Is the Ibanez Gio a good guitar? Let’s find out!
It’s no secret that your choices for guitars can be confusing.
If you’re looking for a budget friendly Ibanez guitar, then you’ll be happy with an Ibanez Gio since it’s a very affordable option for anyone looking for a starter guitar.
They offer outstanding features, excellent playability, and Ibanez quality all at an affordable price.
We’ve looked at the models, and compared the features and options, and reviewed the best ones available.
Check it out!
Best Overall
Ibanez Gio GRG131DX
Are you interested in a quality shred guitar that offers looks and performance at an affordable price? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX.
It has an RG-shaped body made of poplar with a bolt-on neck so it’s lightweight, resonant, and very comfortable to play whether sitting or standing up.
The maple neck is shaped in Ibanez’s GRG neck shape with a radius of 15.75″ so it’s very sturdy, comfortable for your hand, and very easy to play fast runs on.
With 24 jumbo frets and red Sharktooth inlays, the bound purpleheart fretboard has a heavy metal look, a full 2-octave playing range, and makes bending notes easier. Plus, when paired with the red pickguard, it delivers an aggressive, heavy metal look.
The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver rich, warm tones and are wired to deliver a wide variety of tones including split-coil tones.
Plus, it’s all controlled by a master volume control, a master tone control, and a 5-way switch.
Lastly, the fixed bridge features a string-through-body design that ensures rock-solid tuning stability and effortless intonation.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
- Cool Inlays
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRG131DX delivers some quality features, dynamic looks, and versatile tones.
We think you’ll agree that its playability and performance far exceed its affordable price.
Why wait? Click here and get yours now.
Best Budget
Ibanez Gio GRX20Z
Are you looking for a guitar with a versatile design, dynamic playability, and a very budget-friendly price? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z.
It has an RG-shaped body made of poplar and a bolt-on neck, so it’s resonant, lightweight, and is very comfortable to play.
The GRX-shaped maple neck has a radius of 12″ giving it a comfortable feel in your hand as well as making it flat enough to comfortably play chords or leads. Additionally, it adds a classic tone to your sound.
Plus, with simple dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the jatoba fretboard features enhanced playability, classic looks while adding a rich mid-range and a crisp high-end tone to your sound.
The Ibanez Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions deliver a wide range of tones that are controlled using the master volume knob, master tone knob, and a 5-way switch. Additionally, they’re wired for split-coil tones so you have even more tones to experiment with.
Lastly, the T106 tremolo has a straightforward design that lets you add some vibrato to your sound while ensuring easy intonation.
Pros
- Available in 2 Colors
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRX20Z delivers all the features and tones you’re looking for, at a price that’s easy on your pocketbook.
We think you’ll find its dynamic playability, versatile tone, and quality features make it an excellent buy.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
Best Runner-Up
Ibanez Gio GRGA120QA
Are you looking for an Ibanez Gio with stunning looks, high-performance playability, and heavy-duty features? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRGA120QA.
It has an RGA-shaped body made out of poplar with a quilted maple art grain top and a bolt-on neck, so it has a sleek look and feel, feels comfortable to play, and delivers high-powered resonance and sustain.
The GRGA shaped maple neck has a radius of 15.74″ so it adds a classic tone to your sound, is easy to shred on, and feels natural in your hand.
Plus, with 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays, the bound purpleheart fretboard adds even more playability with its full 2-octave range.
Two Infinity humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions cover a wide range of tones suitable for a wide variety of playing styles. Plus, the 5-way pickup switch is wired for split-coil giving you even more tones to choose from.
Lastly, the T102 tremolo lets you add some vibrato to your playing while the individual saddles make intonation easy and straightforward.
Pros
- Available in 2 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRGA120QA delivers a high-powered look as well as features that are designed for serious guitar playing.
We think you’ll find it’s an affordably priced guitar that’s perfect for playing power chords, heavy riffs, and blazingly fast leads.
