@@generalawareness101 mainly aesthetics but the claim is it's a higher tension on the low E and lower on the high E , I have a reverse headstock Ibanez from 2006 and it does have a different feel, no better or worse, just different .
@@Fergieguitar Well, you know I was saying the same thing by looking at it. Plays the same for sure but must be another reason to help the guitar or the tuners, or something beyond just that.
@@generalawareness101 I will say that for whatever reason, the reverse headstock I have is one of my main go to guitars. It feels "right" and I've 10 Ibanez to choose from so there is something.
@@Fergieguitar Let us not forget that Jimi Hendrix played a right-hand guitar with his left dominant hand, so the guitar was upside down meaning the tuning pegs would have been like this as well. Must be a reason to it, but strange it never caught on with the others.
This review was so good that I went directly to my local music shop and bought this guitar. Do I know how to play? NO! But now I can learn. 😂 And as a 54 year old metalhead I love this guitar. The all black look is so metal and badass! Thanks for a awesome review! 💀🤘🖤 Update! I got mine even more black now! I bought the DR Black Beauties strings and wow now it´s even more metal! 🤣
Go for it. I’m 51 and I’m learning, and progressing quickly. Granted I have played around with a guitar when I was young and know many cords, but now im actually playing guitar.
@@Sorefol No I haven't really and I am about to purchase my very first guitar. Care to name some of the models you'd suggest? Would be much appreciated
@@philipstathas1332 depends on your price range but if you are looking to spend ~$400 then the fusion line but, I personally have never tried them. If I was going to try one (and I plan to within a few months) then that is one packed full of features that comparable guitars would price over $600 at least from the big manufacturers
@@philipstathas1332 but honestly if you can get your hands on one of these and try it that says a lot more than a potentially good feeling guitar in your hands because returning a guitar would probably be a bit of a hassle IMO.
Man! The budget guitars are getting so good for the price they are, that cannot make us happy, more people are be able to get into the giant world of musicians, that's great!
I have many Gibsons, Fenders, Gretsch and other nice guitars. The Epiphone P-90 Special I just picked up is up there with some of the best guitars I've owned. Going to upgrade the tuners/stoptail at some point and have some Moar Guitar P-90's coming for it (at a great price). Best guitar I've ever owned was a 70's Japanese Epiphone Scroll SC-450...It was also the worst looker I've ever had.
Henning, I love and respect your opinions and how you keep them real. Saying that you should 'get this one' actually goes a long way. I know you don't say that lightly. Thanks again, for the millionth time, for all you do!
this was to be a home practice guitar between gigs but this thing has blown me away. It sounds great and then theres the looks. It may end up making trips to the gigs with me and my more expensive guitars. Nice demo!!
i bought this guitar after watching this show.it plays great its 5way switch is a real awesome part of this guitar. plays clean like a dream.HELLO FROM TEXAS
Just ordered this one, I already own the red and white grg131 and made that into a traditional classic rock guitar, this one is gonna be a complete modern metal monster, I ordered ratio locking tuners and a pair of Nazgûl & sentient set more Duncan humbuckers. Should be dope as hell.
Hey mate , I just ordered this one aswell but I am worried that I cant play other genre songs then metal? I would love to play Nirvana , three days grace or papa roach but when I read comments people talks like we cant get more than metal tones... is that right?
@@jankowalski6338 czesc, widze, ze jestes polakiem. Jednak kupilem harley benton sc custom II z aktywnymi pickupami. Podobna cena do ibaneza, tylko, ze jakos wykonania i dzwiek moim zdaniem lepsza ;)
Just ordered one. Thanks for the great review! Has everything I'm looking for as a beginner. Looks like at most a set of black locking tuners and strings and I'm set for some time 🤘🤘
@@AnOnimOuZ1245 I got mine on reverb from the shop "uncle Ikes music and sound". They show having at least one more black in stock. Good luck! Mine came in and I love it!! Haven't made any changes yet.
Lol I bought two Ibanez guitars this week. RG565 emerald green and this one. Both guitars are awesome! Friend of mine can’t even tell that they are in different price ranges (he plays a bit) Awesome, dude!
According the Ibanez site, this guy has the same specs as the GRG131DX, except different fret wood, colors and tuning machine location. In case you prefer a Red on Black look and LHS tuners. I love Ibanez guitars. So fun and speedy!
I have one of these, picked it up a couple years ago. Plays extremely well for the price and looks absolutely killer. The first thing I did when I brought it home was throw some D’Addario nickel-wound XL strings on it. The tuners aren’t the best, but they hold the tuning well.
