Ibanez GIO GRG170DX

Eddy--

Hey there,
I wanted to know if anyone has experience with the Ibanez GIO GRG170DX.
Is it a good / bad guitar?
And what is the price range for it?

Thanks,
Eden

guidothepimmp

Hi,

The GIO range guitars is Ibanez entry level range. They can cost anywhere from R1500 - R3000 depending on specs and model.

Generally they come with budget electronics. The pickups can get a bit muddy and the switches arent great.

With good setup they can be really comfy to play and in terms of build quality, considering the price you cant really complain. Built well for what they are.

They are aimed at thebeginner entry level market.

Not bad instruments at all for what they are.

Other good entry level brands are squier and the YAMAHA PACIFICA

Eddy--

Thanks.
As I am a beginner (started playing only 3 months ago) and I only play acoustic (got an Ibanez AEG8E), I decided to get my first electric.
Is this a good choice for a first electric guitar? As I see from pictures it has 5 pick ups and a 5 way switch.

guidothepimmp

yes I would say it is a good introduction to the world of electrics and it should last you a long time too.

Of course everyone has their preference and you may get a lot of different opinions. Ultimately If yu play it and it feels comfy to you and you like the sounds and specs then happy days man ?

nothing wrong with the guitar at all.

Are you going to get an amp with it?

Eddy--

I already got a small 15W amp which I'm using for my acoustic. So all I need is to decide wether to buy the GIO or not ?

Tonedef

Five pickups? Just a guess, but wouldnt that be 2x humbuckers and 1x single coil?

guidothepimmp

cool ?

I would say if you can try a few of them... Even though they are the same model with the same specs, they can sound and feel different. Also compare them with squires and pacificas, this will give you a feel for differences. The necks on GIO's are quite comfortable in my opinion.

Enjoy and good luck with your choice.

guidothepimmp

yeh tone... its 2 hums and a single coil. ?

Eddy--

guidothepimmp wrote: Enjoy and good luck with your choice.

Thanks ?

makepeace

I had one of these for about 2 years which I sold a couple of months ago to a member of the forum.

As far as guitars go, I would not say it was "good" but rather that it was (for me at least) good for what I intended to use it for, ie to learn the basics of guitar, decide whether I wanted to continue with it and also to experiment with an electric as opposed to an acoustic. I mean - its no Ibanez Prestige, and comparitively - its pretty crusty, but it definately has its uses, and in my opinion, is a good cheap "taster" of what the electric guitar world has to offer.

Depending on your seriousness about continuing with guitar and also your standing regarding the superstition of not getting rid of your first guitar, I would look for a GIO or something similar second hand. You will minimize the loss if you do have the intention to sell it along the line, and you will also pick it up for cheaper than you can get it in the shops. (this is the token bit of advice that everybody will give you on the forum, regarding everything that you might intend to buy ?)

Also, another something to remember about this specific beginner range guitar, is that its geared towards metal players. Its not completely versatile in that respect. Sure it has 5 pickup combos, so you do have a variety of options regarding tone. However, if you are after a guitar to play garden variety music, then I suggest that something like a Squier would be your way to go.

Good luck!

Eddy--

makepeace wrote: I had one of these for about 2 years which I sold a couple of months ago to a member of the forum.

As far as guitars go, I would not say it was "good" but rather that it was (for me at least) good for what I intended to use it for, ie to learn the basics of guitar, decide whether I wanted to continue with it and also to experiment with an electric as opposed to an acoustic. I mean - its no Ibanez Prestige, and comparitively - its pretty crusty, but it definately has its uses, and in my opinion, is a good cheap "taster" of what the electric guitar world has to offer.

Depending on your seriousness about continuing with guitar and also your standing regarding the superstition of not getting rid of your first guitar, I would look for a GIO or something similar second hand. You will minimize the loss if you do have the intention to sell it along the line, and you will also pick it up for cheaper than you can get it in the shops. (this is the token bit of advice that everybody will give you on the forum, regarding everything that you might intend to buy ?)

Also, another something to remember about this specific beginner range guitar, is that its geared towards metal players. Its not completely versatile in that respect. Sure it has 5 pickup combos, so you do have a variety of options regarding tone. However, if you are after a guitar to play garden variety music, then I suggest that something like a Squier would be your way to go.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot for the comment. Will be considered.