Ibanez Guitars

Ibanez, a guitar brand owned by Hoshino Gakki, is based in Nagoya, Japan. Known for being one of the first Japanese companies to succeed in the U.S. and European markets, Ibanez also pioneered mass production of seven- and eight-string guitars. The brand offers a wide range of products, including guitars, basses, amps, and accessories, and operates factories in Japan, China, Indonesia, and the U.S.

Originally founded as a division of a bookstore in 1908, Hoshino Gakki began making guitars in 1935 under the “Ibanez” name, in tribute to Spanish luthier Salvador Ibáñez. In the 1960s, Ibanez produced replicas of American guitars like Gibson and Fender models, leading to a famous lawsuit in the 1970s. Afterward, Ibanez shifted to original designs, releasing popular models such as the Iceman, Roadstar, and the Steve Vai-endorsed JEM series. By the 1980s, Ibanez had become a dominant player in the guitar world, integrating modern designs, innovative electronics, and slim, fast necks. Today, it ranks as the third-largest guitar brand globally, following Gibson and Fender.