I have this guitar and it is definitely worth it! I am upgrading the pups for some Duncan Distortions just because I change pickups in all my guitars. But the Infinity R are very good! 🤘
being a Fender guy, I never was interested in those heavy, shred lightning metal guitars like Ibanez does...but this one sounds pretty versatile, might give it a try after all those squiers and bentons it may be a good change.
My philosophy with guitars has always been if if plays good, and it looks good, then it is good. The brand or range really shouldn't matter. I have plenty of nice guitars in my rack, but I saw this model and just had to grab one. Price aside, it's one of the most metal looking guitars Ibanez have put out in years! The reverse Ibanez headstock is never not cool. Got some brass saddles and brass nut on the way. I'll relic some pickup covers, and it'll be good to go!
I have been looking vigorously for a negative of this guitar. The few things that I have found are simple easy upgrades. It seems like something too good to be true but I am not finding anything to make me think it isn't true. This is most definitely going to be the guitar I will be buying very soon. I am excited.
Did you end up picking one up? If so how’s it going for you? I’d assume these things would be pretty good. I feel like most cheap guitars are CNCd. Gonna be pretty on point.
Bought this guitar for my wife as her very first electric guitar. Unfortunately for her, I've been using it so much more than her, lol. I've always been a Tele guy, but this Ibanez has exceeded my expectations by a mile. I don't think you can find a better guitar that chugs as hard as this for the price. This would be a perfect guitar for any beginner looking to get into playing metal, or as a practice guitar/modding guitar for veterans looking for a cheap but badass-looking guitar. You can't beat that all-black aesthetic with the reverse headstock, sheesh
its difficult to choose between the Stealth Black or Black-Red one. The Stealth Black has reversed headstock and all in black is elegant. But the Black-Red one looks so evil, and I love the red binding on the body and the neck.
Just bought this, Hipshot locking tuners with a emg single active humbucker and one volume knob pickguard, amazing, I've been playing guitar for almost 20 years, this is one of my favorites now and I own a couple guitars over 2000
@@subsoniczero3233 thank you so much. I've searched the internet for the weight and couldn't get my head around how it could be that light. You've just helped me pick my second electric guitar! Thank you again!
I paid an extra $200 and got the RGRT421 in black, because walnut was sold out. Amazing for a neck through at under $500. Great for a beginner like me. I've played bass for 25 years, so getting used to guitar is a bit weird, like using a pick. Super fun.
😮la tenia dentro de unas opiones clasificada por precio para comprar la que mejor me gustara y funsionara, el problema es que todas me gustaban y las queria todas😂...al ver este video tuyo solo abri la boca y me quede sin aliento. De una sola vez supe cual de todas escoger la despedasaste tocandola y solo me dije, yo la quiero. Gracias por ayudarme a escoger ja ja ja. Saludos desde Costa Rica.
I like that everything blacker than everything guitar. Perfect for a Hotblack Desiato and original Disaster Area tribute band. My last Ibanez needed the neck/body screws tightened. Then it stopped going out of tune. It was a mid end guitar, and still needed a lot of setup. Honestly, if that doesn't play like shit and the tuning problem can be solved, it sounded OK. EQ pedal would solve all its sins. If I was looking for a guitar that I was planning on swapping out pickups or modding...that is a cheap place to start.
great video as always love your channel! and I have one of the gio series guitars the red and black and I have to say it really surprised me as well to how good they really are for the price. I think I might have to. pick this black on well. I have many other more expensive guitars like you but I have to say and agree with you these Ibanez Gio series guitar are a great bang for the buck!
It's kinda funny that even Ibanez, which has been infamous for its abysmal in-house low budget PUs for years and years, now has decent Humbuckers all across the range, while the otherwise very solid Epiphone puts their crappy Mudbuckers even in 800 dollar bonamassa Les Paul customs.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 as far as I know all the PUs are named infinity some such but they differ a great deal over the years. I got a RG something something (sub 500 bucks) from just a few years ago, and although I threw Duncan's in that, I didn't have to to make it sound good. Just had a JB and a 59 laying around and I like them better. And year the Ibanez edge zero II things are spectacular FR style trems, even better than a lot full-blown FRs from a few years back.
holy shit! You found a budget guitar and had nothing to bitch about it. Curious if that specific model is consitent with build quality. Looks like a drop tuner on a budgets dream builder. Black Seymore Duncan Invaders and locking tuners and it would be pretty solid.