Don’t delay! Click here and get yours now.
Best 7 String
Ibanez Gio GRG7221QA
Are you looking for an affordable 7 string Ibanez Gio that is high-quality, has a dynamic range, and an amazing look? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRG7221QA.
It has an RG-shaped body made of poplar with a quilted maple art grain top and a bolt-on neck, so it has a deluxe look, is lightweight and resonant, and is very comfortable to play.
The GRG7 shaped maple neck has rock-solid stability and adds a bright tone to your sound. Plus, with a radius of 15.74″, it’s flat, fast, and easy to play leads on.
With 24 jumbo frets and white dot inlays, the bound purpleheart fretboard has a classic look, adds richness to your tone, and provides a full 2-octave playing range.
The two infinity R humbuckers provide a wide range of tones and are controlled by a master volume control, master tone control, and a 5-way switch. Additionally, they are wired for split-coil tones giving you even more high-output tones to choose from.
Finally, the F107 hardtail bridge enhances tuning stability while maximizing your level of sustain.
Pros
- Available in 2 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez GIO GRG7221QA has a killer look and features that are rarely seen on a guitar at this price point.
We think you’ll agree that its fast-playing neck, split-coil tones, and comfortable shape make it the perfect choice for a Gio 7 string guitar.
You’ve waited long enough! Click here to get yours now.
Best Under $200
Ibanez Gio GRX70QA
Are you looking for an Ibanez Gio that’s very affordable, has a great look, punishing tones, and quality features? Then check out the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA.
It has a poplar body in Ibanez’s RG shape with a quilted maple art grain top and a bolt-on neck. As a result, it has a dynamic look, delivers full and resonant tones, and has a body shape that is very comfortable to play.
The maple neck is in Ibanez’s GRX shape and has a radius of 12″ so it’s stable, resonant, and flat enough to easily play leads on, but still “chunky” enough for playing power chords.
With white dot inlays and 22 medium frets, the bound purpleheart fretboard adds a classic look and a warm tone to your sound while also providing an easy playing surface.
Plus, with Infinity R humbuckers at the neck and bridge positions and an Infinity RS single-coil pickup in the middle position, you’re all set to play a wide variety of tones that are perfect for a wide range of music.
Additionally, the 5-way pickup switch is wired for split-coil giving you even more tones to choose from.
Finally, the T106 tremolo bridge makes intonation easy and straightforward while also letting you add some vibrato to your playing.
Pros
- Available in 6 Finishes
Cons
- Plastic Nut
As you can see, the Ibanez Gio GRX70QA is a great choice for anyone looking for a Gio guitar that’s affordable and doesn’t skimp on features.
We think you’ll find that it has the looks and tones that Ibanez is known for all at an affordable price.
Don’t miss out! Click here and get yours now.
FAQ
- Is the Ibanez Gio good?
- Yes. They are quality guitars that are aimed at the beginner’s market. They have the same Ibanez quality at an affordable price. They make great beginner guitars and also for a guitar that you just want for around the house.
- What is an Ibanez Gio?
- Ibanez Gio is the name of Ibanez’s entry-level guitar and bass models. They are available at affordable prices and make great starter guitars.
- How much is an Ibanez Gio worth?
- Ibanez Gios generally cost under $300.
- Why is Ibanez Gio cheap?
- They are manufactured overseas using lower-cost materials which allows Ibanez to keep the costs low while still maintaining quality.
- What are some other good Ibanez guitars?
- Please see this post on Ibanez RGs.
- What about Ibanez acoustic guitars?
- This post has our recommendations for Ibanez acoustics suitable for beginners.
- Can you recommend a more expensive Ibanez guitar?
- Please see this post for more Ibanez recommendations.
- Does Ibanez make good 7 string guitars?
- This post covers some of our 7 string guitar recommendations.
JT currently resides in Southern California and has been playing the guitar since he was 13. He enjoys baking French pastries, drinking loose-leaf tea, and running Slackware Linux.
