Ibanez

Ibanez stands out as a highly popular inclusion in this list, having achieved remarkable international success over the years. Established in 1908 by Hoshino Gakki, a company initially focused on producing sheet music and other musical items, Ibanez has grown into a renowned Japanese guitar brand. Today, Ibanez is widely recognized for its extensive lineup of top-notch guitars and basses, which are favored by musicians across various genres.

Similar to Takamine, Ibanez's origins can be traced back to classical guitars. The brand drew inspiration from Salvador Ibanez, a Spanish luthier, and initially operated under the name "Ibanez Salvador" before simplifying it to "Ibanez." Although it started as a small company, Ibanez experienced rapid expansion in the 1970s when it began manufacturing replicas of Fender and Gibson guitars. Notably, Ibanez is known for producing superb semi-hollow guitars that offer exceptional sound quality. Additionally, the brand offers an extensive catalog of affordably priced acoustic guitars, catering to beginners and starting players.

Founded: 1908
Founder: Hoshino Gakki
Headquarters: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Instagram: instagram.com/officialibanezguitars/ (1.1M followers)
Website: https://www.ibanez.com/asia/