process. It's 200ish US dollars, but it seems worth it if you like things a very particular way, or you struggle to set up your guitars (like I do with epilepsy, working with small parts triggers seizures) Sweetwater doesn't carry HB because HB is owned by Thomann, and Thomann is a German brand, so you're not even helping a US brand. Sweetwater > the rest. Too many good experiences with Sweetwater, honestly lol.

[@harlequintwo]

Awesome video - guitar is pretty amazing ... but that output jack is pretty close to a deal-breaker for me.

[@Fiveash-Art]

It's really weird they'd do something like that. I'm just gonna deal with it... If it craps out, I'll just pay to have it fixed with a metal jack.

[@bentravis99]

Wow I didn't even know you could measure most of this stuff on a guitar! Thank you for showing all this!

[@danieljames8179]

About the jack> The jack was designed so during the years of playing it doesn't come lose like most so no maintenance required.

[@bw1955]

I really like the finish and think Ibanez makes great inexpensive guitars. I wish they sold a hard tail RG in Jewel Blue finish. I’d buy it ASAP.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Excellent review & terrific value, except that output jack. If they raise the price $5-$15 to install a decent jack, five-way switch & pots, this rig would be an even bigger winner

[@TwistedIdentity]

So after seeing this I noticed my local shop had one. I had to have it. I own..11 guitars at the moment and this is up there with much more expensive ones in terms of craftsmanship. Plays DAMN good. I played an RGA (HP line so around $800) and other than the medium frets, I preferred how this Gio felt in the hands to that RGA. Now to have fun upgrading it.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I kinda disagree on the output jack. I think more beginner level instruments should have them. The point of this kind of jack is that it can't get loose, which is a very important thing especially if you're just starting out. The issue you showed wouldn't be when we'll see more rederely available jacks like this to buy

[@1RobHunter1]

Our cheap C&C guitars made today around $300 - $200 models are pretty damn good compared to older guitars. You can replace their pickups, pots, capacitor, jack and make it sound a lot better.

[@place_desjardins]

Nice review. I feel that roasting a neck is not necessary, but since Ibanez has invested in the equipment to roast necks, they might as well maximize its use so there is less downtime. Not sure if there's a benefit of roasting non-maple necks, like mahogany or wenge.

[@TimBoulette]

The Ibanez truss rod cover design should be adopted industry-wide. It's brilliant.

[@donovanolguin6549]

The thing that shocks me the most is the rosted maple neck. Its only been on guitars over 900 dollars and now having it on cheaper guitars is a blessing due to roasted necks have more stability and resistance to tempature changes.

[@emeryfry2808]

the main reason for the jack is for teachers. We started it on the AZES. From a teaching standpoint, I spent tons of wasted lesson time putting nuts back on input jacks and not teaching. This was developed with Tomo Fujita of Berklee

[@crankinwithcaison2710]

I bought this thing from he day it went into stores. Cheapest guitar I own but plays better than the expensive ones. Great video!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I watch you a lot, but don't comment a lot, but had to this time.. We live in a time when gear is as good as it gets for the price. While there is some junk out there, I'm 61 and when I started playing even moderately expensive guitars could be junk, and inexpensive guitars were almost not playable unless you took them to a lutheir and spent 3 times the money to get them up to standard. Just to gig I mean.. It was terrible. I'd spend less than 400 on a guitar today with the guitar and maybe a new nut and tuners and play a gig and not be worried at all.. You have a great channel sir. Thanks for telling the truth about the business. Most people don't hear that part of the industry, but hear a lot of the marketing only. Thanks for that.. Great channel and great topics. Really appreciate the value you bring. Tim

[@occamsrazor9183]

I bought one about three years ago, excellent finish, and most of the bells and whistles like high-enders. I have a vintage Carvin dc127c, a lot heavier, and enjoy them both the same...

[@sniffmatip3865]

I have a 17 year old rg321 its pretty much the same as the 421 that's out now, but was made in Korea. I got it new for £219 back in 2005, today would be £386.47 for inflation and converted into dollhairs would be $465.81. This gio seems to be about the same as the 321 I have as far as build quality when I first got it. Ibanez have stepped the game up with the gio line for sure with this model at this price point. I ended up replacing everything except the body and neck and has what you get in a prestige as far as parts and wiring go. Its budget guitar that plays like a Japanese Ibby now. This will be an awesome mod platform for sure.

[@younkinjames8571]

My buddy built me a custom guitar with one of those bodies. It now has a blue mirror pick guard. Maple neck. HS. Roller nut. Prestige bridge. It takes your breath away

[@RaccoonHenry]

that looks like a solid buy. I own both a 20+ year old Gio and a 1.6 year old S Series. the S series is my main electric, and it's been amazing. the Gio is in storage because I've really worn down the frets and it's not very playable. I've only ever had to replace the volume pot, otherwise everything is stock and fully working! now this Gio looks closer in quality to my newer S series, other than the output jack. it's a great deal at that price point! (I'm not sure what kind of pots are in the S series, as it is dawning on me that I've never actually opened the back cover!)