I just picked one of these up for $130 US at Guitar Center and I really like it. The only problem with it is that the frets are atrocious. They are badly in need of a polish as the strings scrape like hell on them. This is easily fixable though so once that is done it should be quite playable.
Hätte ich damals als ahnungsloser Anfänger gewusst dass es die Ibanez GIOs gibt hätte ich mir gleich so eine gekauft und nicht so einen beschissenen noname-Krempel von eBay. Jetzt warte ich auf meine (fast) neue S61AL 🤘🏻
With my ~350€ budget I was thinking on going for the RG421, but I think it's better for me to go for this one plus a decent 15W Marshall amp, cause the one I have is absolute cheap crap.
I would suggest if you don’t already have an amplifier to go for the small portable NU-X MightyLite. It’s a versatile mini amp with Bluetooth, drum machine and app support to enhance the controls. And as a bonus it works as a normal Bluetooth speaker for your mobile phone
The stock pickups sound pretty harsh when distorted, but these can be replaced. The guitar looks killer. I want a "metal guitar" and am considering this option, taking a replacement set of pickups into account.
I own a 2007 GSA60 SSH made in Indonesia. Tremblock blocked. Had to change the nut as the high e was buzzing, not sure if was only mine or not. After this it became a really good sounding guitar. Made some songs with it ...probably will be buried with me. So as I see they addressed thief’s issue and I really considering it. If they kept the thin neck profile , which I love I guess it is lighter It is a no brainer. Thanks Le Henning ☺️.Ps.: mine is piano black fingerprints all over 😂.
I got lucky 🍀 i mean right out of the box hardly no setup required I’ve purchased other budget guitars and none of them have sounded like this one even on the clean channel without effects there’s a little extra might be the pickups? Idk this one is a lot of fun definitely upgrading the tuners and strings
Amazing guitar and playing! Guess a very good guitar if you have a good amp. I used locking tuners and put the high e on the outer side of the headstock.
You don't have the aqua blue one for review, do you? It's the GRGR221PA. That one looks outrageously good as well and it is just 249 €. Fixed bridge, reversed headstock, as it should be. Don't put "vintage" tremolo systems of questionable quality on entry-level guitars, Ibanez. Nobody likes them and new players don't expect them anyway ;) With a fixed bridge, guitars like the GRGR131 or GRGR221 are an option even for seasoned players, either as a backup instrument or to use it for different tunings.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 most likely some fishman classics if I could figure out a route for the battery. But if I went passive then maybe some dimarzio gravity storms.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 the fishmans come with everything you need to install them. They use their own pots and what not. The tricky part is just routing a battery or installing one of their battery packs. They are killer pickups but yes they have a learning curve. Funny you mention using the bridge pickup more. On my RG guitars I tend to gut them and install just a bridge pickup on them anyways lol. you can get a single humbucker pick guard on eBay for cheap. So I usually do that and just rock the single pickup. I’m a simple guy with my setup, one pickup, one volume knob and I’m good to go.
@@lightskinninja9340 Eh, if the electronics cavity is large enough, you really can get away with having the battery just laying in there. That's what I did on one of mine when I put Fluences in it. Works fine, and since the cavity isn't that big and is pretty full already, the battery doesn't flop around too much. Just make sure to insulate properly and it'll be fine.
@@static_motion +1 I have a S521, the compartment is big enough to house the battery after getting some aftermarket active pickups. My tech soldered the connections though, he did not use the connector box. Point is, if it can be done on an S, it can be done on a RG.
1 thing i did notice about this guitar is that the tuners are positioned in a way that makes the bass side strings very long, unlike most guitars. Do you find this string length increase is better for drop lower tunings like D standard or drop C or B? Also does it make bending/vibrato easier or harder on certain strings? And awesome playing btw :)
The benefit for drop tunings would be a longer scale length, because of the higher tension needed for the same pitch.. But on reversed headstocks the actual scale lenght is the same for all strings, no matter how long the string is behind the nut. The tension on a string to a certain pitch between the nut and bridge remains the same, even if the distance behind the nut to tuners is 1 km. 😊 Bending the „longer“ strings feel usually slinkier, but in fact need a longer way to bend them to pitch and holding at pitch more force. General feel of fretting and vibrato indeed feel a tiny bit slinkier. Just tryin‘ to help😊
Actually, this guitar is more suited for drop tuning… the body is string through, and the string hole for the E string is positioned further down than the others, which adds more string tension.
