Ibanez GAX

[Marquischacha]

Anyone ever play one of these? I'm not really an 'Ibanez man', all of my other electrics being Fenders, but there's something about this guitar that caught my eye when I saw it a few weeks ago. I generally hate the look of Ibanez guitars, but this one seems a little more dignified. I think it's the fat butt it has, the colour, the pickguard, and the price (seen in a few different places for about £130).


As much as I'd love to save up a little and get another offset - i keep thinking this would be a good purchase for a straightforward 'rock' guitar.


Whutcha think?

[mynameisjonas]

i've played one of those (or maybe it was one of the others with the same body shape) and it was solid as a rock. seems to be very good value for the money. omar rodriguez (at the drive-in, the mars volta) has a custom model based on that series, but his has the big headstock you usually find on the ibanez archtops, and it looks a hell of a lot better IMO.

[Soochdaddy]

I've never played that particular model, but I was once an Ibanez owner and occassional still check 'em out if I'm "window shopping" in the local music store.

I used to own an RG550, which was a "super strat" type of guitar.  I had no issues with it in terms of workmanship.  Ibanez makes well-built guitars.  I ditched it after a few years becuase I wanted anything but a floyd rose equipped guitar.  It was great for straight-ahead rock, metal, etc.  It's clean tones were average.  Nothing close to the chime you can get out of a strat, tele, JM, or Jag, etc...

In summary, IMO Ibanez is usually a good bet for a budget or mid-priced guitar depending upon the application.  They can be used for gigging without a problem.  Reliable.

That one looks like it might borrow from the Gibson side of design... Does it have a 24-3/4" scale?  If I were switching brands (all my gear is Fender) for a different flavor, I would be more concerned with the scale length than the manufacturer.

[Marquischacha]

I checked out some of the Ibanez archtops - the headstock does look particularly nice, but I don't really have a problem with the one on the GAX.

The neck does have 24-3/4" scale, but different scale lengths don't ever seem to be a problem for me - I've been teaching guitar for years and have to play a lot of different lengths, shapes and sizes - even though I am comfortable with the scale on my two jags, I don't think I'd have much of a problem playing anything else. I might pick one up in the new year, definitely in the 'transparent red' colour. Yum.