GRX20 Review

GRX Series. Rosewood Fretboard. Maple Neck. Agatis Body. 2 Powersound Humbucker Pickups.

Features:	8.7
Sound:	9.1
Action:	9
Reliability:	9.8
Impression:	9.7
Overall rating:	9.3
Users rating:	8.1
Comments:	19

overall: 8.8

Featured review by: )Eric(Draven, on february 10, 2004

Price paid: $ 170

Purchased from: Brook May's Music

Features: The guitar is a normal 22 fret guitar, laminated top. There is one volume and one tone nob which makes for easy control. // 6

Sound: This definitely suits all music styles, I play everything from acoustic emo, to synth rock, to death metal, and it plays all of those very well. I'm currently using a Peavey Blazer 158 amp with the Ibanez Super Tub pedal. Yea I know, old pedal, but it's still kicking and working perfectly. It gives a beautiful rich acoustic clean sound and the heaviest full lead sounds. The tone can give the meatiest bass sound or the crunchiest grunge sounds. I especially love that grunge sound. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: It is a very well set up guitar, well adjusted and great strings out of the factory. The only string that broke on me out of it was the low E and that was about 11 months after i had owned it. The pickups although are a little loose, the one closest to the fretboard is bent down a little after some... tough playing, but it still sounds like it was brand new despite this little incident, and i'm sure it can be fixed if it causes any serious problems. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will withstand live playing, and I don't need a back up when I've got this. It is the most durable guitar ever, I bet I could smash it against the ground, pick it up, maybe repair a few strings, and it would sound fine. I've had it for a year or so and the hardware is in excellent shape, and I do have a scratch or two on the paint but it's not a problem. The strap buttons although can get very insecure, expecially the bottom one. // 10

Impression: This is a great guitar especially for beginners. I love every part of this guitar accept for the minor problems but I'm not very gentle with my stuff so it should last any normal person a looooooong time. If someone stole this one I would definitely get it again, a recommendation for anyone. // 10

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: ibryant0915, on november 21, 2005

Purchased from: Musician

Features: Absolutely one of the best electric guitars to start with. Not only is it fast-playing, but it also looks absolutely beautiful. I'd recommend the Ibanez GRX20 for beginner-intermediatee players. // 9

Sound: I play metal and classic rock music. With these two styles of music, it sounds amazing! When you want it to you can make it have a nice, rich, full sound (for metal). Then, you can turn around and give it a bright sound (for classic rock and soloing). My friend played some shred on it and decided he loved it. Now, this is with a Roland Cube 15 (I'm not sure how it'd sound on other amps). Yes it's noisy, and no it isn't. It's noisy in the good way (like cranking it up to show off for friends), and it's not noisy in the way that it's not real sensitive to movement and has never had any fret buzz. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The action was set up almost perfectly in my opinion. My friends Scott and Bennie also thought it was perfect. The pickups were adjusted differently. One was adjusted to about 1/8" away from the strings and the other was about 1/6" away from the strings. No flaws whatsoever, and the finish is absolutely great (for the price of course). Comes in Jewel Blue and Black Night (basically a glossy black). // 9

Reliability & Durability: This guitar is one tough son of a gun. I think you'd just about have to burn it to destroy this thing. The only problem I have is that temperature changes the tuning a tad bit (barely noticeable), but you could throw this thing across the room and it still holds it's tune. Nope, no backup here as long as you've got an available tuner (or you aren't tone deaf) it's perfect to play in a show (or showoff to friends). Very good finish, doesn't seem like it's goin' anywhere. Definitely not thin, and even though it's fairly thick, it doesn't have a blinding gloss that's gonna fruit up your style. // 10