@@kenjicarlos8402 Sorry-no! The only thing that makes this guitar suited for playing in drop tunings is the fixed bridge and the look! And a tiny bit the pickups… On a certain scale length with certain string gauge and tuned to a certain pitch, the string tension does not change! No matter how long the string is beyond the nut or bridge saddles. It‘s the same, even if the strings beyond the saddles and nut are 1 km. For this guitar with 648mm scale, you can just go for drop D standard with 09-42 (maybe too slinky) or 09-46 or 10-46. For drop D or C you'll need thicker strings, some 10-52 or ticker. Best for drop tunings are baritone guitars or guitars with hybrid scale.
I'm no beginner but that guitar has some kind of mojo for the price. It's a bargain I mean and it sounds good with the actual mics. A good cheap quality guitar with a fixed bridge, I may be tempted.
Thank you for doing this review! I’m looking to get my first guitar and I also watched your review for the Benton ST 20HH I can afford either, which would you recommend? I’m thinking the Ibanez?
I'm commenting on this older video and probably wouldn't get an answer, but what would be a better choice for a bedroom beginner guitarist interested in metal, this GRGR131 or Harley Benton ST-20HH Active?
I’ve got 5 or 6 high end Ibanez guitars including GEM, JS series, RG’s and I freaking want this guitar. The freakin upside down peg head is biotchin as all F*ck!
Doesn't matter the price, a reverse headstock Ibanez is always stunning!!
I have never seen that before and thought he was showing a lefty axe. Why is it upside down?
@@generalawareness101 mainly aesthetics but the claim is it's a higher tension on the low E and lower on the high E , I have a reverse headstock Ibanez from 2006 and it does have a different feel, no better or worse, just different .
@@Fergieguitar Well, you know I was saying the same thing by looking at it. Plays the same for sure but must be another reason to help the guitar or the tuners, or something beyond just that.
@@generalawareness101 I will say that for whatever reason, the reverse headstock I have is one of my main go to guitars. It feels "right" and I've 10 Ibanez to choose from so there is something.
@@Fergieguitar Let us not forget that Jimi Hendrix played a right-hand guitar with his left dominant hand, so the guitar was upside down meaning the tuning pegs would have been like this as well. Must be a reason to it, but strange it never caught on with the others.
What a great time for young guitar players with all these cool budget guitars that are coming out now.
This review was so good that I went directly to my local music shop and bought this guitar. Do I know how to play? NO! But now I can learn. 😂 And as a 54 year old metalhead I love this guitar. The all black look is so metal and badass! Thanks for a awesome review! 💀🤘🖤
Update! I got mine even more black now! I bought the DR Black Beauties strings and wow now it´s even more metal! 🤣
I have had the grg121ex in white since 2014 or 2015. It s still working well 💪
Go for it. I’m 51 and I’m learning, and progressing quickly. Granted I have played around with a guitar when I was young and know many cords, but now im actually playing guitar.
AWESOME DUDE!!!!
Finally, cheap guitar without looking cheap.
@@Sorefol But as he said in the video, even if he loves Harley Benton, this guitar is unrivaled.
@@Sorefol No I haven't really and I am about to purchase my very first guitar. Care to name some of the models you'd suggest? Would be much appreciated
@@philipstathas1332 depends on your price range but if you are looking to spend ~$400 then the fusion line but, I personally have never tried them. If I was going to try one (and I plan to within a few months) then that is one packed full of features that comparable guitars would price over $600 at least from the big manufacturers
@@philipstathas1332 but honestly if you can get your hands on one of these and try it that says a lot more than a potentially good feeling guitar in your hands because returning a guitar would probably be a bit of a hassle IMO.
@@JosePineda-jn8jk noted that. Thanks a lot mate
Man! The budget guitars are getting so good for the price they are, that cannot make us happy, more people are be able to get into the giant world of musicians, that's great!
I have many Gibsons, Fenders, Gretsch and other nice guitars. The Epiphone P-90 Special I just picked up is up there with some of the best guitars I've owned. Going to upgrade the tuners/stoptail at some point and have some Moar Guitar P-90's coming for it (at a great price).
Best guitar I've ever owned was a 70's Japanese Epiphone Scroll SC-450...It was also the worst looker I've ever had.
Henning, I love and respect your opinions and how you keep them real. Saying that you should 'get this one' actually goes a long way. I know you don't say that lightly.
Thanks again, for the millionth time, for all you do!
