Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar Review [Is It The Best Modern Guitar to Start With?]

Known for its fast neck and versatile pickup configuration, can you coax all the sounds you want from the Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar? Find out in our expert review!

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An Entry Level Guitar for Modern Players, Meet the Ibanez GRX70

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar at a glance:

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar Overview

An affordable take on the many high performance models from the Ibanez company, the GRX70 is an aesthetically pleasing and fun to play guitar.

The Ibanez GRX70 is a guitar designed for beginners and veterans alike who prioritize playability and modern styling above vintage specs.

Known for its fast neck and versatile Humbucker-Single-Humbucker configuration, you can coax a lot of sounds from the GRX70.

Distilled From Years of Excellence Into an Affordable Package

Like most guitars in this price range, Ibanez does its best to provide a quality product at a more affordable price. Much like their prized and pricey Joe Satriani and Steve Vai signatures, the GRX70 is all about performance.

This guitar is definitely more to the shred or metal side of the guitar world, but is comfortable and versatile thanks to the fast neck. While the GRX70 isn’t perfect, it should inspire the next wave of lead guitarists and is a great value for under $300.

Who is the Ibanez GRX70 for?

While the price point may indicate it is for beginners, there are some features here that would attract a diverse customer base.

The neck is thin and fast, making it comfortable for players of all skill levels. Some tuning stability and fret buzz issues may plague beginners, but overall the guitar is well suited to introduce students to the world of electric guitar.

The HSH pickup configuration should let students get a wide range of tones, no matter what music they favor. While it may take some getting used to, the 5-way selector switch and whammy bar put even more options at the student’s hands.

The under $300 price shouldn’t scare away any Vai or Satriani fans, but even more traditional music students should check out the GRX70.

What Comes in the Box?

Check GRX70 Availability Here >>

Unlike some of its competition, the GRX70 doesn’t come as part of a loaded beginner pack, but it can be found in a package deal with an amplifier.

While you’ll still be on the hook for accessories, you can get a nice beginner rig for under $300! Paired with the Blackstar Fly 3 amp and a 20 foot cable, you’re really just a guitar strap away from your first rig.

The 3 watt Fly 3 amp won’t have you hitting the stage anytime soon. But it is a nice practice amp for those who are worried about being too loud.

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Features

The Ibanez GRX70 is chock full of features for an affordable guitar that give beginners a high performance guitar. First off, the whammy bar and Fat 6 Tremolo will let you go from shimmering vintage tremolo to full ‘80s metal hair bombs.

The HSH pickup configuration is a bit outside of the normal Gibson or Fender setup, but gives beginners a wide range of tonal options. The neck is fast and thin, with 22 medium frets that will help students grow their technique up and down the fretboard.

The basswood body is light and comes with great finish options, like Transparent Blue and Red Burst. The Maple neck is covered with a Pine fretboard that features dot inlay fret markers.

A 5-way selector switch lets you control the 3 Powersound pickups when paired to  volume and control knobs conveniently located just under the pickup and bridge.

The deep cut on the bottom horn gives superb access to the higher frets, something that will encourage beginners to practice up there.

Highlights

• Versatile HSH pickup configuration
• Thin, fast modern neck
• Dive bomb-ready whammy bar
• Can come paired with practice amp
• Ultra affordable at under $300

See it in Action

The Ibanez GRX70 should be ready to shred as soon as you get it, with the comfortable neck inspiring you to pick it up. Check out this demo to see just how versatile those 3 Powersound pickups are, and check out that Transparent Blue Burst finish!

Pros and Cons

Ibanez GRX70 Electric Guitar Review

What are GRX70 Owners Saying? >>

Other Affordable Electric Guitars to Try

There has never been as many great cheap guitars for young players as there is right now. While it is easier than ever to find great guitars under $300, it also is harder to sift through the many great options.

If you’re looking for a classic Fender design, Squier’s Affinity Series Stratocaster might be for you. The Affinity Strat is tried and true recreation of the three pickup Stratocaster, arguably the most iconic electric guitar of all time.

At an equally affordable price tag, you’ll find even more tonal diversity in the Stratocaster. Plus, it’s also sold as part of great beginner packages by many common retailers, making it student friendly.

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Stratocaster®...

(242)

Epiphone Les Paul-100, Heritage Cherryburst

(619)

Squier by Fender Affinity Telecaster Beginner...

(1859)

If single coil pickups aren’t quite your thing, or you want to play heavier music, check out the Epiphone Les Paul 100.

An affordable take on Gibson’s famous Les Paul design, the Epiphone Les Paul 100 packs that double humbucker crunch into a stripped down package. With a slightly shorter scale length than Fender guitars, some players may even find it more comfortable to learn on.

Looking for another more traditional guitar model? The Squier Affinity Telecaster provides vintage twang and single coil spank for just under $300.

Suited for country, rockabilly, or classic rock sounds, the Affinity Telecaster is a versatile, best selling beginner guitar. Plus, you can get it as part of a very convenient beginner pack with helpful accessories and extras.

Final Thoughts: Is the Ibanez GRX70 Guitar Worth Buying?

For students who dream of shredding greatness, the Ibanez GRX70 may be the best choice for your first electric guitar.

While the neck and whammy bar are built for shredding, the Powersound pickups do provide a good bit of versatility as players learn new songs or start a band.

Having a comfortable neck is one of the most important features in a beginner guitar, and the GRX70 excels in that department.

Despite some tuning instability and fret buzz, the guitar is only a setup away from being a reliable live option. With killer looks and a budget friendly price, the GRX70 is worth a look by beginners and pros alike!

What Do Ibanez GRX70 Players Think? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.ibanez.com/

About: Ibanez offers electric guitars, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, effect and pedals, amps, plus guitar accessories like tuners, straps and picks.