Impression: Whether you like cranking up some Metallica on max volume on your $1200 210-watt amp, or pluckin' a little Skynyrd on your $30 10-watt Squier amp from your local pawn shop, this guitar is for you. Extremely versatile in sound, and is not only an easy guitar to learn on, but a nice guitar if you're looking for a second guitar because you're tired of your $45 Gremlin from the JCPenny outlet store. If I could change one thing about it, I would get new strings, but of course that's easily fixable (just buy new ones). // 9

overall: 9.6

Reviewed by: pick_24, on january 03, 2005

Price paid: $ 149.99

Purchased from: www.zzounds.com

Features: The features here are pretty basic. The neck is an Ibanez GRX model with maple neck material and rosewood fingerboard. It has 22 medium frets. There are 2 very good quality humbuckers here and a fat 10 bridge. It has 2 knobs, one for volume and one for tone. The only included accessories was a tremolo bar. I recommend the jewel blue laminated top. The color is sweet. The picture on the websites don't do it any justice. // 8

Sound: This guitar can cover all types of music. I'm in a garage rock band and this guitar is oh so perfect. I use a Fender 25R Frontman amp. With this guitar and amp I can punch out some powerful sound and tone. The tone is nice and clear in both clean or overdrive. Overall, the sound is great, could be a tad bit brighter in my opinion but I'm happy with it. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar came in a few days after ordering. The action was perfectly even, and didn't need any adjusting. The pick ups were well adjusted as well. You have to watch out where you are strumming however, because if you strum too near the neck or the bridge, you're real likely to scratch up the humbuckers. I was quite impressed with the packing, double boxed and everything. Now nicks on the guitar, no damage at all. The only "problem" was that the screw and washer on the jack popped off soon after I started playing this guitar. I just threw the stupid washer away and screwed the screw back on. No problems after that. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I've already gotten real into it with this guitar and I'm confident that you won't need a backup for this one in a show. The strap buttons were in nice and tight, and I don't need to use strap locks. This is my second guitar and my first from Ibanez. I chose Ibanez because of its awesome rep. and quality. The finish is great. Like I said earlier, get the jewel blue color, it's ultra cool. // 10

Impression: I've been playing the guitar for 3 years now, and this is the best guitar I've owned so far. It almost seems like a sin that they are selling this guitar at such low a price. Ibanez is known for providing awesome sound and tone for guitars at a very affordable price. If someone stole this guitar from me I would go back out and get it again. It's that good. The GRX20 is awesome for beginning, intermediate, and professional players in my opinion. Looking for a great guitar for a great price? Get the Ibanez GRX20, and you won't regret it. // 10

overall: 9.2

Reviewed by: Duff_McGee, on october 31, 2005

Purchased from: American Musical Supply

Features: // 8

Sound: I play mostly metal and this guitar suits my needs very well, had to mess around with pickup heigth to get just the sound I wanted. I'm currently using a really crappy amp I bought off my drummer for $10 and it actually sounds decent. There's hardly any noise, providing I play with scopped mids and high lows and highs. This guitar can go heavy to soft in a matter of a heartbeat just depending on what you want, very versatile for a cheap guitar. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar was set up verry well, in fact, I haven't had a need to adjust anything yet. The pickups were level and pretty stock height when I recieved it, something just wasn't sounding good enough for me and my musical taste, but once I raised the brdige and lower the neck a bit, it was perfect. There were no dents or scratches in this guitar when I got it and there still isn't. Very durable guitar and an awesome finish. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I think this guitar could pull off a gig really well. The hardware is fine and the strap buttons would never let your strap go. I'd be brave enough to use it without a backup. The finish is very durable. // 9