I can't believe that is a GIO. Looks fantastic. I want one now. You are also very entertaining to watch.
this was to be a home practice guitar between gigs but this thing has blown me away. It sounds great and then theres the looks. It may end up making trips to the gigs with me and my more expensive guitars. Nice demo!!
i bought this guitar after watching this show.it plays great its 5way switch is a real awesome part of this guitar. plays clean like a dream.HELLO FROM TEXAS
That guitar is fireeeee! Matte Black Everything!!!! 🤘
There it is. Kinda expected it to be of amazing value because of how fine the GRX40 is. Can't wait to see the video after work is done later today.
Henning You have to form a parody metal band bound in black 😂🤘🏻
They only do metal covers of songs Weird Al has done, so it's a parody band of a parody band.
Do a full-bore metal parody band of The Monkees. I wanna hear Henning do a speed metal approach the guitar work from "Valerie"!
GOT THIS ONE !
Such a beautiful and nice guitar which also sounds great
Really fan of your reviews
Just ordered this one, I already own the red and white grg131 and made that into a traditional classic rock guitar, this one is gonna be a complete modern metal monster, I ordered ratio locking tuners and a pair of Nazgûl & sentient set more Duncan humbuckers. Should be dope as hell.
Hey mate , I just ordered this one aswell but I am worried that I cant play other genre songs then metal? I would love to play Nirvana , three days grace or papa roach but when I read comments people talks like we cant get more than metal tones... is that right?
That Ibanez guitar + SD Invader in the bridge + HB locking tuners = metal AF all day long 🤘🏻☠️🤘🏻
take SD Black winter.....beast combo with that guitar
Can't wait to receive mine!! Ordered it a couple days ago and its going to be my first guitar!! So hype about it
how long until you get yours?
Im about to get one of these too
Nice scrim pfp
SAME!!
Thinking about buying one but I'm not sure about that finish. How does it look after few months? Any other problems?
@@jankowalski6338 czesc, widze, ze jestes polakiem. Jednak kupilem harley benton sc custom II z aktywnymi pickupami. Podobna cena do ibaneza, tylko, ze jakos wykonania i dzwiek moim zdaniem lepsza ;)
Just ordered one. Thanks for the great review! Has everything I'm looking for as a beginner. Looks like at most a set of black locking tuners and strings and I'm set for some time 🤘🤘
Hey dude were did you order from? Are you in the US? All guitar shops are saying its only for pre order
@@AnOnimOuZ1245 I got mine on reverb from the shop "uncle Ikes music and sound". They show having at least one more black in stock. Good luck! Mine came in and I love it!! Haven't made any changes yet.
Lol I bought two Ibanez guitars this week. RG565 emerald green and this one. Both guitars are awesome! Friend of mine can’t even tell that they are in different price ranges (he plays a bit)
Awesome, dude!
According the Ibanez site, this guy has the same specs as the GRG131DX, except different fret wood, colors and tuning machine location. In case you prefer a Red on Black look and LHS tuners.
I love Ibanez guitars. So fun and speedy!
Excellent video mate.
Looks like I found my first guitar.
I have one of these, picked it up a couple years ago. Plays extremely well for the price and looks absolutely killer. The first thing I did when I brought it home was throw some D’Addario nickel-wound XL strings on it. The tuners aren’t the best, but they hold the tuning well.
Managed to snag one today as they are nearly impossible to find. Can't wait!
Lmfao right same but it was a pain in the ass to find
I have this guitar and it is definitely worth it! I am upgrading the pups for some Duncan Distortions just because I change pickups in all my guitars. But the Infinity R are very good! 🤘
being a Fender guy, I never was interested in those heavy, shred lightning metal guitars like Ibanez does...but this one sounds pretty versatile, might give it a try after all those squiers and bentons it may be a good change.
Is it good versitile ?
Excellent review! I'm a beginner who loves heavier music so, for the price, this looks like a winner.
Great video.
I'm actually picking up the hobby now and getting this guitar + a Boss Katana 50w MK2 - would this be a fine combo for a beginner?
yes, great combination
I love this beginner guitar. Thank you friend for your review and learning elements. I wish you health and success!
I'm not a fan of Ibanez because I just prefer how Fender plays.. but this one is really nice.
Love the flat black and the reversed headstock!
You do a great job with anything you touch.
Really nice video 😎 this guitar looks really good I like it. May come back to this video .... came back and yeah I got it !
I have a Gio. And it plays great!!! This one looks really good!
