Ibanez IJV50 – Proven Quality Starter Kit

Body And Neck:
Hardware:
Sound:
Value:

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Ibanez – a name that should need no introduction to experienced guitarists, although newcomers only need to know that this respected Japanese brand is one of the greatest rock guitar brands to have ever existed! But how do they stack up in the acoustic market? Pretty good as it turns out – illustrated by some high-end beauties as well as guitars such as the IJV50 in cheaper end of the acoustic spectrum. Time to take a closer look at this one.

Body & Neck

The IJV50 won’t win any design awards for innovation, but it proves a good-looking guitar – simple, clean and no-nonsense. It sports a traditional dreadnought body shape, with a laminated spruce top containing a standard black pickguard, paired with laminated agathis (also known as basswood) for the back and sides. This is all pretty basic, but functions well for such an affordable guitar.

There is good comfort to be found in the mahogany neck, which is glued into the body for extra stability. This neck features a classic rosewood fingerboard, equipped with 20 frets and white dot inlays. Providing you don’t end up with a rare dud, the IJV50 proves a well-made guitar, that’s quite playable right out of the box. Of course, it would benefit from a string change and a good setup to really bring out the best of it.

Hardware

Things remain pretty standard in the hardware department. The guitar features a rosewood bridge on the body, which has an Ivorex 2 saddle, which certainly beats an ordinary plastic saddle. The nut is made of the same advanced material for added consistency. Moving up to the top of the guitar and you’ll find a classy Ibanez headstock capping the instrument, equipped with six sealed chrome tuners. On most marketplaces, this acoustic comes with a few basic extras, such as a strap, gig bag and tuner – all very convenient for the beginner, and adds to the overall value of the package.

Sound

Again, it’s nothing special but the instrument delivers pretty much everything you’d want from a budget acoustic – strong dreadnought resonance, minimal fret buzz, and a clear, bright tone. Due to its uncolored tone, it’s great for beginners and practice sessions, whether you are strumming or plucking classic tunes from the worlds of rock, country, jazz or the blues!

The Verdict

We’re happy to recommend this guitar – for a straightforward, easy-to-play acoustic that you can keep around the house, or easily carry with you to lessons or practice sessions, it’s a worthwhile purchase. It sounds decent for the price and comes with a bunch of accessories that enhance the value. Another winner from Ibanez!

For more info about the Ibanez IJV50, click here.
For more cheap affordable acoustic guitars,click here.