Impression: I play mostly metal 24/7 and this guitar delivers very well. I've only been playing a couple of months now but I don't see myself ever getting rid of this guitar. It's awesomely playable and has an uber fast neck. If it were lost I'd cry if it weren't stolen I beat the shit out of the guy that stole and get my baby back. I love it's fast neck and pickups at such a cheap price, I can't think of anything I hate, because even if there was, it's an entry level guitar, what do you expect? If you're just starting out and want a good, cheap guitar, this is the one to buy. // 10

overall: 9.6

Reviewed by: ibnz, on july 27, 2007

Features: Not sure on the year made, best guess is between 04-06. 22 fret, mine is the jewel blue with black pickguard. Not sure on the type of wood on any of the guitar. Mine came with a tremolo, the bridge is the fat/sat or whatever it's called. There is a volume and one tone knob as well as a 3-way pickup selector. There are two humbuckers, bridge and neck. Not sure on the tuning pegs but it seems to stay in tune fairly well. I like to play in a lot of alternate tunings so I don't really keep it in one specific tuning for probably more than a day or two but it seems to stay really accurate. No other accessories came with the guitar. // 9

Sound: The most important thing. I like to play harder rock like Pantera, Metallica, and I am especially fond of Rage Against the Machine. I can get great sound out of this even though my current amp sucks (15 watt Peavey bass, I know) but I am going to upgrade soon to a Line 6 most likely. I also like to play softer stuff though, like Pearl Jam, as well as old rock like Steve Miller and such. I really really like the sound of this guitar. At the music store I played a different guitar (same model, different color) on a Peavy 65 watt I believe it was, and it sounded amazing. I could pretty much play whatever I wanted to with it and it still sounded good. It's pretty cool when you are able to go from being Dimebag to Slash to Tom Morello to Mike McCready in seconds. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: This is the part that I really do not know about. It is all the same as it was the day I brought it home, so that means that I either like it or have gotten used to it, pretty sure it's the first though. Today I noticed that there are some flaws in the body, some little tiny dents and whatnot, but it doesnt't really matter to me because it's nothing too major. You can barely notice them unless you look closely. And, where the cord plugs in is starting to come loose, but that is my fault because I am always bumping it. It is nothing too major either, you just have to screw it back in a little every now and again. // 9

Reliability & Durability: Even though I have not ever played Live, I'm pretty sure it could handle it with ease, no backup. The strap buttons are solid as I have never had a problem with them so that's good. Of course I don't do much jumping around and stuff but they will hold. The finish seems to me like it will last. // 10

Impression: Well I have only been playing electric 2 months, bass 1 year, but this guitar seems like it is a great match for me. I really got lucky because I bought it without plugging it in or anything but I honestly think it was a hell of a steal at $200. If it were stolen I would be really pissed and beat the guy Who stole it. My favorite thing about it though is how easy it is to play. My hand really can slide along the neck really easy, and hitting the right fret is no problem. They say you don't pick the guitar, it picks you, and that was the case here as it was the first thing I noticed when I walked through the door. // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Ultimate_Gio92, on april 18, 2007

Price paid: $ 300

Purchased from: Gear Music

Features: It is an amazing guitar with a 25 1/5 scale neck with 22 frets, rosewood fingerboard, powerhouse pickups, alder body, laminated. Guitar is left handed for me. I can honestly say that everything that came with this guitar does not need to be replaced ever (other than strings perhaps). // 10

Sound: I play mostly heavy/thrash/death metal but once in a while I like to go to light distortion, kind of like in zeppelin songs. And every now and then I want a clean acoustic sound. This guitar is great for all of it, I cannot find a single problem of sound that my guitar makes. Now sound problems my amp makes are a different matter (I use it on a Marshal MG10CD practise amp with no pedals). // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: Everything was very well adjusted, there is a problem with the pick guard but that was the stores fault, but instead of getting it fixed I have grown to get used to it. Everything came asembled properly, good finish, no scratches on it. The strings that came from the factory were amazing, especialy with my need to downtune and uptune a lot. I have used the same strings for over 6 months. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will definately withstand Live playing, and I would definately use it without a backup, that is how much I think this guitar is a perfect guitar. Nothing is loose, nothing seems like it can break at any momeny. Currently I am in the middle of completely customizing this guitar with a floyd rose, replacing tuning pegs, as well as the knobs and switch. This is only to raise the quality of the guitar even higher than it already is. // 10