My philosophy with guitars has always been if if plays good, and it looks good, then it is good. The brand or range really shouldn't matter. I have plenty of nice guitars in my rack, but I saw this model and just had to grab one. Price aside, it's one of the most metal looking guitars Ibanez have put out in years! The reverse Ibanez headstock is never not cool. Got some brass saddles and brass nut on the way. I'll relic some pickup covers, and it'll be good to go!
Love this guy, he is so hilarious!
Gives great reviews also!
Cheers!
Watched more of his videos tonight, enjoyed them very much, very interesting, great humor & 🎸 playing.
Robert from, Alberta, Canada!
Awesome guitar instrumental the best you ever done. Freaking amazing guitar playing i wish I could solo like you.
I have been looking vigorously for a negative of this guitar. The few things that I have found are simple easy upgrades. It seems like something too good to be true but I am not finding anything to make me think it isn't true. This is most definitely going to be the guitar I will be buying very soon. I am excited.
Did you end up picking one up? If so how’s it going for you? I’d assume these things would be pretty good. I feel like most cheap guitars are CNCd. Gonna be pretty on point.
Superb detailed clear Vid / Review , appreciated thanks
Bought this guitar for my wife as her very first electric guitar. Unfortunately for her, I've been using it so much more than her, lol. I've always been a Tele guy, but this Ibanez has exceeded my expectations by a mile. I don't think you can find a better guitar that chugs as hard as this for the price. This would be a perfect guitar for any beginner looking to get into playing metal, or as a practice guitar/modding guitar for veterans looking for a cheap but badass-looking guitar. You can't beat that all-black aesthetic with the reverse headstock, sheesh
They need a prestige version of this ,
personally with normal headstock orientation , galaxy black ,super wizard neck , with the pickguard
its difficult to choose between the Stealth Black or Black-Red one. The Stealth Black has reversed headstock and all in black is elegant. But the Black-Red one looks so evil, and I love the red binding on the body and the neck.
Just bought this, Hipshot locking tuners with a emg single active humbucker and one volume knob pickguard, amazing, I've been playing guitar for almost 20 years, this is one of my favorites now and I own a couple guitars over 2000
Can I ask how heavy it weighs? I'm seeing 454 grams. Is it that light?
@@ellebhee5045 id say 7lbs
@@subsoniczero3233 thank you so much. I've searched the internet for the weight and couldn't get my head around how it could be that light. You've just helped me pick my second electric guitar! Thank you again!
That is pretty cool! I am more in the market for a Jack Cassady bass though. Use the links kids so Noodles gets fed! 😊👍
Great video as always and I just love how you make all your video's so entertaining!
I paid an extra $200 and got the RGRT421 in black, because walnut was sold out. Amazing for a neck through at under $500. Great for a beginner like me. I've played bass for 25 years, so getting used to guitar is a bit weird, like using a pick. Super fun.
I love my RGRT421.
😮la tenia dentro de unas opiones clasificada por precio para comprar la que mejor me gustara y funsionara, el problema es que todas me gustaban y las queria todas😂...al ver este video tuyo solo abri la boca y me quede sin aliento.
De una sola vez supe cual de todas escoger la despedasaste tocandola y solo me dije, yo la quiero.
Gracias por ayudarme a escoger ja ja ja.
Saludos desde Costa Rica.
Phenomenal playing Henning,great sounding budget guitar as well.
Pre ordered a few days ago, thanks for the video!
ive mostly just heard you talking ..but you play very well
bestellt! vielen Dank für dein ausführliches Review!
Excellent in-depth review! And you're absolutely right about testing that guitar through high-end gear.
I like that everything blacker than everything guitar. Perfect for a Hotblack Desiato and original Disaster Area tribute band.
My last Ibanez needed the neck/body screws tightened. Then it stopped going out of tune. It was a mid end guitar, and still needed a lot of setup.
Honestly, if that doesn't play like shit and the tuning problem can be solved, it sounded OK. EQ pedal would solve all its sins.
If I was looking for a guitar that I was planning on swapping out pickups or modding...that is a cheap place to start.
Very well done. Cool guitar too!
I suppose it's ironic that beginner guitars have gotten so good in a time when the guitar no longer dominates the mainstream music scene.
Can only help the comeback. 😉
great video as always love your channel! and I have one of the gio series guitars the red and black and I have to say it really surprised me as well to how good they really are for the price. I think I might have to. pick this black on well. I have many other more expensive guitars like you but I have to say and agree with you these Ibanez Gio series guitar are a great bang for the buck!
Ordering one right now.