[@RaccoonHenry]

almost forgot! the handshake in my older Gio is a typical unfomfortable square heel, and it's a 21 fret instrument. the carved handshake in this newer one looks the same as my S series, and that is such an improvement, it is very nice on the hands!! the jump to 24 frets is not such a big deal, I just like having the 2 full octaves (even if you're only actually gaining 3 notes...)

[@frankorobinson1540]

Been guitar hunting lately phil do you think this is a better build than the 300 dollar jackson js22 or js32 with the floyd rose tremolo. Thanks,and I really enjoy your very informative guitar videos giving us working guys a better look into purchasing a cheaper guitar 🎸 that just needs a few modifications to be perfectly fine.

[@alfredoverton9649]

I tried one on vacation to my hometown. Simply could not walk away without buying it for under $400 canadian. My brothers gets to use it 51 weeks a year, lucky guy.

[@1lunesta]

I played this at guitar center a day ago. The pickups we so microphonic I couldnt spend more than a couple seconds with it. They were just screaming so bad. I do like Ibanez guitars for sure.

[@inversion66]

This model is listed at $419.99 at Long and McQuade, Canada's big music store chain. For the same price you can get the Ibanez AZES Standard if you'd prefer single coil pickups.

[@u.s.a.198]

I have a RG 421 i bought as a blemish for $150... quality is very good.... i added a few things and it's great. Frets are very very good. only tapped a few down. ends are smooth. nut was replaced with a graphtech. wanted to experiment and added 2 dpdt pots with a 3 way switch. removed the cheap 5 way. i have 7 positions with this and the pots. did the PRS resistor trick too 1.1 and 2.2 new tonerider pickups generator model. i like buying a fixer upper... means more to me...

[@hz7654]

My favorite guitar that I've ever just found and picked up (for $150 in a pawn shop on a road trip) was a 90's cheap Ibanez super strat. The neck is one of the fastest and best to play in my collection. The pickups may not be the best but I've been able to get some of the best metal/punk tones out of it through my setup. My point is that Ibanez almost always does it right. Sure there are things you can do to improve them but they don't mess around with their quality control or design choices. That's why they are one of my favorite brands.

[@Amp497]

Great guitar, great features. It's good to see a name brand putting out a nice quality product at a very reasonable price in today's market. Ibanez should change the jack, or provide a bag of replacement jacks with every guitar because I think the owner will be running through those jacks at a pretty quick clip. Great review, Phil!

[@joecoach7268]

Haha! I agree - its pretty awful and even worse seeing it in person.

[@Nekonix36]

I appreciate that you didn't plug this into a $4000 amp and used something that someone looking to buy this might would consider.

[@felipew101]

That was my first time actually seeing Tim Pierce play the outro music! Very very cool👌👌👌

[@williamdon3442]

Very nice. I had a gio back in the day , and even without what this guitar has it was a very well built guitar. Always loved Ibanez guitars. Good video sir

[@fumblingninja]

Great video, I've got an RG421 which is basically the same, I also have a Strat and a Les Paul and to be honest the Ibanez is my goto guitar even tho its 1/3 of the cost of ther other 2. totally agree frets did need a good polish, I also find the potentiometers the only real downfall, they could do with an upgrade for that nicer roll off. all in all they are great, actually more than great for the $300 price point.

[@ShredRexGuitar]

I have played a few of them....since I work in a store and sell them. Amazing playing feeling and looking guitar at a ridiculously good price.

[@OriginalBadRobotz]

Get all these same features on all of the squire contemporary line (roasted maple, graphite nut,crazy good frets, comfort carve) and most of those are 199 to 250 right now for the sales. Not saying one is better than the other but I love my contemporary Jaguar

[@InsomniacMatt]

Ran into a similar problem with the output jack my Ibanez GRG121DX when I went to change to EMGs. Glad I had a local Long & McQuade to finish what I wasn't able to. And at that price, it's almost perfect for after-market mods

[@keesketsers5866]

In the EU you can get the off-brand "Fazley". For instance the Outlaw Plus "Tele" has : 3 piece Ash body with open pore rubbed finish, roasted maple neck, rolled fretboard edges, rolled fret-ends, Wilkinsons bridge, perfect setup out of the box, D'Addario strings, Graphtec nut, a pretty nice gigbag, and a very tight neckpocket (better than my US Fender, actually)....for 180 euro's, that's 189 USD. It plays and sounds great. Ridiculously cheap.

[@benachurch]

Man that’s nice!! And some damn fine playing too sir!! Great video Phil as always. Cheers from Aus! 🤘🏻🇦🇺🤘🏻

[@stevenkendrickmba]

Kramer Baretta Special… mahogany body, cool color options, and just under $200 added value is the EVH history with the Baretta.