Impression: Like I said earlyer, I play mostly heavy/thrash/death metal and occasionaly lighter stuff. This guitar is a perfect match for my musical tastes. I have been playing for a year and a half and this guitar is still the best one ever, I am currently in the middle of finding and buying a new guitar (Ibanez Xiphos but I want to restring it because I am left handed), this is only in case something ever happens to this guitar. If it were stolen I would hunt down and murder the person Who steals it. If it were lost I would get a new one in a second. The only thing I wish it had was 24 frets but that's not too much of a problem for me. Great for a beginer, an expert guitarist, or even someone on a tight budget. All in all it is a great guitar. // 10

overall: 9.2

Reviewed by: Phat Stud 55, on august 27, 2007

Price paid: $ 180.94

Purchased from: Music Music

Features: I don't know exactly when or where this guitar was made. This guitar has 22 Jumbo frets which is pretty nice for a beginner guitar. It two humbuckers with a 3 way pick-up selector. The tuners on this thing are awesome they virtually "lock" after your done tuning them so they don't go out of tune as easily as my other Strat-look-alike. The Bridge is a Standard fixed bridge and when you use it all the strings go a 1/4 step sharp. Overall the features of this guitar are pretty good for a beginner. // 9

Sound: Since it is a Ibanez it was obviously built for Metal but I can get any sound I want out of it. It provides very rich overdrive when I use my DigiTech Tone Driver with it. I put this guitar through a Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff out to a DigiTech Tone Driver to a DigiTech Multi-chorus then to my Zoom G2.1u multi-Fx then finally to my Peavey Envoy 110. This guitar has some pretty sweet tone. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The action on this needed adjusting because I got loads of buzzing on it. The factory strings didn't have very good sound so I changed them to Ernie Balls. The jewel blue finish is way better than the black finish. Pictures will never do it justice. You have to see it for yourself to believe it. The only flaw I found when I got it new was the very very low action. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I would use this for Live playing if I was in a band. I'll get to test that in the next few months since I'll be in a band. Everything on this seems pretty solid for years of playing. I've only had it a few months and nothing has been broken so far. This is a great guitar for beginners. // 9

Impression: My overall impression is this is a great guitar for beginners and advanced students. You can get any sound out of it that you want. If this were stolen I would buy a more expensive guitar just because I have a expensive one and know how much better it really is. Beginners get this! // 10

overall: 10

Reviewed by: ndfcartman, on december 12, 2005

Price paid: $ 148.99

Purchased from: Musicians Friend

Features: I asked for this guitar for christmas last year, after doing extensive research, and I couldn't have gotten a better guitar to start out with. The GRX20 I recieved is black, with a black pickguard, and it has 22 frets, rosewood fingerboard, 1 volume knob, 1 tone knob, 3-way pickup selector, 2 Powersound humbuckers, and a Fat-10 tremolo bridge. I don't use the tremolo too much because it easily goes out of tune, but what can you expect for a guitar that doesn't have locking tuners or a locking nut? // 10

Sound: I think that this guitar can suit many different styles, I play a wide variety of rock and it suits me just fine. I'm using a Behringer GM108 amplifier, Behringer X V-AMP multi effects pedal, and a Behringer HB01 Wah pedal, great combination. The guitar hasn't ever produced any unwanted feedback, and it has a nice full sound to it. Before I bought another guitar I used this this beast to play a wide variety of standard tuning bands and sometimes drop tune it, but now since I have my Ibanez RG370 I use this only for drop tuning, and I love the sounds I am getting. // 10

Action, Fit & Finish: The only flaw that I found on this guitar (other than being out of tune) from out of the box was the action, which was very easily adjusted to my liking. I can't think of any flaws that the guitar had, she's a beauty. // 10