It's kinda funny that even Ibanez, which has been infamous for its abysmal in-house low budget PUs for years and years, now has decent Humbuckers all across the range, while the otherwise very solid Epiphone puts their crappy Mudbuckers even in 800 dollar bonamassa Les Paul customs.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 as far as I know all the PUs are named infinity some such but they differ a great deal over the years. I got a RG something something (sub 500 bucks) from just a few years ago, and although I threw Duncan's in that, I didn't have to to make it sound good. Just had a JB and a 59 laying around and I like them better.
And year the Ibanez edge zero II things are spectacular FR style trems, even better than a lot full-blown FRs from a few years back.
Omg. I have always wanted a Driftwood head. So amazing. It’s too bad how expensive they are. Good gear ain’t cheap!
holy shit! You found a budget guitar and had nothing to bitch about it. Curious if that specific model is consitent with build quality. Looks like a drop tuner on a budgets dream builder. Black Seymore Duncan Invaders and locking tuners and it would be pretty solid.
I just picked one of these up for $130 US at Guitar Center and I really like it. The only problem with it is that the frets are atrocious. They are badly in need of a polish as the strings scrape like hell on them. This is easily fixable though so once that is done it should be quite playable.
I can see fingerprints from sweaty hands. And I am far, far away in Switzerland ;)
That's Henning's supersweat. ;) JK, of course this cannot be avoided, but these are much less pronounced on the body
High fellow countryman ! Where in CH are you from ?
@@TheSolfilm I'm living in the canton of Thurgau near Bodensee. Und Du?
@@OliverAmberg Lausanne in Vaud :-)
That’s Rock and roll
Hätte ich damals als ahnungsloser Anfänger gewusst dass es die Ibanez GIOs gibt hätte ich mir gleich so eine gekauft und nicht so einen beschissenen noname-Krempel von eBay. Jetzt warte ich auf meine (fast) neue S61AL 🤘🏻
For $200 thinking of grabbing one just because why not!
With my ~350€ budget I was thinking on going for the RG421, but I think it's better for me to go for this one plus a decent 15W Marshall amp, cause the one I have is absolute cheap crap.
dont buy an amp, you can get a better sound with a behringer interface and free plugins like ninja head or ignite amp, cheap amps sounds so bad
I would suggest if you don’t already have an amplifier to go for the small portable NU-X MightyLite. It’s a versatile mini amp with Bluetooth, drum machine and app support to enhance the controls. And as a bonus it works as a normal Bluetooth speaker for your mobile phone
The stock pickups sound pretty harsh when distorted, but these can be replaced. The guitar looks killer. I want a "metal guitar" and am considering this option, taking a replacement set of pickups into account.
great review man
I own a 2007 GSA60 SSH made in Indonesia. Tremblock blocked. Had to change the nut as the high e was buzzing, not sure if was only mine or not. After this it became a really good sounding guitar. Made some songs with it ...probably will be buried with me. So as I see they addressed thief’s issue and I really considering it. If they kept the thin neck profile , which I love I guess it is lighter It is a no brainer. Thanks Le Henning ☺️.Ps.: mine is piano black fingerprints all over 😂.
Dein genudel ab 3:27, großartig \m/
would you recommend this one or Jackson JS11? awesome video btw
I got lucky 🍀 i mean right out of the box hardly no setup required I’ve purchased other budget guitars and none of them have sounded like this one even on the clean channel without effects there’s a little extra might be the pickups? Idk this one is a lot of fun definitely upgrading the tuners and strings
Not to be confused with the GRGR121EX-BKF which is actually a fridge.
Ibanez definitely has the best guitars in the lower price ranges imo
Can’t go wrong with Ibanez, great QC
Genesis RG565 in that flat black would be sooooo perfect
D'addarios can have non coloured ball ends. These are for factories only.
Just ordered one 🥳
Amazing guitar and playing! Guess a very good guitar if you have a good amp. I used locking tuners and put the high e on the outer side of the headstock.
You don't have the aqua blue one for review, do you? It's the GRGR221PA. That one looks outrageously good as well and it is just 249 €. Fixed bridge, reversed headstock, as it should be. Don't put "vintage" tremolo systems of questionable quality on entry-level guitars, Ibanez. Nobody likes them and new players don't expect them anyway ;) With a fixed bridge, guitars like the GRGR131 or GRGR221 are an option even for seasoned players, either as a backup instrument or to use it for different tunings.
Liked the football match at the end
Nice..i am so close in getting one !
Would make a great mod guitar. Might just pick it up for that.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 most likely some fishman classics if I could figure out a route for the battery. But if I went passive then maybe some dimarzio gravity storms.
