Ibanez

Ibanez is the guitar brand of the Japanese company Hoshino Gakki, which began in 1908 as the musical-instrument sales division of a bookstore chain. The Ibanez name goes back to Spanish-style acoustic guitars made from 1935 under the name Ibanez Salvador, honoring the Spanish luthier Salvador Ibáñez. In the 1960s and 70s the company built Japanese copies of American designs, then moved to original models such as the Iceman and the Roadstar after the so-called lawsuit period.

Ibanez became a central name in modern rock and metal playing through its work with Steve Vai, which produced the JEM and the Universe seven-string. The RG series was introduced as a lower-priced take on the JEM and became the brand's superstrat staple.

Outside guitars, the Ibanez Tube Screamer is one of the most imitated overdrive pedals. It was developed by Maxon and sold under the Ibanez name from 1979, in the TS808 and TS9 versions. Guitar Radar follows Ibanez's signature models, its Prestige and j.custom lines and its pedals.