Reliability & Durability: From the experience I've had with it (a year this month) I will definately use this axe without a backup. The hardware is solid, the strap buttons were ok, but I took the liberty of slapping on DiMarzio Clip Locks (highly recommended, but the strap is pretty long). The finish is prety nice, but like most dark colors it shows fingerprints, no big deal! Keep your gear clean, wipe off the oil from the strings and body and you're set! I have a few small scratches, and one nickel size nick that goes to the wood, but that was completely my fault, no worries. // 10

Impression: I play a wide range of rock, metal, and some blues, I think it's safe to say that this fits all of them. If this was stolen, the only reason I wouldn't buy it again is because the guitar is only 22 frets, and it doesn't have locking tuners or a locking nut. I compared this guitar to many other guitars, I chose this beast because of the looks, the good reputation Ibanez has, and the price to value ratio. I strongly encourage anyone looking to start the wonderful journey of being a guitarist to at least try it, don't let the price fool you! // 10

overall: 8.4

Reviewed by: cfreeman07, on november 14, 2005

Price paid: $ 220

Purchased from: Zzounds.com

Features: I dont know a whole lot about guitar making and all of that. All I do know is how this thing sounds. It sounds awesome for the price. Don't go thinking it sounds great because I have some kick ass amp or something like that. I am using a little amp from my Ibanez Jumpstart pack. It's just a little 10 watt with no effects. The features on this guitar are: 6-string, 22 frets, rosewood fretboard, Ibanez powersound pickups, available in jewel blue or black, also available in left-handed version, I think a double cutaway body, no accesories. Even with the little amp I have this thing rocks. I can play a lot of music, mostly heavy rock like pantera and metallica and with metallica anyways, I can acheive a sound very close. With stuff like Pantera, my amp just cant do the job. Harmonics sound great, artificial and natural, and the tremolo works really well. If anyone has any questions just email me. Don't look this up because of the low price tag. Oh and by the way, the reason I payed so much for it is because I am left-handed. // 10

Sound: The sound is good but I dont have enough crunch out of my amp. But for clean things it sounds great. It can do whatever you want it to basically. The style I play is stated above. // 4

Action, Fit & Finish: This guitar is not the best looking in the world. It scratches really easily. The paint doesnt Shine that much. The action is good for the price. There weren't really that many flaws with it. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This thing can take anything you throw at it. The strap buttons are very solid and is very good at shredding. My finish has not begun to wear yet and I've owned mine for almost 6 months. I would definetly use it without a backup. // 10

Impression: It was a lot better than I thought it would be. I have been playing since marh of 05. for the music I play, it is great. I own only things that came with the Ibanez Jumpstart pack. If it was stolen I would hunt the person down and kill them because this guitar is so good. I love everything about it. I chose it because of price. I wish it came with a dimebucker pickup, 24 frets, a floating tremolo. Other than that nothing. // 10

overall: 8.4

Reviewed by: Sid Vicouis, on march 24, 2007

Purchased from: Musician's Choice

Features: Made in China, 2005. Comfortable maple neck, rosewood fretboard, Super Start-style basswood body, 22 frets, medium frets, typical Strat-style bridge bridge, two stock humbuckers, with 3-way switch, glossy black finish, cheap tuners. Came with whammy, gigbag, some picks, and a strap. // 8

Sound: Very versatile, can play most stuff like: classic rock, metal, punk. It surprised me with being able to play some blues and experimental. You have to use a good, or more powerful amp, otherwise it won't sound really good. You really have to experiment and fool around with the pickup selector, and tone/volume settings, as well as your amp configuration. It produces very little noise when switching pickups. It does make A LOT of noise when you raise the volume, a noise gate cleans it up perfectly. You might wanna get new pickups for it, later on. I recommend at least a DiMarzio Super Distortion, at the least. In the bridge, it will improve the guitar's sound greatly, clean and distorted. This guitar has a good punch, which is best about the sound. You can get good Hendrix punch, and Nirvana. It sounds dry though, it doesn't sound unique, even though it wasn't aimed to be. It is just an all-around guitar. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar had crappy strings, and tuners. I recommend a new set of both of those. The pickup height was adjusted to the best extent. The cosmetics were good. The intonation was really close, but I had to fix that myself. It was perfect, no flaws, whatsoever. // 7

