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Ibanez Guitars at Total Guitar Buyer

The Japanese Hoshino Gakki Ten company began building and marketing guitars under the Ibanez brandname in 1964. Best known for their classic designs, good value and efficiency, Ibanez guitars have been played by many top guitarists.

Ibanez guitar styles have evolved through several distinct periods. In its early days Ibanez constructed electric guitars that were heavily influenced by Jim Burns although the company's main focus at that time remained the production of acoustic guitars.

The 1970's saw Ibanez shift its emphasis to electric guitars, albeit mainly in the form of Gibson copies. Gradually Ibanez began to introduce small but significant innovations to the extent that models such as the Artist received deserved acclaim. Many of these mid 1970's models are now collectable in their own right.

In the late 1970's Ibanez moved away from copies and started producing the Performer, Concert, Studio and Musician series. The introduction of the Roadster in 1979 signified a departure from Gibson inspired designs to Fender styles.

Since then Ibanez has experimented with many innovative designs and styles but much of its success has stemmed from its association with endorsers. For example, designs endorsed by Frank Gambale (Pro-Line Power model) and Steve Vai (JEM series) did much to reinforce the position of Ibanez guitars as one of the top guitar builders in the world.

Ibanez has managed to adapt to changes in market conditions by opening a US production facility and continually introducing variations of its most popular models. It is this willingness to combine innovation and an emphasis on technical quality that has enable Ibanez to retain its place near the top of the guitar manufacturers league table for so long.