@@kimhoffmannandersen5477 the fishmans come with everything you need to install them. They use their own pots and what not. The tricky part is just routing a battery or installing one of their battery packs. They are killer pickups but yes they have a learning curve.
Funny you mention using the bridge pickup more. On my RG guitars I tend to gut them and install just a bridge pickup on them anyways lol. you can get a single humbucker pick guard on eBay for cheap. So I usually do that and just rock the single pickup. I’m a simple guy with my setup, one pickup, one volume knob and I’m good to go.
@@lightskinninja9340 Eh, if the electronics cavity is large enough, you really can get away with having the battery just laying in there. That's what I did on one of mine when I put Fluences in it. Works fine, and since the cavity isn't that big and is pretty full already, the battery doesn't flop around too much. Just make sure to insulate properly and it'll be fine.
@@static_motion +1 I have a S521, the compartment is big enough to house the battery after getting some aftermarket active pickups. My tech soldered the connections though, he did not use the connector box.
Point is, if it can be done on an S, it can be done on a RG.
1 thing i did notice about this guitar is that the tuners are positioned in a way that makes the bass side strings very long, unlike most guitars.
Do you find this string length increase is better for drop lower tunings like D standard or drop C or B?
Also does it make bending/vibrato easier or harder on certain strings?
And awesome playing btw :)
The benefit for drop tunings would be a longer scale length, because of the higher tension needed for the same pitch.. But on reversed headstocks the actual scale lenght is the same for all strings, no matter how long the string is behind the nut. The tension on a string to a certain pitch between the nut and bridge remains the same, even if the distance behind the nut to tuners is 1 km. 😊
Bending the „longer“ strings feel usually slinkier, but in fact need a longer way to bend them to pitch and holding at pitch more force.
General feel of fretting and vibrato indeed feel a tiny bit slinkier.
Just tryin‘ to help😊
Actually, this guitar is more suited for drop tuning… the body is string through, and the string hole for the E string is positioned further down than the others, which adds more string tension.
@@kenjicarlos8402
Sorry-no!
The only thing that makes this guitar suited for playing in drop tunings is the fixed bridge and the look! And a tiny bit the pickups…
On a certain scale length with certain string gauge and tuned to a certain pitch, the string tension does not change! No matter how long the string is beyond the nut or bridge saddles. It‘s the same, even if the strings beyond the saddles and nut are 1 km.
For this guitar with 648mm scale, you can just go for drop D standard with 09-42 (maybe too slinky) or 09-46 or 10-46.
For drop D or C you'll need thicker strings, some 10-52 or ticker.
Best for drop tunings are baritone guitars or guitars with hybrid scale.
Henny, have you see the shroedder guitars ? Looks like a fairly new company,
hey amazing video! would u recommend me to buy the grg131dx or grgr131ex
I'm no beginner but that guitar has some kind of mojo for the price. It's a bargain I mean and it sounds good with the actual mics. A good cheap quality guitar with a fixed bridge, I may be tempted.
I bought mine yesterday!
Looks great Ibanez is for shredding
Thank you for doing this review! I’m looking to get my first guitar and I also watched your review for the Benton ST 20HH
I can afford either, which would you recommend? I’m thinking the Ibanez?
Yes, I would go with the Ibanez
Right on, thanks 🤘
Metaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal. Superb playing as usual.
I'm commenting on this older video and probably wouldn't get an answer, but what would be a better choice for a bedroom beginner guitarist interested in metal, this GRGR131 or Harley Benton ST-20HH Active?
This beast is on the radar soon after seeing this video,oh amazon here I come lol
Is there any big/small differences between the GRG121DX and the GRGr131EX. Is the GRGR131EX better?
I have this beautiful guitar it's a beast
I need to know where you got that sweater! Please do tell?!🎉
The one thing I don’t like about matte finish, is the fact that it’s a grease magnet.
nice looking guitar. But I think the guitar stand from the intro is much more expensive than the guitar
How much different is it from 131 do. Pleased help I’m about to buy 131.
that impro just hit
😂😂"Otherwise, you don't know what the problem is if it sounds like shit!" Kickass, great review, I want one.
Which one is better?
GRG121DX or GRG131EX?
Im about to get my first guitar.
Sorry for my bad english.
Another great review. Its any chance to have rev of Eleven Rack on you channel? Cheers
who of what?
I’ve got 5 or 6 high end Ibanez guitars including GEM, JS series, RG’s and I freaking want this guitar. The freakin upside down peg head is biotchin as all F*ck!