Reliability & Durability: This guitar will withstand Live playing, but I recommend a backup. The stock hardware lasts pretty long. You might want to re-oil the neck later on, from playing a lot.It has worn out, but probably won't for most people. The best thing about this guitar is that it has a really tough body. I have hit this guitar on concrete floor, really hard, and only a 2cm x 2cm piece of paint got scratched off. It has been thorough many Nirvana style destruction. I have put this through amps, threw at at drum kits, and hit it on the ground. I think you would have to get a jackhammer to break it. I recommended a backup though because it feels really light, so that makes me think it might shatter into a million pieces at a gig, someday. // 10

Impression: I play experimental, punk, metal, progressive, and a whole bunch of other stuff. I like noise so It does match my style. I have been playing for 5 years. If it was stolen or lost, I would buy a new one, it's only $150. I really like it's durability and punch. You'll either hate or love the dry sound. I wish it had come with better pickups, a fixed bridge, and in different colors (I don't like the metal look). // 8

Comments

[the spiker]

IF you are looking to save a little money, you could just replace the pickups to EMGs or DiMarzios instead of buying a whole new 700 dollar guitar that can do the same thing? It's a nice little guitar.

[zeppelin5005]

my friend has this guitar and when i bend notes on the g string and b string it goes out of tune. My first act is better when it comes to bendin notes.

[RockrWanab]

iv been planing on getting this guitar for a while,still gonna get it.

[steven seagull]

Um, open strings will go out of tune when you bend others on any guitar with a tremelo...

[acousticky14]

i'm thinking of buying this or a dean evo xm.. but i want a floyd rose guitar which i find more expensive.. watevr..

[ThaRobbsterDwg]

BOMB OF A GUITAR !

[ibanezguitarkid]

i've had this guitar for a year now, and the only thing i don't like is the pickups. i'm thinking of swapping them for emg 81's and85's.

[chook0162003]

this guitar is mad, great beginner / intermediate...
it hasnt messed up yet...
tremolo i never use though as the nut isnt locking it goes out of tune easy.. not to matter..
gunna upgrade to an RG370DX most likely...

[Yogizzle]

decent beginners guitar, but i wouldnt dare put new pickups in this, especially in South Africa cos for the price of two new quality pickups, i could save up a bit more and get a decent mid-level guitar

[ryno9193]

Finally, a great Ibanez guitar that is easily affordable, and still holds it's quality and low price for lefties. This is my favorite guitar, just because it sounds awesome with my Boss Metal Zone pedal, through a Marshall AVT150H. Too bad it doesn't have a single coil, though, because I can't use the acoustic simulator on that amp.

[rayq78]

Its a guitar to smash!!!

[BeRaD]

I've tried smashing it... It hurts you more than it hurts the guitar

[stilofdanite]

i have this guitar, and i absolutly love it. i thought of getting a new one but i decided to change the pickups instead. i put the seymour duncan distortion mayhem set(SH6) in it and it sounds AMAZING!

[G.a.c.771]

i've been playing this guitar for 3 years, it's just great... i love it

[metallicaboy27]

ya this guitar goes out of tune alot and i have ALOT of fret buzz

[Grave Digger92]

GRX20 and Roland Cube is a perfect match.....

[tiki16]

metallicaboy27 wrote:

ya this guitar goes out of tune alot and i have ALOT of fret buzz

I have the same problems. I've messed around with the action a bit and still fret buzz.

[mb the hunter]

man ibanez are so cheap but soooo good in both looks and performance. i just have a crappy strat

[jcthomasva]

I just bought this guitar at a thrift store for $60. Works perfectly, just needs a cleaning. Have really yet to play with it but I'm excited.